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How to visually interpret your "look"?
posted on Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sounds easy --but it's not. Especially for boomers who haven't opened their eyes to really see accurately ---for a long time.
Most of them have no idea how they truly look.
It's a visual subject, and taste is a hugh proponent. Taste could be argued forever.
There are several essential questions that a person needs to ask themselves. ...
Am I open for change?
Am I willing to learn what real style is?(with a modern, youthful look as a bonus?)
Am I willing to buy less, but perhaps spend more?
Do I have the interest that will spur the necessary effort?
If you feel a bit frumpy nowadays, go to your closet, and look at your clothes. Ask yourself about every piece/outfit ...Would a person 10- 15 years younger wear this?(This takes some real observation on a daily level---and some good magazines, mentioned in "Forever Cool"))
I find that question if answered truthfully---does the trick.
Sometimes.
The other side of the coin is way more difficult ---he or she who dresses too young.How would they know? After all they are encouraged by the media to do exactly that-- and then there's the attention they get by other's constant gazes (Who cares why?--just look at me!).
It's tough to tell someone to stop wearing clothes that win them attention--any attention might suffice for a segment of the population that fears becoming invisible.
This is a tough subject to tackle (I often say to myself in reflection)---especially if you'd like to effect real change.
You've gotta be brave to take on the parents of boomers "style-wise" that is
posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008
My talks with my mom always remind me how unless reassessment is part of your regular activity (like exercise), and you understand its benefits for your personal style---you're doomed to look like my "Never Cool"photos---and never know it.
Mom lives in an elder community where "know-it-alls" are abundant.
She tries to proudly tout my book, but is often stopped in her tracks by her intended (but unconvinced they are not "perfect already") reader. She comes back to me with all kinds of imitations and quotes from them--like "Why is he wearing a bright green jacket---is he a clown?"referring to a man's "Forever Cool"in my book..
I explain to her that a Ralph Lauren apple green linen jacket (cum navy linen shirt and white cotton slacks) is a Palm Beach/Nantucket preppy look. It's classic! Will she remember the correct retort next time?I wonder...
Is there hope for these folks? As long as this attitude persists they'll never learn to really SEE the world--or most importantly in this case--the world of good taste and style.
But hey, it's never too late!
Maybe my outlook on "refined" style is getting support from an unexpected corner?
posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2008
I was heartened to read this story
the other day....
Author of "Girls Gone Mild" (Random House) Wendy Shalit says sexual appearance has gone overboard..and lost it's meaning..
That's partly because they (young women) can't always count on the adults around them to uphold decent standards, Shalit explains. Baby boomer parents who fought for sexual freedom assume their children will make the most of it."
It's not only true then for the young women though...their parents are casualties of the same lack of more "refined", classy style aesthetics.
One of the loves of my life is not about "style"
posted on Sunday, July 20, 2008
I was strolling down Madison Ave(NYC) with my husband this saturday (a good time to be there as many of upper east side residents tend to flee on summer weekends...and most tourists cluster around 5th ave) when all of a sudden I became the shy little girl again that I was when I first fell in "love" with Paul McCartney. And there he was, right behind us (and able to stroll as we did---while remaining relatively incognito and unnoticed). I immediately urged my husband to discreetly turn around.
Paul was with his new dark haired, tall and ultra thin girlfriend.I've seen him in live performances, and on TV , but it's startling when you see him in person--not seemingly as tall, as I thought...and very thin . His hair is dyed an odd reddish hue that many men of his age make the mistake of doing, He wore a white baggy t-shirt tucked into old baggy unstylish 80's type jeans that pooled at the top of his sneakers. Not the look of a man that has been certainly exposed to the most stylish folks on the planet...interesting how that still happens.For a second I fantasized about giving him my card-and offering a free consultation to one of the wealthiest men on the planet....but of course, didn't...
Nevertheless, I was still completely "in the moment" because Paul to me,is not just a mere celebrity.I imagined running up to him and informing him of all the portraits I had done of him in my teens.I know he's heard it up the "ying-yang" but I wanted to tell him how amazing he was and still is...from my heart.
But,I didn't. As always,I felt he had a right to his private time, with a woman he enjoyed being with...
Maybe, at another time,another place,I'll get my chance---and seize it!
Rita Wilson was her joyful self and looking GREAT...
posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
...on the Today Show this morning. Having worked with Rita on a shoot that Alan Arkin directed many years ago (she JUST married Tom Hanks at that time), I can happily see that she is as ebullient and joyful as she was then. Styling Rita I remember how receptive she was to all the duds I offered ...especially "stacking" a substantial amount of silver bracelets up one wrist.
Today she produces movies and I'm certain that "Mama Mia" will be as successful as "My Big Fat Greek Wedding".
She is truly blessed, and was a pleasure to have dressed.
Will I ever say "fabulous" or "awesome" in describing style or fashion?
posted on Monday, July 14, 2008
Probably not!
I have a "thing" about words.
For all the many reasons I LOVE "cool" and decided it was the perfect word for my book's title "Forever Cool"...I equally decided that "fabulous" and "awesome" were totally off as adjectives go---for me, my style, my descriptive vocabulary.
It may seem odd to many, if I told the visions that these words I avoid bring to my mind. Especially as they are so ubiquitous.
AND-you might argue that "cool" is also a ubiquitous word.
I'm glad it is!
I think the word is a pure classic--timeless, ageless and hip...and that's the style I love.
Hey! Something that really works for your hair..
posted on Saturday, July 12, 2008
I'd be rich, if every product I've bought fulfilled its promise.
I say that because so many products are touted to do this and that (it's called advertising!)and you needn't be gullible to eventually fall prey to many disappointing cosmetics and hair stuff...
At last-here's a "good thing"as Ms Martha has said...it's called BB Spray de Mode hairspray,by Bumble and Bumble. Try it.
"I Feel Bad About My Neck"...and other stylish dilemmas
posted on Wednesday, July 09, 2008
I was laughing out loud reading Nora Ephron's book...
The chapter about the often coveted Kelly bag (and even more so the Birkin bag) is put in such context that even I could see it "from both sides now" as Judy Collins has sung.
It's hilarious because it's so true...
Well,unless you decide that the Hermes hand stiched and totally hand made bag is worth every penny. But then you need many many pennies. In fact more than I need to count to go to sleep....and dream about that Birkin bag" because as you might have guessed I'm a true " bag lady"(and that's no laughing matter my husband may reveal!)
Styling jeans should be simpler!
posted on Monday, July 07, 2008
In a WSJ story "Figure This", 06/23, Ray Smith talks about Levi's incredible quest for the perfect jeans. So the story recounts the arduous tale of trying jeans on groups ,and more groups of women.
Although part of this journey included fabric challenges (especially at a very competitive price)...
I couldn't help but think they should have just called me...
Why?
I could have supplied them with ALL the fitting issues they needed to address within 5 minutes (I've seen and addressed it all!).
Anyhow now the Totally Slimming jeans are finally available at 3.200 Wal-Mart stores.
JCrew shows great style on older models
posted on Saturday, July 05, 2008
I saved my March 2008 issue of J Crew not only because I'm a devoted customer (for myself, for my clients, and lots of their clothes in my book(s) The cover expressed everything I profess to adore-style wise.
A natural looking beautiful "older" woman with a long blond pony-tail,is wearing blue jeans and a simple white shirt as she hugs a little girl (in "Crew-Cuts, children line). They are by a swimming pool on a summer's day.
I learned later the model is 58 years old and named Pia Gronnig...
Older models are definitely "in".
Don't talk to me until you're over fifty...I'm not impressed by models still modeling in their late 30s.
Yet,
I still prefer to work with real women, because that's reality and that's what challenges me (and I wish more good designers would feel likewise...)
The good news is that the market place is SLOWLY but surely taking some notice...even if it's only with gorgeous over-50 models.
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