As I say in my book, Chic in Paris, there is an allure to the Parisian woman. French beauties such as Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, Isabelle Huppert, and Jacqueline Bisset…are all over 40. They are confident, stylish, and sexy.
I am a firm believer that the chicest women are often over 40, and although the American media focuses primarily on younger women, I propose to champion the growing list of super CHIC women over 40.
At the end of my CHIC Over 40 list, I offer my readers a chance to win a CHIC Over 40 Day of Indulgence with me and my Dream Team of hairstylists and make-up artists.
Diane Sawyer – Television journalist for US network ABC News and co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. Diane exudes glamour, confidence, and intelligence. One often sees Diane wearing Lyle Bruce. She frequently wears monochromatic ensembles which call attention to her face, a great option for all women. Diane clearly understands her own style. I love this photo of her.
Iman – former top model – has been my style icon for years. Yes, she is genetically gifted – but she is not young. It’s clear she LOVES fashion. This photo of Iman in the yellow dress shows off her beautiful black skin.
Patricia Duff – Patricia has spent her professional career in politics working as a consultant in Washington DC. As a political organizer and activist, Patricia’s high profile requires that she always look her best. In this photo, for example, a classic white dress – always a good choice for blondes. She seems to have a natural flair.
Eva Lorenzotti – Owner of the famed Vivre luxury catalogue, www.vivre.com. Thanks to Eva’s worldwide travels and keen eye, she has become a fixture and spokesperson for defining style. I love Eva’s accessories – she always finds the most unusual pieces.
Josie Natori – designer – Her petite frame forces her to stay simple. Anything too big would be overpowering. She has chosen well here for an opening at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Rebecca Carcelle – As wife of Yves Carcelle, Director General of Louis Vuitton, Rebecca has many social obligations. I always see her at Louis Vuitton events both in New York and Paris. She is elegant without too much fuss.
Katherine Ross – Head of Public Relations USA for LVMH. Katherine’s demanding job and hectic travel schedule doesn’t leave much personal time. Her natural good looks and intelligent manner is clear. In this photo she is wearing a Dior gown – classic yet a bit edgy. Why not??
Princess Caroline – born into royalty, Princess Caroline has had some advantages – having said that – I just love her look – She promotes her position well – a Chanel devotee and personal friend of Karl Lagerfeld. Princess Caroline is elegant and chic.
Carine Roitfeld – Editor in Chief French Vogue – How cool does Carine look here??? You would never guess her age. She epitomizes La Parsienne – she takes risks, wears what she wants – and appears to enjoy life. I recall seeing her at the shows in Paris singing to the music during one fashion show.
Brooke de Ocampo – I first saw Brooke at an exercise class in NYC 20 years ago. Even in leotards, I thought “oh my god” she is gorgeous. Since then I have seen her photographed everywhere and with good reason. Brooke has amazing taste. She hasn’t aged in 20 years. This photo shows how she confidently mixes patterns and textures.
Phoebe Cates – former actress and now boutique owner of the eclectic Blue Tree boutique in New York City. Phoebe has a funky look and style. Her wardrobe is made up from an eclectic selection from her discoveries abroad. Her greatest asset is her hair – a super cut and very shiny – I always notice it.
Oprah Winfrey – She is an icon, a heroine, a champion of good will, and forever in the public eye. Her ever-changing style is always her own. Oprah always looks chic. In this particular photo, the off-the-shoulder look is very flattering – a great tip for the woman over 40.
CONTEST: CHIC Over 40 Day of Indulgence
Win a complete day of indulgence and style with me, Susan Tabak, and my Dream Team of hairstylists and make-up artists.
Simply tell me why you want a personal shopping consult and you could win.
Send me your picture and your desired style transformation, such as:
- You have a very special occasion to shop for such as an important family wedding
- You need a new career look
- You are traveling and need a specific wardrobe
I will personally choose three women for the complimentary day and three who will receive the day at 15% off the regular price. I will publish the results on the blog.
Contest Guidelines:
- Applicants must be at least 40 years young
- Applicants must come prepared to shop and purchase clothing in NY or Paris
- Winners will have their day photographed and filmed and sign a release for the use of the images by Susan Tabak
- Shopping trips to Europe won or discounted with this offer are scheduled only according to Susan Tabak’s travel schedule
- Entrants may enter for themselves or a friend
Value:
A day with Susan $1500
PLUS sessions for hair, color, and makeup with Alain Pinon, J. Anthony, and other stylists from Salon AKS. www.salonaks.com
Deadline for entry: Please send your letter of interest and photos by April 15, 2007 to: susan@susantabak.com
Add this Secret Address to your New York list: Caravan 91 located at 128 East 91st Street
Please join me this Saturday, April 14th, in New York City for a champagne reception at Caravan 91 from 2-5 pm. You can shop the collections of women’s and men’s clothing in this intimate boutique. I will be signing books and giving a brief talk. I look forward to seeing you there. To RSVP: email news@jadedressler.com.
April 13, 2007 at 9:05 pm
[...] Susan Tabak believes that the chicest women are over 40 and she is oh-so right: Susan Tabak’s CHIC over 40 List. [...]
May 3, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Good choices, but I’d also add Cece Cord, Lynn Whitfield, Susan Fales-Hill, Somers Farkas and Angela Bassett.
October 3, 2007 at 7:04 pm
This is a good start. Love the info. Please continue with photos of older women fashions and include photos of the not so lean women in high fashions too.
October 30, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I Thank you Susan for being as fabulous as you are.
I am in need of a makeover badly for my new enterprice- being the owner of the Perfect NYC Shopping Spree.
I have gained 20lbs and I need to get back to my old self and get some self esteem back.
You are someone I could look for help.
Thank you very much.
October 30, 2007 at 3:17 pm
[...] Susan Tabak’s CHIC Over 40 List [...]
December 3, 2007 at 7:50 pm
I just stumbled across this website–and am so thankful I did! I love the photos and assessments of the “standout” qualities of each woman–particularly Katherine Ross, Eva Lorenzotti, Carine Roitfeld, and Princess Caroline. Very inspiring all–and thank you for sharing them with us!
Mary Shawn
January 23, 2008 at 3:13 pm
[...] knows that it is truly about exclusive customization that exists on a personal level, and so for chic women over 40, the options are endless in terms of customization to make you most comfortable. On a personal [...]
June 3, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I would like to suggest my sister Marcella Barrett – she is a VP of women and Children at Ralph Lauren. She will be 40 in January, 2009. She is in May’s Italian Vogue Bambini 2008 with her 3 children
June 10, 2008 at 8:54 am
[...] the most exciting films of the summer hit the big screen and shattered box office expectations. The ladies of Sex and the City are back in a big way, and so too are their signature looks. From Miranda’s [...]
October 2, 2008 at 11:30 am
[...] were the main ingredients in this very casual collection. While it may not be something for the Chic Over Forty clientele, the bohemian hipster generation will defineteley be seen sporting her easy chic in the [...]
November 13, 2008 at 1:38 am
[...] to flatter the female figure, it was as if their elegance was made specifically with the chic woman over 40 in [...]
November 13, 2008 at 1:46 am
[...] not only Anne Bancroft wearing such sumptuous styles but myself and many other confident and chic women over 40 as [...]
November 13, 2008 at 2:01 am
[...] also found a few of the more classic looks to appeal to an audience of chic women over 40, as long as the gold detailing and large metallic broaches, which I felt looked a little Las Vegas, [...]
November 13, 2008 at 2:27 am
[...] voluminous sleeves, and high waste, this piece stood out as an elegant and effortless look for the chic woman over 40. For an outfit that exuded sexiness, I loved the flowing knee length dress, which debuting a [...]
November 13, 2008 at 2:50 am
[...] I was proud to wear one of my favorite designers Ralph Rucci. He just understands women and makes the most beautiful clothes especially for the CHIC WOMAN OVER 40. [...]
February 16, 2009 at 3:05 pm
[...] McQueen and Bucheron. Salma, of course, is a talented actress and producer who personifies Chic Over Forty. [...]
February 19, 2009 at 10:50 pm
[...] appealed to a younger audience, but there were several pieces at the show befitting women who are Chic Over 40. I am impressed with the evolution of his designs. Looks from the Brian Reyes show; images via [...]
February 21, 2009 at 4:25 pm
[...] Susan Tabak’s CHIC Over 40 List [...]
May 6, 2009 at 7:03 am
[...] in this Donna Karan gown — she exudes confidence and is an inspiration not only to women Chic Over 40, but to women of all ages [...]