Carla Rockmore Is TikTok’s Actual-Life Carrie Bradshaw
What do you think defines the 50+ style? What are the misconceptions that you hope will break through 50+ style?
The French proverb “Elle être bien dans sa peau” is my mantra. It means, “It sits well in your skin.” Unfortunately, life forces women to marinate and experience for a while before they can recognize and appreciate their unique style. Fortunately, once a woman is over 50, once a woman’s style is baked in. Then true sophisticated style manifests itself. She doesn’t have to apologize for buying pants in the same style over and over again because she realizes that the cut looks fabulous on her regardless of the trend. It is so overwhelming to follow the doctrine that a woman over 50 must cut her hair because of a number or stop wearing short skirts. When you have a fabulous head of hair or legs, celebrate them.
We love your many Styling videos. What do you think is the hardest styling job to get right?
For me, it’s the fact that the original outfit you had in mind can be completely shed off by the smallest layer. A look can start with a certain direction, but based on how a blouse drapes or a particular necklace you envisioned just won’t work, you need to be ready to twist. You have to accept and embrace these little surprises instead of trying to force the gaze. Be fluid and play with options instead of getting frustrated. Listen to your gut. That’s the hardest part of styling.
What was your most viral video and why do you think it went viral?
There have been some that have gone viral and it’s obvious why the closet video seems to be getting the most views. It got 3.2 million views because not everyone has a closet with a fireplace and spiral staircase, and that has a voyeuristic quality to it. I think ‘Criss Cross Apple Sauce’ and ‘Use Your Wish List’ were relevant on deeper levels. In each of these videos I taught something, I took the viewer on a journey and shared something that was going on in my life. I also dress in styles that many women can implement in their own closets. I am approachable and it seems a little comforting.
What’s your favorite TikTok of all time? And which one did you take the longest for?
I found “Carla’s Boot Conundrum” really funny because it’s so slapstick-like humor. As for the longest videos, definitely the early musicals where I made a lot of outfit changes. I made a chain video for Doris Day’s “Bushel and a Peck” that lasted all day, but it reminded me of wearing a couple of necklaces that I hadn’t given enough love in a long time.
What’s the next big idea you want to try out on TikTok?
I think it would be such a dream to get this show on the streets … so to speak. Before Covid, I was a big traveler. I have often been to markets and famous shopping streets all over the world. I would like to take my audience with me on these trips. It would also be fabulous to visit famous retail stores like Colette in Paris or Ikram in Chicago and then mix my selections with the premium I find in the local vintage shops and markets.
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