Marion Cotillard is one of those super-stylish women who dresses for herself and always looks chic.
Those who know how to put an outfit together always stand out from the crowd and are an inspiration to me. Whatever age and size, their confidence and flair shine through. There is nothing more fabulous than someone comfortable in their skin. Style-wise, they instinctively know what suits them and have no fear of looking a certain way or wearing something different, they wear what they love and are not afraid of what people think, or say.
Inès de la Fressange exudes natural elegance and casual chic.
Inspired by my mum I have always loved fashion and been fascinated by it. In my younger years – we girls would turn up in our ‘get-ups’, which had been so meticulously put together, this was usually following a shopping trip to Newcastle, and my favourite shop “Bus Stop”, which was opened by the famous fashion designer Lee Bender.
Jerry Hall wearing Lee Bender
Of course, this was the late seventies, early eighties – the time of big shoulder pads and “New Romantics”. I had a few mates who were “Punks” and “Goths” (now, that look took time and effort). I wonder what they are doing, and where they are with their “style”, now.
Jerry Hall
I don’t think you ever quite leave your young style behind as you get older – it’s part of who you are, carried forward with you in some shape or form. We midlifers have had time to rehearse and practise our style and wear what makes us happy.
Kate!
There was of course the odd bad hair-do just to add to the overall mix. I once came back from the hairdressers looking like Tina Turner which, as much as I love Tina Turner, was not my intention or what I had asked for. I think the hairdresser got a little bit carried away, I had asked for layers – but not that many! I remember leaving the shop and looking at all my hair on the hairdressers floor, I certainly wasn’t looking forward to the reaction I got when I saw my other half, hence the Tina Turner likeness, which makes me laugh now.
Lauren Hutton
I believe style in midlife years is continually a “work in progress”. I once read somewhere that style takes time and maybe that’s true. I believe, at this age, I am still trying to look good and that, for me, it’s ongoing. Some women make wearing clothes look effortless (The women I have chosen for this post have inspired me all my life).
Couldn’t resist this photograph of Patti and George
I also believe it is very important to be comfortable, and know what suits me. I’ve done this through trial and error, looking for inspiration on blogs, Instagram and Pinterest while also taking advice along the way from expert fashion stylists.
Susan Sarandon
There is a lot of great “style gurus” out there. I believe some of them are brilliant and give out great, constructive advice. But, I also believe that, whatever advice you read, you still must feel happy and relaxed in what you are wearing. Because style is such a personal thing!
Victoria Beckham
My favourite fashionista/Designer (Victoria Beckham). I love her style and have found her collections in recent times to die for, maybe a little bit too strong there! Unfortunately, the price tag is out of my range however, I look for similar looks on the high street – from the likes of Mango, Mint Velvet and Hush are more in my price range.
Debbie Harry – Who didn’t want those cheekbones?
Debbie Harry – Blondie
Hi Alison
I love that you are breaking the style guru rules with your double denim pic and your leopard print outfit pic (women over 40 shouldn’t wear leopard print apparently!) and I like your more casual fun style, I think it’s important as we get older to still experiment and have fun with fashion and not feel too constrained or restricted by what is deemed ‘appropriate’ for the midlife woman. I think fashion is a great way for us midlife women to express our personalities and make ourselves VISIBLE!
Bev x
Author
Hi Beverley,
Thank you so much for your comment. This is my first ever blog post, so I really appreciate the feedback! You looked fab in the pictures at the Midster event and I hope you had a wonderful evening. It looked very glamorous. I really did miss seeing you all. I think it was such a “whirlwind” day in July, but we all seemed to bond with each other, which was fantastic. I agree with you that there should be no rules and whatever makes you feel good and comfortable is the main thing!!
Take care
Alison
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Hi Alison. Congratulations on your start. Blogging is an exciting journey. I started in 2017 after thinking about for quite some time. I am so glad I have changed an idea into the real thing. It is so creative and rewarding! I love inspiring others and getting inspired, just like you have so beautifully written here. Style takes time, is personal and a work in process. By blogging you embrace all three and that means you will inspire others and get inspired. Good luck on your blogging adventure! Love, Lieske
Author
Hi Lieske,
Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words. I too thought about taking the plunge into blogging for quite a while and now I’m here I’m so glad that I have done it and know I will enjoy the experience. I am getting a lot of inspiration from others which is key when you are just beginning and a little unsure.
Thank you again and take care
Alison
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Hi Alison,
Congratulations on launching your blog and your first post.
I found you via Catherine Not Dressed As Lamb. She has been amazingly supportive of me too since I started blogging 18 months ago.
We women of a certain age have a lot to say!!
I’ll look forward to following you
Sharon xo
Author
Hi Sharon,
I really appreciate you contacting me and following me on both my blog and Instagram. Catherine very kindly mentioned me in her latest post, which has been so,so helpful in every way – especially building my confidence!
I have been following you both for a while on your blogs and Instagram, trying to pick up hints and tips. All of this is brand new (even social media). I loved your blog piece on social media by the way! I’m not used to putting myself out there, but the JD Williams ‘Midster day’ taught me a lot about myself. It really spurred me on to join Instagram and work on my blog and like you said in your piece, it’s ‘little steps’.
Thank you so much again for your encouragement. I know I am going to really enjoy doing this. – you have all inspired me!
Alison
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