Welcome to our latest Ageless Style Post. If you are new here Elizabeth from The Vintage Contessa and I each interview someone over the age of 50 who we think has great style. I am so happy to be interviewing “my virtual friend” Serena Crawford. Back in 2013 (after not blogging long) via Pinterest I happened upon Serena’s carefully curated homes. I promptly created a post The Captivating Interiors of Serena Crawford. For years it was one of my most popular posts and deservedly so.
Serena has that same confidence, and individual flair when it comes to her fashion sense. She knows that personal style is a journey and she is sharing her personal evolution. Read on you will love her honesty and humor.
How Would You Describe Your Style?
I’m a drama queen but mostly I keep her under wraps and dress in a uniform most of the time. But then suddenly that side of my character breaks out usually in party mode in dramatic jewellery, high shoes ( they have recently been mostly put out to pasture)and interesting clothes. For years I only wore stark black Japanese clothes with huge jewellery. But in the last 8 years, I became a colour and pattern girl and wear a lot of Etro. It makes me happy and is a wonderful Italian brand that is cut for my body.
Then I have my safari look which is my uniform for the day. I wear a lot of khaki jeans, or white jeans and white shirts and khaki safari jackets with an African beaded belt from Kenya and beaded bracelets and fabulous scarves I have collected for years. This is topped off by a felt hat with a zebra band or a straw hat made by Helen Kaminski an Australian designer.I have worn this look for as long as I can remember and in every country in the world. I only wear takkies ( converse or keds in white ) in summer., and Emma Hope lace-up sandshoes. Recently started to wear Birkenstocks when I’m traveling and touristing in very hot places with a lot of walking required.
I also have a beach summer, look caftans from Camilla in Sydney and white linen and always a hat. Always.
In winter in London, NYC or Sydney I wear an Australian brand called Scanlan and Theodore. I buy clothes from them made in a stretch very thick black fabric. In winter I’m back in the black and with a silk shirt and a black cashmere jersey and black boots and I’m done.. I only wear Robert Clergerie in Winter as he makes my size and his boots are fabulous. (I have size 42 feet so buying fabulous shoes has never been really easily accessible.) My Scanlan outfits are fabulous and easy because they are so cool and cutting edge but easy to travel with and goes from smart to casual. This is when I wear my big “jools” and huge sparkling brooches. A more casual me is black jeans and uniqlo coat. What a joy the lightness of those coats. The most casual me is lulu lemon leggings and a t-shirt and trainers and uniqlo jacket ..and this can go on for weeks in South Africa in winter usually because I imagine I’m going to go on a serious walk at some point in the day…sometimes I do and sometimes I dont…!!
Recently I threw half my wardrobe away. What a fabulous feeling! I want a lot a lot less and only keep what is super special and fabulous and I want to own less and travel lighter.
What accessory Can You Not Do Without?
Black, White and Khaki and every Etro color for clothes!! But my favourite colour to look at is the colour of the aqua sea.
Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
I think my jewellery is my signature thing. I wear very bold big pieces and have some amazing necklaces, huge rings and brooches.
My favourite thing is a multi coloured Etro coat and jeans and brightly coloured suede Todd shoes.
What are your style strengths?
I like being bold and tall. Nothing subtle about me!
I wear a uniform of themes. And I shop in these themes.
Safari
Etro girl
Exercise girl
Beach hot weather girl
Black clothes Japanese cut, city girl ( my clothes on this theme are often from the Australian brand Scanlon and Theodore)
Jeans and tee shirt and blazer girl
Over the top jewelled party girl x
So my style strength is I know which one I’m doing and when! And I’m mostly doing “exercise girl” ( black leggings, trainers, Uniqlo jacket !)
Do you have a style icon?
@batgio, Nicole Kidman and Emmanuelle Alt
What are your beauty essentials that you couldn’t do without
Rapid Lash or Li Lash both these amazing products make your eyelashes grow! It works! So with Chanel mascara Le Volume 1501 ( a new favourite ) my eyelashes look absurdly long and amazing which I love !! Dior Skin .. total love! What a product! Also, my girls can’t live without it Clarins double serum x love it. Use every day. Dior lip gloss and a wonderful product, Dior Lip Glow ( total love ) which enhances your natural lip colour and is a balm. One of the new serious hairdryers that don’t damage your hair and dry it lightning fast x Hot rollers to tame hair. Argan oil hair products. I’m a mostly Dior girl .. all their products are incredibly researched. It’s a product I’ve used all my life. PS their apricot treatment cream for nails is amazing. Hard to find. Love Hermes scents and at the moment Sur le Toit is a favourite , Many Guerlain scents, especially their modern light Aqua Agoiria range. I only chose perfume houses that use real flowers. I know there are lots of fabulous boutique skin products out there but I just use a Retin A product called Environ, a high Sunblock from my dermatologist and a good moisturizer from Dior, Chanel or Clarins picked up while I travel. I also love Japanese make up houses and Shiseido does my favourite moisturiser of all time and that’s my basic. I only used their makeup and products for years.
Do you have repeat offenders in your closet if so what are they?
Black leggings from Lulu Lemon
White tennis shoes from Converse
Celine sunglasses
Uniqlo down jacket in black and one in cream and one in khaki green
Worn these things over and over for years
What advice do you have for women over 50, or over 40?
Don’t look dusty. Wear interesting clothes. If not now, when ??. You don’t have to worry about what men think! That boat has sailed! Wear your hair long if it is good hair. Recently I chopped mine in half, it looks better and easier to manage but the second half is staying!! Hair is a critical part of looking amazing when you are older. I love the silver grey look and will embrace it 100 percent when my time comes. I was deeply influenced by an attractive Italian designer called Mimmi ‘O Connell who wore her hair long as an older woman ..it was fabulous hair and it looked amazing. I saw her once in NYC, she must have been in her sixties and she had on a dramatic coat and long hair. I said to myself “that me when I’m grown up”.
Be fit and eat healthily…this is the best piece of advice I give myself everyday..It’s a full-time intention and job. Have fun with everything, its so stylish to enjoy life, your clothes, getting dressed and being in love with your life. You are the main character in the movie of your life, make sure you are wonderfully dressed for this incredible role !! Its good manners to be dressed well, but its also a discipline and it lifts your mood and colours your day for the better. I think its one of the most important things you do each day. Personally, I adore people who look wonderful and interesting as it makes me so happy. On the other hand, you can be just as interesting in a black pair of leggings and a Uniqlo jacket if you are laughing and having fun.
Do you have any style rules that you live by?
The only rule I have is I think it is sad trying to look like a sexpot when you are over 50…time to calm down. No cleavage, acres of old skin unless you are in a swimming costume!!! Then go for it! Wear young clothes but not sexy ones. Be comfortable and be able to move, that’s the coolest style rule of all. If you are comfortable in your clothes and your skin then you can cope with anything that comes your way. I love ripped jeans but recently I realized old skin squishing out of the holes wasn’t cool, so now my ripped jeans have to have a lining underneath, to get the effect without the reality of my old knees being in evidence. My other style rule at this age you have to reassess almost every year what you can get away with and have the courage to throw away what is not working.….I think this year I was made very aware of my old lady ankles and that all my trousers cut mid length for summer ‘aint working… Im heartbroken but I don’t know how to change the reality of them..so I’m just going to have to change my trousers and jeans to ankle length.
What are your favorite online go to sources?
Matches, Myteresa.com, Farfetch Louisaviaroma, and my friend Vicki Archer whose wonderful blog French Essence always tells me things I need to know whats happening in the fashion world and what everyone is wearing in the capital cities of the world which I find very helpful and amusing.
Do you have a particular designer that you are drawn to?
Etro Etro Etro.
For years I only wore clothes designed by the Japanese, Kenzo, Comme des Garcons, Yohji Jammato, and Jil Sander. Now I’m into colour so Etro is my favourite.
Sometimes I add just one more thing, that probably shouldn’t be there. Sometimes my jewellery is so heavy that it gets in the way of my life. This is not good. Chanel said “Get dressed and remove something”, I get dressed and then I usually add something more. But recently I have had a massive change of heart and soul over the many things I own. I’m in the process of completing this intention. I’ve been reading books on Less is More and on letting go of too much stuff, and the spiritual reasons for owning and having less. I want to be lighter in every aspect of my life. I feel this new way of thinking having its effect as I often go without accessories and jewellery for days on end. But then if I’m in a big city or going somewhere special out it all comes! And it feels special.
Mistakes I make are buying clothes for a person I no longer am. I’m deeply attached to high heels and interesting shoes and I keep buying them and I keep on being unable to wear them. That ship has sailed. This year I finally got the message. I always thought I’d hang in with this vestige of glamour until the end but actually, now I don’t give a damn. The freedom of aging.
Another mistake I made was buying too much at the same time. So now I discipline myself to only look at clothing websites as a treat. I try to buy only a few serious outfits a year. This is making me happy. So I’m sticking with it.
Thank you, Serena, for joining us here at Ageless Style, and for sharing your style tips and secrets with such humor and honesty. You had me at the ripped jeans! Be sure and stop by the Contessa’s blog to see who she has up her sleeve this month.
If you would like to see more of Serena’s interiors check out her website serenacrawford.com) Serena is on the move again, hopefully, she will share her latest designs soon.
So many quotable lines in this post. She speaks of many things I’ve been thinking about lately. I’m sharing this one!
Xo
I follow Serena on Instagram and love her take on life and art and what’s important… or should be important. I love her advice on “Don’t look dusty.” Keep up with the times, stay relevant and interested in life and how you look. So important because I see so many women who look like they’ve just given up on hair, clothes, makeup… It makes me sad because I wonder about their interiors… not just health wise, but are they depressed and disengaging from life little by little? Brava Serena! You never fail to inspire me! xoxo, Brenda
I love that don’t look dusty comment as well! I look pretty dusty sometimes! Glad you enjoyed the interview with Serena! She is a firecracker isn’t she?
Hi Cindy,
A great post on a great woman – love the mane of hair, love the adoration of Etro, love the more is more accessorising!! She’s right on page with the Fashion & Age-Appropriate tips, too. Well found!!
Hi Pipistrello!
I am so glad you enjoyed the interview and took the time to comment. The comments are what make a post interesting. Her hair is amazing isn’t it?
Goodness, my comment disappeared. I was the seond person to leave a comment yesterday. Well, here goes again. I loved this post. Serena is so giving in her information. I love following her on Instagram Always beautiful and always fascinating.She travels the world with such style and grace. Just a pleasure. Now I get to find out about all the details of her beautiful style. Love reading about all the products you use. I know you have exquisite taste. I know I’ll come back and read this again and again. So bravo Cindy for a great catch.
I have had the comment disappearing act happen often Sandra! I am so glad you enjoyed Serena. She is refreshing, honest, and full of fun!
By the way, have I told you how great your photographs are? I was looking at your Instagram and Pinterest feeds. You do a fabulous job. Beautiful photos! Always love your posts. You inspired me to redo my web site. That will teach you. Haven’t announced it yet. But you were the one who tipped me over to redo it.
I love this woman. Serena is fresh and is totally embracing the liberation of aging. I think she is right on when she says we must reassess our wardrobe as we age. She has achieved a youthful and chic look. This woman rocks!
I so agree Jill. My hair has been gray for over eight years and I still have things that just don’t work with the gray locks! I need Brenda Kinsel to come do a serious closet cleansing!
Fabulous Ageless style post Cindy! Love this lady. What a gem. Her advice is wonderful to read and some of it made me smile out loud. This: “Chanel said to get dressed and then remove one thing. I get dressed and add one thing.” LOL. Love it! very inspirational!
Hi Lisa
Thanks for commenting and so glad you enjoyed the interview. We work hard to find women that will interest and inspire our readers. We are so glad you appreciate it. I have a fun one coming up next month too! Don’t forget to stop by. We always post on the last Thursday of the month unless something unforeseen happens.
This interview reminds me of the Oscar Wilde quote: be yourself everyone else is already taken. What a delightful view of self, growing up, finding not just peace but joy. Last week we had a chilly day (thank god summer has been so hot here) and I wore my red Mieko Mintz vest—three people on the street stopped me to comment on it. It was a football weekend in a college town and those were the arty ones. I also got a few “what the hell is she wearing that looks” and those were the out of towners ones who dressed very conservatively. The whole experience just made me laugh. Be yourself, indeed!
Hmmm I get that “what the hell is she wearing look” all the time when I wear my kantha jacket”!! Do I care? Nope! i am so happy that I will soon be able to crack that and my Mieko Mintz vest out of the closet soon. I am doing a table for a charity event tonight. The tablecloth is kantha actually. I might just wear it!
Serena is a breath of fresh air. I believe we make our own style when dressing, wearing jewelry we love, how we style our hair, and in keeping healthy. She really looks lovely in the clothing she selects. I think its a reflection of a strong woman.
I appreciate her advice on women over forty and fifty. We are far from old, and at 58, I simply don’t care about what people say as far as what we women can and should wear. Serena is a wonderful inspiration!
Thanks so much, Cindy.
Jane x
I agree Jane we have to understand what looks best on us and go with it! Many of the “so called rules” don’t work for me. Rules are made to be broken. Thanks for your comment my mid western friend!
I love this series. So fun to read about other women and their style and theory of dress. I have followed Serena on Instagram for a long time and am a huge fan. I love her honesty, style and her sense of adventure.
She is full of wisdom and fun isn’t she Elizabeth? I laughed out loud while reading some of her responses.
I am intrigued and want to learn more about Serena, what an exciting life she has created for herself. her sense of style & philosophies are spot on, thank you Cindy for this fas initing insight
Debra
Hi Pal! I heard the garden tour was amazing! I have to put it on my bucket list!! Follow Serena on Instagram you will love her sassy style
Love, love this post Cindy…I follow Serena on IG and she is so fun…self deprecating and at the same time so lovely! Love this series that you and Elizabeth hold…thank you!
Thank you so much Nella! How are you? Serena is one to follow isn’t she? Check out her beautiful design portfolio too. You will love it!
What a great post! Serena is so fun and fabulous. I love the quote about not looking too sexy. Nothing worse than dressing too young. I loved that her fashion ranges from Chanel to the practicality of Uniqlo and Birkenstocks. I live in the same Birkenstocks she is wearing in one of the photos. She has beautiful hair! I really enjoyed all Serena had to share.
Thanks Jenna Hattersley for commenting! I knew you would appreciate that particular comment. She has incredible hair doesn’t she?
Love Serena! I so hope she is writing a book. Thanks for this profile.
Jill thanks so much for commenting. What an observation…I hope the book materializes as well. We will have to keep encouraging her!
“Sometimes I add just one more thing.” What fun and exuberance–totally contrary to Chanel’s advice to take off one thing. I love it. Personally, I waver between more-is-more and less-is-more, but I admire those who are 100% in one camp or the other.
We only have one life–why not do it the way we want!!!
I waver between more is more and less is more as well. I am leaning toward less is more both in my attire and decor the older I get! I do agree I admire those that are firmly in their camp whatever it is!
Jack Palance once said, “Self confidence is very sexy.” That is what comes through loud and clear with this lady. I found this article so inspiring. Especially, “Be fit and eat healthily…this is the best piece of advice I give myself everyday..It’s a full-time intention and job.” How true. I exercise every day, whether I feel like it or not, and have made healthy eating a priority. It does take time, but as she says, if now now, when? I wouldn’t consider it a loss to not wear ripped jeans or cropped pants, both of which styles I loathe. I found it funny that she does the opposite of what Chanel said about dressing then removing something, like a piece of jewelry. Cindy, thanks for this series, but especially this one in particular. It struck a chord.
Hi Judith
I am so happy you enjoyed Serena’s interview. I am so happy she agreed to do it. So many of us follow her on Instagram. She powerfully put a face behind the name!
I love her style and outlook on ageing. Nothing looks sadder than an aging lady wearing too revealing or too young clothing. Neither do we want to dress like a frumpy old women. It’s important to keep on top of trends but there is no need to follow all.
I don’t wear bold jewelry but appreciate it on others. They truly make a statement.
Serena, you have beautiful hair. It tempts me to grow mine out again. I go between a fun pixie and a bob but I’ve been thinking it might be nice to wear it up. Always such an elegant look.
Thank you Joanna for your thoughtful comment. We don’t want to look like grandmas do we? But we don’t want to try to hard either. That is where Serena comes in she is comfortable with her style and knows what to wear to look her best. Love her!
I love this quote from Serena “Wear young clothes but not sexy ones. Be comfortable and be able to move, that’s the coolest style rule of all.” The photo of her with the scarf, trench coat and beautiful hair is my favorite. Love this series.
Mary Ann
I agree Maryann about that photo. It captures her doesn’t it? She is on the hunt for design finds. If only I looked that glamorous while on the hunt! My hair is usually crazy and my clothing rumpled!! She just has it!
Cindy as always thanks for introducing us to such interesting people with us! Serena, thanks for sharing!! Cindy is right, I also love your style and humor. Thanks ladies!!
Thanks Lauren for stopping by! Serena is a delight now doubt about it!
OH< I can RELATE with this WOMAN on SO MANY LEVELS…………..EXCEPT The LESS IS MORE BIT!NOT THERE YET SERENA but I know ONE DAY I'll get there……..I took a whole carry on bag to ENGLAND three weeks ago filled with MY ACCESSORIES!!!!!!!I did have to give a few away as with what I bought and what I had I couldn't carry HOME!YOU know that shop at the TOP of PORTOBELLO ROAD?WELL< HELLO!!!!!!!!I was in there doing some DAMAGE!!!!!!!!I know what you mean about the ankles!On top of that I have varicose veins so I NEVER DID the crop pant always FLOOR LENGTH!I'm TALL like YOU!ETRO……….CAMILLIA got my first one this year LOVE!My sunglasses are CELINE and I always BUY sunglasses when I am in PARIS and FLORENCE!They have the BEST selection!!!!!!!!!!I met VICKI ARCHER last week for dinner at ANNABELS!!!!!Have read FRENCH ESSENCE for YEARS…………YOUR BIG and BOLD STATEMENT Jewelry if it ever needs a HOME AWAY from HOME……..LOOK NO FURTHER!!!!!!!!!!!I only WISH I was going to be your NEW NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR!!!!!!!!!!WHAT A BALL WE WOULD HAVE!
This has been a DELIGHTFUL READ and I love the CLOSE UP PHOTOS OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!
I CAN FEEL PLETT and SEE PLETT through YOU MY DEAR…………….my eyes are tearing up!
I best skip to it as I have MY first GARDEN CLUB meeting in 30 minutes and Im not even DRESSED!
WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF ME!!!!!!!!!!!
XOXO
Thanks Elizabeth for sharing Valerie with us and your fun comments about Serena. I totally agree about the closeups..love them…her hair reminds me of yours!