Could marrying an older man, make a woman become older in her style?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Yes, more often than not. I've also observed women who married younger men seem to be more aware of remaining youthful in their style --to be in sync with their partners. And that doesn'y necessarily mean invasive procedures (though I see it often).
Keeping youthful in your look means never look too "perfect" with every hair in place ( coined helmet-head yers ago). It is instantly aging and closes even a possible 20 year gap between an older husband and younger wife.The Callista effect -- pale, studied, and controlled--is well described in a Feb 10th NY Times article.
Ann Romney who fortunately has no phsychological age-gap issues to fill, is a great example of doing it right- stylishly, appropriately and youthfully. Her unaffected good looks are geared to project healthy vanity (and the importance of health), without too much artifice. Kudos to her! Many "political wives" (not an easy role) could take a page from her...as could women in general.
Some gals try but miss their mark. Here is an example and my take (including other concurring or not) reviews on the FOF site--on one woman's on-the-street outfit.
Too few. But guys should take a look at David Muir (ABC News with Diane Sawyer) and Matt Lauer ( Today Show) for style simplicity, understated classiness. Leave the combovers, and ill fitted suits with burgundy, black or cream colored shirts at home guys!
I contribute to Fabulous Over Fifty "What do you think of this look?", and am frequently offering my take on an outfit seen by their staff on NYC streets. What always amazes me is how differently we all see the same person. That's a fact amongst "experts" as well as the average person who often trust their own selves more than anyone else anyway. So when you read the "expert" comments--do you go with the "expert" who has the same viewpoint as yourself? Or do you reconsider your original response based on an "expert's" dissenting view?
After any award show the "experts" opt in their opinions.
First the bad news:It's good to remember most of the "experts" are simply TV folks there to entertain us. I try to live with that. But last eve after the Golden Globes 2012, a local show (I won't name names to protect the guilty) had lined up 4 twenty-something gals daintily perched and posed on high stools trying to look stylish. But the ladies had no semblance of style (I'm being kind), and lent undeniable example of "the blind leading the blind" with all its unintended consequences. The beat goes on.
Now the good news: Miraculously, and amazingly, most people recognize what truly looks good, and very often agree on what doesn't. So at least I was not totally dismayed by their critique of the celebs at attendance. That is often my take of the "Fashion Police" as well.
Here are some of my personal observations on the beautiful, the handsome--and getting it right.
I always anticipate a better day--but disappointedly those ladies of a certain age still struggle with looking their best. Jane Fonda persists in looking plastic and trying too hard to look sexy--visibly straining for compliments I wish I could give (but others do). Meryl Streep doesn't really care all that much--she just wants to be appropriate and cover up what she no longer wishes to display. That's great--but the dress design does not have to be a game changer (I'm glad David Fincher didn't hand her the eyeglasses she forgot for her acceptance speech--as their style too detract from her beauty). Jessica Lang wanted to look sleek and understatedly sexy--but picked a demanding dress that offered no support for her untoned body--with an eyeful of a back that should not be emphasized. Helen Mirren was the best of the lot --but not notable. They might all take a look at Olivia Harrison at the Critic's Choice Award ceremony 2012 for her timeless yet hip look. Perfection.
So whom did I love? My favorite was Julianne Moore (every inch!). The mermaid style is the most flattering for women.This year Leonardo looked great--and always the guy who gets it right (his slacks are never baggy or too long)--Colin Firth.
I usually tell my clients to have a winter palette of neutrals. I include navy--a favorite because it's softer and less predictable than black, and olive--because it works with most colors.
But to give a "lift" and bring on a smile , my favorite color (no secret, huh?) is bright orange. It's a secondary color on the "Color Wheel" (secondary meaning a color that takes 2 primary colors, --in this case red with yellow --to mix another ) that I find sophisticated and always conjures for me warmth and light.
Whether for winter season or for your winter vacation getaway, here are some vivid photos of items I loved. They are all simple in style, and orange can be beautifully paired with navy, white, olive or charcoal wardrobe items in your closet.
'Hope I've inspired you--what's your favorite punch color?
Annette Tapert's article in WSJ "A Salute to Women in Uniform" conjures up Slim Keith's "sexy,outdoorsy, chic and athletic" style". Though I wonder if she kept her "slim" figure with the cigarette habit that was so accepted as part of the lifestyle in those days--she was dubbed the first "California Girl" at the time which envisions outdoorsy good health. She favored a "house uniform" which was somewhat preppy--including khakis, tailored shirts, jackets, and soft moccasins. Audrey Hepburn (not mentioned in the article) paired her everyday to Lacoste shirts (as I do today, including RL polos) with jeans (I love my Nike pants and/or jodphur style pants). Carolina Herrera was also not noted, but should have been for her long sleeved white shirts worn with her daytime to black tie looks.
The ultra simple wardrobe items I mentioned are classics--and easily implemented and transformed by accessories (including shoes/boots). One of the important points Ms Tapert makes is "A uniform should be a tool to help us define our style. The paring down of a wardrobe actually inspires you to use your imagination more, and to experiment with fabrics, colors, accessories or whatever your passion may be".
Why doesn’t their exterior style match what Jane Fonda or Suzanne Sommers say?
Monday, December 5, 2011
My presumption is that personal style is a language. So I'm confused. Why do these 2 well-known celebs who have a "voice" through the media -- but project personal style that says to me "I'm not at all confident"?
I know their messages--Suzanne about alternative health, and Fonda about becoming happy, self-knowing, and aging well. This morning Jane Fonda was on at least 2 national shows promoting her exercise dvd (I approve!) and her biography.
But why has plastic surgery, tons of make-up, and dressing poorly (Suzanne always too sexually, and Jane "older woman trying to be sexy") define their look--and for me at least--lessen their authenticity?
Sure Diane is a celebrity-- and the first of the boomer generation at 65. She is slim ( the average woman in the US is almost 5'4" and 152 lbs) and hasn't surgically enhanced herself (really refreshing!). Chico's ads show a facially retouched Diane springing about in the few basic pieces they do have--styled in her signature look from hat, glasses, wide belts, etc.
The ads are sleek--and use Diane well--as only good photography can.
But I've never been a fan of Chico's and made no secret of my dislike. I find them missing the mark (and I check them out periodically to see if anything has changed) for a taste level that I think people, as they age, need to aspire to if they want to look their best. So as much as I like Diane, as she seems as a person and actress--I shudder when I see her in these campaigns. The ads, like so many others, are just that.
Once in their stores or website you have a different world. To really change, it takes more than well done ads.
Today on "The View" she dutifully pointed out that her black turtleneck ( which "grabbed" her neck too much as turtlenecks can-- and pouched her skin) and black slacks were from Chico's. Her leopard chiffon scarf hardened the look. The leopard printed Louboutin booties (Louboutin is the shoe of choice for all celeb interviews because the seated position lends a perfect view of the signature red soles)--took it over the top. Her beret, yellow tinted glasses and gloves hid what little left she felt comfortable revealing.
I maintain that in "Something's Gotta Give" she was at her "getting-older" best. Simple, uncontrived, luxurious, modern, unerstatedly sexy, ageless and most of all 'beautifully soft". Do you agree?
Preppy style can be your style core (like in exercise)....
Monday, November 7, 2011
..to build upon. It's the perfect core for a wardrobe- especially if you are building an ageless style. Read my Fab Over Fifty contribution...comments on a NYC over 50 woman's look. She is obviously slim and could easily upgrade her style within the preppy confines. I critique the belted sweater (cuts her body), the cutesy-ness off the matchy-matchy look of the odd coat and sweater.I need to add that the coat, sweater and bag (doesn't go with her other accessories and is decidedly too conservative) selections could have been way better. A simple charcoal gray turtleneck, a camel, navy, or olive classic stadium toggle coat (or jacket) and a dark more upscale bag (her other accessories are already dark) would have been so much of an improvement.
Swapping my styling for my friends cooking advice—and getting time together as a bonus.
Monday, October 24, 2011
My friends are special because they have stood the test of time and have great human qualities. They are good people that I trust. But interestingly my job has somewhat claimed my female "friend time" from me. Why? Because shopping--an activity that women often do as friends --is my profession. So I've always had to separate this activity from the ones I can easily share in.
However my good friend Alex recently proposed a swap. She knows that I'm challenged in the kitchen--and she by her wardrobe. So in these economic times--why not trade? And the best part is that I get to spend time with a friend doing something we both hope to enjoy doing better.
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