The FAB 40's | 8 Ways to Wear Leather and Lace

Welcome back 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 this diverse 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 month's theme is Leather & Lace.

Leather and lace....hmmmm.
This one is a good one!

This outfit came together very easily.

I had just bought a vintage leather skirt and was deciding how to wear it.
Well, that question was just answered for me!

My lace boots were a MUST for this look.

They are very comfortable and have stayed surprisingly clean despite walking miles in all weathers!

A lace panelled (and studded) sweatshirt, and a thermal rollneck, were the perfect partners.

The studded neckline took away the need to think about jewellery.

This was a throw-on-and-go outfit.

Some cosy opaque tights and my grey bag finished things off nicely!

SKIRT: Vintage... but new to me! from eBay.

JUMPER: Charity shop

BOOTS: Clarks

TIGHTS: Falke

Undertop: Uniqlo

BAG: Dune

POMPOMs: Various

Introducing our Guest blogger this month... 

Kimberly from The Haute Life

Kimberly is another mum of 4 (a lady on my wavelength) and lives by the moto... 

"Life is short, live it Haute!"

Click through the link above to read her story.

Over 40 AND a cropped top?... Yes indeed!

Top: For Love and Lemons 

Pants: Rachel by Rachel Roy

Shoes: Nine West 

Clutch: BRahmin 

Sheela from Sheela Writes

We can always rely on Sheela to push the boundaries and make us think outside the age-appropriate box.

Sheela is NOT intending on disappearing into the background anytime soon!

This lace skirt (that she is wearing as a dress) is both sexy and perfectly demure.

A nude leather jacket and trademark fierce shoes makes for a knock-out look!

LOVE.

Blush Leather Jacket: Sans Souci

Black Lace Skirt (worn as dress): StyleWe

Combat Booties: Bakers

Necklace: Mirina Collections

Bangle & Ring: Happiness Boutique

Sunnies: Poshmark

Lipstick: Palladio

Ann from Kremb de la Kremb

Ann is so cute here!

She has kept the colour palette light and spring-like.

{It looks like the weather in Hong Kong is slightly warmer than here in Scotland!}

Ann looks feminine and comfortable.

A practical and fun look.

Loving those shoes BTW Ann!!

If you ever get tired of them...

Sunnies: Hua Hin Night Market

Top, skirt, earrings, and waist bag: Forever 21

Denim sleeveless jacket: Topshop

Nude fishnets:Ladies' Market, Hong Kong

Silver anklets: new(!) from India

Wink-wink slip-ons: girls department Target

Jennie from A pocketful of polka dots

Jennie always manages to mix the masculine with the feminine.

This outfit is a great example of a everyday-wearable leather and lace look.

Leggings, top, blazer and heels.

So simple.

SO effective.

Proving that 40+ women can (and should) still smash it when it comes to style!

Tuxedo Jacket - NY&Co.

Lace Tank - Loft

Brooch - Vintage (from her Great Aunt)

Leather Pants - Guess

Lace Pumps - Joey O

Diane from Fashion on the fourth floor

Diane is undeniably genetically gifted!

Her long lean limbs make these leather shorts look easy to wear, and utterly glamorous.

The white lace top is elegant and feminine.

If you're lucky enough to have gorgeous legs then this could be the look for you.

The whole outfit is ageless, fresh and fabulous!

Lace/Crochet Top - Shein

Tank Top - Greige Goods in Stillwater, Ok.

Leather Shorts - Banana Republic

Tights - Macy's

Boots - Target

Clutch - Kent Stetson

Mary from Curlybyrdie Chirps

Mary's got it down when it comes to wearing a pencil skirt.

I mean...come on!! How good does this green leather skirt look?

Her blouse is feminine (and demure) and those ankle boots keep the whole look fresh and modern.

Top marks Mary!

Skirt and Booties: Target 

Blouse: Lauren Conrad - Kohl's 

Scarf: Calvin Klein 

Bag: Jcpenney 

Veronica from CID Style file

Veronica is FIERCE in this leather and lace combo.

Simple and super-cool.

This is how to execute the classic "floaty dress + leather jacket" look.

AND accentuating her fabulous pins at the same time.

She does it with ease.

Dress: Avenue

Moto Jacket: Simply Be

Boots: Jeffrey Campbell

Sunnies: Burberry

Tights: Lane Bryant

Earrings: Macy's 

Which of our Leather and Lace outfits would you wear?

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

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Growing out a Pixie Cut | Part 2: 3-8 Months

I'm growing out my pixie cut.
Again.

This is my third pixie grow-out, and it's never an easy ride.
The only way to tackle a grow-out successfully is to keep trimming!
Real patience is needed.

Over 40, it is more important than ever for each stage of the grow-out to look like a definite style.
A scruffy, and unkempt, pixie (with the inevitable uneven grow-out pattern) is not a good look.

 My Pixie Grow-out, Part 2

(See the grow-out: Part 1 HERE)

Part two should be a much easier part of the process, right?
Hmmmm....
Not really!
This can be the worst stage.

Your patience may have worn thin.
Your hair becomes SO annoying and you could feel like an unkempt old frump!

Every part of you might be screaming...

"Chop it off!!" (again)

I have wanted my tidy pixie back again countless times.
So many bad hair days.

Some days it looks okay and for a few weeks you might think...

"This is easy!"

Then suddenly....
Argggghhhhhhh!!!!!

It's a mess.

My hair starts to look chunky and frumpy again.
Return of the Lego hair!

So (taking my own advice) I dyed it brown and almost slipped into a coma with boredom!
I love brown hair at other times but brown is not my growing-out-a-pixie colour.

I needed a trim to remove some weight, and that brown dye to wash out... hurry up please!

Luckily, winter provides the perfect opportunity to cover up a bad hair day.
And, blame a messy mop on "Hat hair".
Hats have been my best friends over the past few months.

Thank goodness hair grows quickly (even though it sometimes doesn't feel like it) and by the 8 month stage my hair is it's on it's way to where I want it to be.
Suddenly I feel like it is in a 'style', and not just a grown-out mess.

I've added a little (red-brown) henna to boost my red tones, and my mood.
Henna also thickens the hair shaft a little, and boosts shine.
Result.

I am due to go back to the salon again for another tidy up, but I will spin it out as long as I can.
Doing some DIY trimming every now and again helps to extend the time between appointments, and saves a few quid.

5 more tips for growing out your pixie cut, as painlessly as possible.

(See 9 more tips HERE)

1. Wear a hat! Clips and cute headbands can look little crazy as we get older. (Unless, of course, your "normal" style involves this kind of accessory. If it does, lucky you! Growing out your pixie will be a doddle) Hat's on the other hand are PERFECT... thank you winter (or summer) :o). You can cover up a bad day or blame a messy 'do' on hat hair.
2. Try Henna. Keep on top of your colour. If you regularly cover your greys, keep doing it. Nothing is as depressing as a scruffy, partially grown-out pixie with grey temples and roots. I have started using Henna again and the condition of my hair has improved AND henna thickens your hair slightly too... win win!
3. Puff it up! Growing out your pixie is hard. There is no easy way to do it, and there will be days where you feel like a mess. On days like these, try and play around with the texture of your hair and mess it up a bit. Puff it up, mess around with it. Try using straighteners to add some texture or curl. Making a feature of its non-uniformity makes it easier to bear.
4. Invest in some more nice products.  No product will make your hair grow faster, but oils and treatments can improve it's condition. Lush has some lovely hair products. Treat yourself.
5. Keep going. When things get tough, remember that your hair will get there... Keep going, you can do it!!

Have you successfully tackled the pixie-grow-out?
Please share any growing tips you have, in the comments.
I would love to hear them!

Wear a Wrap Dress as a Skirt | Peacock, Teal and Hot Pink!

The last time I wore this wrap dress I loved it BUT...
I soon realised that I don't really have the figure to do it justice!
Wrap dresses look so much better on curvy ladies.

However, despite my lack of resources I love the pattern of this dress, so I decided to make the most of it and wear it as a skirt.

Layering a poloneck under the dress, and a simple jumper over the top (tucked in to the wrap ties at the front) made for a comfortable outfit.

{This jumper is actually 3 sizes larger than my normal size, but I wanted it to look baggy and more casual. Turning up the sleeves stops it looking too old-ladyish.}

Adding a blast of pink with my new leather bag (that I rescued from a charity shop for a few pounds) kept the look light and fun.

OTK boots were needed to keep me warm, that's freezing fog in the background... brrrrr.
Pink tights and a colourful brooch finished things off nicely.

Do you ever change the way you wear your clothes to make them suit you better?

Please share your tricks in the comments... or contact me.

I love hearing your ideas!

DRESS: A gift (read about it HERE)...this one is pretty too.

BOOTS: Vintage...these are fun.

TIGHTS: Gipsy

GLOVES: Old

BAG: Charity shop find.

JUMPER: Charity shop... originally from M&S Classic collection.

BROOCH: Vintage

POLONECK: Uniqlo

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Midi Pencil Dress, for Work | The Blank Canvas

A midi length pencil dress is such a versatile piece to have in your wardrobe.

It can be dressed up, down, or in between.

It suits almost every occasion...from evenings out, days at work, popping to the shops or hanging at home.

In trainers, chunky boots or party shoes.

Anything goes!

Once you have adapted the neckline to suit your body shape (for example a V would suit a larger bust) then you can accessorise to suit your personality.

A dress like this is a blank canvas on which to stamp your style.

Today I went for a mixture of teal and cobalt, making for a satisfying clash on a cold and drab day.

Of course any coloured tights would work, just wear whatever floats your colour boat!
You could also choose from a huge range of necklaces/brooches/earrings/belts... the sky's the limit!

I picked this dress up in the sale rail at TKmax for a few quid.

It is comfortable and warm (which is great) but it needs a slip underneath to prevent any cling.

{Read my clinging nightmare story HERE}

A cosy thermal top was a must (no surprise there!) and thankfully this stripy one adds a little personality as well as a cosy hug. 

A turquoise necklace, teal gloves and colourful tights added pops of colour at the edges.
This fun bag and chunky patent boots finished things off nicely.

How would you style this 'Blank Canvas' dress?

Do you have something similar in your wardrobe?

What colours do you use to brighten up a dull day?

DRESS: Lila Rose...from TkMaxx
UNDERTOP: Uniqlo
COAT: Vintage Windsmoor... I got it on eBay for a bargain (read that story HERE)
GLOVES: Old... from Asda.
BAG: Desigual...Found in a Charity shop.
NECKLACE: Charity shop find....read about it HERE
TIGHTS: Gipsy
BOOTS: Vagabond

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3 ways to wear a fluted sleeve | PPP 11

Welcome to the first Ping Pong Post of 2017.

This month we are styling Anna's crinkly top with fluted cuffs.

{See the first PPP post here, with details of how this project came about, and how far these clothes have travelled}

This unusual top was calling out for some layers, and my (faux) leather tank was just the ticket!

{I've also got a sneaky thermal base layer underneath}

I love mixing blue and green together, so slim fitting trousers (in a french Navy) were the perfect partner.

Adding a green cap kept me cosy... I love this hat!

Chunky boots finished things off nicely.

Boots: Clarks
Trousers: I can’t remember.
Leatherette Top: DIY from a dress.
Top: Anna’s
Cap: Gents section at TKmax
Necklace: Oliver Bonas

Over to...

Anna from Anna's Island Style

Anna is on the cocktails again!
It's a tough job but someone has to do it :o)

She looks like she is ready for a casual party, or night out with the girls, in this easy going outfit.

I love the mixing of patterns and textures, as well as her inspired accessorising.

Those boots are the perfect partner to an awkward skirt length.. height and a bold pattern statement.
Love it!

{I wonder what she's drinking? It looks very inviting.....}

Follow Anna on Instagram

Top: Wallis

Skirt: Charity shop

Boots: Asos

Waistcoat: H&M

Bag: Giorgio Armani

Necklace: old

Belt: Charity shop

Rings: old

Ann from Kremb de la Kremb

Ann is a real party girl in this look!

There is no flesh flashing, but it is an undoubtedly sexy outfit.

The perfect outfit for a night out.... dancing, cocktails, more dancing...

Count me in!

She has used texture and subtle pattern to create lots of interest, whilst sticking to two colours.

Proving that simple colour combinations don't have to be dull.

I'm loving those metallic tights.

Another great look Ann!

Follow Ann on Instagram.

Sunglasses:Tom Ford

Hoops: from Bombay

Necklace: Kowloon

Top: Anna’s

Bumbag:ASOS

Skirt & Tights: Zara

OTK Boots: Ash

Stay tuned to find out what happens next time...on the 20th of February.

It's my Birthday Month and also my turn to pick the item.
Anna tells me it's the most challenging yet!!
{insert evil laugh}

See you there!

How would you have styled this fluted top?
Casual or dressy?
Please share your ideas in the comments.
I love hearing them!

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Can you wear a Midi Skirt with Flats?

Midi skirts are so feminine aren't they?
You can find them (worn beautifully) all over Pinterest and Instagram.
Unfortunately, most of these stunning looks involve killer heels.

I love a high heel, and there is nothing quite a sexy as a demure skirt with a skyscraper shoe.
A knockout look.

However, today was a busy day that involved a lot of walking around, and heels were not an option.

Luckily, a long boot can work really well with a midi skirt.
Which gave me a great excuse to wear my favourite boots... again!

{Read about my old favourites in this post}

Flat shoes can easily look matronly with a midi hemline.
Heels will always look more elegant (and sexy).
BUT, don't worry... it can be done!

Just make your own shoe statement.
Any kind of statement you want.
Trust yourself.

Whether it's a long lace up boot, like mine.
A bright coloured pair of trainers.
A cut-out ankle boot.
Or, a boldly patterned pair of ballerinas.

Wearing drab footwear, and hoping no one will notice you're not in heels, just doesn't work.
Go bold and have fun!

This skirt is so comfortable and easy to wear.
I wanted to continue the navy and red throughout the whole outfit, and mixing stripes seemed like a great place to start.

This striped top was a gift from my blogging friend Ann (from Kremb de la Kremb in Hong Kong) and is intended to be worn off the shoulder.
It turned out to be the perfect top to layer over this (thermal) polo neck.

It is mild today, a whopping 9 degrees (48F) and the rain is holding off so I dug out my nude leather jacket.
Warm enough, and not too heavy.
I still needed a cosy scarf, warm gloves and a hat though.
Mild? Yes....but not that warm.

I read in a magazine that berets are back in fashion!
Phew...
I knew if I waited long enough they would come back "in".

Isn't it funny how we like what we like regardless of what the fashion press say?
I am never very far away from a hat in winter, and berets go with anything and everything... or maybe that's just me!

BERET: Old...this one is perfect!
BROOCH: H&M...this one is gorgeous
TOP: A gift...this one is as close as I could find.
POLONECK: M&S
SKIRT: Boden
BELT: Topshop
BOOTS: Caterpillar (old).... these look cool.
GLOVES: Dents
JACKET: Superdry....I like this fun one.
SCARF: Boden (teen section)...this gent's one is similar
BAG: Primark (on 'loan' from my daughter!)...similar.

Do you avoid Midi length skirts (and dresses) because of the need for heels?
Are there any items you love to wear (like berets) regardless of them being in style, or not!?
Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Or Contact Me.

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Geek Chic in Gray and Green | Tweed Jacket and OTK Boots

The Geeky Gucci-inspired look doesn't seem to be going anywhere this season, so today I was having fun experimenting.

This outfit is slightly androgynous, with a nod to the pantone colour of the year (Greenery) but it is totally within my comfort zone.
Grey jeans and a coloured jumper.
Easy peasy.
Popping a floral blouse underneath added more interest...and warmth!

This jumper is a beautiful merino/cashmere blend that I found in a charity shop for £2.99.
It was brand new.
I am sure someone bought it with the intention of experimenting with some colour... then thought "Nah!".
One person's rubbish is my lucky find!

To add a little more geeky chic I simply popped on a tweed blazer.
This tweed blazer has been in my wardrobe for ages, and every time I wear it I have to battle the frump factor.
Tweed can go a little "Miss Marple" if we are not careful...especially over 40!

Tweed looks ironic and cool on young women and gets harder to wear as we get older.
So I needed a little something to liven it up.

What could be more of a contrast to a tweed blazer than a pair of over-the-knee boots?

These boots are warm and comfortable (good job, as I was on my feet all day) and are just a little bit unexpected.
Adding my blue bag brought colour and personality to my look.
Making the very "proper" blazer seem more fun to be around!

{See this tweed blazer styled HERE... with giant houndstooth tights}

Adding a wool beret, and pink leather gloves, finished things off nicely.

BLAZER: Boden (this season's)
JEANS: Topshop
BOOTS: Duo .... these are down to £30!
SOCKS: M&S...these are nice.
JUMPER: Jaeger.... this one is nice too.
BLOUSE: Asda...this one is beautiful.
BAG: Tkmaxx.... this one is fun.
BAG CHARM: Primark... this one is cool.
GLOVES: A gift...similar
BERET: I can't remember! This grey one was the closest I could find.
GLASSES: Converse

How do you feel about Tweed?
Classic or easily Frumpy?
How do you style yours?
Please share in the comments....or send me a picture!
I love hearing from you.

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