{What Do You Think Of This Look?}

Black is the new… black?! Okay, okay, there’s nothing new about it, especially on the streets of New York City, where we spotted this FOF and where dressing dark is practically the law of the land. But, there’s a right way and a wrong way to don the inky hue–where does this FOFit in? First, read what our style gurus think. Then, tell us: Is she a black sheep or black beauty?


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Glenyse Thompson: “Oh my! Love the coat, classic Louis Vuitton tote, chic jewelry and patent walking shoes. She looks comfortable and elegant until you hit those hips. I want to be polite but…those pants are hideous. Fitted jeans or pants with a slight flare at the ankle would have made this outfit a black beauty.”

Glenyse Thompson is a personal home and wardrobe stylist and the creator of Styleosophy.

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Susan Grant: “Too much going on–fringed detail on the jacket, the print-patterned slacks and shiny shoes, plus, the ensemble doesn’t flatter this woman’s figure. The length of the jacket, (perhaps hiked up by the bag on her shoulder) draws attention to her hips. The pegged pants do the same. Straight legged slacks would give her a leaner line and a more sophisticated look. They would also draw less attention to the shoes, which I assume she’s wearing for comfort.”

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

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Sherrie Mathieson: “Her look is quite good except for the pant that would have been better in solid black. She combines her darks and lights well with a touch of unexpected turquoise. She also balances the feminine (frilly jacket and jewelry) with the sporty bag and shoes really well. Her patent shoes look comfortable, practical and a stylish choice for a lady her age. ”

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

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Terry Gibralter: “Unfortunately, I don’t like much about this FOF’s look. The head-to-toe black is too harsh and draining for her. I find the entire outfit to be quite unflattering. The heavy shawl-collared jacket with fringe swallows her up and I really don’t get the pants–are they capri length with socks showing or is that their design? Whichever it is, they are the wrong look for her. The shoes might be okay paired with some other outfit. The small print neutral scarf doesn’t do much. I don’t mind her large Louis Vuitton tote. Definitely a black sheep!”

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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Susan Hersh: “The shawl collar fringe jacket is stunning and like a true New Yorker this woman is sporting the right, stylish and comfortable walking shoe. The printed slim pant with faux leather ankle band looks inexpensive to me compared to the rest of her luxe outfit. Additionally, it makes her legs look short and her figure appear pear shaped. Solid black leggings or slim leg trousers would be more flattering.”

Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.

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Sandra Soich: “Black Sheep! There’s nothing about this look that appeals to my styling senses. First of all, this is not age appropriate. Starting from the bottom up, the shoes are so heavy and awkward looking. Then we travel up to the double pant attempt which is very unattractive. The coat could pass the test. The accessories (scarf, jewelry and bag) just look dated. And, to finish, the hair looks so unkempt and the color needs some work.”

Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.
Photographer: Sivan Askayo

{Fashion} Glitter for Grownups

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No need to be sequin shy. Fashion Week was full of stylish FOFs sporting metallic embellishments and glitter galore. But all that glitters is not gold–FOFs should practice restraint and sophistication when selecting sparkle, according to FOF style expert Sherrie Mathieson. “Sequins are best in sophisticated tones like beige, platinum, charcoal and a not-too-brilliant silver,” says Sherrie. “When paired with a luxe cashmere shawl or sweater, you have a great textural mix.”

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Resist the urge to pile on–settle on one or two glitz-cessories and use the rest of your outfit as a backdrop for these star-pieces to shine.

Left to right: Dune Sparkle Sequin Fold Up Ballerinas from Asos/ $35.81, Goldie Clutch from the FOF Shop, $30/ Big Buddha Faux Leather Hobo, $95/ Eileen Fisher Embellished Whisper Silk Infinity Scarf, $158

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A blazer with sequined detail is perfect paired with a little black dress, a nautical-striped top or even a t-shirt and jeans. Sequined shirts add understated glam beneath a blazer or solid-color cardigan.

Left to right: Sequin Shawl-Collar Cardigan from J.Crew, $99/ Shimmer Sequin Tank from Talbots, $38.99/ Shiny Print Blouse from Zara, $79.90

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Pair sequined skirts with solid-colored sweaters and shirts in cashmere or cotton. The sparkle will pop against the neutral textures and tones, and you’ll avoid looking like a disco ball.

Sequin Hostess Skirt from Talbots, $148.99/ Bloused Cold Shoulder Sequin Dress by Aidan Mattox from Nordstrom, $360/ Tianna Sequined Skirt from Lauren Woman by Ralph Lauren, $59.99.

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

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.

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.