Coach Update

The Coach website is now featuring nine of its iconic "classic" styles.  A few months ago I wrote about the brand's descent to a gaudy, easily dated style.  The brand is catering to an audience that prefers trendy accessories, but Coach is happily ringing up those sales!

Coach is still a luxury brand, but it has all but lost its sophistication, its quiet "old money" cachet.  I'm happy to see the return of some of the classic styles.  These legacy bags are made of glove-tanned leather and have a natural finish that ages beautifully.

Now if you want to own a City bag or a Stewardess bag (my favorite), you can buy a brand new, non-counterfeit piece from their website.  Curl up with a classic in the New Year!

The Divine Lady Di

Diana Kline

There’s another Lady Di on the scene, my friend and trusted aesthetician Diana Kline, owner of Spa Bavu, the best place to be pampered in Philadelphia.  The staff at Spa Bavu makes you feel like a spoiled celebrity from the moment you enter.  This is all part of Diana’s anti-assembly line approach and her adherence to personalized attention. 

Last year we talked for hours about beauty for women over 40, and what follows are some notes from that conversation.  I hope you’ll appreciate her down-home nuggets of advice.  There will be more from Diana in future posts.

Lady Di on skin care: 
“Ninety five percent of my clients say, 'Oh, I don’t have to wear sunscreen [everyday], but if I know I’m gonna be outdoors in summertime I’ll definitely wear it.…'  That’s very interesting because the last time I checked we get daylight every day which means the sun comes out every day! 

"Look for a sunscreen that gives UVA/UVB protection.  UVA is responsible for aging skin.  Application should not be an arduous process--you know how you use soap and deodorant daily?  You should use sunscreen daily.” (Real Simple likes these bargain-priced products:  C.O. Bigelow All-in-One Protective Daily Lotion SPF 25; Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion SPF 15; and Sonia Kashuk Replenish Essential Face Crème SPF 15.)

“You can also commit to a facial once a quarter--our skin needs exfoliation.  The process will remove dead skin cells, erase dull tired skin, brighten (not lighten) up, and give you a nice dewy look.  Exfoliation kicks off a domino effect--the process stimulates the fibroblasts’ production of collagen and elastin that we want for tightening.  That is responsible for keeping your skin from sagging.

“Understand how much is too much and how much is too little.  Get a consultation from a knowledgeable aesthetician.  If you have sensitive skin--do not exfoliate two or three times a day.  Don’t scrub a hole in your skin!

"You need to work on your skin but it doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition.  Your repertoire should include a good cleanser, toner, exfoliant, moisturizer and sunscreen (you can get it combined).  You can always add or subtract things--some women like a Vitamin C serum.  A good Vitamin C serum will serve as an antioxidant and brighten your skin.  It is an excellent antidote against environmental pollution.  You can also use a high quality eye cream.

"Another tip--as the weather changes your skin care regimen should change.  You know in the summertime everybody’s slicked up and has an oil build-up that you can fry a chicken in.  In the wintertime it could be a completely different story.  And as we mature that tends to be the case more often.  You’re not going to use the same moisturizer in the summertime as you would in winter.  It’s ok to make an adjustment."

Coming soon:  Diana on make-up!

Oops I Did It Again

I’m absolutely atwitter about an amazing vintage haul that I made at a friend’s house.  She has been curating ladies clothing from local thrift shops for years and decided to part with many of the accumulated treasures.  Most items were never worn after she had them dry cleaned.  I was lucky enough to comb through the collection!

There were so many fabulous things: sassy little cocktail dresses, colorful silk shirtdresses and jackets for day, ladylike luncheon suits, even an emerald green bridesmaid’s dress that has strong possibilities as a hostess dress for New Year’s Eve festivities.

Resale stores are bustling nowadays; some are packed like the Tokyo subways.  You’ve got to elbow your way through gaggles of chattering art students and other recessionistas who are looking for intact treasures from Betsey Johnson or Norma Kamali to amp up their personal style.  So I was grateful for the opportunity to sift through these goodies in a quiet bedroom.  Here’s the take:

• Black double knit wool dress with faux jeweled mock turtleneck.  No need for a necklace; all eyes will follow this one (pictured).
• Early 1960s peach wool skirt suit with a fur trimmed jacket. Perfect for high tea at the Ritz (jacket pictured).
• Stray cat-grey modified swing jacket with shawl collar and embroidered details all over.  Great for the office with a pencil skirt, dark grey scoop neck and tights, or on weekends with slim pants and ballet flats (pictured).
• A yellow and black 100% rayon dress from the 1970s that only needs to be cinched by a black patent belt to totally rock (pictured).
• Chocolate soufflé-brown wool coat with a fetching fox fur collar.
• Sleeveless black lace cocktail dress with black velvet sash at the waist.  Reminds me of the Audrey Hepburn/Humphrey Bogart film Sabrina.

The key to pulling off these looks is current makeup, an unstoppable hairstyle, and shoes, boots, and jewelry so fierce that you can feel the growl.  Just don’t go vintage from head to toe--you don't want to wear a costume.

Bold Sole Sister

The NY Times recently ran a story that will satisfy your sole.  If you are a fashionista who refuses to sacrifice style for comfort, read this article! 

You probably remember hearing grandma say, “If your feet hurt everything hurts.”  She was right and that’s why she adopted “sensible shoes.”  Sensible usually means boring, but my shoes must be sexy and comfortable--these are non-negotiable.  I can strut much more effectively in 3” heels than I can in 5½” platform pumps and can rock the heck out of a pair of kitten heels or flat boots.   

If you’re hesitant about entering a new comfort zone, just remember--the pinched look on the fashion victim’s face is because her feet are aflame.  Winching with each step is so unattractive!

Making A List, Checking It Twice

‘Tis the season for lists--holiday gift lists, personal wish lists, Oprah’s go-buy-this-now list, top 100 songs of the year lists, New Year’s Eve guest lists.  This year Casual Friday has a list to share with you. Here's what we're wishing for this year...

1. My sisters will buy clothes that fit properly.  Banish the blouses that pull across the bust, the low rise pants that almost fasten beneath overflowing bellies.  Junk the jackets that pull tighter than a corset, straining buttons that could pop off, ricochet, and put somebody’s eye out.  Toss out tight skirts that show too many lumps in the rump.  Pass on painted-on looks.  Spandex can fool you into thinking that if you can still breathe it fits.  But the waistband is digging deep into your midriff, cutting off circulation to the lower extremities.  That’s why your feet feel all tingly! 

2. My sisters will buy the right undergarments.  One word.  Spanx.  If Spanx is too rich for your budget Target has an inexpensive line “Assets,” that does a great job of smoothing and firming.  Stop the jiggle!  Get firm!  Create a smooth, lump-free line under everything.  Bonus--you’ll look ten pounds thinner.

Two words.  New bras.  Get refitted!  Bra sizes change with time, weight gain/loss and childbirth.  That mean old man, Gravity, delivers the final 1-2 punch.  Don’t let the girls droop--pull them up from your waistband.  Chances are you’ll find a more comfortable, flattering fit that’ll lend to a sexier silhouette, better fitting garments, and second glances from not-so-secret admirers.

VPLs.  No excuses anymore.  You are not relegated to fanny floss.  Boy shorts come in every color, size, and fabric.  They’re cute, unabashedly sexy and incredibly comfortable.

Slips. Wear ‘em!  They keep that darling little BCBG dress from bunching up between your legs as you walk.  If you’re sentenced to wearing pantyhose, this little slice of silk or nylon can help calm the cling.

3. Mama wants another pair of boots.  Boots can add a fierce element of cold calculating style to your winter wardrobe.  Ankle low, knee high, western, biker, flat or wedge--I can’t get enough.  Boots make me feel powerful like Wonder Woman, sleek like Catwoman, proud like the conquering she-ro.  I can climb Mount St. Helens and not get ashed.  Wrestle with my conscience and win.  Grind my stiletto heel into the faces of those who dare me.  Right now I have my eye on a pair of black suede ankle boots from Naya with a half-inch platform sole, origami flower detail and a walkable 3” heel.  Winter can be sexy. 

4. Kinky peep toe shoes from Sofft.  Speaking of footwear, how about a pair of sexy strappy glossy shooties ($110)?  The straps makes the foot look caged.  Lots of studs.  Zippers and straps, call it a wrap.  I’ll take them.  I feel wicked just looking at them! 

5.  Faux cheetah coat from Garnet Hill.  The coat is as cute as a tiger cub.  Daring and loaded with attitude.  Oversized portrait collar, slim shape, plush velvety fleece.  The only thing Jane had that was this sexy was her man Tarzan.  Above-knee length and modestly priced ($180), this could be a signature look for the chilly fashionista. 

6. Better mascara.  A formula that doesn’t cost $25, fluffs in one coat, and doesn’t make my lashes look like little black spikes. 

7.  The return of Bobbi Brown’s “Cassis” lip color.  Bobbi discontinued one of the sexiest colors ever to coat these luscious lips.  It was a rich ruby red with brown undertones that worked well with dark skin.  It ignited the inner vixen of any woman wearing it, giving her an old school pin-up glamour.  Haven’t found a worthy substitute yet.

8.  More vintage!  Hip, funky, inspirational pieces of fashion’s past. Love the thrill of the hunt and the opportunities to create one-of-a-kind looks.


9.  A bailout for Loehmann's.  The designer discount chain is in deep financial doggie-do, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization last month.  Love the higher end designers offered at many of their stores.  Once snagged a pebbled leather Michael Kors shoulder bag there for less than $100.

10. Another year at 12th Street Gym.  Year 11!  Spinning. Tae Bo. Step. Weight Training. Yoga.  Looking fierce, feeling fabulous.  

Happy Holidays!