Classic and lady-like – a style interview with Malinda

Today I interview Malinda from Western Australia, who describes her style as feminine and classic. She is a personal stylist as well, so she is sure to share many great style tips. Enjoy!

Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?

My name is Malinda, I’m a personal stylist and I live in the beautiful city of Perth, Western Australia with my hubby of 19 years and our teenage son and daughter.

I’ve always had a passion for fashion, especially when it comes to finding a bargain and I love sifting through the racks at second hand shops!

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

I am 42 years old.

Can you tell us a bit more about your blog and why you created it?

I started my blog The Style Within almost three years ago as a bit of fun. My main objective was to show women that looking good didn’t have to come with a huge price tag.

How would you describe your own personal style?

Hmmmm I think it would be classic! I’m a lover of all things feminine… skirts, dresses (long or short). I adore lace and have a penchant for pleated skirts! I’m also not one to shy away from colour and mixing prints and I don’t mind the occasional hat!

What would you consider the most important components of your style?

Definitely anything feminine or ladylike.

Where do you live and how does that influence your style?

I live in Western Australia which is quite a warm place to be most of the year. Living here really only influences my style so far as the weather dictates! We don’t get really cold winters which is a shame as I would love to wear more coats and boots.

Do you feel you have a signature style?

Not really, one day I could be in a floral maxi skirt with heels and the next I could be in jeans and sneakers! I think if you asked my readers & followers they would say classic and lady like. These words seem to pop up a lot and I don’t mind one bit!

What inspires your outfit choices the most?

Honestly, most days, my mood! If I’m in a good place then my outfit will reflect that with colour and fun.

Also the occasion: am I having lunch with a friend or going to a meeting?

And comfort. I find myself dressing much more comfortably these days! Instagram, magazines or celebrities are a huge source of my inspiration as well.

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

Yes absolutely! I think it’s important for men and women to know the colours that work best for them, just as knowing what styles are best for your body shape.

What is your current body type and height and what are your best tips for dressing for these?

I would say my body shape is quite rectangular, I think I have a rather straight up and down body! I’m 5’7″ or 170cm tall and dressing for me is about creating more shape.

That is why I quite often wear a belt or a flared skirt. I like dresses that have ruching at the side or waist to create shape (as long as it’s not too much). And I love wide leg pants and culottes.

Do you have any favorite brands?

No not really, I’m open to wearing anything from anywhere! As long as I look and feel great in it, that’s all I care about.

Has your style changed at all after turning 40

Not so much since turning forty but I do know that since joining Instagram and blogging, etc. I definitely have much more confidence in what I do wear and how I put an outfit together.

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

Age is but a number! I’m a big believer in dressing to suit yourself and not anyone else.

Are their things I won’t wear? Of course but that has more to do with being comfortable in my own skin and knowing what suits me rather than age appropriateness.

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 I’m more interested than I was ten years ago. My kids are older now and doing their own thing so I have more time to shop for myself and time to spend putting in the extra effort.

It has nothing at all to do with vanity but just simply wanting to look and feel good for ME! That doesn’t mean you won’t see me in sweatpants and tee shirt rocking a ponytail sans makeup…it’s about balance.

I’ve always enjoyed fashion and have a tendency to overdress – OOPS! I don’t do casual supremely well.

Why is the way you look important to you?

It’s important to me because I firmly believe that if you look good you feel good. Even making the smallest effort when you are having a bad day makes all the difference.

What is your beauty routine and what are your favorite beauty products?

I can be quite lazy with beauty products, I have to admit! I do wear a sunscreen moisturiser on my face every day and have done for many years. I use a face wash by Neutrogena every night in the shower and Garnier Micellar water to remove any other traces of make up.

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

I do but not as much as I used to! I’m loving pleated skirts at the moment as they look great with heels or sneakers. Dark florals are very big in Australia for winter this year as are metallics, which I love!

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

My tips for when you go out shopping are to ask yourself:

• Can I wear it for more than one season or occasion?
• Do I have pieces in my wardrobe that can easily be mixed with it?
• Does it fit me exactly how I want it to?
• Do I feel fabulous wearing it? (the most important tip)

I think fashion and being fashionable is very subjective. If you feel great wearing something then that is all that matters.

Try not to get caught up in what you think you “should” be wearing and have fun with your clothes.

What are your plans for your blog The Style Within and how do you see it develop over the coming years?

Ahhhh my blog! I would love to say that I have huge plans for my blog but in all honesty I don’t….. I have so much fun interacting with like minded people on Instagram that I don’t feel it’s feasible to continue with the blog, which is a shame as I have enjoyed putting posts together to share with people.

To see more of Malinda’s outfits, visit The Style Within.

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