Hello Everyone,

Let me introduce myself...I am Katy's mom and I will contribute fashion help for the forty and over crowd. What makes me an expert? I come from a long line of southern  fashionistas. My great grandmother was always beautifully groomed with tasteful jewelry, stylish clothing, and a lovely color coordinated hats. My grandmother never left the house unless she was properly attired. I remember once when  I was a young teenager, she fell down a flight of icy stairs. I was rushing to the telephone  to call 911 when she stopped me to demand that I 'fixed her hair' and helped her put on lipstick before she went to the hospital. Her arm was broken and hanging limply by her side but she managed to put on a starched blouse and colorful scarf before anyone could see her. Now that is dedication to good grooming!  The tradition continues with my mother who always looks beautiful and never leaves the house in sneakers or sweats, ever.

I started sewing when I was six or seven years old and began creating perfectly lovely designs for my Barbie out of double knit scraps. She was ready for any occasion including a color coordinated wedding with bridesmaids and tiny bouquets. As I got older, sewing became a way of creating new clothes at a time when my mother really couldn't afford to clothe me in the latest preppy fashions.  I became an expert at making ribbon belts, corduroy jumpers, and 3/4 length sleeve tops in every color. It was about this time that I discovered the magic of second hand clothes. I loved the idea that an article of clothing had lived another life with another girl who most likely had a much more exciting story to tell. That love of vintage clothing and second hand finds continues to this day as half of my closet once lived another life.

All of this love of fashion has led to some wonderful experiences in my adult life. I have designed fabrics for a national company, studied costume design at the NC School for the Arts, and created many lovely pieces of jewelry throughout the years. Now, I work for a well known fashion retailer and help many women find what looks best on them and what works best with their lifestyles. Check in with me from time to time for tips on looking your best and not paying full price for anything, ever.

Julie Borshak