Glenda describes her style as effortless, clean, uncomplicated, but also as classic + a touch of bohemian + a little quirk. It all results in an effortlessly chic look that showcases her love of fashion and timeless style. Let’s find out more about her unique style and some of her style secrets!
Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
I’m a true lover of the fashion industry as a whole and have spent 90% of my life involved in its advancement. At an early age I discovered my passion for both the industry and writing. I studied Marketing/Merchandising in Los Angeles at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM). After graduating, I then went on to work in retail management for many years; then as a personal stylist, and now as a fashion writer and columnist.
As a point of reference which age group do you belong to or perhaps you are willing to share your age?
I’m 48 years young!
Can you tell us a bit more about your blog So What to Twenty and why you created it?
I created So What to Twenty as a source to help remedy a stressful situation I was once enduring. However, since its launch, it has reopened the door for me to fashion writing once again.
How would you describe your own style?
I would describe my style as Classic + a touch of Bohemian + a little quirk. I enjoy having the classics as a base for my wardrobe, but to make my looks more personal, I enjoy adding a touch of boho and quirk.
What would you consider the most important components of your style?
My style represents who I am as a whole. It isn’t just about my wardrobe. I embrace the classic and elegant era of the 1950s. However, my California lifestyle gives me the opportunity to embrace my inner beatnik.
Where do you live and how does that influence your style?
I live in Southern California, and yes, California greatly influences my style. It is laid back, artsy, organically sexy and uber quirky. Whenever I dress for an event or occasion, I always consider the feel of the California lifestyle. Regardless of how dressy the occasion, we manage to always inject an ease into our attire.
Do you feel you have a signature style?
Absolutely. It would be described as effortless, clean, uncomplicated. I was told by a fellow blogger that my style has that certain Glenda-ish feel that no one else can duplicate.
What inspires your outfit choices the most?
The type of event. If it’s to a fashion event then I’ll select something more artsy. If I’m going to a jazz and wine tasting event then I’m more casual with a touch of bohemian, etc. It just depends.
Do you take things like color profiling or body type into account when you dress?
Years ago I worked as a stylist and I relied on color screening and body proportions for the clients. I understand the use of these tools, but because I know myself so well…I just know what works.
Has your style changed at all after turning 40?
Not really. Even as a teenager I had an eye for classic pieces, good tailoring, fabrications and details.
Do you believe in dressing ‘age appropriately’ and what does it mean to you?
I don’t believe in placing myself inside the confines of a very limited box. I wear what feels good to me. Now I will say this – I won’t embarrass myself.
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?
Fashion is what I studied in college and my career of choice. It will always be a part of my big picture. As I age, I’m always curious to see how the industry evolves. My style is my personal essence, so yes, my style will always be very important. And, I always try to live and present a healthy image of myself. I’m a wife and mother and want to be a good example to my sons and my husband.
Why is the way you look important to you?
Presentation is an important aspect of everyday life. How I dress is an extension of who I am. I want people to know, through my visual presentation, that I’m a certain way. I think I do a good job at doing that.
Which of the outfits on your blog are personal favorites and why?
This outfit truly represents the California lifestyle and how it influences my purchases. The clean lines of the slim jeans (Californians love our jeans); the exaggerated artsy peplum, and the uncomplicated accessories and sandals. This outfit could take me to a variety of events.
This is a perfect mix of classic with a twist of boho combined and sexy California.
My love affair with classic 1950
This combination of classics + a touch of quirk + a little boho really represents my style.
Do you follow trends? And if yes, which trends excite you at the moment?
Ha! I just wrote a post on this called, To Thine Own Self be True (3/27/14). I’m not big on following trends. I don’t like to see myself coming and going.
Do you have any fashion and style tips for women over 40?
I think the biggest mistake we women make is in not knowing who we are. If you get to know yourself, you will discover what works for your fashion closet. Women often describe themselves as the wife of…or, the mother of…
No, don’t do that. Ask yourself, “Who am I?” Identify yourself without the children and the spouse, etc.
The root to knowing your fashion personality lies in your ability to know yourself intimately. This will alleviate the need to rush out and buy whatever the going trend is because you’ll know what works for you.
What are your plans for your blog and how do you see it develop over the coming years?
All things are possible{wink}
Anything further you would like to add?
Thank you for inviting me. I feel honored.
Thank you Glenda! Be sure to check out her fabulous blog So What to Twenty and get inspiration from her many fabulous outfits.
Which is your favorite outfit of Glenda?
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Wow …. Glenda has got it going on! I love that she embraces her curvy figure. But my favorite here is the outfit with the knee socks. She shows how ladies over 40 can wear knee socks. I may be borrowing her courage, and readopting knee socks again (which I love, but put away after age 32 ; )
Thank you Mary, and I’m glad you like the knee socks. I’m a huge fan of them and refuse to put them away 🙂
Very feminine and stylish indeed!
Thank you so much!
I enjoyed reading about Glenda’s style esp the incorporation of the California vibe – I know exactly what she means. Now off to coordinate more amazing outfits, that work for me not a number.
🙂
I simply adire this lady, thank you so very much for the wonderful interview. Its was so much fun getting to know Glenda a little better.
Thanks Trina!
Thank you so much Sylvia for the interview. It was really good fun! And to all the ladies and your thoughtful comments…you rock (wink)
Ps. Sylvia, the link is broken to my blog. Can that be corrected?
So sorry for the error Glenda. I have corrected it now. Thanks again for taking part in my style series!
You look fabulous, I have got to 49 with no clues about clothing; its a constant problem. However I am going to try to make this year one where I improve my ‘look’. I like the green dress, black leggings and coat outfit, so beautiful.
Thank you Joanie, that was one of my favorites too 🙂
Like many others I am a follower of Glenda’s blog. I envy her for her styling abilities. Never a mistake there. As the photos show all her outfits are very different from one another. I like that a lot. Impossible to pick an outfit as the best. They are all great.
Greetje
Aw Greetje, thank you my friend. Your words are very kind and I truly appreciate them.
Hi you are a beautiful black woman.This has been an inspiration keep posting more thanks.
Thank you Elizabeth 🙂
Thank you for another great interview, Sylvia! I’ve been reading Glenda’s blog for a while now – she is wonderful! Elegant, classy, and just a bit quirky – exactly how she describes her style. 🙂
Natalia, my friend with the wonderful eye for color – I thank you 🙂
Such a fabulous interview. I adore Glenda and love her laid back, yet classic, style. And she knows I totally dig her shoes and jewelry.
Ha! Thanks Daenel. I love your style too 🙂
The Leather Jacket One And The Last One. Very Casablanca.
Thank you Pauline!
This is a great interview, congratulations.
Thanks Antionette!
Glenda, you truly inspire me and I love every single one of your selections! You are a very sophisticated chic woman. Thanks for sharing your savvy style with all of us!
Jill thank you!! I also give credit to Sylvia for featuring me and spreading the word about So What to Twenty!
This article makes me miss Los Angeles! Love all of the outfits. Great article.
Thank you!
Great post Sylvia. Glenda is a lovely lady who I follow and absolutely love her style.
http://thecookingwardrobe.com.au
Hi Elsie!!! Thank you lovely lady 🙂
I love Glenda’s varied and interesting outfits. She really has style and knows how to use clothes to add variety to each outfit. I am amazed at how many different looks she can achieve. I must try a lot harder and make more of my own clothes rather than buying new individual pieces so often and this article is showing me how. Thank you Glenda and Sylvia.
Aileen, thank you. This comment really touched me. If I could sew, I would rarely shop. What a wonderful gift to have!
Oh what a joy to see Glenda’s great style. She is modern and classic all at the same time. I am looking forward to following her blog. Thank you for profiling her!
Thank you for the lovely words and wanting to follow. That made my day 🙂
Wow – what a lovely lady. I especially like the outfits in photos 3, 7 and 9 but they are all fantastic. You can just tell that Glenda is a lady who feels great about herself.
Thank you Susan. I’m glad you like the looks 🙂
Wonderful feature on Glenda! She is so stylish and has a fresh perspective on the classics.
blue hue wonderland
Thank you Ann! And I love your ability to mix patterns and textures 🙂
I’ve long been a huge fan of Glenda! Her style really resonates with me, and double bonus that her silhouette and height is similar to mine! I could never pick one favourite outfit, but I am currently coveting her wide leg pants and her exaggerated peplums!
Thank you Shopping Buddy 🙂
Thanks for featuring and introducing me to Glenda. She has fabulous style!
bisous
Suzanne
Thank you so very much Suzanne!
I adore Glenda, not only is her style very chic, but she is a very sweet and lovely person. She is a great inspiration to us 40+ bloggers!
Monica
http://glamvolution.blogspot.com
Thank you Monica, I adore you too!
Thank you for this interview. Glenda is a stunning, vivacious woman and I found her advice to be appropriate to us all. I live in NYC but my brother lives in southern California and the fashion vibe is definitely different there but I would not hesitate to wear many of her looks (especially the white coat and black dress and the outfit in the last photo).
Thank you Rebecca for the lovely words. Yes, the vibe in Cali is quite unique, but I also love the vibe of NYC and enjoy bringing some of the Big Apple looks into my closet 🙂