If you are not watching “The Starter Wife” on USA on Friday nights you should be! (Or at least set your DVR to watch it for you) Debra Messing is of course gorgeous and the show tackles great themes like fashion (of course!), life after divorce, reinvention, and motherhood.
You can read more from a previous post I did. Since then, Lead Stylist for the show, Agata Maszkiewicz WAS able to find time in her busy schedule to finally answer some questions for us gals at The Fashionable Housewife and it was worth the wait! She has some EXCELLENT and practical tips… so read on!
Jill of The Fashionable Housewife: Molly Kagan proves to us in “The Starter Wife” that forty is definitely the new thirty… and housewives across America are thrilled to hear this great news! In your opinion, how does the fashion in this show reflect the sexy and confident maturity of this age group?
AM: Molly is definitely a sexy and confident woman and it shows in her overall style. Her fashion choices represent a laid back and cool style, yet carry a sophisticated timeless, chic overtone. While she doesn’t try to look twenty, that doesn’t mean that she is not having fun with her clothing and accessory choices. We play with simple but flattering shapes, strong colors and bold jewelry and this is something that works at any age. The beauty of being a mature woman is the confidence that comes with knowing yourself longer and better. Women hopefully get to an age where we care less about what other people think and more about what makes us happy. This doesn’t mean that mature women have to sacrifice style; it’s quite the contrary. Style is about confidence and wearing the clothes, instead having them wear you.
JoTFH: Another great topic that “The Starter Wife” touches on is life after divorce for women. It seems that the old thought was that a female divorcee was doomed to life alone while the men had all the fun, but that just isn’t the case anymore. Women are starting to realize there is a new life and new opportunities after divorce. What tips do you have for women, fashion-wise, on life after divorce?
AM: Life after divorce can certainly be a challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for a new beginning. In terms of fashion, it can be a chance to discover a new style or just concentrate on the style you have always had but may have put on the back burner. This is a great time to have fun and buy some fashion magazines and just start tearing out pages of things that you find beautiful and interesting. Don’t get caught up in thinking about what you can or can’t actually wear, just allow yourself to explore that which you find inspiring. Go one step further and make a collage of the styles that you liked and see what emerges. You will be surprised that what you like and what you actually buy are quite often very different things. Venture out of your comfort zone and use this exercise as a reminder of the things that make you happy and then start incorporating some of those ideas into your wardrobe. Whether it is adding some bolder colors and fun accessories, or a complete wardrobe overhaul, this can be a fun time to remember that your personal style is important in shaping your daily attitude.
JoTFH: What simple fashion tips do you have for moms and housewives all over the country? It seems like we get a bad rap in the fashion world – how can we work past that?
AM: I think the best thing moms and housewives can do is wear simpler clothes and buy bolder accessories. No one expects housewives to go about their days in couture dresses, but that doesn’t mean that a simple style can’t be fashionable. Even if you are wearing jeans and a t-shirt you can add a bit of flair by adding a scarf and some funky jewelry. The most important thing of all is to have your clothes altered if the fit isn’t right; nothing ruins an outfit faster than a bad fit. Luckily this is not that difficult or expensive, as any good drycleaner can easily make basic alterations that will make all the difference.
JoTFH: Let’s quickly talk fall/winter 2008 fashion. If there are two to three pieces that we MUST incorporate to our wardrobe what would they be?
AM: There are so many great trends upon us this fall/winter season, but my top must have is a great piece of statement jewelry. Go with a chunky gold cuff, or better yet, stack two for double the impact. Or take a cue from the pros at Givenchy who showed layers of silver chain necklaces; this is a surefire way to update anything black, even a simple ribbed turtleneck. Another must have piece this season is a strong lace dress or skirt like the wonderful pieces from Prada or Balmain. We dressed Molly Kagan in an amazing black lace dress from Prada that was simply gorgeous and classic. You can also have fun with lace inspired pieces this season by mixing them with more rugged fabrics, creating a wonderful juxtaposition of styles and textures.
MUCH thanks to Agata and continued success on “The Starter Wife.”
