The magic of fashion

The power of the right totem!

Have you ever wondered when handbags became so important, so much more than just another accessory? It seemed to happen overnight.

In the last 10 years the status handbag, otherwise know as the “It” bag or the must-have bag, has emerged. Don’t get me wrong darlings, chic and well-dressed women always carried a lovely bag, but it was a far cry from the iconic object the “It” bag has become today. Even the famous Hermes Kelly bag carried by Grace of Monaco was just a nice accessory. The same could be same for the famous Gucci logo bags of the 80s and classic LV totes.  Think back if you’re old enough: not too long ago, a nice bag was just that - a nice bag. 

Before the age of the “It bag”, you bought your bags because they suited your style. They were serviceable and neutral. If you were a fashionista you bought the latest style by your favourite maker or even department store. I remember carrying a classic Coach bag all through high-school and most of university. While at university, I moved onto a more sophisticated Mark Cross. A pricey Cross bag would last a year or two. I still have one tucked away. If you’ve never seen a Mark Cross bag rent Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock, and gasp at the elegant mark Cross overnight bag Grace Kelly uses. Mine were much more casual, but always chic.

Several factors helped big-ticket designer handbags and shoes climb to their present place of importance. The phenomenal success of Sex and the City in the 90’s was probably one the most important in popularizing designer accessories. Women related to Carrie and friends as they had to no other characters since Mary Tyler Moore - that other fashion-loving single in the city.

Sex and the City was a veritable showcase of designer fashions, especially designer shoes and bags.  Blahnik publicly credited the show a huge surge in his sales.

Shoes have always been important to women, but shoes are more political than bags. That may be why even more stylish, successful women were even quicker to brandish designer handbags than they were to stomp in Manolos and Jimmy Choo’s.

Handbags are about fashion, style and cool; they are also a sign of monetary clout. In buying a handbag that cost more than a thousand dollars, a woman felt she was sending a message that she had arrived, that she was successful as well as hip to beat the waiting list. Overnight, the designer bag became a badge of membership to an unofficial club of female style and power. The bag you carried semaphored your status and affiliations: a Prada person is a different than a Chanel girl, and carrying a Fendi Baguette at night says you might go either way.

Most women couldn't aspire to the parade of high-priced high fashion worn by the Sex and the City cast, but a designer handbag was not completely out of reach - even if the price pinched. Best of all, a designer bag always fits at any weight.

Designers were quick to know when they had a winner. Bags costing upwards of $1,000 couldn’t be kept in stock if they appeared on the arm of the right A-list celebrity. So, adding fuel to the Sex and City-style fire came JLo, Jennifer Anniston, Paris, Nicole and all the “it girls” of the 90’s sporting the next designer bag to “It” status. Fashion magazines did their part too, ballyhooing each new designer’s creation.

Designer Marc Jacobs brought the already iconic Louis Vuitton to new heights of popularity by teaming with Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami to create the

Ever-popular and vibrant Muticolore bag.

Chanel 2.55 - a classic

Since then, there have been so many “It” bags from the coveted classic Chanel 2.55 to big sack Chanel totes and the Balenciaga must-have motorcycle bag, a slew of got-to-have-it Gucci’s, and don’t forget, Prada. The list could go on and on with Coach, Furla, Todd, and Yves St. Laurent. I haven’t even mentioned Judith Leiber and Hermes. Women are mad for bags. I think many women prefer them over shoes because they aren’t so blatantly sexy.

Unless they’re in the fashion business or very into status and money, men seldom notice handbags - designer or otherwise. A man might notice a designer bag if it’s the type his wife always carries or if it’s tres outré. No darlings designer bags are a woman’s game. I suspect it’s much the same as hats used to be in the days of luncheons and teas, when Vogue editors wore them to work at their desks.

Handbags don't polarize women the way shoes do. You never hear one woman say to another: “I can’t believe you are going to carry that bag?” They say it about heels all the time. It’s been said to me, many times. Shoes, like handbags, send signals. A pair of stilettos broadcasts loud and clear: “I am woman.”  They change the line of your body, they make you walk sexy. They say that Marilyn Monroe cut one heel of her shoe a quarter inch lower to get her famous walk. Darlings I never believed it. It’s just not necessary in a pair of four-inch heels.

What is it about a good pair of pricey heels that says sexy but stops short of cheap? I’ll tell you darlings: artistry. It’s that same elusive something-something that makes pricey high heels comfy and lets really good shoes and bags lift ordinary clothes to fabulous.

In my experience, men do notice shoes, even men who don’t care a fig about fashion. Most men find pretty shoes, especially heels, very attractive. If you can’t walk in high ones, don’t despair.  It’s the style that matters.  Most men are easy to please if you make any effort at all.

Shoe styles change drastically from year to year. You can go mad trying to keep up. Don’t even try. The right shoes and bags can make everything you own look better. Simple clothes - if they fit well and suit you - can pop with the right accessories. More importantly, you will feel fabulous in them. Never underestimate the power of a well-chosen fashion totem. Some people feel the wrong shoes can date you. I say look at the glossies - designers are all over the map with heel shapes and sizes. Buy and wear what suits you.

Check out top designers even if you don’t buy at that level yet. You’ll see they all offer classics. Thank heavens, it is all I wear. I like my heels high and classic. Thanks to brilliant cobblers, I keep them forever.

As for designer bags, never say never. You can get by with any good quality neutral if that’s what's in your budget. Get something not too big or too small, in leather please. There are so many smashing bags at great prices, why bore yourself and everyone else? Live a little and try a color or metallic, or if you like black, get a shiny bag that’s new and exciting.

I say avoid the “It” anything. I do. However, if you love it and can afford it sometimes the “It” item is actually you - and then of course you must have it. But often it is a let down to spend so much on something you will see everywhere. It is very hard to make an “It” item truly yours. Try a unique variation. These investment accessories should be with you for years. Think about it and get something that is really you, not something you will tire of or see knocked off; as that is very depressing.

More sex, more style. How fabulous!

As the buzz about the new Sex and the City movie heats up I can only anticipate the fashion onslaught it will unleash.  The show was truly inspirational as well as aspirational. For a short time, Carrie and crew had more impact than most magazines. Granted clever stylists and a dream wardrobe did the magic, but the example was stunning. They mixed designer and vintage and even discussed the high cost of fashion in espodes when Carrie could not pay her bills because of her shopping.

So darlings, like everyone’s favourite fashion icons in Sex and the City, use fashion to your own advantage. Buy what you can and enjoy an occasional splurge. Get every inch of fun out of sexy stilettos. Choose a pricey new designer bag carefully, and then wield it with authority. Fashion should be your armor when you need it. Never forget the power of the right totem and how to cast glamour over life’s dullest spots. It’s all part of the magic that makes life sweet.

Victoria Lynn Weston

Victoria Lynn Weston shares her insights as a professional psychic consultant to businesses and individuals. She talks of her experiences and how you can use your intuition as an inspiration. Victoria is also a filmmaker whose documentary on Victoria Woodhall, featuring Gloria Steinem and Kate Capshaw, seems particularly interesting now.

DD: Can you share some of the types of businesses you have as clients, and the types of advice you give them?

VLW: As an intuitive/psychic consultant for more than 15 years, people consult me for a variety of reasons.  An entrepreneur may want to know more details about a new business that was launched, including profits, and their successes, along with strengths and weaknesses of employees.  People often seek guidance during their career or personal relationship or for insight to better understand them for personal and spiritual growth; to get a sense of their life's purpose.

Having been a guest on dozens of radio shows - I'm often asked about public interest questions including sports events.  A caller from Atlanta wanted to know how the Braves would play.  I boldly predicted they would win the playoffs and go on to win the World Series. I was a little stunned to see all the radio crew and the caller laughing!  The Braves had lost prior seasons and were clearly not in the league of winning.  That year the Braves won the World Series. Football predictions?  Yes.  I predicted this past Super Bowl that the New York Giants would win.

A banker client opened two banks in the Atlanta area.  We had several sessions as he wanted to know about the success of his banks, the expansion.  At the time I told him he would branch out to Alabama and South Carolina.  This seemed farfetched to him at the time.  Fast forward - he expanded branch offices to Alabama and the good news for him was the multi-million dollar buy out from Regions Bank.

DD:  Are there times that you don't pick up anything with clients?

VLW: I don't recall a case where I was unable to pick anything, but interestingly, the more activity someone has in their lives, the more there is to pick up on. There are definitely occasions when questions asked can be challenging. Whether a skeptic or believer, we are all looking for that golden nugget, that succinct soundbite of information to propel and compel us on our journey. To inspire and motivate and of course, to make bold predictions about one's career, their journey.

DD: How does the psychic process work? Does everyone have some psychic ability?

VLW: We are all intuitive; it's our natural birthright. Depending on the level of sensitivity a person is, the more intuition and psychic they are. 

ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) is the umbrella term defined by parapsychologists as intuition, precognition, clairvoyance, clairaudience, mental telepathy. As a psychic, I use two or three of these skills simultaneously. For example, I was a guest on a San Francisco radio show. Two very left-brain male talk show hosts - skeptics at their finest.  Before I had a chance to define the psychic process, one host blurts out; "I just wrote down a number, what is it?"  Pressured to produce and thinking quickly, I immediately saw a number in my mind's eye and blurted: the number 5.  He was quick to point out that I was half right. "Okay, I said, let me explain what I saw. I saw you write down the number 5 and the number 2 and you put a circle around them."  You could hear the men gasp; "you're right!"

Let's explain what skills I used to glean the information within seconds.  First, mental telepathy - thought transfer from one mind to another. Clairvoyance - seeing the picture in my mind's eye - and my intuition gave me a sense I was accurate. Psychic ability is due to a variety of factors. Equally, there are a variety of factors that can skew psychic information. "Wishful thinking" for instance and radiate from the client to the psychic can be so powerful that the psychic tells a client what they want to hear.

Psychics have strengths and weaknesses. They have areas of focus. I have developed my practice on the practical application of psychic ability. There are psychic mediums that focus on communication with the dead. While we all have some level of intuition and psychic sense, most are not going to be professional psychic consultants.  Equally, we are intelligent humans, but few will likely be a genius, such as Albert Einstein.

As a child, I knew of my psychic abilities and would host séances with my cousins during family gatherings.  Having been actively involved in acting for high school theatrical productions, I auditioned for major roles. I'd have prophetic dreams the night before the casting was posted. If I wasn't chosen, I knew who was and walked up to one of the students to let her know before the casting was posted.  I have been to dozens of psychics, good ones and not so good ones.  To this day, I love the psychic reading.  But I am very selective about whom - the authentic psychic is a must! It's a good idea to get a referral from someone. I would not recommend consulting with anyone associated with the 900 numbers and so-called psychics using names like "Mystical Sky" or "Blue Moon". A lot of those people are merely looking for part-time income.  However, if you happen to have such a session, prepare yourself, press the psychic for details - don't settle for general responses. If you scour the Internet searching for a psychic, truly research the psychic you are considering.  Listen to your intuition.  Determine if their area of focus is suited to your needs.  In other words, I focus on the practical, offering insights you can use. If you're looking to find a medium gifted with the ability to communicate with the dead, I'm not that psychic.  While I can receive impressions from loved ones beyond, I tend to have more faith in the information when it comes to me spontaneously. In the same vain, psychic mediums are not likely skilled with the ability to predict upcoming future events. At times I am baffled as to why so many people are caught up with celebrity psychic mediums like Sylvia Brown or John Edwards. They often employ "mental telepathy" - which is reading the guest's conscious thoughts. Their thoughts and experiences they have of their now deceased loved one. That's not medium ship. Mediums act as a conduit and open themselves up to receive information from beyond, the deceased.

When I watch their TV shows, I know a producer and director have asked the TV guests not to do anything but ask the question and to sit down.  Because they can't respond to Sylvia's response on Montel, this gives the TV audience a sense that she's being 100% accurate.  How can that be?  The guests won't really know about the accuracy until they are dead as to whether or not the communication from their loved one was real.  I like to know now if my predictions, my consultations are accurate. John Edwards’ show was riveting - but skeptics cry loudly at the fact his shows have a rapid-fire editing approach that never allow for any misses to be revealed.  The truth is, psychics have hits and misses. I am not a 100% accurate.  Nothing is, except mathematics. 

DD: What are the benefits of working with a psychic?

VLW: Consulting a psychic is one way to obtain useful insight into your life. That insight can bring awareness to alternatives to your life you are concerned with. A gifted psychic can scan your life and predict actions according to your path at the time of a consultation. A psychic can ease fears about changes you are considering or confirm your own intuitive feelings about a situation. Whether you are launching a new business or contemplating a real estate purchase, the reasons for consulting a psychic are endless.  The insight a psychic provides can awaken and stimulate fresh ideas and offer new solutions to old problems.

DD: You wrote a book called Selecting your Psychic from Main Street to Wall Street in which you advised people about how to choose a psychic. Are there some basic guidelines or warning signs people should use in choosing a psychic?

VLW : Some of the finest psychics today are engaged in a full-time practice.  They are credible, reliable, well respected and have built their reputations on firm ground. When you are looking for a psychic, take the same care in selecti ng your psychic as you would in obtaining a doctor. Ideally, ask recommendations from friends. Don't be afraid to interview the psychic prior to scheduling a session.  As with any relationship, the chemistry between you and the other person plays a major role in how well you relate to each other. Naturally there isn't one psychic who is suited for everyone. And there isn't one psychic who is going to be successful with every client.  There are mitigating factors to consider as well; what your mood is or if you have a cold can it affect a reading. I used to ask that my clients not drink alcohol 48 hours prior to the session, as I believed it would interfere with a reading by clouding their minds. Always listen and trust your intuition in guiding you to the right psychic.

Unfortunately there are quacks or charlatans in the psychic business.   Be wary of a psychic who states, "The diamond ring you are wearing is bringing you bad luck."  Be wary of a psychic that goes out of their way to make sure you come back.  Their closing comments might be; "I can clear your path of dark clouds and jealous friends."  Or, "I can bring success in your marriage or business by lighting candles." 

Suppose you decide to visit a psychic that just happens to be located on a busy street.  The sign is there inviting walk-in and you have an hour to kill.  You meet with Madame Teresa who seems to be warm and friendly.  She takes your hand, studies the lines and relays a few bold, yet general impressions.  The information is such that it could fit.  "There are jealous people around you.  There is a cloud of negative energy hovering over you preventing you from true success."  "Your boyfriend is interested in another woman."  Well, it so happens you were passed over for a promotion and you start thinking maybe there is jealously and negative energy around you that is holding you back.  Next the psychic says she wants to burn candles, $500 for one.  She suggests burning three for a week to remove all that junk from your aura.

When any so-called psychic starts such a campaign - run!  Go home and burn your own candles, you can do more good.  Sadly, many educated people have fallen for these lines and spent thousands of dollars. 

Desperate yes; successful, no.  Finally, be skeptical of a psychic who imparts mostly negative information.

If you are just exploring psychics and psychic readings, consult more than one psychic. Compare notes. Don't be afraid to try other disciplines, such as astrology and numerology.

DD: You are also a filmmaker and you produced and directed a documentary that is particularly interesting now that we have a women running for President of the United States. Your documentary tells the story of Victoria Woodhull the first female presidential candidate. What compelled you to make this documentary and why is her story still so relevant?

VLW: The story of Victoria Woodhull is a fascinating one, an inspiring story of someone who with little education, little money pursued her passion. She is a miracle, a miracle of self belief against the odds and she accomplished so much. The Atlanta Journal Constitution quotes: "If you spliced the genes of Hillary Clinton, Madonna, Heidi Fleiss and Margaret Thatcher, you might have someone like Victoria Woodhull."

Initially, I was interested in her work as a psychic; she made bold predictions about world politics particularly with the US and the UK.  Cornelius Vanderbilt consulted with her.  In return he helped her with stocks and was instrumental in her opening an office on Wall Street. That's right, Woodhull with her sister were known as the "Bewitching Brokers" and the first women on Wall Street. Victoria Woodhull is a fascinating figure from history and her story needs to be heard. Coming from humble beginnings, at an early age she received messages from her spirit guide who stated "you will be the ruler of your people." Because she trusted her intuition and used her psychic ability in business, she - through the help of her male brain trusts - would launch the first woman-run newspaper. As a woman publisher, she was the first to publish the Communist Manifesto in the US.  It was General Ben Butler who helped her become the first woman to address the House Judiciary Committee at a time when everyone knew it should have been Susan B. Anthony. Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to run for US President in 1872 and women didn't even have the right to vote! 

Woodhull's story is especially significant today with yet another woman running for US President; Senator Hillary Clinton. The times are different but their platforms are considered radical. Woodhull campaigned on a platform of "free love and equal rights for men and women."  Free love didn't mean sexual promiscuity but that people should be free to love whom they want whenever they want.  And that law should have nothing to do with that love. Woodhull also deplored hypocrisy and nearly brought down the famous Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, who ironically practiced free love behind the scenes yet denied it in public.

Perhaps the Obama vs. Clinton campaign will reveal a little deja vu; if Obama asks Clinton to be his VP, it would be the opposite of Woodhull's nomination of black reformer Frederick Douglass to be her vice-presidential running mate.

In fact, you can read my December 2007 press release where I predicted that Obama would win the Democratic nomination and consider Clinton as his running mate.  I also predicted Senator John McCain to win the Republican nomination. At the time, both candidates were way behind in the polls - in fact, Clinton was deemed the "inevitable" candidate.

Several years ago, I predicted we would have a female Vice President before we'd have a female President.  Time will tell.

Senator Clinton is equally passionate about her platform - don’t be surprised if Obama asks Clinton to be his VP.

For more about Victoria Lynn Weston www.victorialynnweston.com

Fight grime in the city

Olay already makes some of my favourite cleansers. I think they’re hard to top at any price. As a former beauty editor I have passed on many a pricey cleanser to save my sensitive combination skin and stuck faithfully by my trusty Olay. I love them.  But I think that the new foaming cleansers by Olay might just top them all.

Olay’s Definity Penetrating Mousse Cleanser is part of the Definity line for luminous skin.  Little micro beads leave your skin soft to the touch. Olay has the “foaming cleansers available in several different lines and they are all fabulous. Never underestimate the importance of washing your face. I like to  do it as soon as I get home, even if I leave my eye makeup on. I am convinced it helps to keep your skin young and healthy - and many top Derms agree. The new cleaners just lift the grime away. How fabulous is that?

How to look fabulous right now

Why not try a trendy eye colour?  Pastel shadow was a big spring from the runways. One of the prettiest ways to wear it is in lavender or violet, which works for almost any eye colour. Editors and makeup artists have been showing Chanel’s Quadra Stage Lights. Want a frugal fashionista option? Try Cover Girl’s Dance Party. I am mad about these shades and wear them all the time.

www.neimanmarcus.com

Get a grip on a clutch

While nothing will pry my full-size LV handbag from my tight little grip, every well-dressed girl needs a clutch this spring - so spring for one. Some of the sexiest ones are snakeskin and something of an investment. Want to look terribly chic on a tiny budget? Not to worry: go vintage. Try www.vintagebag.com . Moguls, movie stars, and models do it - why shouldn’t you? No more prowling musty shops, unless that’s your thing. Instead, hop online and snag a bargain. Remember when buying vintage go for the best. Be picky. If you have a chichi family member who hoards fashion treasures, check the attic or her closets if she will let you. These bags were big in the 80s, too. 

Perfect muffins in minutes

I love a good, hot fresh corn muffin fresh from the oven. I am not surprised that few people ever turn one down when I offer them. Corn-muffins are old-fashioned and perfect with so many things, such as chili, broiled salmon, or a good chioppino –which is what, provoked my latest bout of baking. Corn and fish are a classic combination; it kept the pilgrims and the native Americans alive. Add some tomatoes, garlic, chilies, onions, and cheesy goodness into the mix, and you have a feast.

Finding the perfect recipe for corn bread or muffins is not easy. I searched for mine for years and tried many recipes. Peruse the Internet and you may be shocked at the sheer volume of variations. The recipe below is my favourite; it is simple, easy and always delicious. It can be made as well with either soured milk or sour cream. I have used both and have never detected a difference. Such substitutions is a lifesaver, as I am a creature of impulse and don’t always have a container of my favourite light sour cream. And, yes darlings, I make it with light sour cream and it tastes just fine too. (That may be because of the butter. Alas, all good things have a price.) Just for the record, I have also made this with olive oil instead of butter. I don’t like it as well, but it will do in a pinch.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. You want it hot when the corn bread/muffins go in.

¾ cup flour

1 cup corn meal, medium ground is best but anything except fine ground will do.

2 ¼ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

2 tbsp. sugar

Mix

Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and add:

3 tbsp. very soft butter

1 cup of sour cream or 1 cup of milk that you sour with 1 tsp. of white vinegar or lemon and let stand 1 minute (if you use milk add another 1 tbsp. of soft butter)

2 beaten eggs

Dash of salt

Mix

Optional but delicious

¾ cup of grated very sharp cheddar (I like orange because it looks great!)

1 diced jalapeño or 1 tsp. chilies.

Grease well a muffin tin or 8x8 shallow baking dish. This makes 8 regular muffins, 1 dozen mini muffins, or 1 pan of corn bread. Bake about 20-30 minutes; check after 20. The bread or muffins should be golden and pull slightly from the sides of the pan. It will smell divine. Serve warm. Reheat to serve.

When it comes to fashion never forget that glamour also means “spell” - as in magic - and that’s what we do darlings with our scent and our heels and all our other wonderful feminine trappings. We cast glamour. I think that’s the fun of it. You gather your pieces, you toss them on, and hopefully their magic makes you feel fabulous.

So darlings I hope you all have a sweet and gorgeous week, flouncing with your best bag, stunning earrings, sensational scarf, sexy stilettos - or whatever does it for you!  Until next week please sign-up if you haven’t already - DolceDolce is free! And forward us to all your friends. Because life should be sweet.