She's No Plain Jane

Birthday Harems

2010-07-20T15:41:00.007+01:00

It’s my birthdaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay in four days don’t ya know. That’s right, official Felicia Day. I’m letting you all know now in advance so you have plenty of time to prepare/buy me handbag/make a cake/send flowers/send me on holiday…what?

Remember Marcus? Here he is again at work on the set of BBC’s Being Human indulging in some Jane adoration. She’s wearing a really beautiful Karen Millen waistcoat and Oasis jeans cheering up a long day on the grind.

I in the meantime, have just treated myself to this fancy get-up from ASOS for my work wardrobe.

What do you think? I’ve been shying away from harem trousers because, honestly, most of them make you look like you’ve either crapped yourself and forgotten about it, or like there’s just something strange going on with your thigh area. But I’ve seen so many hot women around the office pull them off recently, I just figured, why the hell not? My boyfriend will hate them. He’ll totally make that face like “what are THOSE? What is this fashion NONSENSE ALL ABOUT.” I’ve got a horrible feeling I’ll I hate them too once I see them on me, I know Jane isn’t a massive fan either. Oh God. High five ASOS Free Returns policy! I’ll put pics up as soon as they arrive. Drum roll please.

Pottering

2010-07-19T15:14:00.001+01:00

Can you believe Jane’s skipping off to France for another two weeks soon? I can only dream of a holiday…as I stare out of the office window at the sun making the park across the road look devastatingly tempting…oh wait…is that the local crack head shouting at passersby again? Lovely. Before she jets off, Mama Jane wanted to give the garden a jolly good MOT, and as always managed to look gorgeous as she did so. Her black dress was bought in Miss Selfridge over ten years ago (girlfriend reeeeally looks after her clothes!), and her turquoise necklace (once mine) and belt are from Accessorize.

Visit to the Shire

2010-07-15T10:14:00.001+01:00

Bit of a belated post but I finally managed to head home and see my Mummy Jane for the weekend last Friday, and it was fabulous. We had all the family over for food and she put on an amazing spread of BBQ’d steak and ratatouille, followed by coffee and walnut and a lemon cake for my twin brother and I as it’s our birthday soon. I’m so spoilt! Thanks Mum! Jane wears a Yumi dress while I’m rocking a pair of Primark jeans and a Karen Millen halter-neck top.

Home to the Office

2010-07-09T11:17:00.002+01:00

It’s the worst isn’t it? When you’ve been away on an awesome holiday and you have to go back to work as soon as you get home. Luckily Jane’s job as a make-up artist isn’t the average 9-5 – a day at the office for her involves mountains of fake blood, prosthetic limbs and hair straightners. Sounds fun! She always likes to point out it isn’t, and that actually tv sets are always the most boring, unglamorous affairs, but one can’t help but wonder. She’s been working on Casualty in Bristol, and wore her favourite denim Mango dress for the occasion, totally rocking a great tan.

Blue Bandeau

2010-07-08T10:02:00.002+01:00

Pulling out an old Gap dress for a summertime revival, Jane tended to her nasturtiums she keeps back at her house in southern France. This bandeau style will never go out of fashion and a more structured piece such as this will pull together a flattering silhouette. Sunglasses are from Dior, flip flops from Accessorize.

I'm going home this weekend to see Mama Jane as it's been a while, can't wait to see her pretty little face! x

Mellow Yellow

2010-07-06T12:17:00.002+01:00

Jane strikes a pose on the harbour in Camaret-sur-Mer in a cute yellow blouse with cut-off jeans from Oasis. I'm starting a real obsession with all things yellow - except yellow nail varnish. I'm still trying to get rid of the yellow stains my canary varnish left behind...6 weeks later! A lot can be said for a good base coat...

iPerfumer

2010-06-30T12:50:00.000+01:00

I was sent to a press event this morning for work (at The Ivy in London…my job is so hard!) hosted by Givaudan, the French perfume supplier. They’ve just launched a free iPhone app called iPerfumer and after having a quick play with it myself, I thought this might definitely be of interest to you lovely lot. In a nutshell, it’s a recommendation tool – you rate perfumes you love and enter in your preferences (I’m a citrus/floral girl myself), and the app recommends fragrances to you that you haven’t tried based on your profile. Dawn, by Sarah Jessica Parker’s Lovely Collection came in as a top recommendation for me, so obviously I went straight on the hunt for said perfume after the event to see if the tool was on to something. One spritz in Debenhams told me all I needed to know…Dawn by SJP is officially on my wishlist! Along with an iPhone, so I can actually download the app.

So, next time you fancy trying a new fragrance and you don’t have time to spray your way round House of Fraser with a headache, try iPerfumer.

Déjeuner sur l'herbe

2010-06-29T12:19:00.001+01:00

Well isn’t this quaint? Jane stopped for a picnic during her French trip that even the Famous Five would be proud of. She wears an old dress from the Next Directory (do, do, do check out their latest collections) and it all looks good enough for a postcard. One question though, where’s the Pimms?

Breton on the Beach

2010-06-23T16:11:00.003+01:00

I may or may not have mentioned this before, but clever-clogs Jane is writing a book about a year she spent living on a boat sailing from UK to the south of France when she was younger. She decided to use this particular French vacation as a chance to revisit the old haunts she used to frequent at the time which thinking about it, must be really strange – a lot must have changed in 35 years!

First stop was Camaret-sur-Mer in Brittany, and she stayed at the same hotel (Hotel Vauban) where she spent her 24th birthday! Jane totally embraced the moment and bought a traditional (and oh-so-on-trend) Breton top and enjoyed having the entire Camaret beach to herself one morning too. Check out the white Russell & Bromley pumps pulling the look together.

Globe-Trotter

2010-06-21T20:12:00.003+01:00

When I got home from work today, (feeling all fuzzy from my post earlier) I went and caressed my Globe-Trotter for a bit and told it how beautiful it is and how much I love it. Then I decided you need to see it. It's one of the largest sizes you can buy, a going-away present from Dad before I went away for my gap year in New York. What a way to graduate from the Somerset farmlands to the Big Apple!

I absolutely adore everything about my Globey. I can fit everything in it when I'm moving my life around (and trust me, I've moved a lot). It fits shoes, books, clothes, jewellery boxes and as many bottles of girly lotions you could need. It's totally durable - to all those airport baggage handlers, I say, bring it on. Plus, isn't it fabulous?? I know they're expensive, but they're such an investment and so much classier than those Louis Vuitton cases, which are just boring to me now. Hope you like it as much as I do!

Outfit: Hat from Accessorize, playsuit from Liquorice at ASOS, jacket and shoes from New Look.

On Vaycay

2010-06-21T12:32:00.004+01:00

Hi you fabulous lot,

Being the trendy little globetrotter that she is, Jane has jetted off to France yet again, so if posts are slow, I’m sorry!

Actually that reminds me, who here has heard of Globe-Trotter luggage? They’re classically designed, handmade pieces of luggage from England, and a bit of a tradition in my family. All of us have at least one piece of Globe-Trotter luggage and I for one love turning up at the airport with one, I always catch people admiring them. One of the great things about them is that they age well – Dad has three pieces he’s had for about twenty years and although they look all beaten up and covered in stickers – they totally scream of a sort of 1940’s, black and white romantic getaway adventure. All one needs is a steam train to run alongside and the picture is pretty much complete! The hard, ash-wood and leather frame will last forever, and they’re really easy to clean if you decide you want to keep the pieces scuff-free. I went to see Wild Target with the boyfriend at the weekend, and although the film itself was REALLY disappointing, I was stoked to see Emily Blunt carrying round a baby blue and white Globe-Trotter throughout most of the film! It’s one of my favourite versions – but you can buy pretty much every shade – from classic black, racing green and brown, to pink, orange, red and cream.

Emily Blunt in Wild Target with a beautiful Globe-Trotter!

Check out the collections and where to buy here.

In the meantime, I had a good flick through the spring/summer 2010 Next Directory catalogue at the weekend – there’s some seriously nice stuff in there for both young twenty-somethings like myself and the gorgeous forty plus girls, I highly recommend having a look! One can request a directory here, or browse the selection of goodies online at http://www.next.co.uk/

Happy Birthday Jane!

2010-06-14T15:06:00.002+01:00

Today is a very special day peoples – Jane’s 59th birthday! She celebrated yesterday with my twin bro and as I (sadly) couldn’t make the party due to work commitments (I’m officially the World’s Worst Daughter), she sent me these snaps wearing her present from Moi. It’s a totally cute pink floral Warehouse number, and I knew Jane would appreciate having something she can layer up, dress down/up and feel so feminine in. Warehouse also has some stunning jackets and accessories that would look gorgeous with it - I strongly advise checking it out!

Jane with my twin bro' Simon - he's a blogger too! http://www.simon-pearce.co.uk/blog/

Congrats on seeing out another year Mum, I’m sure I won’t be the only one to say it but you don’t look a day over 40! Jane is forever putting her looks down to the plates of raw veg she finishes off every day, but there just aint no denying the girl has style too.

Big love X

Vision in Green Plus Piers

2010-06-11T12:01:00.000+01:00

Ugh. I’m hungover today. You won’t believe the party I got to go to last night. My girlfriend totally pulled some strings with her PR friends and got us into Piers Morgan’s First News party in Studio Valbonne! Everyone who knows me will be sick to death of hearing it, but I love the man. I have all his books and I make funny noises when he appears on the TV, so I was beyond hyperactive all evening. Unfortunately, Piers left before I could present myself for a chat…in hindsight that may have been a good thing judging by the state I was in – within a second I would have started licking his shoes.

Image courtesy of LIFE

Meanwhile, Jane has been looking mighty fine in a green ensemble - Z-Brand cotton shirt, Isabel De Pedro hook and eye blouse, with Russell & Bromley wedges and she’s keeping a Brora cardigan handy as the weather has reverted back to being utterly PANTS. Why am I not in the least bit surprised?

Razors Suck

2010-06-09T14:29:00.012+01:00

Don’t get me wrong, I truly love being a girl. I love the preening, the dressing up, and being able to flirt your way out of sticky situations, but making time to shave one’s legs only to promptly cause unsightly little cuts on your otherwise perfectly pampered pins, will never cease to irritate me. My schedule is pretty rammed of late, I do not have time to sit over the bath with three tissues stuck to my shin waiting for the over-dramatic bleeding to stop before I put on my white skinny jeans. And yet, this is normally how my regular hair removal sessions end up because I find waxing far too messy and epilating far too time-consuming when you have to concentrate so hard on finding those stubborn little blonde hairs in between painting one’s nails, fake tanning, applying a face mask, or any of the other really important things I love doing. Phew.

I’ve often considered lasering, but it just seems like a rather expensive option given you can buy a pack of five razors for two quid these days. Admittedly I’m more likely to inflict pain on myself with the razors, but I’m a sucker for a bargain (or maybe I just love moaning?).

Image courtesy of http://www.skinandhealth.com/

So when I got wind of a laser treatment that starts at just £70, I got excited. The Lumenis system not only promises to banish hair forever, but it also brighten the skin, tighten wrinkles and diminish the appearance of veins with something clever called IPL technology - that’s actually cheaper than I originally feared laser treatments would be, and in the grand scheme of things, value for money if a girl can forget shaving/foundation for the rest of her fabulous life.

You will only need 4-6 sessions with the Lumenis wands, and treatments are pain-free and quick with people behind the brand promising us we’ll be in and out during our lunch breaks which certainly fits in nicely with my flustered existence. Plus, celebrity fans include Elizabeth Hurley, Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, Salma Hayek and Rachel Stevens - and anything good enough for those glamazons has got me interested!

Closeup of the handpiece of a Lumenis One Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machine. Image by DR PETER CROUCH

If any of you worry about you facial thread veins, wrinkles, scars or stubborn hair, this could well be the answer at a fraction of the price most clinics charge. Treatments are available at locations across the UK, check out this website for more information including where to find your nearest centre and a full list of treatments. I’ve definitely got my eye on the laser hair removal if it means I can finally wave goodbye to my weekly fight with the razor. Where do I sign?

To Raunch!

2010-06-08T10:04:00.002+01:00

Demonstrating that even she has rauched out on occasion a la Kylie, Jane sent me this photo of her and her pals at a fancy dress party. My eyes are burning slightly...but I guess you lot need to see this for case in point - plus she won Best Dressed that night! Of course.

I seem to have come down with some sort of bug, so sorry if the content isn't up to much at the moment, mission Get Better is well and truly in operation....x

To Raunch or Not to Raunch?

2010-06-04T15:19:00.003+01:00

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.

Time Out to Admire: Ann Summer’s Sexy Skin Gradual Tan

2010-06-03T15:21:00.004+01:00

So Jane’s taking some time out from outfit snapping today while I wax lyrical about an awesome beauty buy I’ve discovered. Don’t let the title scare you off...(I realise the words “Ann Summers” are usually associated with visions of PVC leotards, elephant thongs and some very creative replicas of the male genitalia) - this product really surpassed my expectations and I have even considered phasing out my obsession with L’Oreal Sublime Bronze – which trust me, is a big part of my life!

Ann Summer’s Sexy Skin range hasn’t been out for long, it hit shelves in April of this year just in time for those summer months. I recently attended an Ann Summer’s press event for work and was introduced to the Sexy Skin goodies alongside their new A/W10 lingerie collections. It’s the smell that won me over first of all – one of the major drawbacks of slathering yourself in fake tan is that lingering biscuit scent. It makes a girl feel like a stale cornflake, which isn’t cool and certainly not sexy. So thank the retail heavens, there’s finally a product out there that smells good. In fact, it smells fantastic – like coconuts, pineapple cocktails and your favourite tropical suncream scent all rolled into one tube. I had to physically stop myself from tasting a bit.

Obviously the most important factor in the fake tanning stakes, is the end result. I simply will not let myself turn orange – I don’t care how good the stuff smells. One of the great things about gradual tanning lotions, is you can easily control the colour, and therefore stop before the situation gets too…erm….tangerine. Ann Summer’s Sexy Skin Gradual Tan dried super quick (much like a normal body lotion) and I noticed a definite glow within a few hours after my first application. I built the colour up on my body over three days using once after my daily shower, and also used it on my face at night after my cleansing routine. I loved the shade, a really natural golden colour and not at all streaky. So, basically, I highly recommend Sexy Skin Gradual Tan, particularly for those who deliberately avoid all the fuss that comes with a fake tanning session. This is just like using a body lotion that smells great…and the gradual build up of a natural bronze hue is just a bonus! Get on it ladies, at £8 it’s more expensive than the heavily revered Dove tanning cream, but I much prefer this product.

The Sexy Skin range also includes a Gold Shimmer Spray, Pre-Tan Exfoliator, Body Bronzer powder and a tube of Instant Tan Lotion – I’m yet to try either of those but I shall certainly let you know when I do! If you’d like to get ahead of me, or try out some of the Sexy Skin Gradual Tan, get hold of the products here.

Customise Yourself

2010-06-02T12:14:00.002+01:00

Hey all,

Long time no speak (again, oops!), hope you had fantastic bank holidays! Jane went to a tango tea dance recently, and chose to wear this gorgeous dress that she customised herself with brown buttons. Loving the amber beads and tan wrap belt bringing it all together. So cute!

The outfit was teamed with her beaut Comme il faut dancing shoes…these babies can usually only be ordered online, so if you’re a regular mover, get on it here!

Sun Worshiping and Wedges

2010-05-24T17:02:00.001+01:00

Hey Monday troopers! How epic was the weather this weekend? The boyf and I went to Clacton seaside for the day, and when I closed my eyes and put the sounds of the skinheads in Whetherspoons to the back of my head, I could totally have been somewhere in the Med. Oh, and I officially suck at mini golf. There’s only so many excuses one can come up with in ten holes (two of which I gave up on) before everyone knows you’re a douchebag.

Jane spent the weekend in her garden pottering about, she assures me she wore factor 40spf at all times (good girl) and tucked herself away from the hottest parts of the day. She dug out her rainbow stripe mini dress from Topshop (that is now mine, but still on loan to Ma when she wishes!), layered up with a cotton strappy top from River Island to prevent the look from being too mutton-dressed-as-lamb. Ideal casual-cool for spending time at home in the sunshine.

Leading on from the last post, Jane also teamed her Alexander McQueen skirt with a basic orange vest top from River Island, Accessorize studded leather belt, Jigsaw cardi and a pair of awesome Moda in Pelle cork wedges.

Saluting McQueen

2010-05-21T14:36:00.002+01:00

I’m literally so excited about the sun making such a grand appearance today, especially after GMTV promised me it would stick around ALL weekend! About bloody time too. I’m sick of wearing my Fuggs (fake Uggs…yes I know it’s SO mallgirl and yes, I am ashamed of myself) everywhere, so I’m wearing my favourite summer shift dress and sandals to work in celebration - sucks that I’m stuck in an office but I have at least just had a rocking lunch break in the park with my girlfriend.

Jane has also been “doing lunch” with her friends – she recently stepped out wearing her gorgeous Alexander McQueen skirt with a tan leather belt and matching wedges from Russell & Bromley. Denim tops are everywhere at the moment – I love this one from Next.

McQueen was obviously the order of the day – her friend Kirsty also turned up in one of his legendary skull scarves, and some very cute red patent shoes. Looking hawwwt ladies.

Have a great weekend lovelies! X

Simple But Effective

2010-05-20T09:55:00.004+01:00

Nothing quite like a t-shirt and jeans day. Jane looked all kinds of hot in a pair of Levi’s and a white tee chilling in the garden recently, proving she can ditch the heels and still look awesome. A pair of well-fitted, high waisted jeans are really amazing for the more mature frames among us – nipping in any unwanted wobbly bits and sculpting the silhouette into perfection. I’ve got a lot to say for denim brand Not Your Daughter's Jeans. The boyf’s Mum always looks fantastic in them…in fact, I’m going to have to get a picture of her in a pair soon….strike a pose Deb!

Black 'n' Tan

2010-05-13T14:36:00.003+01:00

Someone once told me never to pair brown and black colours all in one outfit. I can’t remember who it was but the advice has always stuck with me, although over the years I have come to realise that tan is probably the only exception to the rule. Jane demonstrates this beautifully on a luncheon at a country pub back in on her home turf of Great Britain. Looks like the grey skies have showed up to welcome her back, how nice of them. However, they have made a simply stunning backdrop…

Jane is wearing a Ted Baker black cotton broderie anglaise dress with tan leather corset belt, leather handbag and saddle stitched high gladiator sandals from Russell & Bromley. Jacket is from Warehouse.

Election 2010: Best Dressed

2010-05-12T16:07:00.013+01:00

Regardless of our political views, there’s no denying that the battle between the party leaders' wives in the style stakes has been a whole new ball game recently. Harriet Harman, deputy leader of the Labour party, apparently stated that female voters were not interested in what leaders' wives were wearing…as voters, Jane and I both disagree. I’m pretty sure a fair amount of effort was put together from all sides in deciding what to wear – from both the leaders and their wives. Ok, so he only has to select the right coloured tie, but she certainly wouldn’t walk out in any-old thing during the general election, surely? It all adds to the party image doesn’t it? Look at Michelle Obama – her fashion choices seem to have projected her and her husband into some sort of power duo, it seems people wait just as eagerly to see what shoes she co-ordinates with her blazer as they do to see what Barack has to say about his troops in Iraq. Oh and PS: Ms Harman came last in MyCelebrityFashion.co.uk’s best dressed list. Bitter, much?

Personally, with all the buzz and frustration of the election this year, I’ve taken great pleasure in letting my brain stop and melt for a moment over all the outfits that have been paraded by these politians’ significant others. I figured; why not compile a light-hearted top 3 of those fashion hits, because being married to a party leader shouldn’t mean you have to dress so seriously…Sarah Brown.

3. Coming in at third place (very apt!): high five to Miriam Clegg. You have some scrumptious Spanish curves right thurr, and make no mistake you rock them well. Elegance and class is your signature, defining a smart style with loose layers and subtle drapery. You choose practicality and make out like you don’t even try. Everyone loves effortless chic.

2. You go SamCam. You seem to add just the right amount of laid-back-luxe to your outfits to avoid looking too conservative (like what I did there?), which normally equals: boring. We loved those converse trainers with your skinny jeans and blazer. It said: “I mean business, but I’m cool, man”. We applaud that Vivienne Westwood dress with your Zara jacket – hello monochrome. You remain sophisticated, youthful and unafraid to play with the latest trends. Sometimes you do wear dresses that look like potato sacks, but hell, girlfriend’s pregnant. Comfort has to come first. Overall, thumbs up, and we admired your Downing Street debut dress last night. Jane comments, “She really made the effort - perhaps it was the thought that she was about to go to bed with the Prime Minister?! I know the testosterone must have been high but one got the impression that David couldn't keep his hands off her.” Yeh, you get the picture.

1. Finally, hands down Carla Bruni, you take our salute to fashion brilliance. Yes, you look incredible to begin with which always helps, but that aside, you don’t just get it right, you get it SO right. Maybe it’s that marriage between classic French and British style – a perfect poise meets understated sexuality? Or maybe it’s your dedication to Dior – surely such taste can rarely result in a fashion fail? Maybe you don’t even count seeing as you’re not married to a British leader…but, who cares! Whatever you have, we seriously want it. You’re 40, stunning, and continually marching forward as a pillar of composure even in the wake of recent rumours concerning your personal life. If there’s anyone endorsing the phrase that life begins at 40, it is you. Très Bien!

Carefree Cute

2010-05-11T10:53:00.001+01:00

Jane rocks another YUMI dress and shows us once again what we’re missing in sunny France…grumble grumble.

Blue shades always compliment fairer skin tones too, as does jade green and turquoise - so take note for those bikini colours.

Really Rubbing it in

2010-05-10T11:32:00.001+01:00

Well it looks like Jane is having an utterly horrid time in southern France! She stepped out in this YUMI frock with Ted Baker waist belt looking fit for a postcard. I’m getting so impatient for some decent weather, I keep having to remind myself its technically still spring. But however, why oh why does it have to rain BOTH DAYS at the weekend, only for me to wake up ready for work today to see the sun streaming through my window?? Sod’s Law! We really could have done with a sunny break after all that election stress. Deary me.

Excuse me while I go and have a tantrum under my desk.

Gagamani

2010-05-07T12:51:00.002+01:00

Did anyone see Lady Gaga’s outfit for her American Idol performance? I’m really fighting the whole Gaga-hype, but hats off to Giorgio Armani for designing this beautiful get-up. May not be strictly wearable, but a perfect crowd pleaser none the less. Thumbs up Armani!

Who’s a Naughty Blogger?

2010-05-06T10:25:00.002+01:00

SO sorry I’ve been off the radar again. I hate it when bloggers do that, and apparently its bad news for readership figures and keeping sweet with Google. I took a week off work and decided to devote my attention to dissertation ideas seeing as I have my final year at university hanging over me. I also went to see Frankie Boyle with the boyfriend…we were at the front, he mocked us royally and it was epic.

Jane has been enjoying the great outdoors again – let us all stop and admire her country chic. Outfit consists of a Warehouse silk beige top, Jigsaw wrap silk skirt, an Accessorize red belt and Brora chocolate cotton cardi. Shoes are…no kidding Sherlock…Russell & Bromley.

Sorry again about the delay…I won’t do it again…>coughfamouslastwordscough<.

Big love x

Poetic Pretty

2010-04-26T14:33:00.001+01:00

On the way to meet some friends Jane passed this beautiful rape seed field and couldn’t resist stopping for a mini-photoshoot. Her fabulous YUMI floral tea-dress looks absolutely picture perfect against the yellow flowers...so cute. Don’t shy away from all these summer dresses around just because you think you’re too "old". Full length Maxi-dresses, halter necks, and matching cardigans will suit any age, and don’t forget that shorter lengths shouldn’t really be flaunted at the same time as the chest area.

Just a quick note ladies – Russell & Bromley patent courts are probably not the best choice for a stroll through a muddy field...let’s hope Jane was carried back to the car!

Mother Nature

2010-04-21T12:23:00.003+01:00

Glamour magazine recently said “…it’s ok if your winter wardrobe is just your summer wardrobe with tights”. And I laughed to myself seeing as my cold weather attire has basically consisted of black opaques with everything and anything. I’ve got three pairs that I’ve literally had on a loop and I can’t wait to ditch them. Looks like Jane beat me to it – she forward me this pic of her watering her vegetable patch at the weekend, wearing an Oasis bandeau top, Marithe Francois Girbaud light linen pale green skirt, Russell & Bromley flip flops and…bare legs! Praise be!

Baby Doll

2010-04-19T10:48:00.002+01:00

Happy Monday fabulous ones!

Jane has been rocking a very feminine, baby doll look recently with plenty of textures and layering. I’m really loving the use of her Ted Baker waist belt with both of these outfits – brings the looks together perfectly.

First up is Jane’s cream Ted Baker dress with a black cardi from Warehouse, followed by a shot of my hawt mummy in a nude (very on trend!) Karen Millen skirt, 'Anonymous' grey corset from John Anthony, and an H&M top (passed on from yours truly).

Hope you’ve all been enjoying the weather – I actually got my bikini on at the weekend! I know, seriously psyched!

The Sun and Your Skin

2010-04-13T10:23:00.010+01:00

If you’re anything like Jane and I you would have been straight outside to enjoy that warm weather at the weekend hoping to catch some early colour, because as much as I love slathering myself in L’Oreal Sublime Bronze, there aint nothing like a real golden tan. We’re both quite fair skinned, and I for one definitely have to be careful I don’t burn (plus heat rashes/random red bits/blotchiness don’t need much encouragement), and of course there is the nasty affects of sun damage that you won’t see until years later when your neck disappears under folds of leathery sag. Nice.

It’s easy to ignore the boring warnings, especially when your peers are running about looking bronzed to high heaven in itsy-bitsy bikinis - where’s the fun in being the drip that hides under the umbrella? Jane and I have already succumbed to the fact that this will never be us. We love tanning, we love the feeling of the sun on our skin topping up those vitamin D levels, and we love pulling together a good sunbathing outfit – from the oversized “she’s definitely a someone” sunglasses, to the anklet charms and toe rings.

Jane has always been a sun worshipper, and she has passed on to me some of her must-follow rules for maximum skin-saving sunbathing. I’d just like to point out however, that little or no sun is of course best to avoid sun damage. We’re just saying that ladies, let’s be careful. Unlike this poor woman…

1. Always, always wear plenty of sun cream. It’s an obvious rule, but strangely one of the most misunderstood. We’d recommend at least factor 30+ for shielding against burning and damage to skin’s elasticity, which causes wrinkles. Apply 20-30 minutes before sunbathing, and re-apply at regular intervals. Jane and I love Hawaiian Tropic - full of protection and they smell delicious.

2.Cover the face. Use a hat or t-shirt to cover the face when enjoying pre-longed amounts of exposure in the sun. The skin on your face is fragile compared to the rest of your body, and by covering it up you will reduce the risk of age spots, wrinkles, orange peel pores and chapped lips. Try a panama hat à la Kate Moss.

3.Cover up the chest. Have you ever seen those old ladies with saggy, crepe-y cleavages? That’s usually down to sun damage. Jane and I try and remember to always apply factor 60+, or cover up our chests completely.

4. Drink plenty of water. Hydration means no sun stroke and keeps skin clear and replenished.

5. Give yourself a refreshing spritz with Evian’s Facial Spray when you’re getting too hot – keeps skin moisturised and it feels reaaaaally damn good.

6. Avoid the hottest part of the day. Between 11am-3pm is when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, and therefore at its most damaging. Use this time to throw on a cover up and grab some lunch. Surprisingly I find around 4pm is one of my favourite times to lay out – it’s cooler but you can still catch some colour.

7. Slap on the after sun and hydrating moisture cream once you’ve come back inside. Try keeping a pot of Dermalogica’s Super Rich Repair in your fridge for a cooling boost post-sunbed.

8. Don’t choose a fussy bikini. This isn’t really very important, but still worth a mention. As lovely as spaghetti straps/cut-out one-pieces/fringing/mesh/chain embellishments are, please let’s think about the tan lines?

Here's to hoping we even get a summer this year...if the last few years are anything to go by, we may as well spend our flip-flop money on a new raincoat. But just in case...

Sun bathing musts! by feliciapearce featuring Tapeet shoes

Adorable Floral

2010-04-07T16:15:00.002+01:00

A gorgeous spring look to show you today – Jane bought this super cute floral print dress from Warehouse, worn with an oh-snap-tastic tan leather corset belt and wedge shoes from Stuart Weizman for Russell & Bromley. So adorable! Someone give the woman a rope swing on a big tree in the middle of a sun-bleached meadow please.

Monochrome Lovelies

2010-04-06T12:00:00.004+01:00

Hi all!

How were your Easter weekends? Mine was tremendous – spent the weekend in Bristol with my beautiful mother and my besties. Although, if I see another cake/piece of chocolate/vodka tonic, I may burst.

Jane sported a couple of monochrome looks over the weekend, a colour scheme also favoured by my rock star bunny Kano. The boyfriend and I dressed him in the Lindt rabbit ribbon, and oh my god it was SO cute. Shame he had to throw a tantrum and rip it off seconds later…diva.

Anyway, back to Jane. I love this very French looking ensemble, with a French Connection skirt and Oasis t-shirt. The top is actually a pale pink and black stripe – adorable with the neck scarf.

On Easter Sunday Jane wore this cute get-up – so simple, yet so effective. That plain white t-shirt she has had since she was in her twenties, which is amazing when I think about the durability of fast-fashion basics these days. Yes Zara, I’m looking at you with your t-shirts that fall apart after one cool wash. Sort it out!

Hope you all had beaut bank holidays! x

Another SS/10 Big Hitter: Coral

2010-03-30T16:57:00.008+01:00

Enjoying some spring weather this week, Jane stepped out in one of this season’s hottest shades, coral orange. You’ll be seeing it all over the make-up counters for one thing- lipsticks, blushers and eyeshadows are all jumping on the trend. Jane’s t-shirt was a Primark find, matched effortlessly with a Marithé François Girbaud skirt and Jigsaw cardigan.

Apologies also for that really creepy statue hiding in the background >shudder<. Mum and Dad seemed to think it would look awesome at the bottom of the garden path in the orchard where twisted old apple trees grow, in a village with no street lights…I disagree. I especially disagreed when I was 14 years old and forced to feed the pet rabbits nearby on cold, dark evenings when massive stone statues of evil goat/man things playing the pipes look like they’re going to drag me to Narnia…tell me what’s wrong with a lovely gnome HMMM??? Look out for coral-coloured nail varnish or lipstick which will both look great teamed with orange springwear. I’m particularly lusting after YSL’s Paris Passion Rouge Volupté coral lipstick (see below amongst some more of my favourite orange beauty buys).

Coral Beauty by feliciapearce on Polyvore.com

Interview: DJ Mamy Rock

2010-03-26T15:31:00.011Z

After overhearing some lunching ladies at work chatting about a 60-something DJ-ing grandmother causing a storm in Paris nightclubs over fashion week, my ears pricked up like Bugs Bunny on Red Bull. One google page later, and I’ve found the absolutely freakin’ awesome Ruth Flowers, stage name, DJ Mamy Rock.
Totally making my life, Ruth has kindly spoken exclusively to She’s No Plain Jane to share a little of her inspiration, style and life behind the decks as a total rock ‘n’ roll granny. How stoked am I?
Originally from Bristol (also Jane’s hometown - apparently all the cool people chill in the South West), 69 year-old Ruth Flowers has gone from collecting her pension to performing sold-out gigs in just a couple of years, taking control of some of Europe’s hottest dance floors including the luxury villas of Cannes Film Festival.

“It was at my grandson’s party-disco that I had the idea to become a DJ,” Ruth tells me, “he celebrated his birthday in a nightclub in London. And he told me that I could join them. When I arrived, the bouncers didn’t let me go inside. It is true that I didn’t really match their usual clients, but I finally managed to enter…and I was dumbfound…there was such an atmosphere! It was so different from the parties I used to go when I was young. There was a real osmosis between the lights and the music, it really drove me! It made me feel so much younger!”

What an attitude. Just goes to show how wrong these preconceptions of the older generations can be. One of Jane’s best attributes is that she doesn’t let her age define her, or prevent her from doing anything she wants to do – a concept Ruth embraces without a doubt. “This night shattered my view of things but above all the way I saw my life,” she continues, “I had a lot of free time, I was on pension you know… I talked to my grandson about being a DJ, he thought I went mad. Later I met a French director/producer, Aurelien Simon, who had the same crazy idea as mine and he proposed to help me to became a DJ. As I enjoy a challenge, I said yes, let's do it.”

It’s too easy these days to take the easy way out, to be lazy or put off an idea, especially if there are lots of people telling you that you can’t do something, or that you shouldn’t because of your background/age/culture. Yet Ruth wasn’t afraid to take life by the horns even after she had retired, and take on an epic adventure.

“For years, I've been practicing a lot, I met some great DJs, and Aurelien made me discovered electro and house music,” Ruth muses. Her sound is an exciting mix between the old a new – electro finds its place tuned with classics from the Rolling Stones and Queen, demonstrating a seriously cool accumulation of musical taste. What really drew me to Ruth however, was her style. You can’t look at a picture of her behind the decks without fighting a smile – diamante encrusted headphones, signature oversized sunglasses, bling chains and spiky silver hair. I feel downright bland in comparison.

Ruth elaborates on her look: “I have always been an extrovert - when it comes to clothes, the style you see me wearing is one especially for my DJ persona. I like my casual style because it is comfortable. I have a new, rather glitzy, blue sequined jacket, which I am keen to wear, with of course plenty of bling!” The metallic chokers, tracksuits and trainers that make up Ruth’s get-up are definition in themselves why woman need not reach for the Littlewoods catalogue just because they’ve reached a certain age.

“I search any shops and large stores for clothes, I also go to charity-shops. I am quite capable of designing and creating my own clothes and have done for many stage shows,” she says, “I admire my own style.”

Ruth has embraced the potential and talent that she has as a 69 year old woman. What a waste it would be to discard your strengths and potential as a human being just because you hit a certain number of candles on your birthday cake. I asked Mamy Rock what she would say to people who think that women tend to blend into the background after 40.

“Well, that is a very topical point here in the UK - when many very competent and talented woman are losing there jobs, as presenters and news-readers, due it seems to their age. What nonsense it is, especially as it doesn't appear to apply to the male sex.”

I thought of Arlene Phillips’ departure from Strictly Come Dancing last year, only to be swiftly replaced by the younger Alesha Dixon. This seems to be depressingly true – all the more reason to hold your heads high and refuse to give in to the stigma. If you’re lucky enough to be of an older generation and your brain still works, and you’re in reasonably good health, why the hell shouldn’t you fully fulfil your ambitions now that you have the time? Why shouldn’t you go and travel to that place you’ve always wanted to go, learn how to do that something you’ve always wanted to do, or wear that something you’ve always wanted to try on? Now is the time isn’t it? Don’t let society/ignorants tell you otherwise. If you’re with the common belief that we walk this Earth just once, make sure you do all you want to, regardless of the obstacles. Women like Ruth stand as representations for the opposition to frump, and it’s so inspiring to see her do so well and totally sticking it to The Man.

Look out for her new track “Behind the Decks” which will be making waves in the very near future, plus DJ Mamy Rock is set to make appearances all over the globe in 2010 – keep your eyes and ears peeled because there aint no stoppin’ this diva for a while yet. In her own words:

“I’d rather sign a contract with a record company than sign up for the nursing home!”

Check out Ruth Flowers’ website and myspace pages.

More Blasts from the Past

2010-03-22T15:40:00.003Z

Here comes another instalment from our throwback-Jane special, reminding us once again how important it is to keep photos of our teen years for our children/grandchildren to amaze/laugh at – although part of me doesn’t think this will be a problem with the Facebooks and flickrs of our generation storing our lives like there’s no tomorrow…

How adorable is this little mini dress? Jane bought it in “Chelsea Girl” (the store we now know as Topshop) when she was about 15, and is modelling it like butter wouldn’t melt in Le Touquet with a holiday romance called Claude, oh and an ikkle kitten! Eeeeeeeeeeeee! Totally loving the bunches too, so sixties chic!

And because Jane also passed through the age of the hippies in the 1970’s – here she is modelling some genuine hippy body paint and looking ready to throw herself to the festivals. Peace.

17 Again

2010-03-19T15:43:00.001Z

When I was last back at the parent’s house, I had a nose through Jane’s old photos of when she was a teenager and begged her to send me some scans so I could add a touch of her young and hip 60’s style for y’all to see. So here comes the first of those scans, Jane when she was 17, with her first car - a Morris 1000.

Jane tells me, “I resprayed it in the latest trendy colour of yellow ochre and my mates dubbed it the yellow submarine after the Beatles song of the time. Trouble was everyone knew where I was, as it was the only one like it in Cardiff at the time ...and I wasn't always where I should have been....!!”

And check out that outfit, apparently customised from a boyfriend’s shirt…Hahaha. I see you Ma sneaking out at midnight, ridin’ dirty in your Morris Minor, tying your PE shirt in a knot even when the teacher specifically asked you not to. Brilliant. That time I was grounded and climbed out of the bathroom window so I could runaway for an afternoon? You can’t bring that up ever again!

Not the Workout of My Life

2010-03-19T10:14:00.000Z

Hi guys and dolls,

Sorry this isn’t really a very Jane-related post, I just fancied having a bit of a moan. I bought the Clubland: The Workout of Your Life DVD recently, and after moving into a much lighter, bigger apartment this week, I decided I finally had the space to check it out last night. Right, so I’ve done workout DVDs before (Yoga, aerobics, that Hip Hop dance one was good…oh and how could I forget Carmen Electra’s Striptease) which were all fairly straightforward with some overly good-looking instructor explaining everything in a perfectly coherent and calmly-paced manner, so I was expecting this one to be just as easy to follow. Silly me.

Suddenly without any warning, strobe lights were flashing and a bunch of depressingly hot girls in tiny gold latex bikinis were taking me through the “warm-up”. Wait, isn’t the warm up supposed to be the easy bit?? Every stretch was coordinated with some ridiculous over-flamboyant and complicated turn or spaghetti-legged 2-step, so before I’d finished doing the “double gyration side sweep”, they were already gracefully body bopping into something else. Seriously, I’ve always considered myself a pretty hawt dancer, so the fact I was struggling to even get passed level one was starting to rub my fur the wrong way. I stopped flailing about and watched the metallic strippers in front of me. Show-offs. It’s alright for you bitches with your pre-practiced chorography, weeks of preparation and cool outfits. Well. I’m not getting a good workout and I’m certainly not having fun. One switch of the remote and 4Music greeted me like a warm cuddle – sit-ups and squats to Lady Gaga seemed like a piece of cake right now. Epic fail Clubland. Back to eBay you go.

Peplum

2010-03-15T16:01:00.005Z

So thrilled to see the sun has started making regular appearances recently – and just in time for Mother’s Day too! As I’m so committed to London life of late, Jane spent the day with my twin bro and his girlfriend drinking champagne and eating a duck breast dinner (jealoussssssss), but I did remember to send her a trusty moonpig.com card, which I was especially proud of as they have some really awesome customisable ones once you’ve dug through all the cheesy stuff (although saying that, I couldn't change the headline...I preferred the sound of "Jane: The Ultimate Middle Finger to Ageism"...or something similar. It just doesn't sound so much like a headline from the The Waltons...but whatever).

Jane has also been seen wearing this super-cute black, peplum mini skirt from Reiss recently, teamed with Stefanel boots and an Oasis jumper. I hear peplums will be around for a while - they were all over the A/W 10/11 catwalks - so don’t worry about them being a fad-buy just yet.

Heavy Leather

2010-03-12T14:21:00.007Z

During a visit into town, Jane donned this fetching brown leather trench coat and rocked the whole get-up with a matching brown Russell and Bromley handbag and Jane Brown Shoes. Always one ready to reach for vintage, the trench was actually bought by Dad from a leather shop in Nottingham in 1983, who changed his mind and decided he didn’t like it (crazy man!) thus paving the way for Mama Jane to snag it as her own.

There’s something very Inspector Gadget about Jane’s look, but obviously Inspector Gadget never looked this good...oh which reminds me...Friday Funny anyone...?

Pre-Spring Sunbathing

2010-03-10T10:21:00.002Z

Well it’s alright for some isn’t it? Jane looks like a total glamazon in her nautical-style Ralph Lauren bikini and Dior sunglasses, catching some premature rays over the weekend. Just think, we were all shivering under our scarves when this was taken. Woe.

Makeover

2010-03-09T16:44:00.007Z

Hey all!

Girls love makeovers, I’m all over this one! Introducing the new look shesnoplainjane.com with many, heart-felt and jumping-around-my-room thanks to my man and his mates at digitalgangsta.co.uk for totally pimping it out. I highly recommend them for all your web design needs Jane fans.

While I’m here, we’ll hopefully be seeing some more summery snaps as Jane has been holidaying in France (again, so jealous) over the last couple of days, catching some early spring sun. Just as well really because it sure as hell isn’t showing any signs of warming up here. Although I did see Snow Drops at the weekend, which always reminds me that the warmer months are just around the corner…oh wait…that was at a garden centre. Does that count? Basically, warm up Britain PLEASE.

Hope you all love the facelift as much as me. Eeeeeeeeeeee! x

Not For Chavs: Burberry

2010-03-03T14:42:00.001Z

It’s 32 years old and it’s still beautiful. Jane swiped this genuine Burberry trench back in 1978 (for £260!!) and rocks a timeless vintage look. Who doesn’t love the subtle flash of that iconic check lining on a windy day? Classy. And I’m sorry, but if you think your “Burrberry” print bowler bag is in any way the same league, you are massively mistaken. I don’t care what your friends Chardonnay and Mercedes may have to say on the matter.

I Always Did Love Pride and Prejudice

2010-02-24T15:25:00.002Z

Don’t you just love this picture? Jane’s managed to style the photo like she’s some sort of beautiful heroine from a romantic period drama or Jane Eyre novel, it’s like she’s waiting for Colin Firth to whisk her away on a dapple grey horse or about to run through the garden holding up her skirting and shouting “The King is coming!”. Brilliant. Skirt and blouse are by the Chine Collection, bought at the Galleries Lafayette in Paris on one of Jane’s many France visits, and those boots are, of course, Stefanel. The belt, can you believe, is a vintage piece that Jane has had since she was 15!

I love that aubergine shade of grey too – its very A/W 2010/11 – God you’re so ahead of the game Ma!

London Fashion Week Salute

2010-02-23T17:34:00.002Z

So as I keep boasting (and abusing as a lame excuse for my lack of posts…), I’ve been ushered off to London Fashion Week off-schedule shows for work, and being a member of the “press”, I get to be a rock star on the front row, which is utterly amazing, let me tell you. I think my favourite part of fashion week is the people watching – I can’t even begin to explain some of the weird and wonderful individuals marching about. You’d think I was joking if I described some of them…I’m talking blow up doll costumes and diamond encrusted scalps. I realise that this pretentious, shock factor dressing that people turn to is definitely one huge attention seeking arse lick to “fashion” due to one silly preconception that if you style yourself with enough exuberance, you’re “so in”. However, I jolly well enjoy watching them, so as long as they don’t block my view with their ridiculous hats or feathers, carry on. Let me show you what I mean:

Really?

Seriously, when would this ever seem like a good idea? How do you pee? How are you even talking to somebody??

Money to burn? Much?

So now that the idiocy is out of the way, let’s enjoy some of my top highlights from fashion week…

Charlie le Mindu

La Roux...she was rather grumpy...

David Koma - such incredible bodycon dresses.

Bernard Chandran

Belle Sauvage

Elliott J Frieze

Pam Hogg - def, def, def my favourite show

More Pam Hogg

...amazing. So folks, please leave the extreme "fashion week" outfits to the catwalks because with a bit of expensive production lighting and paparazzi, it works. But it's just one epic fail anywhere else. I don't really see blow-up doll guy popping down to the Spar for a packet of crisps...

Grandma Chic

2010-02-23T17:31:00.001Z

I absentmindedly gave this grey jumper away to Jane thinking that I had no further use for it in my wardrobe…and now here I am totally feeling the need to channel her chic! Layered with Mum’s vintage skirt (bought in Chelsea Girl – Topshop’s forerunner!) that rocks an adorable floral print. Total jumper envy Mama!

A/W 10/11 Scouting

2010-02-16T17:09:00.004Z

Yesterday lucky me took up the opportunity to flash my press pass at the seasonal trade show Pure London at Olympia in Kensignton for work, and while I was there I spotted a few fabulous looks put together on the mannequins and I thought they definitely deserved a mention right hurr.

I know any talk of winter is probably the last thing you want to read, but a taste of the direction our favourite brands could be heading in come September might be of interest to the hardcore fashion followers out there. Plus I came across a few brands I’ve never heard of before and I for one, totally, 100% wish I’d discovered them sooner.

As you can see above, chunky knits, heavy layering and drapery were the key looks dominating the stands, with a certain goth-rock glam inspiring masterfully tailored coats with oversized collars, textured embellishments like chains and sequins appearing on jeans and cardigans, and trusty wet-and-leather-look leggings showing no signs of fading into the background just yet.

I spent a lot of time on the Supertrash stand, lusting and mourning the fact that I’ve wasted 22 years without this brand in my wardrobe. It’s a seriously cool It-girl label from LA that offers an array of sophisticated and sexy urban apparel that screams independent women. Pixie Lott is currently their ambassador and I’m obsessed with her Supertrash A/W outfits in the images below.

For the more mature ladies out there, Sonja Marohn was another I hadn’t come across before, but had plenty to tempt me (and you) with, while Essay Collections Ltd and Fran Jane also made me think of you.

So, yes winter is a long way off, but no harm in a spot of insight eh? Knowledge is power and all that…right, now we can get back to our summer craving.

Spring...Cometh!

2010-02-12T16:26:00.002Z

Wow. I’ve been really slacking on the posts haven’t I? I know you’ve heard it all before but I’m going to blame work – it’s crazzzzzzeballs busy at the moment and as soon as I get home I want nothing more than my Juicy velours, a mug of tea and trashy TV on demand. Who’s been watching Take Me Out?! I. Just. Love. It.

Jane and I have been getting excited about the prospect of spring around the corner – she has dug out her cute Mango floral dress for a spot of more winter layering, and I have decided to dye my hair platinum blonde…

What do ya’ll think? I’m hoping I’m more Taylor Momsen than Playboy. I think Mum’s a bit worried I’m running around London trying to be a WAG, but surely I’m not the only one who saw Christina Aguilera’s US Marie Claire March cover and hyper-ventilated a little bit?

Anyway Jane, another hit I’d say with that cute frock. Lov-ing that navy blouse underneath and the LK Bennett cardi making a total style statement. Nice, I’d leave my light on for that! (Please note: only Take Me Out fans will understand…to the rest of you…cancel your Saturday night plans and get yourself in front of ITV).

Turquoise: Colour of spring/summer 2010

2010-02-05T17:27:00.002Z

I love how Jane has got this outfit so right. Both that Diane Von Furstenberg top (which I lust after and have definitely maybe “borrowed” a few times) and the Karen Millen skirt are at least 6 years old. Seriously, check out that wardrobe recycling.

Gucci SS10 Campaign

Mum wore the peacock-esque ensemble to another dance evening (she really shows me up with my non-exercising, dvd and pizza life), and perfected the look with some more devastatingly cute Comme-il-Faut tango shoes. Perfect opportunity right here to point out how massive and epic and everywhere turquoise, cyan and jade colours will be this summer. Brands seem to be going mad for that tropical, exotic look. Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Thomas Sabo have all come over very tropical in their new SS10 campaigns. Shades of the exotic will be everywhere, which is great, because they look incredible with a tan baby.

50's Floral

2010-02-01T17:40:00.001Z

Two of the hot trends set to dominate our spring looks this year, are floral prints and tropical shades of cyan. So, with that in mind, tippy-toppy points for Jane who wore this Coast shift dress to a tango dance evening with simply the most delicious pair of Comme-il-faut dance shoes. Plain white Ked's rocked the look into the daytime.

Bearing in mind that this dress was purchased a good few years ago, it’s worth remembering that fashion favourites such as the floral patterns and bold blues are likely to come around again and again, therefore an instant high street splurge at the first sign of a season may not be necessary girls. Do go through your closet, right to the very back, and check to see if you’ve got anything you can make work in the current season. There are of course exceptions…don’t expect to see scrunchies and peddle pushers back in the pages of Vogue anytime soon – although…now we have the hot mess that is Lady Gaga (no I’m not a fan), who can apparently make yellow hair and power ranger suits popular. Take from that what you will, but there’s some trends Jane and I certainly won’t be following.

For now, back to adoring the heavy petal.

"My Mum, the style icon"

2010-01-29T13:58:00.006Z

I realise this article is from the Daily Mail, which totally eradicates my credibility as a cool and innovative writer, but I liked it , so please try to look past the publisher.

Maybe I should pull out some old photos of Jane when she was my age – there are some corkers, let me tell you!

In the meantime, enjoy the article.

Big Love x

PS I’m sorry I’ve been so slow to post recently peoples. This is due to a very busy time at work (London Fashion Week is imminent…YAY!) and I promise I will be back on it soon.

Horray for Heirlooms

2010-01-25T14:26:00.002Z

Once upon a time there was girl named Felicia Mary Cox, who was born in Poona, India to her British parents who had been offered a special post to stay in the country after her father suffered a first world war injury. She enjoyed a precious childhood playing with her brother and sisters in the Indian countryside and would often go out with her father into the forests and explore the river banks. One day her father shot a crocodile they came across along the waters edge, and when the animal was opened up, they discovered the remains of a small child along with the child’s bracelets. Felicia was very upset by the find, but her father sent the crocodile skin to Madras where it was made into four clutch bags, one each for his wife and three daughters. Felicia grew up to treasure her bag, remembering the day she found the crocodile with her father and feeling glad that the poor dead child was in a way, avenged. She eventually moved to the UK after she married her husband Morgan in 1945, and had three children of her own. The second of these, she named Jane. She would often tell her children about her childhood in India with great fondness, and among the stories was always the time her father shot the crocodile and made the skin into four handbags. Eventually, Jane had two children herself, and Felicia shared the same stories with these grandchildren who would always ask to hear about the time her father shot a naughty crocodile. When Felicia died, she left many of her valued belongings to her daughter Jane, and one of these possessions happened to be the very special chocolate leather crocodile clutch bag…

And now I’m very excited to show you some snaps of Mummy Jane’s outfit to see a French film at the Alliance Francaise cineclub in Bristol, because look what she chose to carry her car keys and lipstick…

I am told that one day, the bag will be mine too. Cue the warm, fuzzy feelings and awe at the incredibleness of this amazing little bag. Thank you Grandmaaa x

She's Back with Pom and Pommy

2010-01-22T11:44:00.001Z

Look who’s back to steal the show! Apologies for the lack of picture updates lately, this was due to computer problems back at Camp Jane (technology and a little cottage in the country complete with its own well don’t go together too awesome), but today arrived a shot of Jane’s new Yumi dress signifying that the Geek Squad had done their job properly and Momma is officially back online.

Aren’t the pompoms the cutest touch? I want to squidge them and give them names and only fold the dress in a way that allows them to breathe. The colour really goes with those Stefanel booties too, a stomping choice. Happy Friday Jane fans!

Advanced Style

2010-01-20T16:57:00.005Z

Ok so I found this totally incredible blog and I just HAD to share it with you wonderful lot because it’s not only a hot-damn brilliant source of amazing elder fashion, but it also offers interesting little bite-size pieces of information about the subjects’ lifestyles (like Olga the Swedish grandmother who loved to paint and go to flea markets), which give us clues as to who these trendy people are and where they developed their style from over the years. Plus it sounds like most of the ladies and gentlemen featured have lead (and are still leading) incredibly vibrant and enriching lives - an idea Jane and I want to endorse with full force. We heart you Advanced Style.

Beret with Attitude

2010-01-19T11:53:00.003Z

You might remember Rosemary, Jane’s stylish neighbour who featured on an earlier post alongside my gushing over her hair? Well I’m hoping we’ll be seeing a lot more of her around here, and I’m kicking off my lengthy high five to the lovely lady with these cute snaps.

That decadent beret is such a statement against the snow, a fabulous piece that will brighten up usually dreary Winter-gear. One-of-a-kind, original items like that can usually be found in little markets and boutiques – making a rummage definitely worthwhile! That Oska coat is also a bit special, check out that oversized collar. Rosemary tells me it can be worn in various different ways, including like a shawl – awesome!

"Will you live to 120?"

2010-01-18T13:08:00.009Z

Jane recently drew my attention towards this enlightening article by the Times - offering evidence to suggest that women are discovering a new leash of life at an age that has been previously been frowned upon as the time to retire, don the slippers and gradually disappear.

I for one, massively celebrate the saying “life begins at forty”, not just because getting older seems less terrifying, but also because my Mummy Jane rocks as a mighty fine example of the “super-grandmother” theory. I remember her becoming far more energetic and excitable after turning the big 50 – that’s round about the time the dance and French lessons started – it was as if Jane was hell-bent on proving a point, and it didn’t seem to take much effort. Her hunger for life certainly must have helped, but anyone can have the confidence to continue to don a great sense of style and try new activities after the turn of the middle age with a bit of an attitude revamp.

If you believe you’re a frumpy mess with no hope of help then you can’t expect other people not to think the same about you. I promise you it’s possible to look fantastic whatever age or shape you are, so there’s no reason to start a subscription to Bonmarche’s catalogues or throw out your high heels just because you think nobody’s looking anymore. I for one, am definitely looking – I love seeing an older lady looking incredible, it’s so inspiring. Jane loves seeing her fellow sisterhood in the latest trends or custom styles, so she’s another with her eyes peeled, and I know we’re not the only ones.

Photos with thanks to advancedstyle.blogspot.com

Flashback

2010-01-18T13:01:00.002Z

In a fabulous throwback to a previous post featuring the lovely Kim in that Balmain-esque black dress – Katy Perry has been spotted flaunting a pretty much identical version yesterday on the streets of LA! This goes to show that 40+ women everywhere can look to the A-List for inspiration just as much as the younger generations. But obviously in this case, Katy must have copied Kim. Way to go Mami!

Comptoir des Cotonniers

2010-01-12T11:52:00.005Z

One of the serious plus points of interning in fashion, aside from the goody bags and sample sales, is that I’m constantly learning about new brands, hot products and must-know names behind the keyhole of this crazy industry. I received an email today about a French label called Comptoir des Cotonniers, a brand that has apparently delivered a combination of “modernity with timeless chic and innovative creativity with fashion trends” to Parisian shoppers since 1995. What fascinated me was their ad campaign portfolio – they use real mothers and daughters in all their campaigns in an attempt to portray the brand values of authenticity, proximity and simplicity.

“These values manifest, amongst other things, in the extraordinary richness of the bond that unites mothers to their daughters: touching, fascinating, sparkling and full of complicity. From emotion to admiration, from confidence to connivance, the authenticity of their relationships transfers in a look, a smile, a pout or a tender gesture.”

Well I had never heard of Comptoir des Cotonniers before today, and I am massively intrigued. I love what it’s about – that good fashion and style is each equally accessible to both mothers and daughters and I’m thinking this can be translated across all generations and ages. So today I am obsessing over their ad campaigns and here’s hoping you feel as inspired as I do. Have rummaged through and picked out my favourites. Enjoy!

Balmain Chic

2010-01-11T11:27:00.003Z

Upon my travels over the festive period, I bumped into Kim, a stylish Mama who stole my admiration in this flattering LBD with chain embellishments on the shoulders. You must have had your head in the snow if you haven’t noticed the shoulder pad craze gripping the country at present - a trend I’ve only really seen adopted by the fashion hungry, Topshop tweens, or fire engine red-lipped, London “someones” who’ll try anything Vogue tells them to (although I beg not the pipe cleaner eyebrow thing…?. I mean, please). It was refreshing to see someone a little more mature donning this look, and totally owning it.

A simple black dress (ever flattering) has been brought up to date with that shoulder detailing and I love it. Reminded me of Balmain’s spring/summer 2010 catwalk in Paris – mini dresses designed in a military salute of rivets, epaulets and metallics. That whole collection makes me want to rob a bank, and yet here Kim stands in her Papaya number proving to us all that high street copy cats are still the answer to catwalk envy.

Images with thanks to Grazia

So Karl Lagerfeld

2010-01-08T11:47:00.001Z

Wow, how massively cold has it been? Global warming my arse. Every time I spend longer than a minute outside, I suddenly can’t talk past a dribble after my facial muscles freeze up like I’ve been injecting myself with Botox…drunk.

Jane however, never dribbles. It's just not cool. Here she is in her garden wearing Dad’s cashmere jumper totally looking like Karl Lagerfeld’s muse if you ask me. That River Island lace blouse and Mango summer skirt underneath is a rocking way of making that jumper more feminine.

I love this. Go forward, team some man-clothes with lace, and be fabulous in the snow. But erm, don't go sitting in it...as if you'd really do that in your Chanel suit. God.

That's Cool - The Winter Dress

2010-01-05T16:24:00.002Z

She’s done it before, and now she’s done it again. While I shivered back to work this morning in about six layers of clothes that probably (most definitely) didn’t match or make any sort of co-ordinating outfit, Jane styles herself for the chill like a total pro. Sometimes (like today), I’m too cold to think about whether a hoody with my suit is really a budding-fashion-journalist-sort-of-choice, and end up walking out of the door looking like a wannabe who got lost in Walmart, but hell, I'll be warm.

Then I see this photo of my Ma, and think well balls, I officially know nothing. If Jane can come up with the simple idea of adding a black jumper underneath a fabulous day dress that one might otherwise relegate for summer, then so can we! Tights and boots would keep this look snuggley, so embrace the girly hemlines and rock out with your frock out this winter.

Happy New Year Peoples

2010-01-04T12:21:00.002Z

First of all, apologies for being so slack and distant over the Christmas break – Jane and I have been crazy busy but have missed our regular check-ins with you, fear not.

How was your New Years Eve shindigs? Mine was drunken and stupid – do not mix your drinks people. It’s not big and it’s not clever. Never again. Jane was slightly more sophisticated at a house party in her village, showing up to impress in this angelic Mango tiered skirt, Coast jumper and Ted Baker belt.

Also in attendance at the bash was Rosemary, Jane’s super fly neighbour who is consistently a topic of conversation around our dinner table for always looking bloody amazing. Seriously, how awesome is that hair? It’s sort of early-day Twiggy meets Jil Sander spring/summer 2010. I just love it. Oh wait and get this, the outfit is George @ Asda! I eat my hat.

Toni was another rock ‘n’ roller who chose a jumper dress to document her rebellion against the age of the frump. With a figure like that, horizontal stripes are not to be afraid of, and nice work with the waist belt flaunting that tiny waist.

Wishing you all the best in 2010, may you all go forward and embrace a wardrobe that makes you feel incredible, look hawt and one that delivers a round-house kick to the face of “getting older”!

Back soon, big love x

Vogue by the Fire

2009-12-29T16:50:00.002Z

Hey all!

Hope you all had a crazy good Christmas! I certainly did, and I got absolutely showered in gifts by the boyfriend. So much so I was nicknamed The Spoilt Brat on Christmas Day and a touch embarrassed at the huge pile of wrapping paper I’d accumulated.

So...one of Jane’s 5 star crimbo outfits...

I came downstairs on Christmas Eve and found an adorable lil’ festive fairy tending to the log fire – Jane once again dared to break the rules enforced by the fashion police for ladies over 40. Skirts that sit above the knee are often frowned upon once you reach a certain age, but correct me if I’m wrong, if you have the legs to pull shorter lengths off, why the hell should they be forgotten?

Jane rocks around the Christmas tree in this fabulous tartan mini skirt with pleat detailing, her new Stefanel booties and Blu Sand jumper from Milan. I also delighted at her teeth-grittingly cute headband which sets of the red accessories perfecto.

Snow Angels

2009-12-23T14:05:00.002Z

How excited am I about all this snow in the UK? SO excited. Even with the (usual) mean dusting that Bristol was handed out, I still couldn’t resist leaping about like a crazed child and writing inane nothings in the unspoilt bits - then moaning when my fingers got cold. I also jumped at the opportunity to play outfit-swap with Mummy Jane.

She donned my treasured Karen Millen military coat, while I totally kitted myself out in her Burberry trench and scarf. I’m kind of upset that the Burberry print has this awful association with the chavs of this world, but I’m convincing myself that as long as I don’t reach for the oversized gold earrings and Reebok Classics, I can pull it off.

Meanwhile, you should wear more royal blue Ma, it suits you! God, I bloody love that coat.

PS Happy Christmas Eve Eve! Eeeeeeeeeee! Wow, I need to calm down.

Milano - Buen Natale!

2009-12-21T14:54:00.007Z

While some of us have to make do with facing Christmas shopping stress in our local town centres with the masses of dawdling pensioners and pushchairs that make you wish you knew how to drive a steam-roller, Jane escaped to Milan for a couple of days to get her lists checked off and oh, managed to pop by the La Scala Theatre, Duomo di Milano, and Prada while she was at it. Lucky Mummy....grumble grumble...

My favourite purchase of hers are these Stefanel ankle boots, and I'm totally checking the heel. She ended up getting them in brown suede with a peep toe, and a black leather pair, perfect for flaunting around Milan in your Miu Miu coat if you ask me.

I'm also loving the the black cowl neck jumper which apparently was a bargain at 39 Euros from Blu Sand (just as well really after that boot splurge!). From home, Jane brought out her Just Cavalli black dress which has the length and detailing to go from day to night, and she wore it with her black Russell & Bromley boots in the cold Italian weather.

Meanwhile, back in dreary England, I've arrived in the South West ready for the crimbo celebrations and yes, Jane's wardrobe is officially not safe. Haha. Guard your Gucci's Mother!

Chocolate Jane

2009-12-18T11:15:00.002Z

Being the last day at work today before Christmas (YA-FREAKIN’-HOO!) there are copious amounts of treats and naughties scattered around the office tempting me into early submission to the threat of crimbo weight-gain. I’ve resisted rather well so far, but here to remind me that the chocolate coins, logs, snowmen and oranges are here to remain for at least another couple of weeks, is Jane in her salute to shades of cocoa.

The skirt is a Plein Sud Jeans number, the cardigan is Brora, the shoes are Karen Millen and that incredible belt is Jigsaw. A good Christmas Day outfit I’m thinking...an alternative to the dreaded festive jumper and cliché red and greens. Although, Santa - I'll let you off mate. Right, back to my chocolate digestives…NOM NOM NOM.

Plum Perfect

2009-12-17T14:09:00.004Z

I love purple. I don’t wear it enough. Jane totally works the lilac look with that 100% silk, Rangoon, Indo-Chine Francaise skirt and Brora tank top, while the chocolate Brora cardigan brings together/marries/makes love to those brown Wolford opaque tights and Jane Brown bar strap shoes with pink detailing in way that makes me want to reach for the raspberry truffles like they’re my last meal. Which reminds me, I’m going to treat myself to some Eden chocolates from Thornton’s when I get home. If you don’t know what I’m talking about then you haven’t LIVED!

Also, Jane is in the fabulous city of Milan at the moment, so hopefully she a) has bought me a present(s), and b) will have some awesome photos to show you all soon. Excited!

PS. Happy Christmas Eve Eve Eve Eve Eve Eve Eve X

Check it Out

2009-12-15T11:17:00.001Z

…I’m sorry. I realise that title is major Dad joke rubbish but I couldn’t help myself. It’s my last week at work before the holidays and I’m SO Christmassy I might just turn into a Yule log at any given moment. YAY.

Jane is modelling her super smart, blue Karen Millen checked dress with another Brora cashmere cardigan and THAT Prada belt. There’s also a headband under those goldielock ringlets of Mummy’s, but the photo doesn’t do it justice much. But the point is, headbands aren’t just for school girls, they’re ever so cute if you choose wisely. ASOS have a fabulous range at the moment, get excited for them!

Inspired by Cinders

2009-12-14T12:37:00.003Z

Showing a definite loyalty to the house of Marithe Francois Girbaud, Jane chose the pale green version of the dress she wore for her Artizan visit and updated it for winter with a cream Brora tank top and cashmere cardigan.

There’s something wonderfully Cinderella-before-the-ball about the layered hemline on that dress –although obviously Ma looks far too good to be scrubbing floors – and I’m sure nearly any woman would make it work on their figure. It’s cute without being matron-y and totally works for casualwear.

Check out these Topshop beauties which will achieve a similar look – make like Jane and team with neutral jersey tops and cardigans.

Daisy Hook and Eye Dress.

Silk Zip Swing Dress.

Super Gran

2009-12-12T17:35:00.002Z

I love crazy love this. A 75 year old Grandmother wins TV talent competition in Spain for her Salsa dancing. I've said it once and I'll say it again, age is just a number girls.

Love for Camel

2009-12-11T12:25:00.004Z

I’m psyched Jane got this coat out to show y’all – this gorgeous camel-coloured Miu Miu with a shearling lining has played a starring role in Mamma’s wardrobe for years and years and looks incredible with those Russell & Bromley ankle boots. It’s also durable, with one particular New Years Eve springing to mind…yes Mother, I’m talking about the one with the champagne, and the candle wax on your Miu Miu - when you came home calling everyone Kirsty? Brilliant!

Hang on, since when did that bay leaf bush by the front door get so ma-hoooooosive?? That’s actually ridiculous. I remember sitting in its pot trying to catch ants…anyway, I couldn’t help but be reminded of a similar look put together by Harper’s Bazaar as part of an article celebrating the camel coat. It’s all about mixing luxurious textures with neutral shades and wearing some updated accessories like gloves or tights to bring the look into modern day. I would have tried adding a chunky belt with Jane’s coat, maybe.

Painting the Town Red

2009-12-09T12:50:00.003Z

Ok, so as we know, Jane loves Karen Millen a fair bit and thus it’ll come as no surprise that her latest hunt for a cocktail dress to wear to the Being Human wrap party resulted in her purchase of this rock ‘n’ roll scarlet KM bow dress.

She had a bit of a shoe dilemma, of which she papped for us to see – we’ve all been there – “just what shoes do I wear…I haven’t got anything…there are no shoes in my life…I’m going to have to buy a new pair…oh wait, those ones look bloody brilliant, panic over”. Eventually settling on the matching red Russell & Bromley patents (which have been featured on here relentlessly), Jane showed up to the party and stole the show.

Rabbit Food

2009-12-08T10:42:00.002Z

Another look at what helps keep Jane in such incredible shape today – her diet. Now I realise some of this may seem rather generic and obvious and like we’ve just copied it out of a book, but I can 100% promise you this really is what Jane eats. Fact. Anyone who knows us will testify for this, I for one have spent enough nights watching her spoon watercress down her throat to know the truth. So, I officially name this the She’s No Plain Jane Diet – that phrase “you are what you eat” rings true here - creams will only do so much and we can see that Jane’s years of obsessively healthy eating have given the hands of the clock one hell of a middle finger.

Breakfast: One large cup of coffee, half and half with hot skimmed milk. One zinc and vitamin c capsule, followed by a kiwi and a bowl of Waitrose muesli made with lots of seeds, plus unsweetened soya milk, a sliced banana and a handful of blueberries.

Jane explains, “soya is good for ladies of a certain age who like me, do not take HRT. If I am working, I will try and eat this before I leave, but as I sometimes have to leave before 6.30 a.m. then I have brown toast with fresh grilled tomatoes from the caterers on set, though I always have the kiwi. Another occasional breakfast is 2 boiled eggs and marmite on brown toast with green tea.”

Mid-morning snack: Green tea, and a raw carrot. Jane adores green tea, and “drinks lots throughout the day, and I carry the tea bags in my handbag so that I am never without. When I work I take raw carrots, fruit and crispbreads to nibble on, so that I am not tempted to eat any rubbish when I am cold and hungry on location.”

Lunch: Raw vegetables with a bit of edam cheese, or heated up fresh tomato juice with some Tabasco in it, to drink like soup. “At work I choose fish, lean chicken or the veggie option with a salad or the vegetables from the caterers. No potatoes, unless there is a jacket one.... I like the skin! And I don’t really eat pudding.”

If Jane is out lunching with friends, she usually chooses a light starter, then fish or game with vegetables or salad.

Mid afternoon snack: Green tea, nuts, and some cheese.

Dinner: A whole bag of kale quickly stir fried in nut oil and seeds. While this is cooking Jane microwaves some Edam cheese and fresh tomatoes on a plate and piles the kale on top. She says, “I love to save my hunger for the evening meal, and eat it slowly as always. I drink either water, tomato juice or a glass of wine with this. Later I will have fruit, more green tea and snack on nuts.

“At weekends I cook for [Dad] Roger and I, and will sometimes have a rare steak. That kind of protein is very good for you in moderation. We always have a bottle of wine too.”

So there you have it folks, doesn’t it just make you feel sick? Personally I’ve tried to adopt some of these foodie routines into my life but I nearly always epically fail at the no pudding bit. I love chocolate, ice cream and butter popcorn far, far too much. One day I might pull my socks up and follow her example, but I’m a student right now and therefore submit to the pizza. However, the She’s No Plain Jane diet is certainly a miracle worker after a couple of heavy days on a junk food/alcohol binge that’s left your body retching for the antioxidants. Plus, if you really can stick to the regime, Jane is living proof you’ll cheat your age, shed pounds and nearly never get ill.

Get Yo Hair 'Did

2009-12-04T12:31:00.002Z

Another member of Jane’s entourage to blow up the posts – Rob, her hair stylist has been attending to Ma’s tresses since before I was even a thought. He’s a partner in the Artizan George Street salon in Bath and you’re going to have to excuse me while I just have a bit of a rave about this awesome joint.

I know I don’t speak for everyone when I say this, but some girls like Jane and I don’t just go the hairdressers to get neatened up a bit, they go for the experience – the added extras aside from a freakin’ hawwt cut and colour. I’m talking intelligent conversation, funky atmosphere, stylists that actually listen and remember your preferences, professional head massages and hot chocolate on tap. Artizan rocks all of the above and doesn’t even mind when you take a handful, rather than just one, of their free mints. I. Just. Love. It. So, if you’ll be in Bath at any point, try it out, and tell Rob I said hello. But otherwise, do get yourself a good hair salon because aside from the service, your hair is something you wear everyday: spend wisely.

Jane is flaunting a denim Marithe Francois Girbaud dress teamed with a Primark t-shirt and red Russell & Bromley shoes. Lengthly lolz at Rob and Jane’s accidental His and Her’s outfit clashing...brilliant!

Chic in the Cold

2009-12-03T11:01:00.002Z

A good quality, warm and stylish coat I believe should be present in every woman’s wardrobe – as an alternative to the North Face garments if one can possibly help it unless Arctic hikes are a planned necessity. Think long, thick and sumptuous fabrics like moleskin or jacquard, with beautiful trims, bling buttons or/and flattering pleats – I don’t want to sound boring with all the Karen Millen plugs on here, but they have some seriously rocking pieces at the moment (see below with some cheaper alternatives).

Jane is modelling a black Sass & Bide coat with her Russell & Bromley handbag and boots looking like a supreme excuse to welcome winter in. Glam outerwear like this, and I include the trenches out there, are so brilliantly feminine - yes they keep us warm, but they also give us mini waists, make our legs look like matchsticks and if you really wanted to surprise a lucky fellow and wear nothing but Agent Provocateur on underneath, it’s sure as hell your prerogative honey.

Fit¹

2009-12-02T14:52:00.005Z

“adjective (fitter, fittest) 1 of a suitable quality, standard, or type to meet the required purpose. 2 in good health, especially through regular physical exercise. 3 (fit to do) informal on the point of doing. 4 Brit. informal sexually attractive. 5 Jane"

Lolz ok so I added in that last one myself. But when Mummy Jane works it out at her local Pilates class at home in Bristol, I think she totally encompasses all of the above, dontcha agree?...and now for a few examples of how to stay in firm and fabulous shape from the comfort of your own living room! These positions will tone and condition your body if practised often, try and hold for as long as is comfortable, breathing regularly and deeply.

And something to aim for...Mamma owns those classes! Ouch.

Jane is sporting some hawwwt Primark shorts (after a raid of my wardrobe) and a Lycra body suit from a local dance shop looking every inch the Fame filmstar. High fives in their masses!

Nosey Peek: Jane’s Bathroom

2009-12-01T09:35:00.008Z

May I just start by saying...Happy Advent! I hope you love Christmas as much as I do...I'm still that kid that gets up at 3am on Christmas day and throws up with the excitement...anyway. There have been a few enquiries into Jane’s beauty regime of late: just how does she manage to look so damn good? Mummy Jane and I are great believers in most beauty secrets being related to what you eat/drink and your general lifestyle, but there are also a few products and treatments she swears by. I had an awesome snoop around her en suite…

On her pretty lil’ face she uses Lancôme’s Renergie Morpholift with SP15 because hell, the sun on your face is not always your friend ladies. Not that us UK homegirls need to worry about that too much these days, hey? Jane also raves about Jan Marini’s Bioglycolic facial cleanser and moisturisers which fade pigmentation marks and reduce pores.

Yussss, I know those Mason Pearson hairbrushes are expensive but, O-M-G are they good. They will literally last a lifetime (I still have mine from when I was about 6) and they leave your hair feeling serious amazeballs.

Click on the pretty pic above for product details, and check back here for more Nosey Peeks fo' sho!

Boardroom-Ready

2009-11-30T11:55:00.007Z

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

2009-11-27T13:17:00.008Z

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

2009-11-26T14:51:00.008Z

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

2009-11-24T12:43:00.006Z

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?

2009-11-23T14:17:00.003Z

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

2009-11-20T11:14:00.004Z

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

2009-11-19T13:44:00.004Z

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

2009-11-18T13:06:00.003Z

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

2009-11-16T11:06:00.004Z

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

2009-11-12T11:55:00.002Z

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

2009-11-12T11:30:00.002Z

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

2009-11-11T12:32:00.007Z

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

2009-11-10T09:54:00.001Z

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

2009-11-06T13:56:00.004Z

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

2009-11-05T12:01:00.001Z

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

2009-11-04T13:42:00.003Z

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

2009-11-04T10:33:00.005Z

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.

Copy Cats

2009-10-29T22:21:00.011Z

Ok so these outfits are massively summery I realise, which isn't very practical seeing as we've started seeing the colder weather rear its ugly mug...so, apologies. Let's just pretend we're all going somewhere ridiculously hot for a minute. I wanted to share a sneak peek at Jane’s celebrity style stealing – neither of us really have a celeb we take inspiration from but this is just to prove a 40 plus fashionista jolly well can copy the young hot glitterati if she so wishes.

Here we have the very popular Lily Allen dress from Oasis which Jane, in this case, did copy after seeing it in a magazine. Scabby me then decided there was no harm in “borrowing” it for a mate’s birthday – and please excuse the horrendous photo (me doing the Macarena was the best of a bad bunch of snaps from a messy night). Anyway, the great thing about this dress is the length as its not showing too much thigh for the older generation, whilst remaining young and flirty with that hot floral print. It’s got a great support in the basque which is so important on strapless numbers, and those who are worried about bingo wings showing under the arms could couple it with a light jacket or cardigan taking it from day-to-night. Gotta love a multi-function frock.

Moving onto Jane’s amazing Marithé Francois Girbaud waistcoat which has bustled material sewn into the back like some sort of incredible set of tail feathers. Oh my freakin’ Lord I want this as my own so bad I think I might eat my own face if I look at it again. Basically Sienna totally rocked her version at the Glastonbury festival in 2004 and Jane works hers with a short white embroidered dress that actually has an asymetrical hem that she didn't think worked with the waistcoat, so being innovative and fabulous, folded it up and pinned it with her grandma's (so that’s my great-grandma’s) antique blue broach. Awesome!

For Ladies Who Lunch

2009-10-29T16:43:00.003Z

Jane chilled with some of her homies today at lunch and totally owned this outfit. Or in other words, Jane did lunch with a girlfriend and looked completely stunning in a sophisticated tweed jacket from Warehouse (5 years old!), faux suade Karen Millen mini skirt, chocolate tights and Russell and Bromley shoes (also 5 years old, chips in heel disguised with nail polish). Do recycle expensive clothes – look after them and they’ll save you money in the long run. Ehem…any excuse to go designer.

Tu es Très Mignon

2009-10-27T11:34:00.015Z

Being into travelling about and also rather obsessed with France and anything that comes out of it, Jane often ventures across the channel for the odd French holiday – particularly in the South where those vineyards spread generously and the weather doesn’t suck serious balls like it does most of the time over here. She can speak French herself – something she tried very hard to pass over to my brother and I when we were little to no avail (Muzzy and I never really got on), but regardless, her French vacations always mean a suitcase full of great outfits.

Exhibit A: What I love about this little get-up is that it looks so effortless. Turned up Oasis boyfriend jeans and a simple, well fitted vest top (which Jane dyed black – thrifty!) are comfortable yet trendy and this is a look nearly every mature cherie can handle regardless of shape or size. Totally loving the Oasis cyan scarf as a belt too – adds a touch of chic and a pop of colour that does more than match that tablecloth.

"Biiiiiiiiicyle, biiiiiiiiicycle...I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my biiiiike". So relieved not to see any Lycra here because as far as I’m concerned cycle shorts should be banned from society unless we all start receiving invitations to some rocking neon 80’s raves. Instead, let us admire the crisp, white cotton Ted Baker v-neck dress with a crochet hem which has left me remembering why you shouldn’t listen to people who say skirts on a bike are a bad idea. The dress length means the dress doesn’t come across too young, while white ballet pumps have married together this deliciously pretty look that I think comes across rather Bardot in And God Created Woman.

I’m gritting my teeth at how cute this outfit is. I don’t even know where to start. Hawwwt Mummy! The navy blue babydoll vest top coupled with the Dorothy Perkins scarlet waist belt is an instant statement that can’t possibly go unnoticed, especially with those cleverly picked red beads around Jane’s neck (which were…wait for it…50p from a market). The skirt, although maybe a tad short for some shapes, is flirtatious and bang on trend with those layers. Nice work, Ma.

Hello, World

2009-10-26T10:46:00.001Z

Finally, I’ve managed to pull myself together and organise this blog – which I have to say has taken me far longer than anticipated due to boring technical issues and plain old laziness. I’m fully aware the aesthetics are rather pants, but fear not I have my clever graphic designer beau on the case (much plugging of his work to follow I’m afraid) – so stay tuned for an awesome new look.

Right, let’s get to it. So I’ve been itching to start a blog for a while, there are many I regularly read myself and after some networking at the recent Spring/Summer 2010 London Fashion Week which I was lucky enough to intern at, I was told no wannabe journalist should be without one in this day and age. After a spot of deliberation over a subject I decided my ever-so-fashionable Mum was the perfect muse.

Introducing Jane (that’s my Ma right thurr), a self-confessed dress-up addict who never seems to put a foot wrong in the wardrobe department. Despite the laws of genetics telling me I should, with youth on my side, be perfectly capable of looking just as glamorous, I swear she’s shown me up on far more than one occasion - but I don’t care. Looking at her is like God giving me some sort of encouraging nudge towards the right direction. If I look after myself and follow her example, aging doesn’t look anywhere near as scary as everyone makes out. Sure she has rocking genes on her side to start with, but this is more about the moral of the story, don’t let your birthdays define you!

So here we are, I wanted to share with you Jane’s style, adventures, philosophies and reflections because all bias aside, she’s one wicked lady. I’ll be updating this space with Jane’s various looks which she throws together without spending horrific amounts on designer clobber (we’re never too old to thrift shop or recycle outfits people) and without breaking any Mutton-Dressed-As-Lamb golden rules. Well at least to my knowledge anyway (I’ll let you know should I find out otherwise!).

Check this out and feel inspired, or just have a nose, whatever. All feedback/comments are welcome, but most of all we want the plus 40 somethings out to know there's a whole closet of opportunity out there waiting for them - so go embrace it.

Much love,

Felicia and Jane x