Chic at 60ish!

TAKE TWO MINUTES & WATCH THIS ICONIC SCENE FROM “THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA” As much as every fashionisita loves this clip, it’s no longer true!

The meaning of “iconic.” We all know the famous scene in “The Devil Wears Prada,” where Meryl Streep/Miranda Priestly explains the clothing chain & the choice of a “cerulean blue” sweater to Anne Hathaway/Andy Sachs—a moment forever beloved by fashionistas around the world. But it no longer holds true.

“EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE!” (left) NY Times chief fashion critic & editor Vanessa Friedman, on a NY Fashion Week panel with designer Zac Posen (center) & other fashion influencers & podcasters, proclaiming “The end of trends!”

Due to TikToc & social media, fashion now changes in an instant. There is no “trend of the season.” In the words of Vanessa Friedman, the New York Times chief fashion critic, it’s “everything, everywhere, all at once!” From the haute couture runways in Paris & Milan to NY Fashion Week, to influencers on your phone, choose your own fashion guru or find your inner voice. Wear what you love, what looks best. Depending on your point of view—and level of confidence—that’s good news & bad. But it’s certainly empowering for women!

WHAT’S IN STORE? My favorite “Gotham salad” for lunch, then both soft draping & hard angles in an array of looks from Carolina Herrera & Veronica Beard, at bergdorfgoodman.com

Cindy & I began with Gotham Salad in the BG restaurant on the 7^th floor, 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.

FUNKY OR FLOWY: A myriad of looks from Gucci; Simone Rocha sweater & ballet skirt; Gemma maxi dress, all at bergdorfgoodman.com

Talk about “everything all at once!”  Clothes are either very angular & powerful—often truly ugly—or flowy & pretty—maybe too “sweet” if you’re 60ish. Unlike the stores in Philadelphia, where I live, Bergdorf’s is full of merchandise; in fact, the variety is almost overwhelming.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Wide leg to narrow, barrel jeans to boyfriend jeans–Area super-wide jeans at bergdorfgoodman.com; boot-cut jeans at agjeans.com

EDIT & INTERPRET: My favorite Courreges pink leather jacket from Boyds in Philadelphia & Wayne; ivory silk wide-leg pants from ralphlauren.com

What’s a girl to do? Edit & interpret. Skinny jeans. Boyfriend jeans. Take your pick! Street style or lady-chic. It’s all about personal taste & what works for you. Last spring I bought the most luscious pink leather jacket with a puff sleeve, incorporating the big shoulder trend without the hard angles some of the season’s jackets have. I grabbed wide-leg pants, but not a huge width, like some I’ve tried on. Bows are so big, following the feminine trend—but one is enough. Flowy florals are beautiful—if spring’s dresses, skirts & blouses feel like they have too much fabric, have them tapered. You don’t want to look like a Disney princess!

LOVE BIG BOWS, JUST DON’T LOOK LIKE A DISNEY PRINCESS! (Top) My beautiful granddaughter Margot, in her favorite princess dress on her 5th birthday –sweet & princess-y” looks perfect on her! (center) Sarah Jessica Parker in Carolina Herrera–pretty, but a bit princess-y? (bottom) my favorite Celine white silk jumpsuit with a big bow, from saks.com

What’s in store? Ladies’ choice! The “trend” is “no trends.” Sharp & structured. Floaty & frilly. Pieces for you to put together, creating your own personal look as you go—not sure Miranda Priestly/Meryl Streep would approve, but 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 on amazon. Also delicious with shrimp, tuna, grilled salmon or steak instead of chicken. A perfect lunch–and one trend that will never go out of style!!

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