It’s all about Fashion this week in Singapore. Carolina Herrera, Nicolette Dinnigan and Hussein Chalayan, to name but a few, were in town to show us their fabulous clothes. I had the opportunity to attend a few shows as well as a few other events and I will show you some highlights in the coming weeks.

I have been wanting to create this kind of look for a while, namely to combine a wider top with a tighter skirt. I really like this as a winter look with a wide jumper, but since jumpers are out of the question here in hot Singapore, I had to translate it into a summer version. I opted for this old t-shirt from Zara which is longer and wider in the back than it is in the front. Since I also wanted to show my belt and a bit of waist, I semi tucked the t-shirt which has been a very popular look online.

This kind of look is very on trend right now, namely to combine more structured items (the skirt) with unstructured and oversized (the shirt). It’s also a good way to make your more formal wear more casual and hip. Instead of heels you can also wear this with flats, which takes it to the casual side even more.

It felt like a good modern / casual look for a day event at fashion week. It looked very chic with this new clutch from Unika Designers which can either be rolled or held as a bag.

Of course I still needed too much stuff (like my camera, ipad etc.) so I opted for a more practical red bag instead.

My gel nails added a funky touch to the look.

Later that day I wore the same skirt, but this time combined with my grey checkered top and black and white belt. For even more variations with this skirt you can see it combined with a grey/white silk top here and with a white blouse here.

I especially enjoyed wearing te top look which made me feel on trend, yet comfortable and casual.

Have you experimented with this look where you combine something structured (tighter) wih something unstructured (wider and loser)?

Skirt, Donna Karan (similar) , t-shirt Zara (old), shoes Max & Co, Bag Unika Designers, belt Tangs (similar), shoes Kenneth Cole,

It’s fashion week in Singapore, so I thought I’d put in a bit more effort towards my grooming. I decided I wanted some arty nails, so off I went to one of Singapore’s affordable nail salons to get it done.

When I selected a design the ladies recommended I’d go for gel nails instead of regular nail polish.

Advantages of gel nails

• Last a lot longer; she told me up to 3 weeks.
• Dry instantly so no need to wait.
• Easier to create some fabulous nail designs.

Since I have never done anything like this (both nail art and gel nails) I decided to give it a go. Mind you they did not tell me of any disadvantages, which I only found out about later! (see below)

How to get gel nails

Here is how the process works:

1. First your nails are filed and cleaned as in a normal manicure and sanded into shape. I always prefer to go with a rounded shape.
2. The tops of the nails need to be buffed to remove its natural shine. This way the primer for the gel nails will adhere better.
3. Cuticles are either pushed back or cut.
4. Then a primer is applied.
5. The first layer of UV nail gel is then applied. After that you place your fingers into a little box with UV drying light.
6. You then repeat this process with a second layer and a third layer.
7. You can use a file or buffer to shape your nails further.
8. Wash hands carefully to remove any acces gel left on fingers or hand.

Final results

I must say I’m very pleased with the final result. The nails are smooth and I especially like the design of my finger nails. They change colour with movement and sometimes the special dots are pink, other times silver, gold or blue. In the end I find my toes a bit boring. I opted for black and white combinations to fit in with the high contrast graphical trend and to give me many options as to what I could wear throughout the week. Black and white goes with everything.

Side effects and things to look out for

However, since acquiring the gel nails I read up a bit on the disadvantages of gel nails. I noticed that my nails are a bit more irritable after the procedure and I remembered some stories of other bloggers having negative experiences.

Disadvantages of gel nails

• There have been reports that gel nails can lead to cancer. The UV light from lamps used to set the gel manicures have the same kind of damaging effects as a sunbed. It is recommended to protect your hands with sunblock applying the gel.
• The treatment can cause the nail to thin.
• It can potentially lead to infections.
• Nails breakage can apparently be more painful as the nail breaks at a much higher point.
• Some specialists claim that it takes the nails about 6 weeks to recover from a gel treatment.
• It’s going to be a lot tougher to remove the gel. You will need to soak your nails in pure acetone, which is very drying to the fingers or file them off.

Although I’m happy with my nails now, I’m a bit worried as to how to maintain them over the coming weeks and to eventually remove the gel. Time will tell and I will update this article later with any final observations or write a separate one if I have a lot to add. For now, let’s just enjoy them!

Meanwhile I would like to hear from you. Who had gel nails before and what has been your experience with them? Would you ever consider getting them? What about nail art?

The heeled shoe is much celebrated on the Internet but we really should not forget about the stylish and arty flat. Many of you prefer to walk in flats and in my opinion they can be just as stylish and hip.

Provided of course that you choose a really modern and preferably arty one. Luckily there are so many nice ones to choose from at the moment. Have a look at the many options below. These are all shoes I would love to own myself.

If you still need more guidance on how to wear flats then check out my guidelines in ‘How to wear flat shoes“. (please note that RSS and Email subscribers need to click through to the article to see the list).

For a full list of all my favorite shoes that includes lots of great mid heel shoes, be sure to check the full list of shoes. Use as inspiration or happy shopping!

Will you embrace your flat sandals this summer?

If you have a look at some of the main style icons like Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn, their eternal style is characterized by a very elegant look. Simple lines, not too many frills and signature pieces (like Jackie O’s sunglasses and Audrey Hepburn’s shawls). As you know I am a fan of both ladies.

In some of the style books I have read lately, very often examples are given of ladies who have very few but high quality pieces and wear them repeatedly. They have a clear signature style and exude elegance and class. I admire that.

I also love women like Iris Apfel,  The style Crone and the Advanced Style ladies who have such a unique style and are constantly pushing their boundaries with new styles and ideas. I love that too.

A style dilemma

So here is is the dilemma that you may or may not have also. Although I would love to be this really classy woman with just a few super high quality pieces and a clear signature look, which in my case could be dressy pants with a classy asymmetrical top, I am constantly looking for the new and different. I hop from one style to another and I love fashion. I simply cannot go for just one style.

In the process I risk not being labelled as stylish, I will probably never bceome a style icon (just kidding), and some of my creations will be absolute fashion disasters. (certainly when you look back on them in 10 years time). If anything, as I get older, I want to be MORE daring, buy more unique outfits and take even more risks. This goes completely against the ‘signature style’ and ‘elegance’ so advocated by many of the style professionals.

Then again, on other days, I feel like sticking to a minimalist style: concentrate on the basics and just accessorize with a few special accessories. Keep it super elegant and chic. I think at the end of the day, that’s truer to my nature.

How to solve this?

It’s up to you if you consider this an issue. If you want to fully consistent with you style you may have to play it safe and go the chic and elegant route.

Or you can just accept that you are all over the place. Perhaps it does not need to be ‘solved’ and you and me can just have fun with our clothes.

As for me, I’m not yet able or willing to stick to a consistent ‘safe’ style. I will just go with the flow and buy clothes on impulse and intuition together with planned ensembles and essential basics to make sure that I have a versatile wardrobe. I feel that in essence I’m a minimalist, but a minimalist who likes interesting details and is always looking for great lines and silhouettes. I’m always attracted to new trends. I wonder if I will ever truly find one style that I can absolutely stick to.

In the end our style will always evolve.

That is a good thing because fashion and dressing yourself needs to be creative and exciting. At the very least I think it is important to truly understand yourself. To really understand your body and how you can best compliment it with the right clothes. It is also essential to choose clothes that suit your personality!

It’s not absolutely necessary to have a clear label for your style and stick to only ‘safe and elegant’ items. When you understand some of the key points about yourself and what works for you, you can just go with the flow. If you have trouble doing that then I highly recommend my my style course which is sure to let you discover your own unique style or cohesive style elements and will help you to dress better.

I like to hear from you!

Do you have a very clearly defined style? Or do you jump from one style to the next? How important is a cohesive style to you?

Photo above from the Hussein Chalayan Spring / Summer 2013 collection, who will be coming to Singapore’s Audi Fashion week this week, together with Carolina Herrara, Colette Dinnigan and others. For more info and tickets you can check out their website. I will attend a few shows so will be back with more info and impressions of Singapore’s major fashion event!

Ann is another blogger I discovered through my 40+ blogger community recently and I was immediately taken by her very creative outfits plus her amazing photos. Beautiful photos really DO make a difference and I’m so happy that bloggers such as Ann take the time and effort to make their photos truly special. The fact that she is an artist comes through in all her her creations and I’m certainly a fan! Time to discover both her style and hair secrets!

Hi Ann. Thanks for taking the time out to answer a few questions for 40PlusStyle.com. Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?

I’m an artist and creative partner with my husband, Dean Lucker. I sell my paintings to individual collectors and we make small editions of mechanical artwork sold to shops and galleries. We also exhibit at fine craft shows nationally.

As a point of reference which age group do you belong to or perhaps you are willing to share your age?

I am 51.

Can you tell us a bit more about your blog Blue Hue Wonderland? Why did you name it that?

The last five years have been a difficult time for me. Both of my parents were experiencing declining health and I was actively involved with their care. I had to put my needs on hold. This blog is my way of doing something positive for myself. I am enjoying sharing my interest in fashion with women and creating a place that documents this time in my life.
I named my blog “Blue Hue Wonderland” because it grew out of this blue time in my life and the northern light where I live has a blue cast. The word ‘wonderland’ describes the quality I’m searching for when I make my photos.

How would you describe your style

I see my style as an extension of my interest in art. Creativity has always been at the center of my life–it extends to my painting, gardening, interior design and fashion. I subscribe to some fashion magazines to keep current on style changes but follow trends in a low pressure way. I want my voice in fashion to be unique and timeless.

From the first moment I saw your blog I was drawn to your beautiful coats? Can you tell a bit more about your fascination with coats?

I live in a cold place. I love coats because I can wear simple outfits, then put on a coat and feel dressed.

You combine color, texture and creativity yet always look supremely elegant? What is your style secret?

Thank you so much. Color and texture are my speciality with my art so I think my years of experimenting naturally extends to how I see everything. I believe clothing can sparkle if one is wearing what truly reflects their unique spirit.

It’s true that outfits look extra special when they are photographed beautifully and yours always are. Who takes your photos and how much work goes into producing them?

I first think of the outfit I want to wear depending on the weather. Then Dean takes some quick pictures with the Ipad. I then adjust the accessories until I feel right about the combination. I do one post a week and I’m always looking for interesting backgrounds. We go to a site or two where I have a solid idea of the shots I want and Dean contributes his own perspective. Before I went to art school I studied commercial photography.

As an artist, art is obviously omnipresent in both your environment as well as in your outfits. What is a good way for others to dress more artfully while at the same time preserving timeless elegance?

I think one way to look more artistic is to purchase handmade jewelry. I think a simple dress with unique jewelry can look artistic. I like jewelry by Kenneth Cole available at Macy’s for a less expensive option.

I recently asked the question on whether or not to go grey or not. You are a great example of someone who has both a great cut and color where your grey hair blends in with other colors. Can you tell a bit more of how you achieved that look?

I have a wonderful hair stylist and I’ve been with her for 15 years. Gosh this is like a marriage! She foils my hair with three colors–the lightest is bleach, a medium blond and one darker tone. Since the base of my hair isn’t colored, some of the grey shows through. We have been talking at some point I will go gray, but for now this process is working. I cut and color my hair every seven to eight weeks.

Can you tell me where you live and how your location influences your style? Is it very different from others in your area?

I’m part of a vibrant arts community. People in my area generally dress in a conservative and casual manner with a good mix of stylish dressers.

What inspires your outfit choices the most?

Color, texture and mood.

Do you take things like color profiling or body type into account when you dress?

I try to wear colors that reduce the red undertone in my skin. When I shop I wear little makeup so I can see this. I’m also 5′ 4″ so I fall in between petite and regular sizes. It can be more of a challenge to find things I like in petites.

Would you say you have a signature style? And if yes, what are the main elements?

Right now I’m attracted to blouses with bow ties, structured jackets and slim pants. I’ve notice some of the younger women wearing tights that reflect their hair color. For me, I like textured light colored tights, but these things are always changing.

Has your style changed at all after turning 40?

Definitely less skin showing. I don’t do many tops and jackets without collars or anything low cut.

Do you believe in dressing ‘age appropriately’ and what does it mean to you?

‘Age appropriate’ just has so many negative associations for me. I like to think about ‘life style appropriate’. I need clothes with flair for my life choices. I am enjoying the variety of choices I see reflected in the many blogs of the 40 plus women. There’s many options depending on who you are.

Would you say that at this stage of your life you are now more, or less interested in fashion, style and the way you look?

I’m less interested in following trends. In my daily life I am low key about clothes. I’m busy and work at my studio with paint and wood so I wear bright colored jeans and thrifted sweaters. My blog shows outfits I wear to special events.

Why is the way you look important to you?

The way I look tells others that I respect myself and have an unique voice and outlook on life.

Which outfit from your site is your favorite outfit and why?

I like my green and pink post because it got me interested in wearing pink. I’ve never worn pink before so I purchased some pink jeans.

Do you follow trends? And if yes, which trends excite you at the moment?

I make the rounds, absorbing trends, picking and choosing. I like seeing more color and pattern mixing.

Do you have any fashion and style tips for women over 40?

Take some time for yourself if you can. Try that haircut or color you have been afraid to try. About every five years I cut my hair in a pixie for a change. If you see something in the store that delights your eye, try it on. You can always put it back on the hanger!

Do you plan to continue with blogging and how do you see your blog develop over the coming years?

I’m thinking short term for now. When I began I just thought about making the pictures. I know I’m still thinking about the next post.

Anything further you would like to add?

Thanks for asking me. I respect the blog you have created and I’m inspired by your style.

Note from Sylvia: Thank you Ann. Lovely to learn more about you! Be sure to check out her fabulous blog: Blue Hue Wonderland.

I love wearing jackets and blazers but here is Singapore they are always too hot, so I hardly wear them. When I went to Europe and felt like I had “nothing to wear” for cold Holland I bought this to add at least a little modernity to my winter wardrobe. Of course this particular blazer was too cold for Holland as it’s made of cotton and linen. It’s still too hot for Singapore as any jacket (certainly lined jackets) always are, although there are definitely opportunities to wear it indoors.

This a trendy jacket, following the current trend of high contrast and stripes. I’m well aware that the longevity of this jacket may not be that long, so I bought it at a low price at Zara. I think it’s ok to buy a few trendy items each season to add a bit of fun to your wardrobe even if you know that they may be very seasonal. I would not recommend to spend a LOT of money on very trendy items though. I reserve that for more timeless pieces of higher quality. That is why I like shops like Zara where you can buy trendy pieces at affordable prices. Be weary of the quality though. You don’t want to compromise too much and wear items of too low quality. This jacket still complied with my quality standards as it was made of cotton and linen.

My Opening Ceremony shooties were perfect for this outfit.

The tank top is by Balenciaga and acquired during a 75% off bazaar. I love the colorful print of this top and it provides some necessary contrast, playfulness and color to this outfit.

The trousers are from Zara too. I actually bought them as capris but they had so much access material left over, that I was able to lengthen them to almost full height. I still prefer to create a longer leg line.

The photo venue of today is the Artistry Cafe in the Arab Quarter of Singapore. It was setup by a Dutch national so we thought we may check it out. Unfortunately, the owner wasn’t there but we were still able to enjoy a nice cup of tea and enjoyed the artworks on display. The venue proved to be an excellent backdrop to both our outfits as well. I was there with Anja and again, you will have to wait for my photos of her. Soon, my friends, I will reveal all!

The jacket looks nice closed too.

As always Anja and I had fun catching up and creating these photos. It’s always a lovely surprise that a venue turns out to be perfect for a photo shoot. Plus we discovered a new place to hang out in Singapore. The Artistry has new exhibitions all the time and they also frequently organise jazz gigs. For more details check out their Facebook page.

Blazer and pants Zara, tank top Balenciaga, shoes Opening Ceremony, sunglasses Burberry

I hope you all enjoyed your Sunday and had fun dressing up! What did you wear this weekend?

To all of you that celebrate this today, happy mother’s day. Wishing you a beautiful and stylish Sunday!

Summer is fast approaching so you may want to get ready for the beach. Of course you will need the perfect swimwear (I’ve got a whole list of flattering bathing suits here) but just as important as the perfect bathing suit is a nice cover-up. Not only will you be able to stroll around the beach in style, it will also protect you from the sun or hide those bits that you’d rather not showcase all too much.

There are all kinds of options to cover up:

• You can just wear a t-shirt and capris.
• A long dress is really glamorous for the beach.
• A long cotton or silk scarf can look fab and is super easy to take with you.
• Shorts and clamdiggers are another great option worn with tunics or shirts.

Tunics and kaftans

But when you just go for a short stroll on the beach or you want something easy to slip over even when you’re still wet, nothing beats a nice tunic or kaftan. They are thin and airy and often look very glamorous. They protect you from the sun and are easy to wear with shorts or trousers if you like to. You can dress them up or down and combine them with shorts, skirts and trousers. They are the most versatile and practical beach cover-up in my opinion.

On and around the beach I wear these with nothing (just my bathing suit underneath). I may add shorts or capris for travelling further out or to go for diner or lunch.

A good tunic can also double up as a nice top for normal casual wear.

I had a look around the online shops and found these fabulous tunics and kaftans. Use as inspiration or happy shopping! (please note newsletter & RSS subscribers will need to click through to the article to see this)

Which one is your favorite and how do you like to cover up for the beach?

I have never discussed perfumes on this site. Yet it can be a major component of style for many women. Coco Chanel certainly thought so!

I decided to do a bit of ‘sniffing around’ to find out about how important perfumes are for other women and which ones are the most popular.

Celebrity perfumes

Coco Chanel was of course one of the most famous perfume lovers. She was very much involved in developing her signature scent Chanel No 5, which is still one of the most popular perfumes today.

The Washingtonian recently reported that Michelle Obama loves Creed Love in White. She apparently loves soft, gracious and sweet perfumes.

Audrey Hepburn  was a fan of Creed Spring Flower. Due to her close collaboration with Givenchy though, he created a perfume exclusively for her, L’Interdit Givenchy, which she loved as well. Apparently she was rather disappointed when he decided to release this perfume on the market.

Donatella Versace has so many perfumes, she has a gigantic display cabinet full of them.

We all know what Marilyn Monroe liked best!

What are the most famous perfumes in the world?

1. Chanel No. 5

Still the most famous perfume of all and the most sold.

2 / 3. J’Adore and Poison by Christian Dior

Poison was very popular in the 80s but is gaining popularity while J’Adore is currently Dior most popular perfume.

4 / 5 Opium and Rive Gauche by Yves Saint Laurent

Opium is heavy and sensual while Rive Gauche is more feminine and fresh. The latter was a long-time favorite of mine.

6. Angel by Thierry Mugler

Loved by many, if only for its beautifully designed bottle.

Now I must admit that smell has never been a major component of my own style as I’m not such a sensory person. Although I like to smell fresh at all times, of course, I prefer my perfume to be as subtle as possible. I would love to hear how it is for you!

How important is perfume to your style? Do you stick with one perfume or are you constantly trying new scents? What is your current favorite?

I have not talked much about wearing glasses and getting the right eyewear even though it’s a hugely important part of your look. Glasses are right in the middle of your face so people cannot help but noticing them. So rather than spending lots of money on those really trendy shoes, you may want to invest in a good pair of glasses instead.

Here is why good eyewear is so important

1. You only get that one chance to make a great first impression!
2. Eyewear can completely change your look – and depending on the frame, can make you look sexier, more youthful, etc. The wrong pair can certainly have the opposite effect. It’s fun to experiment with different types and become more edgier one day and more romantic the next.
3. Eyewear is an accessory. Like for your shoes and hand bags you will want to match your glasses to the rest of your outfit, so it becomes one integrated whole. Although it’s good to have one very versatile pair that fits with everything, it’s great fun to have more pairs in different colors and styles.
4. Since glasses come in so many different colors and styles, why not have multiple to match your moods? You may even want to have different frames for office, free time or formal parties.

I’m very pleased that one of the best shops for high quality eyewear, Vizio Optic, has invited me to go through their shop and highlight some great eyewear options for women over 40. This shop specializes in specialty designer eyewear and brands that are usually not sold in more generic eyewear stores. Although they sell popular brands like Chanel and Ray Ban, most of their brands like Lafont, Face a Face, Oliver Goldsmith, etc. make ONLY eyewear. They only live and breathe eyewear designs and nothing else and focus on making things that are truly special. Another good example of such a brand is Swissflex, of which I will tell you more later.

What eyewear should women over 40 go for?

When it comes to glasses over 40 you will want to make sure that you pick glasses that do not age you.

Avoid

• Boring and outdated frames
• Metal rims
• Frames that droop downward
• Half glasses
• Coke bottle lenses

Things to keep in mind when choosing your eyewear

• Try to add warmth and softness to your face. Translucent colors are often better than hard metals.
• Add color: one of the easiest ways to add a bit of hipness to your style.
• After 40 you will want things to go up not down, so choose frames that are horizontal and have a slight tilt at the outer edges. You will want to eye to be drawn upward!
• Get glasses that suit your face shape.

1. Face a Face 2. Etnia Bergen 3. Lafont

Sunglasses are a 40+ woman’s best friend!

If you are like me then your eyes show your age the most. In my case there are wrinkles and dark circles. The absolute best remedy for this are sunglasses which have the extra benefit of protecting your eyes from dangerous rays as well. You will hardly ever see me outside or in my car without them. Shops like VizioOptic will allow you to get your sunglasses with prescription glasses as well. Perfect for people like me who require glasses for driving.

1. Lindbergh 2. Lafront 3. Oliver Goldsmith

My personal experience with wearing glasses

I have been a life-long glasses wearer although I don’t often wear them in public. I have 4 sets of glasses:

1. Sunglasses, frequently seen on the site. My black ones are at strength so perfect for driving!
2. For driving and long distance
3. For computer use: middle long distance
4. For reading

I basically wear my glasses almost the whole day. Although I would love to wear some of the frames I feature above, my eyes are quite peculiar and I get distracted by glasses that are too small or have very bright frames. Some glasses tend to get heavy on my ears as well. For all the reasons mentioned above most of my glasses are now from a brand called Swissflex which is also sold by VizioOptic. These glasses are super light-weight and almost unbreakable. I know I could look a lot sexier and hipper (and I would definitely get one of the colorful frames featured above if I stepped out with glasses in public) but these are super practical. I also wear my ‘driving glasses’ at tennis. These glasses automatically change color when in sunlight so they also function as sunglasses. They are the only sunglasses I can tolerate on the tennis court!

For all the examples mentioned above and many, many more, head on over to VizioOptic. They truly have an amazing assortment of high quality glasses. Happy shopping!

Today I have a real treat for you! Judith’s blog The Style Crone has been a long-time style crush of mine and is one of my favorite style blogs. Not only does she have exquisite style, she is also a very poetic writer. She is as elegant with her writing as her style and I’m often very moved by her stories of grief and transformation. I know of noone else who wears hats with such style and elegance, nor anyone who looks so young, fresh and modern with vintage clothing. She was also featured in Ari Seth Cohen’s marvellous book Advanced Style.

There were plenty of headings to choose from for this style lesson:

• How to look young & hip and look 20 years younger
• How to dress in a unique style that is completely your own
• How to wear skinnies over sixty
• How to wear color and play with patterns
• How to have fun dressing

I could go on. In the end though, Judith’s true passion is hats. Today she will reveal some of her style secrets and talk about her passion for both hats and blogging. I’m sure you will be as inspired as I was when I read her answers. Enjoy!

Hi Judith. Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for 40PlusStyle. Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?

I spent most of my life working in health care as a master’s level psychiatric nurse, mostly in an emergency setting. I found that putting an outfit together set the tone for my day, which included talking with interesting and traumatized people in the midst of crisis. I was always amazed by the strength of the human spirit during difficult and overwhelming circumstances. The stories reside with me to this day. The process of creative self expression became a daily ritual, a form of art, self entertainment, a way to ground myself and it was fun.

As a point of reference which age group do you belong to or perhaps you are willing to share your age?

I turned 70 about a month ago. I’m healthy, which is the most important factor in my life and I spend time maintaining that, knowing that without out it everything becomes more difficult. I know that I can’t control the future in so many ways, including my health, but I have been focusing on how I want to spend my time, knowing that to be alive is a gift.

Can you tell us a bit more about your blog. Why did you start a personal style blog?

I started my blog in July of 2010. At that time, my husband Nelson had been living with cancer for over five years. I launched Style Crone as a way to cope with a difficult life situation with the full support and encouragement of Nelson. He was my photographer as I posted photos of my outfits and wrote about my ensembles, which always included a hat, and my process as a caregiver. ‘What to Wear to Chemo’ became a regular series. I blogged through Nelson’s death, through grieving and now through what I refer to as my transformation. I also wrote about the process of aging. I was inspired by Ari Seth Cohen’s Advanced Style, which features magnificent older women (and sometimes men) who express themselves through style. I am grateful that Ari started a movement which encourages older people to remain visible, contrary to cultural norms. I also discovered numerous blogs by mostly women of a certain age, which also encouraged me to take the step of publishing my first post. And I never looked back!

You call your blog The Style Crone. Why did you choose to call it that?

It took time and thought to choose the name for my blog. I became aware that there were no positive terms to describe older women. Mature can be used to describe a woman of any age. I learned that ‘hag’ used to mean ‘holy one.’ I researched the word crone, which for some reason spoke to me. Today it is defined as ‘ugly old woman,’ but in times past it described a woman who was revered, wise and valued in communities. I decided that using this word in a positive way could be a drop in the ocean in the process of changing the perception of aging. Crone has become an endearing term to me.

How would you describe your style?

That’s a good question. Perhaps eclectic, but I have difficulty coming up with a label. Most of what I wear is from estate sales, consignment shops, thrift stores and yard sales. I’ve been collecting vintage since the 70′s and my hats have a special room in my home. I love to experiment and play with ideas and concepts, and believe that building an outfit is a form of body collage.

What would you define as the main components of your style? What makes an outfit truly Judith?

My hat is usually the main component of my outfit, or at least the starting point. Sometimes I change it up and start with another element, such as the shoes, or a jacket. It could be anything. Then I just go from there. It’s an organic process for me and part of who I am. At times it has a meditative feel and I lose myself in the process.

How do you go about choosing your clothes and what inspires your outfits?

I choose my outfits based on my activities, events and the rhythm of the day. I never leave the house without a hat. I wear a hat to yoga, but it comes off before I enter the studio. If I’m going out to a party or an event, I dress to the nines. However, I’m sensitive to the occasion and dress accordingly, such as for a memorial service, but as a daily practice, I dress for myself. Inspiration is everywhere. Nature, the diversity of people, travel, other bloggers, theatre, architecture, movies, history, books, life experiences, art, music. My outfits are a reflection of my inner self and my life as it unfolds.

Do you take things like colour profiling or body type into account when you dress?

I dress instinctively. I choose clothing because it speaks to me or attracts me in some way. I love to experiment, repurpose pieces and challenge myself. I don’t use color profiling, but over the years I have developed a sense for what shapes work best for my body type. I use the mirror to tell me if an outfit is pleasing to me.

Your style always incorporates a hat. Why is that?

I started wearing hats in the 70′s. I had a friend who owned a vintage clothing store, and I began wearing hats everywhere. I worked at a mental health center during that time, and wore hats to work as well. I found acceptance in my work place, so freedom of expression became second nature. I also found hats in consignment stores, estate sales and thrift shops. I was fascinated by how I could change the spirit of any outfit with the addition of a hat. I don’t feel fully dressed or complete without headwear.

Why are hats so special to you?

Hats are my passion. I don’t know where it came from. My love of hats escalated when I opened a hat shop with a partner who, like me, was a psychiatric nurse. We had no retail or business experience, but miraculously kept the shop open for four years. The experience changed me in many ways. I became drawn to hats created with sumptuous materials and interesting shapes. I also love cocktail hats with their whimsy and mystery. Veils are especially appealing. Every hat has its own personality and the more interesting, the better. Like people!

How do you go about choosing the right hat? What are you looking for in a new hat?

I just put it on my head and take a look in the mirror. If I love the color, the shape, and it’s out of the ordinary, I have fallen in love all over again. At this point, it has to be very unusual to catch my attention. My hat collection is extensive and I don’t want to bring anything home that doesn’t fascinate or inspire.

What is your favorite hat and why?

I don’t have a favorite hat. I love them all for their own beauty, personality and statement, and what they add to my life across the continuum. I have a hat room where my hats reside and I arrange mostly by color. The casual hats that I wear for errands and appointments have a special allure, and my evening hats are playful and dramatic. They also contain the memories of my life, which makes it difficult to downsize.

How would other women that aspire to wearing more hats get started?

I would say to start with something understated, like a beret or fedora. Scanning thrift shops or consignment stores is an inexpensive way to start. Wear the hat for a short period of time at first, such as out to coffee or a walk in the park. Just like any new behavior, It takes a bit of practice, but you may notice that you get a better seat at a restaurant or someone may say, ‘That’s a great hat!’ Before long, it may become a habit and then you are hooked! I was known to tell customers in the hat shop to ‘just put the hat on your head and walk.’ It’s not a life long commitment, and you can always take it off.

Would you say you have a signature style? And if yes, what are the main elements?

I’m all over the map with my self expression, and am willing to try almost anything that interests me. I would say that a hat is my signature, and I enjoy wearing the vintage pieces from my collection in combination with modern items. I am also fascinated by gloves, and have a collection that I have acquired over the years that add a special touch to an outfit. Accessories and details are the excitement of any ensemble.

Has your style changed at all after turning 40?

I owned my hat shop in my 40′s, so my style was evolving during that time. Having worked in health care all of my life, it was an exploration and a new experience. That was about 30 years ago, and change is a part of life. I have become more experimental over time and that continues to this day. And I believe I will continue to do so. Growth, change and curiosity have followed me throughout the decades.

Do you believe in dressing ‘age appropriately’ and what does it mean to you?

I dress according to my comfort level and what makes me happy. Self expression and fun are part of the picture. I don’t rely on rules or directives. If a garment or accessory pleases me, that is the criteria that I follow. If the reflection in the mirror makes me smile, out the door I go.

Would you say that at this stage of your life you are now more, or less interested in fashion, style and the way you look?

I would say that as I age, I have become more focused on my personal style. Part of this is because of my blog. I frequently and playfully put together outfits in my mind. It has helped me live with intention through difficult times and it is now part of the transformation of my life.

Why is the way you look important to you?

Putting together an outfit is creative for me and an expression of the internal, a reflection of a space in time. Because it is part of me, I want that expression to be pleasing. I dress for myself and how it makes me feel. I also feel it reflects self respect and is a way that I care for myself.

Which outfit on your site is your favorite outfit and why?

I don’t have a favorite outfit, and if I do, it changes by the time I put another ensemble together.

Do you have any style tips for women over 40 that you like to share?

Have fun and express yourself. It doesn’t have to be serious and it can add to the pleasure of life. Like eating chocolate or experimenting with a new persona. It’s not life or death and you can always change your outfit if it doesn’t please you. Creativity is life enhancing! Also, the blogs that I follow inspire me and encourage new ideas. The blogging community has much diversity of style, and because I love differences, I am enchanted by the new and interesting images that are available in an instant. I am in awe of what the blogging community has to offer. Even if it isn’t my style, I admire the art in all of its glory.

Do you plan to continue with blogging and how do you see your blog develop over the coming years?

I plan to continue blogging until I wear my last hat. I have a rhythm now that feels comfortable and I try to avoid self pressure. I have found that I could live in the limitless blog world 24/7, as there are always new bloggers that I discover and want to follow. So I’ve had to find balance and peace with the concept that I have other activities in life that are important to me.

I have benefitted greatly from the blogging community, which includes you, Sylvia. It has been a huge support and I learn something new almost every day. I have met so many warm and wonderful people and my life has changed because of it. Another gift that blogging has brought to me is that I fell in love with writing as another form of self expression. My blog has been a lifeline during difficult times and has helped me process my grief and my transformation. I can’t imagine not having this community in my life, as it has been an integral part of the intensity of the last almost three years.

I am also aware of my mortality at this point. Health and relationships are at the top of my list. I think about how I want to spend my time, what I want to accomplish, what I want my days to look like, how I want to give back. I want to be a part of the movement to change the current perception of aging and contribute to the concept that women have value no matter their age.

Also, I have developed a line of headwear for people who have hair loss secondary to medical problems and I want to get that off the ground. I want to travel and experience the diversity of the world. And still have time to smell the roses, while wearing a hat, of course. I have learned that life turns on a dime and the paths that will present themselves are yet unknown.

Anything further you would like to add?

Thank you Sylvia, for the opportunity to express myself with this interview. I’ve enjoyed and admired your blog for a long time now, and I appreciate your warmth, sense of adventure and the information that you share with this vibrant and diverse group of bloggers that I dearly love.

Note from Sylvia: I’m sure you agree with me that there were many lessons in this interview. In fact I shared one of her quotes on my Facebook page if you like to share it. Perhaps I will have a chance to meet Judith this year and if not, then I hope her love of travel brings her to my part of the world! For now, be sure to visit her fabulous blog Style Crone!

I recently got together with Anja and both our husbands at Indochine in Gardens by the Bay Singapore. By coincidence we were very coordinated with our outfits. We were both wearing printed pants and both featured the color green.

You may be surprised that I’m wearing both printed pants (yes I succumbed) and pants that are way too short. To be honest I almost returned these pants as I thought they were indeed too short and too unflattering. Still I really like the green paisly print of these capris and and they would come in handy with some of my summer outfits.

On these photos they are actually not looking all that good which is partly because the wrong lens was used which distorts the body and makes the lower part disproportionally smaller.

Anja was looking very nice in this printed pants and green tunic combination, which turns out to be a reject from Greetje. Gotta love friends like that!

Singapore has changed a lot over the last 5 years. When I arrived here 7 years ago, not much of what you see on these pictures was there.

Around that time the Singapore government decided that they needed a new source of income for the city to maintain its economic growth. They also wanted to make Singapore a more vibrant and happening place. The solution was found in the creation of 2 integrated resorts, both built around a casino. One resort, Resort Worlds Sentosa, was created  on Singapore’s ‘pleasure’ island Sentosa.

The other one, Marina Bay Sands, was established in a newly created area in the Marina Bay. Over the last 5 years there has been lots of construction in both these 2 areas and both resorts are now complete. These pictures today are taken at Marina Bay Sands. Part of the contract of these resorts is that they have allocate a pre-determined large percentage of their total space to recreational space for the whole community. That is why Singapore now has a new amusement park, a new aquarium  a new museum, new shopping centres and also this new parc: Gardens By The Bay that I featured on the site before during daylight.

The park includes several restaurants and Indochine is one of them. It sits on top of one of these ‘supertrees’ and provides amazing views over the city. The food is pretty good too!

Here is another picture of the green pants complete with green hat, which is not so distorted. I’m even wearing the capris with flats this time.

I’m joining the fabulous style party at Patti’s.

Capris Zara, Shirt Cos, black shoes Ecco

I hope you enjoyed your weekend? What have you been wearing?

Sometimes the nicest clothes are the most simple. The white shirt is a classic item that will never go out of style. It is a must-have for every woman.

I have recently fallen in love with the white shirt again. I featured it this Monday and will feature it again next week.

Here are just some of the advantages of a nice white blouse

• It gives you a clean crisp look.
• It combines with every other color you have.
• It is a perfect background for your fabulous accessories like jewelry and scarves.
• It is perfect to wear with all the printed trousers that are so fashionable now.
• You can wear them in so many different ways.
  - Tuck them in.
  - Wear with a bult
  - Semi tuck
  - Wear them lose over a singlet
  - Tie a knot in front
  - Wear to the Oscars with a formal long skirt (remember Sharon Stone!)

There are a few drawbacks as well

• It can make you look a bit washed out (adding accessories can help with this)
• They get dirty really quickly (Getting the right product for washing can help. Heather recently published tips on keeping whites white and she currently has a giveaway of her favorite whitening product. Be sure to check that out!)

With those points in mind let’s have a look at some fabulous examples of women wearing the white blouse in style! Although all these examples are from young women, it will serve as great inspiration for us women over 40 as well.

With pants

With Skirts

Here are some more ideas and examples of white shirts that you can buy in stores right now.

How do you feel about the white blouse? Is it an essential for you? How do you wear it?

Images via Pinterest: top: black pants, yellow pants, Pants red pants, green pants, blue pants, blue skirt, grey skirt, pink skirt (please note that I will always try to credit the original creator of the image. Unfortunately, not all photos contained links to the original source. If one of these belongs to you, please let me know and I will add your link).

Are you as excited as me to see the film The Great Gatsby from Baz Luhrman and starring Leonardi Di Caprio, Toby Maguire and Carey Mulligan? I think it’s going to to be feast of cinematic experience, drama, fashion and music. I expect it to be in the same league as his other great films Moulin Rouge and Romeo and Juliet so I have very high expectations!

To get you and myself in the mood for this film, have a look at this beautiful trailor featuring music from Lana del Rey (another favorite) and Beyonce.

What I love about Baz Luhrman and his wife Catherine Martin is that they pay a LOT of attention to both music and fashion. They are as important as the film itself and in turn they influence the fashion we wear.

Here are some pictures (all taken from the movie’s promotional website).

Want to go to this film in (Great Gatsby) style? Here are some ideas inspired by the film, many of them by discount retailer The Outnet where you can buy many high-end designers at a high discount.

Are you going to see the film?

I’m a bit of a control freak. I like to write my own articles and have not been very open to guest articles on this site. However I also see the enormous benefit of tapping into the wealth of experiences with fashion, beauty and health issues that you all have.

I loved the articles written my readers Suzanne (What is the secret to looking amazing and youthful at 40+), Anja (how to cover your upper arms while staying stylish and cool) and Shannon (featuring 40+ stylish woman Val).

I would love to publish more great articles like these so I have decided to open up this site up for guest writers, albeit with some very clear rules and guidelines.

What kind of articles am I looking for?

I love articles that talk about personal experiences that relate to looking and feeling fabulous after 40. All the articles mentioned above are a great example of that.

• Tell a story on how you arrived at your current style or how you came out of your style rut.
• Document how you dress for your body type or how you experimented with different types of clothes (with lots of photos).
• Have a specific skill? Write a great ‘how to’ article that my audience can benefit from with either videos or photos.
• Had a significant life experience that affected your life in a major way, tell us the story.
• Do you have brilliant style, beauty or fashion advice? Let us know.
• Do you make fantastic collages (through Polyvore), show us your ideas on how to dress for a certain situation or for a specific trend.
• Still don’t have any inspiration for an article but love to write for us, I have a large list of story ideas. If you tel me more about you or your expertise I may give you a topic.

These are just some general ideas, but use your creativity and keep the 40+ audience in mind!

What are the benefits of getting published at 40+Style?

• You have a chance to connect with the many 40+Style readers (more than 100,000 visitors every month).
• Help other readers by sharing your personal experience. You may be amazed how much it could help them.
• You may meet some new friends as readers reply to your content in the comments and connect with you.
• I will personally optimize your article so it gets found in Google. If you write about a popular topic it may give you a continuous stream of visitors to your site.
• An optional permanent link at 40PlusStyle.

General guidelines:

Due to the large amount of spam and promotional pitches I receive and to ensure that only quality articles are published at 40+Style I’m going to be strict. Please read carefully and only submit an article if your comply with these guidelines:

1. The article needs to be at least  400 words long.
2. Every article on 40+ Style needs a photo. If you don’t own a good photo (for which you own the copyright) then provide ideas as to what kind of photo your article should have.
3. If the article is about your unique style be sure to provide lots of high quality photos of at least 600pixels wide. These articles too need to be at least 400 words long. Talk about your style secrets or how you came to find your own unique style.
4. Articles cannot be promotional in any way and need to contain information that is either entertaining, inspirational or helpful to my audience.
5. I will not accept any articles by writers that write for brands. If the article has any promotional content or is written for a brand you need to make use of one of our advertising options.
6. You will receive one link to a page of your choice in your author profile which can be a facebook page or your blog. As mentioned before, I do not accept any links to promotional pages of any kind.
7. I reserve the right to edit your article as I see fit. Please carefully check the spelling and structure of your article before submitting. If your article is full of grammar errors or sloppily presented, I will reject it automatically.
8. Any article that is submitted to 40+Style cannot be published anywhere else. It also needs to be 100% your own work.
9. Only high quality articles are accepted and I can never guarantee that an article you submit will be published. Of course I will always inform you of my decision and give you feedback on the reasons.
10. If your article is accepted, please make sure to engage with my audience and reply to any comments your article will get.

How to submit an article?

1. Send the article to sylvia [at] 40plusstyle.com or use the contact form.
2. You are welcome to pitch the article idea to me before you write it and I will give you feedback on whether or not it’s a good fit for 40+Style.
3. I will notify you if your article is accepted or if any editing should be done. Please leave a space of at least one week for me to reply to you.

Are you keen to give it a go? I look forward to receiving your articles!

In the last results article of the black + white+ one color challenge, I asked you all to try the dress over pants look. I knew this was going to be a real challenge for some of you, but I’m glad to say that those that submitted their entries really stepped up to the plate! Have a look how gorgeous they all look and take inspiration for your own outfits. As always you are welcome to submit those to the style forum.

Trina – Teatime with Trina

Deborah – Stylish Murmurs

Ana, Mrs American Made

Alice – Happiness at midlife

Renita – My Life While Shopping

Greetje – No Fear of Fashion

Gorgeous ladies. Well done! I know this was a new look for some of you and I applaud you for trying something different!

On to the next challenge: White!

Summer is fast approaching and more and more of you now experience better weather. Why not celebrate the arrival with better weather with a bit of white? White on white or wearing all round neutrals is a huge trend that I’m sure you will see a lot of this summer. But you can also combine your white with a fierce bright, another hot summer trend.

I also know that some of you are a bit afraid of wearing white especially as a bottom, so I challenge you to try it. I’m a huge fan of white. It’s such a fresh and clean color and so easy to combine with almost any other color. For inspiration, here are some of my own examples of how I wear white:

• Bottom half: more than 26 (!) examples of how I wear white trousers, white skirt, white shorts
• Top half: white dress worn over pants, white blouse, white top, white tunic, white jacket, white short dress

I will leave it up to you on how you want to wear your white so long as at least your top half or bottom half is white. Just adding a little white accessory will not suffice!

It’s easy to participate!

Participating in the dressing challenge is easy. Just send or publish 2 photos of you in an outfit featuring different outfits with 1 block of white. You can do any of the following:

1. You can upload your entries to the forum with ‘white challenge’ in the subject. Upload instructions for photos are here.
2. Send them by email to sylvia at 40plusstyle.com. Photos need to be at least 300 pixels wide, but you are welcome to send me larger pictures. I will show your photos side by side (as shown above) so if you could send the complete collage, then even better. The image needs to be exactly 600 pixels wide with a white 2 pixel (not cm) separator exactly in the middle (at 299 pixels). No white border outside the image.
3. Create a post citing this dressing challenge and put a link in the article back to this post. I will then find you automatically and get your images! You can also remind me by tweeting about it and adding my twitter handle @40plusstyle in your tweet.

Please have your entries in by May 25.

Good luck everyone with this new challenge!

For now, what do you think of the above dress over trousers looks? Will you be wearing this look in the coming season?

Recently I was invited to the opening of In Situ Design a new design concept showroom and shop in Singapore focussing on art and interior design. It is a collaboration between creative director Isabelle Persenda and Eric Ledoigt who founded In Situ in Guatemala. In Situ features creative concepts by talented international designers and artists.

Above and below you can also see 2 artworks from a German artist, made out of nails. Both depicting faces and they need to be seen from a further distance than on these photos. They look spectacular.

The showroom showcases handcrafted pieces, including furniture, decorations, antiques, soft furnishings and art pieces. The showroom embodies a style of living, inspired by Isabelle herself, with a striking interior design and a warm, soulful ambience. The bespoke fittings complete the scene and highlight the creative collection.

Key items in the collection include sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, consoles and a limited collection of antique pieces, striking the ideal balance between modern and vintage. In Situ also features bedspreads and bed covers, soft furnishings and tablemats – all handmade, handcrafted or hand-woven on loom from 100% cotton, as well as coasters, wall ornaments and gold-leaf items. In Situ also provides personalised home interior design consultancy services to help their clients to visualise, choose and create their desired habitats.

Of course I was interested in the fashion on display too! Here is blogger buddy Paula looking fabulous in a dress.

Love to wear  a little black dress? Make it look amazing with the addition of a stand-out bag. I love her Issey Miyake Bao Bao bag, which is now also on my wish list. Really digging her haircut too!

Two more fabulous ladies. The woman in front was wearing some killer heals, wich unfortunately is not captured in this image. She looked great in her colorful peplum. And what a great hair color does the lady in the back have!

Here is a better view of that remarkable table.

You all know the fabulous Anja who was looking as colorful as ever.

I loved this assymetrical dress from local label Saturday which is so beautifully paired with the hip shoes. Also note the painting in the back. That would be a great talking piece for your living room!

The picture below looks like a necklace but is actually an art piece for your wall and is more than 1m wide (pictures can be deceiving).

Some further impressions from the show room…

Designer Eric Ledoigt together with the PR agent, looking very chic in her textured dress.

They had a lot of beautiful things at In situ and I really love their aesthetic. If you love orginial design and beautiful interiors then I would encourage you to give In Situ a visit. They can be found at: 238 River Valley Road in Singapore and are open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 12 to 5 pm. For more info you can also visit their Facebook page.

Did you see anything you like (both in terms of fashion or furniture)?

Brights are another hot spring / summer 2013 trend. One I have already heartily indulged in as I own a royal blue top, several red tops, bright green pants and recently also bought a bright yellow skirt (to be featured soon).

On the runway this trend was prominent with designers like Gucci, Burberry Prorsum and Dior, where brights were worn one big color block or combined with other brights.

How can you wear brights?

Many women may find this a difficult trend to pull of. Certainly you need quite a lot of confidence to step out in an all-over bright outfit, but if you crave the attention and want to stand out, it can be a lot of fun too. It’s also a perfect trend to combine with the high contrast black and white trend.

Below are some ideas on how you can wear this trend casually, in the office or at a party.

Wearing brights in more subtle ways

Of course there are many other ways to incorporate the brights trend into your wardrobe.

• Combine a bright with something white. I love wearing bright tops with neutral trousers like my white ones.
• Choose an accessory to make a statement. Great accessories for adding a bright are: a belt, a bag, a scarf, a necklace and even a hat.
• Let you shoes be your statement. There are no limits to what you can do with shoes and a bright yellow shoe with an otherwise neutral outfit can really lift the outfit.
• Don’t want to go too bright? Just tone down the color a bit. The purple dress above left is not super bright, yet still makes a clear color statement.

Here are some lovely items I found in the shops. (if you can’t see the slideshow above, click through to the article and see it online).

Are your embracing the brights trend? How are planning on incorporating this trend into your wardrobe?

I discovered Beverly when she submitted her blog for my 40+ bloggers community page. I was immediately taken by her modern and fashionable style, which surprisingly she achieves with this formula: classic + classic + trendy. Very smart! When she revealed that almost all of her clothes are bought at mainstream stores like H&M and Gap, I knew that I had to feature her at 40+Style so we can discover her style secrets. She offers many valuable tips so be sure to check them out!

Hi Beverly. Thanks for taking the time out to answer a few questions for 40PlusStyle.com. Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?

I’m a small business owner, wife, and mother of two awesome teens. I enjoy dark beer, dark coffee, and dark chocolate. I’m a native Californian, have never met a Jonathan Adler product I haven’t liked, and use the word “Dude” way too much.
My introduction to blogging was with my first blog, Style Underdog. That’s where I fell in love with the blogging community.

As a point of reference which age group do you belong to or perhaps you are willing to share your age?

45

Can you tell us a bit more about your blog Beverly Like Hills?

It’s a simple outfit of the day blog. I wanted to share my love of clothing with like-minded women. Not very many people in my surroundings would understand the excitement of a yellow belt placed around a leopard cardigan that you purchased 3 years ago from Target. In the blogging community, not only do the women understand, they offer more creative combinations.

How would you describe your style?

My own: pattern mixed cocktail, preppy gone rogue, a mature edge, D) All the above.

I have been very impressed by your outfits which all look, fresh, modern and hip and often colorful. What is your secret?

HA! I have no secret. Most of my outfits consist of classics; oxfords, crew neck sweaters, ankle length pants, blazers, a trench. I usually try and add one piece that is “of the moment”; floral pants, polka dot blouse, a colorful blazer. That usually adds enough tension in the outfit to elevate it from ordinary. Maybe that’s my secret, Beverly like Hill’s rule of threes: classic + classic + trendy.

You recently highlighted in an article that most of your clothes are bought in mainstream stores like Macy’s, JCrew, H&M, Target, Gap & Zara? Why do you prefer to buy at these brands?

These brands are like Starbucks, I know what to expect when I walk in the door. I also know how things will fit me. The clothing usually has clean lines and I can purchase items that will last for more than one season. They also feature trendy items, but with the volume turned down, so you aren’t stuck with something that screams “I’m on trend’. These stores are also geographically favorable and easy on my pocketbook.

What in your opinion are the most important factors to look out for when shopping at these brands? What is the formula to for still looking unique as you do?

• Know your closet and do your research. Do you have your basics covered?
• On my former blog, I was only wearing neutrals. As color became to dominate in the shows and magazines I was able to purchase a few colorful items to bring my neutral wardrobe into the now.
• Once the basics are covered, take a look at other blogs, street style sites, and the latest runway shows so you know what colors, textures, and lengths will be “in”.
• When you’re shopping, have a plan of what you are looking for: color, shape, etc., otherwise you may fall victim to the underpriced clothing candy.

Am I correct that you are mostly dressing for work? What do you think are the elements of a good work outfit?

I really don’t know if I can answer that question. My job is a creative one so I have a lot of play in my wardrobe. However, I do follow my newly discovered BLH rule of threes I usually dress for whom I’m meeting with on that day and how many Mother errands I’m running, so it can vary. I always include heels, (emergency flats in my bag when cobblestoned pathways are on my agenda) and my computer.

Can you tell me where you live and what distinguishes your regional style to that of the rest of the world?

I’m from Southern California and I live in a weather bubble where everyday is basically a nice day and we don’t have any extremes. I’m right in the middle of laid back California style, shoes optional. I’m surrounded by distinct styles. Above me are “Housewives of Orange County” types. Below me is the low-key beach and surf community. To the right are 20-something hipsters and to the left is a military base. However, all carry that same casual vibe that you would expect in Southern California.

What inspires your outfit choices the most?

It depends on the day. Sometimes color, sometimes a pair of shoes, and sometimes another blogger. The other day, Alyssa was wearing a great pair of pink pants and Deborah was rocking the perfect sleeveless blazer. The next morning I wore a combination of both. I also like to create weekly themes to give my closet some focus. I’m waiting to create a Jenna Lyons week or a “Kendi at 45” theme.

Do you take things like color profiling or body type into account when you dress?

Color profiling-No Body Type-Yes

Would you say you have a signature style? And if yes, what are the main elements?

Yes, I would say I have a signature style, Beverly like Hills rule of three (I think I’m going to trademark that!). I believe we all do.

Has your style changed at all after turning 40?

As my situation in life has changed, so has my style. The older I get, the braver I become. I’m more secure with myself and how I look and what I’ve accomplished. You can also throw in a dose of 40 year old wisdom. I’m willing to try things I wouldn’t have in my 30s.

Do you believe in dressing ‘age appropriately’ and what does it mean to you?

What works for some at 40 may not work for others. I wouldn’t call that age appropriate as much as good styling. I’m also don’t show a lot of skin. That has more to do with my level of modesty than my age.

Would you say that at this stage of your life you are now more, or less interested in fashion, style and the way you look?

I’ve had the same interest in all of that since I was 16. Once I started working, I had the disposable income to create my own looks. I’ve been developing my style since then. I don’t think I’ve stopped.

Why is the way you look important to you?

How I look is as much a language as what I say.

Which outfit from your site is your favorite outfit and why?

The next one.

Do you follow trends? And if yes, which trends excite you at the moment?

Yes. I’m looking forward to non-traditional pencil skirts, mixed material pieces and leather everything. I haven’t found the right circle skirt, but that’s not from lack of trying.

Do you have any fashion and style tips for women over 40?

Be brave and take risk. We are not invisible. Walk around like you own it, because you probably do. What’s the worst that could happen, a horrible outfit?

Do you plan to continue with blogging and how do you see your blog develop over the coming years?

Following the best laid plan rule, which never seems to apply to my life, I’m planning to be around next year. I’m pretty satisfied how my blog has developed thus far, so hopefully, it will continue down the same path. I’ve met some really cool women, and isn’t that what it’s really about? It’s like a book club but with clothes (wine optional). There are those that may want their blog to be one of the lucky ones, with sponsorship and C/O items, but I don’t see myself going that way. Blogging is my hobby, but once money is involved, blogging becomes a job and my “voice” may change. Besides, I already have a job
(Hat tip the last few sentences to 40 year wisdom.)

Note from Sylvia: Thanks so much for your wonderful replies Beverly! Be sure to check Beverly out at her blog: Beverly Like Hills.

After 5 days in Tromso we had an opportunity to visit Oslo as well. I was keen to visit this city that I had never been to and also to see my Norwegian friend Solfrid (Sol). She was one of my tennis buddies here in Singapore and I was sad to see her go back to her home country Norway. This was a great opportunity to visit her.

Although we only had one full day in Oslo, I managed to see quite a bit of the city. Here we are in Oslo’s harbour in front of the statue ‘She lies” by artist Monica Bonvicini. The sculpture stands on a concrete platform and can turn on its own axis, moved by the winds and the tides. That’s in line with its dedication to change, as its creator Monica Bonvicini sought to create a public artwork in an urban redevelopment area of Oslo that’s changing all the time.

Although I did not get any pictures of the Oslo opera house close by, I did snap some details of the interesting interior.

Here we are in Oslo’s Frogner park. The whole park contains more than 200 sculptures of naked people made out of bronze, granite and cast iron and were created by the sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943). Vigeland was also responsible for the design and architectural outline of the park.

The Monolith Plateau is a platform made of steps that houses the Monolith totem itself. 36 figure groups reside on the elevation bringing with them the “circle of life” message. As you walk around, you see the people growing: from little babies, to grown men and women and finally death. Below is a sculpture depicting a young family.

And an older man.

Luca getting up close and personal!

At the highest point in the park lies the park’s most popular attraction, The Monolith (Monolitten). The name derives from the Latin word monolithus, implying the totem to be fabricated from one (mono) solid piece of stone (lith). Construction of the massive monument began in 1924 when Gustav Vigeland himself modeled it out of clay in his studio in Frogner. The design process took him ten months, and it is speculated that Vigeland had the help of a few sketches drafted in 1919. The model was then cast in plaster.

The most famous of all sculptures is Angry Boy (Sinnataggen).

One of Oslo’s other main tourist attractions is the ski jump. It sits on top of a hill and has a beautiful view over Oslo (see picture on top). The ski jump has been a long time landmark of Oslo and was rebuilt in March 2010. It is now one of the world’s most modern ski jumps, and one of the first designer ski jumps ever to be built. The start house soars some 60 metres above the ground and the structure is made of 100 tons of steel. Right now it is the only steel ski jump in the world.

The ski jump is surrounded by a beautiful area where you can ski, walk and do all kinds of other activities. Of course the boys could not resist and went for a short sledding trip. Below you see a small picturesque church.

I had a great day in Oslo where I also enjoyed a lovely lunch with Sol in the harbour area. Sol was very pleased that the sun was shining (after a very long and cold winter) so we were even able to sit outside (albeit with our warm jackets on).

Thank you Sol for you kind hospitality and showing me around your beautiful city. I will have to come back some time for more!