AGE APPROPRIATE

#MamasStillGotIt

So last weekend I stopped by a video shoot to assist with some wardrobe styling. It was a shoot embracing motherhood of all ages and sizes. It got me thinking about how much I appreciate my mama and the fact that without her I'm not sure I would be as grounded as I feel I am.
Motherhood is a mahoosive selfless adventure. Your body completely changes from the shape you've known and toned it to be, to this weird big-bellied roundness lol. Not only do you begin to look different, but feel different. You become responsible for another life FOR LIFE. Being a mom doesn't stop just because your child has reached adulthood. Now, I'm not a mom yet, but I've realised and learned (already) from being in the presence of some amazing mothers that the gift of parenting is something to embrace regardless of unplanned pregnancies.
My mama has been my best friend since I discovered how annoying and funny she is! She has always been my number one fan even when she doesn't support the decisions I make. What I love about her the most is the discipline she has never failed to show me, regardless of where it would (temporarily) leave our relationship. She's fed my creativity as a child and gave me the freedom to try all the things I still really enjoy. Styling being one of the many, my mom is where I get it all from. She has a great eye for quality and pristine fashion. With that being said, over the years she has gained an 'older woman' perspective on how to dress. Staying away from anything that makes her look like she's 'trying to be on trend' as she says lol.
Along with my mom, a few older women have questioned my ability to create looks that are age appropriate for women of a certain age, whilst still being able to wear trendy items; skinny jeans, ripped jeans, denim jackets etc.

• A mature woman doesn't have to look old.
• A mature woman doesn't have limits with style or fashion.
• A mature woman can be on trend, feel youthful and fresh and still look age appropriate.

I have styled my mama in 3 outfits that prove these 3 things. Here's a before pic of her everyday work wear.

BEFORE

1. THE LEATHER TROUSER

Leather trousers for (some) older gals tend to be that risky texture that is  somewhat too edgy, young and ''hip'' to wear once you're over your 40s, but no honey! Age ain't nothing but a number! I styled my mom in a pair of skinny faux leather jeans and paired it with a simple lose fitting blouse. This flush of yellow is perfect for spring and nights out to the theatre.

TOP- Asian Shop
TROUSERS- Peacocks
SHOES- Blast from the past (old)
SCARF- H&M


2. THE DENIM JACKET

Denim is a material I consider timeless, ageless and limitless. It can be dressed up or down and can be worn (if worn right) in any season. The denim shirt compliments these tailored trousers taking the look from stiff to relaxed. An ideal smart/casual look for everyday wear. I chose gold as the accent of colour in accessories.

TOP- Basic Edition
TROUSERS- Jacques Vert
SHOES- Blast from the past (old)

3. THE TRAINER

My mom is really lady-like when it comes to shoes and ALWAYS wears heels. For a while I have tried to convince her to wear flat shoes when she rushing around running errands. Her reasoning is to look longer and leaner, which is I agree heels can do wonders!!! But finally she has given in! I styled her in this super free casual ensemble that is great for picnics in the park. A baby-doll fitting top hides a multitude of sins and is light-weight for hot weather. Teaming it with a pastel orange jacket and cropped jeans, keeps this look fresh and age appropriate.

JACKET- Project Classic
TOP- F&F (Tesco)
TROUSERS- Marks & Spencer's
TRAINERS- Nike

STYLE TIP- A mature woman doesn't have limits to her style! Don't let your age define how you feel and dress. You can keep up with the trends and still look age appropriate.


For enquiries email: anne_thompson25@hotmail.com

SPRING LOOKBOOK

Hey everyone!!

I've decided to put together a look-book of spring wear to inspire you all. These outfits are low maintenance and what I have been wearing to run errands. If you have been following my blog posts, you know that I always opt for simple, chic, comfortable and stylish items.
(Excuse the quality...better thangs coming :) #waitonit)

 

LOOK 1.

TOP- Eastend Thriftstore

TROUSERS- Vintage Shop

SHOES- United Footwear

 

LOOK  2.

 

JEAN JACKET- Newlook (customised by me)

LEOTARD- Cow Vintage Birmingham

JUMPSUIT- Primark (tied around waist)

TRAINERS- United Footwear

 

 

 

 

LOOK 3.

 

Top- H&M
Faux Leather Trousers- H&M
Sandals- United Footwear
Clutch- Unknown

 

LOOK 4.

 

Top- Marks and Spencer
Culottes- Marks & Spencer
Shoes- Dune
Bag- Charity Shop

 

LOOK 5.

 

Top- Asos
Jeans- Cow Vintage Birmingham
Sandals-
Bag-Market

 



COACHELLA!!!

#BRAIDS&SHADES

 

If you’re in the US, you’re either soaking up some rays or living it up at Coachella!! For those of you who don't know, Coachella is the countries biggest music festival in Cali, kinda the equivalent of Glastonbury or the V festival. Just south of Palm Springs it has almost every genre of music for the 100s and thousands of fans that gather for this event.  Artists such as Chris Brown are performing and celebs are out and about enjoying the festivities! I’m obviously not there (sob) but thought to throw together some light weight hippy-esk, boho inspired outfits seen as we’re experiencing some sunshine of our own this week.

I braided my hair a couple weeks back and I've secretly been channelling my inner Solange. These braids have me wanting to wear extra floaty pieces and tie-dye prints. Like Solange, I have been trying to reach for brighter colours and Aztec patterns, however my wardrobe doesn't have anything like this (yet). So with Coachella in mind I have opted for some accessible outfits, that are easy to wear for 20 degree weather!

Look 1.

 

TOP- H&M

JEANS- Vintage (customised by me)

SANDALS- United Footwear

GLASSES- Vintage Fair

 

A simple vest top is definitely ideal for hot weather. With this tee being so plain, I teamed it with a pair of distressed jeans and gladiator sandals. These two items of clothing definitely jazz up the look without creating any discomfort. A little fanny pack is also perfect to carry...a great size for all of your mini essentials!

 Look 2.

TOP- H&M

TROUSERS- H&M

BAG- Cow Vintage

GLASSES- Downtown LA

 

 I love these long cullotte-esk trousers. They're super comfortable and really carry off a boho chic vibe! I chose a similar shaped top to compliment them. This bottle green crop top is also comfy, light-weight and quite floaty. I went for matching accessories by carrying a tartan green backpack.

JERSEYS AND JACKETS

#JOGGERS&HEELS ?

I don't know about y'all but this weather is getting on my nerves lol... I want to ease off the layers and start floating around in maxi dresses. SPRING WHERE ARE YOU??! I complain about the weather way too much haha.
With that being said, I tend to lounge around in harems or joggers all day because of this and sometimes don't want to take them off, JUST to look somewhat decent if I'm leaving the house. So I came up with a quick solution to getting away with making them wearable. Add a jacket...a blazer! Structure is a great way to go from looking slouchy to casually chic. I put together three outfits that all adapt this simple style.

LOOK 1.

JACKET- Charity Shop (London)
T-SHIRT- Primark
JOGGERS- EBAY
SHOES- EBAY

Seen as we are in spring, I opted for bright colours. This neon orange blazer was purchased sometime last year in London. I bought it specifically for A/W14 London Fashion Week. It so happens that I have only worn it once, so I pulled it out the wardrobe for this look... it has that bold eye-catching feature. It is slightly oversized which is very fitting for the sporty look I was going for. To emphasise the structure and pull the look together, I chose these open toe mesh booties.

LOOK 2.

CAP- EBAY
JACKET- Jaegar
TOP- Cow Birmingham (Vintage)
JOGGERS- EBAY
SHOES- ASOS

I changed the jacket into an oversized structured cardigan. The material is heavy weight and textured. This jacket prevents the look from appearing thoughtless to stylish (pictures don't do it justice). I chose this baseball jersey specifically to add a contrast of colour but keeping within my comfort of slouchy attire. The strappy shoe dresses up the look while the cap ensures the style has some sort of order as a whole.

LOOK 3.

CAP- EBAY
JACKET- Kardashian Kollection
TOP- Cow Birmingham (Vintage)
JOGGERS- EBAY
SHOES- EBAY

This Kardashian Kollection blazer is very feminine and chic. The detail of this jacket is emphasised in the shoulders. The exaggerated shoulder pads and the form fitting structure is perfect when wanting to look powerful and lady-like. I teamed this blazer with a vibrant long Adidas vest top. To add another pop of colour and a bit of dimension, I chose to wear a pair of white block heeled shoes. 

If you can relate to my struggle, try out this look. Throw on your favourite pair of slouchy bottoms and chuck on a blazer! It may work! Let me know your thoughts, yay or nay? comment below!

STYLE TIP: The weather is NOT  an excuse to look bad lol.
Make something out of nothing! Change the bad into good! Apply this to all aspects of your life! :)