With Dixie Carter, of Designing Women (One of MY favorite shows)and now, as I understand it from the interview since I don't watch it, Desperate Housewives fame.
Considered past her prime when she returned to Hollywood at the age of 40 (can you believe it - pass your prime at 40!!!! No wonder folks get just plan crazed when they get that friendly AARP mailing at 50!), she went on to star in a top rated TV show.
Just another example of "it ain't over 'till it's over"!
And yes, she was dressed divinely - simple and elegant!
If they post the video I will link to it here - it's worth seeing and left me smiling!
Sunday, September 09, 2007
An interview with Giorgio Armaini....
In which he talks about his re-vised and revamped online presence, on his future and the future of the Armani brand...
Giorgio Armani Talks About Online Fashion, Power Dressing Now, and the Future of Armani
His answers are as well thought out as his clothes. The site is equally well designed - I especially like the fact that he provides very clear views of both the front and back of each garment along with a very detailed zoom in view. Check it out at:
Emporio Armani
I've always loved Armani suits on men, but had never really thought about him in terms of women's clothes until recently - especially with the introduction of his Alfani line at Macy's. The well tailored, yet comfortable lines of his clothes are ready made for the 50+ woman!
From the interview, it sounds like he is not planning to miss a step as he moves into the future - I'd say at 70 or so, he is a great example of how the fire in the belly doesn't necessarily cool with age!
Giorgio Armani Talks About Online Fashion, Power Dressing Now, and the Future of Armani
His answers are as well thought out as his clothes. The site is equally well designed - I especially like the fact that he provides very clear views of both the front and back of each garment along with a very detailed zoom in view. Check it out at:
Emporio Armani
I've always loved Armani suits on men, but had never really thought about him in terms of women's clothes until recently - especially with the introduction of his Alfani line at Macy's. The well tailored, yet comfortable lines of his clothes are ready made for the 50+ woman!
From the interview, it sounds like he is not planning to miss a step as he moves into the future - I'd say at 70 or so, he is a great example of how the fire in the belly doesn't necessarily cool with age!
Friday, September 07, 2007
So you've got this meeting at work....
It's a biggy and you need to look razor sharp - and nothing in your dated closet will do?
Never fear! Ms. Teresa over at Wardrobe 911 gives a clear tutorial on how to do it right at 2 different price points:
what to wear: power meeting
what to wear: budget alternative to power meeting
Never fear! Ms. Teresa over at Wardrobe 911 gives a clear tutorial on how to do it right at 2 different price points:
what to wear: power meeting
what to wear: budget alternative to power meeting
Shoes 3 for $99? Yikes!
Skip on over to Stiletto Jungle for the details on this insane sale!
I skipped over to see what was on offer and was surprised to see quite a few pairs with promise!
A shout out to Ms. K over at Kristopherdukes.com for the heads up!
I skipped over to see what was on offer and was surprised to see quite a few pairs with promise!
A shout out to Ms. K over at Kristopherdukes.com for the heads up!
Thursday, September 06, 2007
What the @*#!....
It's Fashion Week time again!
Geez, we don't even get a chance to absorb the Fall Fashion mags, when their off talking Spring Fashion in Bryant Park! :-p
Or is that just an expression of my jealousy of all the fashion bloggers who are actually going to the shows? ; - )
Either way, if you're interested in taking a peek at what's down the pike for Spring '08 (Can you believe that we are talking about Spring '08 already?), check out the shows at the following sites:
Style.com Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear
Really, if you get a kick out of this kind of thing, Style.com is the one you want to bookmark. They turn it out for the shows, posting pics of all the fashions that strolled down the runway. You can even subscribe for e-mail notifications and create your own lookbook containing pics of your favorite flocks of the season!
Of course there are online fashionistas a plenty blogging this thing - here's a few you can check to get their take on the fashion circus come to town....
Fashionista.com
Second City Style
Fashiontribes
Styledash
Off the Runway
And of course, the goddess of budget fashion sense:
The Budget Fashionista
And for more great fashion pics, this time of the fashion circus outside the tents, check out one of my favorite fashion photologs, the Sartorialist, Scott Schuman for, you guessed it, Style.com:
The Sartorialist for Style.com
Enjoy!
Geez, we don't even get a chance to absorb the Fall Fashion mags, when their off talking Spring Fashion in Bryant Park! :-p
Or is that just an expression of my jealousy of all the fashion bloggers who are actually going to the shows? ; - )
Either way, if you're interested in taking a peek at what's down the pike for Spring '08 (Can you believe that we are talking about Spring '08 already?), check out the shows at the following sites:
Style.com Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear
Really, if you get a kick out of this kind of thing, Style.com is the one you want to bookmark. They turn it out for the shows, posting pics of all the fashions that strolled down the runway. You can even subscribe for e-mail notifications and create your own lookbook containing pics of your favorite flocks of the season!
Of course there are online fashionistas a plenty blogging this thing - here's a few you can check to get their take on the fashion circus come to town....
Fashionista.com
Second City Style
Fashiontribes
Styledash
Off the Runway
And of course, the goddess of budget fashion sense:
The Budget Fashionista
And for more great fashion pics, this time of the fashion circus outside the tents, check out one of my favorite fashion photologs, the Sartorialist, Scott Schuman for, you guessed it, Style.com:
The Sartorialist for Style.com
Enjoy!
When is a magazine not a magazine?......
When it's actually a catalog!
To be honest, this new trend in retailer marketing showed up in my mailbox this spring in the form of the Liz Is. Then just this week what should appear in my snail mail but a copy of M, Macy's attempt to do a catalog in a magazine format.
In truth, they aren't the first to go this route. Lane Bryant has been publishing an actual on the rack magazine Figure targeted to their plus-sized customers for a while now. It is basically formatted the same as any general interest woman's magazine with fashion, heath, beauty, food etc sections. However, as you go through the magazine you start to realize that it only has one main advertiser - the stores owned by the Charming Shops, Lane Bryant's parent company, and it's fashion spreads only feature clothes from those stores.
Macy's M takes a similar tack, incorporating feature articles - Trends, community focused info (this issue had info on museum passes), how-to articles (How to wear tips, how to choose a bra) with a more than generous wrapping of "ads" for brands carried at Macy's. They even have those obnoxious perfume sample cards that dutifully fall out - just like an on the rack fashion mag!
Liz Is takes a more focused tack. In some ways it's not so much a magazine as a info piece for the woman who is already a Liz C. customer. Carefully tailored with a kind of minimalist vibe, it is actually fairly article heavy (tips for buying art, book suggestions from "brainy" women - i.e a brain surgeon, a rocket scientist - yeah that's right, a rocket scientist - an interview with a career coach and a great, fun timeline of women's fashion in the workplace) along with behind the scene stuff - an intro to Richard Ostell the new LC group VP and Creative Director via a makeover of a freelance writer. Make no mistake, LC's clothes are featured throughout - what do you think that makeover babe is wearing? - but it's done with some 'elan that doesn't shout at you.
What to make of all this?
Well, certainly in part, it is an attempt by all three to communicate more directly with their customer base as well as potential customers. M appears to be sent out to current Macy's customers - I didn't see anywhere to subscribe to it on the M website - however, you can view the whole mag-cag right there online and you can subscribe for e-mail notifications on new issues. Anyone who goes to the Liz C. site can find the link to the magazine site right on the front page and can subscribe. Figure is sold not only in bookstores but in all Lane Bryant stores as well.
In the case of Figure, it can also be seen as filling a need for the customer - there isn't any other on the rack magazine published today that focuses on fashion for the plus size woman (BBW having sadly folded long ago).
And lets face it, it's a great way to bypass the third party fashion rags and get your story about what you offer directly to the customer.
All in all, I think it can be a good thing for the fashion consumer - especially since both the Liz Is and M are free. (Figure is not, but as stated above they are serving what continues to be seen as a "niche" business - as the only game in town, they can afford to charge.) As long as you stay mindful of the agenda involved with these efforts, you can partake of some decent writing and a bit of fashion advice on the cheap!
It will be interesting to see how many others in the fashion retail business follow suit.
Monday, September 03, 2007
I can't believe....
That it has been a little bit over a year since I started this blog!
That's a lot of fashion and style blogs, articles and magazines under the bridge! Much of it wonderful and illuminating, by the way.
And what have I learned?
Hummm.....
1. That you really do disappear in the minds of retailers and designers as you grow older (case in point - the closing of Forth and Towne a store aimed at women well over the age of consent!)
2. That that disinterest is happening just at the time that, because of the changes in the 50+ woman's body and her life in general, she needs her clothes to serve her well now more than ever.
3. That if you are going to have style as a post 50+ woman, you damn well are going to have to develop it for yourself - 'cause you won't see many "role models" in the media to base your style choices on (Actually, considering the role models that are out there in the media for young women - Paris, Nicole, etc. - we might well be getting the better part of that deal!).
And the few that are presented to you as the post 50 woman, more than likely won't look much like you or many of the other post 50 women you know!
The long and short of it is that when it comes to fashion, the 50+ woman is pretty much on her own. And that might not be an altogether bad thing (Yeah, I know, I just HAVE to try to find a pony under all that shit!).
It's going to mean that what ever answer you come up with to give you the satisfaction that the face you present to the world is the one that really reflects who you are now. Yes, it's going to be through a lot of hard work (yeah, along with everything else you've got to do these days), some painful soul searching, and some very painful reality checks (there's going to have to be peace in our time with our new, post 50 bodies - and no, I can't say that enough!) - but it's going to be your choice - not some stylist or designer or TV talking head.
And believe me if you and I (because, trust me, I'm NOT there yet and I've got a long way to go) can stick it out to do that, whatever that style choice turns out to be, our clothing will rest lightly, well and beautifully on our shoulders.
That's a lot of fashion and style blogs, articles and magazines under the bridge! Much of it wonderful and illuminating, by the way.
And what have I learned?
Hummm.....
1. That you really do disappear in the minds of retailers and designers as you grow older (case in point - the closing of Forth and Towne a store aimed at women well over the age of consent!)
2. That that disinterest is happening just at the time that, because of the changes in the 50+ woman's body and her life in general, she needs her clothes to serve her well now more than ever.
3. That if you are going to have style as a post 50+ woman, you damn well are going to have to develop it for yourself - 'cause you won't see many "role models" in the media to base your style choices on (Actually, considering the role models that are out there in the media for young women - Paris, Nicole, etc. - we might well be getting the better part of that deal!).
And the few that are presented to you as the post 50 woman, more than likely won't look much like you or many of the other post 50 women you know!
The long and short of it is that when it comes to fashion, the 50+ woman is pretty much on her own. And that might not be an altogether bad thing (Yeah, I know, I just HAVE to try to find a pony under all that shit!).
It's going to mean that what ever answer you come up with to give you the satisfaction that the face you present to the world is the one that really reflects who you are now. Yes, it's going to be through a lot of hard work (yeah, along with everything else you've got to do these days), some painful soul searching, and some very painful reality checks (there's going to have to be peace in our time with our new, post 50 bodies - and no, I can't say that enough!) - but it's going to be your choice - not some stylist or designer or TV talking head.
And believe me if you and I (because, trust me, I'm NOT there yet and I've got a long way to go) can stick it out to do that, whatever that style choice turns out to be, our clothing will rest lightly, well and beautifully on our shoulders.
Cafe Glam...
Weighs in on the best of Fall '07 with a special view to what works for the 40+ gal:
Fall 2007 Fashion Trends
Go Glam! ; - )
Fall 2007 Fashion Trends
Go Glam! ; - )
Amen, Sister....
Amen!
From
Catwalk Queen a lament on the challenges we all face when trying to keep our closets up to date:
Fashion Misfit: It's not me, it's them
From
Catwalk Queen a lament on the challenges we all face when trying to keep our closets up to date:
Fashion Misfit: It's not me, it's them
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Here's New York Magazine's....
Take on the top ten for this Fall....
5 x 10
(Feathers???? Yikes! Think I'll be passing on that one! :-p )
5 x 10
(Feathers???? Yikes! Think I'll be passing on that one! :-p )
Not sure if your look needs a bit of an update?
Then take this brief, fun quiz over at About.com:
Do You Need a New Look?
(By the by I took the test and the answer for me was Yes I do! No surprise there! My look has been needing a bit of an update for awhile now! Thus my quest - fashionable after 50 - can it be done? ;-) )
Do You Need a New Look?
(By the by I took the test and the answer for me was Yes I do! No surprise there! My look has been needing a bit of an update for awhile now! Thus my quest - fashionable after 50 - can it be done? ;-) )
Sometimes....
You may find that a particular seasons styles just plan don't suit you (recall all the baby doll styles of this pass spring and summer?).
Once again, Ms. Angie (YouLookFab) gives good tips on how to deal with fashion trends that leave you cold...
What to wear when the current trends don't work for you
Once again, Ms. Angie (YouLookFab) gives good tips on how to deal with fashion trends that leave you cold...
What to wear when the current trends don't work for you
Lenghten your line!
Over at YouLookFab Ms. Angie gives tips on using shoes to make your legs appear longer....
Lengthen Your Legs with Shoes That Pop
Lengthen Your Legs with Shoes That Pop
Get Sassy!
If you're reading this, you've probably turned 50, or you're about to turn 50, or you've got: Friends, Family, Lovers, Whatever, who are turning 50.
Well tell them to Get Sassy! with one of these sassy birthday cards:
Sassy Note Cards
These will work for the females and males in your life (I think guys would get a real kick out of the middle card!) and give them something to smile about as they hit the big 50 and beyond! ;-)
Well tell them to Get Sassy! with one of these sassy birthday cards:
Sassy Note Cards
These will work for the females and males in your life (I think guys would get a real kick out of the middle card!) and give them something to smile about as they hit the big 50 and beyond! ;-)
Fashion reading....
Has been my anchor and release as I sat in so many hospital waiting rooms this summer.
So imagine my delight when I came across the following post on Styledash:
Late summer reading is fashionable
I've already finished the Tim Gunn book and plan to do a review of it here on the blog, but long story, short, I highly recommend it.
Ironically, I just received my copy of 9 Heads. I plan to post a review of it as well, but suffice it to say that it raised a delighted buzz among the staff of the bookstore - they thought it was a fabulous book, forget about the fashion!
I'm loving the list (through, of course, I don't agree with the lister's review of Tim's book, but to each their own) and I'm particularly intrigued by the following titles:
The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever
I'm very interested in how the fashion business in general makes the decisions they make regarding the production and marketing of what we wear - so I'm very much looking forward to reading this one!
101 Things to Buy Before You Die
Now this one just looks like it would be plain fun - a grown-up "Wish List" book (for those of you who remember the Sears Christmas Book, you know what I mean!).
So imagine my delight when I came across the following post on Styledash:
Late summer reading is fashionable
I've already finished the Tim Gunn book and plan to do a review of it here on the blog, but long story, short, I highly recommend it.
Ironically, I just received my copy of 9 Heads. I plan to post a review of it as well, but suffice it to say that it raised a delighted buzz among the staff of the bookstore - they thought it was a fabulous book, forget about the fashion!
I'm loving the list (through, of course, I don't agree with the lister's review of Tim's book, but to each their own) and I'm particularly intrigued by the following titles:
The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever
I'm very interested in how the fashion business in general makes the decisions they make regarding the production and marketing of what we wear - so I'm very much looking forward to reading this one!
101 Things to Buy Before You Die
Now this one just looks like it would be plain fun - a grown-up "Wish List" book (for those of you who remember the Sears Christmas Book, you know what I mean!).
Around the Web....
I'm sooooo behind on my web surfing that I've finally given up and decided to give you, dear reader, the heads up on some of my favorite web round ups for the week.
Be warned, this list is wildly diverse - just the right kind of web surfing! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll say "What the he@#!"
Enjoy!
From Spork Fashion
Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar
From 55 Secret Street
Web Snob Week
From Kristopher Dukes
Web Snob - Because I'm a Snob Offline Too
From Fab Sugar
Friday Fab News Roundup!
From Fashiontribes
Weekly Web Snob Roundup
From Second City Style
Blog Therapy Fridays
From Bag Snob
Web Snob
From Faking Good Breeding
Saturday's Best of Blogs
And last, but certainly not least, from the incomparable Manolo's Shoe Blog a double web round up treat:
Weekend Blogging
Manolos Friday Miscellany
Be warned, this list is wildly diverse - just the right kind of web surfing! You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll say "What the he@#!"
Enjoy!
From Spork Fashion
Weekly Fashion Blog Bazaar
From 55 Secret Street
Web Snob Week
From Kristopher Dukes
Web Snob - Because I'm a Snob Offline Too
From Fab Sugar
Friday Fab News Roundup!
From Fashiontribes
Weekly Web Snob Roundup
From Second City Style
Blog Therapy Fridays
From Bag Snob
Web Snob
From Faking Good Breeding
Saturday's Best of Blogs
And last, but certainly not least, from the incomparable Manolo's Shoe Blog a double web round up treat:
Weekend Blogging
Manolos Friday Miscellany
If you have ever wondered....
How they come up with the colors for clothes or anything thing else for that matter, Ms. Tamara over at Business Fashionable points you to a good article on the folks who predict the next color trends....
Color Theory - How Trends Are Made
A couple of years ago Sunday Morning on CBS did a great cover piece on the process color marketers use to pick the upcoming color trends. Sadly I couldn't find the piece on their website. If they ever re-run it and you have an interest in just how the process is done, try to catch it - it was very interesting and informative.
Color Theory - How Trends Are Made
A couple of years ago Sunday Morning on CBS did a great cover piece on the process color marketers use to pick the upcoming color trends. Sadly I couldn't find the piece on their website. If they ever re-run it and you have an interest in just how the process is done, try to catch it - it was very interesting and informative.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Now THIS is a bag.....
Get on over to Spork Fashion and check out the treasure she found in her mom's closet....
It's Five-Five-Five Bags in One!
If anyone recognizes the bag and can supply the maker, please leave a post - I think it is brilliant!
It's Five-Five-Five Bags in One!
If anyone recognizes the bag and can supply the maker, please leave a post - I think it is brilliant!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Over at I Like Her Style!.....
The intrepid Ms. Sylvia is introducing a new custom clothing site....
Introducing AprilMarin…
The line is presently limited to 3 styles, but they are so classic that any woman can make them work in her wardrobe.
Warning - they are all body hugging styles! However, with sizes ranging from 0 - 22 (and ample custom sizing options within those sizes)and prices that are more than reasonable, AprilMarin is starting out right if you ask me!
My fav:
Black Pinstripe Capri Suit - $180.00
Introducing AprilMarin…
The line is presently limited to 3 styles, but they are so classic that any woman can make them work in her wardrobe.
Warning - they are all body hugging styles! However, with sizes ranging from 0 - 22 (and ample custom sizing options within those sizes)and prices that are more than reasonable, AprilMarin is starting out right if you ask me!
My fav:
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