Image Matters

We simply can’t do without bags, however what kind bag you chose can make or break your total image. Here are few pointers to help you make wise choices.

The carry-all handbags style dominates the fashion scene and indeed, some are so over sized it looks as if they are caring all, including the kitchen sink, but can avoid that and still be with the time!

From oversized totes to slouchy shoulder bags, women are looking like overloaded mules, schlepping shoulder bags bigger then they are and in the process loosing elegance and power. Just because it is in the style it doesn’t mean you have to be a prisoner of discomfort.

Thank heavens some old and reliable designers do make regular size handbags My favorite being Louis Vuitton and have been a faithful client for decades, as well as Coco Chanel, the reliable quilted bag, timeless, but somewhat matronly and along with the Chanel tweed suits, Ferragamo low heel pumps, pearls and etc., creates an image more fitting Mrs. Nancy Regan then the contemporary woman of today, so be careful when desging your image.

And most if us do wont to update our image and do keep up with trends, but do leave the oversized handbag in your car and take a smaller shoulder bag or a clutch with you, while remaining elegant.
Example: in this case large wallet with detachable shoulder strap paired with this practical and elegant Leather Quilted Tote.

http://www.brightonretail.com/store/wishlist.php?m=product_detail&p=T32883

http://www.brightonretail.com/store/wishlist.php?m=product_detail&p=H4058

Or simply tote your chiropractor along side, as you’ll need them for frequent treatments.

And there is always a “however.” A newcomer has moved in on the fashion scene and is taking over. Lockheart handbags, you simply can’t go wrong. They are unique and stand out in style, rich colors, beauty and are designed for women of all sizes and all ages. Kim is tall and can carry this bag with ease.

A rule of tumb, smaller bags for smaller statue and larger bags, oh well, it is self explanatory, you never want a handbag to overwhelm your persona.

As Peggy, in a couture Armani suit from Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills, demonstrates a major no, no and one reason why large bags can be unappealing, it sabotages her elegance and total image by overstuffing it, also designed by Lockheart. Saks Fifth Avenue & Nordstrom’s carry Lockheart bags.

So when shopping, keep focused on quality and timeless elegance, and once a year add a few trendy peaces to update your image.

The Ten Commands thou shall not do:

1. Thou shall not slouch under the heavy weight of oversized totes and shoulder bags.

2. Thou shall not mix different designers accessories.

3. Thou shall match your wallet, key chain and checkbook cover with your bag designer.

4. Thou shall not raid Indian reservations to cover thyself from head to toe with turquoise jewelry.

5. Thou shall not wear black from head to toe, unless you are going to a funeral or live in New York City.

6. Thou shall not wear “wedgie” sandals to work, unless thou is playing a lead in a “Gladiator”.

7. Thou shall not bear naked midriff in church, restaurants or working place.

8. Thou shall use thy brainpower and check in the world of reality that Brittany Spears is an entertainer and folks like you and I don’t dress in such a way.

9. Thou shall not over do “trendy” and look like walking billboard.

10. Thou shall not purchase quantity but make smart choices and invest in quality.

I am thrilled to see the talented Mickey Rourke, Phoenix like, rise from the ashes and soar back on to the big screen doing what he loves and is best at, acting. With a nomination for the Golden Globes Awards for best actor in “The Wrestler” the rumor is that his next project will see him staring in ”Iron Man 2.”

The first time I noticed Mickey’s rebellious personality, was in “Diner,” a comedy about a group of young men in the 1950s, costarring Kevin Bacon, Steve Guttenberg, Paul Reiser and Daniel Stern, just few names you might recognize. ☺ And the first time I meet him was at Café Roma in Beverly Hills, by now he was well known as a talented actor and a rebel.

Let me take you back to 1985 for few minutes. The “We are the World” USA For Africa Aid concert won Grammys for the Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Produced, by Quincy Jones, words written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, idea born from Harry Belafonte and Ken Kragen an entertainment lawyer and activist, was instrumental in securing the talent and what a talent that was.

Reagan’s ruled the country; glamour dictated the fashion trends and life was glorious. I was a successful image consultant, my name and my face a familiar image and welcomed in Beverly Hills.

Besides Neiman’s and Sak’s, Rodeo Drive was the place to shop. Yves St. Laurent was still there, Cartier up the street with all the jewelry one can fathom, where some amongst my favorite stores to shop in.

My mantra was and still is, “quality”, instead of quantity and with clients who love couture designs; this was and is a place to shop.

With more the conservative and corporate clients we patronized “Gucci” or “Battaglia” and for younger and hipper clients I loved “Mr. Guy”, a store owned by Guy Greenguard, a first class act and a great coach and teacher. I learned so much from him. He’s the one that said, “Don’t ever put your name in the Yellow Pages; you’re bigger than that.”

Beverley Hills, was buzzing with celebs and most of us gathered at Café Roma, owned by brothers Gigi and Orlando Orssini. (Sorry if names are misspelled). With white plastic chairs and a huge gaudy painting of the Spanish Steps on one of the walls, Café Roma was one of the few restaurants with outdoor dinning, and during lunch hours it was flooded, with foreigners and celebrities a like. We all loved the food but most of all, the friendly atmosphere. One could sit right next to Kirk Douglas, Carl Reiner, Ann Bancroft, Ringo Star with his lovely wife Barbara Bach, and Schwarzenegger, too many to list them all. Rumor was that Princess Stephanie of Monaco, a frequent patron at Café Roma co-owned Cibaud George Boutique.

“The Year of the Dragon,” like Mickey himself, sparked a huge controversy amongst Chinese Americans for stereotyping and misrepresenting them and Chinatown, but the rest of the world loved the movie and Influential French film periodical Cahiers du cinéma named it in its annual Top Ten list.

At the screening of the move I saw the side of Mickey that the public didn’t know. A shy, generous man to both me and my friend Jamie Kechmar, who eventually worked for Mickey. Talk about the odd couple, Jamie honest hard working catholic girl raised in Youngstown Ohio was as different from Mickey as two people could possible be. After the screening, he took everyone to Café Roma for dinner and picked up the tab. If my memory serves me right, Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini, another product of Youngstown Ohio and Jamie’s schoolmate, one of the nicest people you want to know, joined us that evening, he too was a regular at Café Roma.

Mickey was on top of the world and he was unstoppable, at least that is what he thought, judging by his actions.

At some point, he opened a little ice-cream parlor right across from Café Roma, with gaudy and loud signs for Harley Davidson. On more than one occasion, to the dismay of the Café Roma patrons, he would arrogantly drive his bike to the corridor just few feet from the dinning costumers, revving his motorcycle to the discomfort and disrespect of everyone. There was such an expression of disobedience. Finally Gigi, one of the dearest people, who loved Mickey, called the police and after a number of warnings, the parlor was closed.

A few years later, after flops like “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man,” co-starring with Don Johnson, Mickey gave up acting and went back to boxing, after annoying not only the patrons of Café Roma, but the entertainment industry at large and pretty much disappeared from LA and the show bizz. Self distractive life continued, until there was no where to go but down.

Today the world, once again, is his and we all who love the work he delivers on big screen pray that he doesn’t repeat the same actions, which got him out of show business and LA in the first place.

There is such a huge lesson to be learned for all of us, if Mickey, who went through drug addiction, alcoholism and was penniless, can reclaim his place in industry that is brutal and unkind to aging, there is hope for all of us who shined in the 80’s or whoever had a dream of living huge. Just claim it.

Today Café Roma is no longer a place where we meet and gather for Saturday family luncheons. The cold and uninviting decor designed by the new owners, stark white barren walls and unfamiliar faces, estranged the old timers and most of us have moved on to more inviting atmosphere. No Gigi to welcome us with open arms and friendly kiss and his staff is all but gone. At times you can still find Governor Schwarzenegger, surrounded by muscly body guards, playing chess there.

My husband and I have as different interest in TV and movie subject matters as we have in our professions. He a Dr. of geophysics and I, a trained photojournalist ending up as an image consultant, but when it came to Boston Legal the differences disappear and there was no doubt what we will watch.

The show created by the active and intelligent mind addressed the issues of a very sensitive nature with an open-minded approach while laced with a hilarious sense of humor.

With a two hour finale, yet another successful ending for the show’s producer and ever so ageless David E. Kelley.

Tuesday, the Emmy Award winning cast of “Boston Legal” took its last bow with another spectacular performance by all.

While at times a little to preachy, James Spader’s character Alan takes apart the Supreme Court justices and with passionate delivery, Spader’s and Shatenr’s charters dance their last dance, they really do, dance, into the night. The End!

Unfortunately the show didn’t generate high enough numbers to keep it alive. Why it would? It requires one to engage the thinking process. This shouldn’t be surprise when we, the citizens of this country, elected George W. Bush for two terms. DUUUH!

After five seasons of great entertainment which hopefully has awaken in us a new level of awareness and accountably for the state of this country, we also witnessed some outstanding fashion statements. Images designed for the powerful shakers and movers, now can be a part of your wordroebe. Everything is going on the ridicules sale, this Saturday,12-13th and Sunday, 12-14th at:

Raleigh Manhattan Beach Studio
1600 Rosecrans Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA‎ - (310) 727-2700
From 8:00 am till 4:00 pm

See you there and every person for themselves.

Wishing you and yours Blessed and Glorious Holiday Season!!!

Ashley

PS I know this will get some of my Republican friends annoyed .:-)

As the summer days get shorter and days of frolicking freely in the sun, bicycling, sailing and running in the sand come to a close, let’s pay attention and repair some of the damage left from the summer.

1. Get your skin examined.
Don’t postpone it, do it now. Melanoma does not exclude anyone, it is the most common form of cancer among women between 25 and 29.

2. The sun block continues…..
Don’t get fooled that only summer rays damage your skin. Don’t put your sun block away with your swimming suit. Snow reflects 40% of the sun’s burning rays. While you are taking care of your face, don’t neglect the most exposed part of your body, your hands (they will give your age away before anything else does).

I have spent a fortune on most famous label names of lotions and creams and found Neutrogena’s products absolutely fabulous. To avoid the sun altogether use their sunless tanning lotion which has SPF 8.

3. Visit a great hair stylist.
Get rid of sun and chlorine damaged ends and try a new hair style for the fall. Lengths are longer, more feminine, and colored. We’re seeing true autumn colors of soft maple golds, acorn caramels, and chestnuts browns.

5. Get a new moisturizer.
Don’t ignore your skin and this includes you too gentleman, please and make sure to eliminate skin drying agents such as alcohol and witch hazel. Look for moisturizers with ingredients such as vitamins A and E, aloe vera, sunflower oil, and glycerin.

6. Walk, walk, walk and some more walk!!!
No matter what time of the year, always walk everywhere you can, park your car as far as you can and walk, walk, walk, you are never too large, too skinny, too young or too old, or anything too much, to walk. The fact is women today die from heart attacks as frequently as men, take your partner by the hand and go for a walk.

7. Last and not least, let’s weed out your closets, donate to charity what you haven’t used for the last two years and finally lets update your existing wardrobe with exusite styles and bring your wardrobe up to date.

Wishing you a year filled with peace and abundance.

Ashley M. Rothschild

It was scorching hot weather as the stars rolled in and tried to remain cool while still managing to look stunning. From the seat I was watching the 58th Emmy Awards was one of the most elegant and entertaining Emmy’s ever. The evening started with a hilarious and very talented MC, Conan O’Brien.

What a delightful surprise that this tall and awkward comedian can act and dance. Delightful too. TRUELY A NIGHT TO REMEMBER.

The Best dressed, first place winners:

Kudos to cutie Jeremy Piven who stole the show with his charm, his intellect and sense of humor and made us laugh with a statement “I’m the only straight man to bring his Mom four times to any awards show.” However, ditch the ascot and shave next time.

Jaime Pressly in a lace Badgley Mischka dress for her first Emmy Awards looked breath taking and Lord what body, it makes the soul ache with envy. Sizzling hot!!!!!!

EVANGELINE LILLY, The scrumptious star of Lost shined brightly amongst the stars with grace and calm elegance in a Versace strapless stunner of a gown and dazzling jewelry. Perfect combination for the star studded event. She cleaned up well.

MARISKA HARGITAY, the proud new mom beaming with pride and love for her newborn, looked sexy and sultry in a glorious and stunning Carolina Herrera gown. What a class act. I adore her.

The heat wasn’t the only thing that sizzled, so did the soon to be a mom HEIDI KLUM, revealing not only her sense of style in a flowing, crimson Michael Kors gown, showing pregnant women can be sexy.

TYRA BANKS looked like a Nubian princess in a $55,000 Georges Chakra couture trumpet gown, (for real?) showed her statuesque figure in a hip-hugging, one shouldered, mermaid-cut gown and completed this picture perfect shot with elegant chignon and $3.5 million worth of diamonds.

The Grey’s Anatomy, KATHERINE HEIGL, out of scrubs and into body fitting champagne-colored, silky Escada gown, made this transformation the sexiest image of the evening. She would wake up a dead man from his slumber. Wow!!!!!! And what a body, the whole package reflecting the classic elegance of the olden Hollywood, Jimmy Choo shoes and clutch completed this glamorous image.

The Worst dressed first place winners

Although most of the ladies looked stunningly beautiful, from my point of view there where some tremendous fashion mistakes.

Gentlemen held up their own, starting with “American Idol” judge, music producer, Randy Jackson in a wasted tuxedo, looked overdone, too hot and uncomfortable, a wrong image for this delightful man.
Also darling I see you around the town, give up those wrinkled and overworn jeans, you are not a youngster and just because you are in the music business don’t need look like a slob.

What a disappointment, the Dynasty’s diva, JOAN COLLINS, went way overboard in this outlandish and outdated getup. From her wig to rhinestones covered gown she reechoed of the old image reminiscent of the fashion trends form her dynasty in the 80’s.

PAULA ABDUL, it breaks my heart every time I see her at the awards. Her floral gown more fitting for my 95 years old great aunt and accompanied with the wrong choice of jewelry, making this fashion statement a matronly disaster. Was she trying to impersonate royalty? Well she did, queen mom. It appears as if she takes pride in making the worst dressed list year after year. What a shame. Wake up . You are short; the less is better on petit women such as you.

VANESSA MINNILLO, TRL host, heads the worst dressed list in this too-tight, too-sequined cocktail dress. Did Dolly Parton loan her one her old gowns? Ultimate in tackiness. Ouch, it hurts my eyes just to look at this.

SANDRA OH, in a periwinkle, waist-cinching gown with a ruffled neckline, her slender figure lost in Vera Wang gown and adorned with every kind of bling-bling they could find, sabotaging this exotic looking women’s image. Overdoing it is the disease of the nuevo rich. In this case, more is not better.

Will & Grace’s Megan Mullally looked like a militant lesbian, desperately trying to stay cool, in a long-sleeved, floor-length navy gown. Thank heavens for the neckline plunging down to her pubics, reminding us what a sexy dish she really is. Brilliant strings of diamonds, embraced her bosoms. Exquisite. Hey did you think LA in August could possible be HOT!!!!!!

However this uncomplimentary image didn’t stop her form walking away with an Emmy. Congratulations.

Didn’t need to be told to curb my enthusiasm when this masquerade of a gown showed up. CHERYL HINES, from The Curb Your Enthusiasm, a nominee in stiff taffeta gown with dreadfully overdone back, blinding those who didn’t wear sunglasses.

Desperate Housewives, EVA LONGORIA in a plunging, bubble-skirted dress by Jason Wu, disappeared in this lovely and way over whelming gown. Was she really in there? This gown was fitting for someone much taller then this minute star.

Adrian Grenier, cast member of Entourage, got lost on his way to a hobo convention? What where you thinking? And you publicists and agents, how could you let him leave a house looking like such a slob?

Nominee Denis Leary, love him, love his intelligence, his outrageous personality, hated the ridicules mafia wannabe look in a black suit with the red tie. And what was his wife wearing? Regretfully, they win the worst dressed couple for the evening.

Remember it takes on 30 seconds to make a first impression, make sure yours is memorable.