Last weekend I had the great pleasure of meeting one of my favorite designers, Chiara Boni, at Neiman Marcus in Los Angeles; and speaking as a woman Over Fifty, when I first saw her dresses, there was an instant Agelessly chic appeal. It was such a pleasure talking to Chiara who is almost 70. She has been designing since she was in her 20’s, which means she has been doing this for almost 50 years. Chiara has designed through every era; hippie; disco; punk rock; ’80’s glam, and on and on. It tugged at my heart as she was telling me this because I would have so loved to have been around this creative woman during those years.
You can see Chiara’s innate sense of style below, and check out those cool sunglasses she was trying on. Chiara just has this natural sense of style that oozes from her pores.
There were of course models, at least 6 feet tall, meandering throughout the store wearing Chiara’s new Spring Summer collection. These lovely dresses below could easily be a nice choice for the mother of the bride.
Chiara has no idea how “cool” she is. However, she is very down to earth as well. One reason she chose the fabric that she uses for her dresses is because you can throw them in the washing machine without a problem. The fabric is almost like Spandex, which holds you in, but it has a silky feel.
This is one of Chiara’s dresses from a few years ago. It is difficult to see in the photo, but the fabric has a smooth as satin look to it. Most women Over Fifty have a hard time wearing dresses without sleeves, I know that very well. However, I have skinny arms and legs, but a great big belly!! One day, I will write a blog about how to hide a great big belly for women Over Fifty.
This is another of Chiara’s dresses from about 2 seasons ago, I think. I wore this to the grand opening of a Mall owned by the Westfield company. I didn’t realize I would be matching the surroundings!! As you can see, I truly do love Chiara’s style. It does take some shape wear with my tummy, but it’s worth it!!
You can find Chiara’s dresses on line, but I suggest going to Saks, Neiman’s or Bloomingdales to try them on first. This would be a hard dress to buy without seeing where it fits and doesn’t fit!! But if you find one you love, buy it. You won’t regret it, I have worn mine so many times. Don’t forget, you can save on dry cleaning bills too!!
Where in Ireland or Europe can I buy these dresses
Hi Kathleen,
I’m sorry I don’t know. You can try US websites like SaksFifthAvenue.com. I know they carry Chiara’s clothing.
Best, Wendy
hey, was at Nordstroms looking for a wedding guest dress for myself.
I happened to try a Chiara dress on (did not have my readers could not see the price)
Anyway the dress felt so comfortable and seemed to support my body. ( I am sixty)
Now I am obsessed and had no idea this dress type existed.
They did not have many sizes to compare fit so now I want to try an 6, 8 or 10.
I guess the size runs small compared to american sizes.
Also will motivate me to keep up with my pilates class to keep kinda fit.
I have the worst legs so looking for a midi length.
so excited
Hi Becky,
I apologize for not seeing this sooner, and getting back to you sooner. Chiara’s dresses are very body-con, but they are
kind of like Spanx too. I hope you find the right one. They do run small. I am a size 4, but usually take a 6 or even an
8, especially on top. You can also throw them in the washing machine.
Best, Wendy
Hi Becky,
You’re email kinda got lost amongst the others and I am just seeing this. Did you go back and try a Chiara dress?
Let me know what happened.
In love w a dress of hers but no Saks or BG nearby. Has sleeves. I am 67 and very short waisted but there are so few petities. I’m the mother of the bride in 4 months.
bust 37A, waist 33.5, hips 40.
What size do you suggest for me to be able to feel comfortable and not feel fat, or should I skip it now that my waist has thickened and stick w ruching. Size 14?
Who’s dress are you in love with? Lately, I have gained weight and I am going for the ruching myself.
I would avoid anything form fitting. There have to be some evening gowns that are A-line, which you could also
try. Where do you live? WEndy Xox
Hi. Wendy. I just fall in love with Chiara dress. I brought one for my daughter’s wedding. Somehow i fall in love with other onebut can not find my size 6 or 8 anywhere . Any suggestions? Appreciate it.
Hi Amy,
Have you tried Googling it? There are lots of online stores that carry her brand. Good luck. Wendy
Sorry this is so late. Do what I do when I am trying to find something, Google it. Then go through every website. I think you can even put
the dress size you are looking for, but I am not sure. Best, Wendy
I am petite and wear size 2P. This means my bodice is shorter that of a person wearing a regular 2. Will a Chiara Boni outfit fit a petite person like me?
Hi Sherry,
I am petite to.o and I love Chiara’s dresses. They hug the body pretty closely so I can’t tell you until you try one on.
If you are thin, I am thinking yes, but everyone’s body is so different. The great thing about her dresses is that you
can throw them in the wash.