Two goddesses, two ways

The always-edifying Sartorialist, Scott Schuman, published recent photos of his favourite goddess-muses, Giovanna Ballaglia, editor of Italian U'Omo Vogue, and Emanuelle Alt, Fashion Director, Vogue Paris.

These beauties are young enough to be my daughters, but I found the juxtaposition interesting. The lesson I derived: you can do one or another, but in-between, bof.

So Carol teaches me to elevate jeans with a gorgeously-tailored jacket and leave makeup and hair natural. Many of us will feel relieved that elegance can be supremely simple.

And Giovanna- madonna, this is glamour! The bag, the jewelry, the sheer audacity of leopard hose and shoes. She is telling me that dressed up need not be stuffy, safe or boring.

A more mature woman might lower the heel but never the standard. A 50+ Carol could trade jeans for well-cut pants. But she will care, and choose her place to stand.

Timid hair-with-barettes, bitsy earrings, anything less than very good quality (here, it is sublime): pass. Doesn't serve us, doesn't brighten a day.

Buy, shop consignment, sew. Just avoid the oppressively average, which is everywhere.

Depending on the day, we can be Carol or Giovanna– or caper about like this London lass (who reminds me of Kate Winslet). More attitude, less cash, but still, a personality. Grab a clown bag, throw on a bright scarf, peep of electric blue, lush lipstick: smile!

Memo to self:

Take the shirt-and-jeans– but then, think like a stylist (which both Schuman's goddesses have been), not a tired, cranky shopper.

Wake up and find the inner Carol, Giovanna or... somebody.