I was so excited to be in NYC to partake in Fashion Week last Tuesday. While I was dressed in black and literally soaking in the city with 90 degree temps, it was great to sit outside Lincoln Center and style watch with all the visual vibes in my view.
“Can you take a picture of me?” I asked one of my fellow watchers. “I want the Mercedes Benz sign in the background.” This year, I am an outsider I thought to myself, but next year or in years to come, my “blogger bucket list” is to be an insider at one of the shows.
I enjoyed style watching outside Lincoln Center during Fashion Week in NYC.
I took a free copy of WWD and read all about one of my favorite designers Elie Tahari, who grew up in an Israeli orphanage. Maybe he will allow me into his show next year. I love Tahari’s clothes and shoes and appreciate the subtle and sophisticated details – perfect for boomer girls like me. According to the Tahari website, Elie’s belief is that “clothing should be quieter than the woman so that her true beauty can shine through.” (What a smart man Elie is, no wonder I like his designs.)
I left Lincoln Center and walked along Central Park South, with a pit stop to cool off at The Todd English Food Hall in the lower level of the Plaza. It was filled with delicious delicacies – a fashionista and foodie’s delight. Tantalizing and tempting, I didn’t eat a thing since my tummy was full from an earlier lunch with my friend S at Bistro Saju. (This authentic French cafe brought back memories of my retirement celebration in Provence this past summer. Thank you S for sharing your fav midtown spot with me.)
The window displays at Bergdorf Goodman were spectacular.
Next, I walked down Fifth Avenue passed Bergdorf Goodman. Dare I enter this high fashion establishment in black sweaty attire to buy a copy of “Bold, Beautiful and Damned: The World of 1980s Fashion Illustrator Tony Viramontes?” Viramontes’ illustrations were a backdrop in the windows. I just took pics of the incredible displays – they were well worth a look – and will buy the book for a cheaper price on Amazon.
COCKTAILS&COUTURE: I ended the day at the Cocktails&Couture event hosted by veteran beauty blogger and social influencer Lianne Farbes. It was a fun time and I enjoyed the panel discussion about “Personal Branding & Social Media,” featuring beauty pioneer Jennifer Walsh, celebrity manicurist TracyLee Percival, Claire Sulmers, founder of FashionBombDaily.com, entertainment journalist JasFly, Avon/mark Brand Manager Jessica Goon, and special guest Charlene Dance, Global Marketing Director of Nature.
I met celebrity manicurist TracyLee at the Cocktails&Couture blogger event.
The panelists had positive tips for bloggers:
– “Be consistent and stay true to yourself,” said Claire. (Claire works with a team of three and they update their blog sometimes 26 times a day! Don’t think I can do that many updates. Ooh, ooh, ooh. No, no, no. But I will be genuine and promise to be my authentic self. Thanks Claire.)
– “Don’t ever be someone else and have a clear vision,” said JasFly. (No, I will never try to be anyone else. Not me. I’m JudiBoomergirl and proud of my age. Thanks JasFly.)
– “Today you may have 50 friends but tomorrow you may have 50,000,” said Jessica. (I like Jessica’s thinking. I totally believe that you can be a nobody one day and a somebody the next day, especially in the social media world. So will my blog post go viral? Go ahead and share it with your friends…please, please, please.)
As the skylight over Manhattan dimmed, I did my final walk down 7th Avenue and across town to stay overnight at my daughter A’s new studio apartment. My feet were aching, but my heart was racing. My first foray at Fashion Week NYC was a memorable day.
I did feel a tinge of envy on Wednesday as I thought about Claire Sulmers, who was boarding a plane for a blogger trip to Milan and London, while I was boarding a train to New Jersey. Claire inspired me to be a passionate and well-rounded blogger. Have fun Claire. Maybe next year, JudiBoomergirl will be on that plane sitting beside you!
Dream on.
Judi
I just discovered your blog today and was delighted to see and read a lot of your material. I am country girl who is not quite retired, just changing speeds, and I was very pleased to see so much of your material stating how at our age we can just be ourselves and wear what feels right to us. I now have more time to devote to me than I have had since I was 20 and I was disallusioned this summer while window shopping in Toronto,Canada to see SOOO little that was in any way pertinent to my age catagory, let alone to my body size and shape.(5″3 and 150). I thought where are the stores that carry anything other than double knit waistbands or sky high skinny heels. Where do I fit anylonger? You have shown me that I do fit. Thanks so much. Keep up the goodwork
Jean
Jean, so glad my writing strikes a cord with you. Life after 50 can be the best time of your life and you can look great too. Go out there and find clothes that make you look and feel great. They are out there. Have you looked at Chicos or Ann Taylor Loft or Macy’s? Do they have these stores in Canada?