Non Ageist Style - Part II

I thought I'd re-visit the popular Non Ageist Style post that I wrote a while back (see here to refresh your memory)...

Why would you want to turn back the hands of time and look 18 again?

Not I,... not when I see around me that, finally, gorgeous, elegant women (not girls, but Women over 40) are being lauded and showcased centre stage in industries dominated by the almighty marketing dollar such as cinema, beauty and fashion.

Stephanie Seymour (45) has just been announced as the face of Estee Lauder;  Jessica Lange (64) is the face of Marc Jacobs beauty and Charlotte Rampling (68) named as the face of NARS.

Wasn't it just not long ago when the stunning (and still so!), Isabella Rossellini was 'let go' as face of Lancome when she turned 40!... have we finally matured (pun intended!) enough that we can see there are all ages that need to represented in magazines, on billboards, on the tv and cinema?  I hope so!  This is the demographic that is holding onto the purse strings in most households people! I think it's a bit of a no brainer...

Photographed by David Sims

Previously speaking about her age..."This is how I am.  I'm still a very attractive
woman despite my age - so get used to it."

And then I saw these gorgeous images of classic 'Supers', Amber, Shalom, Tatjana & Helena for Harpers Bazaar UK (the Beauty editorial!).

The lines are visible, the skin tone isn't what it used to be and the shadows around the eyes are the common thread that unites all 40+ year olds.  I think its wonderful; it says yes, I've seen it all and I'm happy to be able to see and live much more!  With no artifice, portraits with the signature black and white lens of Peter Lindbergh.  Relaxed, confident, no nonsense and straight up.

And then there's Christy Turlington, my favourite 'Super'.  Mid 40s, career woman, activist, mum, designer, and still sought after model.  Just take a look at the editorial featured in Vogue UK's April 2014 issue photographed by Patrick Demarchelier; still awesome!  Giving any 20 year old something to look forward to I say.  Stay true to yourself, find your look and embrace it.

Yay for over 40, 50, 60 year olds and beyond!  Yes, to keeping the fashion editorials with elegant, mature women visible.  Yes, to offering us beauty tips for skin that doesn't cope with heavy handedness  and needs tender sheerness and luminosity that doesn't seep into those little lines.  Yes, to a dose of reality and a life beyond 25!

For me, last week's Oscars were all the more interesting with ladies such as Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett gracing the red carpet.

It's the confidence, the surety and that 'hey, whatever' attitude that comes with age so much more fun and cool; and they're much more 'cooler' than say a starlet who wishes nothing more than to be cool and be accepted.

These ladies are hitting their mark loud and clear!

Individual Beauties

I just loved these images of original 'Supers' Linda, Naomi, Christy along with Stephanie, Kate, Amber and Daria as 'covers' of Interview magazine.

Although these ladies have been blessed with bone structure, height, slimness, a variety of designer clothing, and a slew of therapists to cleanse, tone, pummel and stroke their skin into the luminescence we see here, it goes to show, maintenance goes a long way.

For me, these images inspire strength, beauty, individuality, boldness and truth; badges for every woman to take on their daily over 40 year old journey.

All images via InterviewMagazine

Low Key Style

Hope you got plenty of rest and relaxation on the weekend - plenty of hydration, good healthy food, a good nights' sleep perhaps?  These are my biggest tips for great skin and a great outlook on life.  What about you?

It's the basic things that really get the results I think - I'm not perfect but I find that keeping hydrated during the day (starting with a glass of warm water and lemon) and cutting back on the sweet, sugary tempters (it's a struggle!), cleansing and moisturising daily,  getting a solid 8 hours sleep (uninterrupted!) does wonders for my skin and of course my mind.  (This also reads as a the lazy girls' tips to good skin doesn't it?)

And I loved reading these tips (in Vogue here) from our French sisters about what they do keep their skin looking great.

If Laetitia Casta is anything to go by on this cover of French Vogue...I'm taking all these inside tips on board pronto!

And what about your 'look' overall... do you struggle to keep a 'look' updated?; Are you a slave to what the magazines put out in front of you each month or on the web daily?;  What's the right thing to do? - well, take a read of these gorgeous French women and you'll think twice about going out and buying a brand new wardrobe everytime the new season hits.

Classic, timeless, individual, beautiful... these women know what works for them, how to use it, where to find it and how to revel in it.

I particularly love Emmanuelle Alt's response... again, the 'no fuss' guide to looking great!  I love it and I subscribe to it!  No fuss, low key, under the radar, but consistent - I prefer everything in my life to be like that too...

Loved Carine's response ...'it's just hair in my face & dark eyes'... but oh, so consistenly stylish!

Sounds easy doesn't it?

Image via Fashionologie