Skinny Jeans, hoodies and DOUBLE SHACKETS

It's DARK....DRIECH and generally DINGY today.

There's only one thing for it.

Time to add COLOUR!

If you are enjoying this please check out the following posts for tips, tricks and style chat.

*Why is my personal style changing?

*Dressing well, why it matters.

*Playing dress-up in Lockdown.

*Minimal PLUS.... a new way to dress!?

*Why I'll NEVER be Chic!

*How to organise your closet.

*Lost your style MOJO?

* Wardrobe organisation.

Today's outfit has everything I need.

• Comfort.
• Layers.
• Colour.

After my usual thermal base layer (leggings, vest top and wool socks) a pair of skinny red jeans and a hoodie made up the backbone of this look.

These pieces can be worn by ANY AGE.

In my opinion, no matter your age, this outfit would work.

A denim shacket was layered under a wool shacket.

DOUBLE SHACKETS.... it sounds like it should be a crochet stitch!

THE PIECES:

HOODIE: Sixth June

RED JEANS: Bolongaro Trevor

LEATHER BOOTS: old

DENIM SHACKET: Zara

WOOL SHACKET: H&M

BAG: A gift

MOHAIR HAT: Very old

MAKE THE LOOK YOUR OWN:

I don't want you to feel like you have to SHOP in order to recreate (or be inspired by) ANY outfit.

Although I'm guessing that if you have landed here you may already own a shacket (or oversized shirt) and some skinny jeans.

If not, it's no problem at all.

Let's start with the basics....

There is no secret formula to this outfit.

It's just a question of layers.

Any level of layering that FEELS right for you will be the way to go.

Ditto the colour combinations.

If it feels good, it will work (that's the ONE TRUE SYTLE RULE).... no matter how clashing or matchy-matchy you go.

This look should be simple and effortless.

Thrown-on comfort.

A happy way to dress!

Say hello in the comments below OR Tag me your version of this look on Instagram @fakefabulous 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Have you tried wearing a SHACKET?

Did you invest in one or borrow an oversized shirt from a male friend?

How to wear VINTAGE (over 40 style) for 2021

It SNOWED!!

Heading out in the late evening to walk the dog on virgin snow made me grin from ear to ear.

A real sense of joy.

(Jake wholeheartedly agreed!)

Snow has magical powers here in Scotland... It lights up the night sky and makes people smile any time of the day!

By the time I was heading out to work the next day, the snow had been marked by other enthusiastic boot (and paw) prints but it still filled me with some (much needed) positivity.

It's the small things that matter.

If you're enjoying this post why not have a look at these...

* Casual But Cool. Bold Winter Outfit.

*Why is my personal style changing?

* Blue and Silver MAXI COAT (from 2017)

THE OUTFIT:

Today's outfit has everything I need for work.

• Warmth and Comfort.
• Removable layers for various temperatures (indoors, outdoors, draughty hospital corridors, stuffy labs, frosty walk-in fridge rooms)
• A nod towards who I am... my style personality.
• A nostalgic moment.... (more on that in a moment)

Let's break it down:

Starting with a set of lightweight thermals.

Coated Jeans and an oversized (gents) cashmere jumper made up the base of this look.

Skinny jeans are not a modern silhouette for 2021 but with a couple of minor tweaks don't look too frumpy... in my opinion.

{Let me know WHAT YOU THINK}

I've added a pair of chunky white boots to give this look a kick up the rear.

They're comfortable and eye-catching.

Every time I look down at my feet I smile.

A longline hoodie (gents again!) adds warmth and an OVERSIZED sheepskin COAT gives just enough personality to pep up an otherwise 'normal' outfit.

A cosy cashmere hat and a reflective cross-body bag finish the look off nicely.

A moment of NOSTALGIA...

This coat belonged to my late mother in law.

I gratefully saved it from being put in a charity bag and my goodness I'm so glad I did!

It's fabulous!!

Every time I wear it I think of her and smile.

(I also wonder HOW she ever wore it considering it's oversized on my 5 feet 6 inch frame and she was 4 feet 10!)

THE PIECES:

SHEEPSKIN COAT: Vintage 1980s

CASHMERE KNIT: old and charity shopped... a gents jumper

COATED JEANS: Asos hourglass range.

NYLON BOOTS: Dr Martens

WOOL SOCKS: vintage

REFLECTIVE BAG: a gift

NECKLACE: Vintage 

MAKE THE LOOK YOUR OWN:

If you also want to make your vintage pieces (whatever they are) feel modern then you're in the right place!

I'm guessing that if you have landed here you may already own a vintage piece you're loving?!

FIRST THINGS FIRST....

Unfortunately it's time for a few home truths and they might sting a little.

When you are... (ahem).... let's say "VINTAGE" yourself, any genuine vintage piece of clothing can look bloody awful.

It is hideously unfair BUT almost any vintage styling looks amazing on the young.

• Quirky.
• Fun.
• Ironic.

HOWEVER.... when you get to the point where your face is a little "lived in" vintage style CAN easily look like some old 'stuff' that you've been wearing since the 80's... and not in a good way!

I LOVE a vintage piece.

I love the uniqueness.

The quality.

The nostalgia.

If you agree with me and also love a vintage vibe BUT don't want to look like you're playing dress up I'm here to help!

3 Easy 'RULES' to Style Vintage in a Modern Way.

1. Wear your vintage piece as a stand alone item.

Unless you're a seasoned vintage aficionado then keep things simple.

ONE vintage moment is enough.... especially if that piece is a statement in itself.

2. Keep you're hair and makeup modern, fresh and a little 'undone'.

I'm not going to beat around the bush here.... if you're hair and make up routine has been the same for more than 5 years it's time for a shake up.

If your hair and make up has been the same for.... gulp.... 20 years (30?...40?!?!).... you know what you need to do.

Get online, check out some of the great makeup videos from;

• LISA ELDRIDGE
• SAM CHAPMAN
• KATIE-JANE HUGHES
• TRINNY
• CAROLINE BARNES

Try some new techniques (no need to buy new stuff) and be AMAZED at the difference!

3. Make sure at least one other item in your look is BANG up to date.

By this, I mean not just 'modern' but current and TRENDY.

This doesn't mean buying something NEW as such, just take note as to how items are being worn and styled and keep your styling fresh.

{Pinterest is great for ideas}

3 good examples of this...

• Ditch the classic shoulder bag and wear a cross body bag on your vintage day.
• Add a casual touch with a half-tucked shirt or an oversized hoodie.
• Swap out 'grown up' shoes (or boots) and add something unexpected like TRAINERS or CHUNKY footwear (sliders, sandals or boots).

If you struggle to feel modern (i.e. NOT FRUMPY) in vintage try wearing your piece in a different way.

• Try leaving your coat unbuttoned or belt it using an up-to-date belt.
• Leave a shirtdress open over balloon jeans and a fitted top.
• Cuff ankles and sleeves on a vintage jumpsuit (or shirt/trousers)
• Add layers... wide legged flowing trousers under a dress for example.
• Play around and have fun!

VINTAGE can look modern and effortless.

Dig out your vintage items and have a go.

Please say hello in the comments below OR Tag me your vintage look on Instagram @fakefabulous 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Tell me about the oldest clothing item in your wardrobe.

Mine belonged to my Mother in Law.... it's her "going away" coat from her wedding in 1958.

 

See it HERE and HERE

* Vintage in a modern way, Blue and Pink! (from 2018)

* Vintage Coat and chunky boots (from 2015!!)

{It's fun to look back at my old outfits.... even though many of them make me laugh I never regret a thing!}

Yellow Satin Skirt, Green Jumper, Navy Coat * Winter OUTFIT over 40

THE VIBE:

It's time to add some COLOUR.

If you're anything like me this season you may find yourself reaching for dark colours more often than you used to.

You may be wondering what the point is in dressing up... with nowhere to go.

Don't worry, I'm not going to tell you to have a "dress up" day and parade around your house in a party dress and heels.

Let's get real here.

I'm not interested in being even SLIGHTLY uncomfortable at home so I"ll not be doing THAT , thank you very much.

I do, however, think we should make a tiny effort when we leave the house.

Even if it's just to go to buy our messages (grocery shopping).

My friend told me how she got dressed up and wore her gorgeous new boots for the first time the other day to go to.... wait for it... the opticians.

This time last year we would have laughed but for now out is OUT... no matter where.

Her new boots made her smile and we all need any excuse to do that, don't we?

If you are enjoying this please check out the following posts for tips, tricks and style chat.

*Why is my personal style changing?

*Dressing well, why it matters.

*Playing dress-up in Lockdown.

*Minimal PLUS.... a new way to dress!?

*Why I'll NEVER be Chic!

*How to organise your closet.

*Lost your style MOJO?

* Wardrobe organisation.

Today's outfit has everything I need.

• Comfort.
• Warmth.
• Colour.
• Joy.

After my usual thermal base layer (tights, vest top and wool socks) a satin skirt and a gent's knit made up the backbone of this look.

These are modern shapes that can be worn by ANY AGE.

In my opinion, no matter the scores on the doors (whether you're age 16 or 66)... this outfit would look great!

These satin skirts work well in summer with sandals (or sliders) as well as winter with boots.

PLUS... if we ever go out on the social agin they look pretty with heels and a camisole.

A cashmere hoody adds warmth (gent's style too) and a long COAT adds a cosy top layer.

A fluffy scarf and a small bag (worn inside my coat) finish the look off nicely.

THE PIECES:

GREEN MERINO KNIT: charity shopped years ago

OCHRE SATIN MIDI SKIRT: Nobody's Child

LEATHER BOOTS: Clarks...years old now... they belonged to my friend's sister.

CASHMERE HOODY: Secondhand

LONG WOOL COAT: Vintage (Charity shopped a few years ago)

LEATHER POUCH: Borrowed!

MAKE THE LOOK YOUR OWN:

I don't want you to feel like you have to SHOP in order to recreate (or be inspired by) ANY outfit.

Although I'm guessing that if you have landed here you may already own a satin skirt or slip dress and a jumper

If not, it's no problem at all.

Let's start with the basics....

If you're not a fan of the satin style skirt (Let's be honest here, they CAN show every lump and bump!) you can easily swap it out for any midi-skirt.

{Full knife pleats would look amazing!}

If you struggle to feel modern in a satin skirt (or dress) try sizing up to give yourself room across the tummy and bum.

Tight fabric over a belly or bum can look seriously FRUMPY.... unless you're packing a peach back there!

The green knit can be swapped for any colour that you love.

This mustardy/yellow/ochre looks amazing with green, navy, purple and pink as well as all the neutrals!

Of course you could easily switch the colours so you have a darker shade on your lower half and a brighter colour on top.

The black boots are a classic fuss-free style that suits all ages BUT if this style is not your bag you can easily add a super-chunky combat-style pair OR a more ladylike heeled version.

The long navy coat could be swapped for a blazer or long cardigan if your climate allows.

The feel of this look is simple but bold.

Casual but elevated.

A basic balancing act.

I'd love to hear how you would choose to do it!

Say hello in the comments below OR Tag me your version of this look on Instagram @fakefabulous 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Have you been colour-shy this year?

Do you lean towards dark (and mysterious!) shades?

OR, are you embracing the mood-enhancing bolds and brights?

I'd love it if you would share your current colour mood?

Cropped Wide Leg Jeans, Navy, Cream and DMs * Over 40 Style

THE VIBE:

Casual style... as per usual these days!

It's not very flattering... the shapes don't hide or disguise anything and cropped jeans shorten the legs.

It's not very AGE- appropriate for a 46 year old!

It's certainly NOT very professional... AT ALL.

AND it's not very fashionable.... No moulds were broken, no jaws dropped.

BUT.... with all of this said, it has one BIG thing going for it.

It's VERY ME.

At the end of the day, that's all that matters.

If you're enjoying this post why not have a look at these alternatives...

*Why do you Dress like that? I don't like it!
* Casual But Cool. Bold Winter Outfit.
*Why is my personal style changing?
*Why I'll NEVER be Chic!
*Lost your style MOJO?

THE PIECES:

WOOL COAT: Vintage, charity shopped AND old!
JEANS: TopShop (old)
LEATHER BOOTS: Dr Martens... 2 or 3 years old
ECRU WOOL JUMPER: Secondhand from the gent's section
BAG: an old gift
CASHMERE HOODIE: Borrowed from my husband (permanently!)
NECKLACE: Vintage... very old.

THE OUTFIT:

Let's break it down.

Comfortable jeans and a fitted polo neck top make up the backbone of this look.

A long wool coat smartens this up a little.

I've added a pair of chunky boots (and a chunky necklace too) just to toughen things up.

A cosy cashmere hoodie stops the long wool coat feeling frumpy and a holographic cross-body bag finishes the look off nicely.

MAKE THE LOOK YOUR OWN:

This outfit is the easiest of looks to make yours!

Let's start with the basics....

Wide jeans (cropped or long, it doesn't matter) and neat fitting jumper (or t-shirt) in a lighter colour that you like.

{A close fit to your top half is key.}

The long coat could be swapped for anything you like.

Any colour of coat would work, even a long cardigan... whatever your climate allows.

Add a chunky necklace (or earrings if you prefer) and boots.

Add a cross-body bag and you're done!

Please say hello in the comments below OR Tag me your wide jeans look on Instagram @fakefabulous 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

My question is VERY random today.

Do you believe in the power of Crystals?

I'm curious about them and I'd love to know your thoughts?

How to Wear Joggers in a REAL OUTFIT over 40

THE VIBE:

It's time to face a REALITY check.

For many of us, daily dressing looks a little (READ: HUGELY) different from this time last year.

I must admit that I consider myself one of the LUCKY ONES.

I get to leave my home to go to work.

Despite the fact that I work in a hospital lab (and wear a Lab-coat and face-mask all day) I still enjoy dressing for this occasion.

Yes, I called heading out to work an 'occasion' because it feels like it is!

Dressing for work is still fun.

Not so much DRESSING UP for work (comfort is key, of course) but certainly creating an outfit and enjoying wearing it.

I get to wear REAL CLOTHES (Including proper outdoor Shoes) and use a BAG. 

{Remember Handbags Ladies?}

So, with that being said, the VIBE of this outfit is a REALISTIC off-to-work look.

• Simple.
• Comfortable.
• Practical.

However, please don't worry if you're working from home (or not working at the moment).... The vibe of this look will be much the same... just swap out the boots for some slippers, thick socks or trainers.

Done.

If you're enjoying this post why not have a look at these...

*Why do you Dress like that? I don't like it!

* Casual But Cool. Bold Winter Outfit.

*Why is my personal style changing?

*Why I'll NEVER be Chic!

*Lost your style MOJO?

THE OUTFIT:

Today's outfit has everything I need for work.

• Comfort.
• Removable layers for various temperatures.
• My Personality.

Let's break it down.

Starting with a SHOCKER......I don't have ANY thermal base layers on today!

{I know!!}

COSY joggers and a fitted polo neck top make up the backbone of this look.

These are modern shapes for 2021 that can be worn by ANY AGE.

I've added a pair of chunky-heeled boots.

Comfortable BUT just lifting this look out of the sloppy zone.

A chunky wool cardigan adds warmth and an OVERSIZED BURGUNDY COAT adds just enough grown-up-chicness to smarten up an otherwise super-casual outfit.

While still looking quirky and fun.

A cosy cashmere hat and a green cross-body bag finish the look off nicely.

THE PIECES:

WOOL KNIT: past season H&M Premium.

JOGGERS: Zara

NYLON and LEATHER BOOTS: Clarks... A few years old.

SOCKS: French Connection (very old)

ECRU WOOL CARDIGAN: Secondhand

GREEN BAG: Old H&M

GREEN TOP: Charity shopped a few years ago.

CASHMERE HAT: Gifted a few years ago from Italy in Cashmere. Still going strong.

NECKLACE: Vintage (my MIL's)

MAKE THE LOOK YOUR OWN:

If you also want to make your joggers into a REAL outfit (like me) I certainly don't want you to feel like you have to SHOP in order to recreate (or be inspired by) ANY outfit you see online.

{Although I'm guessing that if you have landed here you may already own some joggers and possibly be over 40?}

If not, it's no problem at all... you can wing it with me!

Let's start with the basics....

Any style or colour of JOGGERS will work here, even leggings if you're not a joggers fan.

Whatever to own.

Whatever style and colour you love.

If you struggle to feel modern (and NOT FRUMPY) in joggers try sizing up to give yourself room at the thigh, giving a more oversized, modern and effortless look.

Tight thighs on your joggers can look seriously FRUMPY and make you look chunky.

The green top can be swapped for ANY form-fitting top you own.

Any colour you like.

Short sleeves.

Long sleeves.

Even sleeveless... Depending on your climate of course.

{I love the look of a vest top and joggers}

A close fit to your top half is key.

The combat-like boots are my hero item here, but yours don't have to look like mine.

Trainers would look great.

Sliders, sandals or even slippers.

The oversized coat could be swapped for anything you like.

Coat, cardigan, jacket, duster.... whatever floats your boat.

Anything that you love and is practical for your REAL life.

Please say hello in the comments below OR Tag me your joggers look on Instagram @fakefabulous 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Are you currently working from Home?

Looking for work?

Volunteering?

Retired?

Working out in the community?

I'd love to know how your circumstances have effected your outfit choices compared to this time last year?

How to wear Chunky Houndstooth and White Boots * 2021 Style Refresh

THE VIBE:

It's time to hit REFRESH!

If you're anything like me and your style has gotten a little (READ: a lot) stagnant over the past few months... Maybe even BORING?!?... It's time to do something about it.

Don't worry though....

There's no need to purge your possessions, go minimal or splash the cash on a whole set of new clobber.

This style refresh can be done using what you already own!

PLEASE NOTE: If you are looking for some tips, tricks and style chat, you can find more information in the following posts.....

*Why is my personal style changing?

*Why I'll NEVER be Chic!

*How to organise your closet.

*Lost your style MOJO?

* Wardrobe organisation.

I'm not interested in buying NEW stuff this year either.

Not even those special new-to-me items... i.e. Charity shopped and eBayed purchases (although these can be hard to resist sometimes, can't they?)

I AM, however, interested in shaking up my style and finding new ways to express myself.

Most of us will be resigned to having a limited (READ: non-existent) social life for the foreseeable...with ZERO requirement for party wear.

Having said that, We all want to look NICE.

Modern and fresh.

In times of trouble we can easily lose sight of ourselves, so it's more important than EVER to keep hold of who we are inside....

Clothes, hair and makeup may seem trivial (compared to what's going on in the world) BUT maintaining something of our old selves can keep us smiling and (more importantly) keep us SANE!

Today's outfit has everything I need.

• Comfort.
• Warmth.
• Personality.

The Holy-Style-Trinity for winter in SCOTLAND!

After my usual thermal base layers (leggings, roll-neck top and 2x wool socks) baggy MOM jeans and a boxy cropped knit make up the backbone of this look.

These are modern shapes that can be worn by ANY AGE.

In my opinion, no matter the scores on the doors (whether you're age 16 or 66)... this outfit would look great!

These baggy jeans are cropped and work well in summer with sandals (or sliders) as well as winter with boots.

{Especially WHITE BOOTS 😍.... I'm in love}

A padded gilet adds warmth (and pulls the white to the middle of this look) and a CAMEL COAT adds just enough grown-up-chicness to smarten up an otherwise super-casual outfit.

A cosy cashmere hat, leather gloves and a small bag finish the look off nicely.

THE PIECES:

HOUNDSTOOTH KNIT: charity shopped pre-lockdown (originally H&M)

WASHED BLACK MOM JEANS: ONLY (a few years old now)

VEGAN (NYLON) BOOTS: Dr Martens (a Christmas gift... from Me!!)

SOCKS: Gent's sports socks (black with white hoops)

WHITE PADDED GILET: Secondhand

CAMEL CASHMERE COAT: over 20 years old! (YOU CAN READ THE STORY BEHIND IT HERE)

LEATHER POUCH: Borrowed!

POM POM LEATHER GLOVES: Charity shopped a few years ago.

CASHMERE HAT: Gifted a few years ago from Italy in Cashmere. Still going strong.

MAKE THE LOOK YOUR OWN:

I don't want you to feel like you have to SHOP in order to recreate (or be inspired by) ANY outfit.

Although I'm guessing that if you have landed here you may already own something with a houndstooth pattern AND/OR white boots?

If not, it's no problem at all.

Let's start with the basics....

If you're not a fan of the MOM style jean you can easily swap them out for a good-old skinny number.

{However, a loser fit will look more modern... so maybe try a straight cut jean instead?}

If you struggle to feel modern in MOM jeans try sizing up to give yourself room at the thigh.

Tight thighs on your supposed-to-be-baggy jeans can look seriously FRUMPY.

You can always take in the waistband.... there are plenty of great tutorials online to help you do this successfully!

The houndstooth knit can be swapped for any houndstooth top OR any black and white patterned jumper.

Polka dots or checks would look fab.

The white boots are my hero item here but yours don't have to be so chunky!!

A more ladylike white ankle boot would look amazing OR white leather trainers, if your climate allows.

The camel coat could be swapped for a camel blazer or long cardigan and, of course, the gilet is an optional cosy extra!

The feel of this look is simple but bold.

Casual but elevated.

A basic balancing act.

I'd love to hear how you would choose to do it!

Say hello in the comments below OR Tag me your version of this look on Instagram @fakefabulous 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Have you given up on any previous fashion favourites this year?

Some examples...

High Heels and/or uncomfortable shoes?

Stiff Tailoring or Tight Jeans?

What about Underwired bras?!?!

{I've ditched the heels and the underwire... happy feet and boobies.}

I'd love it if you share what you've shelved!