You may be saying, really? Yes, today I went to see the movie Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The funniest thing was saying “three seniors for Taylor Swift” when we were buying tickets. Why were we here? Always remember that it is important to stay current! I have enjoyed her music over the years, but I would not be able to list titles. I figured it was time to check out what everyone has been raving about.

It was a phenomenal performance. There is so much to be said about the costumes. It was a fashion masterpiece. Designers showcased are Roberto Cavelli, Donatella Versace, Alberta Ferretti. Each creation is more beautiful than the one before and each one is classy and in good taste. Surely, they will influence the way people will be dressing.

Sequins are everywhere. My favorite are the sequin blazers (we already know that 2023 is a blazer year). Sequins and paillettes are on everything from tee shirts to unitards to shorts to dresses. And let’s not forget an array of glittering boots. Dresses are cloudlike creations in mesh and chiffon and have tiers and pleats and entwined embroidery and sequins. The colors are metallic gold and silver as well as royal blue, emerald green and ruby pinks. Dresses were ivory, an ethereal lilac-gray, ruby and amber. And lots of red to cover her Red Era. And, of course, Pink.

One other thing which will probably continue to be trending is her multi-color manicure!!

Everything about the movie was classy. The dancers and musicians and singers were all inclusive-male, female, size, color. And you could sense they were all having a great time performing with Taylor.

The entire performance was so entertaining. I also came away with a feeling of respect for Taylor Swift. I love how she feels about all of her fans and people who have helped make her the star that she has become.

Go see the movie Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. You will not be disappointed.

All of the shows for Fall 2023 are now over and there are a few additions to add to the mix of colors for you to look for and enjoy this season. The colors I am sharing with you today are in addition to the colors I shared with you on 7/5 in my Pick Your Color bog. I got this color information through PureWow.

Here are the new colors that have been added:

Fiery Red is a bold, cherry inspired color that is expected to be very big for fall. Since this is an intense color, it pairs well with all neutrals especially brown or beige or white.

Lacecap Hydrangea is an icy blue which is perfect for those preferring more muted tones. This blends well with deeper gem tones, caramel brown, mustard and fiery red.

Spectra Yellow is a color that actually works on many skin tones. Wear this color solo or with neutrals white, beige, washed denim. Or if you are adventurous bring on pinks, oranges, or purples.

Sparkling Grape is in between violet and deep plum. This is good with gray as well as other shades of purple.

The last addition is Olive Oil. This shade is between beige and green. You can either play up brighter shades of green or any blue. Or you can go with the golden green undertones, browns, red, pink or yellow.

Pantone has named the following as the color trends for Fall: (Other than the 5 I have just told you about, the other colors are in my 7/5 blog)

1. Fiery Red
2. Kohlrabi (vibrant green)
3. Lacecap Hydrangea
4. Tender Peach
5. Burnt Sienna
6. Spectra Yellow
7. Sparkling Grape
8. Olive Oil
9. Red Orange

Enjoy the season.

This time of the year brings back so many memories. Seems like yesterday I was sitting at the pool prior to Labor Day with my August issue of Seventeen Magazine, and I was thinking about all of the new styles for Fall. As I got older, I switched to the gigantic August issue of Vogue magazine. I would still be thinking about all of the new styles for Fall. My interest in fashion is part of my DNA. Starting the Fall season was the equivalent to New Years. It was a time you could create a new you. I have to say I loved going to school. Every year you had an opportunity to add onto to who you are and who you wanted to be. “Back to school” is an attitude.

I went out to see what the retailers had to offer. The stores are looking a little schizophrenic. I will go back out to take more photos in a couple of weeks when more Fall merchandise gets out on the floor and summer is ushered out.

There are a couple of clear statements for the season. It is time for new shoes! The biggest individual statement is the return of loafers. The addition of lug soles makes it 2023. There are loafers out at every price point. The ones I really love are patent or metallic. This really “ups” the preppy-ness of loafers.

The other MUST HAVE is a blazer. I think that this year a blazer will finally make it to everyone’s closet. In 2020 designers tried to bring back blazers but that wasn’t a year to bring back anything. In addition to blazers, Chanel influenced tweed jackets are also back in the rotation (get your strands of pearls out!!)

All things Denim continue to be strong. Color denim is a statement for the season. You will see lots of brown, olive, gray and burgundy along with many washes of indigo.

Everyone still wants to be casual, but polished. Timeless classics are big in tops and sweaters.

Here are some photos of what’s in the stores. I’ll post more photos when more merchandise is out.

Shoes at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Bloomingdale’s

Zara’s

I’ve discovered some new products that I just had to share! Try them and get your Glow on from head to toe.

For your hair try this from Tweak’d By Nature-Triple XL. It is a dry CLEAN-ing VOLUmist. It perks up hair if you don’t have time to shampoo. But it also is great to pump up the volume. And, it has a delicious vanilla scent.

I recently discovered Hydro-Zone by Perlier. This is a day and night cream that is so moisturizing that your face feels like it drank a glass of water. This is really great when you are traveling because it is for day and night. (But don’t forget to add a sunscreen after you moisturize)

Eye cream: found this great eye “mask” from Korres. It is a pure Greek olive oil early harvest firming and lifting cream.

From Algenist I just started using their newest Green Microalgae Retinol+ Regenerating Serum. This is high performance and plant based and it is totally, unbelieveably great!

The newest thing for me in make-up is Luminess which is an airbrush spray silk foundation. It really gives you a glow.

And, for your fingers and toes, I recommend KUR from Londontown. This is a polish that conceals discoloration or dullness on your nails, and it brightens the nails giving you a “no manicure, manicure”. There are products in the line that also strengthen nails.

I always love trying new products.

In June I had a wonderful experience and I plan on repeating it on a regular basis.

My meditation instructor had a session at Salt of The Earth. A salt cave is a really interesting place. You are surrounded by thousands of pounds of pink Himalayan salt in the walls and the floor. I learned that “Halotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that allows the body to utilize aerosolized salt as a method of natural healing.” Their generators crush more salt into micro sized particles and disperses it throughout the salt cave air. This is very beneficial to the skin and I think it also works on your sinuses. I can tell you, it also makes you thirsty the next day, so it is good for hydrating too. But the biggest benefit is that it instills calmness and gives you a feeling of well-being. Then add to this that my instructor was doing a guided meditation and using singing bowls. I was feeling great when the session was over.

Lois, my instructor, held the session to celebrate the Summer Solstice. She gave each of us a Sunstone crystal and told us it clears the chakras bringing light and energy which allows the real self to shine through. The fog lifts and the Sunstone shines your inner light and expands your consciousness with clarity. She added that the Sunstone crystal supports the transformation of emotional feelings such as frustration to calm or anger to joy. Can’t get much better than that, right?

This entire evening was wonderful. I felt so calm and relaxed…and thirsty!

Google Salt Caves and see if there is one near you. You will love the experience.

Had to make sure I got my Fall Color Blog out before the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins!

Laurie Pressman (Vice President Pantone Color Institute) shares with us that “…colors for Autumn/Winter 2023/2024 signify our desire to communicate the joy of creativity and design joy into our lives.” I couldn’t agree more. I am always saying that color sets the stage for all feelings and reactions. You set the stage each day when you select what you are going to wear. Feeling joyous, go yellow. Feeling powerful, go red. Feeling hopeful and optimistic, go Viva Magenta. Feeling audacious, go hot pink. Feeling mellow, go blues. Feeling serene, go green. Feeling reserved or uncommitted, go black. And it goes on and on!

Here are the colors that Pantone has selected for Autumn/Winter 2023/2024. The last 5 colors are traditional classic colors with a modern edge.

There are many additional colors that are trending for this season. Look for Pink continuing- both powder pink and candy pink. Sparkling Grape is beautiful for fall and can be a main color or an accent. Green adds freshness to a winter outfit. Olive Oil green is trending. This is a golden green. Green has been coming on strong lately and will continue. Light Blue is always fresh and serene. Think Sky and Sea. Earthy browns are happening this year. There is a beautiful Fired Brick color which is a reddish brown that mixes well with mustard and orange for a bold look. And of course, Viva Magenta continues for fall and carries along with it passionate Reds and Reds with purple undertones.

It makes me happy to think about all of the new colors coming out and how I will enjoy putting many of the new shades together to make them my own.

Head out to the Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom to get their take on Fall colors and decide what your own statement will be for the season. Enjoy!

Karl Lagerfeld began his career in the 1950’s. He worked at several top fashion houses including Balmain, Patou and Chloe before joining Chanel in 1983 as creative director. He oversaw every aspect of Chanel. He brought the brand to life. He was also creative director of the Italian fur and leather goods fashion house Fendi. In addition, he had his own label. He is known for expert tailoring and incredible attention to detail.

His influence was evident in fashion for the masses too. Who didn’t have a power suit in the ’80″s that that wasn’t stamped like one of his creations?

He was known for his attention to detail and fabulous trims.

One always should look good leaving the room too!

My personal favorites were from Chanel.

GORGEOUS!

I’m sure you will find a favorite here too

To see many more dresses, suits and coats go to The Metropolitan Museum of Art to view the exhibit which runs through July 16, 2023. You will love it.

This exhibit is all about Van Gogh and his signature cypress trees. Personally, I love cypress trees. Makes me think of tall flames. I love the way they can border a road which you see a lot of in Tuscany.

As one would expect, The Starry Night takes center stage. I really like the positioning of The Starry Night with Wheat Fields with Cypresses. Both are from 1889. Makes me think of Night and Day for cypresses.

Here are four more favorites of mine.

This is The Public Garden 1888

This is The Little Stream 1889. Unfortunately, the color is not showing up too well here. It is so beautiful. Here he explored the effect of windswept trees.

This is A Walk at Twilight 1890. Again, the intensity of color is not translating well. The colors were rich greens and golden light.

This is Country Road in Provence By NIght 1890. “Van Gogh brought his work in Provence to a close, and full circle, with this pivotal summary picture. It marks his “last try” at realizing his long-standing vision of “a cypress and a star” -this time to his satisfaction, in a triumphal end note. The “very tall”, “very straight”, and “very dark” cypresses paired with a crescent moon preside over a nocturnal scene that draws upon such familiar elements as the haloed stars and thatch-roofed cottages of The Starry Night; evokes a bristling wheat field with “yellow canes” in the middle ground; and confides the aspirations of an artist who still entertained the hope of working side by side with Gauguin and continuing the journey they had ventured together, in lockstep, like the wayfarers on the winding road.”

Wow…wish I could interpret a painting like that. I probably should have spent more time studying during my art history classes. But you know what? Just seeing these works of art and taking in the colors and techniques of painting is worth everything. You can see what you like and enjoy it.

The exhibit runs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City until August 27, 2023. It is definitely worth your time.

Summer makes everyone start to dream about getaways and the glamour of travel!

Summer is about to start. Memorial Day is usually the signal that fun and sun are ahead.

This season the IT item is a dress. If you can’t find a dress this season, then you don’t want a dress! There are so many dresses out this season. There are styles for everyone. Midi, A-line, Fit and Flare, Maxi- all styles and lengths are everywhere. You will find off-the-shoulder styles, as well as styles that are sleeveless, short sleeves and 3/4 sleeves. There are dresses that can do it all. They can be worn over a swimsuit and then with the addition of a topper that same dress can go out to dinner. Many of the dress styles available this year are in bright color combinations. They become very playful when ruffles, or asymmetric necklines and asymmetric hems are added. There is a Boho feeling to dressing this season. You can see it in the many off-the-shoulder styles. Dusters and toppers in chiffon and light weigh fabrications complement the dresses and add to the ways a dress can be worn.

Fabrication also relays a feeling of endless summer and a bohemian way of dressing. Gauze, of course, as well as linen and linen blends dominate the summer scene. You will see lots of eyelet embroidery as trim, as well as in full garments. Crochet is here this year and is carrying me back to the 60’s and the Woodstock generation. The Shibori tie dye technique has gained a position in prints that continues into summer. Floral prints and tropical themes are being shown in dresses, tops, and pants. Prints are everywhere and look glorious in citrus brights and of course, hot magenta this year. On a more conservative side, seersucker stripes give a real summer vibe too.

Denim is still a main event even in the heat of summer. With today’s technology there are various weights in denim and there are comfortable weights for the summer months. Look for ankle length and cropped lengths for this season. Denim is also embellished this year with embroidery and crochet trims.

Handbags for summer are straw and woven styles and statement making bright colors. This year crochet styles in natural as well as color are in the stores.

Shoes! So many shoes!! There are flats, wedges, 3″ heels, “fat” heels, slides sandals, thong sandals, tons of variety in ankle straps, and of course, a variety of styles in sneakers. What you choose to wear should depend solely on what you can handle. There is absolutely nothing attractive about a face that shows how your feet are suffering. Get over it! There are so many styles for you to choose. Remember, having happy feet is no small feat and should be a top priority!

A jewelry trend for this summer is stacking beaded bracelets. I particularly like beaded bracelets that also have an inspirational message. Stack them up to make a colorful statement.

Have a great time this summer. Remember, dress up and show up!

The following photos were taken in Bloomingdale’s

I was in New York City last weekend and stopped at Nordstom’s (AKA the Mother Ship) on 57th street. I just had to share their displays with you. I know you are saying “Really! Who will be wearing that?” There will be several people “wearing that” but the purpose of my sharing it is so that you are aware of all of the fun and creative ways to dress. Let your imagination run wild. See what looks you might want to create with stuff you already own or can interpret with some new items. Find your own comfort level. Fashion is meant to be enjoyed. Give it a try!!!