Lafatyette 148 New York and a Gorgeous location make for a Sophisticated Day

How much fun to model for Lafayette 148 New York.  I have been a fan of theirs for a
long time. Their styles are so classic.  Truly Ageless Chic. Every piece can stand
on it's own or can make a great piece to help create lots of different looks.
There are basically no designers out there who make basic pieces like Lafayette
 AND they go all the way up to size 24. There is NO more stylish brand for Plus Women
than Lafayette. So, no matter what your size, their clothes are cut so that
you can find something to  hide "trouble areas" yet still appear stylish and feel beautiful.
The three pieces selected were all the same shade of cream.  Going monochrome
 adds to the sophistication of any ensemble.

Modeling for  an exclusive and sophisticated Designer like Lafayette 148 New York
called for a special location.  In Southern California, there are so many wonderful spots,
yet few know about the Westlake Inn in Westlake.  In fact, I had lived here over
twenty years before I heard about it.  What a great secret too, so "shhhhhhhh", don't tell too
many people!!! The Inn is located on acres and acres of land with over 5 restaurants,
2 pubs, and  other casual eating spots. Of course there are also formal areas for weddings
and other special occasions.

A beautiful man made lake is center most with inviting fountains that make it the perfect setting for any special occasion or just to hang out and relax.  Our photo shoot, needless to say, was calling to us from this lake. The serene surroundings made this photo shoot a very relaxing but inspirational one.

Not surprisingly, Spanish Architecture in it's finest and most authentic form is what adds to the
charm of the Westlake Inn. Spanish arches, wrought iron fences, and flowers abound. With
such an abundance of lush flora, there  was hardly a spot not suitable for taking photos.
Below we took advantage of the beautifully designed wrought iron that is a traditional
craft of Spanish Architecture.

The  photos above were taken with the first ensemble, the skirt and bolero style
 jacket made of synthetic fibers.  The sleeveless blouse is 100% silk and the outfit
 together was very comfortable, even on this hot day that we shot.  The blouse can also
 be tucked in.  If you are wearing gold accessories,  a pretty gold belt would be
 great to break up some of the cream. The way it is worn here, is good if your
 problem area lies in the tummy  (which mine does). However if you have a slim
waist with a smaller pooch, belting this would be a great option.

As we kept walking we even found a vineyard. Could this place be any more beautiful? The architecture and abundance of beautiful natural locations was  breathtaking. We stayed much longer than we had planned because we couldn't stop exploring.

All in all it was a beautiful day at a beautiful location where I got to wear beautiful clothes.
How lucky can a girl get?  It doesn't get better than this wonderful opportunity.

We ended staying until dusk, my favorite time of the day. The lighting and the mood makes
 this photo my favorite of this wonderful day.

A Designer Who Helps You Design Your Dreams, Not Just Clothes. Stella Carakasi

When I was asked by the Staff at Stella Carakasi to take a look at their clothing, I was of course reserved to say anything to indicate that I would promote their designs, in case I didn't
like them.   Cautiously, I opened the box that they sent and was almost prepared not to like the clothes because there are so few fashions that are truly for Women Over Fifty.  I tried on
several "outfits" and much to my surprise, and delight, I was very pleased.
And I am pretty picky.

Stella Carakasi is headquartered in Berkely, Ca.  No coincidence that my son also was in school there this past year!!  Somehow, I got to talking with the lovely people at Stella's and was so honored and excited when they asked me to drop by their facility to see their lines for the Summer and Fall. So, on the weekend we were scheduled to move my son out of his apartment for the summer, I scheduled a time to make it over to Stella Carakasi's. Wow, what an impressive store and the clothes, fantastic for Any Woman Any Age.





On the introductory page of this blog, there is a description of my journey and how it involves energetic, or spiritual, work with the Native American Shamans of Peru.  You are probably wondering what this has to do with Stella.  Well, through my training, I have learned how to sense when something or someone has a depth that may not be fully recognized by others.  It's hard to describe it other than what I just said.  So, when I arrived, I was expecting to see clothes, and the clothes were indeed fabulous. (I am not just saying this). However, when I met the actual Stella, I was swept off my feet by this incredible woman's vision.

This petite woman who is about to turn Fifty herself, is so much bigger than her very small
frame.  In fact, this woman is spiritually aligned with the designs that she creates; I have never met anyone like her. Stella designs with respect for every woman's shape in mind.  Not just women Over Fifty, but women who may have bigger hips, or a bigger waist, or bigger breasts, or bigger or smaller whatever.  Her goal is not to appeal to the same audience as most designers, but rather to a woman's sensuality and sense of beauty. Most importantly, her vision is not just that women will look beautiful, but that if women feel beautiful, they will show up in the world more empowered and more confident. Her goal is to help all women feel beautiful in her clothes.

Stella started out 22 years ago as a partner with two brothers to form the company that now bears her name. Stella built a great clothing line and had a great team behind her. She has been on her own for many years,  but recently partnered up with a new creative force, Vivian.  Vivian, also a pharmaceutical consultant and former dancer, is the perfect compliment to Stella.  Vivian has brought great new ideas and creativity to the brand Stella Carakasi.

Vivian, a powerful partner of Stella's and the
brand Stella Carakasi. Notice her dancer's pose!
Of course she is wearing all Stella Carakasi clothing.

After my chat with Stella and Vivian in the back, we went out to the storefront where women were trying on clothes and making purchases. I was fortunate enough to meet several of their regular clients, and much to my surprise, a good portion of them were Over Fifty. There is something in the air in Berkeley, or maybe it is because it is a world class educational mecca, but the Over Fifty women I spoke with were so engaged and involved in the world. These women were contributors to society and you could just tell that Stella's styles were fulfilling the needs of these special ladies.

The welcoming store where I found several Over Fifty women shopping away.

In June, I needed to bring my son back to Berkeley for his summer internship, and so I contacted Vivian and told her that I could stop by again, I had so much fun the first time.  Unbeknownst to me, they sent out an email to their clients informing them that I would be there for a meet and greet."
Had I known, I would have dressed better.  We bloggers have images to keep!

I was so honored when women showed up and told me that they had found my website
from sources other than Stella. What a great feeling to know that the message of Fashion Over Fifty is reaching beyond my own sphere.

Elena, Me, Linda and Win.
You could sit and talk to these women all day!

More women came later on, and I think we all had such a nice time sharing, not just our passion for Stella, but also our stories.  Everyone has a story, and there isn't enough space here to write those.

Sherron with that incredible
white/gray hair.

Shadi, a model in the last show
who I thought did a terrific job.

Lucretia who found me through
a knitting group on Facebook

It isn't a party without trying on clothes.
Here Susan is asking our opinion of what
she just tried on.  Great shoes!!

Finally there is the group of employees who are all really kind and generous of their time. It really felt like I was part of a family and it was such a great feeling. They haven't seen the last of me

Tracy, Charlene, Emily, Stella, Vivian, Mali and Yarra
A family of employees and owners.

Olivia, Emily and Yarra
the saleswomen extraordinare!!

All in all, it was such a great day. Great not only to meet the special women who came out to meet me, but special because there was a common thread between all of us.  We are all women who are

trying to be beautiful inside and out, and Stella Carakasi helped all of us feel that way. 

Thanks so much to everyone 

This top was a big hit on my Facebook page
Fashion Over Fifty.  It is the Metallic
Look So Good top.
Love, Wendy

The Fashion Over Fifty Mother's Day Fashion Show at Bloomingdale's on May 9

PRESENTING THE BEAUTIFUL SIXTEEN WOMEN IN THE FASHION SHOW AT BLOOMINGDALE'S,

NORTH MICHIGAN AVE, CHICAGO

Welcome ladies to an event that will change your life.  Even if it is just in an itty bitty way, you will gain more confidence and become more aware of your posture, your gait, and how you present yourself to the world.  This is so special for women Over Fifty, because no one seems to consider us seriously. Well, those days are over.  As women Over Fifty, we plan to become a force to be reckoned with!!

Here we are on our first day of practice. So excited because we don't know what is coming!!  Practice is about to begin.

 Our wonderful Runway Coach, Mark David Carter, is amazing. He knows how to make every woman feel comfortable and beautiful. His style is so amazing, once the women get the hang 

of it, it starts to feel more natural, but there will be sore thighs the next day, that's for sure.

This modeling is not about pouty faces, either, like the ones we see on 

the runway today. This show is not about the clothes, 

though you will be amazed to see how wonderful the women

look and how there are so many clothes for women Over Fifty, but no one helps us learn how to style. Mostly,  this is about helping women Over Fifty step out of the

shadows that society has unknowingly placed on us 

for so long.  

Those days are now over!!

Most of the models arrived on the first day wearing black, and heels, as instructed. Introductions were made and we had so many women from different backgrounds, and ages, but one thing in common; and that was to feel better about themselves and have some fun.

 Here we are at another rehearsal day!  It isn't as easy as it looks!  

Five days later, we are at rehearsal in Bloomingdales.  Most of the outfits have been selected and Mark is teaching the ladies how to enter and exit at the Fashion Show. Their confidence has grown so much in just five days. Now the modeling techniques are starting to make sense.  It all starts to come together at rehearsal.  This is one more time to pull it all together and the excitement is building. The ladies by now have developed a camaraderie and support one another. When one model does a good job, everyone claps.  There is such a buzz in the air, because it is a triumph not just for that woman, but for all women Over Fifty. There is no competition, only collaboration.

The ladies have had their makeup done by the professionals at Bloomingdales.  Their foundations and facial products were provided by Armani. Armani is known for its foundations because of the illuminating effects. Illumination deflects finer lines. These women are definitely illuminating.  The eye makeup was done by the professionals at Nars and the ladies looked runway ready!

Meet the stylist, at only 23, John Liptak. The women felt so comfortable finding their own style with John and he deserves a lot of credit for helping to select 32 ensembles for this show. Fashion Over Fifty is indebted to John for his vision and his presence

Susan at 61, loves trying new things. She dances in a professional group and feels that now is the time to fulfill those dreams we had since we were kids. What little girl doesn't dream of being a model or a ballerina? Susan is getting her chance to do both in her Sixties. It is never too late.

Kay found us through a Senior Citizen locale that offers so many opportunities to seniors, including classes, and other activities to keep seniors engaged and not isolated.  Kay loved the camaraderie of the entire experience and forgot how shy she was as a youngster.
She went out there and let her inner self shine!!

   

Marilyn is having a blast.  Shy?  Who me?  Not a chance. It looks  as if she has been waiting to do this forever.  Her inner and outer selves are shining and she looks stunning.

Could Doris look any happier? Her  gorgeous hair and the black dress are a smashing combination. What a hit she made, and you can see how the audience is glued to her!!

Cathy jumped at the chance to be in the show and we are so glad she did.  Having just moved here from Oregon, she got to meet some wonderful women and to update her style from the outbacks of Oregon! Now she's ready for city life!

Rose was our Senior member of the show at 77!! You would never know it.  She is truly an original Fashionista.  There isn't any style that was too "young" for Rose.  If styled properly, anything can be "age appropriate."  Who made up that term anyway?  Rose sets her own rules, and she does a great job.  The next day was Mother's Day and her Birthday.  What a great present to herself showing up and showing everybody that "It's never too late"

This is Eileen, an original Fashion Over Fifty model. Her stunning black tuxedo jumpsuit with a cream blouse and the right accessories were just her style. And she got to purchase the jumpsuit, on sale, for almost nothing!!  She knows what she will be wearing next New Years Eve!

Peggy is another Fashion Over Fifty original model.  She is back this time looking very elegant in this gorgeous evening gown. And for those women who feel uncomfortable showing their arms she is wearing a lovely sheer wrap, that takes nothing away from the dress.  Peggy you are always welcome at Fashion Over Fifty

Our concept of the age "75" is blown away by Minne in this sexy evening gown. Gone are the words "Age Appropriate".  If styled correctly, anything goes.  Minne refuses to be invisible

at any age.  Smashing!!

At 71, most people would say, "Oh, you have to wear sleeves to cover your arms".  However, we say nothing could be more chic than this sleeveless black formal dress. And the perfect touch are 

those large mabe pearls.  Pure sophistication.

No matter what your age, you have to find a style that works for you. Some women don't find it in their 20's, 30's, 40's or 50's.

However, as you know, our  favorite motto at Fashion Over Fifty is: "It's never too late."  Paula has definitely found her style in these lovely outfits and you can tell how great she feels in them, just look at her gorgeous smile.

Donatella breaks another stereotype of women Over Fifty. First, she is a yoga teacher in her late 50's.  Not only is she fit, but she looks amazing in leggings and without the blousey top covering her upper thighs!! Second, how sexy does she look in this low cut sexy evening gown? Have you seen those Magazines that do Features like "Fashion at Every Age"?  They should take a look at these ladies and learn a thing or two.

Debra is another original Fashion Over Fifty model, and you could say that she has more confidence now!! As she likes to say, she is a ham sandwich without the bread. Working this lovely white evening gown to the max.

Debbie started out thinking that this would be just a simple exercise of walking down the runway, only to find how challenging and exhilarating an experience this would be.  She was a fast learner though, as she looks very "modelesque", not to mention beautiful.

 

Cathy modeled when she was younger, and was so excited to do this show because she is thinking of returning to modeling. As you can see in these photos, we think she can make it as a model, no matter what age.  Good for her that she sees no limitations due to age.

Deb is the perfect example that "50 is the new 30". The baby of the group at Fifty, Deb shows that if you take good care of yourself when you are young; that you eat right and exercise; Fifty ain't nothin'. Deb feels like she is just hitting her stride at this age, and she certainly looks like it too. Turning Fifty has great things to offer.  Why does society freak out all of the women?  Not necessary, especially in this case