Ava Grace's Closet: This is 40
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Monday, February 10, 2014

This is 40

By a show of hands, tell me, who has seen this movie? I kid.
Well, I'll tell you, anyone 40+ who has and I mean anyone will laugh and exclaim "that is MY life". 
Funny enough. 
I think it's because it is everyone's life.
Eventually.

In this world of blogging, fashion + beauty at 40+ has become somewhat of the new black.
Sure, the twenty-somethings are fabulous and provide endless inspiration but honestly, just about anything I put on at 20ish looked halfway decent on me just because I was well, 20ish.
But at 40? Well, that's an entirely different story.
You know yourself better.
Definitely know your body better.
And most importantly, know how to dress better so that your body looks better.
It's all an illusion really.
But the women I will be introducing you to over the next few weeks make it look so easy.

Today, I bring you This is 40.
And in the spirit of fair play, I've started with yours truly.




 

1. How has your style evolved since getting older?
I've always liked to be on trend and have always radiated toward classic looks with a bit of an edge. Read : cocktail dress with motorcycle jacket. Really, the only thing that's changed is that I can now afford to spend a little more on items I plan to keep in my closet for the long haul. I still enjoy a good Forever XXI shop. The thrill of the hunt and a good deal, always drive me. 

2. Anything you would have worn when you were younger but absolutely wouldn't dream of wearing now?
Super short skirts/dresses or shorts would top my list. Although, I still wear denim cut-offs, I look for a slightly longer length. Dr. Martens would also be on my list. Still love them on the younger set!

3. Any looks you regret?
Absolutely! I went through a phase where I needed to have my hair as light as humanly possible. It was ridiculously unhealthy so I ended up wearing it super short for many years. Madonna from her Papa Don't Preach video was my inspiration. Marilyn Monroe was my idol. 
Also, red coloured opaque tights under skirts. And then feeling the need to match my lipstick to them. 

4. What do you know now that you wish you had known then?
That natural ALWAYS looks better. That when you over pluck your eyebrows, they are ridiculously hard to ever grow back in. So many of the items I would donate or give away? Totally on trend now. Wish I had kept them! 

5. Who is your favourite 40+ inspiration and why?
I have so many! Most of the women whose closets I covet {Gwyneth, Gwen, Cate} are all over 40. 
And, I still love Madge. 

6. Best advice you would give to your younger self.
Your mother was usually right. 

7. Anything else you want to share.
I remember terribly dreading my 30th birthday. I didn't want to celebrate, really just wanted to pretend it wasn't happening. Now, at almost 44, I realize what is truly important. Botox. I'm kidding! 
I read a quote once that read something along the lines of "aging is a privilege and not a right". I get that now. And I'm up for it.
With or without the botox. 

Hope you'll join me here for the next few weeks.
Grab a button + join the fun won't you? 
This is 40


22 comments :

  1. Love this Susan. And can't wait to meet the others. :)

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  2. LOVE every single bit of this! As a new member of the 40 club, everything resonates with me. Natural is always better. I went through that same dreadful short hair phase. I feel more confident and sure of who I am now than ever before. Can't wait to see more of this brilliant series!

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  3. LOVe! I am 34, but I am certainly and continually finding myself drawn to the 35+ bloggers. They are so beautiful and have such a sense of their own style- they are confident. I aspire to be this confident when I finally figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
    xo Emma
    http://strollingthecityinheels.com

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    1. Lol! I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when i grow up. :/

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  4. I agree with you completely, styling does get better with age and you make styling look graceful! All of your outfits look great on you and inspire me to keep blogging.

    blue hue wonderland

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    1. That is so sweet and means a lot to me. Thank you so much Ann!

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  5. I love this - especially since we are the same age :-) I've been obsessed with age-appropriate dress lately. I don't know if it's the moms I see as I'm now living in a warmer climate (read, less clothes) or because I'm more conscious of what does and doesn't work for us over 40. I can't wait to see what you have in store because you definitely have great taste and always look so good!

    Tracy @Its Mostly About Fashion

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  6. Susan, I am well passed 40, and yes, there are things I definitely wear differently even from when I was 40. One being sleeveless tops and dresses. I am 69 and work out diligently with some fairly heavy weights, but even then do not think exposed upper arms of older women my age is attractive. This is not always easy because I live in the deep south and suffer through some very hot summers. You look absolutely great, by the way.

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  7. Hi Ava, I loved reading more about you and am excited to hear about other 40+ bloggers. I am at the point where I only follow blogs that I can relate to in some way so it will be fun to add to my growing list! : ) thanks for sharing.

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  8. Great to learn more about you, Susan! Where is the photo of you wearing red opaque tights?

    One of the great things of us 40+ bloggers is definitely our loyal community. As Ana just said, I follow blogs of either my (extended) agegroup or style I can relate to.

    Looking forward to meet new bloggers here.
    Hugs,
    Annette | Lady of Style

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  9. Great questions! I love this post.

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  10. GREAT post! You look both healthy + elegant = FABULOUS!!!!! looking forward to your series. Hugs, C. (HHL)

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  11. Susan this is a great new series - I'm really looking forward to reading all the others you feature - and thank you so much for asking me to take part! I agree with so many of your points (moto jacket with cocktail dress for example), and it's nice to get to know you and your fabulous style more!

    Catherine x
    Not Dressed As Lamb

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  12. This is great! I'm looking forward to reading about all the the other women. I'm always inspired and encouraged when I meet 40+ women who enjoy style as much as I do. Couldn't agree with you more, I definitely know myself and my body more at 40+ and less constrained by rules and what other people may think.

    Cynthia
    http://www.myrosecoloredshades.com

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  13. The 40+ blogging crowd just keeps getting stronger and stronger! Loved this inspiring profile. Ava, what I notice about dressing at 40, 50 and beyond is quality is so important. Garments need to be well made and fit you to a T, because as we age our bodies get so soft and round. Something like a well made jacket goes a long way to help define your shape. Cheers! Deborah

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  14. well I should hope my style improves over the next ten years or so....b/c I will actually be able to get dressed, an wear skirts...and heel....not yoga pants and shoes that allow me to be faster than Lyla :)

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  15. You look phenomenal in your 40s! You are such an inspiration...please keep it up!

    xo,
    Janise

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    1. Aww, thanks so much Janise! As are you my friend. xo

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  16. you look beee-utiful...especially in the last photo :)

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  17. I say FABULOUS 40s!! I enjoyed your old trends question bc I feel the same! So fun! Thanks. Xo, Tammy
    @wildruffle.com

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    1. There is no way you are 40 or close to! Tell me it isn't true so I can feel better??

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  18. I love your 40+ style! :) It's inspiring! I love the black top... is that a jumpsuit?

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I love reading every last one. Thanks so much for stopping by our little blog. xo.