I spotted Sarah Condon on Instagram and I thought to myself that girl has great style. Of course, I contacted her immediately to make sure she was over 50. I wanted her for Ageless Style. She agreed and we developed an IG friendship. We thought it would be fun to do a monthly post together Signature Style with Cindy and Sarah. Sarah lives in Melbourne and I live in California so we are trying to meet in between with posting.
In this first installment, Sarah and I thought we would talk about our own style and how we have arrived at it. Some say I dress like my house. I like a collected look in my home and I like to dress in the same fashion. For those of you new here I am a 66-year-old soon-to-be retired interior designer. About half of my posts are design centered and half highlighting over 50 fashion and lifestyle. I want to look my best but I am guided more by my own instincts than trends at this age. I like to stay abreast of trends but don’t want to dress like a teenager or a granny for that matter.
I believe fashion can be collected and displayed much like art or antiques in one’s home. You might enjoy hearing more about it in my post The Collected Look and How to Get it. “Fashion has also turned nostalgic It used to be much more runway, glamour red-carpet focused, but over the last five to seven years there’s been increased interest in collecting”
THE COLLECTED LOOK
Don’t be afraid to combine the old and the new
This denim jacket is at least 15 years old maybe more. I am wearing it with my favorite linen maxi the CP Shades Lily Skirt and some pieces from my Native American jewelry collection.
GET THE LOOK
If you wear a statement piece keep the rest simple
Here I am wearing one of my favorite J Crew Sweaters, Eileen Fisher velvet leggings, and my comfy bed stu boots. The turquoise jewelry is inherited, or collected over the years.
SHOP THE LOOK
Collect Artistic and Vintage Accessories to Add Interest
I inherited this lovely CHAN LUU jacket from my sister who recently passed away. I am wearing it with an old celluloid brooch found on Ebay and some of my vintage bone bangles also purchased on Ebay or Etsy over the years. Similar linked below.
GET THE LOOK
Shop at flea markets, Etsy, eBay, and small boutiques
To avoid having a cookie-cutter look shop for items that can’t be found everywhere. Here I am wearing a fuzzy jacket from IBU movement (sold out), vintage jewelry, and Artemis slides (on sale at IBU)
GET THE LOOK
USE ITEMS IN A DIFFERENT WAY RATHER THAN THEIR USUAL PURPOSE
It will add personality and creativity to your outfit. I am wearing this Anthropologie scarf as a jacket. It’s much more impactful and cheaper than a jacket!
GET THE LOOK
DON’T BE AFRAID TO COMBINE THE HIGH AND THE LOW
I am wearing a beautiful leather jacket from Sundance that my daughter got me for Christmas with $29 H&M Jeans, and Artemis Mules, and an old BP stretch shirt you can find on Ebay here
GET THE LOOK
You might also enjoy Holiday Fashion at Home
Do you have a signature style all your own? I hope you enjoyed our first installment. Let us know what you would like to talk about in our monthly series. We love your ideas. We will be back next month with more Signature Style with Cindy and Sarah. Now pop over and visit Sarah. It’s summer in Australia!
Vanessa Poston says
You are lovely and an inspiration. I’m so glad I found your blog. Being 57 it’s a relief to find a place that encourages style and celebrates those of us in, what I feel, are truly our best years. Thank you for doing this. Now it’s time to go sit in the sun!
Vanessa
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Vanessa
Welcome we are so glad to have you here. We love hearing from you!
Mary Ann Pickett says
You look awesome!! So Collected. Can’t wait to run over to Sarah’s! How fun that you are bringing this big world smaller!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Pal
I am so happy to be doing this with the oh so talented Sarah!
Cindy Hattersley says
It is fun!!!
kim says
Cindy this is a fun series and I love both yours and Sarah’s styles and great ideas. I agree with you that fashion has evolved away from the runway – to collecting pieces, and making your own look. It’s a lot better for your wallet and for the earth, and it creates more unique looks! I hope to own more cool things as you do Cindy! You also look good in everything! xoxo
Cindy Hattersley says
Sarah has so much style. I am so happy to be joining forces with her!!
Cindy Hattersley says
Kim are you kidding? You have more style in your fingertip than I!!
Cindy Hattersley says
Kim you know more about fashion than anyone I know!
Jennifer says
I love this! You look so fabulous, as usual. I’m surprised to see I really like the distressed jeans!! I love all your styling tips too.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Jennifer
Those jeans are like PJ”s they are so comfortable. I wish I could remember who recommended them. Cheap and comfy!
Cindy Hattersley says
they are super comfy!!
LA CONTESSA says
JUST CHECKING NO COMMENT SECTION ON SARAH’s BLOG?
I LOVE TO COMMENT SO WANT TO MAKE CERTAIN I DIDNOT MISS IT!!!!
WONDERFUL POST SARAH……………………..please add your email too!!!
XX
Cindy Hattersley says
She has it fixed Contessa!!
Cindy Hattersley says
she fixed it
LA CONTESSA says
WHAT A LOVELY ADDITION TO YOUR BLOG ADDING SARAH…………..
SHE IS ADORABLE AND DOES NOT LOOK OVER 50!!!!
LOVE HER VOICE ON INSTAGRAM………..
I REMEMBER THE DAYS WE COULD NOT GET YOU IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA!
LOOK AT YOU NOW!
I haven’t gone the ripped jean look bUT YOU CAN CARRY IT OFF WITH APLOMB!
I am off to VISIT SARAH and her NEW BLOG!
I CAN TAKE A BIT OF SUMMER RIGHT NOW!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS YOU TWO……………….YOU WILL MAKE A WONDERFUL COMBO!!!
XX
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Eliz
I know ripped jeans are not de rigeur for the Contessa but for simple Cindy maybe?!!
Cindy Hattersley says
I know she doesn’t does she? Shocking that she would hang out with an old lady like me!!
Mary from Life at Bella Terra says
You can never go wrong with black and a great piece of turquoise jewelry! I have a group of artists friends who ALWAYS wear a jewelry statement piece. Something they have collected or found on their travels and paired with a simple outfit is just stunning. Love how you dress like your house. If that was the case for me, I’d be in gardening/chicken gear all the time! Great post.
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Mary
Well most of the time I am in gardening gear as well. But on the occasion that I try to dress respectively…
w says
Cindy! You have the most amazing style and signature look! I admire your style so much! Everything you put together is anything but “cookie-cutter” just like your house. It has that collected, worn, well-loved look in the best possible way! I love your new glasses too! Your Artemis slides really do add so much to many of your looks!!
xx
Cindy Hattersley says
Annie you are always so encouraging. I appreciate it so much, You are the best…that’s all I can say!
Linda Fant says
You and Sarah hit it out of the park!!!! Great collaboration of two stylish and confident women who know what works for them and are graciously sharing their expertise with their ever growing audience😍 Thanks for shining a light on women over 50 and addressing their wants and needs as they continue their style journey!!
Linda
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Linda
Thank you so much for following us and giving us the confidence to talk about style after 50
Karen B. says
Cindy,
I absolutely love every outfit you’ve shared. Simple, classic, and your style to a T.
This always inspires me to add a few accessories, such as a vintage broach.
Great fun.
xo,
Karen
Cindy Hattersley says
Thank you so much Karen, Vintage brooches yes!!
Mumbai says
You are always very chic dressed. Please can you share what brand your sun glasses are? Thank you
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Mumbai
I linked them but they are Vera Wang.
Nan says
Cindy, it’s so nice to see your beaming smile while wearing your sister’s gorgeous jacket! Love your look with Anthro scarf worn as vest belted with the concho accent plus denim and the electric acid green shirt. Are you counting the minutes till the Inauguration tomorrow?
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Nan
Thank you so much and yes!!
Cindy Hattersley says
Hi Nan
Thank you so much for the kind comments. So love having you here.