
24 Jul Spotlight On: Over 40-Style at a Certain Age
Hello LadiesToday I bring you another special edition of Spotlight On: Over 40 feature. What I love about Beth’s style is the confidence she exudes, the classic looks, and how she incorporates color that is very flattering. Not only that, she shares of love of pups with her own dog, Oscar , who is a part of this stylish blog.
1. Tell me about the name of your blog: Style At a Certain Age. Love it. Do you think many women do not like to discuss their age, or are we more at a time where we are accepting and being proud of being over 40?
1. Style at a Certain Age came about when I decided to start a personal style blog that featured daily outfits. I was 55 at the time and wanted the title to reflect my age, but still leave the reader with the thought that when it comes to style vs. fashion it really doesn’t matter what age you are. I’m never happier than when I read both mother and daughter are following my blog. Many times it’s the daughter who first discovers my blog, and shares it with her mom – that always brings a smile to my face.
2 What made you start blogging about fashion?
2. Starting a personal style blog happened quite by accident after a woman stopped me and complimented me on my style. AH HA, I thought, that’s it. I love clothes, always have. I can post an outfit of the day. I can start a Blog! So I woke up the next day and did just that. First I started on Tumblr since it’s user‐friendly and you don’t need any technical knowledge whatsoever. I’ve since graduated to Wordpress this past March, and while I’m light years away from where I’d like to be, my techie skills are slowly improving along with the overall aesthetics of Style at a Certain Age
Tell me about Fridays with Oscar, is that like Tuesdays with Morrie? How did you want to incorporate your pup into your blog?
3. Fridays with Oscar was a very organic process that sprang up when Oscar joined our family last Christmas after he was orphaned. My husband and I knew we wanted to chronicle Oscar’s growth from adorable puppy to full‐ fledged canine so he would tag along on photo shoots where my husband could easily snap a few photos of his progress. I posted a few of those early photos on Instagram and they were well received. One day, much to my surprise, some of my followers noticed an absence of pictures and asked, “where’s Oscar?” The rest is history, and Fridays with Oscar has become one of my more popular posts. I have lots of readers writing and asking about his progress, sharing tips about their own dogs, training, etc. I don’t mind a bit if he’s stealing my thunder. Being a pet owner is similar in many ways to being a parent where you’re even more thrilled when they surpass your wildest expectations. He’s turning into such a gorgeous dog and is so good‐natured that we’ve toyed with the idea of getting him into print besides my blog. We’ll see…
4. Tell the readers something they do not know about you that may surprise them.
. 4. I haven’t sewn for years, but back in the day I was an above‐average seamstress with a kick‐ass sewing room. It was my sanctuary when my boys were young, and I cranked out many a home‐dec project as well as homemade Christmas gifts
5. Tell the readers something they do not know about you that may surprise them.
5. My mother was a major style influence in my life. She was the one who skillfully picked out my school wardrobe before she handed the reins over to me around middle school. I know I tried her patience more than once during high school when I favored a grungier look that didn’t live up to her classic aesthetics, but we both survived and came out on the other side of the experience knowing that it’s okay to have a fashion failure or two.
6. What is probably your least favorite “trend” right now, and do you even follow trends?
6. I think the fun of a trend is that it is short‐lived and has more to do with fashion and less to do with style. Overall, I try to focus on the positive aspects of the ‘rules of fashion’ if there are any these days. There’s just been far too much negativity, especially when it comes to the over forty crowd and what we ‘can’ and ‘can’t’ wear. Who made up those rules in the first place, and why? There may be a trend that I wouldn’t personally wear, but I’m all about empowering women, and supporting each other.
7. What is something that you are more willing to splurge or invest in?
7. I will splurge on items that I know will stand the test of time. A classic handbag, or overcoat. A well‐made pair of shoes. These are the things that I don’t mind paying a little extra for.
8. I know you like jackets. Tell me why they are a staple in your closet.
8. Overall, I like clean, simple lines and blazers have just that. I think growing up in a colder climate definitely had an influence on my overall aesthetics. Overcoats, jackets, and blazers just feel right to me.
9 Are you one to always dress up? Tell me about what you might wear just to go grocery shopping?
9. I’m all about form and function when I pick out my outfits. While I always want to look somewhat put together even when I head to the grocery store, you’ll never see me ‘dressed to the nines.’ Blue jeans, a cute pair of shoes, and lipstick will usually do the trick.
10. Do you think fashion has changed for women over 40?
10. Fashion for the over forty set is slowly changing for the better. There are some amazing role‐models out there in their fifties, sixties, seventies, and even eighties that decided to stay cool and true to themselves when it came to style. Think Jane Fonda, Helen Mirren, Jamie Lee Curtis. The list goes on. Thanks, ladies, for paving the way.
11. High heels or flats? Any particular style that appeals to you?
11. I love both, and each have their time and place. Most days in San Francisco if I’m traversing the hills you’ll see me in flats. But nothing dresses up an outfit faster than a pair of heels and a nice shade of lipstick!
12. What colors do you find to be the most flattering on you?
12. Pink is my signature color and has been for years. It’s flattering with my skin tone, and goes with just about every color I can think of. Red, orange, blue, gray, black.
13. Any advice you could give women as they get older in regard to appearance?
13. Every decade has its challenges,but if we continue to find new adventures to embark upon, and decide to recalibrate every so often, aging is truly FUN! I’m so much more comfortable in my skin these days. I know who I am, and more importantly, who I’m not. Hey, I didn’t decide to write my first book until I was fifty. My blog came along at fifty‐five. I’m excited to see what’s next. And while we’re in the process of reinventing ourselves our appearance is going to radiate from somewhere deep within.
14. For someone that is just starting out in fashion blogging, what 2 things would you tell them to help them get started.
14. First piece of advice is for a new blogger is stay true to yourself. Writers call it your ‘voice’ but what it boils down to is that you have something to share with the world that is uniquely yours. So just be you, plain and simple. Second piece of advice is select a niche and stick with it. Readers like consistency!
I truly enjoy interviewing these ladies and hope you do to! I learn something new every time!
Do some of these responses ring true to you, or can you personally relate?
If you want to know more about Beth, and Style at a Certain Age, You can follow her Here and Here.
If you are interested in this series, that appears monthly, and want to know more about it and my over 40 style, You can follow me on Facebook and Bloglovin ,Twitter for Over 40 fashion as well
THank you Beth, and readers!
Have a wonderful weekend and stay cool!
Jess XO
linking up: with Visible Monday, Still Being Molly, Share in Style ( every other Mon), SHoe andTell , How I Spring Manic Monday, Monday Mingle Linkup with Lisa Tues: Garaytreasures Link Up Style Sessions, Walking in Memphis Bless Her Heart Wed: The Pleated Poppy, Get Your Pretty On, Random Wednesday, Style Me Wednesday Watcha Wearing Wednesday, Jersey Girl Texan Heart Trendy Wednesday Momsmorningcoffee Thurs: A Labour of Fashion,Reason to Dress, Throwback Thursday Friday:Passion 4 Fashion ,Style Elixer Fun Fashion Friday / Forage Fashion
Dawn Lucy
Posted at 19:17h, 27 JulyWow Beth is fab!!
Thanks for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
FreeUrCloset
Posted at 12:55h, 26 JulyI enjoyed reading about Beth. She has impeccably style.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 18:30h, 26 Julythank You, glad you enjoyed the interview.
Remi Sabbah
Posted at 06:08h, 26 JulyI’m absolutely in love with ur style!!!!! Amazing, gorgeous and unique outfit. The pictures are stunning! LOVE the interview
http://www.mlleepaulette.com/index.php?r=site/blog
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 16:29h, 26 JulyThank you Remi! I try and find things are are a bit different, I have a pretty feminine taste Thank you for the comment on the pictures, it means alot and I enjoy doing the interviews.
Jill James
Posted at 23:35h, 25 JulyEnjoyed your interview with Beth , such a stunning style.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 16:28h, 26 JulyThank you Jill! I agree! Happy Sunday!
styleatacertainage
Posted at 23:03h, 24 Julymay i just say, thank you, jess! what a lovely blog, and interview series. it’s wonderful to get know so many wonderful women. i’m looking forward to your next installment. and, thanks, ladies for the compliments. i truly appreciate every word.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 10:29h, 25 JulyThank you Beth! Glad you enjoy the blog and I enjoy doing the interviews and getting to know ladies as well. You are a fab lady!! xx
Shelly
Posted at 17:48h, 24 JulyWow….she is beautiful!!
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 19:22h, 24 JulyThat she is!
Stephanae V. McCoy
Posted at 16:03h, 24 JulyI really enjoyed this interview Jess. Beth is absolutely gorgeous!! I think she echoes the sentiment of many of us more seasoned woment as it relates to what we ‘can’ and ‘cannot’ wear at a certain age. I’ve asked myself the same question from time to time on who made up these silly rules – Bravo to Beth!!
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 19:21h, 24 JulyThanks Steph! I feel the same, begone those silly rules! I am glad you liked the interview, I would love to interview you in the future! x
Stephanae V. McCoy
Posted at 21:20h, 24 JulyYou’re welcome and I would love to be interviewed. Just say when.
Johanna
Posted at 15:35h, 24 JulyBeth is smokin’ – what a stunner and such style!
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 19:21h, 24 JulySo true! Thank you for reading the interview xx
asallows
Posted at 12:37h, 24 JulyOh my goodness. How ridiculously classy is Beth!?
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 19:22h, 24 JulyClassy and effortless! xx
jeffriestyke
Posted at 12:04h, 24 JulyI love this! She is beautiful and has the most fabulous hair style! I do agree that its good to splurge on bags, coats and shoes too! Thanks for joining us today! Susan
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 12:27h, 24 JulyThank you Susan! I agree, her hair always looks lovely and I sprlurge on those items as well. Glad you enjoyed it! xx
Fafá Gorayeb
Posted at 10:51h, 24 JulyTudo é muito elegante e estiloso!
cassidl
Posted at 10:42h, 24 JulyAwesome share Jess, love this
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 10:47h, 24 JulyThank you! I am glad you enjoyed the interview! Have a great weekend, Linda! x
carmen
Posted at 10:10h, 24 JulyWonderful interview Jess! Beth is a fashionable and beautiful woman with a zest for life at any age!
♥ carmen
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 10:28h, 24 JulyThank you Carmen, I love meeting women and learning from them as well. She is! xx
Posh Prime
Posted at 09:08h, 24 JulyShe has amazing style! Great interview!
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 10:01h, 24 JulyThank you Megan!
Patti
Posted at 07:19h, 24 JulyWonderful interview, Jess. Beth and her blog are fabulous.
Jess Jannenga
Posted at 10:01h, 24 JulyThank you Patti! Your next 🙂 xx Will send you questions this week, my friend x