If you could see me sitting here at Perth City Library (we don’t have internet access in ‘the cave’) you would see that I look like a wreck.
Er if you want to know more about life in ‘the cave’ please subscribe (for free) to receive the most recent Newsletter.
And earlier when I went for lunch with my daughter there was a nasty moment when my gung-ho attitude about non giving a damn crumpled when she bumped into a work colleague of hers and introduced me … “Oh Mother! Let me introduce you to my Mum!”
Mother who was wearing a baggy old dress because it’s been so hot lately, who’s dry hair is in need of washing and a good treatment, and who had decided in a fit of ‘couldn’t care less’ not to wear any make-up. Not. Even. Lippy. And who’s nail varnish on her toes is chipping in a quite disgusting manner.
I think it’s taught me a lesson. City life demands good grooming. Regional life is a lot simpler and I can get away with looking like I’ve been tumbled through a hedge backwards or as if I’ve been up all night with a good book.
It made me think of Coco Chanel. I bet she never ever looked less than well manicured and beautifully groomed, and it got me wondering about effortless style. The sort that you can just wrap over you like a cloak without thinking.
Here’s something I read that she suggested, which I think applies particularly to women over 50.
Less is more and it’s more important as you age. Wear clothes that fit but are not skin tight. Look at youthful fashion – take a look at a picture of a model or young person you like that consists of several fashion items – scarf, bag, sunnies, clothes and pick one item an ‘own it’. Don’t try to replicate the whole look especially not with the pelmet mini.
Now while I would like to pick on and own these youthful babies below, I know I’m too far past the teetering age.
But …
I would (and do) wear these nude wedges from Betts Shoes (Airlex range) below, which go with almost any outfit I own. That’s a start to effortless style I reckon.
Sticking with things that you know work on your body shape. That’s effortless style isn’t it?
It’s about good grooming habits and sticking with a look that works for you rather than having loads of money to spend on the designer fashion of the moment
It’s about having a wardrobe that works, consisting of quality pieces that go together rather than lots of various stuff bought because they were ‘bargains’ at the time.
For me my go to style is skinny jeans and boots (bring on Autumn) over which I’ll wear long tops (and jackets) which cover my less than sylphlike tum and arse.
It’s about sticking to one foundation, blusher, lippy and eyeshadow which work well, without having a whole load of crap in my vanity case to wade through and ultimately end up choosing the wrong combinations.
By the way, Katie’s have some great mid season discounted offers at the moment. So I’m going to treat myself to a brand new Autumn look to hang on my hatstand in the ‘cave’ and get out on the city streets in style! Here’s where you can browse and buy if you want to : Katie’s new markdowns
Disclaimer: If you purchase from Katie’s I stand to earn a little commission – at no cost to you though. Thanks for supporting Lifestyle Fifty if you do 🙂
What’s your ‘go to’ look that you’ll slip on to feel comfortable and also stylish in?
13 Blogging Tips for irresistible content
Kelly Exeter
March 11, 2015 at 5:19 pmlol Jo – if effortless style = going with the tried and true Every. Single. Day … then that’s what I have xx
Johanna
March 11, 2015 at 7:55 pmI think there’s style and there’s effortless style, Kelly. Effortless style happens every single day, like a cloak that you just throw on and it always looks good. Style as in fashion icon takes much more work and thought, and naturally has its own place. I think the people I admire manage to look great without thinking too much about it – and yes you do! I however, doubt my ability to do this daily 😉
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot
March 11, 2015 at 6:48 amIt’s always bad bumping into people when you were dressed for writing, not socialising! Sometimes maintenance is such a pain though. If only it didn’t take so long…
Johanna
March 11, 2015 at 6:58 amAnd like housework, it never stops! Hey Annabell!
Kathy Marris
March 11, 2015 at 5:45 amOh that is so typical! You always run into someone you know (normally a well groomed well dressed one at that) when you are looking your worst. I really do try most days to at least put on a little foundation and lippy and wear something reasonably smart. However when you work from home and like you say it has been stinking hot, sometimes you just can’t be bothered! I think the upcoming cooler weather will give us a bit of incentive to look good again!
Johanna
March 11, 2015 at 6:59 amYes bring on the cooler weather! Thanks Kathy.
Marlize Venter
March 10, 2015 at 4:49 pmI hear ya! I often times find myself looking at my unpedicured feet and hope no one sees. I have started to indulge myself with fortnightly biosculpture gel manicures, and must say that when my hands/nails look pretty, I feel much better. This has become my year of the dress, after a good decade or so of going without them.
Though you may have felt ‘unkept’ your personality makes up for it in ten fold – a gorgeous smile is the best accessory one can flaunt in any case:)
Johanna
March 10, 2015 at 4:59 pmWhat is it about manicured hands that makes us feel so much better, Marlize? I’m exactly the same. The little red or pink flash (I haven’t yet done blue or yellow or other) as I look down to do something with my hands is incredibly pleasing and satisfying. Definitely a First World situation here, but it’s so true for me. Good on you for making this your “Year of the Dress” – I think the Perth heat is ideally suited for tea frocks and flattering flimsies that float just down to the knees. Thank you so much for your lovely comment – I think we are, as women, often such doubters and compliments go a long way to making us believe in ourselves. So thank you.
Joanne McIntosh
March 10, 2015 at 3:05 pmJo I just can’t imagine that, you always look gorgeous! Yes you are right, less is more and keep it classic! Why then do we all have so many clothes?! I love op shop shopping and the thrill when you find a classic piece in a beautiful fabric that fits!
Will give you a call to catch up soon. X
Johanna
March 10, 2015 at 4:27 pmHi Jo, Thank you 🙂 And … Ohh yes, the thrill of a classic op-shop bargain is hard to beat. But then we must chuck something out of our wardrobes to accommodate it -and I don’t! But I’m learning. The cave is teaching me many things 😉 Can’t wait to hear from you soon.
Life Images by Jill
March 10, 2015 at 12:43 pmOh Jo – you always look easy stylish to me! But I can see where you are coming from with the city versus regional life style dressing. I am more comfortable in my around the house gear, but I do love my white crop pants that go with oh so many longer line tops.
Have fun up there. I’m off to check out Katies. They used to be my favourite store!
Johanna
March 10, 2015 at 4:29 pmThanks Jill, but I think you might have that day wondered ever so slightly if I should be writing about fashion at all on my blog! Yes, it’s a different ball game in the city, and yes white crop pants are a winning staple item in my book. Have fun checking out the Katie’s online store – I thought there was some nice stuff discounted.