Style Tip - Fabulous & Beyond (FAB)

I'm starting a new series on the blog called FAB - Fabulous & Beyond...A grown-up guide to looking FABulous every day! I've just entered my forth decade and realised I have no idea what 40 is "supposed" to feel like let alone dress like???

I work in fashion, I love fashion and I am surrounded by fashion everyday, all day...yet, I don't want to look like an airbrushed teenage model with a waistline the size of my forearm or have my face motionless and expressionless...plus I'm very much on the voluptuous side and that's why I have decided to chat to you each week about "grown-up" fashion.

There is a whole generation of woman who are independent, intelligent and happy just the way we are! We don't want to be patronised by unrealistic images of what we are supposed to look like. We want to look beautiful and natural as we progress along...

"Plus" size models are finally getting some recognition...not nearly as much as they deserve and it still makes me laugh as to what the fashion industry perceives as "plus" size - your average size 12-14 woman...Research shows that the key consumers within the fashion industry are woman between ages 40-50! Woman who are affluent, financially independent, sophisticated and woman who are not threatened by advertising campaigns and photoshopped magazine editorials...

Woman of our age and beyond live longer, stay fit and healthy, look after ourselves and take care of our appearances. Woman with a lifelong interest in fashion don't just switch off the minute they reach a certain age...We are the same woman that read fashion magazines, stay current with the latest fashion trends and we are a tremendously powerful demographic.

Clothes can be really empowering, fashion can be really empowering and in the words of George Burns - "Young. Old. Just words." There is something really attractive about a woman who is confident about her age and style.

We need to stop dismissing woman as past-their-sell-by-date...mature is the new young!

I am 40 and I am happy with that...I strongly believe you don't have to be young to have style - it comes at every age. It's not about age but about mindset and with that thought I will leave you with this...You are never to old for silky pyjamas, leopard print, big sunglasses, the highest heels, a bright lipstick, skinny or ripped jeans, pilates/yoga, statement earrings and the latest fashion trends!

Let's be inspired to remain stylish forever!

(Inspired by the book Stylish Forever by Alyson Walsh and images courtesy of Pinterest)

Glamour Tip - Why Africa is everywhere right now...

Open a fashion magazine and you see tribal prints. Ethnic fashion and African influences are everywhere. Look at any international designer and they have taken inspiration form Africa...Herve Leger, Balenciaga, Balmain and Isabel Marant. 

African fashion is inspiring every S/S'15 mood board and collection...colours, prints, patterns, bright beading, bone and shell accessories, animal printed bags and exotic skin leathers...all can be incorporated into your everyday style...

My Glamour Tip is to choose an item and keep the rest basic. The above outfit is the perfect example...by adding simple accessories and a pop of colour, to make just enough of a statement. Another option is to bring the trend in with accessories like shoes, sunglasses or bags and jewellery.

By adding one or two statement pieces to your style you can embrace this trend and bring a little piece of Africa into your everyday look.

(All images courtesy of Pinterest)

My Power Item...

There is something almost life changing about slipping on an item that makes you feel powerful...it gives you a new found fierceness! For me its the leather jacket. I absolutely love a leather jacket. My favourite way to wear it is unexpectedly...with a beautiful dress.

Designers have made tweaks and updated the classic leather jacket throughout the years - Balmain gave it sharp shoulders and studs, Burberry cinched it with a belt - whichever cut you prefer, the leather jacket refuses to loose its edge...

Whether you wear the classic motorcycle cut or a more edgy and funky cut with studs and spikes or even a bright coloured or metallic one...wear it with confidence and feel instantly powerful...The leather jacket is a classic and powerful piece that can be worn with anything. Its a piece that will stand the test of time...a powerful investment.

(All images courtesy of Pinterest)