Style Forever

In the last few weeks I’ve been actively thinking about fashion and analyzing my own style. I came to a conclusion that I’m not such a hopeless lady – could you believe that my love for trainers isn’t a horrible fashion mistake after all!? How do I know that? I’ve been reading the grown-up guide to looking fabulous or a book called Style Forever written by the brilliant fashion master Alyson Walsh.

Hardcover and its perfect size (i.e. not too big and not too small) turned this book into my travel companion. It was so easy to pop it into my handbag and consult it whenever I needed advice! I can’t say that I’m an expert now, but I do feel a lot wiser (I’m also now a lot keener (braver) on trying out new outfits).

— — —

10 Important Things I Learned

1. A brilliant new term – generation FAB (fifty and beyond). It definitely was high time to accept that fashion shouldn’t be just for teenage models. Detailed research has proven that “key consumers are women over the age of 40 … who are affluent, financially independent, sophisticated…” – age is just a number, right?

2. “You don’t have to have youth to have style.” 

3. Every woman can look gorgeous. Sometimes all you need is “a decent hairstyle and well-applied make up”, then add “the right clothes, that would be right for you” and… you’ll turn into a fabulous woman!

Illustration: Leo Greenfield

4. What matters are: fit, proportion and colours.

5. I loved the list of ten things you’re never too old for. I’ll tell you three of my favourite ones: the latest “it” trainers (I haven’t counted how many trainers hide in my wardrobe, but I guess if I did, even I would be surprised…), denim and a new hobby.

6. “When we can buy what we want instantly, anytime, day or night, trends have become irrelevant. Now it’s all about style.”

7. You should “eat 80% of what you should eat and 20% of what you want to eat”.

8. “Facial massage does work.” (Have you heard of Su-Man Hsu? Learn her massage routine – it’s a must!)

9. “As the invisible accessory that defines your style, perfume has a near-magical ability to pull a look together – or not.”

Illustration: Leo Greenfield

10. “When people don’t like having their photograph taken, you give them alcohol.“ (What a brilliant piece of advice for an aspiring photographer!)

— — —

The main message of the book is so uplifting – “accept who you are and be comfortable in your own skin”. Don’t worry you won’t have to guess how to achieve this. Style Forever offers REAL advice, which is like a perfect recipe – you’ll even be told about the best places to buy a particular garment! It’s never been that easy – simply find out which grown-up style tribe you belong to (Alyson has described seven) and then read about the essentials and where to find them. (By the way, more of Alyson’s advice can be found on her blog – That’s Not My Age.)

I must admit Style Forever opened up a new door into the fashion world for me. I found out about so many bright personalities. OK, I’ve heard about Iris Apfel, but I didn’t know anything about Sue Kreitzman, Terruko Burrel or Linda Rodin (pictured in the illustration below). I googled every single one of these fabulous ladies and this turned into a new surge of inspiration!

Illustration: Leo Greenfield

As someone who loves art I also need to mention the artwork – I fell in love with the illustrations! Leo Greenfield has done a magnificent job, don’t you think? For more of his bold fashionable real people (drawn from memory) please visit Leo’s website.

Illustration: Leo Greenfield

Well, in just a few sentences – Style Forever should find a special place in every girl’s library. Read it and learn about fashion and your own style; this book offers plenty of ideas on how to feel good. Oh, and don’t you ever forget these Alyson’s words – “hang on to yourself. Hang on to your style. You are never too old to rock and roll.”

— — —

Style Forever by Alyson Walsh (Hardie Grant, £12.99) Illustrations: Leo Greenfield

Follow my blog with Bloglovin