FAKE FABULOUS STYLE

Why there's NO Excuse for PJs in Public! Cosy Winter Outfit

Burgundy Jumper Dress and Vinyl Leggings | Fake Fabulous

Cue (very) boring sob story...
I've been in bed with a nasty cold for the past 3 days and it's no fun at all.

{Are those violins I hear playing?}

Feeling like a ball of pain is bad enough but the weather has been glorious and all I can think about is how I could have had some great outfit photos in the beautiful light.

{Light, or lack of it, is every blogger's obsession!}

So, I'm writing this from my bed wearing my old PJs and a scabby dressing gown.
Sitting here with a nose like Rudolf (and unbelievably dry and itchy skin, for some reason?) I look a real mess.
Which got me thinking...

The Anti-Ageing Secret BIG brands don't want you to hear | Fake Fabulous

Please excuse the shameless click-bait title BUT I honestly couldn't think of a less sensational way to say it!

Let's start at the beginning...

We all know that beauty, and more specifically, the Anti Ageing market is BIG business.
HUGE.
We're all sucked into it.
Some more than others, of course, BUT it's still a part of our lives... no matter how small.

Lurex jumper, red leopard skirt and metallic boots | Fake Fabulous

There are probably plenty of social events in your diary this month but sometimes it can be hard to figure out what to wear.

Often, a classic party dress is too impractical for the occasion.
Depending on the venue, bare legs, toes, decolletage and arms might result in loss of limb due to frostbite!

Purple & Pink | Colourful Winter Outfit | Fake Fabulous

Oh dear... not one bit of me is hanging the right way today!

The winter light is awful.
Dull, dingy and grey.

My skin is dehydrated and looking haggard.
And worst of all?
My hair is a MESS.

I'm waiting for my hair appointment (which is in danger of being cancelled due to the snow... please, no!) and I feel like I'm wearing a horrible little hat.

50 Days of Christmas with Boots | Gift Ideas | Fake Fabulous

It's less than two weeks until Christmas and if you're now panicking (even just a little) don't worry, I've got your back!
Despite what the clever ad campaigns might be telling you, there is still plenty of time to get your gifts AND you'll probably bag some bargains while you're at it!
Forget the Black Friday rush, now is the perfect time to go shopping.

It's that time of year again people...the UK Blog awards public vote!
I've got to admit that I was not planning on entering this year... let alone going begging for votes.
But here I am.
The reason is that someone nominated me (I'm not sure who but I have my suspicions) and I was so touched.

Chunky jumper and vinyl leggings | Warm Winter Outfit | Fake Fabulous

It's cold and frosty here in Scotland at the moment.
As the temperature drops, it becomes harder and harder to stay warm while feeling stylish.
Sometimes you just have to give up and give in to a gigantic cosy jumper!

7 favourite Autumn outfits.

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

Drizzly and dreich.

So, as I sit indoors cosied up in my multiple layers, it's the perfect time to pick 7 of my favourite Autumn 2018 outfits.

Something happened the other day that really rattled my cage.

My hackles went up and my lip got all tooth barring and curly!

It was all to do with the dreaded F-word.

Feminism.

I know I'm late to the feminist party.

Feminism has been all over the news recently and you can even buy slogan emblazoned tatt in order to 'prove' your feminist credentials are genuine (more on that later).

BUT for some people, the word FEMINIST is a dirty word.
Admitting to being a feminist is on a par with admitting you don't wash your bedsheets.
Dirty Dirty DIRTY!

Houndstooth Wrap Dress | Layered work outfit | Fake Fabulous

Wrap dresses are touted as the dress that "Looks better on a real body!"

Wrap dresses are the "Perfect dress for every woman".

Wrap dresses are the one dress style that truly flatters the female form.

Unfortunately, wrap dresses do nothing much for my body.

(and I'm pretty sure it's as real as the next woman's!)

Don't get me wrong... I like a wrap dress and I love the look of them on anyone with curves.

BUT on me, I feel that a wrap dress falls flat (as a pancake)!

Checked Coat & Wool Trousers | Winter Style | Fake Fabulous

I love an androgynous look.
Men's shirts and suit trousers.
Brogues and tough looking boots.
I even enjoy wearing a tie from time to time!

There are so many Vintage-inspired looks in style just now.

Magazines are full of them.

The trendy shops are full to bursting with vintage buys... Urban Outfitters is a great example.

None more so than the bold statement knit.

Bold 80's and 90's inspired jumpers are everywhere and they often cost a pretty penny.

I'm not a fan of spending more than I have to when it comes to fashion so imagine my delight at finding this genuine (hand knitted) vintage mohair jumper.

It's a charity shop find, of course!

Navy Wool Man Trousers and Ice Blue Cashmere | Work Outfit | Fake Fabulous

Work outfits can be dull as dishwater can't they?
Today I'm styling a (fairly) conservative work outfit that met the 'Smart(ish) and professional' criteria I needed but didn't put me in a style coma!

Pink Leather dress, star tights and Red Suede Shoes | Fake Fabulous

Red shoes are undeniably iconic.
Think of Dorothy's amazing ruby slippers.
Or, the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale and Moira Shearer in the 1948 film adaptation.
Red shoes are glamorous and beautiful.

However, in the real world, red shoe purchases can seem like a great idea at the time only to end up gathering dust in our wardrobes.
Red shoes can be tricky to style, and no matter how many glamorous red-shoe-outfits we look at on Pinterest, they can still feel a bit intimidating.

Cobalt Blue Long Coat, Burgundy Wool Dress | Autumn Outfit | Fake Fabulous

With every new season comes the usual designer must-haves.
Every brand is trying to convince us that our current wardrobes are outdated.
We're in danger of looking old-fashioned and frumpy unless we spend money NOW!

Their ad campaigns are full of the latest must-buys, must-haves and can-not-live-withouts.
Get them immediately or miss out.
Spend spend spend or simply give up on looking good.

How to wear a red dress | Smart-casual 70's style | Fake Fabulous

I love a red dress.
Not just for party-time impact but for everyday wear too.

{Find out why I prefer a red dress to a black one HERE}

Red is a powerful colour, that packs a real punch, giving you the confidence to stride out and face the day.
Red is my go-to colour when I'm not sure what to wear.
You know the famous phrase, don't you?

"If in doubt, wear red!"

Easy Halloween Harlequin Costume Idea Over 40| Fake Fabulous

We were at a Halloween Party last night (as a family) and it was SO much fun.
The calibre of costumes just gets better and better with each passing year and everytime I come home I feel inspired for next year's outfit.

This year I went as a harlequin doll.

Messages in Metal Name Necklace | Fake Fabulous

Yep... I've used the C-word.
Sorry if you're easily offended... BUT it's on its way people!

So, If you've clicked on this post looking for the truth behind secret satanic messages in heavy metal music then you may be disappointed.
However, I've you're looking for a great gift idea then you're in the right place!

First I need to give you the reasons and the background to this post...

Blue White and Silver | Simple Autumn Outfit | Fake Fabulous

Today I'm sharing a simple autumnal outfit idea that goes against the 'traditional' autumn outfit colours.

(Naughty me!)

Much as I love mustard rust and burgundy, sometimes I feel the need to break free from the expected and wear something a little different.

50 Shades of... Black | Leather and Leopard Autumn Outfit

Okay ... so this outfit is not exactly 50 shades of anything, but most of the pieces in this outfit are supposed to be black and they all look so different.

Different 'blacks' have the potential to look odd when put together, but if you mix up the textures it can work really well.
Today I'm mixing wool (although this is definitely grey!!), leather (the blackest item) and a silky fabric to create a slightly retro-feeling look.

I was kindly gifted this vest top by the brand We Become.
It is designed to be worn as underwear and supposed to regulate the body during those annoying menopausal hot flushes (or flashes).
A clever idea.

I can't really comment on the hot flushes (I'm back in sync again... for now!) BUT it did work well wicking sweat during my strenuous combat class at the gym and I put it through its paces to climb a local hill, Dumyat.
I've also slept in it and didn't get that sweaty decolletage that I often experience at night.
{Is that just me??}

It also looks great worn as a little shell top as it is so well finished.
Simple and chic.

Perfect with a vintage leather skirt!

Leather can look quite vampy.
It certainly has the potential to look a bit too SEXY.
If you'd rather your leather looked fun, try adding a pair of opaque tights (which I thought were black but look more taupe/grey!) and neutral flat boots (or a loafer/brogue/flat shoe).

I have (of course) ignored my own advice today and worn a chunky heeled leopard boot.
A little bit cheeky.
Oopsy... not sorry!

Dial it up or down... fashion and personal style is your call after all!

TOP: c/o Become... also available in a nude colour.
SKIRT: Vintage ... try this!
TIGHTS: Levante
BOOTS: Miss KG... try these.
BAG: Hidesign... this is cute!!
CARDIGAN: Vintage
SCARF: Borrowed... don't tell my daughter!

GET THE LOOK

As a style blogger, I have never wanted Fake Fabulous to be a place where you come for a visit and end up listening to a depressing lecture.

All of us visit blogs to escape the dramas (and worries) of real life.
The blogosphere should be a safe place where we can kick back and relax.
Blogs should be inspirational, fun and make us happy.

Having said that...

Easy Halloween | Zombie Corpse Bride Costume | Fake Fabulous

It's almost that time again.
My favourite party of the year...
Halloween.
Wooo Hooo!
(or should that be Wooooooooo Boo!)

I LOVE dressing up and scaring my way around the neighbourhood.

Today I'm sharing an easy costume with you.
Minimal effort... maximum impact!

Vintage Spot Skirt, Grey Polo Neck & Dr Marten Brogue Boots | Fake Fabulous

When autumn hits Scotland (and it's hit us hard this year) I instantly reach for my trusty roll-necks jumpers and chunky boots!
I just love the way these pieces can transform a look.
Roll necks look great either on their own or layered under other pieces.
Chunky boots just look great with anything!

These key pieces keep me cosy and feel great.

Today I'm wearing a simple grey roll-neck and a fabulous vintage skirt.

An easy but interesting look.

Pink Shoes, Floral Hanky Hem Dress and Blue Wrap | Fake Fabulous

Do you ever reach for something SO far away from your normal personal style that you almost have to give yourself a shake...?

"Erm, what ARE you doing Sam!?"

Well, for me, today was one of those days.

This outfit is a perfect example of a romantic, floaty and feminine look... not my usual vibe at all.

I'm even wearing a string of pearls.

Feeling like a lady and (surprisingly) loving it.

Sometimes it's great fun to play around with your personal style.

Fashion is supposed to be FUN after all!

Blue Floral Topshop Jumpsuit and Green Metallic Shoes | Fake Fabulous

If you're off to a party (or event) soon and you're sick to the back teeth of the usual outfits from the usual shops what can you do?

You know exactly what I mean, don't you?
The 'traditional' shop choices.
The 'expected' styles, shapes and colours.
The generic "You're now over 40" outfit.

Boring.
Maybe even frumpy?
What if none of it's for you?

Doing what's 'expected' may feel comfortable and safe (for some people) BUT... there is always the danger that someone else is going to turn up in the same dress as you!

How can you look different without looking daft?
How can you make a statement about who you are without breaking the bank?
How can you look appropriate but still be true to your personal style?
The answer is simple...

Clowning around | Fashion Blogger style | Fake Fabulous

As the seasons change one thing always stays the same.
Marketing and promotion of the latest must-have items.

(If you're wondering what's going on in the photo above... my husband took pictures of me when I was clowning around... he is so naughty!)

We've all read the hype surrounding certain on-trend pieces, the latest looks, the real blogger favourites.

{See more on 'Blogger Favourites' HERE.}

BUT...What do bloggers really wear in their day to day lives?
What are the real blogger favourites when they're busy on their blogs?

If you're a regular reader you may (or may not!) have noticed that I haven't been running my weekly link-up recently.
In fact, it's been a few weeks since I shared the link-up and yesterday I cancelled it.

I wanted to give you the reasons for my decision.
The whole truth!

Mixing patterns | Grey Autumn Work Outfit | Fake Fabulous

Is pattern mixing something you've always wanted to try?
Do you worry that you'll end up looking like you've fallen into a jumble sale covered in glue?
Fear not!
I'm here to share one simple trick that will make your pattern mixing look effortless and completely harmonious.
Whether you wear modern items, vintage or a mix of both.

40 Budget Boots under £50! | Fake Fabulous

It's getting closer and closer to boot weather, here in Scotland.

The long warm days of summer are slipping by and, much as I loved wriggling my toes in sandals, cosy layers of socks (and tights) make for warm and comfortable feet.
My idea of foot heaven.

I have collected a few (ahem... lots!) pairs of boots over the years and I'm not sorry.
I never really need a new pair, as I could 'use up' some of my old ones.
BUT it doesn't hurt to have a little look, does it?

Unfortunately, many of the boots aimed at a 40+ woman are downright dull and boring.
At what age should we be willing to look like an old frump?

I say Never!

The modern world offers (most of us) the luxury of choice, and the freedom to dress how we want.

So, I went shopping for new (fun) boots!

The majority of the boots I have chosen are ankle boots because they are the most versatile and flattering... in my opinion anyway!

Ankle boots (especially the more chunky styles) can also freshen up and modernise an otherwise plain outfit.
They can also be layered with tights and socks, for a unique look.

I love the look of an ankle boot on all shapes and sizes... and all ages.

I have kept the budget modest and realistic.
None of these boots will break the bank but they are decent enough quality to handle some use.

If cash is tighter than a very tight thing that has been on a boil wash then tumbled dried (I've been there!) then you could try Charity shops, 'Past Season' outlets, eBay, Etsy and retailers like TkMax.
There is always a bargain to be had if you are willing to take the time and have a good rummage.

In the meantime have a look at this selection and let me know which pair (or pairs) you would happily have in your wardrobe.

Are you on the lookout for new boots?
Do you like to make a statement with your footwear?

Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments.
Or, contact me... and share a photo of your favourite boots!
I love hearing from you.

(See the original posts from the opening image:

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!)

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn! 7 Favourite Summer Outfits | Fake Fabulous

It's officially Autumn!

Okay, not really...

Autumn (in Scotland) officially starts on the 22nd, but early September always feels like autumn to me (despite it being 20 degrees today, and the warmest it's been for ages!)

Today feels like the perfect time to think about my favourite Summer outfits.

{Click through the links in the titles to read the original posts}

Please feel free to disagree with my choices!

I would love to hear your opinion.

1. Difficult Clothes

This outfit is so colourful and comfortable.
What more could you ask from your clothes?

It would also make a great autumn outfit too.
In fact, add a warm coat, hat and boots and you've got winter sorted!

2. Floral Jumpsuit

This is another outfit that could easily transition (with a few tweaks) into autumn and on to winter.

In fact, a jumpsuit is one of THE most versatile pieces you could own.

Especially in a dark-based pattern and a substantial fabric.

Layer up or strip down for any weather!

3. Black and White Striped Jumpsuit

Another jumpsuit and another easily transitioned outfit... is there a theme developing?!

4. Short Shorts... for Work!

Okay... the 'an outfit for all seasons' theme is blown out of the water here!

It was SO hot.

Absolute bliss for the normally drizzle-hardy Scottish people.

I was in heaven.

5. A Twin Set and a Mini Skirt.

Oh, how I love this skirt!

It's flirty and ruffly and a little too short.

What the heck!

Life's too short NOT to wear the short skirt.

6. Outfit Formula... White Jeans and a Blazer.

Back to the "This could be transitioned into Autumn" rhetoric.

But it's true!

White jeans can be worn any time of year.

I've worn them in the depths of winter!

7. Trends to Regret... OTT Ruffles!

This outfit was my favourite of the season!

Such a simple selection of pieces but each of them a little special.
This amazing vintage blouse.
Spray on jeans.
My (current) favourite sandals.
And, this beautiful vintage bag.

There is no bold colour but the blouse easily elevates this look from a potential "meh" to something with attitude!

Do you agree with my choices and my favourite (number 7)?
Did I miss anything?

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Or, contact me.

I love hearing your ideas & opinions!

Vintage green blouse, oxblood blazer, orson jeans and pink shoes | Fake Fabulous

If you're a lover of autumn, and everything that comes along with it (crisp mornings, stunning colours, leaves ripe for kicking...) then you're probably looking forward to the change in the weather that comes at this time of year.

Styling baggy neon pink culottes and an aqua cashmere knit | Fake Fabulous

I'm not going to beat around the bush here...
Culottes are not just difficult, they can be HIDEOUS.

And...
I'm not ashamed to say that I LOVE them!

{Find out the REAL reason I love to wear culottes in a moment...}

Embarrassing Ageing | My Pelvic Floor is Shot to Pieces!

Disclaimer: If you're any of the following, you may want to move on and read another post...

Squeamish and easily offended.
Get embarrassed talking about the female body, ageing, birth.... etc.

Please click away immediately, you certainly won't want to read any more!

However, if you're interested/curious about what could happen to your undercarriage then please continue reading...

Khaki Culottes | Late Summer Outfit | Fake Fabulous

Today, I'm wearing a pair of khaki culottes that I've had my eye on for a long while.

I've been biding my time, waiting until that sale price reached a number I was willing to pay.
Good things come to those who wait!

Denim Dungarees and Leopard Clogs | Fake Fabulous

Summer festivals are not just for the teens and twenty-somethings.
In fact, we over 40's were the original rave and festival goers!
We were the pioneers.

We've been there and done that... with bells on!

Floaty Silver Pink Shirt and Yellow Trousers | Fake Fabulous

A pair of tailored trousers and a shirt is a classic outfit formula.
Timeless and ageless.

This easy-going duo is (for me) the perfect balance between smart and casual.
It's bang in the middle of the scale between joggers and a trouser suit.
And, with a few tweaks, this combination could be a "wear anywhere" look.

Reebok leggings, Sweaty Betty Top and Bag | Pink and Purple Gym Outfit

When I first joined my local gym I told myself I wouldn't be buying any 'fancy' gym gear.

Not EVER.

Floral Jumpsuit, White T-shirt & Trainers | Fake Fabulous

Floral jumpsuits are lovely but you usually see them styled in a 'dressy' way.
What I mean by that is, they're usually worn for parties and events.

Jumpsuits are a great alternative to a dress and look beautiful with heels and a clutch, but they can also be worn casually.

{It's great when you can get more mileage from an item, isn't it?}

This jumpsuit could easily be dressed up, but today I'm wearing it with my trusty white trainers and a simple tee layered underneath.

Layering always makes an outfit look more casual and easy-going.

And trainers, well... we all know what they do to any look!