Wednesday 19 October 2011

A Mid-Week Rant




Against my better judgement I watched Gok Wan's show last night, that is I watched it until he asked a couple of girls what they thought of their friend's style and they replied that she wore clothes that were "too young" for her. For feck's sake, she was 33 years old, hardly elderly, is it? If I were her I'd swap the frumpy beige pleated skirt and cardigan they dressed her in and exchange them for a new set of friends. 




If it isn't beautiful young women wondering if they're too old for shorts and bare arms, it's women slagging off the over-forties for daring to show their knees and wear their hair long. What is it with this age thing? Dress in what you like without the incessant navel gazing and pontificating, it doesn't matter what size, shape or age you are, if it makes you feel good just do it.

We're only here once, enjoy life and sod the critics, you're a long time dead. 


With that I'm taking my almost 45 year-old hot pant clad arse off to the pub for a mid-week drink.

1960s Jeff Banks W1 label blouse and velvet hot pants (both car boot sale finds),  crochet shawl (jumble sale), 1960s patent & suede knee boots (Kerrang's K-Boot Sale), antique carpet bag (inherited)
See you very soon. 

110 comments:

  1. Stompalicious Boots, If only Gok was underneath them.

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  2. THANK YOU ... I am so fed up of everyone telling us over 40's what we should wear. Well put ... and you look GREAT! M x

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  3. Hey I'm 70 and still like to dress up ,and people say I dont look my age ,I am,not in my second childhood either cos I havent done with the first one yet ..love Jan xx

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  4. You fecking rock,my darling!!
    Honestly,it's frigging appalling the way women treat each other.I'd bloody get a new set of friends too;WTF business is it of ANYBODIES what we wear?!As you say,it's all about how it makes you feel!I feel fabulous generally,and feck tossers who don't think I look fab,they can piss right off.It's usually peeps in trackies or chain store garb that gimme that attitude too,amusingly,and I have the manners not to comment on that.I figure that they feel good dressed like that......I just wouldn't.
    Time to get our arses and our old tits out,I think!
    LOVE YOU,you frigging inspirational work of art!
    Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  5. Amen to that Vix - couldnt agree more, i think people should wear what they want as long as they are confident in it then everyone else can bugger off. I say 'confidence' as i have seen a couple of women in skin baring clothes - they looked so uncomfortable in their own skin let alone the clothes, pulling them down and giving side glances to see if anyone staring, wear what you want and wear it with attitude I say :o)

    I must say im lusting after those boots - foxy mama :o)

    Mwah Scarlett x

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  6. Totally agree and those boots are amazing.

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  7. I'm with you all the way - totally agree with everything you've said. Enjoy your drink. xx

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  8. Those boots! Did you steal them from Red Riding Hood? Because they look sweet and yet ready to kick some wolf tail. Enjoy the pub.

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  9. Vix I used to have some velvet hot pants similar to those, I think I got them from Warehouse when Jeff Banks was still the designer, I used to wear them with suede thigh length boots, in those days I had very skinny thighs (too skinny) and the tops of the boots used to edge there way down, then I discovered my brothers shirt sleeve clips, I stole them and clipped one end to the top of the boots and one end to the bottom of the shorts. worn with black opaque tights, it was a very sexy look, without revealing anything. If I could find all the components again I would definitely wear it now at 44.

    I cannot bear Gok, he irritates me beyond belief and I think his styling is questionable.

    You my dear look fab as usual, they should get rid of Gok and take you on instead!

    Sorry I have not been around much have been following all your posts but not had much time for commenting. XXX

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  10. Dearest Vix,
    Never a truer word spoken! I'd rather be mutton dressed as lamb than lamb dressed as gran anyday!
    You are ROCKING MY WORLD with those kick-ass boots, they & your pins are amAzing!
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

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  11. vix, you rock those boots and my world. perfectly said! the other day a blogger was giving anna wintour grief for her arms being too wrinkly. really? what is she supposed to do have an arm lift or better yet, never show her arms? in california we'd say...fuck off!

    xo
    janet

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  12. Good one Vix - I love a rant any time of the day or week! What is it with the age thing just now? I can't believe that 30 or even 40 year olds should be warned about " dressing too young". Have the Fashion Police morphed into the Stasi? Are the real police being issued with special visors to protect them against age-related dress offences?

    And never mind Gok - who is usually good for a laugh. What about Mary
    Portas who was quoted as not wanting moans about her 'new' fashion line from "old biddies of 50 or 60" (WTF!)

    Several customers of an uncertain age at Frock Me! vintage fashion fair on Sunday, joined me in a pleasant and ribald rant about her boring, and ageing, clothing collection compared with all the fun and attractive clobber available everywhere from TopShop to vintage. My 30-something girls would never be seen dead in MP's designs. Oh, except for that red dress, even I fancy myself in that.

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  13. I for one would be very disappointed if you ever stopped taking your hotpant clad arse to the pub! Didn't see Gok last night, but I imagine you're right - I only watch his show occasionally because I can only cope with him in small doses. I find the whole 'girlfriend' and 'bangers' schtick a bit tedious. I imagine he'd be hard pressed to find fault with your look x

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  14. I want to marry you DAMMIT!!! Aside from your killer advice, unique style and I don't give a shit attitude you inspire me daily with your fresh own it attire! This outfit has me dancing I love very lil bit but I want to kiss your feet those boots ....I'm friggin speechless!

    I LOVE YOU!!!!I LOVE YOU I FRIGGIN LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

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  15. Snap! I watched Gok last night too and thought that outfit was a shocker. Too young my arse! I'm a firm believer that if you wear what you like and your self confidence will shine through. Who wants to be a clone? Not me!
    xxx

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  16. Good on you lovely! You look utterly fabulous! Xx

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  17. Funny you should mention this topic, I had similar thoughts whilst watching 'Mary Queen of Frocks' last night. Why do the over-40s feel they're not catered for in shops? I'm now over 50 and have never felt that way. Maybe I dress too young for my age (I don't think I do but perhaps I'm wrong), or maybe I don't often buy clothes new from the shops, but I seriously have never felt like that. And, frankly, would not wish to wear the Mary-clone clothes Ms Portas has produced for my age group.

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  18. I have never ever seen Gok Wan on TV although I do know who he is obviously. I too hate this kind of silly advise, but even worse is people getting conflicting advise. I'm with you I say wear what the heck you want and these people be damned. Although I'm also aware that not everyone has that confidence which is why I feel bad that all these so called experts give such shitty advise!

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  19. I don't watch the program but that would make me sad and mad too. I used to think there would be limitations in what I could/should wear when I got to my mid 40's - well here I am and strangley enough I feel the opposite! It's all about confidence and I'm trying to make sure I wear exactly what I want, how I want - if not now when for heaven's sake?!

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  20. I completely, utterly and totally agree. I am still wearing my black leather lace up to the top boots that I bought in 1994 at the tender age of 25. I am 43 years old now and intend to keep on wearing them till my feet show through the bottom and they fall off my legs. I wear exactly what makes me feel good and I don't care what anyone thinks. And that includes vintage, new, old, short and long. I think dressing your age is a big pile of cr*p. It's about finding your style and going with it. The day I wear a skirt and cardie that is "fit" for my age I request that someone puts me out of my misery, as I will clearly have lost my mojo and life won't be worth living anyway.... I salute you Vix. My hair is long, my skirts are short, I'm 43 and very, very proud of it. Em xx

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  21. I have never heard of Gok, I suppose that is a good thing.

    I have always worn what I wanted to and I don't think that will ever change.

    I love the outfit you are wearing.
    Those boots are amazing (Actually better than amazing.)

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  22. Amen, wowwwwwwwwwwww Vix you don´t stand on crap, yeahhhhhhhhhhhh.
    I love
    If I were her I'd swap the frumpy beige pleated skirt and cardigan they dressed her in and exchange them for a new set of friends.
    I am sharing your post everywhere sooooooooooooooooo good.
    Thankgod for women like you in the world.
    Love u!!!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  23. ach. gok wan. my arch-nemeseis.

    seriously - 33 is not oap. my mum is in her 50s and still has fun shopping and sometimes buys clothes in Jane Norman or next! she looks like she's in her mid 40s, not her 50s and that's without the help of mr wan! plus his diy's are just plain tacky.

    thankfully, in our household we don't watch that crap - it's either Holby or River City for us!!

    gorgeous outfit as always - am lovin the cape!

    & enjoy your pint - I'm having one too and Chelsea are winning 3-0!!

    jules
    http://wordshakermag.wordpress.com

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  24. I celebrated my 38th birthday at the weekend in a very short dress and very high heels.

    I don't dress like I did 20 years ago because I'm not into the courtney love look anymore and I'm at least 2 stone heavier.

    Caroline
    Xxx

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  25. Ha ha! My friends all dress very differently, and that's something great because it makes for interesting shopping, chat and who wants to hang around with homogenous identikit mates?

    I LOVE those boots; that K bootsale seems to have stocked you with so much fashion deliciousness.

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  26. Well said amor! WTF is up with them bitches? I love your Gothica out fit.Your boots are like a wet dream. so original...so prosti. shit if you got it flaunt it!
    besos

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  27. Good GOD I love you!

    I absolutely agree and am horrified they aged a baby- a mere 33 year old forced to wear cari's and pleated skirt. Ack.

    Yesterday a woman my age admired me in my short shorts, but said she could never do it she was too old. She has great legs by the way. I told her my age and shared how I finally realized that I wasn't "dressing young" I was dressing ME!

    You could give a master's class on how to dress for style and fun and character.
    And I wish I lived down the street from you- I'd meet you for a pint and try to borrow those shoes! xo. Bella Q

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  28. Too right!!! If it makes you happy then who cares. What a boring world it would be if we all wore what someone else thought appropriate for us. Booo. Oh and OMG what splendiferous boots! Xx

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  29. I love this post Vix, you've hit the nail on the head with the age thing. I love your boots too! x

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  30. YES, YES, YESSS! Honestly, I've given up on these shows and boring opinions. Who has ever heard of the memoirs of the outrageous and exciting woman in the beige costumes?!
    & let me just repeat myself - purple is your colour, Vix. xxx

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  31. I agree with you wholeheartedly, I also thought the programme was a pile of poo. I hated how it seemed to encourage cheap, crap clothes and once again, Gok gave them the exact same outfits he always does to wear. Not good at all! Emma x

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  32. I say Amen, sister!!!, and I will wear all my tartan mini-skirts and ridiculously colorful clothes all the time I love them!!
    You look really fabulous, love that violet blouse and your velvet pants (velvet and violet, simply delightful!!), and that awesome boots are fascinating me!!!, I wish you enjoy that drinks at the pub!
    besos & fun

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  33. If I had to work out who I dislike more between Gok and Kirstie Allsop, it would be a close call. I saw that show last night and it made me want to scream - I'm 38 and dress exactly how I want to, and I certainly do NOT want to dress like he styled that girl. His £50 outfits make me laugh though, which kind of redeems it a bit for me.

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  34. I couldn't agree more with this post and everything that has already been said in the comments. I'm 30 now but right from my teens up I have never ever followed so called fashion 'advice'. It's so boring, dull and safe and completely devoid of any imagination, drama or theatrical flourish! Who wants to walk around looking like they have an M&S store card. I'm totally against the ageist nonsense and think most discerning people see it as just that. But I wish even young people would stop caring what people think and show some individuality!

    Btw, the outfit is great. I can see why some people mistake you for a vampire!:)

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  35. Those boots make me swoon and your hot pant clad arse looks fantastic. I hate the idea of age appropriate dressing. Everyone should just wear what makes them happy.

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  36. You have the BEST velvet hot pant- clad arse in the world, so I hope it's parked in the pub right now.

    And when you sashay to the bar in your stunning boots and amazing blouse and shawl combo, with your jewellery tinkling and your beaming smile, anyone with half a brain cell should stand up and applaud you for being the wonderful woman you are!!

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  37. Actually, I think if Gok saw you he'd faint with admiration. I believe the show misses many opportunities to be creative (apart from sticking a few sequins on things) and wish he would look for more interesting, perhaps vintage or homemade, solutions. Everyone ends up looking the same.

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  38. Ugh I hate those shows. Who cares what other people think? Be yourself and if you wanna wear something screw people who don't like it! I have to tell you chickie those boots are (pardon my language) afuckingmazing. You look great (as always) That bag is the bees knees too.

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  39. those shades of deep purple are wonderful on you. I love your lace ups.


    xx viviane
    hippiebohoreloaded.

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  40. You are so fecking right!!!! It is so pathetic these ancient age rules that were probably thought up by a man.........btw....love what you are wearing to the pub!

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  41. Pfffft! You rock it better than most 19 year olds could. This is my fave outfit of yours so far : )

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  42. YES! YES! YES! YES!!!!!!!!!!
    Amen, Hallelujah, right-on, sing it sister!!!

    I am so friggin sick to death of the "should" people. The "AGEISM" ass wipes!

    Those boots were made for kickin' some serious arse!

    I love you so much,Vix!!!!!!!!!

    Yipee, I feel better already!

    Love,
    Reva

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  43. I remember clearly thinking at 25 that women who said they were too old to wear a bikini, or sport bear legs, etc., were crazy! I knew then that I would not be that way, and I'm not!
    I don't get young women now; they are either insanely arrogant, or have no understanding about how quickly the time goes. Perhaps both.
    Thanks for representing the over 40 set so well!
    xo, Anita

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  44. Oops~ bear should have been bare!

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  45. A-MEN Sistah!! If it feels good do it I say! Good on you girl - you always look amazing and I applaud you for striking a blow for us fabulous over-40s. I just wish I had your figure to wear exactly what I wanted but I'm a bit limited as to what I can wear without looking like an overstuffed settee!! pahahahaha!!! ;)

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  46. Oh Vix, you are an amazing lady.
    I'm glad there are ladies like you in the world, challenging the myth that once you are over a certain age (seems to get younger every year!) you can't wear what you like, and there are rules.
    Hell no. Bring on the hot pants. ;)

    xx

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  47. 1) that blouse is fantastic

    2) colours!!!!

    3) hahaha I heckled that show SO MUCH. That nurse looked just dandy in her romper and dungarees! She clearly felt at home.

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  48. Your so freaking hot! Those pants, boots....just everything. I'm so thankful that you prove daily that age is nothing but a number and that no one can tell you how to dress! I'll be stomping around in cupcake clothes with bright hair forever! Hearts, Janna Lynn

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  49. To be honest - if someone WANTS to dress head to toe in beige then they should!

    It takes guts to dress to please yourself - plainly or exuberantly - and some folks find that very threatening - to say nothing of the marketing folks who have a vested interest in keeping us all not feeling 'enough' in order to sell wrinkle cream/diet food/washing powder - whatever.

    I'm 54, have pink hair (should have grown out of that years ago)and have costumes (not outfits). It irritates the living cr@p out of young peeps who think that THEY are the only ones who should wear something different. Conversely, my contemporaries irritate the cr@p out of me by calling me 'brave'; which I'm assuming means having no regard for that disgusting 'mutton dressed as' expression. I have learned to disregard blockheads and am currently learning to release my inner Lady Bracknell :)

    Have you seen the new feature in The Guardian called The Invisible Woman (aka over 40's bleating)? I'm sorry - that sounds very harsh - but ffs I'm tired of reading about oooh I can't show my arms ... nothing like a nice bit of pigeon-holing to keep us in our place lol.

    SO good to have a good rant :))

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  50. Can I get you to be my stylist?Seriously? I love what you wear and yes I sometiomes have those I am too old for long hair thoughts.But its part of me so I shall be a long haired granny for the rest of my life.
    Now back to you being my stylist.I am verrrrrry serious.
    and I love what you have on those boots made my eyes popout and that bag is goooorgeous.
    Now when will you start styling me? lol give Gok a run for his money

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  51. OMG! Those boots are sooooooooooo hot! I am thinking from the tone of this post that you are still fighting the blue rinse??? lol!

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  52. YES! And without the incessant navel gazing and pontificating!!!

    You don't just tell us...you SHOW us.

    I like it.

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  53. Those boots are amazing! Groovy lady : )

    xx
    mirrorandmoon.blogspot.com

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  54. Excellent rant, Vix. I couldn't agree more. The shawl with your boots plus antique carpet bag are heavenly!

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  55. OMG your boots!!! LOVEEEE! ... And you re so right about the age. I guess I am approaching 30 soon and I am not ready to abide by any rules!!!

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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  56. I love your mid week rant. I can't wait to hear your weekend one. I once made my mom wear this off the shoulder hello kitty tee. She got so many compliments on it and the grandkids were crazy for it. I could tell it made her happy inside.

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  57. too right luv!!! we don't have that show here but I'm curious to see it now!!

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  58. Why do people feel they must label everything with an age when it comes to fashions. I agree with you, wear what you like. Of course you look SO gorgeous here! I love the spat-style boots.

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  59. Omg YOU should have your own tv show......that would be great! We'd all watch it :)
    Please find me one of those lovely shawls in black...I'll pay all costs and postage please please xxx

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  60. Those shows annoy me so much because they assume that everyone is aiming to look exactly the same - totally untrue! I read one of Gok's style books once, and had much the same reaction as you. Just because I'm hourglass/curvy/whatever doesn't mean that I'm going to spend the rest of my life in wrap dresses with my arms & upper thighs covered.

    You rock, and I love you in hotpants!

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  61. TESTIFY, SISTER!

    I'm keeping my hair long and wearing what I like and painting my nails with glitter and honestly, who cares? Does it hurt anyone?

    YOU could cause traffic accidents in that super AMAZING outfit, amor! Those boots and THAT BAG are blowing my mind! And you look FRICKIN EXQUISITE in those velvet hotpants!

    Sarah xxx

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  62. I totally agree with you sweetie there's nothing worse than some young lasses thinking the own everything and looking down there noses at everyone else they should look up to older women not criticise them
    LOVE those boots you look fabulous in them
    xx fee

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  63. I love this SO MUCH!! All these "rules" are always telling us women what to wear based our height, weight, age, shape, etc.... It's such crap! You should wear what makes you feel awesome and you look very awesome in these pictures.

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  64. Heck yes. You look so good ALL of the time, you hot lady. Those boots are absolutely to DIE for! You look deliciously wicked in dark colours. Xoxoxox

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  65. I have so much to say about this post but must off to work so I'll sum up - I agree with every single word - you are such a legend! (and always look fabulous in shorts)

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  66. Oh Vix I am so with you on this one! My hubby and I only caught a bit of this programme but his reaction was classic. "she looks worse now, like a real old lady! Don't you dare dress like that!" were his words! Bless him.

    X x

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  67. Vix what an amazing outfit. Love the boots.
    People should wear what they want, if they are happy and comfortable in an outfit choice, that should be all that matters. Why be boring and frumpy!
    Dx

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  68. Vix what an amazing outfit. Love the boots.
    People should wear what they want, if they are happy and comfortable in an outfit choice, that should be all that matters. Why be boring and frumpy!
    Dx

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  69. Vix what an amazing outfit. Love the boots.
    People should wear what they want, if they are happy and comfortable in an outfit choice, that should be all that matters. Why be boring and frumpy!
    Dx

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  70. Hi my dear-hear, hear, well said-Gok can learn a thing or two from you!! Wow, what an outfit, your Jeff Banks blouse is divine, what a find, you really do look gorgeous!! xx

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  71. It's official. Purple flathers you the most.

    EAK

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  72. Really don't like Gok! He used to come to the shopping centre I worked at quite a lot for filming and he came into our store once and wanted to jump straight to the front of the queue!! Not to mention another time he was very rude to me and my friend when we asked for photos.

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  73. Amen to that. Age ain't nothing but a number.I don't follow any so called fashion rules.Like who ever make up the rule: less is more??

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  74. Totally agree - I thought they all looked pretty frumpy (post makeover)to be honest. I was shocked when the 33-year old thought she might be 'dressing too young'. Jesus, I'm three years younger than her - better get my order in for sensible shoes and a tweed skirt now! With the exception of fuggly boots and tracksuits, people should wear what they want and sod Gok and co!
    Don't know if you saw the Portas programme, but that poor woman in Guildford looked like she was wearing a sack in that black dress.
    I'm inclined to think that people who say that shops don't cater for them just don't know what they like and to a certain extent, Gok and co take advantage of that.
    I would love to see Gok take on a few (non-professional) style bloggers.

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  75. Fuck yes!
    If I listened to 'style experts' I'd be in pale peach and have to have my hair cut off because being 45, I can no longer 'carry that off'.
    I don't think our society is ready for women who refuse to fade in to the background in all ways. It will have to get used to it.

    I know who I'd rather have styling me, love!xxxx

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  76. I caught a bit of Gok's show... and it wound me up! How dare they suggest age dictates what we wear!?
    As always, you look fabulous :-)

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  77. wow, this post has brought everyone out - on your side! So Vix, if Channel 4 email you tomorrow, would you??? ;)

    I watched Don't Tell The Bride this week instead of Gok - a styling show of a COMPLETELY different nature - but caught Mary. Have just looked up that Aurora dress she was going mental about not being able to supply to her devoted customers (it had sold off the racks and HoF were being a tad tardy about restocking..) - so it looks like everyone's going to be identikit-bodycon clones.

    Molly Parkin is my what-I-aspire-to-when-I'm-at-the-zimmer-frame stage icon! xx

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  78. Oh wow!! i love your blouse. Velvet is such a royal color and it looks so great on you. Its a wonderful assemble.

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  79. Oh you bloody gorgeous fabulous woman.. this outfit is probably one of my favourite outfits I have ever seen on you. it's so casual gothic with a side of steam punk with those amazing boots!

    I love the handbag!

    I don't understand people who think older women can't look amazing in 'younger' clothes. You dress with style and have a passion for vintage clothes and it all suits you down to a T!

    I do however dislike those older women who plaster their selves in fake tan and wear the most revealing chavvy clothes. It's so.. horrible. No taste! xxx

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  80. Totally agree with you! I will 100% when I am older, be this poem; Warning by Jenny Joseph http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/warning/

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  81. I wish i was as brave as you to wear the clothes you do, but alas am not. Living in a little island I feel that if I wore the clothes that I long to wear but don't I would probably be written about in the local paper, so I love reading your blog and admire your approach to live.

    Love Sarah
    guernseygirl gets crafty

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  82. I agree. I despise those makeover shows. And you're outfit is delicious.

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  83. You are absolutely right, Vix! That girl does need new friends - especially if they started putting her in beige! I will always keep my hair long and I hate it when women feel they need to bow to a convenient cropped cut as they get older. Long hair's gorgeous at any age!
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  84. Cant stand Gok and never watch it and thank god I havent watched Mary Portas either. I agree totally Vix, wear what you like, when you like cos like you said youre a long time dead! xx

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  85. Her friends obvously don't have style and dont care what she feels happy in to say that about her.I get that from my family."It's 2011 why do you dress from the past"I just it may be stupid to you but I always look classy not trashy."Your outfit is sexy.Love those boots.Definatly fashtituty.Love that shade of purple.xxxx

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  86. I love this outfit! It is almost Gothic like, and your boots are fantastic. I had a woman tell me once that she wanted to teach me to dress like a proper Christian women...I told her if that meant being like her, I'll pass. -T

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  87. Wonderful post and you look stunning as always. I totally, totally agree with you and with the comments. Mary Portas also does my head in, creating a shop where I as an 'over 40' have permission to shop, where she has kindly provided clothes I have permission to wear!! Aargh!! If I want to shop in Topshop, I'll shop in Topshop thank you very much. Having said that, I've not bought high street for a few years now and just shop Charity shops, ebay or vintage, or make my own. Yes I am partial to a bit of curtain couture myself. You should definitely write a book or front a programme that was actually about making women feel good about themselves for a change rather than moulding us all into the same 'acceptable' shape etc. God knows what they would do with me, stylewise, having the audacity to be pregnant at 41 too. Oh I could go on, but suffice to say - you are fabulous. Thank you. xxx

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  88. Too right Vix
    I too watched this and was so annoyed when they said about that girl she was 33 not 83.
    I am 38 and I don't care I will dress how I want I am just so glad my friends are not like that.
    I thought her friends were horrible too they almost seemed jealous and insecure anyway.

    I have older and younger friends than myself they always say I dress great but I think at the end of the day you should wear what you likeno matter what others say!

    I thought what Gok put her in was awful too so frumpy and old fashioned. I am getting really fed up with this series and feel like writing to Gok via channel 4 to say that once you get to 30 it does not mean you have to dress like an old lady and have short hair.

    Also I thought the section about those tight lace dresses withstanding a theme park was ridiculous!

    Vix, you and I will be rebels and have long hair till we are 80 lol
    You have fabulous hair and you definitely have the body for hot pants xx

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  89. am i´m dreaming or can this superfabulous boots really be true? can you ask your boots if they want to marry me, i think this must be love haha and purlple really is your colour vix, it makes you look even more mystic and magical, i´ve noticed that already with your fabulous cape!!
    love and kiss,mary

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  90. Here here, we can wear what we want, when we want!

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  91. Great rant, sometimes girls don't do each other any favours we're either too fat, too thin, dress too young...we need to give each other a break. I've gone off Gok lately, so have not been watching the series, sounds like I#m not missing anything.xx PS those boots are amazeballs!xx

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  92. I couldn't agree more - I'm nodding vigorously. Age-appropriate clothing is whatever makes the wearer feel really good about themselves when they glance in a mirror.

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  93. ..and very good you're hotpant clad arse looks too! - ooh don't bet me started on the long hair over 30 mob - I don't suit short hair, it doesn't make me feel good so at the age of 53 (though only days to go now to 54) I wear my hair long. I also get sick of people asking when I'm going to stop dying my hair and grow grey gracefully - never! I aim to grow old disgracefully, not gracefully! xxx

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  94. Fantastic advice!! and you look absolutely stunning in these dark colors ~Like a beautiful Medieval Princess:) I love love love love love love did I say love the boots hehehe ~Hope you had a nice night out...sometimes it is best to not even turn on the t.v. or at least pop in a DVD instead!! ~Love Heather

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  95. Great post! Fashion is very personal so why do we need some person telling us what is right for us, only we know that. If I wanna dress like a Nanna or a hippy I will and I hope I continue to dress they way I want for the rest of my live.

    Kiss ass boots too!

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  96. Am so far down the comments list again that I've got a nosebleed.

    I think a lot of women don't dress as well as they could and I'm all for encouraging people to get out of their jeans and fleeces and into something more fun and interesting - as long as they are happy.

    Lots of people aren't happy with how they dress...I was one of them. STill not HAPPY, but getting there. My month long denim detox was great fun and now I only wear jeans as a concious choice, rather than my default clothing setting!

    You play your role in that change for me - it's inspiring to see you working all these different looks and being confident and gorgeous.

    Ali x

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  97. You always look amazing Vix. I think, dress how you want to dress and who cares what anyone thinks-I'd rather provoke a reaction for good or bad than blend in!
    You're wonderful! xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  98. I agree! I always wear the clothes I like and when people don't like it, it is their problem. :)
    Your boots are so gorgeous..... <3
    xx

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  99. Wow Vix, just wow. Such a sincere message here, and I know you truly mean it and embrace it, that’s what makes it all the more meaningful. Although I am the last to comment, I am more than proud to say you are a true inspiration.
    I think if a friend can’t tell you you look beautiful, then they are no a friend at all xxx

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  100. Vix, I was overcome with joy when I found your blog a week ago. Like you, I love India and am addicted to thrift shops and vintage fashion.

    I am so jealous of your amazing finds and was drooling over your purple (my favorite color) top, tapestry bag, and lace-up boots before I even read the post. I hate how those "fashion advice" shows suck the personality out of everyone's style!

    At 50 years of age, my motto is "Life is too short not to wear purple/velvet/an armful of bangles/or anything else that make you happy every day." My outfit today was a style I like to call "Mary Tyler Moore meets woodland elf" (polyester double-knit jacket, belted puff-sleeve top, mini skirt, tights, boots, and 70s hat). Oh, and I have long salt and pepper hair to boot.

    The heck with the fashion experts. Let's the rest of us all have fun at the costume party (that would be 'life').

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/Joyatri
    http://www.joyatri.com

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  101. Oh my goodness, that's me in 3 years! I'd go mad if someone told me I dress too young!!! (er, someone told me I dress like a 12 year old, and I did actually get cross!) Gok and his minions can keep their advice to themselves!)

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  102. Here here! What a great post!

    One evening on a bus downtown in our city, we saw a woman of about 55 or so wearing a chevron-print mini dress, dark tights, knee high boots and a long chevron-print (but a different print) cardigan. She looked fantastic! I loved how she was daring and she really worked the look. And perhaps most importantly looked happy, healthy and like she was having fun. And in the end isn't that what matters? Who the hell cares what anyone else thinks.

    I've never bought into conventions for style, and I'm certainly not about to start at 34. I won't start at 44, or 54, either! :D

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  103. This outfit is gorgeous! Just found your blog and your style is so inspiring - I recently inherited a bunch of 60s/70s originals which I've been struggling with how to wear and you've given me tons of ideas.

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix