October 02, 2009
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Sherrie Says...(Flashionista asks Sherrie a few questions)
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FL: Can style be developed and improved upon? It's one thing to have a makeover from an
expert like you, but what tools does one need to take away from a makeover
session in order to make the right choices on one's own?
SM: The interest has to be there. My suggestions (below) are critical. I also suggest in both my books to go to stores you can't afford-treat
them as museums-to study fabrics, construction, and design in general.
Observe
makeover sessions with a good expert (and I emphasize "good" because the
advice givers are many). Study what they pick out, the resources (stores,
internet sites, designers) they use, how the items they select work on
your body, and with your personality and lifestyle.
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What are your winter wardrobe staples?
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Cashmere turtlenecks or crewnecks, I have all the neutrals in various
weights from TSE or J.Crew.
- Navy jeans from Adriano Goldschmid,
Martin and Osa, or J. Crew.
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I love
equestrian jodhpurs or fashion versions of them and have many (including
men's).
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A down
jacket from Tod's, Montcler or J. Crew.
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A long or
very short wool scarf around the neck (especially with my crew neck sweaters).
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A variety of
short and knee high sporty black boots (Hunter, Tod's, Prada).
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A mid size
black patent Tod's bag with lots of zippered compartments.
- A man's size silver Rolex.
- Multi seasonal ultra lightweight and packable Goyard tote bags.
What items
instantly date us?
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Our choices
in accessories like rimless eyeglasses (men can, women shouldn't), dainty
watches, stiffly conservative bags, and "comfort" shoes.
- Chico's, J Jill and Coldwater Creek" shop here with caution or risk looking frumpy!
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Cutesy over-embellished clothes
or jewelry.
What items
instantly update us?
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Plastic,
contemporary style, neutral colored glasses.
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Sporty
masculine watches.
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Appropriate
items like cashmere sweaters from J. Crew.
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A great
fitting quality white blouse.
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J. Crew navy
boot cut jeans.
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Black Knee
high patent boots.
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Black patent
everyday mid size to large bag.
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Beige,
black, and gray cashmere cardigans.
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FL: Some people seem to have an innate sense of style in
everything (dress, home, etc.) while some, even though they work at it, don't
come off as being stylish. Then there
are those that just plain don't care.
Do you think style is a talent that some have naturally?
SM: Yes, having great style is a talent like being able to draw
well. But your parents (or other
important family influences) friends,
and geographical environs can make or break you sometimes.
I describe in my
books how curiosity, self propelled observation, and interest all contribute to your personal style. Your choices of
magazines, movies, travel, architecture, photography
and really looking at people around you can make a huge difference.
Those that simply don't care, usually look it. They may well
be the majority of the world's population.
FL: Can you name
some current style mavens of our generation?
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India Hicks, and Chloe Sevigny (younger generation-but
really talented!)
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...and listen to my advice-I guarantee it!
FL: How does one go about critiquing one's own style with the
idea of refining or improving it?
SM: Begin adopting the skills nourished by curiosity and
observation. Books on style and make-up like, Forever Cool, and Steal This Style, were written to offer inspiring
information to those who may not be able to hire me or someone else to style them. The models in my books are real people with very diverse lives and needs. So almost any individual can find themselves represented within
their pages.
Always look at high-end examples of style. In New York, for instance walk from 57th St. to 86th
St. on Madison Ave. and if you're able, visit places like London, Paris, Spain, and Italy. Luxury magazines are good sources too, but beware, they are not always perfect.
FL: What items are on your Fall 09 must-have list?
SM: Knee (or just over the knee) high boots, black opaque
tights, leggings, silver chain necklace/bracelet...or mixed with gold; and
perhaps a preppy "shrunken" blazer.
FL: Any last words of 'Style Wisdom?"
SM: Certainly there's room for all sorts of styles from purist and minimalist to eccentric and ethnic. My only caveat is that they be
done well.
The important thing to remember (and many would defiantly
disagree with me) is that there is such a thing as "bad taste." It's no fun to look at, it
abounds like no time before in history, and it stems from lack of exposure
--and real interest.
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