Making a BOLD statement after 40

Who is on the cover of fashion magazines? Jenner, Kloss, Hadid, Depp, etc...young women and even children are the IT models wearing designer labels on hanger bods. Why do we real women especially those over 40 succumb to a false life depicted by these waif mannequins which don't exist in real life if not for airbrushing and photoshopping? Craving to be just like them is just so vain and wishful thinking, ensued inevitably by sadness and depression knowing their waist line won't budge and a trip to Korea for plastic surgery is imminent?

Wherever you look, being young is constantly declared to be the ultimate goal of every beauty product on the shelf. I can't help but wonder id there is anything more realistic on TV targeting real women with real age? What is the point of advertising if not to a target audience who is comprised of over 45 women who have the spending power on beauty and fashion? What are they thinking when they make us invisible?

Things are changing recently albeit slowly. Older people are real women and they don't simply disappear off the radar when they turn 40! I start seeing fashion designers and bloggers celebrating mature women on catwalks, billboards, advertising commercials and talk shows, to name a few. We are encouraged to embrace ageing and see the beauty in it with evidences.

Julia Roberts, 49, 'the world's most beautiful woman' by People Magazine

Lauren Hutton, 73, modelling for Bottega Venetta and Calvin Klein front and centre

Gillean McLeod, 60, modelled for H&M

Lyn Slater, 63, campaigned for Mango 'A story of Uniqueness'

Amber Valletta, 43, on the cover of British Vogue

Jan de Villeneuve, 70


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Frances Dunscombe, 84, celebrating modern femininity

Maye Musk, 69, a model for 50 years

Yasmin le Bon, 52, the face of Winser London

Carol Middleton, 61, mother of the Duchess of Cambridge

Debbie Harry, 71, Diva of the Smoky Eye

Brigitte Macron, 64, First Lady of France

It is so refreshing to see older faces celebrating their maturity and sharing their love of fashion and style. I hope this is not just a passing fad as we older women are for life, not just for this season's marketing. Don't we all want to look healthy, stylish, modern and relevant? 

Amen.

Your closet reflects who you are! Make it exclusively YOURS!

My last few days were spent unpacking the boxes from my office and took inventory of the stock I have for my online boutique (https://carousell.com/rosayourpersonalstylist/). As I went through every single piece of clothing items, I asked myself why I bought them in the first place, what exactly drew me to acquire that piece to sell to my clients. I reflected on why I didn't own it but rather to sell it online. When I revamped my wardrobe, I was fully aware of all the whys as I learned more about myself through my choice of what I keep in my closet. 

I find myself having quite a few striped tops, a lot of white and some black, which ain't on my colour swatch at all! Being a true autumn, black and pure white are definitely not my cup of tea but then again, I do get compliments whenever I wear them. Could it be the style of the garments which is flattering or was it a wrong colour analysis to begin with? I doubt the latter to be frank but I do believe it is okay to wear a colour which is not my season and yet looking great! Apart from accessorising, how I feel on the day does matter and what I want to send out to the world through my selection of outfits definitely counts! 

Here are some of the questions you might like to ask yourself before walking out the door:

• Who are you when you wear it?
• Why do you choose that particular outfit?
• Do you like how you feel wearing it? What is the purpose of wearing it?

I would only put on something that fits, which flatters my body and complexion. I would never wear something dated (unless I want to make a statement with vintage) or blindly follow the trend. What I pick has to be appropriate for the occasion while looking decent. 

Others may wear something to hide some body parts which they feel embarrassed about. Then some people would choose to wear something that demands attention and authority, to reinforce their social status and showcasing how well-off they are with the limited editions and designer labels. Some women make an effort to look sexy in the hope of attracting a male prospect if they are desperate. And of course there are others who prefer to stay in the background, wearing 'uniforms' day in day out to prevent decision fatigue. All of which are valid reasons I can dispute.

There are other factors which determine how we dress ourselves. We are all affected by the way we were brought up somehow. The way our parents dress themselves, the criticisms we received in the past, the budget we have for vanity shopping, how we feel about our body and appearance right now (and ageing has a lot to do with our decision making process). The list is endless.

Now that I can see what I actually possess in my current wardrobe, I would love to get the most out of what is hanging in there. Try asking yourself the following next time you get dressed:

• Do I feel great in this outfit?
• Does it reflect who I am today?
• Does it incorporate my style personality?
• Does my choice help getting my message across?
• Do I feel confident wearing it?

I can totally understand how you feel overwhelmed by your full closet. I had been there and I can help if you let me. Clothing is an extension of who we are. We tell the world everything about our lives with what we put on on a particular day. What does the clothing in your closet say about you? What you wear is how you respond to yourself on a subconscious level. Make your wardrobe your personal boutique with only items that represent you and that you love every single piece that you keep. You will have yourself to thank for.

I am available for wardrobe management consultation if you do reach out. Drop me an email to wellbeing@netvigator.com to further discuss how I could be of help!