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Karen,
The Best Kept Secret
Once upon a time, hemlines caused quite the uproar on the fashion scene each fall. But the long and short of our skirt length is now so passé. The big question this year is what’s the best jean – skinny or wide leg. And for the mid-life woman who wants comfort along with an up-to-date look that doesn’t compete with her teenage daughter’s style, it’s all quite a puzzle. |
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First up is one for us curvy girls. The GAP’s high-rise trouser jean hangs straight from the hip making your legs look long and lean. The trouser cut falls perfectly in the middle between tight and clingy on one extreme and ridiculously wide elephant legs on the other. The dark indigo wash makes them just a tad dressy and the higher rise means good-bye plumber butt and muffin top. If you’re blessed with long legs and think you might like to try a skinny leg jean, check out the Principessa Collection by Gina Tersigni. Gina began her collection by creating real jeans for real women. For her, this means jeans that accentuate a woman’s most positive assets. We tried on a pair of her skinny jeans at Popcorn II Boutique on Yonge Street in Thornhill. One of the best things about these jeans is the cut – not too low in the back and a little higher in the waist. A touch of Lycra makes them comfortable to wear and the dark denim wash makes them dressy. Finally, a pair of skinny jeans that fit and look good on real women. For a list of retailers in the city or to check out the rest of the Principessa Collection, visit their website at http://www.principessacollection.com. |
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An interview with Toronto based designer, Gina Tersigni. The Best Kept Secret: You were in your early 40s when you started designing clothes. How did you decide to go into fashion design and why at that stage in life? Gina Tersigni: I was a stay-at-home mom for several years. When my kids got older, I wanted to go back to work and had always wanted to get into the fashion business. I had a background in business but had always loved fashion. I took some courses when I was home with my children. In fact, it was my children that really made me take the final leap into the business. While we were shopping one day during a trip to Montreal, I was lamenting how much I’d like to get into the fashion business and my kids said to me “Just do it.” I got the idea to start with jeans because I wanted a comfortable fit for myself. I was in my early 40s at that point. There were so many low-rise jeans out there that just didn’t feel right. Sometimes it doesn’t matter how thin you are, when you’re in your 40s, some things just aren’t appropriate.” TBKS: What are some of the features of the jeans that make them great for midlife women? GT: The jeans have stretch. They’re not low – they have a high, thick waistband. We have both straight and flared styles. TBKS: Your collection has expanded beyond the jeans. GT: That’s right, there are more pieces. We offer a wide range of choices that you can dress up to go out to dinner in or wear every day. I really try to make things that you can mix and match so you don’t have to buy a new wardrobe each season. We try not to be too trendy. Our pieces are timeless. TBKS: What’s your bestseller? GT: The jacket on our website. I worked with a manufacturer in Italy and the fit is incredible? TBKS: I’ve seen that jacket on a young model and on you – someone in her 40s. It looked great on both of you. How old is your average customer? GT: Our demographic is typically 35 and over. TBKS: How hard was it to start your own business in this industry? GT: People are obsessed with brands and a new designer has to prove him or herself. The first couple of years were extremely difficult. Networking helped. TBKS: Any advice for other midlife women who are contemplating starting their own business? GT: Follow it through. It’s not easy. If you believe in it just keep going. TBKS: Any style advice for our set? GT: When I was 40, that’s when I started to feel comfortable in my own skin. I like the person I’ve become. I’m going to do what I enjoy and not let others bring me down. If a woman can have this kind of attitude, it transpires into the way she looks. We can still look young and fresh and great in clothes that look good for us at any age Where to buy? Go to the Principessa website for a retailer in your area. |
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