NOT…
As if! Nah I’m not ready to let my hair go grey just yet. Although I really should as keeping it hidden has become a full-time job. I touch up my reverse skunk-line fortnightly now & have to refresh the whole head every month. Frankly it’s a pain in the butt salad. The trouble is I just don’t see myself as a grey haired Lady. Or grown-up, mature Lady for that matter heehee. Call me crazy but in my mind I believe I’m somewhere below 40 years of age – 35 on a good day.
Evidently I’m deluding myself but that’s the honest truth, I often forget how old I am. The cashier asked for id when I bought my wine last week. I actually went for my purse would you believe? Boy did she piss herself laughing. Ahem anyway, moving on. Perhaps having young children means I’m always looking at the youthful faces of younger Mums? Therefore my brain assimilates to them. In any case, what’s the harm in thinking you’re 10 years younger than you actually are? Indeed it may even be good for us.
Surely feeling younger than your actual years has an impact on how you look? A while ago I read a study somewhere that more or less proved this. The psychology behind it makes sense to me, after all a happy face definitely looks younger than a sad or angry one right? Try taking a selfie with a frown then one smiling & compare the two. It aint rocket science fo sho, however a word of advice from a pro selfier – Try not to smile too much with your eyes. Crows feet will most certainly add years to your face #justsayin
Something else to consider, if you never put your age in the equation when making decisions there must be a physical knock on effect no?
In other words, not doing something because of your age is counter-productive to staying young. Leave your age out of it, your brain will handle the psychology & by keeping active your body will do the rest. Naturally if there are certain existing physical factors or old injuries we must always take care not to do more harm. However this shouldn’t stand in the way of getting up & at ’em & giving the world a shake on some level. Being positive is the first step & if you can’t be positive, pretend you are. You can trick yourself into believing until it comes naturally. Let’s not buy into this type of nonsense –
“Oh it’s too late for me to start a new career – I’m too old to learn how to use a computer, write a novel, ride a bike, ski, start running, wear a mini” & so on…
TODAY’S OUTFIT STYLE TIPS
If you click-through the OTHER WAYS I’VE WORN ITΒ below you’ll notice this skirt gets a lot of love. I’ve actually styled it even more ways than I’ve shot it so you can double this amount. What makes this particular skirt a winner for me? Well the midi length works all year round for starters. Imagine if this same skirt finished above the knee. That would certainly rule out Winter & probably Autumn too, I can’t be doing knees in the cold months. The next big tick is for the shape – Pencil. Now this is my personal favourite as it suits my figure. When you find the cut that suits your body shape it’s easy to hone in on those skirts. Plus I love pockets, who doesn’t right? O.K last but not least is the colour. Funnily enough I almost didn’t buy this skirt because of the colour. Strange but true. I think it scared me at the time because I didn’t have anything similar in my wardrobe. Or so I thought. That was a good lesson for me to think outside the box, or closet as the case may be.
Today I paired this fabulous skirt with my classic Marks and Spencer cashmere jumper. The cashmere sweater is one of my top 12 essential staples for a reason. If you don’t have one yet, now is the time to buy. Cashmere is perfect for Spring weather!
Wearing an outfit of all grey could easily bomb without the right footwear. Choose the shoes that will punctuate this colour with an enormous exclamation mark! Take a look at another all grey look I posted where I paired my Whistles tangerine pumps for drama. Going with the opposing colour automatically avoids this ensemble resembling a school uniform.
OTHER WAYS I’VE WORN IT
- CASHMERE SWEATER – Marks & Spencer | with pink skirt | with
- LEATHER PENCIL SKIRT – UrbanCode London | with a poloneck | with a dinosaur t | with a vest top | with statement sleeves
- TAN BOOTS – Chloe | with a floral skirt
- TAN BAG – Louis Vuitton | with a blazer | with a suit | with a leather skirt | with jeans | with a dress
- SUNGLASSES – Marc Jacobs | with chambray shirt | with a vest top | with a jumpsuit
Also known as Colour Blocking
THE LAST WORD…
Before I sign off, here’s a link to my recent Instagram post in case you missed it. Read through the comments to meet an incredible bunch of like-minded Women. Perhaps you’ll want to follow some of them? When I posted my caption I expected a certain amount of backlash for naming & shaming three of the most popular high street brands as the devil incarnate. The truth is I don’t care, I’m fed up with them & some others getting away with appalling practices whilst being worshipped on Instagram by Women who should, quite frankly, know better! I’m not suggesting these brands go out of business & I do agree they often produce fabulous, affordable pieces. However, they must be pulled up on HOW they do it. If we limit our spending at these shops it’ll not only reduce everyone’s carbon footprint but also send a message to the brands themselves. Trust me, they will get the picture. In addition I believe, Bloggers/Influencers play an enormous role in perpetuating this love affair with Zara, Topshop, H&M et al. And yes I do take issue with that.
Bye for now loves xxx
Comments ( 25 )
Amanda Vaughn
Love this post! I definitely feel younger than am and I donβt think itβs too late to do anything! I have got to get a skirt like this! I love how you styled it!
MT
You rock big time Amanda! xx
Rozanne
I could not love this outfit more, the colour contrast, the simplicity, pure class. Oh and the age thing, I agree. Never too old to begin anything new, I mean, hopefully we get a little bit more skilled at life with every passing year?! Even if not necessarily more mature in anything other than years… X
lucretia
You are a very attractive looking woman and probably would look smashing with gray colored hair. you would not have to spend so much time with your hair dresser!
MT
Aw thank you so much Lucretia. I will have to try it one day, just so I can see how I look all white. By the way I colour it myself so at least it’s quick & cheap π
Suzy Turner
I’m a massive fan of grey β both in clothes and in hair lol! I think you’d look fabulous with natural grey hair too!
The skirt is absolutely divine, and I do love it with the cashmere sweater β it looks perfect for this time of year. I don’t know what the weather is like over there at the moment but here in the Algarve, it’s pants! It’s still raining…. it has been almost solid wet weather since we returned from our holidays. Come on sunshine… we need you!!
Hope all is fabulous with you, Michelle
Hugs,
Suzy xxx
http://www.suzyturner.com
MT
Your hair is a gorgeous colour Suzy, no wonder you like grey. I’m a bit scared I’d hate it after going through the pain of growing it out. I will try at some point though, out of curiosity or when I’m ready for another pixie cut.
And yes the weather is bloody pants atm π
Lots of love Doll xx
jamie
I probably would have grabbed black boots with the all grey but I must say, your pair is so more chic!
MT
I almost did Jamie but then my Chloe’s called me…heehee you know how it is?
Mary
Love, love this whole look, Michelle! The grey paired with the cognac boots looks amazing! As for the whole age thing, I believe it is never to late to do something you’ve always dreamt of doing. Age should never define a person or be viewed as an obstacle. Life holds boundless opportunities for each of us as long as we wake up every day willing to meet it with confidence and a great smile π
xxMary
https://marymurnane.com
MT
Mary you said it much better than I did, beautiful xxx
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
Looking gorgeous there Lady in Grey! Obviously the American climate suits you well Michelle! I’ve always felt like my age stopped at 31 , after that I just stopped counting. In my head I’m still the crazy 18 years old college chick with bunny slippers on and that will never change no matter what. Missing you! xx Abby
MT
Hey there gorgeous girl! How are you Abby? I can totally see you as an 18 year old in bunny slippers btw π I say you get another pair xxx
No Fear of Fashion
I think it is an awesome outfit. Love the heck out of it. (Is that correct?)
And it also makes me sigh. As I had a black leather wrap dress (pencil) tapered to my ankles. I had it remodeled to knee length. STUPID. It should have been your length. So much more stylish. Well, no use crying over spilled milk.
New scenery in the photos. Are your neighbours already familair with your blog and your outfit photo sessions?
Greetje
MT
Ack that hurts to hear Greetje, poor you I feel your pain. Oh well we’ve all made mistakes, we must move on as you say. I bet you’re always keeping an eye out for a similar one, I would be.
Yep I’m getting the funny looks & slow drive bys hahahaha. I’m dying to shoot in the City but the weather’s been so crap I haven’t yet. I will have to watch my tripod with an eagle eye there or someone will nick it! You’re so lucky to have Ron take yours…Wish me luck.
lisa the sequinist
This outfit is so good on you, Michelle, and it TOTALLY illustrates the point that you drive home with nearly every blog post. You don’t have to shop all the time and you SURE don’t have to shop at the Axis Of Evil shops to be stylish. This grey is so cool and so chic and so effortless. I think I might look like a big fat elephant in it, but it is wonderful on you π
Your Instagram post made my week… there are many many women who think like you, you just have to rally the troops and be a spokesperson for this. xxxx
MT
Thank you Darling. It was talking to you that made me decide I had the confidence to write that IG post. Your support & encouragement is priceless xxx
P.S. “Axis of Evil” is fucking gold Woman π
fatima
I am LOVING the new NJ back drop friend! And this outfit is surprisingly awesome, too. I’d never think to pick a leather skirt this colour, but it’s looks great with the tonal knit and the boots give it an almost 70s/80s edge which I’m totally lovin’! x
MT
Yeah see you get it about the colour FT. It’s a strange tone but it does actually work, bizarrely. I think the retro thing is so deeply ingrained I don’t even realise I’m doing it! Hahahaha. Btw – Jas heard me state my birth date in the Dr’s office yesterday & shouted “What Mummy! You were born in the sixties? That’s really old”
ratnamurti
Love your comments about age and doing things. I used to read anti-ageing books but stopped because they were coming from a point of view that one is old, but lets be a better old. Phooey! That’s silly. And yes… doing the root cover-up is a hassle, but – who cares. It looks great on you.
MT
Ah yes I hear you! Totally agree, it’s just not a thing is it? And as for the re-growth – Roots schmoots! π
Vicki
Michelle, you will know when the time is right for you to embrace your grey/silver hair. It took me until 61 and now, I love it (turning 63 in a few weeks). I knew I have silver or white or grey hair but I’d been a highlighted blond for so long. Two years ago I started. You can see my hair in Feb 2016 in my most recent IG post. Now, I’m silver and I don’t feel like I look older. I do feel that if I didn’t have this amount of silver or if I had tried it before I wouldn’t have loved it the way I do. You will know and you certainly don’t need to feel sheepish about colouring your hair! You look amazing. xo
MT
I think we’re really fortunately to have such terrific colouring systems & techniques now that even letting our hair go naturally grey isn’t an issue any more. I remember when I was hairdressing 30 years ago there were no such alternatives to the blue or purple rinse! Ack what a shocker eh? Makes such an enormous difference to the transition I think xx
Anita Irlen
Michelle,
I’ve been meaning to write here, about this post for a long time. I love the mostly grey look! I love the color grey, and I love my grey hair. And it’s funny, I don’t really see you as a grey haired lady either. In any case, grey hair or not, you look wonderful in this skirt and jumper. You do know we call it a “sweater,” right? π
Anita
MT
Bahaha you cheeky one! I shall call my jumper a sweater from now on, since I’m officially a U.S immigrant & keen to assimilate π
Lovely to see you here Anita xx