Boardroom-Ready

Dressing for the office can be a tedious task, especially on a Monday morning when it’s raining outside like a cow peeing on a flat rock. Today was a good example. But looking at Jane’s take on 9-5 dressing, I say throw me to the desk job.

That divine little suit is a Vivienne Westwood Red Label, pricey I know, but you can get some really fantastic high street fits if you keep your eye out – Oasis is a good bet, as is Next. The addition of a bold coloured blouse underneath that blazer stops the look becoming too cliché, and the waistbelt makes more of a feature out of the matching Karen Millen shoes. If you’d rather steer clear of high heels, some patent ballet pumps would be awesome.

Jane’s green flaunt is hot-damn reminiscent of Chanel’s obsession with jade this season – their must-have jade nail varnish has been selling out everywhere, but Barry M have a version called Spring Green which is near enough identical. Get on it here.

Beauty Down Under

Representing for the hawwwt and stylish ladies Down Under, I’d like to introduce Suzi – Jane’s cousin (and my second cousin). Anyone who knows me well will know I have a serious lusting for this royal blue colour – I just cannot get enough of it in my life, so I’m thrilled to have it splashed all up in here in HI RES. That's right, no more crappy quality images from now on.



That delicious frock is a lil’ Table Eight number – an Australian high street store -and has been coupled with some fabulous costume jewellery from another Oz brand, Diva. Suzi herself explains, “I love the fact that it fits me so well - the neck feature draws the eye upwards (a good thing for me!), the high waist cuts me in just the right spot and the soft skirt is also very flattering, I think” – too right girlfriend. “As far as style inspirations go, of course I have to mention Jane - I was really inspired by her when I visited England. But apart from that, is it a bit naff to say Trinnie and Susannah? I really like their philosophy that we can all make the best of our good features and play down the not-so-desirable ones - and then they showed us how to do it!”

I especially wanted to show off Suzi to the world because she’s currently battling with cancer and you absolutely wouldn’t know after admiring her glitterati glow above. What a freakin’ brilliant inspiration to the rest of us – proving you can look incredible regardless of what life throws at you.

A real glamazon right thurr, we salute you, sister xxx

Red for Now and Ever

Because sometimes there just aint enough time for a costume change, Jane is often seen out and about rocking something lovely that will take her from her busy daytime schedule to her evening socials.
On this occasion, Jane’s day involved a spot of shopping, and she chose a Lotta St Ensson skirt with a thick waist belt - which is a freakin’ hawwwt as hell Prada piece that I’ve been banned from borrowing it because apparently I have a terrible habit of not giving it back…oops. The v-neck jumper is from Jigsaw and the boots are…go on, take a guess? That’s right, another score for Russell & Bromley.

I heart this romantic, ruby red get-up that, with the simple subtraction of the v-neck, is transformed from casual to party-licious. The bodice is Karen Millen, and the shoes are one of Jane’s current obsessions from Argentinian tango brand Comme il Faut.

Some people say you shouldn’t wear all one colour, but some people don’t realise that two different shades of the same colour can in fact, look this good.

Bring On Party Season

With the first door on our advent calendars about to be opened, I’m sure I’m not the only one revving up my wardrobe for the Christmas parties, so I decided to mention a couple of those “Freakum” dresses and evening get ups Jane has been snapped in.


This is definitely one of my favourites to dig out and dance around in when Mummy Jane isn’t looking – the Julian MacDonald jungle print dress seen here before her and Daddy Roger hit up the Casino Royale film premiere. It was bought around the same time Jennifer Lopez rocked up at the Grammys in her Versace version, but obviously, Jane’s leaves a little more to the imagination…

Raising the flag for safari print is Lyn, another 40+ fashionista who isn’t afraid to beat the frump. Anyone has to be careful with animal graphics, no matter what your age, simply because if you get it wrong you can end up looking like straight up trash - but this totally works because jewellery, which would compete with the print, has been left at home and the headband makes the look a little softer…cute.

Going a little more for the day-to-night aesthetics Jane bought this ravishing floral frock at a punky/emo boutique, can you believe? I mean, I’m fairly sure Mammi doesn’t go moshing at the weekends so I wonder how she came across this lil’ gem but it makes me think maybe I shouldn’t shy away from the Punky Fishes/Hot Topics of this world afterall. The belt is from Dorothy Perkins, and the shoes are of course Russell & Bromley – a blazer would take this look into the office or cover up cold shoulders. Rock on.

Jane: Too Fly for TV?

I wasn't going to say anything, but I thought this was too awesome to let slide - we had some very exciting phonecalls from BBC Three last week enquiring about the possibility of featuring Jane and I on a new fashion reality show that films style-licious mummies and their daughters comparing wardrobes and trying out new makeovers...serious amazeballs! However, this morning we were both told, and I quote, we were too "well-dressed to makeover" and unfortunately won't be included. So there you have it critics, Jane has officially got this dressing up thing nailed so good there just aint any room for improvement! Massively appreciative to the BBC for the interest however, everyone likes a good ego massage, big media-socialite kisses to you xxx

Jazz Hands

This is less of a fashion snap and more of a bit of fun to match the Friday high spirits today. Jane is on location for yet more filming of Being Human - which is being shot in the oldest working cinema in the world otherwise known as the Curzon Community Cinema in Clevedon. Her and Marcus came across this totally retro-cool old organ between takes, which apparently still works and the lovely Jane shows us her inner Pianist (please excuse lame quality picture).


Momma you kind of look like you’re waiting for your nails to dry, but I’m checkin’ that green Oasis blouse. Now get back to work, you pair of crazy cats.

In the News

Have a nose at this article I stumbled across today on my lunchbreak - super fly 40 year old shows off her wardrobe clobber and once again there is love for leggings! I'm telling you, get a pair. It's tippy toppy on trend.

CLICK HERE > http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1229047/Me-wardrobe-You-hip-40-looking-like-mutton-dressed-lamb-says-Mica-Paris.html

Limited Edition

Another new face today, get excited! Please kiss the cyber hand of Denise, who’s flaunting a seriously cute, contrasting block colour dress which she snapped up at a local boutique and teamed with Topshop leggings and a cashmere mix grey shrug from Per Una.

This is a shining example as to why we need to support our independent retailers in this multiplex/mass production/fast-fashion age. Gone are Denise’s fears that girlfriend’s gonna turn up in the same dress, because she’s most-likely debuting a limited edition right thurr plus most small boutiques stock emerging designers, so it gives them a lil’ hand too. Hawwwt and helpful. Rest easy Denise, and high five.

Meet Grandad

How cute is my Grandpa? And get this, he’s 97. Not bad at all for someone who used to lie under trains for a laugh. Jane makes regular trips to see her "Daddy Cool" every week and I thought I’d share her threads of choice from the latest visit.
Black is up there with denim as a wardrobe staple - it’s slimming, smart, perfect for nearly every occasion and goes with any other colour – even horrendous peach wall paint. Channelling the gothic theme present this season (see Nina Ricci, Fendi and Max Azria at the moment), Jane chose an all-black ensemble with a Warehouse jumper, black silk Gardem Paris skirt and Russell & Bromley boots which will last years. Rather like Grandpa's awesome sandals.

Hitting the Tiles

Holding it down at the bars recently, Jane stepped out in this satin Yumi dress which I just have to shout about for the following reasons. Firstly, the shape oozes femininity and flatters every curve with the promise of loose fabric covering sensitive areas. Secondly, the belt creates a slammin’ waist line – perfect for the curvier yummy mummies. Thirdly, the pattern is adorable and the colour will suit pretty much every skin tone out there. I’ll raise my glass to this fo’ sho. Cheers Ma. Now, when can I borrow it?

Pretty Hot in Pink

Who’d have thought that spring time dresses were still an option in the colder climates? Jane is a great advocate of layering, and here the technique has brought to life a summer frock that might otherwise have been discarded for winter storage. Rad. That DVF dress has been totally transformed for the season with the clever-clogs addition of an aubergine tank top by Brora, matching aubergine tights, purple patent Russell & Bromley pumps and Brora pink cashmere cardi. Florals in Winter. Don't be shy.

And a Strange Bloody Man

Lolzzz. This is Marcus, one of mine and Jane’s favourite comrades from the world of make-up. When he’s not spilling fake blood all over himself, he’s top dawwg make-up designer to the Being Human crew and a whole barrel of laughs to chill with. We all thought what a hella-good addition he would make to today’s post next to my Mother in a cutesy Karen Millen (wow, she could definitely be their spokesperson…) mohair cowl jumper in baby blue with a pair of casual, but seriously well-fitting Levi jeans. This is a rather perfect opportunity to point out how important it is for jeans to be a good fit, so don’t shy from splurging a tad – I know those Primark denims are a steal, but to you really want an arse like an ironing board?

Now clickty-click your way over to Marcus’ make-up blog which is featured regularly on the Being Human website, and check back here for more set fashions plus gossip. And no I can’t reveal plot spoilers guys, or Father Christmas won’t bring me the *cue shameful hints towards my very, very-loved ones* presents that I've been banging on about all year...

Peace x

Back to the Grind

When she’s not being fabulous in France, throwing shapes at the Salsa clubs or running angelically through sunflower fields, Jane rocks her day job as freelance make-up artist for film and television. Although I agree it sounds rather exciting, she promises me it is far from it whilst doing impersonations of her and her colleagues standing around on some set for 12 hours in torrential rain with actors demanding lip gloss and assistant directors having tantrums about needing more mud…

However, once again living her mantra that “we have to wear clothes, so why not use them as a source of pleasure and fun?”, Jane always tries to incorporate the stylish with the practical when dressing for a long day on a set.

If you can possibly distract yourself from the prosthetic arm trying to steal the show, see above for a look at Jane’s work attire last week shooting for the BBC’s Being Human. Black leather trousers (Gap) are not only drop-kick on trend at the moment, but they’re warm and easy to keep clean should any unplanned make-up spillages occur. I’m also checking that black waistcoat from Warehouse with the blouse – officewear meets biker chick. Sweet.

Shake It

One of Jane’s tricks to keep that slamming body in good shape is regular visits to Salsa and Argentine Tango evenings with her buds, which obviously of course means another excuse to dress up in something fly like her Karen Millen waistcoast and rouched skirt. Yes please.


Anyway nobody likes dressing for the gym – sweatpants (vomit), sweaty trainers (vomit), sports bra (vomit twice) – why not opt for something like a dance class that ups the glamour somewhat and is a bit of a laugh. Jane insists since she started dancing her body transformed nearly overnight, plus it totally works your posture and natural rhythm without being a chore like say, stomping a treadmill.

Even if you think you’d look like a bit of a tit gyrating around in front of a crowded room, don’t forget everyone’s there to have fun. Unless that’s your skirt tucked into your knickers…then yes, they are laughing at you. Otherwise, just roll with it!

Your Mum Looks Fit in Leggings

Boom! Here arrives the first of our guest posts celebrating women Jane and I have spotted looking crazy hawt after 40. I hope to be adding more of these – do send in any snaps of people you know or have seen setting trends for the older girls. Meanwhile, round of applause for Deb please who showed up at the boyfriend’s house showcasing her take on leggings.
I got horrendously excited to see how well the Miss Selfridge mini dress worked, loosely covering any unwanted angles and proving super slimming. The Topshop blazer is an ideal choice for nipping in the waist and those ankle boots are so-right-now. Amazeballs. I also would like to point out that my special squishy bunny boo-boo Kano is looking fist-clenching-ly cute with his best friend Molly right thurr in the background. Bless him for being such a fame whore.

Let it Rain

Dressing well in disgusting weather is difficult at the best of times – cagoules will never be a good look, and it really is literally the most frustrating feeling having your freshly applied make up splattered into oblivion. Jane however, makes me sort of fancy a poetic dash in the rain. Let us lust after that patent white mac (from a boutique in Isle de Ré, France), and Karen Millen heels with the outrageously gorgeous transparent umbrella from House of Fraser.

Older folks can pull this off perfectly because despite the look being a modern one, its practical and based on a classic silhouette. I love this purely because it goes against the grain of what the likes of Marks and Spencer and Gap have been regurgitating for years on end whenever the Autumn equinox rolls around. Just because the skies have turned grey doesn’t mean we can’t make a statement.

More Than a Pretty Face

Fo sho, Jane has far more to bring to the table than just a tremendously stunning outfit for serving her signature Duck à l'orange –home girl studies French in her spare time. Whilst hitting the books doesn’t necessarily require wardrobe deliberations, I’m loving Jane’s knuckle-down style. As once said by the woman herself:

“I regard clothes as one of the daily 'little pleasures' in life along with the first cup of coffee in the morning, putting on my make-up, birdsong, eating when you are hungry,a log fire in winter, the sun on your skin in summer or getting into clean white sheets at the end of the day. All these pleasures add up, and together, imbue your ordinary everyday life with well being. So getting dressed becomes fun and makes you feel good for the rest of the day.”

Too bloody right Ma. Way to spice up those French classes with your Brora dress and red patent Russell & Bromley shoes.