For the imperfect Fashion lover.

Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer! | 7 favourite Spring looks.

My 7 favourite Spring outfits

The weather in Scotland is never clean cut or nicely divided into seasons.
Even in the height of summer in can be cold and wet.

{I never move my winter jumpers too far out of reach, even in summer. They get as far as the top of the wardrobe, never the loft. That would be asking for trouble.}

However, even with the uncertainty of the weather, the beginning of June is (in my opinion) the beginning of summer.
So, summer officially starts tomorrow.
{I hope the weather is listening!}

I am delighted to tell you that today, I am sitting outside typing this, with a big mug of tea and a pile of digestives.
Happy days.
I am wearing my denim cut-offs, birkenstocks and a big floppy hat.
It is actually warm, in fact... almost hot!

The warmth, sun, and lack of rain, is definitely something to celebrate.

{Also, the fact that the Wifi signal has reached the garden}

Today is the perfect time to look forward, with the hope of a warm summer, and look back on some of my favourite Spring outfits.

My Favourite Spring looks

1. Double stripes, do they have the power to change how you look?

This stripey outfit was inspired by the striped looks that are in just about every magazine I look at, just now.
Mixing different sized stripes, and different colours, really captured my imagination and I wanted to translate it into real life.
However, this post did spark lots of thought on the subject of stripes and how they can sometimes get a bad press.
Do stripes really have the power to make us look slimmer?
Can wearing the 'wrong' stripes make you look bigger? Fat, even?

Read the original post to find out if stripes really can change the way we look.

Fake Fabulous | 7 favourite Spring looks

2. Denim Dress, and rescuing your shopping mistakes.

This Denim dress was actually a shopping mistake that I could not bear to part with.
Read the original post to find out how I salvaged this dress from the charity bag and how you can easily 'fix' your shopping mistakes with a few easy tricks.

Fake Fabulous | 7 favourite Spring looks

3. Dungarees and Chanel-style.

This outfit was inspired by my love of dungarees and how easy they are to wear.
Read the original post to find out how dungarees and chanel jackets are the perfect partners!
Get more ideas on how to style dungarees, here, they are so versatile and incredibly comfortable.
What's not to love?

{Check out my cheeky photobomber in this shot}

Fake Fabulous | 7 favourite Spring looks

4. Sports Luxe, bold colour and fun shoes!

This look started with an amazing (and totally impractical) pair of shoes.
I love them to bits but, they have divided opinion.
Love them or hate them, you can't deny they are colourful and eye-catching.

Read the original post to find out if my family gave them a thumbs up, or not!

Fake Fabulous | 7 favourite Spring looks

5. Green (faux) leather dress.

Are we ever too old for certain clothes?
Surely there comes a time when things like leather dresses (real or faux) just look a bit sad and desperate?
Hmmmm...

Read the original post to find out when we should stop wearing things like this.

{Check out some other leather dress styling, here and here}

Fake Fabulous | 7 favourite Spring looks

6. Wearing a Cliché and loving it.

This post started off talking about wearing a clichéd outfit, and how boring it can be...until I realised I actually liked it!
Read the original post to find out how I made this cliché my own.

Fake Fabulous | 7 favourite Spring looks

7. Gold dress and old legs.

This post started with me wanting to get my legs out, and catch some rays.
{Even though I never tan, I still like a little sun on my skin. And, some vitamin D is always a bonus!}

I started thinking about how I spent most of my life hating my legs, instead of enjoying them.
They used to look a lot better than they do now but I did not appreciate them.

Now that they are older (and past their prime) I wondered what we can do to improve the look of our legs without going crazy at the gym.

Read the original post to find out some of the (leg) problems we can encounter as we get older, and 7 easy things you can do to improve the look of your pins.

Fake Fabulous | 7 favourite Spring looks

What are your thoughts on my Spring favourites?
Did I miss anything?
Please let me know by leaving a comment, or contacting me.
I love hearing your opinions.

Linking up to: I will wear what I like (Monday), Visible MondayTurning heads Tuesday The Pleated Poppy (Wednesday), Colour and Grace (Wednesday), Top of the World Style (Thursday), Brilliant blog posts (Thursday), Hat Attack (Friday), Forage Fashion Friday Mummy's got style (Friday), Fun fashion Friday.

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The Fab40's | 8 Ways to Wear Boho, in your 40's

Fake fabulous | 8 ways to wear Boho, over 40

 Welcome to the fab 40's.

I am delighted to be part of a group of international bloggers, called The fab 40's.
The purpose of the group is to show how eight, very different, women interpret a specific style.
Each month there is a new theme chosen by one of the group.
This diverse group proves that being 40(+) does not mean you have to be dowdy, frumpy, boring or forgettable.
Fake fabulous | 8 ways to wear Boho, over 40 

Boho

This month the theme was boho.
As someone who often leans towards a boho-feel, this should be easy...
Right?

Well, thankfully, yes.
This boho theme is something I could sink my teeth into!

{I have struggled with the theme in the past}

I had many different options to go for, so it was easy to chose this exceptionally comfortable outfit.
Perfect for travelling, or (in my case) a lazy day.

Fake fabulous | 8 ways to wear Boho, over 40
Today's boho inspired outfit came together very easily for me.

A maxi skirt, easy vest top, open cardigan and fringed scarf.
This simple look was all about comfort...
Which is the whole point of a boho look, in my mind.

A few layered necklaces, some plain (comfortable) sandals and my large fringed bag finished off the boho look perfectly,
Nothing says 'Boho' quite like a fringe!
Fake fabulous | 8 ways to wear Boho, over 40

LET'S SHOP FOR MAXI SKIRTS



BUT... hang on a minute...

Unfortunately, boho is not so easy to pull off, as we get older.

What once looked effortless and cute (in our 20's) starts to look a little bit 'crazy bag lady' as we clock up some milage.

How can we avoid looking like we are an unkempt, eccentric, middle-aged women who lives alone with 20 cats? (sorry cat lovers...20 dogs works too.)

Well, fear not!
I have 7 fabulous ladies here, to show you how it can be done.


Dawn Lucy from Fashion should be fun.

This is Dawn's final month with the fab40's, and I will miss her (and her wardrobe) terribly!
She is celebrating a 'big' birthday, and will be moving on to pastures new.
{I hope she has a Fab50's group in the pipeline... fingers crossed... I will definitely be following if she has, keep an eye on her blog}
I wish her all the best in this new chapter of life.

Dawn is rocking the fringe too, with a simple (and very wearable) look.
Frayed jeans and clogs (which I love), are two more classic boho items.
I would happily wear this tomorrow.
TOP - Free People
JEANS - Old Navy
SHOES - Zigi Soho
BAG - Carlos Santana
JEWELRY - Michal Golan, Salt California, Lucky Brand, & vintage

Sheela from Sheela writes.

Sheela is the queen of killer shoes.
Check out this fierce and fabulous footwear!
She manages to make sky-high shoes look effortless and carefree.
This mix of colours colours is soft and perfect for a boho vibe.
Did I mention those shoes?... 
CARDIGAN & BAG - borrowed from her daughter, Eve.
DRESS (worn as tunic) - Daily Look
JEANS - Forever21
HAT & RINGS - Anthropologie, gifted
BRACELETS - Isabel Marant
SHOES - Amici
Daenel is our guest blogger this month.
Her blog is full of life, thought and positivity.
Her look is super-feminine, but still ready for real life.
And, once again I have shoe envy.
Check out those wedges!
DRESS - Target
SKIRT - Thrifted 
Bracelets & Necklace - Gifted
SHOES: Forever 21

Ann from Kremb de la Kremb

Ann is once again showing off her DIY talents.
She customised this bag, skirt and shoes.
You can find out how, on her blog (click on the links below).
I love how she is putting on her 'fierce' face here.
{You can't fool me Ann! X}

If this does not prove that you can be over 40 and still sexy as hell, I don't know what will!

GLASSES - Beach stall in Boracay
EARRINGS-Amrapali, India
BAG - DIY (one of the most difficult DIYs I've ever attempted!)
TOP-Random boutique in Hong Kong
SKIRT -DIY from charity shop denim skirt
SHOES - DIY

Jennie from A pocketful of polka dots.

Jennie is someone who usually has a masculine twist to her looks but she is 'all woman' here.
The entire look is super-feminine and simply gorgeous.
Floaty, delicate and so simple.
Boho to the max, but not even a little bit 'eccentric'.
This is how it is done.
KIMONO - c/o Cold Water Creek
DRESS - Vivid Collection of NY
Necklace, Bracelets, Sunnies - Charming Charlie
SHOES - Lucky Brand

Diane from Fashion on the fourth floor.

Diane is such an inspiration to many women over 40.
She is super-fit, super-friendly and a generally positive person.
Her style often involves trainers/sneakers (or gutties, here in Scotland) and a toned down vibe... easy to copy in real life.
This look is as effortless, and chic, as boho can get.
With that thrown on, but still incredibly stylish, feel.
I love it.
TOP- T Bags, Los Angeles
JEANS - Express
BAG - Express
RING - The Beadery on Main (yes, my hometown of Stillwater, Oklahoma)
NECKLACES - Urban Outfitters & Free People
SHOES:  Old Navy

Mary from Curlybyrdie Chirps

Mary is someone who always looks elegant and feminine.
I was not at all surprised to see her in a fabulous dress!
This is another simple look (dress, wedges and a tote) but with the pattern and colours it comes alive, and seems so much more.
Those platform wedges look perfect to me.
Height and comfort in one.
DRESS - She In
SHOES - Ralph Lauren 
BAG - Relic
NECKLACE - Jcpenny 

Over to you...

Do you love the Boho look?
Or, is it too unstructured, sloppy and bag-lady-like for you?
What would you have chosen to wear?

Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Or tweet me @samantha4blair.
I love hearing from you!

SKIRT: Primark (this one is beautiful and this one is stunning)
BAG: Topshop
TOP: Unknown (similar)
CARDIGAN: h&m (this one is nice)
NECKLACES: Various...check this one out!! nothing like mine but fabulous.
SHOES: Clarks. These are perfect...and a great price.
SCARF: I can't remember! I love this snood.
CUFF: Vintage (this is beautiful)
Fake fabulous | 8 ways to wear Boho, over 40

Inspired? Join in the Boho fun, and get my look...


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I've Gone all Girly! | Pinks and Florals, over 40.

Fake Fabulous | Feminine pink and girly, A-line button through skirt, lace shoulder top, pink Cambridge satchel company bag, french sole ballerinas.

Pink, floral and feminine...

Not necessarily three words you would associate with Fake Fabulous?

To be honest, I really don't know how to describe my personal style.
But, I do know that 'delicate and feminine' are not words I would choose to describe my style.
The feminine look is something I admire on others, but hardly ever tap into myself.

There is no denying that some 40+ women have a gift for the feminine look, and the super-girly clothes can look fun, playful, ironic and effortless on the under 30's.

BUT...
There is something slightly odd about a 40+ women dressing like a little girl.
Anything too 'pink and frilly' can make the over 40 woman look either:
  • Old
  • Desperate
  • Pathetic
  • Slightly unhinged
Or, a delightful combination of all of the above!

I read somewhere that once you are heading towards your 40's (or beyond) "pretty" clothes should be avoided.
Hmmmm...

Fake Fabulous | Feminine pink and girly, A-line button through skirt, lace shoulder top, pink Cambridge satchel company bag, french sole ballerinas.

As you know, I don't care much for fashion rules and (despite not being a very delicate and feminine type of person) I seem to have rolled a few of these forbidden items into one look...
Oops, silly me!

This A-line, linen, floral skirt is an oldie... and a firm favourite of mine.
Unfortunately, it very rarely sees the light of day as it is hardly ever warm enough to wear it here.
So, as soon as the sun was shining (and the wind was not splitting me in two) my flowery skirt came out to play.

{We need all the vitamin D we can get, here, in Scotland!}

Fake Fabulous | Feminine pink and girly, A-line button through skirt, lace shoulder top, pink Cambridge satchel company bag, french sole ballerinas.

I would normally reach for gutties (or sandals) with this skirt, but today I found myself reaching for these pink, patent ballerinas. 

{Oh dear, more pink!}

A-line skirts and ballet flats can look really frumpy, but I think the fact the skirt is slightly above my knee meant I got away with it... just!

What do you think?
Would you wear a heel with this skirt?


Fake Fabulous | Feminine pink and girly, A-line button through skirt, lace shoulder top, pink Cambridge satchel company bag, french sole ballerinas.

This open-backed top was yet another delicate, and feminine, addition to this look.
Sheer fabric and lace shoulders, so pretty.
{I did need a camisole underneath, for decency and extra warmth}

Fake Fabulous | Feminine pink and girly, A-line button through skirt, lace shoulder top, pink Cambridge satchel company bag, french sole ballerinas.

I piled on yet more pink (I am bad), in the form of a plaited suede belt, leather satchel and a delicate watch.

Fake Fabulous | Feminine pink and girly, A-line button through skirt, lace shoulder top, pink Cambridge satchel company bag, french sole ballerinas.

My silver cuff, and heart earrings finished this 'girly' look off perfectly.

GET THE LOOK


Fake Fabulous | Feminine pink and girly, A-line button through skirt, lace shoulder top, pink Cambridge satchel company bag, french sole ballerinas.

SKIRT: old, French Connection (this Boden one is cool and comes in other colours)
TOP: Forever21 (charity shop find)...this one is pretty
SHOES: French Sole ...these are stunning
BAG: Cambridge Satchel Company
BELT: Boden
WATCH: Rotary
CUFF: A gift
EARRINGS: old

Do you ever wear things that are not normally 'you'?
Are you a fan of feminine styles?
Please share in the comments, or contact me via my contact page.
I love hearing from you!

Fake Fabulous | Feminine pink and girly, A-line button through skirt, lace shoulder top, pink Cambridge satchel company bag, french sole ballerinas.

Linking up to: I will wear what I like (Monday), Visible MondayTurning heads Tuesday The Pleated Poppy (Wednesday), Colour and Grace (Wednesday), Top of the World Style (Thursday), Brilliant blog posts (Thursday), Hat Attack (Friday), Forage Fashion Friday Mummy's got style (Friday), Fun fashion Friday.
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Can you Wear Denim for Work?

Fake Fabulous |Can you wear denim for work? Denim dress, leopard belt, white spotty shirt, vintage patent leather shoes, leather bag.

Can we really wear denim for work?
Especially over 40?

Surely it is unprofessional, and just a little bit too scruffy?

Well....
That all depends on the denim!

Fake Fabulous |Can you wear denim for work? Denim dress, leopard belt, white spotty shirt, vintage patent leather shoes, leather bag.

I am lucky enough to wear whatever I want, for work .

{I work in a laboratory, and wear a full length Howie coat, what lurks underneath is entirely my choice}

Denim is a definite yes for me!

But, what if you work in a smarter environment?
Can you ever get away with denim?

Well, I think you can!
As long as you steer away from anything too baggy (or too revealing) and avoid the bleached/distressed finishes.
Darker denim can look smart, enough.
Especially with a few choice accessories.

A smarter bag (and shoes) can really elevate your denim from laidback cool to something a little more serious.

Fake Fabulous | Brown patent leather vintage shoes with applique flowers

Today, I am styling this denim halterneck dress, in a work-appropriate way.
Of course this is not strict 'business formal', but if your workplace is a little more creative (and casual) then this is a perfect fun look.

{I last wore this halter-necked dress here, with an off the shoulder top}

Today, I am styling this denim dress with a spotted shirt.
This dotty shirt covers up any potentially bare flesh, and makes the whole outfit more appropriate for the work environment.

The spotted shirt is nice enough, but it needs a little 'something' to give this outfit more personality.

A trio of brooches was just the thing!

{See more brooches, with my dungarees, here}

Fake Fabulous |Can you wear denim for work? Denim dress, leopard belt, white spotty shirt, mixed brooches.

I really wanted to wear these vintage shoes again.
They are so elegant and beautiful.

{See them here, last year, with a cape!}

It pains me to tell you that they are not a very comfortable shoe (I always travel in a pair of flats) but they are so very pretty...
I love the applique leaves.
Sometimes, I am willing to suffer a little in order to smile down at my feet for a while.

Fake Fabulous | Brown patent leather vintage shoes with applique flowers

A smarter bag always changes the feel of an outfit.
Accessories are the best way to change up your look, and make your clothes more versatile.

Fake Fabulous | Work bag

A leopard belt, and a few fun rings, finished things off perfectly.

Dress: Next (a charity shop find)...this one is nice.
Shirt: Unknown...H&M, maybe? found in a charity shop... this one is beautiful.
Shoes: Meadows...vintage....these are nice.
Bag: Another charity shop find! This one is gorgeous!
Belt: Topshop (similiar)
Rings: Various Girls and charity shop finds... this one is pretty.

SHOP THE LOOK


Fake fabulous | Rings: Diamonds, pearls, gold and red lips

Would you wear denim for work?
Are there any items strictly 'off-limits' for you? 
Please share your workwear style in the comments.
Or, contact me via my contact page.
I love hearing from you!

Fake Fabulous | Oversized sunglasses

Linking up to: I will wear what I like (Monday), Visible MondayTurning heads Tuesday The Pleated Poppy (Wednesday), Colour and Grace (Wednesday), Top of the World Style (Thursday), Brilliant blog posts (Thursday), Hat Attack (Friday), Forage Fashion Friday Mummy's got style (Friday), Fun fashion Friday
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Blue Jumpsuit, 3 Ways | #PPP3

Fake Fabulous | Electric blue jumpsuit, 3 ways

This post is the third, in a series, called the Ping Pong Posts.


This time Anna, Ann and I are styling a Jumpsuit.
A bright blue leopard(ish) print jumpsuit.

This jumpsuit is a tricky customer, for sure!

It is quite hard to find any jumpsuit that fits properly.
Whatever your size and shape, there are almost always compromises to be made.

This jumpsuit is totally unstructured, loose in design but still a size 8, with NO stretch.
Totally unforgiving.
I knew that the gorgeous Ann would have a job squeezing the "girls" into it.
Sorry Ann!
And, I suspected that it would be a little on the long side for beautiful Anna.
Sorry Anna!

This was a huge challenge for my friends.

I wondered if perhaps I was subconsciously getting my own back for my previous shirt dress issues?
Hahaha (evil laugh) revenge is mine...

Fake Fabulous | Electric blue jumpsuit, blue clutch, green shoes, black coat and a chunky necklace.

However, the last laugh is on me!
This jumpsuit turned out to be a challenge for me to style too.
The fabric is so unstructured (and unforgiving) that it shows every lump, bump and flaw.
It can also cling, which I hate.

A simple sash fixed the shapeless problem but, I still needed a smart cover-all to hide it's unstructured cling and to give me the confidence to go out.
A sleeveless jacket was perfect.

Fake Fabulous | Electric blue jumpsuit, blue clutch, green shoes, black coat and a chunky necklace.

As there was a lot of gape at the neckline, I added a cowl neck cami underneath for comfort and decency.
Leaning forward was no longer obscene.
A Chunky necklace provided more coverage, and interest.

{These pictures were taken way back in March (before I sent my parcel off to Anna then she sent it on to Ann) so I was a little (Read: VERY) cold and the light is poor. Apologies for that}

Fake Fabulous | Electric blue jumpsuit, blue clutch, green shoes, black coat and a chunky necklace.

A blue clutch and green shoes finished things off perfectly!

Hang on a minute!

Is there not a rule about blue and green never being seen together?
Well, yes, that boring rule exists.
But I disagree with it!
These green shoes clash (with the blue) in a really satisfying way.


Jumpsuit: I can't remember! (this one is gorgeous)
Top: Charity shop (similar)
Shoes: Marta Johnson (these blue ones are nice too)


Fake Fabulous | Electric blue jumpsuit and  green shoes.

GET THE LOOK



I love the way each of us is so different, even with such a distinctive item.
We never discuss our outfit options, and each time it is a genuine surprise what we come up with.

Anna, from Anna's Island Style 

I like the way she has styled this tricky piece, with layers and fabulous (high) shoes
She has 'grounded' the jumpsuit with neutrals but has still kept her unique style.
I love the way this outfit keeps your eye moving.

Check out Anna's blog to see how she works wonders with her charity shop finds.
She has such an eye for a bargain!




Jumpsuit: Mine!
Waistcoat: Charity shop
Tshirt: Primark
Shoes: M&S
Handbag: "Borrowed" from her daughter
Pendant: from New Zealand
Turquoise bangle: Old
Gold bangle: Charity shop
Rings: Charity shop
Sunglasses: Quay Australia

Ann, from Kremb de la Kremb

Ann's backgrounds always make me smile.
How does she find such great backdrops?
Living in Hong Kong certainly has it's benefits.

Her look is totally different, again.
Simple and uncluttered.
Black and silver accessories work perfectly.
And, check out that bag!
She made it herself (Try it yourself, here)




Silver necklace and bracelet: Target
Jumpsuit: Mine
Clutch: DIY by Ann!
Satin pumps: Goodwill (US charity shop)

How would you have styled this jumpsuit?
Please let me know in the comments....or tweet me @samantha4blair
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