Why it's SO Important to Stay Young & How to Do it!

We all know the famous George Bernard Shaw quote...

"Youth is wasted on the young."

It's a great phrase that always makes me laugh.

{If only we knew back then what we know now!}

As much as I'm more than happy to get older (I never thought I'd make it to 30 let alone 43!) some people get so annoyed and envious of young people.
I don't understand it.
Complaining about the youth of today and their pretty faces, perfect figures, glowing skin and boundless energy.

{Bitter and twisted much?? 😝}

Youth is certainly a gift that many young people don't really appreciate until they become older, and boring things like responsibilities take over.

By the time you are in your 40's (and beyond) life is no longer the happy-go-lucky, seat-of-your-pants stuff of our youth.

Life should (and needs to be) taken more seriously.
Right?
Erm...
Not always.

Of course, with age comes responsibility (and some seriousness) but that just makes us appreciate the fun and silliness all the more, doesn't it?

Yes, age brings wrinkles and saggy bits BUT, it also brings us the confidence not to give a toss about them!

Age certainly brings its fair share of sadness, ailments and tragedy BUT it makes us grab on to moments of joy with both hands.

Being older doesn't mean you have to be old though, does it?
You can have big scores on the doors and still be young at heart!

I MUST say at this point that staying young is NOT the same as looking young.
In fact, I'm not at all interested in looking young.
I don't give a toss whether people think I look younger or older than my age.
It's irrelevant and doesn't really affect how I feel about me anyway.

4 Ways to Stay Young Forever!

1. Be grateful.

Having gratitude for what you do have is far better for you than wishing for things you don't.

2. Don't compare.

Don't compare yourself to anyone.
Your life.
Your face.
Your figure.
Your family.
Your job.
Your bank account.

You are YOU.
Unique and brilliant.

{And don't forget, "Perfect" people tend to be full of it anyway!}

3. Keep up!

It's SO important to keep up with the times.
Whether that's watching the latest movies, listening to new music, reading the latest books.
Keep up with current affairs.
Keep up with new technology.
Keep up with the latest fashion!

Keeping up with the times keeps you young.
Simple.

4. Never stop being you.

Never ever stop doing what you love.
Never stop loving what you do.

You're never too old for anything.
If it makes you feel good, do it!
Who cares if your the oldest person doing it?

Today's outfit is a perfect example of me being me, and not thinking of myself as over 40... or a mum of 4... or too old to do anything!

I'm wearing clothes from Topshop and H&M... notoriously 'young' shops.
But guess what?
I AM young 😃.

I'm still the same girl I was at 18.
Just a little longer in the tooth... not to mention wiser & more confident.
Being older has its benefits!

So, in the spirit of being young, I'm wearing my bold green fluffy jumper!
I love this cosy knit.
It's a very 'young' shape with oversized sleeves and a slightly cropped boxy shape.

I've teamed it with a pair of jeans in a trendy cut... tapered, slim-legged and cropped!

Lurex socks and chunky leopard patterned Chelsea boots finish this outfit off nicely!

JEANS: Topshop
JUMPER: H&M (sold out but you can get it HERE)
BAG: M&S... this one is cute!
SCARF: c/o Italy in Cashmere
BOOTS: c/o Lotus
SOCKS: I can't remember... these are gorgeous!

Are you young at heart?
Or, do you worry about being too old for certain things?

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.
I'd love to hear your opinion on this subject!

I hope you had a lovely Christmas break, whatever you were up to!

XXX

GET THE LOOK

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes for 2018 | #fakeituntilyoumakeit LINK UP

It's that time of year again.

Time to be thankful for all the things in your life that are positive.

Friends.

Family.

Activities, trips and hobbies you enjoy.

Despite all of the negativity in the world, we all have a lot to be thankful for don't we?

Thank you so much for supporting Fake Fabulous this year, I really appreciate your visits.
I'm wishing you all you desire for the festive period.

Whether that's peace and restfulness, or fun-filled frolicks.
May you find what you need.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!! 🎄

Last week the beautiful Eleanna turned my head with her red (and redder) festive look.

How fabulous!

Check out her post HERE.

An InLinkz Link-up

Androgynous 80's Style | Wearable 'Fun' Fashion

'Fun' fashion looks are pretty easy to pull together and can look great in photographs.

Edgy and quirky looks make fabulous Instagram moments.
Although, a bit like Instagram Eyebrows, 'fun' looks can often be totally unwearable, uncomfortable and impractical.
Sometimes even verging on plain stupid!
No one wants to look like they have a (style) screw loose.

However, it's still important to express yourself and enjoy dressing up and playing with fashion.
That's what it's all about after all!

Today I'm stepping away from my trusty skinny jeans and wearing something a little more current... and at the same time weirdly retro.
I feel like I'm back in the early 90's!

These high waisted, cropped jeans are just the breath of fresh air I was needing in my wardrobe.
I could have played it safe and worn some old favourites with these new jeans in a bid to make them seem more familiar and comfortable.
However, I felt inspired to mix things up a bit and channel a retro feel.

Plus a little androgyny into the bargain.

I've teamed these Orson jeans, from Topshop, with an oversized patterned shirt.

SO 90's it's insane!

Little details like this vintage leather tie (it belonged to my husband in the 70's) and a patent bag (belonging to my MIL, from the 60's) finishes this look off perfectly.
You can get a surprising amount of 'stuff' in this little bag!
Vintage items always make me smile.

Fun?
Yes.
Quirky?
Yes.
But still perfectly comfortable and wearable... although... my feet were very sore after a couple of hours in these shoes.
Curses!

I had high hopes for these shoes, with their comfortable-looking block heel.
I hate it when a shoe lets you down in the comfort stakes, don't you?

LEOPARD SHOES: Topshop (sold out) similar. These are the same style in black, half price!!!
ORSON JEANS: Topshop
PATTERNED SHIRT: Asos (sold out) This one is beautiful... and much more feminine!
SOCKS (worn over tights): Asos
BAG: Vintage... this one is lovely.

GET THE LOOK

More Festive Outfit Fakery! Lurex to the rescue....

I'm on a mission this week to amp up the festivities and get well into the spirit of Christmas... Despite still feeling pretty rough.
{cough cough cough!!}

There have been some nasty bugs going around, and I think I've got off lightly compared to others so I can't really complain.
However, being ill is still annoying!
I think it's particularly hard at this time of year when we are super-duper-busy and there's no letup.
Especially true for anyone who has to work over the season, or entertain large numbers.... or both!

There's just NO time for a sniffle or a bug, is there?

3 Ways to Fake a Festive Outfit | #fakeituntilyoumakeit LINK UP

This week is THE week that your festive sparkle dial is supposed to be turned to 'MAX'.

Get your glitter on and your baubles out people!

Many workplaces are decorated and full of festive cheer.

Many homes are packed to the gunnels with fairy lights and tinsel.

Diaries are full to bursting with social events.

Family and friends to visit.

Events and parties to attend.

It's a magical time of the year!

BUT...

40 Budget Boots (under £50) that won't Bore your Socks off!

As you can probably guess, I have a bit of a 'thing' for footwear.
In fact, you could call me a shoe addict!

(See the original posts from the image above...

Red Boots, with a red dress.

Camouflage Boots and a t-shirt dress.

Chunky black/silver Boots with a 1950's coat.

Ruched Boots and a belted coat.... all of these boots were under £50!)

Call me as deep as a puddle, but nothing makes my heart sing as much as a beautiful pair of shoes.
Gorgeous shoes can lift your look, and put a spring in your step.
Getting a fancy pair at a bargain-tastic price is even better!

My favourite style of footwear is the humble (or not so humble, depending on your style) boot.
Boots are obviously a practical style for the Scottish climate BUT... boots are also fantastic if you have narrow (or just awkwardly shaped) feet and struggle to find shoes that fit your feet properly (or comfortably).

Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter! | 7 Favourite Autumn Outfits

My 7 favourite Autumn outfits.

The beautiful golden glow of a Scottish Autumn has well and truly gone, and we are in the icy grip of Winter... and my goodness, it's beautiful outside.

Cold and Frosty.
Crisp and gloriously sunny.
Like something from a Christmas card.
Incredibly beautiful.

Of course, it won't last long (this is Scotland after all!) and the rain will return at any moment, but for now it's a slice of heaven.

So, as I sit inside cosied up in my multiple layers, I decided to pick 7 of my favourite Autumn outfits.

Why it's Okay to Ignore your Blog! #fakeituntilyoumakeit LINK UP

Blogging can be all-consuming can't it?
It can be the first thing you think about in the morning, and the last thing to think about at night.
Blogging can take over your life...

Checking, deleting and replying to emails.
Reading and answering comments.
Keeping on top of social media.
{Groan.... find out why I don't like social media HERE}
Planning outfits (or whatever you blog about)... if you're a planner!
Taking photos.
Editing photos.
Writing your posts.
Sharing your posts.
Reading other blogs.
Joining linkies.
Blimey!!!
No wonder we get burnt out.

{Find out how much of your life is taken over by blogging... HERE
and see more blog-related posts HERE}

Blogging is great fun, and very rewarding, BUT it's SO important to take a break now and again.

Don't get bogged down with your blog!

It's pays to chill out and take a breather from the breakneck speed of life, especially at this frantic time of year.

Despite what you might read elsewhere (blog everyday, or 5 times a day if you can!!) and despite what you may fear (my readers will all go away!!) your blog won't stop just because you take a break.

Yes, you may fall a little behind on social media or with replying to comments, but it doesn't really matter!
Take a break and come back stronger.

This weekend I've been away with a group of girlfriends to a spa hotel and it was wonderful!
I left my phone in my room and detoxed from tech.
Utter bliss.
Floating in the pool.
Detoxing in the steam room.
Lying on a lounger watching the sunrise.

Ahhh.... that's better!
Now I feel relaxed and refreshed.
Ready for the next challenge.

Do you take a regular blogging break?
Do you ever turn off all tech, and do a device detox?
Please let me know by leaving a comment.
I'd love to hear from you.
XXX

Last week Andrea really caught my eye with her red white and blue outfit.
It's colourful, bold and casual and not my style at all, but I still love it on her.

You can tell Andrea really loves this look too,  as she is smiling from ear to ear.
This outfit reminded me how different we all are, and why it's a great thing!

Check out her original post HERE

{In case you hadn't heard, I'm a finalist in the UK Blog awards and I would LOVE it if you would vote for FAKE FABULOUS HERE!! Thank you so much!

An InLinkz Link-up

Classic Camel Coat & Statement Belt | Warm & Stylish!

Today's outfit is my idea of a true classic.
Neither on-trend or fashion-forward, but I could wear it wherever and whenever!
It feels ageless (or near enough) and suitable for many different occasions.

However, I must admit that I'm laughing at the fact this this outfit is not really an 'outfit' at all, is it?
This outfit is more of an outerwear post... a bit like my fur coat and OTK boots 'outfit' HERE.

The reason is, that it's far too cold to disrobe and show my (frankly dull) under layers.

If you're interested I'm wearing a sparkly turtle neck form this co-ords outfit and a pair of black jeans.... zzzzz.
Hardly groundbreaking!

This outfit was all about the coat because the coat was staying on for most of the day.
My day involved lots of walking around outside, and popping in and out of heated buildings.
Cashmere is the perfect fabric for this.
Warm as toast but lightweight.
Cashmere and wool are really good at regulating your temperature.

Check out the funny story behind this cashmere super-bargain-tastic coat in THIS POST.

Adding a belt to any coat (plain or patterned) not only raises the style points, by adding interest to a look, but keeps you warmer.
Try it, it works like a charm!

{Please excuse my crinkly 'sitting on a train' back end.... Note to self: Smooth out fabric before parking bum on seat!!}

My boots are a pair of old favourites that I found in the loft!

I've kept them because they are such lovely quality, and I used to wear them all of the time years ago... 

My son is 19 and I wore them when he was a baby.

They were an eBay find and were just like a pair Chanel had at the time.

(eBay was just a baby back then too!)

Oh, how I coveted the Chanel pair, but these lovely boots did the job just as well... minus the logo.
(I've never been much of a logo kind of girl.)

Super-soft leather and so comfortable.

I'm guessing I must have got fed up of them and packed them away.

Rediscovering them was like getting new shoes.

Yay!

Although, I think my feet must have shrunk half a size!?

Has this happened to anyone else??

I thought our feet were supposed to get bigger as we got older?

Please let me know, if you know any more... or your feet have done the same!

I'm wearing these old boots with a pair of sparkly legwarmers, not very 'Chanel' but very cosy... and fun to wear!

My trusty quilted bag and leather pom pom gloves finished things off nicely.

CASHMERE COAT: A local shop...similar (high end)... similar (bargain!)
BOOTS: eBay... similar (cheap as chips)... similar (still a bargain!)
LEGWARMERS: Dance shop
LEATHER GLOVES: Primark... these are lovely!
BAG: Topshop
LEATHER BELT: Karen Millen... charity shop find (lucky me!). This one is nice.

GET THE LOOK

Faux Fur Coat & OTK Boots & The Perfect Christmas Gift

Faux fur coats and over the knee boots... together!?
Hmmm.
They sound like a trashy combination don't they?
{Maybe a potential costume for the winter version of pretty woman!}
Pretty cheap looking.
More nasty than classy.

BUT....

Faux fur coats don't have to be sleazy and cheesy.
They can be fun to wear, and even stylish!
As for over the knee boots...
They don't need to be in red patent with a 5 inch heel.
They can be cool, comfortable and easy to wear too!

2018 UK Blog Awards | #fakeituntilyoumakeit LINK UP

Hello and welcome to the #fakeituntilyoumakeit LINK UP.

I'm very excited (and a little nervous, if the truth be told) to announce that Fake Fabulous is entered in the UK blog awards for 2018.

My nerves come from the (at times overwhelming) impostor syndrome that I feel every now and again.
Not just in relation to my blogging life, but also my work and family life too!

Me: Surely any day soon 'someone' will realise I'm still just a big goof, and shouldn't really be given responsibility for raising four children, running a home, writing a blog and working in a laboratory!

However, I have to force a sensible voice from inside my head to say...

"Get a grip of yourself Sam!"

{Why do we have these negative feelings towards ourselves and our abilities?}

If you suffer from the impostor syndrome then check out THIS POST from the fabulous Vicki @honestmum.
She hits the nail on the head, as always!

PLEASE VOTE for me HERE

I would be thrilled, delighted (and jumping up and down with joy) if you could take a moment to vote for me HERE.
You don't need to be in the UK to vote, it's worldwide, and you can cast your vote between the 4th and the 22nd of December.

If you're feeling super generous you can even vote with each email address you have.
{Oooooo, I'd love it if you did that!}

Loads of Reasons to Vote for Fake Fabulous....

Hmmmm... Okay, I could only think of one(and a half)!

I did try to think of some witty and cool reasons to vote for Fake Fabulous.
But, they all sounded a bit lame.
Something important sprang to mind...

"To make sure the 'older' woman is represented in the blogging and fashion world." 

BUT...
We've heard it so many times haven't we?
It's becoming a bit of a bore.

Even now, as older models seem to be on trend, the older models featured are VERY editorial in the way they look.
Undeniably beautiful women, but they look nothing like me.

I want to see relatable women used by brands, but the brands still use 20-somethings to sell clothes for 50-somethings.
And let's face it, if the perfect 20-something looks a bit frumpy in the clothes what chance to the rest of us have to look good?
None!

I'm fed up being fed frumpiness.
Being told we are now a "certain age" so we should be dressing in a certain way.
Being told we need to stop thinking we can buy from "young shops".

I'm a 40+ blogger but I'm not ready to slip into the crimplene trousers and velcro shoes.
I'm heading to Topshop, Weekday, Cos, River Island and wherever I want.
I'm never going to be ready for velcro valley!

I hope that chipping away at the 'age' issue will eventually make real changes happen.

Although, it's taking so long I may well be ready for that crimplene!
(Hahahahaha.... but seriously, NO!)

If you enjoy visiting Fake Fabulous and you (like me) are not ready to be popped in the "old frump" box, then please please, PLEEEEEEEESE vote for my tiny corner of the gigantic blogosphere!

Oh....I've just thought of another reason.
The 'Judging' section of the process ends on my birthday (16th Feb).
That alone is as good a reason as any, isn't it?! 😝

{EDITED: I've just noticed 3 other fab bloggers entered in the Fashion category.
If you could vote for one of the other women representing the over 40's too .... Catherine at Not dressed as Lamb, Emma at Style Splash and Nikki at Midlife Chic.
That would be Fabulous!}

VOTE for FAKE FABULOUS HERE

Anyway, I just want to say a HUGE thank you for supporting Fake Fabulous.
Your visit really means the world to me!

Now, enough of this waffle, it's OVER to YOU.....

Last week Lina's post, from Sew Historically, really caught my eye and made me smile!
Talk about something different...

She has a fun advent calendar (HERE) that has a different Christmas craft project behind each window.
Such a great idea!
If you like a bit of crafting over the Christmas period (I love to make things and used to do loads with the kids when they were younger) please check it out!

An InLinkz Link-up

Hang on a Minute.....

If you're here for the the #fakeituntilyoumakeit LINK UP then you may be wondering what's going on....
Where is it?!

I'm so sorry to keep you waiting, but the Link Up will have to go live tomorrow.

I have an exciting (and nerve wracking) announcement to make.
So PLEASE pop back again tomorrow (12.00 GMT) and find out what's going on!
I would love to hear your thoughts.

Have a lovely day and see you tomorrow!

P.S.... I've disabled comments on this post.