If you are new to the blog, welcome to ageless style. Each month Elizabeth (the Vintage Contessa) and I interview someone we believe has great style. This month I am interviewing Liz Barlak, photographer. I found Liz on Instagram via her captivating photographs of women. Liz says her photography business has been a “dream and a gift”. When she left her previous career, ( 20 years of selling skin care and cosmetics) she said she was “ready to do and be someone else”.
Liz maintains she had no job waiting for her, and she had no idea what she was going to do next. She dipped her “toe into a few things here and there, but nothing stuck”. She decided to take ownership of her own career path and signed up for a photo-a-day program online. Students were required to take a photo that represented their interpretation of a word or phrase that was given to them at the start of each day. She was intrigued.
“So I played along. Every day I was given a new word and challenged myself to take a picture representing that word by the end of the day”. “This gave me purpose. I was letting my creativity come out. I started to learn about cameras and what actually made up a great picture. From there I began to create a desire to photograph people, mostly women.”
Welcome to Ageless Style-Liz Barlak. I love Liz’s sassy no-nonsense style. She is proof positive that you can challenge yourself and take on a new career at any age. I hope you enjoy her style
.
How would you describe your Style?
I would describe my style as classy and sophisticated. I live in jeans, but I want to make them look classy. Even when I was younger I didn’t wear current trends. Just me I guess.
Do you have a style muse?
I think I always turn to Chico’s to give me inspiration and to keep me current. There’s a tall blond woman who appears regularly in their catalog that I’m always trying to find. She could be it! Ha ha
What is your favorite accessory?
My favorite accessory…I’m addicted to changing my purse quite frequently. I think though it must be earrings. Short hair shows them off.
What are your favorite color combinations
I love the classics. Black, white, red, grey. Mostly black. I know, I know. Black, black, black. But it works when you know how to wear it. Jewelry looks great with black. You’ll rarely catch me in any prints or florals. Just not my thing.
Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
A signature piece that defines my style… jeez, not really. But I know it when I’m in it. It’s the look that I’m wearing that gets people to say to me “gee, you always look so put together.” Without knowing it, I forgot that I had turquoise flats which happen to go nicely with that one turquoise top. I love white on white. Pearls with a white blouse, a beautiful top with holes in my jeans. I realize also that I love bling. Kind of an obsession. Lol
What are your favorite beauty products and why can’t you live without them?
My favorite beauty products is an easy one. I’ve been using Arbonne products for about 25 years. They can’t compare to department store products and certainly drug store products.
Do you have any style rules that you live by, or do you break the rules?
A favorite online store is Chico’s. Honestly, I don’t buy much online. Although recently I bought some jeans from Skinnygirl Jeans that I really liked. I’m mostly a TJ Maxx and Marshalls girl.
Do you have a particular diet and or exercise regime that you follow?
Do you have any anti-aging foods or supplements that are your go tos?
What advice do you have for women over 50?
Liz says she particularly enjoys “mother-daughter shoots where both mom and daughter come in” “They have their hair and makeup done, and they ‘get to spend time being beautiful together. They open up to me and I am able to capture their love, giving them both something tangible to share over and over again”. “Most women don’t believe they can have a good photo of themselves. I want to prove them wrong. It’s been my incredible pleasure to see the joy on my client’s face. “When they tear up” upon seeing their “image for the first time, it’s an incredible feeling”.
If you would like to see Liz work her magic check out her website here. You can read the stories behind the scenes on her blog here. Of course, you will want to follow her on Instagram here
Rock Liz’s Sassy Style
Juliet says
Liz reminds me of a young Judi Dench. Beautiful. (Judi is still beautiful.) I love Liz’ style and attitude. Interesting that Liz and Sally (Contessa’s feature) encourage us to break a few rules! xo
Cindy Hattersley says
She does look like a young Judi Dench. Nothing wrong with breaking the rules! Or are there any at our age?!!
home before dark says
As one silver pixie girl to another: brava for rewriting the play of your life. I am always inspired by women who chuck the rule book and take a new path. I am doubly inspired by women who act in kindness and are supportive of other women.
Cindy Hattersley says
Well said Patti!
Robin says
Liz is a great beauty, with style!! And to be self taught in her new career. Brave!!
XXo Robin in Umbria
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Robin
I agree. I am so impressed with Liz. She is an inspiration to us all!
Taste of france says
She is inspirational. I love her look–that short blonde hair is so striking, and she has such arresting eyes–she reminds me of Annette Bening.
debra @ 5th and state says
love reading this series and in particular, a woman with such confidence and a great career she created for herself
bravo Liz!
debra
Cindy Hattersley says
She is a dynamo isn’t she?!!
lisa thomson says
What a beauty! Lovely fashion taste. I like her simplicity. Popped over from La Contessa’s. I will follow Liz on Instagram, pronto! Thanks for sharing her, Cindy. 🙂
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Lisa
Thanks so much for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the interview!
Kim says
Cindy I love Liz’s style. What a lovely person she is too. How inspiring deciding she wanted to change her life up and do something different..I think it’s super she like to make others feel good about themselves too. She is chic and her hair is darling with her glasses. Good advice too about staying fit. That is everything in making us feel beautiful at all ages!! Love this series. xoxo Kim
1010ParkPlace says
Liz is a stunning woman! Her short hair is so chic. Like Liz, I like bling, but from where I’m standing, Liz is the bling all by herself! Loved this story Cindy. xoxox, Brenda
Jane says
Liz not only has style and verve, she is absolutely real and inspiring in her views on women; health, taking care of one’s self, and finding clothes that define our lives and uniqueness. Even her hairstyle reflects her confidence and sassiness!
I love that she has found a career that brings out her best self. Having that second chance is not about coincidence–its hard work and a passion to keep moving. I’m definitely going to check out her blog and IG account. Thanks, Cindy!
Jane x
Liz says
TJMaxx!!!! Marshall’s!!!! C’mon am I right???? 🙂 . The best!!!
pat Huber says
That was fun to read! Thank you! I wish I could wear my hair like that. So cute on Liz (and great for swimming!).
classic casual home says
Wow… sexy, confident and classy. Love Liz’s style! I want to be more like her!
Mary Ann
Liz says
THANK YOU!!!!
Loree says
Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog. It was very kind of you. I love to come over and read but I don’t think I ever left a comment. I lived reading about Liz. She’s definitely an inspiration.
Liz says
THANK YOU!!! That means a LOT to me!
A Woman Of A Certain Age says
Sometimes the best things develop intrinsically— like a passion that becomes a second career.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
Mary says
I think your muse may be An Hayward. Her Instagram account is anhaywardofficial.
Liz says
Wow, really??? Thank you for that! I can’t wait to check her out! I’ve been stalking her in my mind for years! lol
So I just looked at her IG and, yes, IT’S HER!!!! lol thank you
WuzzY says
What was the online photo class?
Liz says
You know it wasn’t really a “class”. But I can share the link with you here because it still goes on to this day:
https://fatmumslim.com.au/how-to-play-photo-day/
It changed my life!
Gail Storti says
One word for her…fabulous! Love her short hair, I did that once and looked like a pinhead. She’s also a girl after my own heart, she’s a TJMaxx and Marshall’s girl! Wonderful post Cindy!
Liz says
TJMaxx!!!! Marshall’s!!!! C’mon am I right???? 🙂 . The best!!!
Cindy Hattersley says
So glad you enjoyed the interview Gail. She is fabulous isn’t she?!!
Sandra Sallin - Apart From My Art From My Art says
Well, good for her. I love that Liz has found a new career, Her photographs are beautiful. I tried to subscribe to her blog but could not find a subscription form. I’ve never heard of Arbonn. I guess I need to research it. Liz has a great look. Nice choice Cindy.
Liz says
Thank you Cindy. Here’s a link to my very dear friend who sells Arbonne. Get it from her: sallyhallada.arbonne.com
I’m not sure I have my blog set up for subscription. Thanks anyway for checking that. Also, thank you for your kind words.
Cindy Hattersley says
Thanks Sandra don’t you love her style?
holly says
Ooo La La! What a great woman to feature. Love her spirit and talent. Have a great one!
Cindy Hattersley says
Thanks Holly you too! She is from your neck of the woods!
LA CONTESSA says
WELL……..HELLO!
I love the idea of that first assignment you had about taking photos!
MARSHALL’s and TJ use to be my favorite stores too!
Interesting you sold cosmetics but use that ARBONNE?I know nothing about it except gals at my gym were selling it!Is it on line?I always thought it was like TUPPERWARE SALES……..remember that?YOU are a GORGEOUS GAL with SHORT HAIR!!I’m off to follow you………..
Send your friends and family over too!!
SPREAD the word you are on AGELESS STYLE TODAY!!
I’m sure they would LOVE to enjoy your photos and answers!
THANK YOU for being HERE!
XX
Cindy Hattersley says
Loved your gal today too! Such fun featuring so many vibrant, talented women our age!
TerEsa says
The tall blonde model from Chico’s lives
in Destin, FL. Her husband was the
mayor.
Liz says
The skin care and cosmetics that I sold WAS Arbonne. Yes, it’s a network marketing company. But, honestly, their products are phenomenal. I am no longer building a business so I buy whatever I want whenever I want. And I ALWAYS come back to their products. Thanks so much for your kind words. I so appreciate it.