That depends! If you go back to 2002 and view Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates (when she is wearing clothes!) in "About Schmidt" you see a costume designer's accurate representation of our-- too often-- bad style choices on an everyday to special occasion basis. But go forward to 2003 and "Something's Gotta Give"--Nancy Meyer's idealized aesthetic gives Jack a wonderful new look, as it does Diane Keaton. Both actors (Jack who is given to high end wild print shirts--and Diane who usually espouses high collars, and cinched-in wide belted waistlines and lady-like gloves) let go in favor of Ms Meyer's styized vision.Both are dressed in a gorgeous pallette of neutrals interrupted only by an occasional scarf or so in Robin egg's blue (perhaps Nancy's favorite color?). The clothes are in luxe linens, fine cottons, high end cotton knits and cashmeres. As only in the movies--they all coordinate with the incredible seaside home--and its beautiful decor. In the recent "It's Complicated" things get a bit more real with Meryl Streep's clothing (though the "palette" remains)--more inclusive of Meryl's penchant for more volume and layering (definitely favored by many boomer gals--and older), pendant earrings--and never looking "perfect". In either movie--the characters may have romantic problems--but it's obvious money is not an issue for anyone.
When I used to wear the stylist/costume designer's hat I always asked the director--are we doing reality--or the way we'd like reality to be?
My “Yearly Edit” is all about not being possessed by possessions!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
I welcome you to visit my "Style Glossy" latest blog for my newest contribution. I like to think I live by what I preach-- and "yup" it's very painful sometimes!
Make sure it's informative! Good mirrors (at least 5X for makeup application, and one good full length in good lighting) are key to applying makeup well, and feeling confident that your clothes fit well. The more willing you are to be realistic and provide yourself with the tools it takes--the better to achieve your best appearance.
Many women don't use the proper mirrors that are a truly essential tool in seeing with 20/20 vision. For many it may be an avoidance technique which ultimately leads to a poor analysis of your true face and body. This assessment needs daily evaluation, because we change subtly on an everyday basis. Of course changes like weight gain or loss, body weight distribution, and skin changes which may need surveillance periodically are also dependant on good mirrors.
Is this first step missing in your best stye bound life?
Can some stylish grays and silvers subdue the pink of your cold nose?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Brrr...it's freezing outdoors -- but the silver lining (if you can call wearing fun down jackets and coats that! ) is the lovely, soft silver and gray palette--so big in winter style this year. Ralph Lauren had introduced the silver look in skiwear several seasons ago. It caught on.
By wearing shades of gray from charcoal to dove gray (sweaters, scarves, leggings, gloves) in combination with glamorous and sporty silver down-- a woman can look extremely modern, sleek and utilitarian all at once. The more texture (from cashmere to chinchilla fur ) the better. Even Uggs come in a silver version. The caveat is to keep the shiny silver item like a down jacket as high-end as possible (no "cheese" please) and keep it to one article of clothig--obviously to avoid the "too much of a good thing" effect.
Grey and its shiny version-silver, is an ageless color that suits an older man or woman particularly well. Never "harsh" as black can often be next to aging skin. Those with beatiful gray hair have even more incentive to wear the color.
Lots of style is coming out of Africa…we are “Designing to an Afro Beat”…
Friday, January 1, 2010
..says the heading in the NY Times Thursday Styles, by Ruth La Ferla. What the Lion King may have influenced and now the new blockbuster (which I just saw) "Avatar" may further still ignite-- is a world of exoticism and tribal craft that excites the imagination. "Vanguard retailers like Barneys New York, mass marketers like American Apparel and designers as disparateas Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Frida Giannini of Gucci and Dries Van Noten embrace pan-African influences, responding, as if in concert to somefar waway drumbeat. Western fascination with African art and design has blown in gusts for over a century, of course, ever since Picasso and Kandinsky filled their canvases in tribal motifs. As recently as the 1970's, Yves St Laurent introduced a collection of "African" dresses constructed from raffia, shells and wooden beads.
This article only underlines and confirms the premise I often make--that design and beauty is there to be observed in travel, movies, art, and art books.
I've always treasured my Masai red beaded bracelets that stretch 4 inches on my wrists, my African straw bag (that Lauren Hutton also wore for years ecclectically with all her outfits) and my African influenced Robert Clergerie platform sandals--with their shell motif. Last year Azzedine Alaia designed several extraordinary pairs as well.They add personality to any simple outfit --especially when it's all white."Steal This Style" has photos of some favorite pieces (jewelry and shoes).
A friend just returned from Africa, and saw the crafts first hand. Buying from the women who make these beautiful items supports their ability to be self sufficient. One such site is www.samesky.com.
As I've shown with tunics and caftans--this is your opportunity to indulge in "more is more"!
...on my Style Glossy blog for this last month of 2009. Enjoy it--and let me know your opinions--always!
Happy holidays good wishes to all of you who I know--and those I'd like to know!I hope you have enjoyed and benefitted from my blog this past year--and will continue to visit often, give your comments, and tell friends about anything discussed in my blog or books and seminars--you'd like to share.
One of my readers submitted a suggestion recently…
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Dear Sherrie "I finally have both your books and have read and re-read them. I'm so glad that I can copy certain styles (looking at the models who have a similar body shape to mine), colours (thanks for including redheads - we're often overlooked), and combinations/accessories.
If you're ever wondering what to write a blog on, I would really appreciate one entitled Mother of the Bride/Groom. I know there are some ideas in your books - love both the orange and the gold top/pants combos, but these might be a bit too 'showy' for the church ceremony prior to the evening reception.(Or am I just a little too timid??) Do you think a brocade sheath dress with a toning plain fabric jacket would be too aging/conservative? The dress would have to have sleeves (short).
This weekend I'm looking for a casual ethnic outfit. I'm not as 'bad' as some of the "What not to wear" images in your books, but was heading that way. Boring conservative would be more like it, mainly because as I get older, money is more scarce and my clothes must last several seasons. Now I know what to buy and that I will not be wasting money on clothes, I feel more confident. For me, your books have been a real investment. Thank you so much. The combinations you have put together have also given me a glimpse of your personality - exciting, fun, creative and YOUTHFUL come to mind. Good on you." JH
JH- Thank you for being so appreciative of my endeavor. You read the books exactly as I'd hoped everyone would--and not merely gazed at the many photos. The topic you ask about is one I'm often challenged with by clients. The key --as you've said is to look youthful. The outfits on Steffi in "Forever Cool" were Eastern-- ethnic inspired-- from a small California firm called Dosa. You conjure up the sheath dress (knee length, straight or A-line)--and I love that as it's so classic. Consider the dress in a high quality silk shantung, perhaps in grass green (with your red hair--wow!). I love capped sleeves--but better still are the 3/4 length for true arm coverage. A boatneck will give a lovely shoulder line. A dress of this nature can also be had as a 2-piece. Think Jackie O--she wore this look often. Your jewelry can be ethnic-inspired. I love Eastern Indian gold jewelry. Some have green gems encrusted. Your shoe selection can be a gold or black (satin, velvet, or patent) kitten heel pointy toe pump. Make sure you carry a complimentary clutch bag (to your shoe selection).
Brocade can look "old" so the selection is tricky. The dress jacket combo likewise. There are exceptions--but the styling must be youthful--not the traditional, predictable "ho-hum" stuff.
..I try, and experiment everything on myself or see positive results on my clients. Recently I ordered a set of hair products that I've never seen on shelves--but witnessed a demo of (appropriately named) Living Proof on "The Doctors" TV show. I'm as suspicious (if not more so) as anyone-- but the smoothing, de-frizzing results I saw on air-- compelled me to phone in an order. Now I can share with you the results. To my surprise--they were quite good. My hair is really soft, smooth , and bouyant. It's up to you to decide if you want to give it a try (I purchased the shampoo, conditioner, and styling lotion).
...I always answer--"If your style (personality and physique) still has a "girlish" quality (think Vera Wang)--then go for it! Is there a more comfortable style?" It ranks high for the ease factor. I prefer leggings with flat boots or shoes --like ballerina flats. It's modern, classic, and tones down a sexual look.
Another must-have for the look is the long cardigan (great also with ultra-slim jeans that look like leggings). For the evening the same long sweater adds great texture, warmth and modernity (a chic and sophisticated combo with a simple charmeuse shift, charcoal tights, and black suede heels) Here are some great candidates I love!
My dermotologists office is chock full of women’s style magazines…
Thursday, December 3, 2009
...and hey--that's better than those boring offices where you had wished you bought a good book (or better yet--your new Kindle?) for the inevitable wait. This time I decided to pick up the latest "In Style" magazine. It seems Sigourney Weaver is getting lots of press because she has several film projects about to come out. Having followed Sigourney's career through the years and seeing her out and about in NYC--I never felt she was particularly consistent in her style. At times her lovely tall figure was dressed well and at other times --badly. When the late Mr Blackwell decided to put her on his "Worst Dressed" list--I have to admit--I agreed. But as I perused the pages of her outfits through the years, I noticed one page, as she's photographed in 2006-- where she got it pretty well together (I might have chosen different underpinnings). She says, "This is at the Tribeca Film Festival. That wonderful coat is Pucci. My daughter is always trying to steal it from me. She's 19, and we wear the same size. She's very into fashion. I'm also wearing my own vintage earrings and some cool Prada net shoes."
(I particularly liked Sigourney's choice of words!)
A reporter asked me recently can the mother wear vintage too--or will it age her? I answered it depends on the woman's looks, her age, and the item. Here was a perfect example of when it works.
...but "taste" is subjective. A client/friend of mine recently e-mailed me this query---" It is pretty wild, bright & colorful. Not pretty by my taste, but it was what she considered fitting, I guess, to honor & welcome the Spanish Prime Minister. They were to attend an outdoor Fiesta Concert celebrating Hispanic musical heritage. To each his own. I've looked at this over and over and still can't believe it! How DID those people on either side of them keep a straight face??? Is she the piñata?"
I can only say--for some--including our fearless First Lady--it may take time to find her best (and great) style.
