Recently women all over the world demonstrated and paraded for their right to look like a "slut" if they wish--with no consequences. Especially as it applies to rape. I remember having to learn my own hard lessons about dressing provocatively in "hot pants" as they were called in the 70s. Looking back --my insecurities about everything including physical appeal was the reason I went so far as to dress so sexy--even to work interviews. Yes it was the "fashion" then but I could have been much wiser about it all. By truly examining the consequences of looking "a certain way" instead of dismissing them as my right--I helped myself understand perception in the real world. No matter what women may ideally like the world to see about them-- the way they choose to dress will send a defined message to men (and even to other women). It may not be the desired message--but that is reality--even if we are not happy about it. Our power is in the way we choose our personal style. We can be attractive and even sexy (when the occasion is appropriate)--without looking like a "slut". That's good advice for all ages. Interestingly it takes self-knowledge and self awareness. At times women fall into that pit years later (when they should already know better). Is that why Jane Fonda (post plastic surgery) is photographed in a sweater unbuttoned to reveal substantial new cleavage at over 70? (and this still after she reveals her insecurities beginning with her father, and the men in her life). Bolstering self image from within is not easy for women in our society-- rather than see it reflected through men. What kind of man or attention is presenting yourself as a sex object really attracting? I recently read an article in NY Times Sunday Styles about Vicky Tiel, a designer of great cocktail dresses in the 70s. I used to admire her work and used her dresses when possible in mine. But to my dismay the 67 year old Ms Tiel is described as wearing "a jeans jacket with hugh patches cut along the front shoulder, leggings and a tank top from Miley Cyrus's line for Wal-Mart.I have a man, I dress this way to show other women how to get one", says Tiel. Oh really?
Read my input on mother daughter style in Sunday Styles, NY Times!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The article on p 6---examines the more prevalent phenomenon of moms adopting the young styles of their daughters, rather than daughters from their moms.
“I believe many moms defer to their daughters often out of insecurity that they perhaps missed a beat through the years, or the belief that, if you are younger, you are hipper and must be in the know,” said Sherrie Mathieson, a costume designer and celebrity style consultant based in Scottsdale, Ariz. Her 2009 book, “Steal This Style: Moms and Daughters Swap Wardrobe Secrets,” examines mother and daughter style sharing.
" Still, the rule cannot apply to every mother and daughter, "Ms. Mathieson said. In her experience, age and size were major determinants in whether mothers could (or should) borrow from their daughters.
I'm so glad my point was included. It is key to appropriateness--which is essential to great style--no matter your age!
We were lucky to catch the exhibit of the miniature mannequins the French fashion industry created after celebrating victory in WW II, (instead of full scale collections) ---because the years of German occupation created a short supply of every commodity.
With it's debut in Paris in 1945, "Theatre de la Mode" attracted nearly 100,000 visitors. It traveled to major cities in Europe and ultimitaley to NYC and San Francisco. I was stunned by the detail-- “Although the clothes were created for one-third human size mannequins, they were made using the same techniques, fabrics and details of full scale couture garments. Displayed in elaborate sets created by the best theatre designers in Paris, Théâtre de la Mode united fashion designers, jewelers, shoemakers, milliners and hairdressers.”
I also noted that in those days designers were much kinder to ladies' feet. The perfectly replicated shoes demonstrated that style and comfort need not be exclusive.
To learn more about this amazing accomplishment that would delight any fashionista (child and adult) please click on this link.
Fab Over Fifty reconfirms that style is often sacrificed…
Thursday, July 14, 2011
.....in favor of comfort. Read my contribution (and fellow "guru's") Fab Over Fifty's "What do you think of this look?" on a gal's outfit as she unsuspectedly strides along NYC's streets...
Is it a choice between comfortable shoes or stylish ones?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Your shoes can make or break your outfit--so this dilemma for the tourist, when pounding the hard paved and unpaved streets and standing for long periods in museums-- becomes challenging. I see outfits that boggle the mind and challenge the "Never Cool" concept to the utterly unbelievable degree. I encourage you to buy the best you can afford ( Make sure you have a rubber sole and some support). Those shoes will look better, feel more comfortable-- and last much longer even though they are expensive at the outset.
That certainly must be the gift of knowledge and what I term "style 20/20 vision". I often consider what's worse --a man given the option of casual style (yipes!-here come the silk washed Tommy Bahama looks or the black tee shirt look) or business attire (a lost art)? Of course a gift of "Forever Cool" would be great. Hopefully your man will see in its pages how easy it really is-- to look classic, classy and sexy. I also recommend Alan Flusser to "clear" his vision (recommended in "Forever Cool" as well). Mr Flusser also has a new app called BeSpeak, which offers "Sartorial advice based on your height, hair, eye color, skin tone and build."
Summer bags can be stylish,inexpensive, and eco-friendly…
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Vogue.com recently announced Ms Westwood's creative new bag line ."When Vivienne Westwood launched the Ethical Fashion Africa Project back in January 2010, the initiative’s line—created in collaboration with the International Trade Centre—offered up three shopper bags, handmade in Nairobi out of completely recycled materials, and sold out in a flash. The project was an inspiring challenge for the environmentally conscious Westwood, as her team was forced to work with tent cottons, electrical wiring, and plastic bags. “It was important to use recycled and end-of-the-line materials from Kenya. We wanted to buy as little as possible,” she said. “Working with whatever was available and finding solutions based on these restrictions was interesting.” But the project wasn’t just beneficial to the environment; it also helped struggling women in Africa lessen their dependency on aid. “We wanted to work with various communities with different skills and resources,” said Westwood. “For example, adding metal logos, wire zip pulls, or other detailing helps create employment.”
Now the designer is taking things a step further and expanding the line (just in time for summer vacations and trips to the beach) to include weekenders, men’s shoppers, clutches, and printed iPad and laptop cases—but you’d better hurry if you want to get your hands on one. If the last batch was any indication, they won’t last long."Available at eco-friendly shopping site http://www.yooxegen.com.
I love these colorful bags (photo by Liam Goodman)--like the great "FEED" bags that are also available to help struggling African populations.Wear them with some authentic African beads that pick up the colors I showed some great examples in my "Steal This Style" accessories section.. Make sure your outfit doesn't compete. An all white polo top and white jeans--would be great.
Arthur Elgort, my favorite living fashion photographer, is honored!
Friday, June 10, 2011
This June, the annual Council of Fashion Designers of Designers of America (CFDA) awarded Arthur Elgort the Board of Directors' Special Tribute. I am a longtime fan of his work because he is as good with conveying natural beauty (J Crew catalog work,etc) as he is with imaginative, stylized fashion imagery. Enjoy his site (http://www.arthurelgort.com/) and his artistry!
FYI- Diane von Fustenberg, attended and was quoted wisely saying "Accept your age!". ..a loaded message to all those that over-do.
For many reasons this note came at the right time. "Steal This Style" will soon become a collector's item.
So as an author that put her heart and soul into the effort--notes like this make it seem as if it was worthwhile.
"Hi, Sherrie! I'm a fan of yours. I got hooked to your STEAL THIS STYLE book which I bought on sale at our bookstore here in the Philippines. It has influenced me so much. Before, I use to ask what basic clothes I must have and buy and keep. What to pair with whatever I fancy. Now, it's so easy for me to think of what clothes I should wear especially for work. I edited my look, my closet and my life! I feel like a model of yours. Thanks to you. You're a genius! Have a fabulous day ahead! =))"
There's no question a stylish mom, grandmom, aunt or friend can be a major iinfluence. Apart from your personal interest in fashion that fuels your personal style--the "style inheritance" you've received is critical.
Is your infuence too conservative or just right? Is it too "out there" posing as creative ? Do you know the difference? Is it simply about garnering attention rather than about great style?
I've looked at kids with their moms at the mall and sometimes think "--they don't have a chance!"
Some of us need to clean the slate and create our own "style inheritance" by self education and self exposure. It pays to take stock of our inherited tendencies (like eating badly)--and create a new reality for ourselves.
PS: The mom in the above photo is conservative--but all-in-all tasteful and attractive -- with some flair. Perhaps I'd have her grow her hair and give up those aging button earrings. I would have her in black patent balerina shoes instead of a beige shoe. Note her small "lady-like" watch which is also age-associated.
Her daughter is classic--and like mom she's conservative but tasteful. These outfits can be interchanged by mom and daughter (perhaps except for those high platforms...)
I remember asking directors "Do you want this to look like real life?...or an idealized version--the way we wish they would dress?" There's a huge difference-- and it seem at least to my eyes--that the gap today is greater than ever.
So I'm starting a coommentary on my site. You are welcome to join in with your opinions. For instance --I just saw Angie Harmon in a "Got Milk?" commercial where I loved the simple cropped brown cable knit sweater layered over a tank top (worn longer) and slim dark jeans. Conversely I've been horrified by the celebrity contestants on "The Apprentice"--especially by what the men wear, yipes!--with few exceptions. There's tons of other examples (The Real Housewives of this or that..., Jersey Shore...) of the downward spiral.
....I'm beginning to think about my own plans that may include warm temperatures and tons of walking. I, and my clients still wear short sleeves at times, but it's nice to find lightweight items that mix easily and give coverage. It's all about comfort, ease and I still want a very stylish appearance. The trick is finding the right items, and then packing a few lightweight bags, and great accessories (including sunglasses) that will give these key pieces diversity.
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