Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring! | 7 favourite Winter Looks, 2017.

As winter loosens it's grip (here in Scotland) now is the perfect time to think about my favourite Winter outfits...

These 'picks' are not based on post popularity, or views.

They are just the outfits I enjoyed wearing the most.

Please feel free to disagree with my choices!
I would love to hear your opinion.

1. Lazy Maxi Skirt.

In this outfit I was experimenting with icy shades (even though they do not really suit me) for a cool winter look.

This outfit is as comfortable as joggers and a sweatshirt, but much more interesting and fun to wear.

A totally lazy look!

In the post I talk about vintage fabric and why it seems to be warmer than modern fabrics.

What do you think? Is vintage is better quality?

2. All that Glitters...

In this post I am 'dressing up' with my two blogging friends, and we are styling the same item.
This sparkly top has been halfway around the world and I am delighted to say it now belongs to me... thank you Annie!

Let me know what you think of this top and how you would have worn it?

3. Geek Chic!

This is my favourite outfit of the winter!
A haphazard outfit that is colourful and SO comfortable.
Find out where I got this colourful jumper HERE.... and see what colour the back is.

Please let me know your thoughts on mixing colours.

4. Reliving Grunge in your 40's!

This post was so much fun!
As part of the Fab40's series we were all challenged to pull on something grunge-inspired and rock 90's chic, in 2017....in our 40's!!
See how we got on HERE.... and find out if I really liked grunge style in the 90's, or if I was a rave chick!

Did you dress grungy in the 90's?  

5. Midi Skirts & Flat Shoes.

This post is all about wearing the shoes YOU feel comfortable in and why it's important to avoid drab shoes with this hemline.

Would you wear flats with a Midi? 

6. Flat Cap and a Chunky Knit.

This post was all about how tricky hats are to wear and how most of them are gathering dust in people's wardrobes.
Plus some tips on how to wear a hat in REAL life.

Do you love wearing hats? What is your favourite style?

7. Dressing like a Cliché in Leather and Leopard!

This post was all about how much fun fashion should be, and why it's okay to dress like a walking cliché from time to time!

What do you think of Leopard and Leather? A winning combination? Or, too tacky?

Do you agree with my choices and my favourite (number 3)?
Did I miss anything?

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Or, contact me.
I love hearing your opinion!

The Fab40's | 7 Ways to be Bold! | Pop Art, over 40.

Welcome back to The fab 40's.

Lets play with some Pop Art!

This month it was my turn to choose what the Fab40's would be wearing and I wanted to push us all a little!
With such a diverse group of creatively minded women I knew great things could happen.

So, with inspiration from brands such as Moschino and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada I decided to throw this style spanner into the works.
Pop Art ladies!
Can you handle it?
Let's find out....

With Pop Art as a 'theme' I was expecting one (or more!) of 4 things to happen...

• Bold colour clashes.
• Black and White contrasts.
• Modern patterns, symbols or images.
• Fun accessories.

I decided to take all 4 into my look.
Go BOLD or go home!

This outfit came together very easily and it was an absolute joy wear.
Lots of colour and fun (especially with my accessories) with a practical coat and shoes... plus a thermal layer or two!

{I'm wearing 2 thermal base layers, leggings and fleecy shoe liners...It is still pretty cold here!}

TROUSERS: Topshop

BOOTS: Vagabond

SOCKS: Burlington...these would have been much cooler, in both ways! 

COAT: Primark... this one is lovely.

SHIRT: ASOS... this one is fun.

NECKLACE: Online

BROOCHES: Various

GLOVES: John Lewis... similar.

BAG: Linea (very old)... similar.

CHARM: TKmax (part of a bag)

LIPS: Mac

I am delighted to introduce our Guest blogger this month... 

Lisa from The Sequinist

If you know Lisa's blog, you will agree when I tell you she has a bit of a thing for the bling!

I will try to reign in my gushing at little, and simply say that she is all of the things I love about a blogger...

• Relatable: She comes across as a genuine person with a realistic life.
• Creative and unapologetically unique: She likes it - She wears it. (Especially if it sparkles) End of story.
• Inspiring: She is continually surprising me and making me think outside of the 40+ box.

Look how effortlessly she makes this pop art theme work for her.

Lisa has managed to include three of her signature style elements in this look.

• Sequins
• Fabulous shoes.
• A slightly OTT jewel... check that Rock! 

The best thing about this outfit is that (when you break it down) it is very simple.

A skirt, jumper and heels.

No complex layering, no mad accessorising.

Easy to put together, and easy to wear.

Yes, it is bold.

Yes, it will turn heads.

But... as far as wearability and comfort goes, you can't get any better than this.

{I have to admit that I would be struggling to wear Lisa's shoes without a couple of painkillers (and a taxi)....so I would substitute those for my chunky boots and be happy all day!}

I am also loving her Pop Art backdrop.

A black and white wall, how perfect!

I knew Lisa would be a fantastic addition to the group and she certainly did not disappoint!

Pop over to thesequinist.com and say hello!

SUNGLASSES: ZeroUV

JUMPER: Crew

SEQUIN PATCH: Etsy

SKIRT: J.W. Anderson

RING: The Sequinist

SHOES: Kurt Geiger

Sheela from Sheela Writes

Sheela is so cute in this outfit!

She has steered away from the primary colours and softened things down.

These may be muted shades but she is still boldly clashing and mixing her patterns.

Four items all with a different pattern!

Sheela always manages to surprise and inspire me.

HOODY: Harajuku Lovers

TEE: Disney

SKIRT: Alice & Olivia

BOOTS: AmiClubWear

BRACELETS: WhatWouldVWear

RING and GLASSES: borrowed from Eve
LIPS: Rose from Peak Cosmetics

Ann from Kremb de la Kremb

I had a feeling Ann would find this month lots of fun.

Bold colour is well within her comfort zone.

Look how at ease she is in this shot.

(Bravo for finding that background Annie!)

Check out her DIY's.

Lots of colour mixed with simple easy-going shapes.

Cool, comfortable and fun!

GLASSES, SKIRT & SOCKS: Forever 41, oops! I mean Forever 21!!

SHIRT & BAG: Kremb de la Kremb DIY

T-SHIRT: Shein

TRAINERS: Asics

Jennie from A pocketful of polka dots

Jennie usually has a masculine twist to her outfits but not today.

I don't think I've ever seen her looking so girly!

Wow-weee Jennie....I LOVE this look!

It's In-Your-Face bold, bright and beautiful.

That skirt is a dream.

Of course, this kind of outfit isn't for blending in to the background but who wants to do that?

BOOM!!

Here I am Folks!

Fabulous.

CARDIGAN: NY&Co.

TOP: Worthington, JCPenney

SKIRT: c/o YoShop

TIGHTS: Isadora Paccini
GLASSES: NY&Co.

NECLACE RING & BAG: Charming Charlie
SHOES: Nine West "Martina"

Diane from Fashion on the fourth floor

Diane never disappoints!

Her spin on each month is always a little bit different.

This month is no exception.

She has toned the colour and the contrast right down but kept the Pop Art vibe with a DIY on her Sweatshirt dress.

A fun hashtag design.

Subtle, simple and cute.

The whole outfit is ageless, fresh and typically Diane.....Fabulous!

DRESS & TRAINERS: Forever 21

DIY die cut, shimmer & glitter heat transfer paper: Hobby Lobby

BRACELET: Boho Betty

BAG & EARRINGS: Express

Mary from Curlybyrdie Chirps

Mary's always the lady of the group and this month she has managed to mix Pop Art with elegant and feminine... How does she do it?

Hats off to you Mary!

Pushed right out of her comfort zone, she has embraced the theme and given it a feminine twist.

Bold colours, fun details and plenty of personality!

I am LOVING the bold blue against her gorgeous hair.

Fabulous yellow shoes and a fun bag finish her look off nicely.

COAT: She in 

Co-Ords: The Limited

SHOES: Jcpenney

BAG: Target Kids dept $3 
NECKLACE: J Designs

Which of our Pop-Art-inspired outfits would you wear?

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

SHOP the LOOK

The Power of Colour | Is Orange Unprofessional?

Is orange the WORST colour to wear for an interview?
Apparently so!
I was reading an article recently listing the top colours to wear to an interview, and orange was mentioned as the worst.
A really big no-no if you want that job.

(Have a look online, there are a few articles on this subject.)

A subtle blue is supposed to be the best for both men and women.

{Maybe not this cobalt though!}

Orange is very unprofessional.

Orange sends a message of too much creativity (??).

Wearing orange means you probably have a fun personality.

Terrible right?

Hmmm....

Luckily, I am not going for an interview.

{Thank goodness because this outfit would definitely NOT land me the job!}

BUT...

If I was interviewing someone to come and work with me (at Fake Fabulous) orange would definitely help them get the job!

Fun Personality and too much creativity?

Yes please!

I really do LOVE a splash of orange.

{See this post with LOTS of orangeness going on!)

All joking aside, never underestimate the importance of making the right 'first impression' at an interview.
Those initial few seconds really do count.

I would never recommend adding lots of colour (and too much personality) to your formal interview attire....You can do that once you have landed the job 😝!

{Save your new orange trousers for the second day.}

What you can say about yourself using colour...

• BLACK - I am Powerful, Disciplined and Strong. Perfect for that management position!
• WHITE - I am immaculate with great attention to detail. I am strong and organised.
• GREY - I am Practical, Cautious and Self-Sufficient.
• RED - I am Powerful, Energetic, Passionate and Confident.
• ORANGE - I am very Creative, Confident and Vibrant.
• YELLOW - I believe in Freedom and Fairness. I am Optimistic and Joyous.
• GREEN - I am Well-Balanced and Secure.
• BLUE - I am a great Communicator. I am Loyal and can be Trusted.
• BROWN - I am Stable, Honest and Practical.
• PURPLE - I am Sophisticated, Creative, Wise and Spiritual.
• PINK - I am Affectionate and Serene.

This outfit is certainly not professional, but it is perfect for adding a pop of colour to a dull day.

Perfect for boosting my mood and making me smile.

And, perfect for hiding a multitude of secret layers!

These over-the-knee boots are warm enough on their own but become super-cosy with the addition of thick socks and woollen tights.

Adding two thermal layers (one of which is hidden) under a sheer camisole top makes my outfit seem lighter, brighter and less "Wintery".

A bold necklace (and neutral bag) finished things off nicely.

What would you wear if you had an interview tomorrow?
My last one was twenty years ago (for a Scientific post) and it was VERY boring... grey suit and a cream shirt....ZZZzzzzzz.

COAT: Hearts and Hands @ Urban Outfitters (old)

HAT: M&S gents

THERMAL: Uniqlo

GLOVES: Dents

NECKLACE: Oliver Bonas

BAG: c/o Bonmarché

SKIRT: c/o Bonmarché

BOOTS: Duo

GET THE LOOK

How to Wear Ugly Clothes!

Style (like beauty) is a very subjective thing, isn't it?
One person's "Eclectic delight" is another's "Wackadoodle".
A 'classic combination' to someone, can be a frumpy yawn-fest to another.

We are all different, and thank goodness for that!

Because if everyone thought the same way as me, I wouldn't be the proud owner of this chunky knitted cardigan.

I'll explain....

This oversized hand-knitted cardigan had been donated to my local charity shop.
I know that many people would baulk at the thought of anything hand-knitted (let alone second-hand) especially in a bright colour like mustard.

With it's bold embroidered details, and oversized sloppy shape, this cardigan is not winning any popularity contests!

It is undeniably UGLY.... but it was love at first sight for me.

In my eyes this cardigan has more than it's fair share of attributes...

• It's Hand-knitted, and I just LOVE handmade knitwear! 

The time and effort that has gone into creating something like this makes me appreciate it even more.
I can imagine the needles clicking away for hours.
The counting.
The occasional reverse repair.
Maybe even the frogging to re-knit a section.
In short, blood sweat and tears!

• It's totally unique. 

Every handmade item is unique.
Even if the knitter was following a pattern, there is never going to be another one exactly like this anywhere.
It's my own bespoke piece!

• It's mustard. 

It may not be a very popular shade but I LOVE mustard.
It's bright, warm and happy... casting a glow onto my skin and making my hair richer and redder.
What's not to love about that?

• It's made of Wool. 

Woollen items are so hard to come by without spending an arm and a leg (or making do with lesser quality).
This cardigan is made of chunky wool, and is delightfully warm and comforting... like wearing a big hug!

• It's embroidered.

Embroidery is supposed to be big fashion news this year, but even if it wasn't I love the thought of someone working away on this chunky design... just for me!

Oh....
Did I mention that it was reduced to a pound?

Yes, ONE pound.
Now that's what I call a bargain!

The rest of this outfit came together very easily.
The ugliness of my sloppy cardigan seemed the perfect partner for my (possibly uglier?) ugly shoes.

{See these shoes styled  HERE and HERE.}

Khaki biker style jeans, and a leopard print shirt, made for a cosy and colourful outfit.
A dragonfly pin and this little vintage bag (in a neutral shade) finished things off nicely.

Unpopular (or commercially unattractive) clothes can often give us the most pleasure.
Something unusual and unique.
Something with a little personality and soul.
Something different from the norm.

If you love it, and wear it with a smile, it becomes a thing of beauty!

Luckily (for this cardigan) beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder!

Do you have any ugly clothes (or shoes) that you love to wear?

How do you feel about Handmade and/or Secondhand clothes?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.....or CONTACT ME.

I love to hear your opinions!

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TROUSERS: Falmer at Matalan ...similar.
SHIRT: Topshop... this one is nice.
CARDIGAN: Charity Shop find.... this one is as similar as I could find!
SHOES: Clarks.
BAG: Vintage... this one is similar.
PIN: Old...similar.

GET THE LOOK

3 Ways to Style a Yong Kim Tunic Top | PPP 12

Welcome to the last ever Ping Pong Post!

We are trying something new next month....stay tuned.

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

This final ping pong item is an expensive mistake of mine.
Having regretted it as soon as it arrived, I am glad to say it now has a new home.

I have left it in the capable hands of Ann, in Hong Kong.
I'm sure she will wear it much more than the once I did!

I couldn't really figure out how to wear this top.
The theory is layering and belts and all things I love, but the reality is an awkward sloppy mess in a design that does nothing for my body.

Wearing it the right way round was a fail, so I flipped it back to front and put on a pretty bralet.
That's better.

Now it's a tunic top with open sides.... sexy but not to revealing.
Adding a pair of vinyl leggings gave it some edge, and made it more 'me'.

A chunky necklace, and equally chunky boots, finished things off nicely.

TOP: Yong Kim (VERY over priced for what it is...I wouldn't recommend.)

NECKLACE: Oliver Bonas

LEGGINGS: Pamela Mann

BOOTS: Vagabond

BAG: River Island

Anna from Anna's Island Style

Anna didn't like my tunic top either!
A nightmare to style.
A nightmare to photograph.
{Sorry Anna!}

She has styled it the same way as I would have done, without the vinyl leggings.
Over a dress, with a belt.
Perfect Anna!

Follow Anna on Instagram

DRESS: H&M

BELT: Dorothy Perkins

TIGHTS: H&M

BOOTS: Topshop

NECKLACE: M&S

RINGS: Old

BAG: Charity shopped

Ann from Kremb de la Kremb

Ann is at home in this slouchy top.

Loads of great layers.

Cosy, chic and comfortable.

Hopefully she will enjoy styling it in many different ways.

It will look great off the shoulder on Ann's fabulous figure.... when the weather warms up a little.

Another great look Ann!

Follow Ann on Instagram.

EARRINGS: My guy Ben in Jardines Bazaar, Hong Kong

TOP: Uniqlo

SHIRT: Zara

GLOVES: Market in Shanghai

BAG: Kremb de la Kremb DIY

JEANS: Bershka

BOOTS: Boutique on Houhai Lake, Beijing

Stay tuned to find out what happens next time...on the 20th of March.
We are shaking things up a little.


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

Red Metallic Nana Shoes & Teal Trousers | Behind the Scenes!

Granny shoes can look ironic and beautiful, on a chic 20-something.
But what about us more mature ladies?
Can we pull off the ironic look?
Or, do we just end up looking frumpy?
Hmmmm.....

It may come as no surprise to you that I think age is an irrelevance when it comes to looking dowdy and frumpy.
Being a frump is not age-dependent.

Being a Frump is NOT age dependent.

You can be 25 and frumpy, or 75 and fabulous!

Nana shoes are wonderfully comfortable and easy to wear.
Plenty of room for your toes and a sensible heel.... sounds like something Nana would approve of!

These metallic red Nana shoes have been on my radar for a while now.... but with a £62 price tag they were a little steep for occasional wear.

But, with a little patience, these lovely shoes finally made it into the sale for £9.99.
That's more like it!

SHOP for Nana Shoes

However, granny-style shoes can look ugly, for a couple of reasons:

• Structureless shoes (that show the shape of the toes, and the bones in the foot) can look unflattering. Especially if the bones in your feet are less than perfect... Very few people have perfect feet!
• The high vamp (across the top of the toes) can give the shoe a very old-fashioned look. 

But, they are SO comfortable, and I love the way they feel on the foot.
To disguise my toe bones I stuck a thin layer of chiropody felt inside the top of the shoe.
This gave the shoe slightly more structure and cushioned my toes from the leather.
Chiropody felt is fantastic to use if any of your shoes rub.
Cut a strip and simply stick inside the shoe wherever you need it.
Instant comfort and a better fit.

As for the old-fashioned shape of the shoe...
Keep the look modern by choosing interesting colours (like red metallic!) or unusual textures.
Avoid navy....{yawn}... or anything deliberately "Good for work".
Having said that, red metallic is good for work isn't it?

This outfit came together easily, from the toes up!

The comfortable red shoes led to cosy teal trousers, and a fine wool cream polo neck.

Adding a bright red top was great for hiding my post-birthday-cake-baby.

Hello 43.

A simple (neutral) clutch and my chunky necklace finished things off nicely!

I thought I'd leave you with a sneaky peek at my new toy.
A big pop-up reflector, to bounce the weak Scottish light!
Here is my little helper shining her light in the drizzle.

She did a great job!

How do you feel about Nana shoes?
Comfortable and ironically cool?
Or frumpy, dowdy and boring?

Please share your thoughts in the comments

WOOL TROUSERS: Topshop (old as the hills)
SHOES: Red or Dead
BAG: Tkmax
NECKLACE: Charity shop find.....read about it HERE
RED TOP: Topshop... this jumper is lovely!
ROLL NECK: c/o Emreco
LIPS: MAC Vegas Volt

SHOP the LOOK

Why your under-eye concealer isn't working, over 40.

Is your under-eye concealer letting you down?

Are you frustrated with the results?

There are plenty of YouTubers showing us "flawless" makeup techniques.
They look amazing!
So, we copy them only to be left wondering what we are doing wrong.

Why doesn't my face look as perfect as hers?

How come she is over 40 but doesn't have a wrinkle on her face?

What's wrong with me? 

Don't worry, the person on the video doesn't look like that either!

Check out this video talking about "real time" filters on YouTube.... This makeup artist is one of my favourites.

Even without using a filter, or a studio lighting strip, the camera can't really pick up the reality of what I am doing.

{The reality is: I am sitting on the floor in my kitchen with my daughter's furry blanket hanging over the back of the chairs, pre-coffee (yawn)...the glamour!)

Check out these close-up shots to see how the concealer looks in real life.

Notice how cakey this powdered concealer looks?....and that shot is taken in flattering sunlight!
Imagine how bad it would look under office strip-lighting?
Yuck!

I realise my eye is FAR from perfect in this shot, but it looks a lot more natural and less ageing.

The problem with your concealer is an easy one.
Unrealistic 'flawless' application might be great for an Instagram photo or a fashion photograph, but it just doesn't work in real life.

Real life moves about, and sweats and gets a bit greasy, or dry.
Real life smiles and laughs and moves.

In real life, less is definitely more!

• Moisturise: Be generous with your eye-cream, only where you need it.
• Colour correct: Use whatever colour suits your needs... mine is a pinky lilac.
• Conceal: Don't go too light in colour (it's very ageing) but go light in application!
• Forget heavy powdering or 'Baking': Great for Instagram, stage makeup or editorial shoots, not so good for real life!

Are you having problems with your makeup?
Does your concealer let you down?

What do you do about it?
Please share any tips you have in the comments....I'd love to hear them!

SHOP FOR CONCEALER