Thursday, October 9, 2008

A Favorite Boomer Fashion Site

Just when I thought boomer fashion was in the dumps, I got a comment on my blog from Sherrie, Mathieson, style consultant for all ages.  

I studied both her site and her blog and ladies, get your _____ over there right now.  Listen to the podcast on timeless fashion for tough times and aim for simple, well-made classics.  Can you tell I am very excited about this site????  

In her new book (which I'm going to buy today!), Forever Cool; How to Achieve Ageless, Youthful and Modern Personal Style, she rehabilitates the fashion-challenged (like me) with:
What will always last?  What will always be cool?  What is never cool?

Here are a few of her suggestions:
1. Besides the crisp white shirt, the little black dress, leopard prints, black tights, and a pencil black shirt, look for bootcut pants (tapers into the knee and flares out) joining classic styles.
2. Don't go for the extreme in shoes either.  The moderate budget is wise to stick with black and brown.
3. Furs are always in vogue.   Go for fake furs that really look real.
4. Men's pin-stripe suits for women (remember Annie Hall?) are always in but watch for a fitted cut.  
5. Shawls make wise investments; they never go out of style, they give you a chance to be inventive, and they take your simple black dress to alot of occasions.  
6. Learn to accessorize well.

I emailed Sherrie for names of fashion designers and fashion departments who target boomers and seniors.  Here's her invaluable list (however, you'll find gobs more on her blog):
1. Ralph Lauren and JCrew are excellent for larger sizes.
2. Michael Kors!
3. If your body shape is round, go to Eileen Fisher and please, stay away from constructed tailoring.
3. Saks and Bloomingdale's have good large size departments.

Learn to "see" fashion, Ms. Mathieson further asserts.  And keep the phone number of your trusty tailor close at hand.  He/she can work miracles.






2 comments:

sherrie said...

Ladies I hope you do visit my site for some explanation of the ideas Susan was so wonderful in trying to pass on. Sometimes it's like a game of "Telephone" where it's best you get the words in original context where the meaning is hopefully most clear. One thing to clarify from my podcast I think--is when I talk about learning to "see" --I mean you should try to become a real observer. Not so much about "fashion" but certainly about "style". Observe what's good style--as well as what's bad. Open your eyes.

Diane J Standiford said...

Great advice.