To Raunch or Not to Raunch?

God I love me some Kylie Minogue. She showed up to the amfAR New York Inspiration Gala at The New York Public Library yesterday in this hawwwt Jean Paul Gaultier lil’ number and I can’t stop gawping at her super fly…everything. I really admire women of her age who look this good and aren’t afraid to show it off (not that I particularly want to see my own Mummy Jane in stockings or handcuffs but I’m sure she could if she so wished…). There have been some rumors flying around about a facelift too, but personally I think she’s just been looking after herself, she’s always had amazeballs cheekbones. Having said that, I jolly well want her surgeon’s number if she has yielded to the scalpel.

Admittedly, Kylie’s position as a celebrity darling certainly helps her case in the red carpet hit or miss debate – would you be able to wear something like this to anything other than the amfAR New York Inspiration Whatsit, one of Elton John’s throw downs or a burlesque fancy dress night? I think not. Kylie is no average Jo. And she’s is attending said events with a handwritten invitation and complimentary entourage so I guess papp-stopping outfit is a given. I’d like to think all the equally gorgeous 40+ girls out there aren’t afraid to follow suit, but I don’t suppose it would be that simple. It might be a bit awkward to turn up at the next Christmas work do flashing yo’ suspenders, no matter how old you are. No amount of “Yaaah yaah but it’s so Gaultier darrrrhling!”s could make that any less uncomfortable. So, do you make like Kylie and risk feeling a little over exposed? Or do you give in to the premise that anyone over a certain age has to hide their knees and dress in beige, while the teenagers continue to abuse their ability to flash their lovely young thighs with denim skirts and vomit? Jane and I are big believers in moderation, wear what you think suits your shape and figure but don’t, by any means, shy away from flaunting what you’ve looked after so well. Cover up your chest when your thighs are on show and vice-versa. Embrace high heels. And you know what, go to the odd Moulin Rouge fancy dress party, get out your hold-ups and party like a rock star - as I say continually, you only live once.