How would YOU describe your style?

Classic with a twist. 

I have always loved tailored pieces but I like to wear them in a less traditional way. I’m not so conservative by nature but with dressing I veer towards the elegant and simple. I have faithful pieces I wear over and over, that stand the test of time and also my style is comfortable. If I am feeling comfortable all is well in my world.

I am a walking contrast in many ways. I will wear the latest fashion look and least conservative footwear and yet my hair is natural grey and shoulder length. I believe personal style is similar to an interior; we can’t be all stars and no chorus line. It’s the blending together that makes signature style.

 What inspires your signature style?

JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I SEE!

My travels, the women around me, film and television fashion and my daughters, they inspire me. They are both so different in how they dress and yet we identify with each other’s.

When I consider a new piece or recommend it to my readers I have a little game I play. I ask myself would I wear it and would my daughters also wear it? If the three of us could find a way to work it then I am fairly confident it will be a winner.

 What accessory CAN YOU NOT DO WITHOUT?

RED LIPSTICK.

My advice, wear it well and wear it often.

 FAVORITE COLOR?

All over I guess it’s pink.

In fashion I am a fan of the jewel shades – emerald, ruby, amethyst.

What I wear most of the time is black/grey/cream and then I add a touch of the jewel when my mood needs uplift.

 

 Do you have a SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?

Right now – it is sneakers/trainers and blouses. 

I wear SNEAKERS with absolutely everything. This is one fashion moment I am taking advantage of.

I also am a dress person – I adore wearing a dress that makes me feel feminine and as if I have made an extra effort. A dress gives me a “going out” feeling whether I am or not.

 What are your style strengths?

I know what I like and what suits me. I can walk into a boutique or browse online and within seconds see exactly what I like and what would work for me. It’s something I have always been able to do and I love helping other friends shop – even if our styles aren’t the same I can pick at 30 paces what they would look fabulous in and what they would feel comfortable in. 

 Do you have a style icon?

So many beautiful women exude style. I admire many women, both young and old for their interpretations. 

Style is not only about what you wear but also a state of mind. There are too many to single out a few but what I wholeheartedly admire is women who know their own minds, women who represent who they are through their fashion. I love strength in style; even the very simple can be so strong in execution. 

What are your beauty essentials that you couldn’t do without?

I am a big fan of cleansing the skin. I cleanse morning and evening and often twice in one sitting. I use a very gentle cleanser so my skin, which has a tendency to be dry, doesn’t become dryer.

My other can’t-live-without is serum. I use it morning and evening under my night and day creams. 

I am also pretty partial to a leave on mask – either for treatment to replenish or just because I enjoy the relaxation and down time it provides.

 Do you have repeat offenders in your closet if so what are they?

Not really. I have become pretty adept at knowing what works. I am quite cautious when it comes to investing in expensive pieces and make sure they are worth it. 

I have a rule when I am shopping – the new piece must either replace an existing one that is no longer viable, be a completely new addition or be better than what I already own.

Otherwise what happens is I continually buy the same over and over. I have lost count of the number of “similar” dresses I have shopped over the years.

Now I am far more ruthless with myself. It is not only about cost, which can be a false sense of saving; utility is where it’s at. Cost-per-wear is what we should be considering.

 What advise do you have for women over 50, or over 40?

My ageing philosophy, which is be “better” rather than “younger”, has really been a brilliant way for me to approach every year. 

For women so much emphasis is on looking “younger”. It’s a no win game. We cannot possibly retreat, recapture the past, but we can advance and be the best, if not better versions of ourselves. I don’t want to waste my energy on a useless endeavor and a demoralizing one. I celebrate every day; it is a joy and privilege to get older. I much prefer me now than then. I wish I had figured this out earlier.

If I could speak to my 40 year old self I would tell her to relax, to celebrate her beauty and stop worrying about what she’s not and work towards being who she wants to be. 

 Do you have any style rules that you live by?

Wear what suits YOU and what makes you feel comfortable. Be aware that trends are not designed for everyone and they have nothing to do with fashion or style.

Dress for YOU. If you feel fabulous, you look even more fabulous.  Self–confidence is in abundance when you know your own style and dress accordingly.

 What are your favourite online go to sources?

MatchesFashion.com, for their fantastic and up to the moment edit.

Nordstrom, for their range of well-priced designer and non-designer labels.

Neiman Marcus, for their cashmere line and beautiful formal designer wear.

Net A Porter, for Beauty and in particular cult beauty products harder to find in regular stores.

 Do you have a particular DESIGNER that you are drawn to?

I find myself drawn to different designers every year – never one in particular.

I don’t wear one designer from top to toe and like to mix something unexpected with an investment piece. 

Who am I watching right now?

Maria Grazia Chiuri, at Dior

Pier Paolo Piccioli at Valentino

Clare Waight Keller at Givenchy because she is Meaghan’s designer of choice and in the UK we are all glued to the Duchess of Sussex’s wardrobe.

And Tom Ford always, because he is one of the most stylish men on the globe.

 

IN SEPTEMBER I had the GREAT pleasure of meeting VICKI at ANNABEL’S in LONDON  for dinner.

She had just flown in from AUSTRALIA and I was about to depart for HOME!

We covered a LOT from Bloggers to Lipsticks!

After many years of FOLLOWING her BLOG and NOW INSTAGRAM I was SO pleased to have this time with HER.

Here is the entrance to ANNABEL’S.

 

 

 

THE STAIRCASE which I climbed to use the RESTROOM!

Worth the climb I might add!

 

VICKI AND I with VICKI’s SIGNATURE LOOK!

I hope YOU ENJOYED THIS AGELESS STYLE POST and will wander over to CINDY’s BLOG to see who her VICTIM is this MONTH!

ALL you have to do is PRESS HERE!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT THERE TOO!

The Comments help us gage if WE are BLOGGING about WOMEN and The THINGS YOU ENJOY!

CINDY came up with this IDEA of AGELESS STYLE and had to TALK ME IN TO IT!!!!!!!

PLEASE GIVE CINDY A SHOUT OUT and let her know YOU are enjoying it!

CINDY and I will take the MONTH of DECEMBER OFF, however we will be back the end of JANUARY with NEW QUESTIONS and MORE GORGEOUS WOMEN to INTERVIEW!

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON and do stay WARM!

A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU VICKI!!

  TO SEE VICKI’s BLOG click HERE!

XX