Chic at 60ish!

Last week I needed a fun girls’ day—as so many of us do at this moment in the world—so I took myself to New York to meet my wonderful friend Lyn in Bergdorf Goodman, one of my “happy places.” To me, once I walk through those thick glass doors & step on that thick ivory carpet, the troubles of the outside world fade away. At least temporarily. So many beautiful things under one roof.

BEST LUNCH IN THE WORLD: Gotham Salad–my #1 favorite–both in the fancy restaurant on the 6th floor & the downstairs cafe at Bergdorf’s

Taking the train from Philadelphia to NYC—don’t you love that new Moynihan Station?—Lyn & I began with Gotham Salad in the café, my #1 favorite lunch anywhere—always as delish as I remember it. Then it was time to shop—starting at the top of the store & working our way down.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT: Hard angles or soft draping, two top silhouettes for spring–an array of looks from Gucci at bergdorfgoodman.com or gucci.com; white silk jersey dress at donna karan.com

A few weeks ago, I wrote about “Pretty Powerful Women.” That phrase came to mind as I looked through each department. Clothes are either very angular & powerful—often truly ugly—or flowy & pretty—maybe too “sweet” if you’re 60ish. Lyn, who wears exquisite clothes, agreed. Unlike the stores in Philadelphia, where I live, Bergdorf’s is full of merchandise; in fact, the variety is almost overwhelming.

SOMETIMES YOU LIKE A BOLD SHOULDER, SOMETIMES YOU DON’T! Chloe black blazer & slim pants; Chanel floral coat & wide-leg pants, all at bergdorfgodman.com

What’s a girl to do? Edit & interpret–as always, everything is available at every price point. For spring, I bought the most luscious pink leather jacket with a puff sleeve, incorporating the big shoulder trend without the hard angles. I also love flowy skirts & dresses–add a belt & big earrings & I’m out the door!

EDIT & INTERPRET WHAT WORKS FOR YOU: Pink leather jacket with puff sleeves from Boyds in Philadelphia & Wayne; floral dress with leather belt (to cut the “flowy-ness”) from Gabby’s in Greenwich, Conn, 203.661.5045, gabbyapparel on instagram; Sandy Edelstein, owner of Grove 121 in Bryn Mawr, in wide-leg jeans that are flying out of her store, grove 1.2.1 on instagram

I grabbed wide-leg jeans too, but not a huge width, like some I’ve tried on. Bows are so big, following the feminine trend—but one is enough. Floaty florals are beautiful—if spring’s dresses, skirts & tops feel like they have too much fabric, have them tapered. You don’t want to look like a Disney princess!

LOVE BIG SKIRTS & BOWS–JUST DON’T LOOK LIKE A DISNEY PRINCESS! (Top) My beautiful granddaughter Margot, in her unicorn dress on her 5th birthday last week–big bows & tulle skirts are perfect for her–at 60ish, pick one! (center) Sarah Jessica Parker in Carolina Hererra with a huge black satin bow in her hair–beautiful, but do you have to be SJP to pull this off? Not sure. (Bottom) Me, in my favorite Celine white silk jumpsuit with a huge bow at the neck, from saksfifthavenue.com

What’s in store? Ladies’ choice! Sharp & structured. Flowy & frilly. Pieces for you to put together, creating your own pretty powerful look as you go. As we close Women’s History Month, I cannot imagine a more fabulous attitude as you get dressed every day. Enjoy every fierce moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. If you also love Gotham Salad, here’s the recipe from the “Bergdorf Goodman Cookbook” available at amazon.com–a cherished gift from my friend Susan Bancroft. Also delicious with shrimp, tuna, grilled salmon or steak instead of chicken–a perfect summer lunch!

GOTHAM SALAD/BERGDORF’S

1 cup diced gruyère cheese

1 cup diced poached skinless chicken breast

1 cup diced cooked beets

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 cup diced hard-boiled egg

1 cup diced ham

1 cup chopped crisp bacon

8 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

For the Dressing:

1 tbsp diced red onion

2 tbsp diced green bell pepper 

(seeds removed; 6 ounces each) 

Gruyère and emmentaler cheese (about 3 cups coarsely grated)

1/4 cup + 1 tbsp chili sauce

2 tbsp sweet pickle relish

1 tsp tarragon vinegar

1/2 tsp grated ginger

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 tsp chopped garlic

salt and pepper to taste

Salad Instruction:

1. Combine all salad ingredients.

2. Puree all dressing ingredients together in a blender.

3. Toss salad with Thousand Island Dressing.

Serve with crusty bread & white wine–Bon appetit!