Lets cut to the chase here....
This blog may be called 'Fake Fabulous' but my fakery is all upfront, and real!
Despite my bluffing, fake confidence boosting and smoke 'n' mirrors style of dressing, all of my images are genuine.
What you see is what you get.
I don't like photoshopping my image, and I won't do it!
{I attempted to remove my moles once and my daughter was very annoyed with me... "That's what makes you YOU Mum!"}
I'm well aware that I am by no means perfect, and could definitely benefit from a few tweaks... smoothing lines, plumping lips, larger eyes, a smaller waist (the list could go on for a while!!)... BUT, I'm okay with that.
None of us are perfect, and EVERYONE has 'issues' or parts of themselves they wish they could tweak/change/make disappear.
Unfortunately, we can't do anything about who we are so we all have a choice.
We either give up, and spend the rest of our days in joggies, hiding.
OR, we make the most of what we do have, and have fun with fashion... and life!
This all sounds easy doesn't it?
However, it's much easier said than done.
Modern media can make us feel not just "Less than perfect", but downright inadequate!
"Why does everyone have perfect skin?
How do models and celebrities have perfect white eyes with no sign of a vein?
No blemishes.
No root regrowth.
Not even a pound of flesh out of place.
Endless legs.
Tiny waists.
Perfect pert boobies.
Why does every celebrity mum have a totally flat tummy 3 weeks after giving birth, with not even a hint of a stretch mark?
It's not fair!!!"
Of course, we ALL know that none of these things are actually true.
We are very well aware that every magazine image we see has been photoshopped within an inch of its life.
We accept that every youtube video we watch is over-lit, and may even involve a real-time filter.
We all know it's utter bull***t.... but it can still affect us.
Subtly.
Subconsciously.
And I don't like it!
Much as I dislike my imperfect image it is still ME.
I always try and focus on my positives...
Long limbs.
A strong jawline.
There is no point in spending any effort on wishing to look a different way.
I want YOU to see the real me.
What you see is what you get at Fake Fabulous.
(Oh, The irony!)
What do you think about photoshopping? Do you do it all the time, and love it!? Does it annoy you? Does it make you feel empowered? Or, sad? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this! Comment below or send me a tweet @samantha4blair
Lets Get Linking!
Last Week the beautiful Tiina turned my head in this gorgeous leather skirt, and breton top.
So simple yet utterly fabulous!
Check out her post HERE.
How many times have you seen posts online, magazine articles or brand's websites giving you tips on...
"How to Style it like a blogger!"
How often have you found items marketed as..
"A Blogger Favourite"
For some reason bloggers are portrayed in the media as magical creatures that, with a half tuck, a few pins and a quick ruffle, can transform the most basic of basics into something edgy.... and utterly fabulous.
Do you remember when Pashminas (or large cashmere wraps) were a HUGE fashion trend?
They were worn by every celebrity, model and actress.
Everyone who wanted to look like they were "en vogue" bought at least one.
Some had one in every colour to wear with every outfit!
Back in 1999 I remember coveting the luxuriously large pashminas that were in the big stores... and feeling slightly sorry for myself that they were (WAY!) beyond my budget.
Curses!
I did buy a cheap version, in a sad attempt to copy the look BUT failed.
Synthetic fibres, rayon, viscose or wool and silk mixes just don't work.
They're nothing wrong with these fibres, it's just that when you try to fake that cashmere look you're going to fall flat.
There's nothing quite like the real deal.
{Don't even get my started on nasty 'Cashmilon'....aka pimped up nylon... yuck!}
Back in nineties cashmere cost a small fortune, and was a real A-list luxury item.
Thankfully, you can now buy good quality cashmere products for much more realistic prices.
Yes, good cashmere costs a lot more than polyester, but it's a real investment.
Look after it and it can last for years.
Or, as my late Nan would say:
"That will see you out!"
Unfortunately, many brands have started to compromise on the quality of their cashmere.
I have a cardigan (from 2001) that is still looking great BUT I bought a different colour from the same brand about 5 years ago and it fell to bits... quite literally.
The replacement they sent me fell to bits too.
I won't be back.
Cheap fabric, made in China does NOT appeal to me.
Blogging is a really popular pastime and there are a staggering 440 million of us.
WOW!
We all blog for different reasons BUT, even those of us who blog purely for the passion would still love to be successful bloggers!
We all have blogging goals, don't we?
Goal planning and having a vision of your blogging future is both fun AND motivational.
The enjoyment of blogging is enhanced with every step forward towards our personal goals.
Whether your goals are to sharpen up your photography, or smarten up your webpage, each time we tick that virtual box of achievement feels pretty good!
Maybe you dream of giving up your day job and becoming a full time blogger?
Maybe you fantasise about making it big and jetting off all over the world, riding on a wave of glamour and celebrity-like success?
Regardless of how big (or small) your goals are, we would ALL like more likeminded followers.
AND a few more quid in the bank would be a nice bonus too!
With hopes and dreams there are always going to be disappointments.
Some of them minor, like when a gifted item turns out to be naff and you have to return it.
Others may be major downers, like missing out on a potential earning opportunity, website issues or a sudden loss in followers.
Recently, I missed out on a major earning opportunity and felt remarkable okay about it.
I was chilled to the point of being horizontal!
Almost as if it was meant to be... as if I wasn't quite ready to take the plunge.
Maybe fate was taking care of me?
I enjoyed the whole experience as part of my (steep) blogging learning curve.
The whole process has armed me with new skills and confidence.
Each day is a school day!
As with all aspects of life, it's perfectly okay to fail at blogging from time to time.
And, it's perfectly okay to feel like giving up.
The important thing is that you DON'T give in to giving up.
Accept the failure, learn from it (if applicable) and keep going.
Keep moving forward, never look back.
Accept your wobbles.
Let yourself take a break, if you need to.
Keep fuelling your passion.
Keep enjoying your blogging journey.
You never know what's around the next corner!
A huge campaign?
An all-expenses paid trip to Paris to road test Maison Ernest shoes.....maybe!?
{Oops, that was a glimpse into my fantasy blogging life 😝}
Last week Sasha's cheeky little fox caught my eye and made me smile!
I'm always on the look out for new pins and brooches, and this little fella is right up my street.
Check out her post HERE.
Do you have BIG Blogging goals? Or, modest ones? Please share your next goal in the comments. I would love to know what's important to you!
Should we be wearing Miniskirts over 40?
Hmmmmm.....
There are plenty of online articles (and opinionated people) that will tell you NO!
"Cover your knees."
"You're too old to have your legs out."
"Mini skirts are cheap and vulgar."
"You look like a desperate old slapper in that!!"
Luckily, I am just as strongly opinionated as the critics and (for me) age has NOTHING to do with whether or not you look good in a mini hemline.
Age is an irrelevance.
The only thing that matters is if you feel good wearing one.
Feeling good means looking good.
Anyone else's opinion doesn't matter a jot!
Dressing up for Halloween is so much fun!
I love the planning and making of costumes.
I really enjoy painting faces, and getting into character.
{I have a separate post with the simple makeup for this look...See that post here}
Here is my version of an Evil Ice Queen.
Ghastly.
Frosty faced.
Frozen hearted.
A high-maintenance super-witch.
Skilled at delivering seriously frosty stares, piercing icy glares and a super-sharp cold shoulder.
I loved getting into the spirit of this character!
So much fun.
"Why do you sometimes dress like a women, then the next day a teenage boy?
Why don't you just pick one style and stick to it?!"
This interesting question was asked of me recently.
I MUST add at this point that this was said in good-humour, by someone without any malice.
They were genuinely curious, and trying to understand us complicated female creatures!
(Especially those of us who like to dress a little bit differently)
I took no offence to the question....but it did get me thinking about expectations.
Our expectations of ourselves.
AND... other people's expectations of us.
When we start to push 40 (or roll down the other side, gathering speed) some people may expect us to grown up, and start dressing like sensible women.
There is a MAJOR problem with this though.
No matter how old I am (or look) I never feel old, so these so-called grown up and sensible clothes leave me cold!
I'm not ready to grow up when it comes to fashion, and I'm certainly NOT ready to give up when it comes to my style choices.
In fact, I'm not ready to give up on anything!
Give up on acting daft, laughing and being a bit silly? ...No thanks!
Give up on taking risks and trying new things? Maybe later.... When I'm pushing up the daises!
Give up on style, and having fun with fashion? Hahahaha... not any time soon.
Give up on self expression, and pushing my own boundaries?...Erm? Not on your nelly!
Being over 40 is (for me) the perfect time to be silly, act the goat, take a few risks and have fun with life (including your fashion choices).
If not now then when?
What are you waiting for?
I'm a little bit in love with this oversized Cardigan, and there's nothing beautiful about it.
In fact, you could even call it ugly!
(Don't worry, I'll cover it's ears 😛)
It's chunky, shapeless and not figure flattering at all!
It's mustard/yellow/ochre... Who actually likes mustard anyway? (apart from me)
It's hand knitted... so, it's definitely not perfectly made!
It has embroidered flowers on it that are rustic, and freestyle ... AND the colours clash. Yes!
I'm in love.
The only thing I don't love about it is the fact it doesn't have any pockets.
Ah well.... almost perfect will have to do!
See it styled with even uglier accessories, and read about how I bought it for a pound HERE... yep, £1!
How to wear a statement knit
Pick clothes you like and put them on your body
Yep, that's it!
Tips and tricks go out of the window when it comes to true love!
Of course (joking aside) you could stick to some proportion rules, but why bother?
If you like something then wear it.
When it comes to bold knits anything goes!
Wear your knit with love, and you are guaranteed to look great.
This cardigan is made of real wool so it is super-cosy, and perfect for a autumnal day.
I decided to stick to simple shapes, and keep the knit the centre of attention.
Dark jeans and a plain roll neck were all I needed.
The roll neck is a lovely bold shade of green, and really peps up the look of the cardigan, drawing attention to the embroidered detail.
I popped on my trusty old clogs as they are comfortable, and give me a little height.
Lurex socks were a must.
Brrrrrr.....
Don't be afraid to wear mules and socks, it's practical and (in my opinion) looks cute and fun!
You can't really go wrong with a lurex pair.
A simple bag, and drop earrings finished things off nicely.
Do you love the look of oversized (and embroidered?) knits?
Are you a knitter?
Do you love wearing handmade items?
OR, do you dislike the imperfections?
Please share your thoughts in the comments.... or drop me an email at samantha44blair(at)gmail.com.
If you're a fan of outdoor activities, and love being in the open air, then you know that fashion needs to take a back seat... and practicality must rule the day.
However, even though outdoor wear has to be practical, there is never any need to be boring, dull or frumpy.
You can easily add colour, and even a nod to your personal style!
Today I'm sharing what I've been wearing (almost) every day this week.
Okay, not the same clothes (I'm getting pretty muddy most days) but the same basic shapes.... and these old boots haven't been off my feet!
Days climbing hills, walking through woods and visiting lochs.
Evenings eating wholesome food, reading old books and relaxing.
Do you love being outdoors, in nature, or are you a city girl? Or, are you (like me) a lover of both? Please let me know by leaving a comment. I love hearing from you!
Fake.
It's a pretty harsh word isn't it?
Fake news.
Fake claims.
Fake designer gear.
Fake food.
None of it sounds complimentary.
However, as negative as it might sound most of us are guilty of faking it in one way or another.
At this point you might be thinking...
"Cheeky mare!"
"That's certainly not me!"
"I'm no faker!!"
BUT...
Unless you are completely 'au natural' and NEVER reach for a lipstick, shave your legs, dye your hair or pop on a padded bra then you're as guilty as the rest of us.
You're a faker!
AND guess what?
There's nothing wrong with it.
Join the club.
I'm a BIG fan of fakery.
I'm not a fan of fake tan, fake nails, cosmetic procedures, insta-brows, heavy makeup or hair extensions.
(Although, if you love all of that then fair play to you.)
However, I love using clothes to fake a decent figure and (more importantly) confidence.
Makeup to make the most of my 43 year old face.
Hair dye to fake the red hair I love that is turning grey!
Faking it makes us feel better.
More in control.
More feminine and attractive.
More powerful.
However all of this fakery can be exhausting.
Especially if you have to juggle your work life, family life and social responsibilities.
Modern living comes with enormous pressures.
More so as we get older and things seem to go wrong on a more regular basis!
It's so important to take a proper break every now and again.
A real break from as much as you can, from whatever life you lead.
Whether your break is long or short.
Fancy or simple.
Taking a break from the stresses of life is SO important.
We spend too much of our lives 'doing'... whirling around faking this and that.
Going through the daily motions.
This week I'm on a real break.
I have no mobile signal, so no calls or texts... bliss.
My WiFi is wobbly.
We are in a tiny log cabin in the woods.
With a log fire and the luxury of a hot tub.
It's a little piece of heaven.
I'm mostly wearing jeans, walking boots and jumpers.
Or, Pj bottoms and a cashmere knit.
No restrictive undies.
No makeup.
Enjoying the simple life.
We all need it from time to time, don't we?
Are YOU in need of a break? Do you like to leave as many of your daily stresses behind? Is there anything you can't bear to do without?
{For me, it's my razor... I can't bear hairy bits!} Please share in the comments.
Now it's over to you.....
Last month this fabulous image from Anna Shirley caught my eye...
Check out her post HERE.
Are YOU a deluded shopper? What does being a deluded shopper mean anyway?
Deluded shopping is when a person buys an item because they have been made to believe something about it that is not true.
Otherwise known as very clever marketing!
Examples include:
Undies that make you look 2 dress sizes smaller
Face creams that make you look 10 years younger or boost your DNA
Dresses that make you look like Kate Moss!
Do you ever (like me) buy something simply because you think it looks great on the model in the magazine, online, in store, or on the super-cool celebrity blogger?
And, for that brief moment, you believe that if YOU buy that product you will look just like the model or celebrity.
The item you spend your hard-earned cash on will act like a magic wand of perfection.
Making your life a little more stylish and beautiful.
Temporarily, you forget you are neither six feet tall, a size 4 or 19.
Oh dear!
I know I'm not alone when I say that I can be a sucker for slick advertising, great photography and skillful photoshopping.
I know it's silly....but it happens.
I have no problem admitting that I can be guilty of delusional shopping!
This was exactly what happened when it came to buying this ruched dress from Baukjen.
The model in the catalogue looked gorgeous!
Effortlessly chic, and super cool.
The ruches skimming her body beautifully.
Yes, this dress is comfortable.
Yes, I feel good in it.... there is no pinching, or digging in.
BUT...
Even though this style of dress is marketed to disguise lumps bumps (and other unwanted wobbly bits) the reality is that it can accentuate, and highlight flaws in our figures.
No one wants to look lumpier and bumpier than they already are, do they?
Only the uber-perfect look fabulous in them.
Only the model in the catalogue.
I'm guilty of delusional shopping*.
{*Hangs head in shopping shame}
My husband put it perfectly when he said...
"That dress fits where it touches"
Oh dear!
These dresses are pretty expensive, and I'm not into wasting money.
Everything we own deserves to be worn.
Plus, there's no denying that this style of dress is comfortable to wear, and easy to throw on.
I had to make it work.
Today, I am styling this dress with a few distracting details to keep the focus off my (now highlighted) imperfections.
I certainly don't want to lose the comfort that this dress offers.
However, looking like I have a baggy bum is NOT the look I'm going for.
An easy way to hide an unflattering rear-end is to add a longline cover-up.
I chose a long sleeveless cardigan.
Super cosy, and easy to throw on.
I also added a scarf that I belted at the waist... helping to skim over any offending bumps.
Distracting the eye up and down.
The third trick up my sleeve was some colourful hosiery.
These golden tights are great quality, and a wonderful way to add more of an autumnal feel to any outfit.
They're like a warm sunset on my legs!
My vintage magnifying glass and tartan trimmed brogues finished things off nicely.
I think I got away with it.... just! 😌
Have you been a victim of delusional shopping? What are your triggers/weaknesses? Please share your story in the comments. Or, CONTACT ME.... I'd love to hear from you.
After struggling with culottes (when they came back into fashion a couple of years ago) I am now embracing them.... big style!
Granted, the "on-trend'' length is a little longer than it was (more like gaucho trousers) and maybe that's why I like them more in 2017.
You might even say I'm a little bit in love with them!
So, as the weather changes here in Scotland, I still want to enjoy wearing my beloved culottes.
BUT... It's getting chilly!
Far too chilly for flapping fabrics and exposed skin.
Scottish autumn days and bare legs are rarely a comfortable combination.
We're tough up here, but not that tough!
I tried wearing my culottes with a culotte slip and cycling shorts (HERE) but as it cools down further this becomes less and less practical.
Eventually I need to dig out something warmer!
For me, tights are always an easy answer.
Whether it's with skirts, dresses, shorts OR culottes.
Tights are a great way to add warmth, colour and interest to your look.
The only problem with wearing tights, and something flowing (like a fuller skirt, or the culottes I'm wearing here) is the dreaded cling factor.
Unwanted static is unsightly and horrible.
See a post about cling and share my embarrassment HERE.
The answer is simple.... my culotte slip comes to the rescue, again!
Money well spent.
Once the freeze-factor was sorted the rest of the outfit was easy.
A ruffle-neck sheer blouse under a fluffy red jumper was both cosy and (according to the magazines) bang on trend.
Aren't I a clever clogs?
Erm?.... Nope, not really!
Just looking out some old favourites. Our 'Old' clothes just keep coming back into fashion again and again, don't they?
We all know red is big news this AW17/18 and it's one of my favourite colours.
So bold and powerful.
Perfect for any occasion where you want to look (and feel) in control, confident and sexy.
(Even in a baggy jumper! 😝 )
There's a red out there to suit everyone.
As my outfit was beginning to get quite bold, I toned things down (a smidge) with a mushroom coloured coat and black boots.
Plain and neutral.
(Well, the boots are chunky and patent BUT they're plain and black... neutral enough for me!)
A subtle(ish) houndstooth bag, and a couple of pins, finished things off nicely.
Do you have any 'cheats' up your sleeve when it comes to transitioning your summer favourites into Autumn?
Please share in the comments... I'd love to give them a go!
How do YOU feel about culottes?
Do you love the 'Culotte & Ankle Boots' trend that is everywhere this season?
OR, are you sitting this one out?
I always love hearing your thoughts, but if you don't want to leave a comment, don't worry... you can always Contact Me HERE.
