DARE TO THINK DIFFERENTLY

“When you don’t dress like everybody else you don’t have to think like everybody else”

Iris Apfel

The above quote from the “geriatric starlet,” as she referred to herself, shared many of her accumulated wisdom over her long life with us. She is one of many role models that inspired me to write my book.

The quote reflects the mantra of the importance of attitude that runs throughout my book as the golden thread. Without fail, the women I encountered on my journey all shared an attitude of ‘can do’ and of equal importance, being true to themselves despite the fact that they may represent a view of the world not shared by the majority of society.

As I argue in my book, at some stage society tends to lump us all together in one category thereby erasing any individuality we may have in terms of personality, style, body shape, etc., etc. Overnight we are seen as a different species; objects associated with decline and not living the normal day to day life of those younger than us.

The flamboyant and unique personal style of Iris matched her attitude and approach to life. Any form of media you care to consult with styling advice for midlife and beyond, lists all of the items that should be avoided when you reach this exalted age. I leave it to your imagination as to the response Iris Apfel would have offered to such so called universal truths… Quite!

In my professional capacity as Coach and Stylist, my purpose is to inspire and motivate women to discover the clothes that reflects their personal style and not to be dictated to by the misplaced admonishments of the fashion police. Who decides what is appropriate and what isn’t? By which authority does an external ‘expert’ make a blanket decision as to what suits women over a certain age?

I set out to encourage women to get to know who they are at this stage of their lives, which will determine the clothes to reflect their unique persona and the message they want to communicate to the wider world. Take the time therefore to engage in self-reflection and get to know yourself and select the style that will be congruent with this message.

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