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QVC.com, 11/27/2006

Online Chat


Welcome to the Carson Kressley chat. Here's your chance to find out the inspiration behind Carson's new apparel line and learn all his fashion must haves just in time for the holiday season.

Carson: Well hello people! Greetings from the QVC world headquarters where a hot guy is polishing the floors as we speak. So bring on the questions! I'm a healer and an educator, and I want to share my wisdom with you, gentle QVC viewer.

How long has fashion been an influence in your life?
Carson: Basically since the doctor slapped me on the behind, and I said, ‘Don't you guys have a sweater or something? It's cold in here!’ And alas, my love affair with clothing began.

Will the red double breasted jacket from the promo be offered on Wednesday?
Carson: Dear Brat, I'm guessing from your screen name that you enjoy sausages also (the whole brat thing, and all…) Anyway, I digress. Yes indeedy, the double-breasted peacoat will be available on Wednesday. It's yummy, delicious, cashmere-blended glory.

What are your suggestions for a Christmas gift for my husband? Could be clothes, shoes or tech gift. He's intellectual, casual, California and Hawaii type.
Carson: How about me?? I look great with a big red bow on my head. But really, gifts for guys should be things that they wouldn't normally buy for themselves. I would avoid a tech gift. Kind of an oxymoron, don't you think – tech and gift? So pamper your man with a cuddly cashmere sweater, a night on the town, and some of your precious time – all the ingredients for a Perfect holiday. Did I say Perfect? Yes, I did say Perfect!

Is your line only going to be on QVC?
Carson: Yes… QVC – Quality, Value, and Carson. Although the people here seem to think it means Convenience. [QVC Note: Perfect by Carson Kressley is created especially for QVC.]

Why did you produce your own line of clothing?
Carson: Basically from working on my TV show, and also from styling private clients, I realized that many people have anxiety when it's time to get dressed. And that anxiety comes from not having great basics and a complete wardrobe. So my line of clothing, Perfect by Carson Kressley, can help the QVC shopper build the perfect wardrobe. It's basically giving the whole world a makeover, one wrap dress at a time.

Hi Carson! I'm 19 and I just started working at a bank. I was wondering what kind of wardrobe basics I should buy. Most of the ‘business casual’ clothes I see seem too old for me.
Carson: Well here's a little tidbit Lacee–I heard this a long time ago, and it rings true: ask for the job you want, not the job you have. Isn't that a good little idiom? I think that business casual is one of the most difficult things to understand. What on earth is business and casual? So my advice would be always err on the side of a little bit more dressy. Buy great basics in conservative colors that you can wear together or separately, like the perfect little business suit that will be on the show on Wednesday. Then punch it up with fun accessories and youthful colors.

Carson, your preview showed so many wonderful styles that I could relate to. Can you tell us if you are bringing in tall sizes in pants?
Carson: Princess Alli, how tall ARE you? We'll do our best to keep you covered.

Please give us stay-at-home moms some tips on looking good, without being overdone for the grocery store.
Carson: That's a “tough” one. Get it? “Overdone?” But seriously, you want to look your best every day, and that doesn't mean taking a lot of time and effort from your busy schedule. The key word here is ease: simple combinations that are easy to throw together and have a flattering fit. For example, a simple wrap dress, a great pair of jeans and a white button-down, or a cuddly cashmere sweater and some suede boots are all easy, relaxed ways to look and feel great. And always wear a little lipstick–it can change your whole mood. It works for me!

How do we stay looking stylish when schlepping around in slushy, cold Michigan winters?
Carson: Move! No, I love my little Wolverines. The key is a great pair of boots that are easy to care for and water-repellent. Fortunately boots of any shape, size, and style are all the rage right now. Pair them with jeans, dresses, mini-skirts, whatever, and you'll be fun and fabulous, even if you're freezing your tuches off. (I'm not sure how to spell that–I'm doing it funetikallee.)

What type of natural fiber fabrics do you recommend for someone living in a cold winter climate?
Carson: See above: move! No, really, natural fabrics are always the warmest. In my opinion, cotton, cashmere and silk do the best job of keeping you warm, because they were invented by Mother Nature to do just the same thing, except usually on goats. When you blend them all together, or use them in layers, they give you Mother Nature-inspired, turbo-powered warming. And when you get too hot, you can just take a layer off and you don't have to deal with that pesky molting. Check out my great cable cashmere sweaters, available Wednesday night. They'll keep you warm, and you won't have to mortgage your house and move to an igloo.

So, how was it to meet Lisa Robertson tonight?
Carson: She's a dreamboat. And she's hot. But I'm gay, so it would never work.

What are some fashion don'ts that women often commit when wearing casual day-clothes or makeup?
Carson: This is going to sound rich coming from me, but overdoing it is the most common mistake. Too much makeup, too many layers, or too many accessories can just be too much. So my advice for daytime is to keep it easy, relaxed, comfortable, and tailored. And save the glitz and glamour for night time when you won't risk blinding someone with your sequins!

What style toe is in for shoes – pointy, round or square?
Carson: With some of the shoe styles today, you're lucky to even have toes after the day is over! With that in mind… Hold on, the hot guy is going by my office right now. He's still polishing…the floors… OK, back to you Anna. So keep in mind and choose the style that's most comfortable for your foot type. Right now, it seems that rounded and pointy are both in style. Ain't life grand?

We have tickets for our annual holiday symphony event and, for some reason this year, I am bumfoozled as to what to wear–all black, or kicked-up casual with leather jacket and what?
Carson: Better to be bumfoozled than bamboozled, Leslie! Holiday parties or other events are all about being festive, so have some fun with your look. Kick it up and do casual glam. Maybe a skinny jean and a silk camisole, topped off by a hot leather jacket.

How long of a process was it to create your designs, manufacture them, etc., to get to the point of being ready to present them live on air? I would assume this is years in the making?
Carson: Lovinmomma, actually the process took about one year. I started by attending the runway shows and shopping the markets around the world for inspiration in silhouette, fabric, and color. Samples are made and fittings are done to ensure quality. (That's the Q in QVC!) Then the garments are ready to be manufactured, shipped to the QVC warehouse, and ready to be bought by nice people like you. See you Wednesday!

What do you recommend for a 5'3" woman of late 50's to flatter her figure?
Carson: A young Latin man! But if that's not available, monochromatic dressing is the key. By wearing one color… oh my gosh, Julie–a hot Latin man just walked by!! Should I get his number for you? I'm sorry, I have AD...D. OK, back to you Julie–by wearing one color you can trick the eye into elongating your figure and making it look thinner. Avoid chunky belts, scarves, or other accessories that “break you up.”

I am a plus size, but have very thin legs and arms - think a California raisin. I want to wear the new skinny pants, but want to know how to balance the look.
Carson: “I heard it though the grapevine…” Don't wear white gloves! You should try wearing tights or leggings and a full sweater and/or skirt in a monochromatic color story. Definitely DON'T wear purple!!!

What types of shirts should I wear to help slenderize a blessed booty?
Carson: Amen for the blessed booty! Wear a fitted shirt that's not too tight, but still accentuates all your curves. If you're bigger on the bottom and smaller on the top, wear dark colors “down there” and lighter ones on top.

Hi Carson, you recommend monochromatic dressing as the key. I have silver gray hair - how do I accentuate that? I tend to wear silver accessories and more gray and black outfits! Love you Carson, you are a blast! Good luck with your new line, I hope everything sells out! I'm playing hooky this Wednesday to watch the show!
Carson: Janet, you're not an air traffic controller, are you? I hope not! I think monochromatic dressing is great, but I'm not keen on dressing to match that hair color. There's a whole rainbow of colors that look good with silver-toned hair. Richness and saturation are the key. Try rich aubergine, radiant red, delicious chocolate, and enchanting forest green.

Are there any particular pieces in your new line that would be more flattering to a plus- size lady?
Carson: Abso-tively! There are several pieces in the line designed for ladies with curves. For example, the cropped peacoat, my flattering wrap dress, and my rich chevron-fronted skirt. You can check it out online at qvc.com.

Carson, there is a debate about wearing pantyhose with shoes with a little peekaboo in the toe area – what do you think? Especially in cold weather?
Carson: Personally for me, I never wear hose when I wear a peekaboo toe. But for the ladies, I think it's perfectly fine to wear hose with a peekaboo toe, as long as they fit, and there's no extra hose peekaboo-ing at the edge.

What type of pants (low rise, true to waist, etc.) would work best for my short-waisted figure?
Carson: Lena, good question! And I've got a good answer – low rise are the pants for you. They will elongate your torso and balance your body.

Is there anywhere that I should NOT wear jeans?
Carson: Weddings, funerals, and job interviews. Jeans are still considered very casual, so where dressing needs to show respect to a guest or an occasion, err on the side of caution and skip the denim.

What is the best fashion trend for a plus sized woman this season?
Carson: Dear Birdgherl, this may sound silly coming from a fashionista, but I'm not really into trends. I'm all about building a wardrobe of basics that flatter your body type. However, for the fall and even into spring, the dress is THE item to have. It's easy to wear, and looks good on almost every body type. So kick up your heels and show off those gams!

Carson, your skin looks amazing in the promos. What are you using?
Carson: Botox, and lots of it! I've actually been sleeping in it every night. But really Gigi, the key is lots of water, and good lighting. Oh, and a great brush-on bronzer doesn't hurt either. That really is my secret.

What is the one item every woman should have in her closet as part of her wardrobe?
Carson: IIf it has to be just one item, I think it would have to be the dress. A knit dress, in fact. You can wear it nearly every season, dress it up with glamorous jewelry, dress it down by wearing it over jeans or leggings. It's like having multiple personalities, but in a good way. Do you hear the voices, Skylar?

As a 37-year-old woman, I feel like there are many clothing lines that are either too young or too old looking for me. Who do you think will be able to wear your line best?
Carson: Me! I think because these are basic, must-have, look-good-on-everybody items, anyone can wear them. In all seriousness, I took a lot of time to develop this line with just that notion in mind. These are items that you could have in your closet for years, and never look dated. They can be updated and glammed up or down with just a few accessories each year.

I am a cute young guy currently wearing a wind breaker. What do you suggest for an update?
Carson: Me! Oh, did you say “update” or “date”? Since it's wintertime, a wind breaker is probably out of season. A good looking leather jacket in brown, not black, is classically cool and looks good on everybody. Oh my goodness John, I just realized I have one of those in my line, debuting this Wednesday, only on QVC!

Hi Carson. No questions, just this: you are a darling person, with the most remarkable sense of humor and sense of style. If I were lucky enough to be blessed with a child, I would want that child to be you. Love you…
Carson: Mom, stop emailing me–I'm at work! Seriously, BobbysGirl, lots of love right back atcha.

I saw a dolman sleeve gray sweater in the tips video. Please tell me you are airing this Wednesday, sweetie!
Carson: Actually, that piece is from Precious Fibers® and a spot I did for Fall Fashion Day. But I still love you.

So looking forward to your line on QVC. What will be the price range and sizes you will offer?
Carson: Oh Jojo–the prices range from approximately $30 to $200. The sizes range from XS through 3X. Kind of like a date with me!

Is it true that you rated your teacher’s wardrobe in high school?
Carson: I did, with a numerical scoring system. It's how I learned math.

I am a size 14 with a 33 waist. What clothing could I wear to make me look slimmer?
Carson: I think you sound pretty slim already. So let's use a little visual trickery and elongate that shape of yours. Start with a heel, but nothing that will break your ankle. A high-waisted pant with a long full leg, a fitted shirt or sweater that you can tuck in, and a slim belt to create a waistline. A long sweater coat can also do wonders to elongate. If that doesn't work, stand with a bunch of short people.

What can we expect from your show on Wednesday? I noticed in the promo video there were men’s fashions – will these be available as well?
Carson: Oh Erin! We couldn't overlook the men in our lives, could we? So yes, there will be great gift-giving items geared for the men in your life. Cashmere sweaters, leather jackets, a touring coat, and satin boxers. I'm kidding on the satin boxers–just making sure you're paying attention, Erin

Carson, it's been fabulous talking with you today, but we're almost out of time! Do you have any last comments before we have to close?
Carson: Well hey, mysterious QVC moderator, I do indeed! I want to thank everyone for tuning in, mousing in, or whatever you call it on the computer. God, I sound like my Mom...I'm looking forward to Wednesday and bringing great clothes to great people who deserve it. See you Wednesday! Hugs and cashmere.


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