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The Elegant Engineer for Ageless Style

Every month my friend Brenda from 1010 Park Place and I interview someone over 50 with great style. One of the things I love about Instagram are the many women over 50 who have “taken the bull by the horns” so to speak, and made it a platform for women our age who want to remain stylish and relevant.  I am very happy to introduce you to my new Instagram friend Rhiannon, “the elegant engineer”.

The Elegant Engineer for Ageless Style

Tell us a little bit about your background

Hi, I’m Rhiannon, I’m 55 (56 in August), I’m British – born in Wales, but grew up in London.  I work in Aviation Engineering, and always have done since graduation from University – totally inspired by Top Gun and the character of Charlie!  I’m 5’9’’, and a UK size 8-10.  I’m married and have been with my husband for 30 years, I consider myself the luckiest woman in the world!

You Travel a lot with your “real job” can you tell us a little bit about that?

I do, partially because I’m in the airline industry therefore it’s expected, and partially because it is such a global business and work comes up across the globe.  I love traveling (although not so much the airports these days), and I consider myself very fortunate to have the opportunity.

I’ve worked across several continents – from the US, Europe, Africa and Asia – and now in the Middle East.

Do you have a favorite travel/work destination?

I love New York – I’ve been there with my husband many times, and I never find it anything less than enthralling.  In fact we got engaged there – he asked my to marry him at the top of the Empire State Building, after we’d flown in on Concorde, so it is a very special place to us both.

Rome and Barcelona are both incredible cities which we’ve visited many times, and we also have a house in a forest near the sea in Western France, which is enduringly peaceful and beautiful.

Rhiannon in white halter dress-ageless style

Why did you decide to start “The Elegant Engineer” on Instagram?

I got to a stage in my life when I began to think about life beyond work, and what that looked like.  I also felt that I’d lost my way somewhat in terms of looks and style – I think that happens to a lot of us in mid-life actually.  I wanted to try to re-define who I was, and capture that style journey photographically so that I could look at the best looks and try to see what worked.

It was also a journey in self-confidence.  Putting myself out there for comment and feedback, but also being part of a larger community, exposed to new ideas.  I have met some lovely women who have been utterly supportive and conversational.  I have also learnt a lot about style, tips and ideas to incorporate as well as some inspirational women who are really out there championing pro-ageing narratives, sustainability and diversity.

Do you have a favorite Color?

I don’t, as such.  I love Tiffany Blue as an accent in homewares, but don’t wear it.  Orange is such bright and inspiring colour – that I do wear.  If I am allowed to say so – I love black too!

Rhiannon in business suit-ageless style

How would you describe your style?

I am still trying to truly discover my style, but I would say it’s classic and structured.  I don’t wear much in the way of pattern or adornments.  I see other people wearing them and carrying them beautifully, but it doesn’t feel like ‘me’.  I genuinely don’t think I have the flair to carry them off.

Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?

I think it has to be a structured black dress!  I have a large number of black dresses, and without exception they are structured, without pattern or frills or significant ‘extras’.

Rhiannon in black dress-Ageless Style

What Inspires your signature style?

I’m very much a minimalist and extremely tidy.  This extends I think to my style.

Are accessories important to your look? If so, do you have an accessory that you can’t do without?

I read many years ago that  you should invest in the accessories, and so I tend to invest in good belts, handbags, jewellery and watches.  I don’t wear costume jewellery at all, so if I am wearing any it will be from a classic collection – Tiffany, Cartier, Hermes.  This is partially because I feel secure in the classics and lack the flair and imagination to mix fashion pieces, which some people do so well!

Watches are important to me – I lived in Switzerland for 10 years, where Swiss watches are part of the fabric of life – and are the first items anyone will notice that you are wearing!  I also buy ‘quality’ handbags – most of mine are Louis Vuitton.  The interesting thing about these accessories is that they tend to be quite good investments, as the resale value can be as much as you pay initially.

What are your style strengths?

I don’t know that I have particular style strengths – I guess I can mix and match a lot of my items, which makes for easy packing!  I would love to develop one of those terribly stylish capsule wardrobes, but I am not sure I have quite that level of dedication and focus!

the elegant engineer in a metallic slip dress

 

Do you have a style icon, or someone whose style you greatly admire?

I love the looks of both Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, both absolutely classic, elegant and unparalleled.  On a more modern front, maybe Ines de la Fressange.

I follow many people on Instagram who I admire, but for real statement style I admire both @theelegantstylist, Jordan Trent who is British and @roz_creativestylist, Roz Kaur who I think is American.  I adore what they do with signature looks and style.

Do you have repeat offenders in your closet? Items that you reach for again and again?

Yes, absolutely.  I I have a long black dress from Cos, which I wear on repeat, and a black backless jumpsuit which I feel suits every occasion. I also have 2 evening dresses, which I have had for over 15 years and which I consider to be absolutely essential for any evening black tie event – they are absolute go-to dresses.

Rhiannon MacLeod Cook-in red jacket

Do you have any style rules that you adhere to, or do you consider rules silly?

I think they are fundamentally silly!  Who sets these rules, and why should we abide by them?  A number of them are set to shame people for wearing something which someone somewhere thinks is unacceptable.  How dare they!

What are your favorite online go-to sources for fashion?

I buy almost nothing on line as I like to try things on before buying them.  For looks, I follow a number of people with different styles on Instagram, and Pinterest is also a good source for ideas.

Rhiannon MacLeod Cook in brown suit

Do you have a particular designer that you are drawn to?

I do like Dolce & Gabbana – I am a fan of their rose print in particular.  I think they capture femininity extremely well, and design for women with curves.

I also like some of the Burberry military-inspired styles, not least of all the classic trench coat.

Do you have any favorite hair products?

No!  I am forever trying to find products which suit my fine, slightly frizzy hair without weighing it down and which look good on the second day….   If anyone knows of any such thing, I’d be happy to hear!

Rhiannon MacLeod-Cook in jeans

Do you have any beauty products that you can’t do without?

I recently had a dermatologist look at a dark patch on my face as I was concerned it was changing.  Fortunately there was nothing wrong, but she taught me a lot about sunscreen, and certain products.  I now use a factor 50 sun lotion a daily basis, Vitamin C cream, retinol and hyaluronic acid.  The brand is less important to me than the quality of product – but many of the French brands are excellent and worth looking out for.

Do you have any form of exercise or program that you adhere to?

I’ve always belonged to gyms, though have had ups and downs in attendance over the years – I have periods when I’m very faithful and times not so much.  Both stretching (yoga / pilates) and weight training are important to keep flexible and stay strong and supple.

I do watch my weight – I weigh daily and aim to keep within a healthy BMI.  Fortunately I genuinely love salad and fruit!!

Rhiannon Macleod Cook-elevator

Do you take any vitamins or supplements that you feel are beneficial to your overall health and vitality?

I take no specific vitamins or supplements, although I do try to eat healthily.  I do take HRT now, however, for the overall health benefits which have been identified through a variety of studies over the last number of years.

I’ve been drinking green tea for about 30 years – it’s apparently very good for you.  I’m not wild on the taste, but I see it as beneficial.

What general advice do you have for women over 50, or beyond?

I am not sure I can really dispense advice – I am still trying to work it all out myself!  Take Up Space – do not hide away – we are in our prime at all ages and no-one should tell us any different.  Age unapologetically.

Rhiannon Macleod Cook-Ageless Style

What are the benefits of being “at a certain age” as we are? What advice would you give your younger self?

I think a benefit is that experience gives you some sense of self-belief and confidence – I would’t want to be my younger self again.  It saddens me when I hear people fixated on age and ageing.  We are what we are, and every stage is better than the alternative!

I would give several bits of advice to my younger self – some of which I should listen to even now…

First: make the most of your parents, they will not be there forever and you will miss them when they are gone.  Most definitely.   And use sunscreen.

The advice which I should still listen to is: value yourself, have confidence, stop being so anxious – it’ll be OK.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Annie Diamond says

    Rhiannon has lovely style and what a great name…she is indeed very elegant!

  2. RHIANNON says

    Dear Cindy,

    Thank you once again.

    I do hope I’ve responded to all comments. I have to thank you for opening your arms (& blog) to me, and also many thanks to everyone who took time to comment.

    What a wonderful community this is!

    Sending best wishes for the new week, month and quarter!

    Rhiannon @the elegant engineer

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Rhiannon

      I do have the most wonderful readers! I feel very fortunate!

  3. Janet Arden says

    What a delightful interview. She is so direct and down to earth. Great advice to value our parents.

    • RHIANNON says

      Thank you! I am direct – sometimes maybe too much so…! I miss my parents and wish I had more time with them – I suspect we only realise this too late.

      Thank you so much for taking time to comment.

  4. Wren says

    Now that I have been Cindy’s guinea pig on Ageless Style, I have newfound respect for any and all of the people she shares on the blog. Welcome to the tribe, Rhiannon. I loved seeing how you like to dress and reading your comments and insights.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Wren

      So glad you enjoyed the interview with Rhiannon! Hope you are enjoying your trip.

    • RHIANNON says

      Oh – how wonderful that you were the guinea pig! Then I should be grateful to you for forging the way 😁.

      Thank you for the kind comments and for the welcome. I feel honoured.

  5. Mary Ann Pickett says

    What a lovely, well-spoken woman. An inspiration in the health department. And so true about valuing your parents

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Mary Ann

      I know you miss your mom so much. I am so glad you enjoyed the interview with Rhiannon. She is an inspiration!!

    • RHIANNON says

      Thank you so much for commenting. I do love the ‘well-spoken’ part especially- it may help to know that I have a terribly British (English) accent – which is absolutely stereotypical!

      I do miss my parents, unfortunately both have passed, and I would love more time with them – as I’m sure most of us do.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Nancy

      I am so glad you enjoyed learning a little bit more about Rhiannon

    • RHIANNON says

      Thank you so much for commenting. I do love the ‘well-spoken’ part especially- it may help to know that I have a terribly British (English) accent – which is absolutely stereotypical!

      I do miss my parents, unfortunately both have passed, and I would love more time with them – as I’m sure most of us do.

    • RHIANNON says

      Thank you so much, Nancy. I’m very grateful to Cindy for the opportunity she gave. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

  6. Deborah Thomsen says

    Thank you for this post. It was lovely to meet her. She is so comfortable in her own skin that is beauty in itself.

    • RHIANNON says

      Thank you so much Deborah, it’s so good of you to comment. I think by this age we have to try to be comfortable and love ourselves!

  7. Lori H says

    I adore those that can wear those strappy summer dresses the isn’t easy to wear a bra with. I have tank tops, strapless band bras but I find I don’t like the extra fabric or they just don’t feel comfortable to me. Most are so cute and would be so cool in the hot summer sun BUT no bra inserts or supports. Where do I find some that do?
    Finding my style again as I’m aging has been a trick so this helps.

    • RHIANNON says

      Hi Lori, thank you! I’m very lucky I think – I do not have a large chest and can get away with it. It does mean keeping my shoulders back and concentrating on my posture even so!!

      Good luck with your search.

  8. 1010ParkPlace says

    I love her style, perhaps because like me, she’s a minimalist. Her phrase, “age unapologetically” is easier said than done. Thanks, Brenda Coffee

    • RHIANNON says

      Thank you so much, Nancy. I’m very grateful to Cindy for the opportunity she gave. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

    • RHIANNON says

      Hi Brenda,
      I do like your username – coincidentally when I was browsing en my parents lived in 110 Park Place!

      Yes, I am a minimalist. I admire others who can live with many items, but my brain is more ‘straightlined’ than that and I have to have clean lines and spaces.

      I’m interested that you don’t feel ageing unapologetically is easy? Really, we have nothing to apologise for – we are glorious at all stages, and have earned our space. I do hope you can feel like that.

  9. Karen B. says

    Hi Cindy,
    I adore the classic style of Rhiannon. She sounds like someone I could be friends with, like you! 😊
    I was interested in her HRT information. I’ve given some thought to taking this supplement. Do you take something in this line of suppliment?
    Karen B.

    • Beth Bullard says

      Karen, You took the words right out of my mouth! Rhiannon sounds so interesting and inspiring.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Karen

      Maybe we can all meet one day! You must tell me when you come up this way!! I may be doing an event down South soon! I will let you know if so!!

    • RHIANNON says

      Thank you so much Karen, I’m so touched that you feel we could be friends – what a gorgeous thing to say!

      With regards to HRT, I think it’s a very personal choice made together with your doctor. It is prescribed medication and comes with all the usual lists that f benefits and side effects of course.

  10. Mary says

    Thanks for sharing this beautiful woman’s style and comments with us. She sounds marvelous!

  11. Elizabeth@pineconesandacorns says

    Rhiannon you are stylish, elegant and it is a pleasure to meet you. Your advice to all women, TAKE UP SPACE, is spot on. No matter your size or age do not let society dim your sparkle.
    As for hair care, I personally find the products from ORIBE and OLIPLEX to be amazing.
    Looking forward to following along on your adventures on Instagram.

    • The elegant eng says

      Well, thank you so much, how lovely of you to comment. I love your comment regarding non t letting society dim your sparkle ✨ – what a wonderful way of putting it. Thanks also for the hair care tips – I will investigate!

      It is lovely to meet you – I will look out for your account.

    • Cindy Hattersley says

      Hi Elizabeth

      It is interesting to hear that you are still using Oliplex. I tried it once but have been afraid to after all the controversy.

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