What to Wear To A Gig at 40+ | Coated Jeans, Sports Lux tee & Snakeskin Boots | Rock Chick Vibe

Can you carry off a rock chick look at 40+?  That's not a rhetorical question, by the way.  Can you?

I do hope your answer was a resounding YES!

If not, why not?  If Chrissie Hynde can rock it at 64 and Debbie Harry at 70, then I can certainly rock it at almost 50.

But what about the 'mutton dressed as lamb' mutterings,
or the
'well, she's trying abit too hard, isn't she?' sniggerings.

If I was slathered in heavy eye make-up, was wearing a stud collar round my neck, a beaten up leather jacket on my shoulders and my skull scarf threaded through my belt loops, rather than on my bag, then I MIGHT, but only MIGHT mind, concede that it could possibly come across as trying a tad too hard.

So why the rock chick styling?  Well, a couple of weeks ago, Tall Brown Fox and I went to see trip hop duo, Lamb, gig at the Troxy in the East End of London, as they celebrated 20 years in the music biz and the release of their 6th studio album, Backward Spiral.  As part of Tall Brown Fox's big 40 birthday present at Christmas, his canny sister had bought us the gig tickets.

Normally, I go for the trusted jeans and leather jacket combo for gigging.  However, Tall Brown Fox's other canny sister had bought us vouchers for a meal at The Narrow, Gordon Ramsay's riverside restaurant in Limehouse, so we could have dinner before the gig.  Spoilt rotten or what?!?  Thanks ladies!

What to wear for both then?  Step forth my coated jeans; smart enough for the restaurant, being a step up from denim jeans, without being over dressy for the gig.

As it was freezing on the evening of the gig, I wore the dark sapphire blue, quilted jacket with faux leather trim, I bought from the French brand Camaieu, when in France at Christmas.  They regularly do these neat, stylishly casual jackets which are perfect for petites - I have its cousin in black - and it was the ideal choice.

- thin enough to wear under my faux Astrakhan coat,
- smart enough for dinner,
- I wasn't going to roast alive in it during the gig,
- added some colour to avoid the  'black widow'  look I so often see at gigs - you know, head to toe black!
- and the quilted chevron pattern was a great contrasting texture to the coated jeans.

The third piece of the outfit was a basic grey marl tee. But with two mesh panels on the front, it has a sports luxe feel which was on point for the jeans.

.  

The foundation of the outfit sorted, time to cement the rock chick vibe with some fun accessories.

I've not just tied the skull scarf around my bag for effect.  I did say it was freeeeezing on the night, so it most definitely played a functional role around my neck to and from the restaurant and venue, as well as a fun one, on my bag!

Yeah, but isn't a skull scarf all abit too obvious, I can hear some folks say?

C'mon, this was a GIG, not a polite garden party at Buckingham Palace!

At gigs, I like to let my curly locks down and D-A-N-C-E.  No half hearted, slightly embarrassed swaying at the back of the room for me.  Therefore, dangerous jewellery and shoes were out!

A simple, jet black, beaded choker at the neck was all I needed.  I mean, the last thing you want is a necklace banging about on your collar bones, or knocking your two front teeth out, when you're cutting your dance moves.

I was barely out of tutus and ballet shoes growing up, so I know all about the pain of dancer's feet and I don't do that no more!
My snakeskin, western style ankle booties can be danced in all night; and they certainly were that night!  Plus, they added a touch of badass to the look.

My workhorse of a fringe bag that has had more starring roles on this blog than any other item (although I think these boots are giving it a run for its money now), was perfect cross body candy.

A dash of red on the lips and voilà, I'm ready to rock.  I'm on the low to barely registering level of maintenance on the make-up scale, meaning I'm out the door after a flick of mascara.  I leave all that smokey eyes business to those who have the patience!

And just to show how it looked on the night, here I am posing in the glamourous location of the staircase linking clockroom to stage!  We only had time for a quick snap before Lamb came on hence the quality of the photo in the poor light!

And the real reason my scarf was tied around my bag was that on the way up from the clockroom, I realised I'd forgotten to put it in my coat pocket, necessitating me to quickly tie it round my bag to be hands free for the night!  

Light show a go, go, in the beautiful Art Deco venue, Troxy!

Andy Barlow did the obligatory crowd surf - good man.

Jon thrashed his electric double bass so hard, there was barely any horse hair left on his bow by the encore - good man.

Lou Rhodes looked like a Grecian goddess in her stunning, white, structured gown and knocked spots off today's mainstream pop divas with her haunting and commanding vocals.

Wallis Petite Coated Jeans A/W 15  Boohoo Ankle Grazer Coated Jeans
Camaieu Jacket A/W 15  La Redoute Suede Zip Up Bomber jacket or a more budget friendly Vila Collarless Bomber Jacket currently in the sale
H&M Grey, mesh panel tee (old)
Joy the store Fringe bag Ruby Rocks Fringe Suede Leather Bag currently in the sale at ASOS or this one is fun too from Mango Fringe Leather bag
Skull scarf from a French market stall.  New Look Skull Scarf
Black beaded choker (old from e-bay)  Beaded Flex Choker
Marks&Spencer Snakeskin Boots A/W 15 but sold out now.  These Warehouse Snakeskin Block Heel Boots are currently in the sale and still available in size 3 & 4 for petite feet.

Rock footnote
If I was slathered in heavy eye make-up, was wearing a stud collar round my neck, a beaten up leather jacket on my shoulders and my skull scarf threaded through my belt loops, rather than tied on my bag, it wouldn't matter.  If I felt comfortable, confident and owned it, then it wouldn't be trying too hard, it would be natural.

As it was, I did feel comfortable, confident and owned it on the night and I have a drumful of fantastic memories to boot!

What do you wear to gigs?  And do you rock your moves in the mosh pit?

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Patterned Shirt & Snakeskin Boots | Subtle Pattern Mixing | Chocolate Brown & Teal

Does pattern mixing scare the beejeezus out of you or are you a seasoned pro who mixes patterns in their sleep?

Pattern mixing can be whatever you want it to be; decidedly obvious, as with florals and stripes or with Polka Dots and Stripes, or intentionally subtle like my outfit below.

At first glance, you're probably thinking er... where is the pattern mixing, Petite Vix?  Well, take a closer look and you'll begin to see some emerging.

The print of the shirt is obviously the main focal point but topping and tailing the look, I'm wearing a

striped beret 
snakeskin ankle boots.  

Then, for some added texture and colour,

the silver necklace, which itself has an intricate pattern
and a 3 colour way bag with a central gold panel, green handles and brown, lazer cut side panels.

The mixing is low key but overall these subtle details add depth and create more of a textured look. I could have easily chosen plain boots, and a bag and a beret in one colour but the outfit would have looked rather linear.  Instead, by consciously choosing to wear my snakeskin boots, my 3 colour way bag and the striped beret, I've built in enough visual interest to balance out the block colours of the chocolate brown jeans and the teal cardigan.

And wearing my Precision hat of a Pilates teacher, I'm deeply satisfied at how my pointy collars and pointy necklace are so aligned with each other!

Lately, I've really started to enjoy wearing shirts.  I rarely used to wear them partly because

they reminded me too much of having to wear horrible, polyester shirts for school - urgh!
I never found them comfortable.
I rarely found a shirt that properly fitted my petite frame.

If it fitted on the bust, the sleeves would be like orangutan arms.  I don't know about you but I feel quite strongly that orangutan arms only look good on orangutans.

The one I'm wearing is new in at Boden (available in both petite and regular) and when they had a Spring offer on a couple of weeks ago, I decided to order one of their shirts to try, particularly as the pattern of this one is rather fetching.

The collars sit really neatly on this shirt - always a sign of good quality in a shirt I find - so I decided to keep it buttoned up along with the top two cardigan buttons.  I liked the slightly preppy vibe it gave plus it allowed me to wear my necklace high. Against the teal of the cardigan it becomes a real feature, without competing against the shirt.

With temperatures in London the past week dropping to the 'I'd quite like to stay wrapped up in bed under a warm duvet, thank you very much' level, I'm not quite ready to shed my rich Winter colours just yet. The chocolate brown and teal felt right for the starkness of the day.

But the lighter pattern shirt and the snakeskin stop the look from being too dark.  And with both the beret and the cardigan being cashmere, I was warm without having to pile on thick jumpers, as by now, I am ready to transition to lighter layers, as we inch our way towards the official start of Spring.

I have a real crush on these low sitting, ankle boots at the moment!  You first saw them on my Playful Polka Dots post and I've been wearing them alot.  I'm finding they are an easy Winter to Spring transitional print and boot.  From some conversations I've had and from reading other blogs, it seems, at least for some women, that snakeskin is a little more scary, or certainly less familiar to wear, than some animal prints. However, get the right sized print and colouring and I think snakeskin is a more subtle and grown up print than leopard print.  

Dorothy Perkins Petite Chocolate Brown Skinny Jeans
Boden Classic Shirt  Available in petite and regular.  I'm wearing a petite 14. I sized up from a 12 as it was a more comfortable fit for me.
TKMaxx Cashmere Cardigan (old)
Marks&Spencer Western Heel Ankle Boots only available now in size 8. Warehouse Snakeskin Block Ankle Boot Currently in the sale and available in petite sizes.
Urban Originals Bag from TKMaxx
New Look Necklace (last season)  Not triangles but a pretty Silver Fan Collar Necklace
Seasalt Rock Beret in Merino Wool & Cashmere bought in the sale in February & still available. Also comes in navy.

If you've always thought pattern mixing was about screaming it from the rooftops with clashing prints and busy colours, and therefore you backed slowly out of the pattern mixing room never to venture therein again, then think again.

As much as it's fun to be bold with mixing prints and colours - and I'm all for being bold - sometimes you can have just as much fun by being quietly confident in your pattern mixing.

What are your favourite patterns to mix.  And do you mix it up by using your accessories to mix your patterns with as here?

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Pick of the Petites: Nautical / Striped / Riviera

This month's Pick of the Petites was inspired by a single item that caught my eye on Friday.  I happened to be in Debenhams, there to return an item and nearly fell off the up escalator (which was a pretty spectacular feat to do), as I was completely love struck by the mannequin, cunningly positioned opposite the up escalator, that was wearing this J by Jasper Conran, striped coat.

J by Jasper Conran Striped Navy Collarless Coat

Sadly, this coat isn't a petite (drats and double drats) but that didn't stop me from swooning over it! After small voice of reason had dragged me back from my reverie of swanning around Florence in Springtime wearing this coat, with a sharp, metaphorical slap around the chops of

'You ain't going to Florence in Springtime, so stop that right now!',

I suddenly couldn't help but notice all the striped, nautical garments in the shop!  I knew then and there, that this month's Pick of the Petites, would be on this very theme!

The nautical look is a perennial favourite every Spring.  It never really goes away, such is its timeless-ness.  I've not included t-shirts/tops other than a single bardot top as stripey tees are really two a penny, but the top half is where we're starting.

Tops / Jumpers 

Nothing says Nautical quite like a bardot top and M&Co have a long sleeved top that will look equally good under a formal blazer or a casual jacket.

M&Co Petite Bardot Striped Top

When temperatures are a little cooler or you want to take your nautical look from day to night, casually throw a striped jumper over the shoulders, whilst wearing your white linen trousers.  And I liked the little knitted detail around the neckline.

And not everything nautical has to be in the classic navy and white combo; red and white also capture the nautical vibe.

Dorothy Perkins Striped Pointelle Jumper

Whether lazy holidays are spent building sandcastles on the beach, lunching on lobster in a quayside restaurant or simply messing about on boats - make mine a yacht please - then a good jersey hoodie always comes in handy.  

I love the addition of the pockets on the front.  Plus you can choose your colour way.  Below is jet black on white but the hoodie also comes in navy and white.  Available in regular too.

Lands End also do a navy Mixed Striped Three Quarter Sleeve Hoodie in both regular and petite which is currently, slightly reduced.

Lands End Petite Black & White Jersey Hoodie

Trousers / Jumpsuit / Romper

You simply can't do the full on Riviera look without owning a pair of wide legged, linen trousers.  Pair them with your stripey tees for daytime and they can also take you through to evening by swapping the tee for a sparkly, strappy top and heels.  Precis also do the Navy and White Striped T-shirt that's peeping out over the trousers.

And if you're not confident wearing white, then black is provided courtesy of these Marks & Spencer Black Linen Trousers.  

Precis Petite White Linen Drawstring Trousers

But isn't this supposed to be about stripes, Petite Vix?  

And what if I want to wear the stripes on my bottom half?  

No problem!

New in at M&S are these adorable wide legged striped trousers.  Just keep the top half very sleek.

Marks & Spencer Petite Striped Wide Legged Trousers

And for something a little different, I've found a striped jumpsuit and rompersuit!

The jumpsuit is quite unusual in that it's not a full length one so perfect for summer days and nights.

Glamorous Petite Wide Legged Jumpsuit

ASOS Petite Linen Striped Rompersuit

Dresses

For dresses, I was spoilt for choice!  But I honed it down to 4, covering different styles to suit a variety of sartorial situations.

This would make a great addition to a working wardrobe.  The different panels of stripes on the torso give this a slightly more sophisticated feel than a normal shift dress and the illusion of a nipped in waist.  Just slip on a red jacket, grab your briefcase and you're ready to conquer the boardroom.

Debenhams Petite Navy Striped Dress

This petite number is the kind of dress that will take you anywhere, anytime.  Smart enough for the office with pumps and a jacket, but relaxed enough for Spring/Summer weekends with friends, paired with a colourful cardigan in a bright spring colour - cobalt blue or orange, maybe even bright pink with wedged sandals or ghillie flats.  

Don't you just love the asymmetrical hem?  And because it's petite it won't trail on the floor! HURRAH!

Marks & Spencer Petite Asymmetrical Hem Shift Dress

I couldn't possibly leave out a maxi dress, especially as a) they are my favourite kind of dresses AND b) there is this corker of a striped maxi, relatively new in at M&S.   

I fell in love with it, as soon as I saw it.  I have floral and abstract patterned maxis in my wardrobe and I can now unashamedly confess, that I have, not just a striped maxi but a graded, striped maxi currently hanging in my wardrobe.  I'm itching to wear it this summer!  Bravo to M&S for coming up trumps with this dress.  The graded stripes make the dress more visually interesting and with the diagonal stripes going down the skirt part of the dress, it's very flattering on.

For a casual daytime look just slip on a denim jacket and for evenings dress it up with a statement necklace and wedged heels.

Marks & Spencer Petite Graded Striped Maxi Dress

Finally, for those of you who like their dresses with a little more of a tailored feel, you'll like this simple and neat ASOS Petite Striped Shirt dress with D ring tie belt.

ASOS D ring Striped Shirt Dress

Jacket & Skirt

We're back with M&S again (and no, they're haven't paid me for this post!) who are really rockin' their stripes this season, for a jacket and a skirt.  Now obviously you wouldn't wear these together, unless you're intending to make anyone who looks at you, cross-eyed!

However, if you only want to buy one key item that can be either formal or informal then either of these two hit the mark. They can be worn with endless colour combinations.

I love that little cut out detail at the waist on the jacket.

Marks & Spencer Petite Striped Jacket

This skater skirt is already sold out in sizes 10, 14 and 16, so I doubt it's going to hang around for much longer.  If I didn't already have a black and white striped skirt, I'd be seriously considering this one.  

Although it's described as a skater skirt, it would also fit the bill for a petite as a midi as it hits just below the knee. Finding midis for petites is about as hard as finding snow leopards in the wild!

Marks & Spencer Petite Skater Skirt

Accessories

If you're not keen on wearing stripes for the (unfounded) fear that they may make you look wide - this is really unfounded - then bring in your stripes via your accessories.  For example, a simple striped scarf tied at the neck or in the hair is an elegant touch.

Or wear your white linen trousers with a cobalt blue or red tee and casually drape this scarf around your neck - perfect for Spring days when there's still a nip in the air.

Woolovers Unisex Silk and Wool Striped Scarf

For a versatile and smart, everyday bag which makes a nod to the nautical with its textured striped central panel, go for this classic, bowling bag with crossbody strap.  And the good news is, it's currently on offer; 20% off.

Ben de Lisi Striped Bowling Bag

I love this wristlet clutch - a super chic way to take your stripes from day to night.

Red Herring Striped Clutch

And for those lazy days on holiday, whether on the beach or strolling through cobbled streets in ancient villages, this is a good sized tote.

F&F Striped Tote

Why not take your nautical stripes to your feet with these sandals, that have an eye-catching, conversation-starting suede pompom on the toe!  

BUT

you'll have to have a spare, cool £625 to buy them!  Amazingly, they are low in stock in most sizes, so somebody must be buying them!  Suffice to say, it ain't me, despite them being so unusual!

Mariela Montiel striped duchesse-satin sandals

However, I'll probably settle for these fun Espadrille Flatforms at a more budget friendly £15.99.

Currently available for petite feet in size 3.

New Look Espadrille Flatform Sandals

Do you like the nautical look?  Will you be incorporating some striped into your Spring wardrobe?

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Celebration: Wedding Anniversary

For the past 8 days I've had the stink-iest cold ever.  It's been one long round of constantly blowing my nose, coughing and croaking my way through the day.  I've not had enough sleep, not eaten as well as I should and that's left me exhausted and so my blog has suffered.  I've not posted for a week - I didn't want to inflict my 'death warmth up' look upon anyone, especially as my nose was so red it could be seen from outer space - and I had no energy to visit all my favourite blogs.

It's been frustrating, as I know in blogland, it's important to try to be consistent with posting, especially as I have a truck load of outfits I want to photograph!

BUT

Today is a special day.

A day to push myself to make some effort as 7 years ago today, Tall Brown Fox and I said 'I will' to each other.

Every year, I always make a point of re-reading the two readings we chose for our wedding and I thought it'd be a touching way of sharing my joy today, by posting one of the poems.  It was beautifully read by one of my sisters-in-law at our ceremony.

I unashamedly still get a little teary-eyed every time I read it.

The Confirmation by Edwin  Muir

Yes, yours, my love, is the right human face.

I in my mind had waited for this long,

Seeing the false and searching for the true,

Then found you as a traveller finds a place

Of welcome suddenly amid the wrong

Valleys and rocks and twisting roads. But you,

What shall I call you? A fountain in a waste,

A well of water in a country dry,

Or anything that's honest and good, an eye

That makes the whole world seem bright. Your open heart,

Simple with giving, gives the primal deed,

The first good world, the blossom, the blowing seed,

The hearth, the steadfast land, the wandering sea.

Not beautiful or rare in every part.

But like yourself, as they were meant to be. 

Our wedding flowers and colours symbolised our two nationalities coming together.  

Orange tulips, ivory roses, with peach being a blend of the two.

So no fancy outfits to share with you today, I'm afraid.  They'll be back on the blog soon.  A brief post to acknowledge how much 14th March means to me on so many levels and how blessed I am to be sharing my life with such a special person, who still makes me laugh as much now, as when we first met.  

If there is someone in your life who you love, whether partner, parent, child or friend, why not take a moment to say how much you love them.

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Styling a Leather Skirt for a Casual Look | Plaid Shirt, Boyfriend Cardigan & Fringe Boots

If there's one style mantra I have it's ...

Clothes do not come with an age tag!

Repeat after me, please.

Clothes do not come with an age tag!

In a couple of months, I'll be hitting the big 50.  Yikes, when,what,how the heck did that happen so fast!?!

I know, I know, I don't look a day over 32.   *cough*   *cough*   small voice of reason nearly chokes on her vodka tonic!

This landmark age doesn't mean I'll be limiting my wardrobes choices.  In fact, I think the opposite may well be true.  I'll be growing ever more confident in my choices.

I always feel saddened (and slightly annoyed, if truth be told), when I hear women say that they don't feel confident wearing a leather skirt anymore or distressed jeans or mini skirt or whatever garment they've deemed verboten now, simply because they've traversed into another decade.  I completely understand that

- they don't want to feel like mutton dressed as lamb or worse
- an aging rock star or
- like they're trying too hard.

How they wear a leather skirt, distressed jeans, or mini skirt or whatever garment they've deemed verboten now, might be different in mid-life, as to how they wore it in their 20's, but seriously,

Clothes do not come with an age tag!

Right, now that I've got that off my chest, let's be digging down into the outfit.  Due to my 52 week Seasonal Skinny Style Challenge I'm almost half way through (yikes, when,what,how the heck did that happen so fast!?!), I've not worn many skirts on the blog.  Time to display some skirtage, I thought, especially as my working week is spent encased in Pilates leggings.

Although it's March, t'was definitely a case of 'the North Wind doth blow' on Sunday. I stayed warm and snug in my faux Astrakhan coat, first worn on the blog back in December, in my Tessalation Celebration post.

Tall Brown Fox and I were off to the Serpentine Galleries in London's Kensington Gardens, to see the Hilma af Klint exhibition.

And hiding underneath the coat and leopard print scarf was my leather skirt - not quite a mini but definitely above the knee. Heavens!  A nearly 50 year old woman sporting a leather skirt and a hint of knee!  Gladys, where are the smelling salts?

A wee spot of pattern mixing with my check (plaid) shirt, leopard print scarf and polka dots gloves and a pop of colour with my turquoise bag, because as I mentioned in last Thursday's Fringe Benefits post, accessories should be fun.

Before we went inside, I braved the bracing temperatures and the beginning of rain - which as we were taking photos turned into hail! - so good timing on our part - and whipped off the coat.

Tip - if you don't want to stuff your scarf into your bag, tie it round one of the handles of your bag for extra decoration!

Leather, whether real as here, or faux is so versatile to wear.  It looks smokin' when dressed up and stylish when dressed down for a weekend / casual look.  But how to style it without worrying you'll be mutton or a 'I've outstayed my welcome 70's, aging rockstar'?

Most of us have plaid /check or tartan shirts and statement necklaces in our wardrobe and they're a no brainer for easy pairing with a leather skirt. For contrast, I picked out the red in the shirt with my boyfriend cardigan.

I debated whether to wear black or patterned tights and I know the rule about keeping the colour of your tights the same as your shoes to give the illusion of longer legs but I'm a contrary creature and more often than not say 'pah' to rules!  Besides, I liked the slight shimmer in the grey tights, which picked up the grey of the gloves.

I could've easily styled the skirt with;

- a chunky knit and biker boots or 
- a high necked blouse and velvet jacket or
- a polo neck and furry gilet or
- a denim shirt and tweed blazer.

The options are endless.  Don't believe me?  Well, check out Jodie as she, Nancy, her Step-mum and Charlotte, Jodie's Mum, respectively in their 50's, 60's and 70's no less (!) all rock their Leather Skirts and Lace looks.

By now, poor photographer, Tall Brown Fox was being pelted with hail and I was 30 seconds away from severe frostbite, plus the work of the female, Swedish artist - cos I knew you were thinking where does a name like Hilma af Klint come from??? - was calling, so we scuttled inside.

Amazingly, we were able to take photos of the exhibition, which is very rare - although, understandably without flash - so apologies for the quality of light.  I'll be posting later this week on the exhibition because it really was quite extraordinary and her work will be seen in all its colourful, abstract glory.

Faux Fur Astrakhan Coat (old from an indie boutique)
Warehouse Leather Skirt A/W 15   Petite Faux Leather Quilted Skirt or Petite Faux Leather Mini. Regular size: Panelled Faux Leather Skirt
New Look Boyfriend Cardigan
TKMaxx Plaid Shirt (old)  Petite Teal Checked Shirt or Petite Emerald Plaid Shirt  Regular size: Dark Blue Checked Shirt
New Look Necklace
New Look Turquoise Mini Tote (seen here and here with the plaid shirt and polka dot gloves)
H&M Leopard Print Scarf (old)
Polka Dots Gloves bought in France
Suede Fringe Boots bought in France.  Not leather but suedette Matt Fringe Boots or leather upper Suede Fringe Boots

Moral of the story is

Clothes do not come with an age tag!

So rock your leather skirts, distressed jeans & minis with confidence and a smile!

Leopard print scarf is optional.

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