“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn”
― Orson Welles
If you are anything like me, you totally love the idea of having a distinct sense of your own style, but somewhere along the line you have lost sight of it…
I used to love quirky fashion when I was younger, and really enjoyed putting some interesting and individual looks together. After those heady days of wearing pork pie hats, giant crucifix earrings, gold velvet hot pants and silver bomber jackets (reason 456 that I am thankful social media didn’t exist back then!) I sensibly retreated to a fairly safe corporate wardrobe for most of my 20’s, before switching to mum attire for my 30’s (i.e. what ever still fitted and didn’t have food stains all over it!)
On the other side of forty, I have longed to rediscover my style (although definitely not the hot pants!) but seem to have gotten stuck as to what suits me, looks stylish and fashionable, but not too young or too old on me, and hides the bits that I don’t love (all within a budget of course!)
I clearly needed help, so I turned to the lovely Anne from Style Joy to steer me in the right direction..
What are the key pieces you would recommend that every woman has in her wardrobe?
Classic pieces that can be worn in many different ways such as perfectly fitting jeans, killer black pants, shirts (white / black / denim), a tailored black jacket or cardi depending on your everyday needs, basic (underneath tops / tshirts), a stylish pair of ankle boots….then accessories to change up the look with different earrings, necklaces , scarves, hats, etc.
What are the benefits of having a personal shopping experience?
My clients love the idea of all the looking and hard work done for them. For me its not hard work to research and have great knowledge of what is available in each shop, so when a client comes to me with a brief and budget, I know before the shop where to go and what pieces will be suitable for them. This saves them time and gives them more confidence to try things they wouldn’t usually try on their own – no more wandering around aimlessly in a shopping centre all day getting frustrated and coming home with nothing OR the wrong thing.
A personal shopping experience gives women a new found appreciation for their style and how looking good makes them feel good. I always notice this sparkle in my client’s eyes once we are about 45 minutes into the shop and have started finding pieces that look great on them – I see a new found confidence and excitement in how they see themselves.
Where should you start if you have no clue what your style is anymore?
Start with Pinterest, Instagram or magazines, and look at which fashion pics you admire…there is absolutely no reason you cannot recreate the looks and style you like to suit your body shape, budget and lifestyle.
Are there any fashion trends you should avoid as you get older?
Anything that doesn’t feel comfortable should not be worn….and that goes for all ages.
5 Quick Questions for Anne from Style Joy
1. My favourite go to outfit is…Jeans, a statement top, amazing shoes and my hair up in a bun.
2. My favourite place to shop is…David Jones, as it has so much great variety, but Zimmerman is my favourite brand.
3. My favourite accessory is…my mum’s vintage snake skin clutch, and my antique diamond ring my husband bought me after we had our second child!
4. My most embarrassing fashion moment…overdoing an outfit with too many accessories….I certainly learnt that less is always more!
5. The best part of my job is…seeing the satisfaction and joy my clients get when they have found those perfect pieces that make them look and feel amazing! After every shop with a client I can’t wipe the smile off my face because I love that I have helped make them feel so good about themselves. 🙂
If you live in Melbourne, and like the sound of Anne helping you rediscover your style (it’s totally worth it!) simply mention ‘The Other Side of Forty’ to receive 15% off any personal shopping service until October 2015. See http://www.stylejoy.com.au for more info and to contact Anne, I know she’d love to hear from you! You can also follow her on Instagram @STYLE_JOY
What are thoughts on style as you get older, do you have a good sense of your own style or is this an area you need a little help in? Let me know in the comments below..
Love this Mel,
I had black velvet hot pants! Not game enough for the gold! I am a big fan of the mum jeans – but have tried to mix it up by having them in different colours! Will love to see you rediscover your style. I rediscovered mine after leaving the corporate world and ditching an addiction to black – I’m thinking though that I might need a little upgrade. xx
Haha Lisa, I hope they were crushed velvet like mine! Yes, I still love my skinny jeans but it’s nice to have some other options now. You definitely need lots of colour in your wardrobe! xx
I’m not over 40 but I do feel you about getting your style back after Motherhood. It just made more sense to dress more relaxed when I was constantly sitting and playing on the floor with my two! Jeans just weren’t comfortable to do that in.
love the post xx
Thanks Carla, yes whether you are over 40 or not, being a mum can really change how you dress. I guess the important thing to remember is how good it can feel when you do make an effort, x
When I’ve seen you Mel, you always look amazing. Your gorgeous hair in itself creates your beautiful style! Owning our style brings such confidence – which can be lost for many women, at different times in life. Great piece xx
Thank you lovely Katie, while I hated my curly hair when I was younger, I certainly wouldn’t change it now (well except for all the grey hairs!) You are so right that owning our own style brings a sense of confidence, x
As I approach 40 (literally next week) I love the idea of your blog. I’m sadly not in Melbourne but even just reading Anne’s description of what she does has demystified the whole personal shopping thing for me. I seriously need a style makeover and I may just get up the courage to seek out some professional assistance one day!
Happiest of birthdays to you Kirsty, and welcome to the other side of forty: it’s great over here! I was unsure what to expect too, but it was such a great positive experience.
If I lived in Melbourne, I’d love an Anne! I’m not sure that I’m always stylish but I’m always comfortable and happy with the clothes and the skin I’m in! Thanks for linking up with the Ultimate Rabbit Hole.
Being comfortable and happy about yourself and how you look is the main aim, so I’d say you are rocking your own style quite nicely Sammie!
I have been considering a stylist shopping trip lately. I am in Brisbane though. Might save up so I can really take advantage. Thank goodness we all grew up without social media. I loved my crucifix earrings!
Haha, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who loved those earrings Karin! I really enjoyed the experience and thought it was well worth it: good luck!
I went through my ‘classic’ style patch during my 30’s, but now that I’m past 40 I’m rediscovering my love of ‘fun fashion’. I draw the line (very sharply) at looking like a teenager, but I do like being able to express how youthful I feel with my choice of clothes. And stripes, always stripes. x
I hear you Bron, I love embracing my individual style in my forties (andI also love stripes!) x
I so need to pay a visit to Melbourne. I think my forties have seen me relax in my style. I have gone more ethereal and floaty in the way I dress which suits me comfort wise and less of the trying to suit every fashion phase. xx
I agree that trying to follow all the latest fashions is a young woman’s game Sonia! What you feel good and comfortable in most important in determining your own sense of style xx