Welcome! It is time for Ageless Style. Elizabeth (aka the Vintage Contessa) and I interview someone each month that we think has great style. This month I am interviewing my friend Kelley Motschenbacker. I met Kelley several years ago at an Antique Fair. I probably attended just on the off chance I would meet Kelley. I had been enjoying Kelley’s blog The Polished Pebble, and felt a kinship with her even though we had not yet met. You can now find her at Kelley and Co where she still blogs on occasion. Kelley has renovated numerous homes in her signature collected style that we have all come to love. We have continued to be friends via blogging through the years. I have been begging and pleading with her to do this and she finally got tired of my prodding and gave in (did you hear that SH?) I am so happy to bring you Ageless Style-My Friend Kelley Motschenbacher. I know you are going to love her style
You Have a Signature Style that is all your own. How Would You Describe It?
Wow, that’s a hard question, Cindy! A bit boy meets girl, minimal with color, modern but not trendy. Probably a bit of preppy thrown in. I like to mix up proportions: If I wear an oversized sweater I’ll pair it with a skinny pant. With a looser bottom, I like a more fitted top or jacket. Pink is my very favorite accent color. My go-to casual uniform is a great fitting jean, a white long sleeve tee or menswear shirt, fun shoes, and a great watch.
Who Inspires You and Why?
I am very inspired by bespoke menswear and how that is re-interpreted by designers in women’s wear. I love Brunello Cuccinelli, Max Mara, and Ralph Lauren.
I know you are a passionate gardener and love a collected, layered look in your home. Do those elements inspire your personal style as well?
I am way less layered and collected in the way I dress!! But I do think we all gravitate to colors and pattern that makes us feel good and that definitely shows in what we wear. Your personality is really your brand so to speak, and that is apparent in our houses, gardens and in our environment; so what we choose to wear each day really is part of that.
What is your favorite accessory?
Probably a great watch and gold hoops. Followed by sunglasses and scarves, oh, and let’s not forget a classic handbag. Sorry I couldn’t pick one!
What are your favorite color combinations?
White with denim and camel. Black with light blue. Navy with charcoal gray. All of which you can mix and match.
Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
20 Years ago I purchased an incredible cashmere trench coat from Donna Karan Collection. I still wear it. Its unlined, with classic proportions and made in Italy so the tailoring is beautiful. I’m big on blazers too and have a lot, most of which are vintage.
What are your favorite beauty products and why can’t you live without them?
In the last few years, I have really paid more attention to my skincare routine. I use 3 or 4 products religiously in the morning and before bed. A few favorites are products from SkinMedica, LaMer, and Clarins. As for foundation, right now I’m using Lancome Teint Miracle or IT Cosmetics CC cream. Makeup is important as I age but I tend towards a more minimal look for eyes and lips and always use a little bronzer. I love Weleda skin food hand cream and always slather a bunch on before bed. And a spritz of perfume never hurts right?
Do you have any style rules that you live by, or do you choose to break the rules?
Gosh, I have made so many rules for myself over the years. Quality over quantity is probably one rule I think I wish I had followed more. Comfort is NOT overrated. Nobody I know likes blisters from shoes or pants that are too tight.
What are your favorite online and or boutique sources?
I was a menswear buyer for Nordstrom for 15 years and I still shop there. There are some great small shops on Etsy and vintage designer finds on Ebay. I love hitting the local shops when we travel as well as shops that pop up near where I live. Shopping small and local is wonderful! I’m not opposed to online anything as long as it’s not a hassle to return.
Do you have a particular diet and or exercise regime that you follow?
I have been a lifelong runner. Right now I log in about 25 miles a week. I know people think they can’t run or do cardio as they get older but it’s all about getting started, even walking and working a plan that is achievable. I turned 62 recently so if I can do it anyone can. I eat really well, lots of greens, fish, and chicken and very little red meat and recently I gave up white wine. I do like a nice stiff vodka soda with a lime…!
Do you have any anti-aging foods and or supplements that are your go to’s?
I’m a big fan of Amy Meyers MD. I use her protein and collagen in a blended drink every morning. I have tried lots of other supplements in the past but lately, a multivitamin from Amy Meyers is about it.
What advice do you have for women over 50?
Gosh hard question. Please don’t compare yourself to others if you can help it or judge other people to quickly. It’s so hard right now to feel somewhat incomplete given the youth-driven culture we live in but age and experience are an amazing gift. Use it wisely and share when needed or asked. Set boundaries; for relationships, how much you can realistically do every day and remember the quality of quantity rule. Do things, lots of things and but do them well and enjoy it. I put my wellness, both mental and physical at the top of the list these days because without that everything else seems unimportant.
GET KELLEY’S SIGNATURE LOOK
Thank you so much Kelley for sharing your style with us. I learned a lot from this interview and found a few things I might have to invest in! You will definitely want to follow Kelley on Instagram. She is renovating a beach house currently and it is filled with ideas and inspiration
Thank you for reading Ageless Style-My Friend Kelley Motschenbacher. I so appreciate you taking time out of your day to visit. Now pop over to the Vintage Contessa and see who she is interviewing today
Kelley’s style is fabulous and truly classic! She inspires all of us to look our best!
I, too, followed her blog, love her style of decor, and now her personal style…thank you for the re-introduction, as I had lost track! Now definitely following on instagram! Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Wowza… Kelley really has great style. She is really darling and wears clothes beautifully.
Stay healthy, Cindy!!
Now I want to be a friend of Kelly’s too!
Have loved her interiors and gardens for years, now to see Kelly “in person” she is gorgeous and so stylish!
thank you ladies for this interview, my hands down favorite
Debra
I have always loved her design style and now I’m smitten with her fashion style! Thanks for sharing and putting it out there for us!!
Cindy, Loved this and Kelley’s style. What a great attitude she has. Again love the message of putting ourselves first! I love it. Seems like women who are 60 are pretty sharp and have things figured out, and are thriving and enjoying life their way…Something to look forward to! Always love these posts !! I look forward to following her!
Hi Kim
I need to pop over and read your latest post. I am way behind on my blog reading!!
Cindy,
I’m so happy you were able to encourage Kelley to share it with us. I love her style and have followed her for years. It’s nice to read more about her fashion ideas and hear what she uses in her wardrobe.
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen
It’s always fun to see the face behind the blog, isn’t it? She is cuter than cute!
I discovered Kelley anther blog a couple of years ago and have gone back in time reading every post. Live love love the Santa Barbara house. Cuter than cute! She is full of great ideas and has the cutest little dog. I am so glad you cajoled her into participating.
Hi Holly
I have adored each and every one of her homes as well. And I am glad I twisted her arm!!
Hi Cindy,
It was fun reading about Kelley! I love her style and she seems to have a great outlook on life. These Ageless Style posts are always so informative and I appreciate the time it takes you and Elizabeth to write them, and to find amazing creative women to interview! I look forward to them every month! Keep them coming!
XO Heidi
Hi Heidi
I am so glad I got to meet you via Elizabeth’s blog. I love your style and your beautiful artwork!
Oh my gosh… I’m so happy to see Kelley! She has given me so much inspiration with her homes and gardens! And, now her personal style!! Yay, I’m off to play in my closet…just the thing I needed to get out of my Quarantine frump, lol!! Cindy, thanks so much for your posts…you’ll never know how much I’ve appreciated them and especially over these past weeks!! <3
Hi Renee
I am so glad you are enjoying them. I have had more time to blog and garden that is for sure!!
Love Kelley’s style and this blogpost! Great share!! I really enjoy that you share women in my age group!!
Hi Carol
It is so much fun finding women our age with great style. Elizabeth and I really enjoy it!
What a lovely, elegant lady. So glad she gave in and did the interview.
Hi Lorna
I am too thank you so much for commenting!
I love her classic style and her color palette. We’re on the same wavelength. Thanks for the interview, Cindy! xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda
She has great style just like you!!
Hey Cindy,
Great post. I have followed Kelley since she was in her first home she shared on her blog. I have always loved her style and each house evolved on its own. Thanks for this glimpse into her personal style.
Hi Robin
I am so glad I convinced her to do it. I knew you guys would love her style!
Kelley is as beautiful and genuine as her interiors. This was a great post as I love getting to know her better!!!
Mary Ann
Kelly has magnificent style, incredibly evident in her home & the way she dresses. Her advice to those of us over 50 was so wise. She’s a woman I’d love to meet!
Thank you Cindy! For all the kind words of course but more importantly for how much you give of yourself in everything you do, You are a role model for all women, no matter what age. I have to say this was a little embarrassing for me. I will now spend the day hiding! LOL
lets chat it up soon! xO K
Hi Kel
Thanks for letting me interview you. I know it was waaay out of your comfort zone. You are so darling. We need to see more of you!
Very much enjoyed her casual style. Gave me some ideas. Thank you
Hi Cynthia
I am so glad you enjoyed my interview with Kelley. She is as sweet as she is stylish!
I had lost track of her at one point but I finally found her again. She is one of my favorites.
Hi Karol
Isn’t she darling?!!
Thank you for this fabulous Q & A!✨
I’d love to please know what brand & style watch/watches Kelly wears?
Thank you & take care✨
Hi Dolley
I will ask Kelley to share!!
Another winner. She’s how old? I see why you admire her, great style. Love her look and the look of her home. Perfect for your series. I like her philosophy also. Fun woman to be introduced to. I must go over to her instagram. Another winner Cindy.
Hi Sandra
I know she sure doesn’t look it does she? Darn her! I am so glad she agreed to do this with a little arm twisting!
GORGEOUS WOMAN!
SHE LOOKS SO DIFFERENT IN YOUR TOP COLLAGE IN EACH PHOTO!
BUYER for NORDSTROM’s……..I wonder if she knew my buddy APRIL!
I must follow her on instagram!
LOVE THE WHOLE LOOK THANK YOU for STAYING ON HER!!!!!!!!!!
SHE IS THE EPITOME of AGELESS STYLE!
Hi Elizabeth
She is darling isn’t she!