Diane Keaton—and odd match for Chico’s?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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?
Comments:
Hi Sherri,
First of all, I want to say how much I love your book “Forever Cool”. I have been a fan of Diane Keaton for years. I always loved her signature “Annie Hall” look. As for Chico’s I have mixed feelings about their merch. A couple years ago Chico’s came out with some utilitiy-style blouses. I bought three because I really like them & they go with the rest of my wardrobe really well. I like the idea of their Traveler’s line, but really hate the fabric. I do agree with you that when you go in their stores things seem to differ from the ads a lot. I guess what I think Chico’s biggest problem is (IMHO), they are always changing their direction—they can’t seem to find a signature look that is classy & stick to it. There always seems to be something a little off—too many animal prints, too much bling, well you get the picture. Anyway, it’s the same with the outfit Diane is wearing on the cover. Look, I love black, but I also like color. I wonder if they were trying for an “upscale biker look” ? LOL. They would have done better putting Diane in something in a softer color scheme, that is more in keeping with her signature look. I recently watched “Manhattan Murder Mystery” on Netflix. Diane was teamed up again with Woody Allen & her outfits in that film were super. Also agree with you on “Something’s Gotta Give”.
Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne on December 15, 2011 at 4:15 MST
Suzanne,
You describe a few of the reasons I dislike Chico’s. Of course,too, Diane does not represent their typical customer.
But my contention is—the minute a store is sequestering an age group—the less likely the success. The nearest to a good concept have been Eileen Fisher and Talbot’s. But I always ask myself—“Would I buy this item?” and if my answer is “No!” because it looks typical of an “older” woman’s style (this is not to say I want “young”) and not having ageless appeal—I walk away.
I have yet to like Chico’s, J Jill, or Coldwater Creek. Too many of my “Never Cool” looks were from those resources.
Best,
Sherrie
Sherrie Mathieson on December 15, 2011 at 5:10 MST
Hi Sherrie…I just read your post on Diane Keaton in Something’s
Gotta Give. One of my favorite go-to movies because of the modern and luxe clothing and interiors. I have tried to use this as a barometer, but not always successfully. She wore no colors other than white, beige or black. Any suggestions to achieve this look that I may be missing? Just loved that understated elegance.
Thanks so much.
Marilyn
Marilyn Vantosh on December 16, 2011 at 6:12 MST
Hi Marilyn,
I think a soft palette of different grays, taupes, and beiges with a bit of navy and white here and there is really gorgeous.
Sherrie
Sherrie Mathieson on December 16, 2011 at 6:14 MST