Fashion Flash time! This week, it’s hosted by Fabulous Over Forty, a blog with practical insights on maintaining your beauty sans surgery. The brilliant blog is researched and written by FOF beauty blogger Kari Solyntjes. Check out her amazing advice and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.
It’s Fashion Flash time! This week it’s hosted by corporate trainer and consultant Jodell Raymond, the woman behind Black Cat Plus. Her passion is finding fashionable clothes for plus-size women. Find the best clothes for your body, and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.
[Plus, one woman will win a pair. To enter, answer this question in the comments below: What would you like our style scouts to find next? (tshirts? jeans? comfortable shoes?)!]
Paired with a tunic, big sweater, cardigan or even long, layered tees, a great pair of leggings can become a wardrobe staple. But the wrong leggings can result in muffin tops, panty-lines and jiggling. So we sent our fashion scouts on a search for the perfect FOF leggings. Here . . . their picks.
Lysse Leggings, $54 and up. (Recommended by FOF Style Scout Linda Cohen.)
FOF Beth Gold Cohen, 58, a longtime retail buyer for Macy’s, was 52 when she was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. The treatments caused her to gain a lot of weight in a short time. “I always liked to wear leggings,” she explains, “But now the waistband cut right into my stomach…or rolled down completely.” Her solution was to hand sew in a control top that smoothed her waist and eliminated the muffin top. Today, Beth is cancer-free and the founder and president of Lysse Leggings, a line with a cult following. “It’s 4-way stretch and 14-percent Spandex–which is a lot for a cotton legging. It really holds you in everywhere,” she explains. “The waist sits high, and there’s an extra shapewear component in the waistband that eliminates the muffin top.” Plus, leave a comment below to enter to win your own pair!
Apifeni Leggings, $78 and up.
Danielle Dobin, 38, designed Apifeni leggings with post-pregnancy mommies in mind, but soon after launch, she saw that over 50 percent of her customers were FOFs. “As we age, our muscles relax a bit–our skin isn’t as firm,” she says. “My leggings are ultra high-waisted–they go right up to the bra line–so they eliminate any rolls and smooth you out.” An added bonus: they won’t reveal your belly when you bend over to do pushups or downward dogs at the gym. To get the perfect fit, Danielle suggests contacting an Apifeni Style Director in your area.
Flexees Shapewear Leggings by Maidenform, starting at $24.
“They really suck you in, and you can still breath!” says FOF Style Guru Glenyse Thompson, founder of Styleosophy. “If you have some wobble in your thighs and backside, these conceal it. Tunics and sweaters just glide over them. My trick is to go up a size. I normally would wear a medium; in Flexees I buy a large to get the extra length at the waistline and ankles. Seriously, I own 6 pairs.”
One woman will win a pair of Tight Ankle Lysse Leggings [value: $58] in her size. To enter, answer this question in the comments below: What would you like our style scouts to find next? (tshirts? jeans? comfortable shoes?)
This FOF is clearly a skilled shopper–her Missoni for Target flats sold out in minutes (how on earth did she snag her pair?); her Gucci tote universally coveted; and her leopard print scarf was très à la mode this winter. But did she try to pile on too many closet highlights in one outfit? Read what our style experts think, and then tell us: What do you think of her look?
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Sherrie Mathieson: “This outfit lacks cohesion! My eyes dart everywhere. The shoes only relate to the jeans, the scarf only relates to the jacket and the bag only relates to the jacket and jeggings. There’s no tie-in palette. This outfit strives to be spirited and happy, but without the skill set to put eclectic patterns and color together, it ends up just child-like.”
Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.
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Lovey Dash: “She’s in great shape and looks adorable in her Missoni for Target ballet flats and leggings. Her chic orange jacket is great, and I love the leopard scarf. Leopard is a neutral in my book–it’s my favorite color. Her classic Gucci bag is fine, although not my favorite. Still, thumbs up for me!”
Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.
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Glenyse Thompson: “Too much going on! I can appreciate all of these elements, but not all together. If the Fashion Police were to catch her they could lock her up for ‘eccentric overuse of texture, prints and color.’ Her leggings and long tee would have been complimented nicely with a trench coat, and solid-colored scarf in any one of the colors from her flats.”
Glenyse Thompson is a personal home and wardrobe stylist and the creator of Styleosophy.
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Susan Hersh: “There are too many patterns in this one look. The orange piped jacket can work if this woman replaces the animal print scarf with a small pattern that blends rather than being the focal point. The Gucci handbag is too summery for this transitional outfit and should be replaced with black.”
Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.
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Terry Gibralter: “In my book her entire outfit is a big don’t! Nothing is working together. I like the look she’s going for–layers over leggings, with accents–but the animal print scarf over the too-big, Austrian style jacket, paired with the geometric bag and unfitted tee just look sloppy. She has nice legs which look good in leggings, but she needs to get the rest of the outfit together. I do like the cute Missoni flats.”
Terry Gibralter is the Sr. Vice President and Creative Director at Grey advertising as well as a fashion stylist and the creator of these clever work accessories.
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Glenyse Thompson: “Her red, statement necklace and great eyeglasses against her grey dress really work! I love those patent walking shoes. I understand the functionality of the puffy vest but think a chic trench coat instead, would have made this look a home run.”
Glenyse Thompson is a personal home and wardrobe stylist and the creator of Styleosophy.
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Sherrie Mathieson: “There seems to be no shortage of women who mistake weirdness for stylishness and individuality. She’s wannabe artsy, but there is no art here. One thing she is though, is comfortable–from her loose dress, wash-and-wear hairstyle, and comfortable, masculine shoes. The only piece I actually like (with a different outfit) is her down vest.”
Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.
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Lovey Dash: “Maybe I’ve had a little too much champagne for New Years, but I do not mind this look at all. I’m not saying I would wear this, but it works! The drapey dress with the down vest is so Isabel Marant. The necklace irks me a bit, but she makes it work with her eyeglass frames. The shoes are weird but they sure look comfy if she’s touring the town.”
Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.
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Susan Grant: “This woman looks very cute with her artsy touches. I love the way her red glasses, lips and necklace brighten her up. The only thing that bothers me is the pockets on her skirt–they are one element too many and don’t work with the length of her vest. Otherwise, her appearance is very pleasant.”
Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.
Finance experts will tell you that clothing and handbags are among the worst investments you can make–they rarely appreciate. This did not hold true for Liz Taylor.
“One of the greatest couture clients of all time,” Liz was said to have still been “buying clothes right up until she went into the hospital for the last time.” And this week, Liz Taylor’s wardrobe was auctioned off for many multiples of it’s estimated value, breaking world records and racking up over 154.2 million.
Couldn’t make it to Christie’s auction house last week? Or, let’s be real, couldn’t swing those record-breaking prices? There’s still hope for you, FOF. We found 10 Liz knock-offs worth investing in.
SLIDESHOW:
[portfolio_slideshow]flexoffers
This lovely FOF was spotted outside Barney’s in Manhattan last week. We loved her hat, her glasses and her free spirit. But what do you think–is her style fab and fun or just frenetic?
Sherrie Mathieson: “Perhaps ‘interesting’ is the word…and surely she has fun with clothes. I’m sure she garners double-takes to her satisfaction. To me this look is somewhat creative and somewhat clownish. Do I dare say that her bag ‘doesn’t go’ (is there such a thing?) with this outfit–when she already has taken multiple liberties?”
Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.
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Sandra Soich: “I wish I could say this is an example of expression, but I think it screams ‘look at me.’ Hat is great. Glasses are great. Everything to the waist seems to work and then it just simply gets crazy. I can’t even comment on the legwear and shoes in conjunction with the bag. Frenetic is most definitely the word!”
Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.
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Susan Grant: “This lady is mixing too many elements; her face, hat and bag are an ‘uptown lady who lunches’ look, while the rest is fun and edgy. I think she needs to decide which she wants to portray.”
Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.
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Susan Hersh: “This woman really has a sense of style and humor, appearing trendy and whimsical, simultaneously. The plaid shawl collar coat makes a strong statement and the length is perfect on her. The hat is also in proportion to her face and the shape is quite unique. My only peeve is the 2-tone polka dot hose–she should opt for solid black opaque instead. Right now, with the animal printed handbag, the two patterns are clashing. It’s not easy to pull off this look, but she has the confidence to make it work.”
Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.
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Terry Gibralter: “I really like this lady’s look. At first glance she appears a bit too kooky to warrant a serious second glance. But, when I really examine her pieces I see that they are quite beautiful and Japanese-inspired. Perhaps the mismatched socks are a bit too over the top (although I like them) and she could probably lose the animal print bag but I really like everything else. I think she can really pull off this extreme fashion look. I would love to see what else she has in her closet!”
Terry Gibralter is the Sr. Vice President and Creative Director at Grey advertising as well as a fashion stylist and the creator of these clever work accessories.
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Lovey Dash: Yes, she is fab and yes, she is frenetic! The shoes are the only things that I would have changed but she is walking in New York and they are sensible and very much in fashion. She looks happy and has a fun sense of style. That red, red hair matches her bag. Love this.”
Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.
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A photo essay on French style by Geri, who yearns to be French in her next life.
I think everyone in Paris is tres chic, from the bebes in their hand-knit sweaters…
to the octogenarian who tilts her beret just so.
The moment I stepped into Miller et Bertaux, on Rue Ferdinand Duval, I knew I was going to buy something. I am wearing my purchases, a featherweight raincoat in eggplant…
and a gorgeous silk dress and scarf—with an ever-so-slightly different pattern—that designer Francis Miller adjusts perfectly.
Francis’s friend Katherine stops by his shop to say hello, wearing a belted denim skirt with a short leather jacket, that’s definitely on trend.
Saleswomen Yvette does justice to her employer’s clothes.
…nor this one, which teams a leather shirt jacket with a short-sleeved open sweater. “This is a hot trend,” said FOF Frenchwoman Cecile, who I spotted checking into a flight to New York.
So, my views are clear, but what do you think of French style?
Fashion Flash time! This week, it’s hosted by glam gals Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler of Fabulous After 40—a blog with simple tips for updating your style! Learn how to find your best look and enjoy all the other links from our fab Fashion Flash friends.
This FOF is a former Ford model who now works in real estate. We spotted her outside Barney’s in Manhattan in these fab glasses. (“I got them used–just $22,” she reports.) She explained that her “Eye Test” shirt was designed “by a friend” named Kenneth King. Back in the office we got to googling and, wow, Kenneth is a friend we wouldn’t mind having!
Sandra Soich: “When I first looked at this ensemble, I was confused! I said, ‘this is wrong, that’s wrong….’ But in the end, it wasn’t so bad after all. The only thing throwing it off is the need to ‘camouflage’ with the button-down shirt. Without that, it would be just fine.”
Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.
Sherrie Mathieson: “This woman is a mix of good and bad style instinct. I love that her hair and makeup are quite natural to offset the sparkling glasses. I like that her palette is low-key and unified by navy. Her jeans are a current style, and I like the horizontal line created by her boatneck t-shirt. The shoes are a bit off in style and color (black ballerinas would have been better)–but I’m glad they are flats.
Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.
Lovey Dash: “This look does not work for me at all. What does work is the gorgeous face on this woman and her sexy curvy body. She should take off that baggy jacket and put on something a little more fitted. The glasses are cute and retro looking but have nothing to do with what she is wearing.”
Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills stylist to the stars. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.
Linda Cohen: “I appreciate a woman who can wear a colorful jacket. I like the eye chart print and the bold colors. She is confident, and this is one of those pieces that will create conversation. The t-shirt and jean create a slimmer, pulled-together look. Her rhinestone sunglasses and scarf over her natural tote tells me she likes to have fun. I would consider wearing the jacket over all white in the summer.”
Linda Cohen owns her own consulting business specializing in retail merchandising.
