March matters.

I’ve had enough of this Winter & I’m ready to move forward. It’s time to put away my Uggs, Wellies & over the knee boots. Normally, I would be embracing the various Fashion Week trends this time of year, but instead, I’m left feeling jealous, old & rather envious.

The catwalks are brimming with young girls who have slim, undeveloped figures and an unparalleled freshness that only youth can bring. Their unlined faces are stunning, with any grey hair being only dyed highlights. I felt frustrated, envious, and depressed as I pondered the discarded fashion magazines scattered around me.

I feel like I’m no longer part of the fashion industry because i’m getting too old for it. Every time I look through fashion magazines, all I see are clothes that are meant for younger people with slim perfect figures. There’s nothing for someone like me except for shoes, bags & jewellery. If there are any women my age in the magazines, they are presented as role models or examples ….Helen Mirren, Cate Blanchett & Sharon Stone come to mind.

”Perhaps it's just me, but I don't feel like I'm 57 years old. I'm not sure what is considered acceptable at this age. I don't want to dress younger or wear clothes that are meant for models 40 years my junior. With so many images of new and trendy fashion collections flooding my feed, I'm not sure how to choose what works best for me. I wonder if there are any options that I can wear confidently without worrying if I'm "getting away with" something.

”As I was walking home in my vintage coat, five people, all younger than me, stopped me to compliment my outfit. It made me feel good, alive and uplifted. This look is a personal one-off and everything in it is vintage. I could not have worn this coat 40 years ago, but now it works for me. I am wondering if this is now my signature "look".

Achieving ageless fashion is possible by keeping things simple and classy. Building a timeless wardrobe takes effort, but having a few fashion staples in classic neutrals makes it easier to avoid trying too hard. If I had to describe this style, I would call it safe and age-appropriate. Or boring, it ticks all the boxes

‘What are the other options? Should I just buy whatever the high street stores are comfortable selling for mature women? I What are the alternatives, I hugely regret every year that I did not wear a bikini what I would give now for that choice? Last year doing influencer work with shorts my varicose veins were so obvious but I still used the images because I liked them. The truth is my body is ageing & I don’t like it.

What does Age appropriate actually mean? Does it mean that I am no longer entitled to choose what I wear, or should I feel ashamed or controversial for my choices? It would be wonderful if fashion houses and the media could accept that women of all ages love fashion. Our love for looking stylish & trendy doesn’t suddenly stop with menopause.

When I see posts like the above image I just see myself off out for lunch. Others may focus on the split in the skirt, the height of the shoes or my bubble glasses. I think I look fabulous, I feel tired and I know that tomorrow flat shoes will be essential BUT how much longer will I feel comfortable dressing like this without turning heads for the wrong reasons? And then what …