Search

Search
Close this search box.

Ageless Style-Catherine Robinson

 

It’s that time again.  Elizabeth of The Vintage Contessa and I are each interviewing someone over fifty with great style for our Ageless Style Series. This month I am so pleased to feature the lovely Catherine Robinson from Cashmere Lover. Catherine lives in England and is the owner of Catherine Robinson Cashmere. Catherine says she began her business because she wanted to provide “a quality luxury product, with personal service, and an emphasis on presentation”.

I love Catherine’s simple sophisticated aesthetic.  Her look is clean, polished, and elegant.  She is a classic natural beauty, with an effortlessly chic look. I hope you enjoy getting to know Catherine a little better.

How Would You Describe Your Style?

Simple – I like pure, elegant lines; I always have even as a young woman, I don’t think I have changed my look greatly it’s stayed with me – now, for me in my fifties and beyond it’s important to me that my style reflects how I feel inside; it’s the simple things that make my day, make me realize how fortunate I am – ‘style’ to me is a whole person, how they live their lives, how they talk to people, their grace
and I hope in a small way I reflect this in my style.
What Inspires your signature style?
 
I like a chic, elegant European style, Ines de la Fressange is the epitome of casual elegance.  A freshness, not too studied or made up; nothing is more attractive than seeing a woman comfortable in her own skin – on a recent holiday in Tuscany I was blown away by the ageless style of so many women, they looked fabulous, they exuded a self-confidence they had a respect for the change and passage of time and embraced it;
they truly inspired me.
What accessory Can You Not Do Without?
 
That’s easy – a cashmere wrap, of course!
 
Favourite Color?
 
Blue – I’ve always loved blue; not until recently a color I’ve worn a lot of but now my hair is blonder/lighter I love it!  It has always been my ‘go to’ color for a car!
Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
 
I would definitely say, the scarf or wrap – I really am never without one – I love wearing them around my neck, casually draped across my shoulders or in a multitude of different ways which usually involves them
being crossed and tied around my back or looped through the waistband of my pants.  I think if you were to ask my friends they would all say – the WRAP!!
What are your style strengths?
 
I think my style strengths are ‘keeping it simple’ I don’t have a vast wardrobe – I do have many items which are years old, which I still wear, such as coats, jackets and evening dresses; I love wearing them again and
again.  I think, as a rule, I generally buy classics and classics don’t date.  I have a favorite Vivienne Westwood coat that I’ve had for over 20 years; it looks new!  My daughter is waiting for it come her way!
Do you have a style icon?
 
Audrey Hepburn – I loved her simplicity of style, her effortless grace and to think she is still so very much a style icon today – she is incomparable.
What are your beauty essentials that you couldn’t do without?
 
Mosturiser, moisturiser and moisturiser!!!
And then perfume, my favourite at the moment is Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche, it’s such a lovely, light summery scent.  My longtime favourite is Allure by Chanel and for a light daily fragrance, Serenity
by Clarins.  I couldn’t do without my hairdresser, having such short hair I have to have regular trips to the hair salon – if my hair feels and looks good, all is right in my world!
 
Do you have repeat offenders in your closet if so what are they?
 
Sorry to be a bore, but I don’t really – I’m not saying, I haven’t had disasters in the past but I don’t repeat them – I learn my lesson.
What advice do you have for women over 50, or over 40? 
 
I think you should dress to your personality and how you feel – dress to make you happy.  I don’t believe in rules or ‘you should wear this’ or ‘you mustn’t wear this’ – we are all so different and bring our own
characters to our style. Build your wardrobe around 6 or 7 basics and mix with great accessories – mix ‘chic and cheap’ this is very much the way European women, especially Parisians dress.  I think trying to look
young is the quickest way to look old – having said I don’t believe in ‘rules’ I do believe you shouldn’t dress like a teenager!  We’ve been there and done that – embrace an ageless style, don’t neglect YOU!
 
Do you have any style rules that you live by?
 
Yes, only wear what makes you feel good – I love my bangles and bracelets that can change the feel of an outfit and add a little glamour.  They are fabulous to collect too, I’ve picked up some wonderful, original
pieces on my travels.  I think accessories are so important to style – a little cashmere always adds a little elegance to any wardrobe!
What are your favorite online go to sources?
 
Firstly, net-a-porter.com I think fashion entrepreneur and founder of net-a-porter.com Natalie Massenet is an absolute inspiration.
I also like smythson.com for beautiful stationery – I do love to write and both indiajane.co.uk and oka.com
for classic interior collections and accessories; I can always find something here either for myself or as a gift.
Do you have a particular designer that you are drawn to?
 
I’ve always loved Donna Karan, Vivienne Westwood and Armani – in recent years I have been a big fan of Victoria Beckham’s designs and I would adore owning a Haider Ackermann design; I have my eyes on
his crepe wrap midi dress; it would be in my wardrobe for years.

FullSizeRender

If you love cashmere (what’s not to love?), stop by Catherine’s online store. She is offering a special gift right now.  Free shipping to the USA & Canada.  I plan to do a little early Christmas shopping.

Pop on over to the Contessa’s Blog to see who she is interviewing.  She always has someone interesting and full of fun!

If you enjoyed this post you might enjoy my other Ageless Style posts, Ageless Style Adrienne Shubin, Ageless Style Brenda Kinsel, and Ageless Style Mary Ann Pickett.

I would also like to give a shout out to Shari of Little Blue Deer Designs for my new website design.  Shari designed my website many years ago and I was very happy with it, but it was time for a refresher.  If you are looking to update your website or blog, I would highly recommend Shari.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelley says

    I finally had a chance to visit your new and wonderful site, Cindy. It is great.

    I love Catherine’s style and her hair!!! I wish I could go that short.

    xo kelley

  2. debra@5th and state says

    OH CINDY, this was an inspirational post. love catherines style mantra and i so often forget the european style; some great basics & mix and match

    your web design is quite amazing, need an update on mine, little blue deer is quite talented
    cheers
    debra

  3. 1010ParkPlace says

    I’ve long been a fan of Catherine on Instagram, so getting to know more about her has been a real treat! Thank you, Cindy! I just returned from Italy and the fashionable, elegant, self-confident women over 50 rose above everyone I’ve seen in a long time. I’ve always worn classic clothes. My mother was a model and a buyer in couture and from an early age she taught me to buy one really nice piece in the fall and one in the spring as a great way to build a timeless wardrobe. In the last couple of months, i’ve experimented with a couple of trends but the women of florence have set me back on the path that’s true to me. Classic and elegant. I love your series. Thank you so much, Brenda

    • Cindy says

      Brenda I just read your article on women over 50 in Florence. It was wonderful. I am so glad you are enjoying this series. Elizabeth and I are really enjoying getting to know so many interesting women with fabulous taste. I love your blog, I am so happy I found you via Instagram. I am going to send you an email. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

  4. amanda riley says

    What an elegant lady,so well dressed in an understated way.i really enjoyed reading this,many thanks

    • Cindy says

      Pat, Catherine’s style is so similar to yours. I thought of you while I was writing the post. Thanks for the comments on my website, there is still a lot of work to do!

  5. leslie harris says

    Cindy thanks for another great interview, your choice of Catherine is so appreciated, I’ve been a fan of hers for so long, I really connect with her classic style. And she’s a fellow yoga friend too! By the way, you blog looks gorgeous, is this wordpress? I’m getting ready to change over and worry about my complete ignorance when it comes to technology. Every day I don’t accidentally delete my Blog I feel thankful. my techie-smart son tells me it’s time to up my game. Gulp.
    hugs,
    Leslie

    • Cindy says

      When are you going to be ready? It took me awhile to get Maryann convinced! Catherine was a pleasure to feature. She has a simple elegance that is hard not to love.

  6. Gail storti says

    Catherine is beautiful, classic, casual and elegant, in other words, Perfection! And i’d cut my hair in a heartbeat if It would looks as fabulous as hers.

    • Cindy says

      Hi Gail! I so agree about the haircut! Unfortunately, I have way too many wrinkles for that look but boy would I love it if I could have a cut like that!!

    • Cindy says

      Cashmere is so timeless isn’t it Libby? I, unfortunately, have a problem with moths and have to get that taken care of!! Thank you so much for commenting. Catherine is just lovely.

  7. Katie Clooney says

    cATHERINE IS POSITIVELY STUNNING!! lOVE HER IMPECCABLE STYLE. fROM A WOMAN WHO LOVES CASHMERE MORE THAN CHOCOLATE, I AM TRULY INSPIRED AND ENVIOUS. eNJOY YOUR WEEKEND, cINDY.

    • Cindy says

      Hi Janet, thank you so much for your lovely comments. So looking forward to your lovely tablescape next week!

  8. Sue says

    Thank you Cindy for this fabulous blog. Catherine (my sister) and I have been working together for a year now and i consider myself very lucky to be surrounded by gorgeous cashmere every day!

    • Cindy says

      Hi Sue

      It was my pleasure. I know all of my readers enjoyed getting to know Catherine better, and who doesn’t need more cashmere?!!

  9. Our French Oasis says

    we are getting towards cashmere season here in south west France, certainly in the evenings and mornings! I loved this interview, everything she says is so simple and yet it all makes perfect sense, she is such an elegant stylish lady and so beautiful. Cashmere always feels so good, I think it is certainly worth investing in, a little luxury goes a long way!

    • Cindy says

      I completely agree Susan. Here in California heavy woolen clothes just never work. Cashmere is always a perfect weight!

  10. Catherine robinson says

    Thank you so much, cindy – and many thanks to your lovely readers for their very kind comments. i’m off now to cornwall on the south coast to enjoy some wonderful beach walks – wrapped in cashmere, of course!
    happy weekend, with love xx

    • Cindy says

      It was my pleasure Catherine. I hope you get a chance to read all the comments. Everyone really enjoyed this interview. Have a wonderful day.

  11. Lisa White says

    What a lovely, elegant woman and her approach to style is an approach to a well-lived life. Style is just one facet I quote her here as this sentence really introduced Catherine to me and some insight behind the beautiful woman pictured here in this interview…, “‘style’ to me is a whole person, how they live their lives, how they talk to people, their grace” Needless to say, I was very impressed! This is a person I wish I could have met and shared a cup of tea to discuss style, life, and true Grace! Thank you for introducing us to Catherine!
    XX
    Lisa White (fridainmycloset)

    • Cindy says

      What a lovely comment Lisa. We were so lucky to have you join our series as well. You are such a stylish lady!

  12. Jennifer Lively says

    Catherine is so chic and inspirational. My favorite thing to wear is cashmere, I’ll have to check out her online shop. I alsoI loved to hear how she has honed the number of clothes she owns to only that which she loves and wears. I could definitely learn from her.

    • Cindy says

      I agree Jennifer! I could learn from her as well. Of course it helps if you are gorgeous! I love her style!

    • Cindy says

      What a lovley comment Sandra. We were so lucky to have you for one of our first victims! You are doing a fabulous job on your blog. I LOVED yuo in that Artful Home tunic. It is perfect for you! So glad that we have become friends!

  13. Jill Anthony says

    Love Catherine’s effortless style! Her ensemble with the blue wrap and white pants are me all the way! Chic and fab! I’ve decided I need a wrap now!

    • Cindy says

      Don’t you wish we could wair our hair like that? If only I had her skin…and her figure…and woops her beauty!!

  14. LA CONTESSA says

    CONTESSA HERE!!!!!!!!!!!
    I can VOUCH for ALL she said HERE as I met her in LONDON!SHe is a walking AUDREY!Even when we had to race out of the GRAND TEA ROOM because of a Fire ALARM!I own a couple of her CASHMERE WRAPS and I ADORE HER SOCKS.My nEWEST BUY are her gloves…………in GREY!
    CINdy……………those I bought FOR YOU so get another color!!!!!!!!!!!!
    CATHERINES, packaging is BEYOND Beautiful and there is ALWAYS a hand written note inside!
    WHO DOES THAT ANYMORE!?!
    I LOVE HER PRODUCTS, HER BLOG POST……………and following HER on INSTAGRAM!
    XX

Edit Content
Click on the Edit Content button to edit/add the content.
• powered by chloédigital