It’s the end of the month and time for Ageless Style. For those of you new here, once a month Elizabeth from the Vintage Contessa, and I interview someone over 50 who has great style. Today I am delighted to interview a stylish woman from Down Under Sarah London. I adore her bohemian, feminine take on fashion. I hope you enjoy her as much as I have. Welcome to Ageless Style-Sarah London.
How Would You Describe Your Style?
I’m definitely eclectic. Being raised across three continents, by a Thespian Father and Bohemian Mother, whose hands can make almost anything, I definitely lean towards being creative with style. I adore pattern, colour, statement accessories, vintage pieces, heirloom items and the way you can bring them all together to make it your own. That’s what I love about Style. It’s personal, it transcends fashion and becomes something that is yours alone.
Do you have a style muse?
While my Mum is my greatest style influence, there are a few more well known who I admire and have pinched elements of their style for my own. I adore Diane Keaton’s turtlenecks, Eadie Beale’s love of scarves (I have over 50), Stevie Nicks love of velvet with lace, Madonna’s crucifix necklaces, and yet my style is nothing like any of theirs. And that’s the wonderful part of it all, we have so many amazing muses to look to for inspiration!
What is your favorite accessory?
I adore accessories and believe they pull your “style” together. My favourite accessories are seasonal. In winter I like nothing more than boots and scarves. In summer it’s all about jewellery. I do have a penchant for costume jewellery, and being creative I often make my own pieces to go with an outfit. I have some wonderful long natural beads that I repeat often. I also have some “signature jewels”, a small collection of gold/silver/diamonds that have been gifted to me over time. I always wear them together and the jingle jangle sound they make always allows me to think of the loved ones who gave me them.
Green is my favourite colour. I wear it on my body and decorate with it profusely in my home. It just makes me feel so good… I love it in every shade but lean more to the warmer earthier hues of khaki and olive, and these work so well with burnt oranges, terracottas, and rusts. Then I add timber and gold accents. I was also raised by the ocean, so I have a love of the different shades of blue… i love to wear navy and teal, but decorate with pops of Bleu de France and Greek Blue.
It has taken me many years to stop buying black and grey. Neither colour suits my complexion, nor my personality…
Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
Probably a long dress… I blame my Mum (HAHA), she is an amazing seamstress (this talent goes back generations in my family, and i can sew too) and has always made maxi dresses from Indian Silks or African Batiks she picks up from her travels or local markets. I still have an Indian Silk of hers, from our days in Kenya..
Interestingly, my signature is probably the SENTIMENT that goes with wearing what i do. I just love to dress with meaning. There is nothing nicer than wearing bracelets from your travels, a scarf given to you from a dear friend, a diamond necklace handed down from a loved one, an antique watch from your grandma, or a bag from your Mums glomesh collection.. you get what i mean.. I like to think of it as dressing mindfully.
What are your favorite beauty products and why can’t you live without them?
Unfortunately, I missed out on loving anything beauty,. I wish I hadn’t, as now I’m vlogging, I would like to have the talents that go along with applying these. I had bad acne as a teen, so I’ve always steered toward non-comedogenic face creams and makeup and now that I’m older, I definitely look for natural, organic, plant-based, cruelty-free products. I don’t buy into fancy packaging and am not tied to any brand.
Do you have any style rules that you live by, or do you choose to break the rules?
OOOH… I loved Trinny and Susannah’s “The Body Shape Bible” book when it came out. Knowing your body shape and dressing for it certainly helps you wear something well. I’m a pear shape..smaller top, larger bottom.. small waist in the middle, so belts are definitely my friend. I collect them and always keep my eye open for interesting shapes and textures on my travels. I’m also short and small-framed, so I definitely break the rules by wearing oversized bangles and necklaces, and I probably should wear heels.. but I’m more comfortable in a flat. That’s the wonderful thing about Style Rules, you won’t get fined if you break them!
What are your favorite online and or boutique sources?
I do shop online but am also very aware in the current climate of shopping local and shopping small. This is what my new styling series is about. I’ve approached a few small local businesses that I frequent and asked if they would allow me to promote them (all free of charge of course) . It’s about giving back.. giving back for all the joy their little boutiques have brought me. At the same time increasing their market presence and hopefully some sales!
I also adore op shops and markets and love the whole idea of pre-love and upcycling.
I wish more people would do both.
Do you have a particular diet and or exercise regime that you follow?
Health and Wellness are paramount to me. “Because when you feel good everything else just falls into place” is my bio and everything I do is based on this. I exercise 4-5 days a week by walking my dog, cycling, I have an online group PT session once a week and am a beginner at yoga. I know it’s a cliche but moving your body is just so darn important as we age. My Dad is 80 and cycles 30km 3 times a week, grows all his own veggies in his garden, and is fit as a fiddle! He has always been active and it keeps him nimble and quick..which is what I’d like to be at his age.
I’m predominantly plant-based. I try to eat the rainbow each day. I don’t eat meat, but will have a small amount of fish, eggs and dairy. I don’t do caffeine or alcohol… oooh and I’m on WW.. not to lose weight but to maintain my current one.. like most women of my age, it is tricky not to gain it around the middle, and I just don’t like the way that makes me feel!
Do you have any anti-aging foods and or supplements that are your go-to’s?
I’m no expert, so I visit my local GP every year for blood tests. All as a preventative measure and because of the results I currently take Vitamin D, Vitamin B, and Calcium supplements everyday. I am not fond of the term anti-aging. I am happy being the best version of myself at any age I am…naturally.
What advice do you have for women over 50?
Always listen to your intuition…
kim says
Her style is super cute Cindy and reminds me of yours! I will follow her now. Love how she mixes things and totally agree about wearing bit from your family and history. xo Kim
Cindy Hattersley says
Isn’t she adorable! Just love her style!
Lisa Thomson says
Thank you, Sarah, for sage advice. Love your fashion principles (fancy word for style haha). Cindy thankyou for featuring this beautiful lady here. She’s very inspiring!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Lisa
Isn’t Sarah a bright star for those of us over 50? Just love her style.
Sarahlondonstyle says
Thank you for all your lovely comments and support. I’m quite humbled. I believe every woman deserves to feel fabulous. So if it makes you feel this way, wear it! Before you know it, your true style will emerge. And what a wonderful revelation this can be.
Cindy, thank you for finding this little Antipodean and featuring her on your lovely blog. It’s been a real happy dance moment 🙏🏼
Sarah xx
Heidi says
Hi Cindy,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister. Please know my prayers will be with you today.
Your feature on Sarah was such a breath of fresh air. She sounds really fun and interesting. Makes me want to go out and find some cool boho style dresses to wear! My daughters and I all wear pieces from my mom, clothing and jewelry. They add a lot to the story of our days.
Sending hugs,
XO Heidi
Sarahlondonstyle says
Heidi, that is beautiful 💕 hold those pieces close 😊
Donna Darling says
So very sorry for the loss of your sister. Sending prayers and hugs your way. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Karen B. says
Cindy,
I don’t know how you were able to post today. I’m so sorry for your loss.
This post was wonderful and I enjoy the attitude of this stylish woman.
xo,
Karen
Lyn says
Oh, I am so sorry! Because you put the devastating news that you lost your sister in the comments, your readers may not know. Please know that your readers love you and you are such a bright, lovely, inspiring person! Hoping you find some peace in this truly challenging time.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Lyn
It has been a little rough. I will post about her on my Sunday favorites.
Mary Ann Pickett says
So chic and fun. Love Sarah’s style. What a winner!
Cindy Hattersley says
She is darling isn’t she?
Sarahlondonstyle says
Awe 💕 so grateful for your lovely words. Thank you 🙏🏼
Annie Diamond says
I love her style! And I love how she says “dress with meaning”
Cindy Hattersley says
Yes to dress with meaning! Amen!
Sarahlondonstyle says
Thanks Anne 🙏🏼 It makes dressing up more than just that 😊
Jannie says
My sympathies, Cindy. Lost my sister 10 years ago and it was devastating…she was only 52. Miss her so much! She has missed so much…seeing her daughter marry and her son accomplish so much…they are great kids. Will keep you in my prayers.
do love the boho style on you…maybe I should try something different as I turned 70 this year.
Sarahlondonstyle says
My Mum is 80 next April and has just announced she’s going to embrace her love of the 1920s from now on 🙏🏼 So go for it…
home before dark says
So saddened to hear of the loss of your sister. You have faced some serious losses in these last few years. My thoughts are with you.
Your latest interview is my favorite. I love her spunk and her Boho style and the fact that she has come know simply to know, but to celebrate, who she is.
Sarahlondonstyle says
That’s a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much 🙏🏼
Lorna says
Sarah looks and sounds wonderful. I live liv style and she carries it beautifully.
Sarahlondonstyle says
Lorna your words are incredibly kind. Thank you 🙏🏼
Nancy says
Lover her style so much!!
Sarahlondonstyle says
Thanks 🙏🏼 you’re very kind 😊
Dinner party guru says
Cindy,
Love this gal’s style — Dianne Keaton turtle necks, bohemian maxi dresses and a love of inherited jewelry — what’s not to love??
A great interview and so many inspiring ideas. Now just to get in my closet and pull something similar together, where is my fairy godmother 🧐
Xox
Amanda
Sarahlondonstyle says
Haha Amanda 😂 thank you 🙏🏼 you can see inside my wardrobe most days on Instagram at SarahLondonStyle 😉
Nan says
Sarah London epitomizes true natural beauty. Oh those green suede booties finishing off that beautiful floral sweater!
Sarahlondonstyle says
Thanks Nan 🙏🏼 available from Light In the Box 😊
Jennifer Connolly says
I love her style!! So fun and creative. Thanks for sharing her inspiration.
Sarahlondonstyle says
Thanks Jennifer 🙏🏼
Chris says
how to follow her on Instagram?
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Chris
Thank you so much for the reminder! My sister passed away yesterday and I have not bee with it. I put the link in!
Tammy J says
Cindy,
Deepest condolences to you and yours. Sending Divine peace, with love.
Cindy Hattersley says
Thank you so much Tammy
Eva says
I’m so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a sibling! My prayers are with you!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Eva
Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind thoughts.
Nan says
Deep condolences for the loss of your sister, Cindy. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Nan
Isn’t Sarah’s style so youthful and fun! Just love it!!
Sarahlondonstyle says
SarahLondonStyle 😉
LA CONTESSA says
SHE IS ADORABLE AND YES I KNOW HER FROM INSTAGRAM……………
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS STATEMENT!
“It has taken me many years to stop buying black and grey. Neither colour suits my complexion, nor my personality… ”
IT would be interesting to know how tall are YOU SARAH?I LOVE THAT YOUR “SIGNATURE” IS A LONG MAXI DRESS!
I LOVE THEM TOO!
FANTASTIC INTERVIEW………….XX
Cindy Hattersley says
Don’t you just love her style Elizabeth? She can rock the multiple necklace look like you!
SarahlondoNstyle says
Thank you Elizabeth 🙏🏼 Only 5’4” 😊