Today I am joining my friend Brenda from 1010 Park Place for our monthly Ageless Style Interview. I am delighted to interview “my IG friend” Cheryl from If It’s Tuesday. Every Tuesday Cheryl shares a favorite outfit on her Instagram feed. I love Cheryl’s “classic with a twist” style. Cheryl and I share a love for jeans, wide legs, and long skirts. I think you will get inspired by silver haired Instagram beauty Cheryl Sparks.
Get Inspired By Silver Haired Instagram Beauty Cheryl Sparks
Tell us a bit about you and your story and what prompted you to get started on Instagram.
I am Cheryl Fuller Sparks and the face behind @_ifitstuesday_. I am a mom of two children, and a grandmother of two beautiful grandchildren. I’m 68 years old and a widow of 12 years. After caring for my husband who had Frontotemporal Dementia, I struggled to find myself and my purpose again. Shortly after his passing I started working for a non-profit and began to pick up the pieces of my life and move forward with this new chapter. My daughter, Alexandra and I are very close and often during the pandemic I’d send pictures of what I was wearing because I was making an effort to get dressed each day. Loving clothes the way I do, I enjoyed putting outfits together even though I had nowhere to go. The actual Instagram account came at the suggestion of a dear friend who has been an influencer on social media for years. The suggestion sounded ridiculous at first, but Alexandra encouraged me and said, “why not?”
So, in October of 2020 If It’s Tuesday began. One day a week. One outfit from my closet. I would see where it would go. I truly thought it would be something that she and I would do and share between a few of our friends. We had no idea how it all worked. It’s still shocking to me that it took off. In the beginning I was incredibly awkward taking the photo and posting. Drawing attention to myself felt so uncomfortable. As time went on, I’d hear from women who were my age. It became a goal for them to “pull themselves together” just one day a week. I’ve gotten to know some incredible people in this space. Kind, thoughtful, women who are willing to mentor and support. This is something I never expected. I have said from day one, as long as I am having fun and am staying true to who I am, I will continue doing this. And it has been so much fun. I now post at least twice a week. I’m working with brands that I have loved and worn for years. I’ve been introduced to smaller brands that are so beautiful and I might never have known about them without this platform. It is truly a pleasure to work with these amazing people. In addition to the brands, there are women who have become dear friends through this experience. That is a gift I never expected.
Have you always been a lover of fashion or has this come with age?
Yes, I’ve always loved fashion. I loved Vogue’s September Issue and saved them for years. At 15 years old I remember watching Love Story. Ali McGraw and the fashion in that movie was everything I wanted to be. She is still one of my style icons.
What has changed about your style since you started your Instagram page?
I don’t know that my style has changed much in the past 3 years, or in the past 50 to be perfectly honest. I think I was wearing some version of the same clothes I wear now when I was in high school.
What are you looking forward to in 2024?
I love what I’m doing now. I have a wonderful mix of family, nonprofit work, and the work I do on Instagram. In 2023 I was signed by two modeling agencies, and I am looking forward to seeing what that looks like. This was not in my wildest imagination 5 years ago and so I have no expectations, but I am excited to see where this goes.
Do you set goals for yourself or what motivates you at the start of a new year?
I’ve always considered September as my “new year” and so January is just a continuation of what I have been doing. It feels easier after the rush of the holidays. My goal is always to be a bit less of a procrastinator and to continue to challenge myself.
Give us a snapshot of a normal day for you. Are you a night owl, an early riser, or both?
I get up at 5-5:30. I read and then meditate for a half an hour. Two days a week I go to the gym. I have just started to do yoga on the off days. Depending on the day, the afternoon may consist of food prep. Two days a week I take care of my grandchildren. The rest of the week I schedule my work with brands for Instagram and modeling (and resting after aforementioned grandchildren time!)
What are five classic, tried- and-true wardrobe pieces that you have had forever and can’t see yourself parting with?
White Oxford
Classic blue jeans
Cashmere turtleneck
High-waisted trousers
Striped sweater/Breton
Honorable mention to my Weejuns!
Share with us your tips for looking “put together.”
Know what YOUR strengths are and wear what highlights those.
If you want to try a trend, or something new, add it to something that already feels like you.
Does it make you smile? Wear it!
Other than fashion, what are some of your hobbies and interests outside of social media?
I adore the theater, and love to read. As a New Englander, I am a beach girl at heart, so any season at the beach brings me joy. More than anything, spending time with my children and grandchildren is the greatest gift.
What are some of your favorite ways to practice self-care?
My morning reading and meditation time along with journaling. I don’t really love to cook, so one day a week I batch cook healthy meals for myself for the week. This is one of the greatest forms of self-care I do. I also work with a trainer twice a week, which I don’t love, but knowing that I am staying strong and healthy is an important form of self-care for me.
Do you have a fitness regimen that you enjoy? If so, please tell us about it.
See above! I am starting to like how I feel when I do yoga, so I do hope that at this time next year I can say I really love it.
Are there any supplements you swear by?
I have been taking Ritual’s multivitamin and their pre and probiotic for a few years. This is the first multivitamin that doesn’t upset my stomach!!
I also take Ouai’s Thick and Full Hair Supplement.
I’ve added Modere’s Liquid Collagen to my supplements and I’m looking forward to seeing the results in a few months.
My other ride or die products are RevitaLash and RevitaBrow! They have worked wonders for my eyelashes and eyebrows!
Share five fun facts with us that people might not know about you.
I was a Dental Hygienist before I retired to care for my husband.
I am an introvert.
I peel and eat grapefruits like an orange.
I stopped eating sugar and flour 8 years ago.
I am the least competitive person I know.
How would you define your own personal style?
I love this question because I’ve thought about it a lot this past year. I discovered Allison Bornstein and worked with her when I was trying to declutter my closet. She has you look at your wardrobe in three ways:
What are your regulars, what do you aspire to look like, and how do you want to feel when you dress?
I realized that even though I loved my clothes, some of them did not fit into my personal style which was why I wasn’t wearing them.
The words that I finally landed on that describe my personal style are Comfortable, Classic, and Thoughtful (polished).
What are your go-to accessories and why?
These include various gifts from my husband, his signet ring, and bangles I have bought myself to celebrate milestones. They make me happy and elicit joyful memories when I look at them.
If you could give your younger self any words of advice, what would they be?
Trust yourself. Always trust that small inner voice.
Share your words to live by.
Pause/Pray(breathe) and then proceed, or not.
Unsolicited advice is almost always received as criticism.
Take care of yourself (put your oxygen mask on first).
Shop Cheryl’s Faves
Thank you for reading Get Inspired by Silver Haired Instagram Beauty Cheryl Sparks. If you would like to read more of my Ageless Style interviews you can find them here. Now let’s pop over and visit Brenda to see who she is interviewing.
1010 Park Place
Oh my gosh – I LOVE this so much. Is it possible to follow Cheryl anywhere other than IG?
Hi Claire
You can follow her on facebook here:
Cindy!
I only recently realized that the Cheryl I’ve been following on her fashion instagram is the same Cheryl we all knew and loved when we first started blogging! I was thrilled to read this post today and learn more about this gorgeous, inspiring and thoughtful woman!
xo
annie
Cheryl is just wonderful, isn’t she? I hope she is reading all of these wonderful comments!
Cindy,
First let me say THANK YOU for sharing Cheryl. She is a beautiful, thoughtful, insightful woman with a beautiful classic style. I love everything about her and will follow her as soon as I leave here.
Second, in the first paragraph the link about Cheryl goes to 1010 ParkPlace.
And third, I think that you can see from the comments that this wonderful monthly post and your blog are about so much more than style. They are about community! How wonderful that so many of these women feel support and life beyond their current situation. To all who mentioned that they are caring for an ailing husband or father, you are in my prayers.
Hope that you are having a wonderful trip Cindy!
Hi Eliz
I am so happy you enjoyed the interview with Cheryl. She is so inspiring isn’t she? We do have a great community here. I have so many interesting readers! I am blessed!
Lovely comments from wonderful caring wives staying with their commitments to marriage vows.
I just embarked from a cruise, now sitting in the airport waiting for a connecting flight to California. I wanted to share this: three women’s personal styles seen onboard- One aged fifties something dressed in my opinion “ over the top fashion “ . Bordering on costume, she said I’d never wear tennis shoes or tee shirts. All of her clothing were form fitting on her perfect petite body; gold hair nets, jewelry , decorative fabric, she was educated in a fashion school. She said she would never leave the house without her attractive sun glasses, makeup and her flamboyant style of dress. Another woman probably in her eighties wore only multi prints black and white loose clothing, I loved that look, yet another also older women wore hats, inside the ship, flowing scarves, flowing clothing. Perfect makeup. Each were eye catching. My point and theirs is to wear what makes you happy.
Great comment Ann!
I know how difficult it can be to find a life after your husband died. Like Cheryl’s and another one of your comments, my husband died 13 years ago. We were so in sync, we breathed together, so it’s been tough. I, too, like wide cut pants but only two have made the cut because they just look baggy and awful on me, like I have no style. Another great interview, Cindy! xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda
I can wear wide legs if there are no pleats. So glad you enjoyed the interview with Cheryl. She is wonderful, isn’t she?
Lovely inspiring post thank you Cheryl and Cindy. I am thrilled you will be getting more modeling work as l think this age group, 60’s and 70’s in which l am a member, is getting much more attention. I wish l knew how to show off shirts like that in such a relaxed blousey way.
Thank you and happy day !
Hi Francesca
I couldn’t agree more!
Lovely lady! Can you give any advise or recommendations for those of us who are size 12, 5’6” and want to wear the new wider pant. When I try them on they appear to not be flattering.
Hi Lynn
I will let Cheryl chime in. I personally cannot wear pleated wide leg pants. They are not flattering on me as they are on Cheryl. I need a flat front pair.
Hi Lynn,
I think there are a couple of things to think about. If your waist is something you want to draw attention to, try a high waisted pair. You can also put your baby toe in with jeans as right now they are available in loose fit, stove pipe and various widths of wide leg. I also think when you’re trying a new shape it takes a minute to adjust your eye before you can really judge what suits your body as opposed to what is just new and different. I don’t know if that makes sense.
Great suggestions Cheryl!
what an inspiring interview. thank you, Cindy.
Hi Janet
I am so happy you enjoyed it!
Hi Cindy,
I so enjoyed reading about Cheryl’s life and how she has rebuilt her life after caring for her husband. It sure helps having a routine, and a loving supportive family.
Being a care giver is not easy and it’s good to see she did not lose a part of herself in doing so. We have experienced this in our family and I realize first hand what it can do to you emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Hi Katherine
Very thoughtful comment…
I started following Cheryl immediately after reading this post. I have been looking for influencers that match my criteria. I am 74 years old. I stopped coloring my hair about 5 years ago. My stylist gave me highlights and lowlights and we just kept cutting every 6weeks until all the colored hair was gone.
I just started following you 2 days ago and have really enjoyed the tips and information I have read. Thanks for being you!!
Hi Fay
I am so glad you have joined us and that you are following Cheryl. Welcome!
I just read your interview & realized I too dress like high school, blue jeans & punky boots, although bought at Sketchers so maybe not as cool anymore. Also wide legged (hippy) pants but elegant.
At 70 I tossed away fears (what people think, public speaking, heights, flying – maybe a little pill for that).
Looking forward to your posts.
Hi Jan
I love your attitude!
Wow this conversation really hit close to home. I too, have been widowed for 12 years. I’m 72. I did my husband’s dialysis for him until he contracted an infection and passed of sepsis. Thankful and grateful for my children and grands. Ive been in the process of “finding “ me. Have done a couple of trips . Volunteering at my grandchildren’s school . Do Pilates 2x a week and enjoy lots of walking and reading and gardening. I love your style Cheryl and I need to rid the closet even more. Living in So California is a very relaxed type of living. Love having local theater so I don’t have to travel into LA on those freeways! I love the newsletter Cindy and I will start following Cheryl on Instagram. It’s so nice to read the comments from everyone else. Have a great day everyone!
Hi Bonnie
I am so impressed with your resilience and your attitude. You are an inspiration as well.
I’ve followed Cheryl for a while now. I love her style. Thank you for sharing her heartwarming, inspiring story. I really enjoy these interviews!
Hi Sarah
I am so glad you enjoyed learning more about Cheryl. She rocks, doesn’t she?
I really enjoyed reading this interview, and I love her style!
Hi Paula
Cheryl is quite a force isn’t she?
Started following Cheryl on Instagram the minute I finished reading this post. Like her style!
Hi Carolina
Doesn’t Cheryl have grat style?
I’ve been following Cheryl on IG for awhile. Her posts are always interesting. It’s nice to to learn more about her.
Hi Diane
Couldn’t agree more!
There are so many amazing, inspirational, beautiful, bad ass older women out in the IG world. Thank you, Cindy, for finding them and sharing. You ladies show how important it is to take care of our bodies, minds, spirits and closets with confidence.
Hi Dianne
You said it all!
Your best interview yet. She inspired me to get a trainer.
Hi Marlene
I need one too!!
LOVED today’s post ~ Lots of “me” in her words. I have ALWAYS loved bangles. Cheryl’s statement on treating herself to a bangle to celebrate a milestone resonated with me !!
Hi Patt
I love my bangles as well. Love it!
It’s brave to put yourself out there on social media. Kudos to Cheryl for taking that big step. I checked out her Instagram page. She certainly has a signature style – wide leg pants, full skirts and button downs. Other than crisp shirts, it is not my style of dress but she rocks it!
PS You have a lovely, supportive family.
Hi Joanna
She sure does!
Cheryl inspires me this morning, as someone who has also had to find myself and my purpose after loss. I had gotten it together and was moving forward when caring for dad with Alzheimer’s stopped all my blogging plans in their tracks. Kudos to Cheryl for pursuing such a healthy lifestyle and for her newfound career! Cheryl, we come up to Block Island every summer to my husbands’ family house on Ocean Avenue!
Hi Gray
Cheryl reminds me of you. Two strong women who have prevailed in spite of their losses.
This inspired me today. I’m caring for my husband who has metastasized brain cancer. I see a life beyond this sorrow. We both just retired and our plans changed. Words of wisdom shared came at just the right time.. I also love your blog Cindy. Thank you from Canada.
Hi Judy
My heart goes out to you. I am so glad Cheryls story gave you some strength.
Cheryl is very inspiring to me, in both fashion and life. She and I are the same age and have very similar styles. I will definitely start following her on instagram. Now I need to lose 30 pounds! Cindy, thank you for introducing her to us.
Hi Nancy
I am so glad you enjoyed this interview!