A glimmer of hope

I'm finding it extremely difficult to feel fashionable or even attractive these days. Whenever I look in a mirror I see this unrecognizable older woman looking back at me. However, when I see attractive young women like Katie who spend a fortune on fashion, hair and make-up and still end up looking a mess, it somehow gives me a glimmer of hope.

A return to the past

I love these Fall 2009 Chanel creations that remind me of Anna Karenina and Lara from Doctor Zhivago. Can't you just imagine Larissa Feodorovna Guishar (that's Lara's maiden name) on the arm of the vile Viktor Komarovsky in this seductive fur trimmed gown? And this understated wool reefer coat could certainly have cloaked the desperate Anna in her final scene at the train station. I wonder if the designer was reading either of these classics when he was dreaming up these fashions. It's just lovely to see a return to classic looks and elegant poses.

Tee-Hee

This whole first lady fashion thing is a hoot. Here's a photo that needs no explanation. Even her husband has to snicker now and then at the ridiculous get-ups. Do you suppose they have mirrors in the White House? I wonder.

Stylish looks

I guess you think I've been really mean with regards to the first lady and her wardrobe. So, here are three looks that I think hit the mark for being stylish and age-appropriate.

Church outfits

Mon Dieu, let's all say a fashion prayer for our first lady. I'm just at a loss for words. I would recommend a chic and simple black sheath rather than this get-up. Pleeeeze, whoever is concocting these ridiculous outfits, won't you stop already!

Punitive fashion

Who picks out these outfits? Our First Lady looks like she's strapped into a straightjacket. I'm embarrassed for her.

More Memory Lane

I'm still tripping down Memory Lane. Here I am in my late 20's and wearing a floral silk-blend dress that is floor-length and fully lined. This was the first garment I made under the tutelage of Sandra Betzina. She was just beginning her highly successful multi-media sewing career at that time and I feel so lucky to have met her. We still stay in touch after all these years and she continues to inspire me with her talent and loving personality.

Youthful photos

Here are some photos from my youth. I'm around eleven years old and am happily at work on my mother's sewing machine in the first photo. The second photo shows a proud young Susan who can't believe she actually finished the garment. The stylish sheath was fabricated in a lovely orange floral polished cotton. It was a Vogue pattern and I managed to do the whole project on my own with the help of my handy Singer Sewing Book. I still have several editions of that old classic in my library today and love those dressmakers' details from the 40's and 50's that are so much a part of that book.