Today my pal Mary Ann is subbing for Elizabeth (the Vintage Contessa) for Ageless Style. Elizabeth will be back next month. If you are new here, every month (I have skipped a few since Eliz has been off) we interview someone over 50 who we think has great style. Jan Corell joined Jennifer and me for one of our Style Edits and I knew she would be perfect for Ageless Style. Meet a Silver Haired Beauty Who’s Style You Will Love. Welcome to Ageless Style Jan.
What advice would you have for your younger self?
Don’t worry about the size of your nose, because your face will grow into it.
Enjoy the ride and always love yourself first.
Do you consider this the best time of your life?
Absolutely, I am so much wiser and much more patient! I see the simple joys in life and feel very blessed by God with my family and friends.
What year did you start your blog and why?
I started in 2015. I felt the need to write about that time in my life and the transitions I was going through. I was traveling every week and wrote on planes to start.
Has your blog evolved over time or has your concept remained the same from the start?
Definitely, it has evolved. I try to focus more on positive aging than on anything else but there will always be an element of fashion.
What do you find most rewarding about blogging?
I love connecting with other women and helping them as well. I want them to see that we can do anything at any age.
Who Inspires You and Why?
I would have to say other successful women that live with integrity and have a strong faith. I think it important to look at other women, respect what they have done and let that drive and inspire you. I like to admire everyday people rather than celebrities, as well as people of all ages.
What is your favorite accessory?
I love any and all jewelry. Anything my husband and kids give me.
What are your favorite color combinations?
I wear a lot of black including white and black, silver or gray and pink and red together.
How would you define your own personal style?
I would say that I am somewhat traditional but love anything that is chic. I love to wear something that is remembered and a bit dramatic.
Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
I have so many black blazers of every style. I feel they are a wardrobe basic.
Tell us about your gray hair and your gray hair journey.
I decided to go gray at the age of 49. I had been coloring my hair over for more than 17 years at that point. I was tired of the coloring every 3 weeks and it made me feel fake. I wanted to wear my natural hair color.
At the time that I transitioned, it was not nearly acceptable as today. My husband and children were very supportive, but I did not tell them when I decided to do it. I had my shoulder-length, black hair cut very short and died platinum blonde (as close to silver as my stylist could get it). And everyone freaked out (although they were supportive) until the salt and pepper were showing through and all the blonde was cut out. I have to say it was very bold and a brave thing to do but I could not have done it any other way. I did not want a transition line showing. When I make up my mind, I move forward.
It also was not well received in my role as a sales executive. I had women and men (colleagues), tell me my hair color change made me look old but with my family’s support and my goal of being authentic, I persevered. It was a great decision.
What are your favorite gray hair products?
I have used several that I love; Fanola No Yellow, Klorane, Hair Biology, and the new silver shampoo Olaplex.
Do you have some favorite beauty products that you can’t do without?
I have always been a fan of Laura Mercier eye products, Mac Lipsticks, and IT BB Cream. I also love Perricone MD and FaceTheory products.
Do you have any style rules that you live by, or do you choose to break the rules I am pretty sure we know the answer to this one!
I like to break the rules and feel that no one should tell anyone how to dress.
What are your favorite online and or boutique sources?
I love Eileen Fisher, Anthropologie, JohnnyWas, and Birdie James. However, you will find me shopping J. Crew, ZARA, Mango, and Athleta. I have also been known to grab workout clothes at Costco. ☺
Do you have a particular diet and or exercise regime that you follow?
YES! I have been following IF now since the fall however, fell off the wagon in December. Stay tuned to my blog as I am going to blog about it in February. I believe in weights 3 days a week. I use my Peloton, 3 days a week and do stretching and core work. I am the type of person that has to work out every day and do some form of exercise for my mind and body.
Do you have any foods and or supplements that are your go-to’s?
I follow a low-carb diet and try to eat GF for the most part. I eat an apple a day and love berries. I try to eat a snack and then an early dinner but have a deep love for chocolate and peanut butter.
I take a large number of supplements including collagen but please read my recent blog post about one of my favorite supplements for sleep.
What advice do you have for women over 50?
Take this time to evaluate what you want to be, what you want your life to be, and what your goals are. Then go for it and if you want it bad enough, nothing can stop you (including yourself). Be one of those successful women (on your terms) that inspires and is admired by other women.
SHOP JAN’S FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS
If you would like to read past Ageless Style features you can find them here.
If you are interested in any of Jan’s outfits you can follow her on the LTK app here.
I hope you enjoyed Meet a Silver Haired Beauty Who’s Style You Will Love. If you would like to follow Jan on Instagram you can follow her here. You can follow Jan on her blog Silver is the New Blonde here.
Now pop over and meet Mary Ann’s gorgeous sister Teresa. You will love this interview. She is as gorgeous as Mary Ann but she has an incredible mane of silver hair!
CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
Jan is fabulous. I love her attitude and her personal style! The yellow jacket is chic on her and so is her leather jacket look. I can’t believe what she experienced when she went grey.. That would never happen now I hope! I can’t wait to follow her on Insta and her blog. Love this series Cindy. So fun meeting Teresa on Mary Ann’s blog too. xo
Hi Kim
Isn’t it interesting how things have changed regarding gray hair. My son and daughter in law were actually totally against me going gray as well. However once I did they were supportive. Things have changed a lot since then. Especially now that some of the young girls are doing silver on purpose!
Lovely blog… now just pop up and fix that title so that the English teacher in me doesn’t cringe. Please use “whose”, not “who’s”. “Whose” shows possession, while “who’s” is a contraction of “who is”.
Oh god Susan thank you!! Auto correct! I had it spelled correctly and then I had to second guess myself!
Cindy … I adore Jan and just hopped over to her blog. So much to unpack here … first of all her hair! I’ve been seriously considering letting my highlights grow out. I mentioned it to a few people who recoiled in horror. It was interesting to read the reaction Jan received at work, which quite honestly surprised me. So glad she persevered with what felt right to her. Second … her yellow jacket and flats. Love. I went straight to Jan’s blog (and am a new subscriber) to read all about her new sleep supplement. Always enjoy this series and fun to have Mary Ann join you today with her adorable sister. xo
Hi Juliet
I bet you might be one of those people like Mary Ann’s sister and a friend of mine who is now deceased. They quit bleaching their hair only to find out their silver was a lovely platinum! You are still such a youngster…although I was younger than you when I went silver.hmmmmmm
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for introducing us to Jan. I love her attitude and her style.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
You said it all her attitude ++ and style even better…love her!!
Hi Cindy,
Jan has lovely style, clean and elegant! Her smile and beautiful hair are eye catching.
That outfit with the yellow jacket and shoes is a winner!
Xo Heidi
Hi Heidi
I agree. Jan just has it doesn’t she?
Lots to learn here, nice to meet you Jan! Love the coordination with your shoes and the pops of bright color that pop up.
I findI it utterly bewildering why folk have to tell the world that they are blessed by god! Surely this is something you would keep to yourself, as it comes across as very smug & self cantered. Perhaps it’s an evangelical cult thing, anyway, I find it galling to say the least!
Hi Lesley
I think Jan was really stating that she feels very blessed for all her good fortune.
Lovely interview with Jan. I really liked her authenticity and willingness to move forward, as in her decision to go gray at a young age! I will have to check out her blog. Thanks Cindy for this post.
Hi Karen
I think you will love her blog and be sure to follow her on Instagram!
Jan had some great things to share, I enjoyed the interview very much.
Thank you so much, Katherine.
My best,
Jan
Hi Katherine
I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Love her classic, with a twist, style!
Thanks for sharing and thanks Jan for such LOVELY INTERVIEW
Amanda
Thank you so much! Just followed your blog and Gram. I love a good dinner party and can always use tips!
xoxo
Jan
Hi Amanda
Hi Amanda
I thought I replied earlier so forgive me if you see this twice. I love her style as well. Isn’t she fun? So glad you enjoyed!
Lovely to meet you Jan and l so enjoyed the interview, thank you.
Thank you, Francesca! I appreciate your kind word,
Best,
Jan
Hi Francesca
I am so glad you enjoyed Jan. I just knew everyone would love her style!
Jan is amazing! Love her hair and her style.
Thank you, Elizabeth. I truly appreciate that and my gracious friend, Cindy hosting me!
xoxo
Jan
Hi Elizabeth
Isn’t it wonderful that we had two silver haired beauties this month!!
Jan looks great and I really enjoyed her interview.
Wonderful color of lipstick, so tired of reading women our age should wear light neutral lipstick, do we want to look faded out?
Thanks Cindy. To answer your question, no… I have small lips and unless i wear a bright color I look blah. I have tried so many times to wear neutral shades and they do not work on me.
xoxo
Jan
Hi Cindy
I am absolutely in Jan’s camp with lipstick. I cannot wear any of those nude shades either. I look like the kiss of death.
Love Jan’s style and how cute are those yellow loafers?! Each outfit is so inspirational!
She looks chic but comfortable in her own skin. Thanks for having us join you this time, Cindy!
Mary Ann
Thank you, Mary Ann. Going to follow you back, as I love anything to do with HOME!
xoxo
Jan
Hi Mary Ann
Isn’t Jan darling? She is just so charming!
MY KIND OF LADY LOVES CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER!ALTHOUGH, I HAVE FOUND RECENTLY I CANNOT EAT PEANUT BUTTER ANYMORE I FIND IT HARD TO SWALLOW!!
SHE HAS THE BEST STYLE I HAVE SEEN IN A LONG LONG TIME!
I LIKE HER ATTITUDE!
I SUBSCRIBED TO HER BLOG OFF I GO TO READ ABOUT SLEEP!
Thank you, Elizabeth. I appreciate your sweet comments. I do believe that attitude is everything. Please go have your throat checked. I had the same problem and found out I had a pretty big problem, which can be life threatening. I saw a gastroenterologist. And please keep me posted.
I am following you back.
xoxo
Jan
Jan is so fabulous! She’s got fabulous style.
Thank you, Jennifer. Truly appreciate our friendship. xoxo