Am I too old for this leather mini dress, I wonder?
How many times have you asked yourself that question?Ok, maybe not about a leather mini dress, but perhaps a new pair of skinny jeans or a leather jacket?
If you are anything like me, it will have been a few!
We have all heard the phrase,
And yes, I agree, Fashion should be."Fashion should be fun!"
But sometimes it is not!
No matter how hard we try...Fashion can make us feel inadequate.
Too short?
Too flabby?
Too old?
In a youth obsessed culture, it is easy to feel not quite good enough.
So, if fashion is not always fun.
In fact, if it is downright depressing at times. Then what is the point of it all?
Should we just give in, and grab something comfortable? Gradually becoming invisible?
Well, it may come as no surprise to you that...I say NO!
The good news is that Personal style is definitely lots of fun.
Check out some of the fantastic ladies in my "favourite blogs" list (on your right)....they are all uniquely stylish and having plenty of fun with it!
My Four favourite colour and texture queens are:
- Sacramento @ Mispapelicos...colours explode and patterns clash. She is art on legs! Her "inspiration" photographs are always breathtaking and beautiful.
- Ann @ Krembe de la Krembe....a more muted colour palette but no less interesting. Feathers, fringes and pompoms a go-go! With a fantastic can-do attitude to match.
- Monica @ Senora Allnut... A plus sized blogger with a passion for colour...and the skill to make anything work...a real breath of fresh air. I love her combinations.
- Melanie @ Bag and a beret....she is off the wall and unapologetic. A little bit bonkers and totally unique.....with fabulous hair, and legs to die for.
Personal style does not need to be anything to do with high fashion, if you don't want it to be.
Or, it can be all about the latest trends, the choice is yours.
Whatever YOU want to do...personal style is personal to YOU and it IS fun!
The great thing about getting older is that no one expects you to be "fashionable"...thank goodness for that.
The look that I have chosen today is not high fashion (although leather comes back season after season) but I like it, and that (at the end of the day) is all that really matters.
This (faux) leather dress was a charity shop purchase and still had it's original tags.
I am guessing the first-time buyer bought it, then bottled out of wearing it.
I do understand.
It is VERY short, leather (look) and just a little bit too 'out there' for many people.
And, the fabric (because it has a sheen) accentuates every lump and bump.
Breath in!
I was worried about channelling Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (especially with this hat) so I brought the whole look down a notch with some gutties (sneakers or trainers).
Trainers can take the edge off a tricky item.
Imagine this dress with high court shoes...a totally different look.
I kept the rest of my outfit toned down too.
Grey tights, muting the palette.
A polo neck under-sweater, covering things up (too much flesh is not cool at any age)...see one with a 70's spin here.
My preppy leather backpack and this cool houndstooth hat.
It is hard not to smile when wearing a cute hat like this!
This cosy, and slightly fluffy, coatigan (part cardigan, part coat) covered me up, kept me warm and toned things down even more.
So, what do you think about leather over 40?
Should we step away, or grab it with both hands and have fun?
I thought I would leave you with this silly shot of me fixing my wrinkly ankles.... (see my post on wearing tights here)
"Hang on a second, Nora Batty wrinkle alert, stop clicking!"
Dress: Lipsy (Similar) I bought mine in a charity shop...have a look for a bargain!
Coatigan: River Island (very old) I like this one
Polo neck: Topshop
Shoes: Guess I like these!
Tights: Gift from a friend. I like these ribbed ones.
Bag: Clarks (old)... (this one is really nice)
Earrings: Local shop
Shop the look:
Thank you so much for the shout out about me and other dear bloggers.
ReplyDeleteFashion is FUN if not it is not FASHION to me, yeahhhhhhhhhhhh
Love and sunshine
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Thank YOU Sacramento...you are such a colourful inspiration!
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wouuu, thank you very much!! you're lovely!!
ReplyDeleteAnd obviously You Rock your (faux) leather dress, such an amazing outfit, you look funky and gorgeous!. Love how you've added your hat, sneakers and 'coatigan' and everything looks relaxed and elegant!. You've created a fabulously comfy&cool ensemble!
I'm with you: Fashion should be funny!, and it's so relaxing when you stop worrying and just enjoy all the fun and wear whatever you like!
(Love that you share your funny pics, Real Life as its best!)
besos & gracias
You are very Welcome, Monica!
DeleteThank you for leaving such a lovely comment...You are so right, once we stop worrying we can relax and have fun!
XXX
I love this on you, it looks fun and sporty and you wear it with 'tude. Great hat. Perfect!! I love the word gutties too, which I've never heard before. The question - is it too short - tends to pop up in my mind more frequently and I guess it's up to how strong I'm feeling 'tude-wise to insulate against the side eyes on any given day, because length tends to be a trigger point among rule-followers. I didn't know that leather had any age issues attached to it so I'm all for it. And about the fun aspect - I absolutely, positively believe we should have fun with our clothes. You always have the best photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the shout-out!
That is a spot-on observation..."how strong I'm feeling 'tude-wise".
DeleteI know those sideways glances (and sometimes full-frontal gawks)...sometimes I laugh, other times I check myself in the nearest mirror (just to be sure). I'm glad the leather issue is not an issue for you...just the hem length.
To be honest the "side eyes" will just be checking out your fabulous legs...unless you are sporting a tutu of course, then maybe (it is only a maybe) it is your skirt length!! Hahaha
Thank you for your comment.
XXX
I actually think you look amazing!! You definitely don't look over 40 and you have a young outlook on life, that's for sure, so have fun because leather looks great on you xx
ReplyDeleteSam // Samantha Betteridge
Thank you so much Samantha! That old cliche "Age is just a number" is very true. XXX
DeleteYaY! WoW! Another YaY Samantha! Thank you so much for the shout out here!
ReplyDeleteI love this little leather mini shift on you. You've got the legs for it, and you've styled it modestly. It's totally cute! Don't you love a second-hand find with the tags still on it! Insane right!?
Gosh, I just love admiring your styel. Cute tennies too;D
Big HuG! Love, Ann from Kremb de la Kremb
Thank you Ann!
DeleteIt's fab isn't it?...Second hand shopping that is actually new! I love that feeling.
I am glad you think I achieved a modest look.....Well, as modest as you can be in a leather mini! Ha ha.
XXX
I was thinking have I ever thought I was too old for something and the honest answer is no, never! Do women really question this, I wonder? It's never entered my head! Is it the right shape for me? Yes, definitely, or is it the right style for my personality ie it's unlikely I'll ever go minimalist in style! But age no.
ReplyDeleteLeather, just like any other fabric can look amazing on women of any age. And this looks so fun on you. I love the varying shades of grey and wool and leather are always a great combo.
And a fab pair of pins, Ms Blair!
I am so glad to hear that, Jacqueline!
DeleteHonestly, it is so refreshing.
I constantly hear women saying "It's too young for me/her", "she looks like mutton dressed as lamb", "I'm too old for that", "that's too young a style for me"....blah blah blah.
You have exactly the right attitude.
Shape and personality....or in my case personality then try and make the shape fit!
Thank you for your comment
XXX
Such a fun look! Love your coat!
ReplyDeleteThank you Amy, this 'coat' is actually a cardigan which I bought from a charity shop. Then I got bord of it, redonated, then bought it again when I missed it! Hahaha. xxx
Deletebored*
DeleteBeautiful message and outfit. I love Ann's style and need to check out the blogs of the other bloggers you recommended as I love to see others style and what fits them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me"
Rachel xo
Garay Treasures
Thank you so much Rachel! I hope you do check out these other blogs... they are such amazing and colourful characters! xxx
DeleteI sure believe we can still wear leather at our age ;) Love how you layered this dress and the sneakers give it a great touch!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you Thursday.
Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
Looking good as always, Samantha! I have a leather-like dress I love wearing - in fact, I need to pull it out soon this season. The main thing I ever question with my age is if something is too short, and then if I'm dubious I just throw on some tights. :) Your hat and sneakers were such fab choices with this look. Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday!
ReplyDeleteJennie - A Pocketful of Polka Dots
Great leather dress and such a cool look with your sneakers :)
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