For the imperfect Fashion lover.

Sweatshirts & Pencil Skirts | Alternative to Jeans

Sweatshirt & Pencil Skirt | Alternative to Jeans | Fake Fabulous

Jeans are a wardrobe staple that many of us couldn't live without!
They have been around (for what feels like) forever, and are not going anywhere anytime soon.
I could happily wear jeans for almost any occasion.
In fact (if I had to) I could wear a pair everyday!

But, what if you're a bit fed up with your denims?
What if you feel like mixing things up a little?
How can you keep the casual look without reaching for your trusty jeans?

Sweatshirt & Pencil Skirt | Alternative to Jeans | Fake Fabulous

Today, I wanted a comfortable casual vibe, but with a little extra personality.

A vintage pencil skirt was the answer!
Pencil skirts can be a great alternative to jeans, especially skinny jeans.

A pencil skirt will give you that slim fitting shape to balance looser tops (not that mine is very baggy today!) but also add a little something different.
Especially if the skirt has a pattern.
A touch of quirkiness, and fun.

Not to forget, a pencil skirt is super-feminine too!

Sweatshirt & Pencil Skirt | Alternative to Jeans | Fake Fabulous

This vintage pencil skirt is a firm favourite of mine.
The quality is superb, and this beauty has been worn MANY times.
I love it!

{See it HERE, HERE and HERE}

Today I wanted to wear it with a fun sweatshirt, and gutties.

{Gutty = A flat plimsoll-style shoe, like a Superga or Converse}

This kind of outfit requires zero accessorising and is practical for a busy day of running around.
Adding a red lip, and simple studs, was all I needed to do to finish off the look.

Do you often wear jeans?
Have you tried a pencil skirt in a casual outfit?
What would you chose as an alternative to your denims?

Please let me know in the comments.
I love hearing your opinion!
XXX

SWEATSHIRT: Redoute
SKIRT: Vintage Windsmoor... this one looks nice.
SHOES: Guess... these are cool.
BAG: Clarks... similar.


GET the LOOK



SHARE:

Androgynous Style | 6 Ways to Add Femininity

Side Stripe Trousers, Blue Shirt & Cobalt Heels | Fake Fabulous

Androgyny and femininity may seem like polar opposites.
So, and androgynous-feminine look is a complete contradiction in terms!
However, I believe that androgynous styling can be THE most feminine way for a woman to dress.

There is just something special about a nod to masculinity that is not only super-feminine (and a little sexy) but also strong and powerful.

Androgynous dressing exudes strength and confidence.
The best part is that it's super-comfortable, and easy peasy to style!

Androgynous dressing simply involves anything 'borrowed from the boys'...
  • Collared shirts.
  • Crew-necked jumpers.
  • Tailored trousers.
  • Suits.
  • Tuxedos.
  • Brogues.
  • Even neck ties, and braces.
The simple way to make any androgynous piece work is to add a feminine touch.
Whatever your idea of femininity is.
Follow your instincts, and you can't really go wrong!

One subtle nod to your feminine side, and any androgynous outfit will work beautifully.

Side Stripe Trousers, Blue Shirt & Cobalt Heels | Fake Fabulous

 6 Ways to Add Femininity


  1. Hair. Your crowning glory can be all you need to make your androgynous outfit look super-feminine. Even if you are wearing a three piece suit, tie and brogues!
  2. Makeup. Sexy smokey eyes, a power pout...Or both! Whatever floats your boat.
  3. Shoes. Add a heel and you're instantly on to a winner, but a feminine flat can work just as well. If brogues are your thing try adding a cute sock in lurex or fishnet.
  4. Jewellery. A fabulous pair of earrings, statement bangle, cheeky brooch, OTT cocktail ring, choker, long pendant.... anything goes, as long as it is bold enough to stand out from the rest your outfit.
  5. Accessories. Clutch bags, silk scarves or a beautiful belt... instant femininity.
  6. Grooming. Neat brows, glowing skin, delicate perfume, a beautiful manicure (or pedicure). Subtle, but powerfully sexy.

What would YOUR feminine touch be?
Red lips and nails?
Heels?
A fabulous cocktail ring?

Please share in the comments.
I would love to hear your favourites!

Side Stripe Trousers, Blue Shirt & Cobalt Heels | Fake Fabulous

TROUSERS: French Connection....similar, from Asos.
BLOUSE: La Redoute
SHOES: Nine West... similar.
BAG: Charity shop find (Love it!)...Similar.
NECKLACE: Tatty Devine
LIPSTICK: Bobbi Brown

P.S. I must tell you that I don't recommend these trousers from French Connection at all!
They were VERY overpriced (silly money), with a poor quality fabric (so thin) and appauling finish.
I wore them because I love the shape (and design) but had to return them after threads started unravelling along the side seams.
I was worried they would fall to bits and fall off me!
It's SO disappointing when a brand you assume is going to be great quality is cutting corners.
Don't waste your money.

GET THE LOOK


SHARE:

Get a Thick Skin | Fake it Until You Make it Link Up

 Denim Dungarees, Ruffle Top & Fringed Boots | Fake Fabulous

I have a pretty thick skin, which has slowly developed over the years, and holds me in good stead when it comes to the rigours of daily life.
Backhanded compliments, and even direct insults, roll off me like water off a duck's back.
I can safely say that I'm not easily offended!

I'm well aware of my flaws and limitations.
Nothing anyone can say isn't something I've either heard before (I've had some hum-dingers over the years) or thought myself.
I've made peace with all my imperfections.

So, when I was asked...

 "Are dungarees really in fashion again?"

{Whilst being looked up and down (with a curled-lip-face)... in my dungarees!}
I didn't feel offended, or upset.
I just laughed it off, with a shrug of my shoulders.

As I was laughing at the absurdity of the comment I realised that some people do get hurt, and upset, by actions like these... and that made me a little annoyed.

Denim Dungarees, Ruffle Top & Fringed Boots | Fake Fabulous

Fake fabulous is a place where I am free to express myself, and you are free to have an opinion about it.
Which you may, or may not, share in the comments.
That is the nature of blogging.

However, you don't expect people to come up to you in 'real life' and say things like...

"Gosh, that dress looks bloody awful on you!"

The first thing to realise is anyone who looks you up and down before making a snide comment is an idiot!

Nothing nice to say?
Well, Shut up!

{Unless of course you have ASKED someone for their honest opinion. Even then comments can always be constructive, rather than nasty.}

Secondly, whether or not a item is 'in fashion' is irrelevant.
If you like it, wear it.

Fashion is a fickle facade.
Yes, it's fun.
Yes, it's artistic and expressive.
Yes, I love it.
BUT,
At the end of the day, it's all about you and your choices.
YOU make things stylish and in fashion!

So, Are dungarees in fashion then?

Erm, who knows and who cares!

I like them.
I'm wearing them.
That's all that matters.

Denim Dungarees, Ruffle Top & Fringed Boots | Fake Fabulous

How to get a thicker skin

So, how can you get a thicker skin then?
It takes time, and practise, but it's worth it!

If someone says something you find offensive, or hurtful, the best way to handle it is to shrug your shoulders, and ignore them.
No matter how much it hurts inside.
Don't let them see they have hurt your feelings.

{Even if you have to disappear into the ladies to take a minute to compose yourself.}

Take a deep breath, suck it up, and remember something VERY important.

Nasty people are the way they are because they are unhappy with themselves.
It's not really anything to do with you.
They may be envious of your (real or perceived) confidence, and are trying to pull you down in order to feel better about themselves.
Or, maybe you are just the closest target.

Either way, ignore them.

If you don't react (or even better laugh) they will soon get fed up and leave you alone.

Believe me, it works... and it's well worth the effort.

Denim Dungarees, Ruffle Top & Fringed Boots | Fake Fabulous

Denim Dungarees, Ruffle Top & Fringed Boots | Fake Fabulous

Have you ever received a backhanded compliment (or a bare faced insult) about something you were wearing, or the way you look?
How did you handle it?
Are you more confident now than you were when you were younger?

Please share your thoughts in the comments.
I would love your opinion on this!

Denim Dungarees, Ruffle Top & Fringed Boots | Fake Fabulous

DUNGAREES: Boden teen section.... similar.
BOOTS: XTI... similar.
TOP: Primark... similar.
CARDIGAN: Fat Face... similar.

My Favourite link from last week was from the lovely Bettye from Fashion Shclub.
Please check out her fabulous post HERE!


Please grab my new link up button and you could be featured next time.



Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


SHARE:

Full-On Boho | Summer's Last Kiss...

Floral Boho Dress, Tan clogs | Late Summer boho style, over 40.

Summer is slipping through our fingers, here in Scotland.
The long summer days (sunrise about 5am, sunset after 10pm.... not really getting dark until well after 11) are gone.
Granted, it's never really been warm, but the long days of light are lovely!

It's now getting dark (and often a bit damp) by half 8.
Booo!
Autumn is most certainly on her way.

Floral Boho Dress, Tan clogs | Late Summer boho style, over 40.

Luckily it was warm(ish) and pretty humid today, so I decided to have one last fling with the boho trend.

{See another 'final' Boho fling HERE and other boho looks HERE}

This time, my outfit has a slightly autumnal feel.... and no-holds-barred when it came to it's boho-ness (that should be a word I think!).
Such a great 70's vibe too.
I loved it!

Floral Boho Dress, Tan clogs | Late Summer boho style, over 40.

This dress is an easy 'throw-on' piece, and required no real planning to make an outfit.
Just a belt to give it some shape, and some comfy clogs to keep the boho vibe going.
A pair of asymmetric earrings were all I needed to finish this look off.

Is Summer slipping away where you are?
Or, are you still feeling the heat?

Maybe you are moving into Spring?
Or, maybe there are no real seasons where you live!
Please share in the comments... I would love to learn more about your world.

DRESS: Redoute
SHOES: Timberland (old).... these are fab!
BELT: Topshop (old).... similar.
EARRINGS: H&M.... these are nothing like mine but I love them!

Floral Boho Dress, Tan clogs | Late Summer boho style, over 40.

GET THE LOOK



SHARE:

Silver & Black | Wearing Something Different

Silver Maxi Skirt & Black one Sleeve Tee, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

If you're anything like me, some days you'll feel like wearing something a little different.
Something different from your usual style.
Colours a little different from your usual choices.
Shapes that are different from your usual silhouettes.

Today was one of those days.

Silver Maxi Skirt & Black one Sleeve Tee, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

This silver maxi skirt may be a change from the norm, but it is always so easy to wear.
Maxi lengths give great coverage, with zero effort.
No need to worry about tights, or the state of your legs... (goodbye big bruises).
Easy peasy dressing!

Silver looks great with blue (see THIS POST) but today I went against the norm (when it comes to my colour choices) and chose black.
Black isn't a colour I normally reach for.
To be honest I don't really like it, and it doesn't flatter me at all.

BUT...
It's easy enough to make any colour work for you, even if it's not your best colour.
I just added a lighter coloured scarf near my face, to soften the harshness.

{See how to make black work with pale skin HERE.}

Silver Maxi Skirt & Black one Sleeve Tee, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

A silver maxi skirt may seem quite dressed-up for everyday, but items like these are easily dressed down for daytime.
Adding a quirky t-shirt, and a casual backpack, made this skirt feel more daywear and less 'Hogmanay party!'
Simple flat shoes, and a striped belt, finished things off nicely.

Silver Maxi Skirt & Black one Sleeve Tee, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

When was the last time you wore something different from your normal style?
Please let me know in the comments... I would love to hear about it!

SKIRT: M&S... this one is special!
BELT: French Connection... similar.
BAG: Clarks... similar.
SCARF: A gift... similar.
TOP: Join life @Zara
NECKLACE: Vintage.... read the story HERE.
SHOES: Clarks...similar.


GET THE LOOK



SHARE:

Striped Culottes & Florals | Mix it Up!

Striped Zara Culottes, Chunky Sandals & Florals, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

Stripes are undeniably a classic design, that never goes out of style.
Ditto florals...
Every season florals appear in one guise or another.
They are another classic that is always in fashion.

So, in my mind, logic would suggest that:
Stripes + Florals =  A failsafe outfit! 😀

Striped Zara Culottes, Chunky Sandals & Florals, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

Mixing florals and stripes is something anyone can do.
Just pick a colourway (and design) that makes you smile.
If YOU like the way it looks, it's guaranteed to work!

If you need a bit of a confidence boost check out these posts:



These striped culottes are a new purchase from a shop I never normally go in to... Zara.

{I have bought pre-owned Zara items from charity shops, but never from the actual store}

I always thought that Zara was the typical 'fast fashion at inflated prices' shop.
All in all, a bit of a rip off.

Zara IS fast fashion, and the prices are pretty inflated, BUT I was inspired to buy these culottes after admiring a similar pair on my stepdaughter.
She loves Zara, and scolded me for not at least giving it a try!

{She's right... it's always a good idea to try new things.}

They were over priced for a bit of polyester, but once I have popped on my culotte slip they're instantly lined!
Much better..

I'm honestly surprised at how happy I am with my purchase.
These culottes are set to be worn as much as my yellow trousers!

They also feel like they will be perfect with boots as we move in to autumn, in earnest.
Culottes and ankle boots look great together, so I'm looking forward to styling them up as the mercury falls.

Striped Zara Culottes, Chunky Sandals & Florals, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

Today I'm wearing these new culottes with my floral vest top, and a cotton cardigan.
It's quite muggy today, and pretty warm, but it's not going to last.
I think this might be the last airing of this top for 2017... there's always next summer!

Striped Zara Culottes, Chunky Sandals & Florals, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

Chunky sandals gave me a little (comfortable) height, and a simple bag finishes off my look.
This outfit has plenty of pattern and colour, but it was SO simple to put together... and comfortable to wear.

Do you avoid certain shops because of preconceptions?
Please share in the comments.... I would love to hear!
P.S. Please pop over and link up your blog posts (and Instagram pictures) HERE. I would love to see them!

Striped Zara Culottes, Chunky Sandals & Florals, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

CULOTTES: Zara...similar.
TOP: Asda... this one would look lovely... this one is nice too.
CARDIGAN: Cos... this one is pretty.
SHOES: Vagabond
NECKLACE: Online... similar.
BAG: Hidesign... this is nice.

Striped Zara Culottes, Chunky Sandals & Florals, over 40 | Fake Fabulous

GET THE LOOK


SHARE:

The First 'Fake it Until you Make it' Link Up!


Hello and Welcome to the first "Fake it until you make it" link party!

This link up is for anyone (of any age) to share their fabulous blog posts.

The Aim of the Game:

 To share posts that will help us all fake our own individual fabulousness!

Outfit inspiration and/or style tips.
Beauty secrets.
Homemaking hacks.
Cooking tit-bits.
Parenting know-how.
Or, general life-enhancing wisdom.

Anything goes for the first #fakeituntilyoumakeit link up.


Please grab my new link up button and you could be featured next time.




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Go to the bottom of this post and click the "add your link" button.
The rest is easy.

I am very excited about visiting the posts you link up... new and old.

Share your posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the #fakeituntilyoumakeit.


SHARE:

4 ways to Wear Wide Legged Trousers

4 ways to wear wide legged trousers | Fake Fabulous

Each month Anna, Ann and I have been styling a classic item, and this month it's the turn of the wide legged trousers.
Classic.
Versatile.
Seasonless.

I decided to play around with mine a little today, and wear a dress over the top!
So comfortable and easy to wear.

BUT beware.....
Wearing a slouchy dress over a pair of wide trousers (especially with flat shoes) is definitely shortening, and widening, to the figure.
There is no getting away from that fact!

However, sometimes it's worth it for the comfort and ease of a looser look.
And besides, the body always looks better in motion (real life) than on film.

4 ways to wear wide legged trousers | Fake Fabulous

An interesting bib necklace and embroidered shoes added interest to this plainer look.
A classic bag finished things off nicely.

TROUSERS: Fenn Wright Manson
SHOES & BAG: Topshop
TOP: New Look
GLASSES: Tahari
BIB: Primark (very old)

4 ways to wear wide legged trousers | Fake Fabulous

Liyana from Affordorable

Liyana is probably THE coolest blogger that I follow.
She has that 'something' that oozes style, and she is not afraid to be different.
I love her quirks!


She obviously wears a hijab, but ALL of her looks are easily copied for anyone... whether you wear one, or not.
Her full-coverage (modest) dressing is also perfect if you live in a colder climate (like me!) and need to hide a thermal layer... or two.

I love everything about this look.
The boxy boyish blazer.
The quirky clutch.
The double monk shoes....swoon.

Please check out her blog if you love quirky/cool/casual outfits.

BLAZER: Glass Line
SCARF & TROUSERS: Unknown brand
TOP: Topshop
BAG: Disneyland at Shanghai
SHOES: Aldo

Anna from Anna's Island Style



Anna is so very 'Anna' here!
Oodles of femininity.
Plenty of colour.
Loads of interesting textures, and accessories.

These must be THE widest wide trousers ever!
I do love a palazzo pant.
Perfect styling.

BLOUSE: Sainsbury's
TROUSERS: New Look
NECKLACE: Du Barre
SHOES: London Rebel
SUNGLASSES: Quay Australia
RINGS: Gemporia

Ann from Kremb de la Kremb


Ann's wide trousers are a more manageable (and practical) width... perfect for city living.
{No trailing hemlines}
I love how she has styled them simply with on-trend checks, and that cool waist bag.
Plenty of sexiness and sass too.... wide trousers Annie-fied!


SUNGLASSES & SHOES: Forever21
EARRINGS: Shein
SHIRT: Target
JEANS: H&M
BAG: Hustle and Hide

What do you think of wide legged trousers?
Do you wear them?

4 ways to wear wide legged trousers | Fake Fabulous


GET THE LOOK


SHARE:

Modern Modesty | Covering up is the New Sexy!

Pleated midi skirt | Turquoise & Grey | Modern Modesty | Fake Fabulous

This time of year it's great to have a look through some of the big glossy magazines, as they often have their new season round-up features.
These articles are always a fun read* {*look at the pretty pictures} for anyone interested in fashion.
I always enjoy looking (and sometimes laughing) at the clothes that we are supposed to be buying each new season.

This week I was thumbing through a few of the glossies...Marie Claire, Look and Vogue (UK versions) to name a few... and a particular article called "The new season's key pieces" caught my eye.

These new trend-type articles are always interesting for me as I enjoy seeing what I can recycle (and restyle) from my current wardrobe, and keep an eye out for new pieces.

Sometimes, just a couple of accessories are all that it need to bring your existing wardrobe bang up to date.

New trends for AW 17/18

{I use the term 'New' loosely, as we've seen them all before haven't we?}
  • Red. Yes! I've got this one covered... see mostly red outfit posts HERE & HERE.
  • Checks, tweed (aka Heritage chic). Yep, that one's sorted too, I can re-work THIS or THIS.
  • Ruched boots. Hmmmm, time to dig out a pair of oldies! (See them HERE).
  • Modern Modesty. This was a new one for me!
Pleated midi skirt | Turquoise & Grey | Modern Modesty | Fake Fabulous

What is Modern Modesty?

Modern Modesty is a term used to describe maximum body coverage.
Wearing clothes that cover and skim the body.
This modern way to cover-up is (according to the fashion people) destined to be the latest way to look elegant, and subtly sexy.

Hemlines slashed to the thigh, and necklines plunging to the navel, are officially out of fashion.

I'm not against flashing the flesh, if that's your thing.
Flash what you want if you like that look!
But... it's just not really my style.
Having it all hanging out (with strategic tit-tape) doesn't make me feel sexy, just awkward, uncomfortable and often bloody freezing.

{Bare flesh and Scottish weather are not the best partners.}

'Modern modesty' is perfect for the Scottish climate, and it's easy to style too.
The best bit?
Secret layers can be hidden away.
I like that VERY much!

If you have any of the following in your wardrobe you already have the modern modesty trend nailed.

  • High necked blouses/jumpers/tops.
  • Anything with full sleeves, especially if they are a statement and coupled with a high neck.
  • Collared shirts.... under jumpers is particularly good.
  • Long boots.
  • Midi skirts/dresses.
  • Anything floaty and long.

Easy peasy, right?

Pleated midi skirt | Turquoise & Grey | Modern Modesty | Fake Fabulous

My outfit today is perfect for a late summer take on the modern modesty trend.
A midi skirt (last seen HERE) and a loose fitting jumper.

In reality the modern-modesty part of the outfit was a total fluke!
I only wore this outfit to cover up my bloated tummy, and keep me warm and comfortable.
{Such a cheater! 😝}

Pleated midi skirt | Turquoise & Grey | Modern Modesty | Fake Fabulous

A couple of interesting accessories (a geometric necklace, and strappy shoes in my case) draws the eye up and down away from any tummy issues.
It's all about faking it!

Maybe that's what modern modesty is best at?

What do you think of the new season's trends?
Old hat?
Or, still fun to follow?

Will you be giving any of them a go?
Please let me know in the comments.
I would love to hear your thoughts!

Pleated midi skirt | Turquoise & Grey | Modern Modesty | Fake Fabulous


TOP: Zara... similar.
NECKLACE: Oliver Bonas
SHOES: All saints... these are fab!

GET THE LOOK




SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig