AGELESS STYLE  is  introducing you to Carla Christoph McMAHON.

It is that time of month for CINDY and I to SHARE WITH YOU ALL our VICTIMS as we like to say, who have a Flair for FASHION and are willingly to share their TRICKS and TIPS!I am VERY EXCITED TO SHARE this GAL as she is DOING what I had DREAMS about doing for a long, long time!

She is 5’8″ and will turn 58 in NOVEMBER!

Please ENJOY the BLOG today about CARLA and how she got into the

WORLD OF CAFTANS!

(MY BLOG POST BEFORE THIS ONE WAS HOW I ONLY WORE CAFTANS FROM MORNING TILL NIGHT TIME FOR THREE DAYS IN Palm Springs, CALIFORNIA!I have to say they are SO EASY TO PACK,Machine washable, and LOOK PRETTY DARN GOOD even with a flat Colorful SHOE!)

Each CAFTAN is made to FIT your BODY to YOUR MEASUREMENTS  and I can TELL YOU IT REALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

THAT PERSONAL TOUCH with YOUR HEIGHT and BUST and HIPS taken into account makes YOUR JAW DROP!

DO THINK OF A QUESTION TO ASK CARLA IN THE COMMENT SECTION!

AS SHE WILL ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE TO TOSS HER WAY!

LETS GET TO KNOW CARLA FROM THE ARTICLE BELOW!

This interview SHE did awhile back for a MAGAZINE in TEXAS!

Carla, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a love for fashion. Whether it was looking at every fashion magazine, fantasizing I was sitting at a runway show, or owning my own store, I felt this was the field for me.

I went to fashion design and merchandising school in Chicago and worked in retail When I moved to Texas, I did secretarial work to pay my bills and also continued to work part-time jobs on weekends in retail.

Fast forward, I got married, had a son, and was a stay at home Mom. My husband and I had several events that we were attending in the spring eight years ago. I had looked in my closet and pulled out a few caftans that I owned and thought about how I would love to wear one but something new. My arms were not as toned as once were and everything I thought interesting in the stores was sleeveless. I was reminded of the way I felt when wearing a caftan. It hides your flaws but accentuates all the good. You feel a bit exotic and always comfortable. So, I set out and designed three caftans and had them made. Every event that I wore them, I had women and men approach me and say how beautiful my dress was and who was the designer.

After a month or so, I thought maybe I have something here and decided to design 25 pieces. I had a show at my home. It was a tremendous success and I have not looked back since. I can honestly say that my business has grown through word of mouth. I love designing and sourcing my fabrics and trims. I had wonderful help with my website and label and started using Instagram which has found me, new customers.

I have always said, that every woman needs at least one caftan in their closet. They really are the most comfortable clothing to wear!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I can honestly say that it has been a relatively smooth road. First and foremost, I have a wonderful support system from family and friends. I think a lot of entrepreneurs have that little voice in the back of their head saying, “Am I going to fail?” As much as I heard that little voice saying those words, I continued to work hard and turn out a product that I believed in and was very proud of selling.

I did have a few issues at the beginning with quality control and finding that perfect seamstress. I am so thankful now, as they do a beautiful job.

I guess my best advice for women starting their journey, is to ask a lot of questions. Before jumping in with both feet, seek out as many people in the field your interested in and get as much advice from them as possible. The more conversations you engage in, the fewer mistakes you will make.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Carla Christoph Designs story. Tell us more about it.
I have been designing and selling caftans for the past 8 years. I love color and prints but do some solids too. The process begins by finding that beautiful fabric or trim and designing around it. Everything is made here in Houston. I am a very visual person and can see the finished product in my head.

I always have caftans ready for purchase. Everything from casual to dressy but also have designed caftans for many special occasions. I have been honored to design for mother’s of the bride, and groom, caftans for pregnant women and their upcoming baby shower, black tie events and last year I designed seventeen bridesmaids. I work with many different fabrics and many of my trims come from India.

What sets me apart from others is my caftans are predominately one of a kind and are custom-fit to each customer. My customers know they never have the fear of “running into themselves.” I travel all over Texas and other destinations where customers have hosted me in their homes for trunk shows. It is so wonderful meeting so many ladies I can now call my friends.

Nothing is more rewarding than hearing all the positive feedback from my customers. I love receiving texts and emails with pictures of them wearing their caftans and telling me how they received so many compliments. I know this is why I have huge repeat business. Everyone likes to feel confident and I do not know anyone who does not like hearing, “You look great!”

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Find a career that you’re passionate about because then, it does not feel like a job. I cannot wait to jump out of bed and get to work.

Contact Info:

• Website: Carlachristoph.com
• Phone: 713 542-1160
• Email: carlitamac@gmail.com
• Instagram: Carlachristophdesigns

AGELESS STYLE QUESTIONS……………

CARLA, How Would You Describe Your Style? 

Honestly, I never walk out the door without being put together.  I don’t care where I’m going, I try to look my best at all times. That means full makeup, hair done, and a spritz of perfume.  After all, you never know who you’ll run into and first impressions are long remembered. I am usually always in one of my designs, mixing and matching my accessories.  I guess another word to describe my style is bold. Whether it’s a large hat or a feather boa, I am very confident in my looks that I put together. It’s a damn shame everyone has become so casual these days.  It seems like the standard dress code today is workout clothes, ugh!! How uncreative! So go ahead and call me overdressed, but I like to stand out in a crowd!

What comes to mind is five words. Freedom, empowerment, confidence, moxie, and fearlessness. Freedom, to feel good. Empowerment, I’m in charge here. Confidence, who I am as a person when I walk into a room. Moxie, courage and determination to be different.  Fearlessness, willing to be out of my comfort zone.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACCESSORY?

First and foremost my smile!

And then it would definitely be my costume Jewelry!

I have been an avid collector of jewelry for years.

I know I only have one pair of ears and one set of hands and arms but that doesn’t stop me from adding to my collection.

It is definitely my downfall.

I like everything BIG!

Big rings, earrings, necklaces, and cuffs.

My first Christmas, after we were married, my husband bought me some diamond STUDS.

He was so excited, for me to open his gift.

I promise I did wear them and thanked him profusely, but over time I had to “train” him that I  preferred BIG jewels.

Ladies if there is something you want, show him a picture. If shopping together, it is a perfect time to say “oh gosh I LOVE that.”

There’s nothing wrong with giving them a little of a shove in the right direction. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLOR COMBINATIONS?

 I can’t pick just one because I am a lover of almost all colors.

 I would say, however, that I prefer jewel tones and of course black and white is always great. Since my hair is now a silver/white I find myself wearing more red or yellow

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE? 

Why yes, it’s a caftan of course!

I love being draped in a beautiful piece of fabric that accents my shape.

WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS?

 I’m a very visual person.

I do feel that I have a knack for putting things together.

Whether it’s designing my caftans, putting together an outfit or decorating a room, I can envision the finished picture in my head.

DO YOU HAVE A STYLE MUSE?

No, I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum.

(ROOM DESIGNED AND DECORATED BY CARLA!)

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS, AND WHY CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT THEM?

A lip liner, lipstick, and coconut oil!

 I ALWAYS wear lipstick.

Unfortunately, I was not born with a set of full lips and they only seem to get thinner with age.

I am definitely too scared to add fillers, so the lip liner helps make them look a little bigger and lipstick always brightens my face.

 I use coconut oil for my skin and hair.

Every time I get out of the shower I mix body lotion with warm coconut oil and slather it all over my body.

 I really do feel like it has kept my skin soft and supple.

I also condition my hair with coconut oil.

If I know I will be washing my hair in the morning then I douse it in coconut oil the night before.  My other beauty regime is getting a 20-minute facial massage twice a month.

It’s not only is relaxing but also gets all the blood moving in my face.  

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50? 

I wouldn’t dream of giving advice to someone over 50.

After all, they have lived half a century and who am I to tell them what to do at this age.

DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY OR DO YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK THE RULES?

No rules for this gal! 

Trends and styles change but I stick to what looks good on me.    WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE AND OR BOUTIQUE SOURCES?

 I don’t shop much for clothes because I’m usually always wearing my designs but I love to shop at estate sales and resale shops for vintage jewelry and things for my home.

It’s all about the hunt!  But my latest, and favorite, place, is online auctions. There is a huge thrill bidding on something. I recently acquired 2 squash blossom necklaces that are very different from one another. 

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DIET AND OR EXERCISE REGIME THAT YOU FOLLOW?

I use to play tennis 4 days a week and I love to swim laps.

I’ve always preferred to be outdoors versus inside a gym.

Unfortunately, my exercise regime has been lacking since I started my business 8 years ago.

I know I should take time for myself but unless I get up at the crack of dawn and do something it won’t happen.

I am moving most of the day and not sitting at a desk so I can at least say that but I always wake up with the intention to take a walk in the morning or get on my reformer and do 45 minutes of pilates.

As for my diet regime, I do a 16 hour fast with an 8 hour eating period.

I think everyone knows to stay away from sugar and processed foods. However, a great margarita with chips and guacamole is hard to pass up!

I just try to keep it in moderation. I cook a lot so I can control what may be hidden in restaurant foods.  

DO YOU HAVE ANY ANTI AGING FOODS AND OR SUPPLEMENTS THAT ARE YOUR GO TO’S?

No not really.

I hate swallowing pills so the only way to take any vitamins for me is in the form of a gummies. 

So I do take a multi-vitamin, vitamin D, B12, and Biotin.

I try to eat sensibly but I do have a sweet tooth! So I guess my anti-aging food is dark chocolate.