{DIY} Meet an FOF who makes her own clothes

There are “strokes of genius” and then there are “stitches of genius.” Karen Oliver has the latter. This FOF sews and crafts nearly her entire wardrobe, hundreds of gorgeous garments and jewelry that look like a million bucks but sometimes end up costing as little as $14 dollars.

Karen taught herself to sew at the age of 13. “I wanted nice clothes, but my parents didn’t have a lot of money to buy them for me,” says Karen. “The beauty of sewing is you can say, ‘I want that skirt in that green,’ and chances are you’ll be able to make what you’re thinking about.”

Once a week, Karen hits up her favorite fabric and bead stores in the Garment District, including Mood Designer Fabrics and M&J Trimming. (One time, she scored a yard of luxe Loro Piana cashmere for just $19 dollars!)  Sometimes she goes to buy fabric with an idea in mind, other times it’s not until she sees a fabric that the inspiration takes place. “My philosophy is, ‘how hard can it be’?'” says Karen.

Nearly every evening, Karen takes out her portable Bernina sewing machine and gets to work on the dining room table of her 1000 square-foot apartment. Sometimes she sews or beads through the wee hours of the night. One time, she stayed up the entire evening helping her friend, an editor at People magazine, sew something to wear for a gala. “The mark of loving something is you’re never tired while doing it,” says Karen. “I’m never tired when I’m creating.”

Take a look at Karen’s hand-crafted outfits below. Do you have a favorite?

Skirt,  jacket and belt: Made by Karen in a french silk faille from B&J Fabrics.
Blouse: Milly from Bloomingdales.”I would have made it myself but I ran out of time.”
Earrings: “They’re from a little shop in Paris. I’ve had them for 35 years.”
Necklace: “It’s vintage. My mother got it at an antique shop in Carmel, California.

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Tunic and wrap: Made by Karen. “The tunic cost me $14 to make and took about 3 hours.”
Choker: “I bought it in Cannes.”
Necklace (middle): “I got it in Mexico.”
Chain-link necklace: Made by Karen
Greek-key belt: Made by Karen

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Vest: Made by Karen with French-lace detailing
Skirt:
Made by Karen in cashmere. “I make this same skirt in every color. It fits just right.”
Blouse: Yves Saint Laurent
Necklaces: Vintage Chanel. “Yeah, I have Chanel pieces. But, I do them with my own twist.”

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Coat: Made by Karen. “It’s a knock off of a coat I found from Zara.
Belt:
Yves Saint Laurent
Skirt: Made by Karen. “It’s the same skirt [as in outfit 3 above], just in a different fabric.”
Scarf: Hermès

{Read the entire interview with Karen, here}

{What do you think of this look?} Crafty? couture? (or crazy?)

Some FOFs are just cut from a different cloth. This FOF ditched the usual Dior, DVF and Donna Karan duds in favor of hand-stitching her own Fashion Week getup. Was this a fashion risk worthy of reward? Read what our FOF style gurus think. Then you weigh in. Tell us, is this look: Crafty? Couture? (Or crazy?)

FOF Susan Grant: “This certainly doesn’t flatter her nor have any attractive qualities on it’s own. The coat is too voluminous and garishly adorned with flowers and mismatched buttons. Her outfit screams ‘look at me,’ or actually, ‘look away!’”

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

 

FOF Sherrie Mathieson: “This outfit has a ‘crafty,’ home-sewn look. It’s girly with a potholder motif. I’d never confuse this with couture. Was she wearing this long ensemble during daytime? If so, add ‘inappropriate’ to my less-than-enthused reaction.”

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

 

FOF Lovey Dash: “It is very crafty but not very couture. She could improve this look with black boots, leggings and a black top. She’d be better off without the dress entirely, it’s too glam with the casual coat.”

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

 

FOF Sandra Soich: “Oh my! She’s dating herself with too much fabric for a mature woman. Something with cleaner, moving lines would be a better choice. This ensemble says, ‘matron.’”

Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.

 

FOF Terry Gibralter: “I salute this FOF’s attempt to express herself through fashion, but it really looks like a home ec project gone astray. I don’t like the muddy-color palette paired with the badly appliqued pink flowers. Then there’s the striped, chain bag piped in red… Yikes! If you want to wear something this bold it must be impeccably tailored and well thought out.”

Terry Gibralter is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.

 

FOF Susan Hersh: “This is definitely NOT couture. It looks more like a costume you’d see at Disney World. You could get lost in all that fabric, and even if not, it adds an extra ten pounds to your figure.  I cannot think of one place or event a woman could wear this.”

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

 

FOF Linda Cohen:She obviously has her own point of view–I give her credit for that. She may be making a statement using recycled and vintage materials, but there is nothing appealing about this outfit at all for any FOF women. In the fashion world we used to call these home-economic  project looks ‘loving hands at home.'”

Linda Cohen owns her own consulting business specializing in retail merchandising.

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Visit isme.com for buy now pay later options and next day delivery on all products, including a great selection of ladies clothing items, from evening maxi dresses to petite trousers.

Does this look work (for work)?

In the 1988 movie Working Girl, Melanie Griffith’s character, Tess, longs to transform herself from a Staten Island secretary to a Manhattan businesswoman. Her boss, played by Sigourney Weaver, imparts this fashion wisdom: “Dress shabbily and they notice the dress. Dress impeccably, and they notice the woman.”

When you look at this FOF, do you see the clothes or the woman? Our FOF Style Gurus have strong opinions–do you agree? (Plus, this FOF happens to be a serious VIP in the working world. Can you guess who it is?)

Sherrie Mathieson: I love it. This is understated-luxe at it’s best. The palette of neutrals accentuated by warm plums and browns is exquisite. A variety of textures give excitement to this comfortable look. She is a poster child for my personal philosophy for successful style: modern classics, high quality, and dressing to emphasize your best features (notice the lovely ankles). Even her nails are perfectly groomed!

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

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Susan Grant: The proportion of the pieces is perfect and so is the combination of textures. I love the dark knit top with shantung slacks. The wedge shoes are a feminine, modern touch. She is simply and elegantly accessorized with her watch and skin clutch. This look works!

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

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Lovey Dash: I like the proportions – the longer cardigan cover up with the shorter pant. The mix of colors are interesting, yet neutral, and age appropriate. Her watch, (I think it’s Hermes) and clutch look right but the shoes are killing her outfit! They are too casual and cheapen the look. I would have preferred a peep-toe kitten heel or even a nice Chanel flat.

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: I love the color of her shoes and clutch, but  her cardigan is not flattering. She has it buttoned in the center but it would look better if she wore it open. It’s also pulling on her and hugging her buttocks. A more relaxed cardigan, in a heavier knit will not cling or show every ripple on her back. I’d prefer if she wore something more like this.

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

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{Beauty} What 50 used to look like

In 1900, the average life expectancy in the United States was 49, according to New York Times article. And a look back at the rare woman who did age into her FOF years can be a bit of a shock. Back then, 50 was the new 70. And, today? Age really ain’t nothing but a number…

Take a look at these famous FOFs over the past hundred years.  Do you think we are aging more gracefully? And if so, why?

[portfolio_slideshow]

Images via History Cooperative, Chronicle, Wikipedia, Art Posters & Prints, ACSU, Guardian UK, Dorothy Parker, Wikipedia, All Posters, Boston.com, UPI, and Zimbio

{Style Expert} Find it for le$$

Our FOF Style Gurus share their favorite, wear-everywhere summer pieces. Then, for the truly frugal, our FOF Bargain Gurus recommend look-alike items at a fraction of the price.

[portfolio_slideshow]

{Giveaway} Luxe Leather Handbag from Barr + Barr

FOF fashion designer, Helen Barr, is giving away a luxe, calfskin hobo. To enter, answer this question in the comments below: Do you match your bags to your shoes?

Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.


FOF Helen Barr had “former lives” as an artist, fashion exec and magazine editor. Then, in the late 90s, she decided she wanted to get into the booming business of bags. “I took a deep breath, rented an office, and began designing and manufacturing private label bags for Spiegel and Bloomingdales until I had a bit of money in the business,” says Helen. After three years designing private label, Helen launched Barr + Barr in 2000. Her bags were an instant hit, with her first designs selling to Neiman Marcus and Saks. “I grew it bag by bag,” she says.

Now, just a decade since it launched, Barr + Barr has received accolades from InStyle, Town & Country and Harper’s Bazaar editors and has been picked up by the Home Shopping Network (where the bags have been known to sell out in minutes). They’ve been toted around Tinseltown by Kim Cattrall, Sharon Stone and Debra Messing, and have made appearances on prime time shows including Sex and the City and Will and Grace. One of Helen’s bags was even worn by first lady, Laura Bush. “I keep the letter from her hanging on my showroom wall,” says Helen.

More details about the bag you could win:

  • Value – $289
  • Genuine calfskin leather
  • Inside zip, cell phone and multifunction pockets
  • Top zipper closure
  • Two outside pockets
  • Handle with 8 3/4″ drop
  • Removable, adjustable crossbody strap
  • Signature removable key fob
  • Dust bag
  • Signature love letter lining
  • 12 1/2″ (L) x 13″ (H) x 6 1/4″ (W)

Enter to win a luxe leather bag designed by FOF Helen Barr. Comment below and answer: Do you match your bags to your shoes?

Plus! FOF Exclusive Discount: Receive 15% off any bag from Barr & Barr when you “like” them on Facebook. (Mention on their wall that you came from FabOverFifty and they’ll send you a discount code valid until June 2, 2011.)

(See all our past winners. See official rules. One winners is chosen at random from all those commenters who answer the question. Contest closes May 26, 2011.)

{Travel} “What’s in my travel bag”

Talk about emotional baggage! Three of the greatest FOF packers we know share what’s stowed in their carry-ons. From moleskin to powdered peanut butter…  their packing lists might surprise you.

1. Nancy Friedman is founder and CEO of an award-winning travel and hospitality P.R. agency based in New York. Her clients have included the island of St. Lucia, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Westin Hotels and Resorts and more. Nancy travels a few times each month for work and leisure. Her favorite travel destinations are Vermont, Spain, Denmark and the Dominican Republic.

Her luggage:
TUMI suitcases
in silver, brown, red and black.

What’s in her bag:
Lightweight sweater
— “For when it’s chilly on the plane. Or sometimes I’ll pack a pashmina or light jacket.”
Eye mask
— “For sleeping on the plane. My current one is leopard print.”
3 FDA-approved, clear bottles — “I put shampoo in one, conditioner in another, and Woolite or mouthwash in the third. My P.R. agency developed and branded these.
Soft Surroundings wrinkle-proof pants in black
— “They’re easy to wear on the plane, lightweight and super soft.”
Flats — “I rarely wear boots or sneakers at the airport because you have to take your shoes off to go through security.”
Books — “Currently I have one book for light reading, I Think I Love You by Allison Pearson and one that’s a little heavier, Even Silence Has an End by Ingrid Betancourt. I switch back and forth between the two.”
KIND bars — “I never want to be stuck hungry without healthful options.”
Nike bike shorts — “I love biking in different cities.”

Her travel packing tip:
“Pack clothing in one or two color schemes and accessorize.”

Her ideal vacation spot:
“It’s so hard to pick! Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has the best views in the Tetons. In Prague, I love the Hotel Aria for its music theme. The Postcard Inn in St. Petersburg, Florda, is a fun and affordable beach destination.”
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2. Marybeth Bond, “The Gutsy Traveler,” is the author of 11 travel books for women including the bestsellers 50 Best Girlfriend Getaways in North AmericaA Woman’s World and Gutsy Women. Marybeth has hiked, cycled, climbed, dived and kayaked her way through more than seventy countries, from the depths of the Flores Sea to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. She’s appeared as a travel expert on Oprah, CBS News, CNN, ABC, NBC, National Public Radio and National Geographic Weekend.

Her luggage:
Samsonite Spinner
in black or blue.

What’s in her bag:
Magellan’s hang-up toiletries holder
— “It has clear pockets so I can see what I packed at all times.”
Eye shield
— “If the person I’m traveling with wants to stay up late reading or I have a chatty neighbor on the plane, it’s great.”
Clothespin or large safety pin
— “Before I go to bed, I pin closed the curtains in my hotel room to keep it dark.”
Taupe-colored pashmina— “It goes with everything and it’s so warm. I use it as a night shawl, a throw, or a warming wrap in a chilly restaurant.”
Ann Taylor black open-toe, slingback heels
— “They’re dressy, but comfortable.”
Clinique or Olay face cream with SPF — “It’s very important my face cream has sun screen with a minimum of SPF 8. You can get sun damage without knowing it, even when you are driving.”
Moleskin — “I cut a 1-inch-by-1-inch piece and put it in my shoes. It prevents blisters.”

Her travel packing tip:
“Don’t pack a hairdryer. It’s what I call a ‘baggage buster.’ You don’t need it, every place has them.”

Her ideal vacation spot:
“I love Racho La Puerta — I’ve been there 3 times. It’s an all-inclusive spa resort in Mexico. I love their facials and hot river stones massage. They have more than 300 gym classes a week, a cooking school on an organic farm and Pultizer-prize-winning guest speakers. You stay in terra cotta cottages with private patios. The resort sits on 3,000 acres of preserved land. But, my favorite thing about it, is they have 36 hammocks that dot the property.

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3. Debbi Kickham has been a travel writer since 1984. She is the former editor of the Robb Report and has written travel article for magazines and newspapers including The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times, Glamour and Cigar Aficionado. Her new book, The Globetrotter’s Get Gorgeous Guide, is the world’s first beauty book for traveling women.

Her luggage: Travel Pro Platinum 6 in blue.

What’s in her bag:
A jump rope
— “If your hotel or resort doesn’t have a gym, you can still exercise in your room with a jump rope. I’ve done it many times even when I stayed at in an over-water bungalow in Bora Bora.”
Skirt Sports workout wear
— “It’s a little skirt with shorts underneath. I love wearing a skirt when I workout. It puts a little pizazz in your step.”
FitNutz Powdered Peanut Butter
— “All you do is add water and you have instant peanut butter. It gives Skippy a run for its money. Two tablespoons of Fitnutz is about 45 calories with 1 gram of fat. Two tablespoons of Skippy is about 130 calories and 50 grams of fat. It’s great if you need a little energy.”
En Passant by Frederic Malle — “This fragrance smells like lilacs. I’m crazy about it. On the plane I go fragrance free, but I always pack this to wear once I arrive at my destination.”
“Basket Case” by Orly nail polish— “It’s bright pink, my favorite color. I wear it constantly.”
A satin pillowcase
– “Satin is much more forgiving on your face and hair and doesn’t cause wrinkles like a cotton pillowcase does.”
Oscillococcinum— “This is a wonderful homeopathic remedy that you can buy at any pharmacy. Whenever I travel, I’m very susceptible to getting sick. The minute I feel like I’m coming down with something, I take it.”
Landau costume jewelry — “I think it’s a good idea to invest in some nice costume jewelry for traveling. I’m a big fan of Landau jewelry.”
Bass Weejuns tassled loafers with a rubber sole — “I swear by them for the airplane and sightseeing. Tomorrow I have a 3-hour layover in Miami. I’ll walk for exercise in the airport. I’ll wear loafers instead of sneakers so I don’t look like a slob.”
Magazines – “I love reading Allure, InStyle and spa magazines on the plane.”

Her travel packing tip:
“Instead of packing beauty products, check out the local pharmacy at your destination. Often you can find locally-made skincare items that are climate and temperature specific. These products also make great gifts.”

Her ideal vacation spot:
“I go to Hawaii once a year for two weeks. My favorite resort is the Fairmont Kea Lani– they have a fabulous beach, gorgeous swimming pool and all of the rooms are suites.”

{Fashion} Put some spring in your step!

This spring, FOF Shelley Zausmer is turning over a new leaf — she’s trading in her beloved high heels for comfortable, stylish flats. Since it’s been years since she’s shopped for anything below a 3-inch heel, she sought advice from our FOF style gurus on the new “Ask an FOF” section of FabOverFifty. Here are their picks for comfy-chic spring kicks, (almost) all for less than $160:

FOF Style Guru Linda Cohen: “The Cole Haan wedges are made with the same Nike ‘air’ technology used in their sneakers. They’re cushion-y with a modern wedge heel. The ballet flats have a rubberized sole. The slight heel makes them more feminine.”

Left: Air Talia Wedge 40 by Cole Haan, $119.95.
Right: Cece leather and canvas ballet flats by J.Crew, $128.
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FOF Style Guru Terry Gibralter: “The fact that loafers, spectators and brogues are in style this spring is great news for those seeking comfortable footwear!”

Left: Spectator oxfords by Candela, $158
Right: Keyman by Stuart Wetizman, $325
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FOF Style Guru Lisa C.: “I’ve had good luck lately with Sperry, the same company responsible for Topsiders. Also, ballet flats are still in style this season, you should be able to find hundreds [of pairs that] are adorable and comfortable.”

Left: Simple by London Sole, $165
Right: Madaket Slip On by Sperry, $67.99
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FOF Style Guru Linda Cohen: “The designers must have been listening to real women who want to be stylish without wearing a 5-inch platform! The ‘Thimble Clover’ by Clarks is a perfect example. The rubberized bottom and foam foot bed make them comfortable and the embellishment will make them your season’s favorite sandal.”

Left: Nasy by Corso Como, $159
Right: “Thimble Clover” by Clarks, $89.99
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FOF Style Guru Sandra Soich: “Toms are my weekend walking shoe this season. They are so comfortable. Neimans now sells exclusive styles of Toms with a sturdier sole and in fantastic tones such as a low-key pewter colored shoe I bought and wear everywhere.”

Left: Bennet Metallic Slip-On by Toms, $85.
Right: Air Bacara Ballet by Cole Haan, $148.
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{Style Expert} What do you think of this look?

Another fashion week FOF–but is she a fashion victim or a fashion champ?

FOF Terry Gibraltar: “The white boots are so unflattering on her, and the combo of heavy ruched skirt and fur trimmed jacket don’t do her any favors either. I really don’t like anything about this outfit! I say, start over.”

Terry Gibralter is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.

FOF Susan Grant: “Coincidentally, I returned from Paris just a few hours ago and can report that white footwear is a big trend. That said, this isn’t a chic way of pulling it off. The look would work better if the boots were worn with an all black outfit and a longer skirt.”

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


FOF Sherrie Mathieson: “A black-and-white palette can be well done–but she uses it to grab attention rather than enhance her body. The jacket narrows her shoulders, the skirt widens her hips, and her body length is chopped along the “checkerboard.” Would she switch the bottom to a sleek wide-legged black pant and black boot? Hope so!”

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

FOF Gail Garramone: “The boots would work better with a less complicated look up top, perhaps a monochromatic one. And the proportion of the shoes to her legs is not right–she looks like she stepped into marshmallows.”

Gail Garramone is a veteran V.P. of Liz Claiborne Inc. where she traveled around the country with Tim Gunn producing fashion workshops.

Sandra Soich: “It’s wrong. This lovely lady just doesn’t have the right frame for this look….thick middle, heavy knees and calves. Everything is chopped and not flowing.”

Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.

Tell us FOFs: Do you agree with our style experts? What do you think of this outfit?

{Poll} Which look do you like best?

Amid the sea of beauties bundled in black, these fabulously stylish FOFs stood out at Fashion Week thanks to their colorful coats. Tell us, which look do you like best?

What she’s wearing:
Coat
— Vintage Geoffrey Beene
Turtleneck
Alice + Olivia
Earrings
David Webb
Bag
Lambertson Truex
Boots
Manolo Blahnik
Fur Collar
Paola Quadretti
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What she’s wearing:
Coat — Lilli Ann
Bag
kit + lili
Shoes
— Vintage Ann Klein
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What she’s wearing:
Coat
— vintage
BagBCBG
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Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

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