10 Fun Facts About...Vera Wang

Photo credit: Joyce Culver


I've admired Vera Wang, 63, for a long time. I've read about her editorial beginnings at Vogue, her work with Ralph Lauren and the opening of her first bridal shop. I’ve admired her collections, from the confectionery wedding gowns to the stream-lined women's clothing. This spring, I love her dresses in emerald and gold, her use of old-timey prints in rich China blues, and her printed tunics with matching (bicycle?) shorts. What I hadn’t realized, however, was that the over 50 designer is very affable and funny in person. Last Tuesday, I heard her speak at the 92 Street Y in New York City. During a lively conversation with fashion industry expert Fern Mallis, 64, Vera was candid and very entertaining. Click "Read More" for some fun facts about Vera Wang…
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This Fashionista Inspires Women of All Ages and Abilities

In a recent blog post entitled “Passionate about Girls Who Eat Lunch,” Spashionista Alicia describes a trip to an upscale clothing store, where she found nothing on the racks above Size 8. “Where are the clothes for the girls who eat lunch?” she jokingly asked the salesclerk. It’s not every day I find a fashionista with a great sense of humor. At the Spashionista Report, Alicia uses both humor and heart-warming sincerity to entertain and inspire women of “all ages and abilities.” And she does it while managing her Choreoathetotic Cerebral Palsy. Recently, I had a chance to interview Alicia via email. Click “read more” below to learn about this inspiring over 50 blogger.
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Designers Over 50 Show Fall 2013 Collections

Photo by William Werber

It's Fashion Week in New York--that strange week in February when all the fashion buzz is about next fall. Spring and summer 2013 haven't even begun, but they already feel passé. Very strange, indeed. Still, I do find myself drawn to the live streaming of the runway shows for a sneak preview of what's coming up. I may even use the knowledge gained from the fall 2013 shows to shop the last of the huge 2012 fall-winter fashion sales this month. I can shop for pieces that will fit in with next fall's trends.

Today, I watched the stream of BCBGMAXAZRIA and fell head over heels in love with the designers' fall collection. I loved the long, flowing tunics worn over leather leg warmers. And I loved the layering of sweaters and jackets over the tunics. I can easily see myself spinning off on this look with my skinny jeans under long tunics. It's a look that's both fashionable and comfortable for women over 50.

LIVE STREAMING: DESIGNERS OVER 50
I don't have loads of time for viewing the runway streams, but I will make time to watch the shows by some of my favorite designers over 50.  Here's the schedule...

Feb10 at 4PM EST Live Stream of Fall 2013 Fashions by DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

Feb11 at 10 AM EST Live Stream of Fall 2013 Fashions by CAROLINA HERRERA

Feb 11, 5 PM EST Live Stream of Fall 2013 Fashions by BETSEY JOHNSON

Feb 12, 11 AM EST Live Stream of Fall 2013 Fashions by VERA WANG

Word to the wise women over 50: Runway shows are notorious for starting late. When streaming, I go to the Fashion Week site, turn the volume down low, and minimize the link. Then, I do something else online. Before the show starts, you'll hear a whole lot of chatter--people mingling and finding their seats. Then, when the show is about to begin, there will be silence, followed by music. The silence is the signal to maximize the live stream's link and prepare to view.

Enjoy!

HBO Special: Coddington and Others Talk Fashion

Promo

As part of the celebration of Vogue's 120th anniversary, HBO will be airing In Vogue: The Editor's Eye, tomorrow night, December 6, 2012, at 9:00 PM. It's a celebration of the magazine's famous fashion editors such as Grace Coddington, Tonne Goodman, Polly Allen Mellen, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele, Camilla Nickerson, Phyllis Posnick and Babs Simpson. A few years ago, the September Issue, a documentary about the magazine's annual super fall issue, gave us a bird's eye view of Grace Coddington's creative process. She stole that movie in my opinion. Anyway. Just wanted to give you a "heads up" about this latest project featuring Grace and other talented women over 50.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Jewelry to Match Your Style

There are few things more rewarding in life than having a business that reflects a lifelong passion or dream. Jewelry designer Linda Hollen knows this first hand. She began learning to make jewelry when she was a child. According to her website, Linda's grandmother taught her. That experience turned into a passion. For years, Linda gave her beautiful creations to friends and family. Eventually, they convinced her to share her pieces with the world and LJ’s Distractions, Linda’s jewelry design business, was started. Today, with over 30 years of experience, Linda has created a wonderful collection of unique necklaces, earrings and bracelets. To learn more about Linda’s jewelry, click “Read More” below…
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10 Best Fashion Quotes by Designers Over 50

I have tons of admiration for designers in their 50s, 60s and beyond who are still finding inspiration and turning their visions into bold, new fashions for women. Consequently, I get excited when I discover a new quote about fashion and style by one of them. Some quotes are inspiring, others are whimsical, and still others seem to put fashion in proper perspective. I like to jot these quotes down. Here are my current favorite quotes by some very amazing women over 50.


Fashion is all about happiness. It's fun. It's important. But it's not medicine. ~ Donatella Versace

Women always try to tame themselves as they get older, but the ones who look best are often a bit wilder. Thinking about age all the time is the biggest prison women can make for themselves. ~ Prada

You have to hold onto your fantasy. ~ Betsy Johnson

I think dress up begins at age 5 and never truly ends. ~ Kate Spade

I am convinced that there can be luxury in simplicity. ~ Jill Sander

Fashion is a tool... to compete in life outside the home. People like you better, without knowing why, because people always react well to a person they like the looks of. ~ Mary Quant

The best thing about women today is they no longer strive to be men. For men, it’s still about power. Women, I’m delighted to say, are about energy. And energy is what we need for a better future. ~ Donna Karan

Embrace your body shape! ~ Vera Wang

I am attracted to people who make this effort in knowing what suits them - they are individual and stylish. ~ Vivienne Westwood

The biggest mistake a woman can make is not to be herself in public or private. ~ Diane Von Furstenberg

Holiday Gift Ideas: Wearable Art

“I believe jewelry is wearable art and an expression of our inner essence,” says Anita Fernandez-Velazquez, the creative force behind Embellished Essence Gemstone Design. Consequently, each of Anita’s jewelry designs is one of a kind. Anita responded to my recent invitation to artists to share their holiday gift ideas. However, her designs are so lovely you might want to give yourself a gift as well. Click “Read More” to learn more about Anita’s jewelry and see a few other designs...
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Holiday Gift Idea: Mix Media Jewelry

Editor’s note: In October, I invited artists specializing in fashion and accessory design to contact me. With the holiday season approaching, I thought it would be nice to share some creative gift ideas with Flattering50 readers. Over the next few Wednesdays, I'll feature one of the artists who responded to my invitation. I hope you'll visit these artists’ websites to view more of their lovely creations.

If Caprilicious Jewellery sounds familiar, it might be because I featured Neena and her jewelry in a post entitled Statement Necklaces From Across the Pond last April. Neena is a doctor and passionate jewelry designer living in the United Kingdom (hence, the British spelling of jewelry). She creates jewelry from a wide range of materials, such as gemstones, beads, crystals, wire, and clays. Her collection of moderately-priced pieces includes statement necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pendants, hair combs, and more. To continue reading, click "Read More" below...
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Katie Interviews Designer of Fashion for Over 50 Women

 My recent post about Marla Wynne Ginsberg, a new designer of fashions for women over 50 (Fashion Over 50: At last, A Designer for Us!) has gotten a lot of traffic in the past week or so. I thought I'd share the video clip of Katie interviewing Marla for those of you who missed the show, but are interested in the woman behind the Marla Wynne Collection. Enjoy!


 

Fashion Over 50: Katie Couric to Interview New Designer

Editor's Note: Katie's interview with Marla Wynne Ginsberg, the new designer of fashion for women over 50, was broadcasted on Wednesday, October 24th. But I've posted the videoclip of the interview HERE.

This is just a quick follow-up post about Marla Wynne Ginsberg, a new designer of clothing for women over 50. If you liked reading about Marla and the MarlaWynne Collection in my recent post entitled, Fashion Over 50: At Last, A Designer for Us!, you might want to tune in or set your DVR for the Katie Couric Show on Wednesday, October 24th. Katie will be interviewing Marla. To find the time and channel in your area, visit Katie. Enjoy!

Fashion Over 50: At Last, A Designer for Us!

Marla Wynne Ginsberg, 56, is living the dream of many over 50 women. After a successful career as a television producer, she’s embarked on a new adventure as a fashion designer. I’m a huge fan of any woman over 50 who reinvents herself. But what makes Marla's reinvention so exciting is she’s chosen to design clothing for us—women over 50!

On the MarlaWynne site, the designer tells us her clothing is easy care, easy wear and easy elegance. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Recently, I had a chance to chat with Marla. She’d just completed a successful runway show in New York City and was gearing up for three shows on the Home Shopping Network (HSN) at the end of October. I asked her about her latest collection and her design philosophy. Naturally, I couldn’t wait to share all with Flattering50 readers.

Click “read more” below to learn more about Marla (that's her above)  and her designs.
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Vivien, Queen of the Over 60s?

Or will it be Tina? Or CJ Marie? A new documentary called QUEENS follows these three women as they rehearse for a New York City pageant. A pageant, that is, for women over 60. Vivien is 87 years old, Tina is 65, and CJ Marie squeaked by the contest’s age requirement at 60 years old. “It's a film about senior-aged women and how they relate to beauty, aging, and even loneliness,” wrote Kiran Alvi, one of the film’s producers, in a recent email.

Kiran and her friend and co-producer Eleonore Hamelin are currently fundraising for the project. They’d like you to take a peek at the movies’ trailer (above). They’re hoping the trailer and their kickstarter page will generate the funds needed to complete the documentary. “We're on a mission!” writes Kiran. “We want to show that women -- at even an older age -- have so much to share... and are worth a great film.” You can learn more about the film, the three contestants or make a contribution on the film’s Kickstarter page. If you have a minute, I’d love to know what you think of this project.

Hello, Artists!

"Ring-a-ling-a-ling!" I'm reaching out to all craftswomen, especially those over 50, who create lovely fashion- and beauty-oriented products and sell them online. I'd like to share your creations with my readers. With the holiday season nearing, everyone is looking for gift ideas. And many of us would like to find unique gifts for girlfriends, work colleagues and family members.

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Do you or someone you know create jewelry, accessories, clothing, soaps, or something like that?
 
I'd like to share your talent with my readers in late October or early November--in time for shopping and shipping for the December holidays. I'm looking for artists who can send me a few jpegs of products, plus a link to a website where readers can purchase the products and/or browse the complete collection. If you'd like to tell me a little about your artistry, that's great too.

PS. The lovely necklace above is from Neena's collection at Caprilicious Jewellry.

Statement Necklaces From Across the Pond

Every now and then I stumble upon a talented woman over 50 who is pursuing her passion for fashion or accessory designs…or sometimes, she stumbles upon me. Recently, Neena Shilvock wrote me about her passion for jewelry making. Neeva is a physician in England and says jewelry making "takes my mind off the rigors of the day job.” She sent me a few photos of her lovely well-priced statement necklaces, which I've included in this post. As you can, Neena uses many different materials, such as gem stones, wire, metal and polymer clays and much more, to create her unique designs.
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