Please welcome Brenda from 1010 Park Place (my new partner in crime here on Ageless Style) and Meet Donna McNutt, wife, mother of three, uber-stylish cancer warrior, and champion to all women over 50. I can’t remember when I have been so excited about an Ageless Style interview. Donna’s motto is “Fighting Cancer One Outfit at a Time”. Donna’s style is so creative and refreshing. Meet the Cancer Fashionista, whose style you will want to copy. I know I do.
How would you describe your style?
I’m not locked into one style, I dress for how I feel, but I’ve always been drawn to that juxtaposition of masculine & feminine mixed together.
Has surviving cancer affected that at all?
YES! Because I dress the way I feel there were days I should have looked like a bag lady, but I decided to go with how my mindset felt instead & damn it, I’m a warrior & I’m gonna look the part!
What inspires your signature style?
Confidence. I am continually inspired by women who wear their clothing not the clothing wearing them.
Do you have any repeat offenders in your closet?
Give me a white button-down shirt & I can make an outfit out of it, casual or fancy. If I repeat anything in my wardrobe it’s my white button-down shirts.
Do you have any style rules that you live by?
After years of trial & error, if I don’t feel comfortable & confident in what I’m wearing, then I won’t wear it.
What are your favorite online go-to sources?
Shopbop carries a lot of the labels I like, their sales are always good too, it’s the first site I click if I need a fix. Me and Em meandem.com has taken the place of the old J crew catalog which I would devour & cut out for my inspiration book that I still use today. When the Me and Em catalog arrives, I read it like a Vogue magazine.
Do you have a particular designer that you are drawn to?
There are labels I like, Xirena, and Velvet By Spencer & Graham I shop at Zara & H&M & adore boutiques with off-beat labels. I get a ton of inspiration from high-end designers & recreate at my budget, but my all-time favorite designer & one that changed how I combine my whole outfit will always be Jenna Lyons, the once head designer of Jcrew when it was a great store to shop in.
Do you have an accessory that you can’t live without?
Like most married women, my wedding ring. Smiling is also a huge staple & when I’m feeling good, I can’t help but…
I’ve been living in my Buddha Girl all-weather bangles lately, stack them up my arm & love how they don’t bang together.
Do you have a favorite color, and has gone white changed that?
I love greens & purples & white hair just seems to pop now with deep colors.
Do you have signature pieces that define your style?
SHOES!!!! All & I mean all of my budget goes into great shoes, they can shake up even the most basic
What are your strengths?
61yrs of loving getting dressed! I could have a Ph.D. in something if I hadn’t spent so much time throughout my life organizing my closet & recreating ways to wear my things! But it’s what’s made me, so my strength is my wardrobe education.
Do you have a style icon?
Sharon Stone. She hasn’t had a bad era, just has aged so elegantly & who can forget that white men’s button-down shirt she wore to the Oscars with that incredible skirt, I’ve since copied it a million times. No sequin gowns for me.
Do you have any favorite hair products?
I shampoo/condition with Nounou, use Evo Fabuloso toning shampoo every other day (purple shampoo for bleached hair) & love all Kevin Murphy products for styling it.  I was recently introduced to Evo’s the shag beach paste & have been using it daily for my short cut & I love it.
Has going white affected your makeup palette at all?
I kept the same make-up routine but found that after going bald and bleaching my newly cropped red hair I feel so much more confident now rocking a red lip.
What advice do you have for other women going through what you have?
KEEP THAT THING YOU LOVE
DON’T LET CANCER TAKE IT
DO IT PROUDLY, NO MATTER HOW SMALL
I truly believe I would not be here today had I not decided to fight cancer with the one thing I do well, get dressed. Our mindset is just as powerful as chemo, mine was made right by looking the way that made me feel like me. I want women to know, that they don’t have to look like me or dress fancy for treatment, but I know they have something that will keep them fighting. I’m not talking about the given, kids or partners, just that one personal thing you refuse to let cancer take. Love reading, but might be too tired, but darn it, you can read a chapter a day until you work up to reading the whole book again.
What advice do you have for women over 40/50 ?
Enjoy these years, they were my favorite, I came into my own, grew in my confidence, and loved being in my own skin & take it from a 61yr old, you’ll look back & wonder why you thought that age was old.
Rock it!
GET DONNA’S LOOK
You can learn more about Donna’s journey in this video.
You might enjoy this article on Donna from Cure 20
I hope you enjoyed Meet the Cancer Fashionista, whose style you will want to copy. You can find all of my previous Ageless Style interviews here. Thank you so much Donna for allowing us a peek into your creative process. You can follow Donna on Instagram here. Now let’s pop over and visit Brenda and see who she is interviewing this month. I think I might have an idea who it is. I think you will enjoy it.
1010 PARK PLACE
~ Wow, I am inspired and L=O=V=E her style. In July 2013, I suffered from a brain aneurysm after my workout. My husband rushed me to the hospital where I was airlifted to a larger one for surgery (to stop the bleeding). After 35 days in 2 different hospitals, I owe my complete healing to Almighty God. Doctors told my husband I was dead; that life support kept me alive. Since then, I’m still working out, will soon be certified to teach ESL online to foreign adults worldwide. Early next month, I will be 68 years young, and enjoy showcasing my personal style. Most women have problems with that esp. after age 50. You have to know yourself, what looks good on you and own your style. Ralph Lauren said, “Fashion is over very quickly. Style is FOREVER.” In my cowgirl closet is Double D Ranch, vintage Ralph Lauren (Denim & Supply), Chico’s and Vintage Collection. I wear turquoise every day, Old Gringo cowgirl boots, cowgirl hats and my SMILE! God’s not done with me yet (it’s not my time). I read lots of books and the Bible is by far my favourite since it’s taught me how to L=I=V=E! ~
Hi Mrs. A.J
Congrats on recovering from the brain aneurism and I love your attitude!
Great feature on Donna! Terrific style, so inspirational! Thank you for sharing Donna’s story.
Hi Barb
I am so glad you all enjoyed Donna so much!
Well, Cindy The Cancer Fashionista is my favorite This is a beauty both inside and out. Love her style both inside and out. Her outfits are so personal, so stylish yet not slavish to today’s fashion. It’s all her. Bravo donna! and Bravo Cindy for finding her Actually I’ve been following her for months. What a real treat!!
Hi Sandra
Great comment! Her look is very current without being fadish. I so agree.
Donna’s style is fantastic!! Love it. I’m an ex-cancer girl too. So inspirational!!
Hi Mary Ann
So glad you enjoyed Donna she is a shining light isn’t she?
The Cancer Fashionista takes my breath away! I love her attitude, I love her clothes, and I applaud you for bringing her to us!!! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Judie
Her style is just fun, fun, fun isn’t it?
Donna is SO CUTE!!!! What a wonderful woman to feature!
Hi Nan
I am so glad you enjoyed her. She is definitely one of my personal favorites.
Donna has a wonderful attitude, I admire how she fought Cancer. Dresses so well.
Hi Katherine
She certainly does have a wonderful attitude and the sass to go along with it!!
So inspirational! Love her look and spirit. So different from my boho quirk. I’ve been following Brenda for a few years now and get such inspiration from her blog also. Thanks for finding such interesting people. Love your style in all things living!
Hi Sheila-Merle
Brenda is wonderful and so is Donna! I have a boho quirk too!!
She is a beautiful, confident woman. What an inspiration! Thank you for sharing.
OMG she is FABULOUS!!!!!!! I *LOVE* her style and spunk – what an inspiration! Makes me look forward to my 60’s. Thank you for featuring her! 🙂
Hi Sarah
I hope Donna read your comment! Wonderful!
This was a terrific post to read – I’m getting a lovely fashion boost at a lovely time of life (60’s)! Donna is wearing a sort of “duster” look in a couple of her photos. A long top with a little collar. Where/how would I find a top like that? Would I just Google duster or is there a better word or even company that often has this style? It looks so sharp over pants.
Keep up the great work Cindy!
Hi Anne
I linked to a few dusters that are similar on Etsy. Also don’t be afraid to wear a dress as a duster. In my black and white post my “duster” is really a shirt dress.
I’ve fought cancer so Donna’s warrior words resonate with me. She looks wonderful and I love her hair. Thanks for introducing us to her Cindy, and thank you for asking me to partner with you on Ageless Style. What fun! xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda
Great job! Loved your post on Nancy! More fun to come! I am so glad you enjoyed Donna.
This was so fun and so INSPIRING! Go Donna. Such style and grace. I too love Jenna Lyons and Sharon Stone. The White Shirt is forever. And Donna’s shoes! Well I am obsessed. Thanks Cindy for such a great interview. I have followed Donna on instagram and I hope everyone does. She is FAB FAB FAB!
Hi Kim
Isn’t Donna just the best? I am obsessed as well!
Hi Cindy, You’re right, I do admire this woman’s style and her fighting spirit. I love that when asked about an accessory she can’t live without, she includes her smile. So much color and I’m sure that is a big boost to her spirits. Also love her punky hair; I’m going to check out some of the products she mentions. Want to know about the Buddha Girl bangles as I love bangles but not that jangle to distraction. BTW, where does she live? Thanks for sharing Donna’s story!
Hi Wren
Donna’s comment about her smile spot on, isn’t it? I believe Donna is from Southern California. Too far away from us darn it. Well not for you when in L.A!!
Have to say – this is my favorite of your Ageless Style series. Donna is an inspiration and I LOVE her style!
Hi Judy
I am in your camp! She is one of the best ever in my opinion as well!
AGREE ABOUT JENNA LYONS……………I wonder what happened to HER!
SHE STEPPED UP J.CREW LIKE NO ONES BUSINESS!
SO refreshing to see a woman dressing with COLOR and having FUN!
Hi Eliz
I thought you would like Donna!!
I follow Donna on Instagram. I LOVE her since of style. She is also funny and has a great attitude. She’s a real delight.
Hi Laurie
I am so glad you enjoyed her. She is so inspiring isn’t she?
So delighted to see Donna featured! She is adorable and such a creative inspiration with fabulous style and funny as can can be! I love following her on IG, she’s amazing!
Hi Ginger
I am so glad you enjoyed the interview. I thought you ladies would love her style!
What is the brand of the navy blue belt bag Donna wears over her shoulder?
Hi Jane, it’s Donna & the bag is ClareV purchased awhile ago! I have a few of her bags & they never disappoint. Always look for them on sale as they’re a little costly! Good luck!
Hi Donna & Jane
I found the bag and linked it in the get Donna’s Look
Hi Jane
I found it and linked it under Get Donna’s look