{What do you think of this look?} Grammy’s Edition

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 February 13

Grammy fashion is all about looking over-the-top, sexy, and cool. There are no bonus points for style that’s “distinguished” and “appropriate” as there are at the Oscars. But were FOFs able to push the envelope without looking ridiculous?

Well, we think there were high notes . . . and some FOFashion flats.
But what do you think of these looks?

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Cyndi Lauper

FOF Cyndi, 58, took the plunge in a cleavage-revealing Jean Paul Gaultier blazer and a gown that showed her glowing white gams, right up to the thigh. All we can say is, girl just wants to have fun. Over the top? Check. Sexy? Check. Cool? Doublecheck. One sour note: The teased black hair extensions, which just look crazy.

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Diane Warren

Diane, 56, is the brilliant FOF songwriter behind everyone else’s hits (Aerosmith, Celine Dion, Beyonce . . . .) This year, she was nominated for “Born to Be Somebody,” a song she wrote for Justin Bieber. Unfortunately, she may have also used Justin’s stylist. Her jeans and shoes look straight out of his closet. The jacket has some promise, but seems to be concealing a totally incongruous green ice skating skirt. Sorry, this is an FOFail.

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Kathy Griffin

“Best Comedy Album” nominee Kathy Griffin, 52, used to be the “gawky” funny one. But since becoming FOF, she’s publicly taken great pains to also be “sexy-pretty” funny one. Frankly, with this Michael Kors dress, she’s achieved her goal. It may be a little “beauty pageant” for the Grammy’s, but Kathy looks damn good! Extra points for fab hair and accessories.

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Bonnie Raitt

FOF Bonnie Raitt’s moving tribute to Etta James was one of the highlights of the show. On the style side, no one rocks white streaks better than Bonnie, and this copper color looks great on her. BUT, the un-tucked blouse, nondescript black pants and orthopedic shoes give us nothin’ to talk about. Come on, Bonnie, you’re rich–you can do better.

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Diana Ross

Lifetime Achievement Award winner, FOF Diana Ross, has made some crazy-town fashion choices in recent years, but she pulled it together here with a well-tailored suit and completely fabulous crystal crystal cuffs and matching shoes.

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Valerie Simpson

Ain’t no mountain high enough to keep us away from this suit worn by FOF Valerie Simpson, 56, of Ashford and Simpson. The pattern is all kinds of wrong, and it still doesn’t manage to distract attention from Valerie’s straggly updo and cheesy shoes and bag.

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Linda Ramone

FOF Linda Ramone famously caused a lifelong rift between Joey Ramone (whom she dated) and Johnny Ramone (whom she eventually married). Last night, she caused a fashion rift among our editors, who couldn’t quite decide if she looks incredibly cool or incredibly mismatched. Overall, you can’t deny she looks sexy and sultry–that hair is fierce! Do the boots and the dress and the necklace “go” together? Is that even what the Grammy’s is about?

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{Style Expert} What do you think of this look?

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 February 7

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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{What do you think of this look?} Screen Actor’s Guild Fashion

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 January 30

Two weeks ago, we featured our FOFashion picks and pans from the Golden Globes. These actresses take our fashion critiques very seriously (ahem), so clearly they wanted to impress and improve at this weekend’s SAG awards. What do you think: Were their fashion choices fab, or should we wish them better luck at the Oscars?

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Glenn Close:

Bravo, Glenn! Despite its rococo ruffle at the bottom, Glenn’s Zac Posen dress was a major upgrade from her fairly forgettable and unflattering showing at the Golden Globes. Her figure looks fab, her arms are artfully concealed, and her hair and makeup are fresh and flawless. Love it! (But what do you think . . . )

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Diane Lane:

If we hadn’t seen her last dress, Diane would have received higher marks for this perfectly lovely David Meister gown. But we did see her last dress, and it knocked this one out of the water. She looks just fine, but slightly more pedestrian–or should we say, ready for the prom. Perhaps she’s saving the showstopper for Oscar.

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Meryl Streep:

Oy. Okay, based on this and the last dress, we think Meryl has two goals: to look cool and to be comfortable. Last week she fell slightly short due to the fit of her dress. This week, she’s in the ballpark, but it’s still not quite coming together. Her Vivienne Westwood gown looks too big and the belt appears plucked from another outfit. That said, the color is perfect on her, and she does seem to be reaching her own fashion goals–even if they’re not ours.

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Mary Tyler Moore:

Mary Tyler Moore received the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award, and frankly, she looked great. Her face may have suffered a bit too much nip and tuck over the years, but you can’t say the same for this suit, which is perfectly tailored, flattering and chic. Love the layered jewelry and the open collar. Not to mention her partner on stage: How great does Dick van Dyke look?!

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Jessica Lange:

Winner for best best actress in a TV drama, Jessica Lange also wins our vote of approval for this sparkling chocolate gown. Her hair looked great, her body looked strong. The only thing missing is some funky gold jewelry around her neck. Then again, when your neck looks that smooth, maybe you want to show it off?

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Tilda Swinton:

Nominated once again for her work in We Need to Talk About Kevin, Tilda wore an off-white Lanvin gown. Tilda, we need to talk about this dress: You looked A-MAZING at the Globes–fierce and fab, per usual. Here, you look mildly depressed and strangely wide in the middle due to heavy pleating at the waist. We’ll see you at the Oscars . . . you better bring it!

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{Style Expert} What do you think of this look?

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 January 23

We spotted this belted beauty outside of Barneys in NYC. We loved the kimono-style coat, but is her style everyone’s cup of tea? Read what our style experts think, and then tell us: What do you think of her look?

Glenyse Thompson: “I love it–this FOF has it going on. All the elements in her outfit balance together perfectly; from the chunky turtleneck and statement necklace to the belted coat. The colors compliment her skin tone too. She looks chic, comfortable and fabulous. I personally would like to know where she got that coat, and If I were her friend I would be trying to borrow that necklace!”

Glenyse Thompson is a personal home and wardrobe stylist and the creator of Styleosophy.
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Sherrie Mathieson: “This refined-looking lady understands quality and style. Every item she is wearing says ‘well made’, and ‘high-end’–the best cashmere and leather. I love her sporty, ageless, flat boots and how she tucked her pants into them without excessive bulk. (Leggings would have been too “young”). However, the lovely necklace doesn’t integrate and the look would be sleeker without it. Sunglasses that were neutral without those purple lenses, would be better.”

Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.
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Sandra Soich: “This woman definitely has style, but too much happening in one outfit. The pieces are all beautiful on their own, but not mixed together. The big problem is the riding boots. They are great–but not with the ensemble. Another issue…is this outfit age appropriate? Tending to think not. She’s definitely trying too hard.”

Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.
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Terry Gibralter: “There’s a lot I like about this look and some things I don’t. The belted wrap coat is great and given her trim figure, she wears it well. I like the leather tie belt and the sweater underneath. As much as I like the necklace, I don’t feel it works as a coat accessory and it feels at odds with the tailored ensemble. I also don’t like what looks to be pants tucked into her boots, it feels a little heavy and awkward and I would prefer a sleeker look on the bottom–narrow wool pants with a brogue shoe or slim fitting boots on a slightly higher heel. I do love her chic bob and cool sunglasses!”

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: “I love this look–tres chic! Love the belted coat layered over her cozy, contrasting turtleneck sweater. The boots are great, but I think I see baggy denim jeans peeping out. That is a no no. Thank goodness it’s mostly covered.”

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 Hersh: “When I first saw this woman, ‘chic and luxurious’ came to mind. The short-sleeve cape is an exquisite outwear piece and layers beautifully over the chunky turtleneck. The black riding boots polish off the look and the necklace is an artistic statement. This lady has great style and is an influence for all ages.”

Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.
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{What do you think of this look?}

LEAVE A COMMENT 2012 January 3

This fab and funky FOF from Austin, TX, was spotted shopping with her husband (who was wearing matching glasses) on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Her redcessories made her hard to miss! Our take: She looks like someone we’d want to be friends with. But do you think her style is red hot, or–not?

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.

{Style Expert} What do you think of this look?

LEAVE A COMMENT 2011 December 12

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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{Street Spotted} Paris, where every week is Fashion Week

LEAVE A COMMENT 2011 November 30

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?

{Style Expert} What Do You Think Of This Look?

LEAVE A COMMENT 2011 November 16

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.

{Style Expert} What Do You Think Of This Look?

LEAVE A COMMENT 2011 November 7

When done right, the preppy look never goes out of style–just ask Ralph Lauren. But when done wrong, it can look dated or even silly. So what do you think–is this FOF adorably ivy league, or out of her fashion league?

Susan Grant: “This a a perfectly assembled, luxurious, safe preppy look. Fairly monochromatic, yet made interesting by its combination of textures. It’s the uniform of the Connecticut suburb where I grew up. Thank goodness for the diversity and feast for the eyes found in Manhattan.”

Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.

Lovey Dash: “I personally do not care for this look, however it is preppy and pretty much in fashion these days. The color camel, the flat shoe and the preppy car coat are huge this year. She could go without the belt and the top is, meh. Myself, I’ll take a pair of 5-inch heels, fishnets and a black leather coat any day….”

Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills stylist to the stars. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.

Sherrie Mathieson: “I would always rather see a conservative, preppy FOF than an older gal who ‘blings out’ or overdoes her style. However the matchy-ness of her sweater and coat is a bit too cute and odd. Most of her outfit is fairly classic in concept, but the belted top is a mistake (chopping her figure) that a turtleneck alone would have easily corrected. She still has a girlish figure and just needs a bit of tweaking to reach her preppy potential.”

Sherrie Mathieson is a leading style expert and Random House author of Steal this Style and Forever Cool.

{What Do You Think of This Look?} Zany Ladies

LEAVE A COMMENT 2011 September 1

You’ve seen them before — zany FOFs donning uber-artsy duds and strutting the streets practically crying out to be photographed. Popular street style blogs such as Advanced Style and the New York Magazine Lookbook are quick to call these women “stylish,” But do you agree? Just because an FOF dresses zany, does that mean she’s stylish?

“I’m a walking collage. I bring art to the street, it has nothing to do with fashion,” says Sue Kreitzman, one such ‘zany lady’ who we met on at the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City, last week.

On Sue:
Necklace — Anna Tai
Bracelet — Old Earth Creates
Jacket — Sue found the fabric at a store near The Antiques Garage flea market, Lauren Shanley a well known fabric artist sewed it into a coat
Glasses — Eley Kishimoto

Image Sources: Advanced Style, New York Magazine Lookbook

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