Happy Thursday, everyone! Today we return to our readers and their style adjectives, with a touch of Australia Chic!
Right after I mentioned the countries in the post on Tuesday, I read in my email about a reader from Australia!
It really is fun to hear from women around the world who read this blog and desire some inspiration with their style.
So, today we head off down under to meet another wonderful reader.
MEET SUE: AUSTRALIA CHIC
Sue did not include a picture of herself, but sent ample information…like enjoying walking the beach near her home in Brisbane, Australia.
She asked for help deciding her five adjectives…and this is only the second time I have done this without actually knowing the reader personally.
Key Points about Sue:
She is 62 with 3 grown sons and 2 stepsons + one grandchild, “The apple of my eye,” she said.
She is originally from the UK, but has lived in Brisbane for over 20 years. Her home is in a rural area with bushland at the rear of the property.
She loves the simple things in life…like walking along the beach, enjoying a sunset and her gorgeous bullmastiff dog.
She also loves interior design and takes great pride in her home. I learned a lot about Sue from her descriptions about loving French Provincial style and Hampton Style and how she combines both.
Sue described her style dilemma as this, “How I am struggling with my style? Well I live in the hot tropics and have always loved the french chic look, but in the tropics where there are a lot of bold flowery designs and lots of flowing fabrics really do not appeal to me in the least. I have tried to embrace it in the past and it just does not feel like me. I am only 5ft 2 inches tall and anything like that just swamps me, and doesn’t even appeal to me. I love stripes and polka dots but would like to explore other patterns. I also like bold pops of color, but would only wear it for a top a bag or piece of jewelry etc, not a whole outfit, that would be too much for me. I struggle with bringing in interest and florals I am really selective about, often they are big and bold or lots of color and I find I am just not drawn to them. I rarely select a floral pattern that I am happy with. I do like feminine touches, ie a small bit of lace around the collar etc I feel like I am a classic at heart but done in a more casual way, and that my outfits need an element of something to add interest for example some piping or contrasting cuff on a shirt etc.
Being at home I do not wear a lot of accessories etc I like dressing to be simple and streamlined but not stuffy. I often find classic to be too stuffy although I love it I know I am missing some elements, just not sure what they are. I love the monochromatic look as it makes me look taller, but struggle with it not looking boring, and particularly as often I would only wear a top and bottom due to the climate. I want my style to be effortless but put together, and to look stylish and modern, but must be comfortable and serve my lifestyle and climate. I hate lots of detail and anything really loose and flowy, but don’t like tight clothes either, they have to be comfortable, that sounds contradictory doesn’t it! I am picky over the fit of my clothes I want them to look stylish and put together but don’t want to look like I am heading to the office for a meeting, that’s too much.
I like the more tailored jackets but they have to have stretch in them for comfort as do most of my clothes, and have a more relaxed feel about them, but not boxy. I hate feeling like I am wearing a straight jacket and cannot stand anything up high around my neck as it makes me feel like I am suffocating, I do like button up shirts for that reason as I can choose how open I wear them. I do like the style of tied shirts as I feel like it still looks put together but definitely not starchy! I love chinos and jeans. I want to feel modern and approachable and effortless I do not have the inclination to spend half an hour getting dressed. I feel like I am a BIT of a minimalist at heart but then I over shop and end up with so much stuff and have a hard time letting things go for example I have 4 denim jackets, who needs 4? but I have kept them all even though I mainly wear the same two. I also have a houndstooth blazer and a blue seersucker which I really like. I have another with a bold stripe and never wear it. I have managed to let go of all my stilettos as I never wear them. Again I want my feet to be comfortable but still have that level of refinement. If I wear t shirts jeans and sneakers I feel scruffy and often t shirts make me feel frumpy especially if they are baggy, although they do serve the lifestyle and that is why I am struggling. I feel what I love and what works for lifestyle and climate etc are pulling in opposing directions. I hate seeing drag lines on clothes are anything ill fitting but equally am not prepared to pay designer price tags I think $200 for a t shirt is ridiculous, however I also feel if I buy really cheap that I feel cheap so tend to opt for good quality at a realistic price point.
Color wise I am a cool clear winter palette with very dark brown hair with fair skin and hazel eyes. I love red, blues purples teals and greens etc but rarely find them in styles I like. Navy is the only real neutral I have. This week bought a couple of white shirts one with some shirring and the other with pin tucks to try but feel I need a bit of direction to set me on my journey. If I look in my closet it is mainly navy with stripes and polka dots and not much else, clearly it is lacking and I feel completely uninspired and don’t know what I should be looking for to tick all boxes!”
5 STYLE ADJECTIVES FOR AUSTRALIA CHIC SUE
I am going to make a stab at these five adjectives with the information I know about Sue…that she shared.
I am not studying what others in Australia wear this time, but merely going with what she was able to tell me about her climate and lifestyle.
Sue, if you use these five adjectives and every time you put together an outfit, ask if the outfit tells the world these things about you, then you will have your style nailed….
Tell the world with your clothing that you are:
1. Chic – you portray casual elegance with your style
2. Relaxed – your outfit says that you are comfortable in your own skin
3. Strong – you are a strong, confident woman (with style)
4. Timeless – you are a classic
5. Simple – you are a minimalist who portrays style without a lot of embellishments
It is currently fall in Australia, however, what is so great about your adjectives is black, white, navy, and gray go from season to season easily.
This is important because your personal color palette combined with these adjectives are successful with a solid foundation of beautiful neutrals.
I understand the challenges of looking great in warm climates, so I definitely kept that in mind when searching for clothing….and I kept in mind your petite size.
Also, you will see some high end pieces here, but with these adjectives you would be purchasing less and not more, so I recommend quality pieces for you.
Just something to consider…you can always look for less expensive versions of these type of looks.
Sue…here are some suggestions of the types of garments you might look for which speak these five adjectives and say to me AUSTRALIA CHIC!
Slide Show #1
Slide Show #2
Let me know how I did, Sue. I hope by getting you to think and hopefully tweak or refine these adjectives that it will set you on the right path to a confident unique Australia Chic YOU!
KEEP SMILING AS YOU WALK THOSE BEACHES!!
By Pamela Lutrell
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25 Comments
Once again, I really get this lady! Completely understand what she’s saying about her lifestyle and style. As I read this, I kept nodding and agreeing with what she is after. You did a terrific job interpreting and with the clothing choices. Looking through, I’m thinking, “yes, yes, yes…” Great job Pam! I know she’s going to love what you came up with. It must be such a blast reading all the descriptions and then coming up with the style adjectives! You do so well with this!!
Thank you, Karen! I look forward to hearing what Sue thinks and a big YES…it is fun to do this!
New follower and really enjoying your posts. Is it just my imagination or are there more clothing stores/options for women over 50 who want stylish and classic clothes? It almost makes me not want to follow bloggers/instagram from abroad because the clothing they can purchase is just not available in the states and its frustrating for me. Same with shoes…I often need my custom orthotics but to find cute/stylish shoes in quality leather is not easy except for European brands which either I cannot purchase here or I can order, pay high shipping costs and then what if they don’t work? I have to pay high costs to return the shoes. haha…do I sound frustrated? Maybe but also sad that I don’t have “my stores” to buy clothing that makes me feel good. Many women live in an area where boutiques are a great option but I am 2.5 hrs from Chicago in NW Indiana and the 3 boutiques we have are for high school/college age. So happy I found your blog and look forward to future posts.
Hi Nancy, I am so happy to have you hear and know you are enjoying the posts. I do want to be clear that even though I have readers around the world, I mostly promote American brands. The brands in my slideshows provide income for me to keep doing what I do. I am honored to have readers from all over the world, but I believe after 11 years of being here, they know what brands they will find. I have confessed to having very difficult feet and so far, I have been able to find brands in the USA that help me to walk in comfort. I love European brands and have worked with a few, though not in awhile. The brands in today’s slideshow are American. I do try my best to use the brands I represent to meet the style women over 50 desire. I believe we can find our unique style and speak the style messages we desire to speak with clothing from anywhere. That is part of the fun!
Thanks for being here and joining in!
I love most of the things you suggested for Sue! Maybe those are my adjectives too. As a soft summer I would need to change some of the colors, but otherwise love this.
So glad it inspired you!
I agree with Sue she sounds about my size and I agree with the way she wants to look. I too shy away form bold prints as they are usually overhwleming for a petite person. I love your advice to her Pam. It is bang on! Thanks so much for this advice. I am going to follow it for myself. Have a great day!
So glad it helped you Beth!!
I am Sue! I’m in North Texas, but some of the same adjectives apply. I’m so glad to meet you.
I love everything you selected for Sue,Pam.
I can’t wait to put your adjectives To the test.
Have a great day everyone
This is so much fun…we are meeting a lot of “Sues” today!!
Love the many white blouses you found for Sue, and the interpretation of her info into a style profile. I love that women around the world are finding you, and that we all can find some common ground in wanting to put our best selves forward. For Nancy in Indiana, and far from easy/great shopping – I really relate to that in southern Oregon. I make several trips a year to Portland to fulfill some of those in-person clothing and shoe needs, but also find Clark’s shoes reliable for my difficult foot needs, and Keds classic canvas sneakers to be very forgiving as well. 😉
Nancy, There are a European brand now produced and sold in the US named Hotter shoes. They have the bigger toe box that makes European shoes so comfortable. Just look on-line for Hotter shoes!!! I also love SAS shoes that are handmade in the US!!! Hope this helps!!!
Thanks Natalie! I live in the city where SAS shoes are made and I have toured the plant. It’s incredible. Thanks for mentioning it. I have owned one pair of shoes by Hotter and really liked them.
Thanks for helping out Connie!
Pamela, I found this women to be very interesting She knows what she wants basically. She’s just having a hard time pinning it down!! I loved the words you picked to describe her!! I find it funny how we always think the grass is greener on the other side. I understand that they pay a great deal for what we can buy a target!! I means $100.oo’s. We really are spoiled Americans when it comes to choice!!! I’m no better!! Hopefully we all will think what we can buy is great or I guess we need to sew or higher a seamstress!!! I have considered doing just that when I can’t find something in my curvy size!! It can be very disappointing!! I had no problems when I was a size 4/6!!!
I liked a lot of the choices you made for Sue. I especially liked the white tops. They are classic but had interesting details, such as the buttons. I certainly understand Sue’s dislike of flowing things as I feel the same way about them. They just aren’t me. I look forward to hearing from Sue.
Great job with the adjectives, Pam! I will always be proud to have been the first person you picked adjectives for! As I pore over adjectives that other people choose, I realize how flexible the adjectives can be, yet they help weed out the so-so choices that we all personally contemplate. My adjectives resinate with me. I am beginning to think about the grammatical advice of “when I’m doubt, leave it out”. I am refocused now on buying only the best for me in color, style, and fit. Our clothes should make us happy. I hope Susan is happy! You had stunning choices. I looked to see if there were any autumnal colors available for some particular items, but not at this point. Our season will come!
So do I, Becky. I know she will get back to us when she can.
Exactly, our style should make us happy and smile before we head out and about! And yes…those colors will come back. I have found a few nice pieces on sale racks recently as fall/winter pieces are cleared out.
Hi Pam
Wow I was blown away, you absolutely nailed it! So much so that I am going to print this out and take it shopping with me. This gives me so much clarity, and I love everyone of the adjectives you picked, they really do sound like me! There were some amazing clothing choices, I particularly love the all white monochromatic from the second slide, the white linen blazer with white pants and the white top looks so chic and classy and I can totally see this working in our hot climate. I will be checking all of these suggestions out over the weekend. All the other comments from your other readers also cemented that I am definitely on the right track. Thanks for putting all this effort into creating something that I can use as my shopping guide, I know I am going to be using this for many years to come. Pam you are one in a million! Much appreciation and admiration from downunder!
Thank you, Sue! Your reaction brings me so much joy! Have fun with it!
Nancy, you are lucky you live in the states, as Canadian we have less choice in clothing, styles and colors. We don’t even have the varietyof stores you have. For example my sister is looking for brown jeans, we see them in ads but not in stores.
Another win for you Pam! I too am petite ( 4’11”!) and while I’m not heavy at all, have the same thickening torso so many older women have. So waistlines are often way too small but my hips are only 33” around. I found that in our hot humid summers I’m most comfortable in pull on linen blend pants. Not so horribly wrinkly, and this year I found a bunch of colors on New York and Co. In petites! For $30! They’re made nicely and holy moly, they fit! No extra pockets, a loose but not crazy wide leg. Something Susan in Australia might enjoy. I normally don’t purchase that brand because it’s too juniory for me , but these pants are perfect. I bought extras just in case they don’t carry them next year!
Hi Susan…I haven’t thought about this brand in a long time. I will check them out and thanks so much…Sue enjoyed the inspiration!
Once again, I really get this lady! Completely understand what she’s saying about her lifestyle and style. As I read this, I kept nodding and agreeing with what she is after. You did a terrific job interpreting and with the clothing choices. Looking through, I’m thinking, “yes, yes, yes…” Great job Pam! I know she’s going to love what you came up with. It must be such a blast reading all the descriptions and then coming up with the style adjectives! You do so well with this!!
Thank you, Karen! I look forward to hearing what Sue thinks and a big YES…it is fun to do this!
New follower and really enjoying your posts. Is it just my imagination or are there more clothing stores/options for women over 50 who want stylish and classic clothes? It almost makes me not want to follow bloggers/instagram from abroad because the clothing they can purchase is just not available in the states and its frustrating for me. Same with shoes…I often need my custom orthotics but to find cute/stylish shoes in quality leather is not easy except for European brands which either I cannot purchase here or I can order, pay high shipping costs and then what if they don’t work? I have to pay high costs to return the shoes. haha…do I sound frustrated? Maybe but also sad that I don’t have “my stores” to buy clothing that makes me feel good. Many women live in an area where boutiques are a great option but I am 2.5 hrs from Chicago in NW Indiana and the 3 boutiques we have are for high school/college age. So happy I found your blog and look forward to future posts.
Hi Nancy, I am so happy to have you hear and know you are enjoying the posts. I do want to be clear that even though I have readers around the world, I mostly promote American brands. The brands in my slideshows provide income for me to keep doing what I do. I am honored to have readers from all over the world, but I believe after 11 years of being here, they know what brands they will find. I have confessed to having very difficult feet and so far, I have been able to find brands in the USA that help me to walk in comfort. I love European brands and have worked with a few, though not in awhile. The brands in today’s slideshow are American. I do try my best to use the brands I represent to meet the style women over 50 desire. I believe we can find our unique style and speak the style messages we desire to speak with clothing from anywhere. That is part of the fun!
Thanks for being here and joining in!
I love most of the things you suggested for Sue! Maybe those are my adjectives too. As a soft summer I would need to change some of the colors, but otherwise love this.
So glad it inspired you!
I agree with Sue she sounds about my size and I agree with the way she wants to look. I too shy away form bold prints as they are usually overhwleming for a petite person. I love your advice to her Pam. It is bang on! Thanks so much for this advice. I am going to follow it for myself. Have a great day!
So glad it helped you Beth!!
I am Sue! I’m in North Texas, but some of the same adjectives apply. I’m so glad to meet you.
I love everything you selected for Sue,Pam.
I can’t wait to put your adjectives To the test.
Have a great day everyone
This is so much fun…we are meeting a lot of “Sues” today!!
Love the many white blouses you found for Sue, and the interpretation of her info into a style profile. I love that women around the world are finding you, and that we all can find some common ground in wanting to put our best selves forward. For Nancy in Indiana, and far from easy/great shopping – I really relate to that in southern Oregon. I make several trips a year to Portland to fulfill some of those in-person clothing and shoe needs, but also find Clark’s shoes reliable for my difficult foot needs, and Keds classic canvas sneakers to be very forgiving as well. 😉
Nancy, There are a European brand now produced and sold in the US named Hotter shoes. They have the bigger toe box that makes European shoes so comfortable. Just look on-line for Hotter shoes!!! I also love SAS shoes that are handmade in the US!!! Hope this helps!!!
Thanks Natalie! I live in the city where SAS shoes are made and I have toured the plant. It’s incredible. Thanks for mentioning it. I have owned one pair of shoes by Hotter and really liked them.
Thanks for helping out Connie!
Pamela, I found this women to be very interesting She knows what she wants basically. She’s just having a hard time pinning it down!! I loved the words you picked to describe her!! I find it funny how we always think the grass is greener on the other side. I understand that they pay a great deal for what we can buy a target!! I means $100.oo’s. We really are spoiled Americans when it comes to choice!!! I’m no better!! Hopefully we all will think what we can buy is great or I guess we need to sew or higher a seamstress!!! I have considered doing just that when I can’t find something in my curvy size!! It can be very disappointing!! I had no problems when I was a size 4/6!!!
I liked a lot of the choices you made for Sue. I especially liked the white tops. They are classic but had interesting details, such as the buttons. I certainly understand Sue’s dislike of flowing things as I feel the same way about them. They just aren’t me. I look forward to hearing from Sue.
Great job with the adjectives, Pam! I will always be proud to have been the first person you picked adjectives for! As I pore over adjectives that other people choose, I realize how flexible the adjectives can be, yet they help weed out the so-so choices that we all personally contemplate. My adjectives resinate with me. I am beginning to think about the grammatical advice of “when I’m doubt, leave it out”. I am refocused now on buying only the best for me in color, style, and fit. Our clothes should make us happy. I hope Susan is happy! You had stunning choices. I looked to see if there were any autumnal colors available for some particular items, but not at this point. Our season will come!
So do I, Becky. I know she will get back to us when she can.
Exactly, our style should make us happy and smile before we head out and about! And yes…those colors will come back. I have found a few nice pieces on sale racks recently as fall/winter pieces are cleared out.
Hi Pam
Wow I was blown away, you absolutely nailed it! So much so that I am going to print this out and take it shopping with me. This gives me so much clarity, and I love everyone of the adjectives you picked, they really do sound like me! There were some amazing clothing choices, I particularly love the all white monochromatic from the second slide, the white linen blazer with white pants and the white top looks so chic and classy and I can totally see this working in our hot climate. I will be checking all of these suggestions out over the weekend. All the other comments from your other readers also cemented that I am definitely on the right track. Thanks for putting all this effort into creating something that I can use as my shopping guide, I know I am going to be using this for many years to come. Pam you are one in a million! Much appreciation and admiration from downunder!
Thank you, Sue! Your reaction brings me so much joy! Have fun with it!
Nancy, you are lucky you live in the states, as Canadian we have less choice in clothing, styles and colors. We don’t even have the varietyof stores you have. For example my sister is looking for brown jeans, we see them in ads but not in stores.
Another win for you Pam! I too am petite ( 4’11”!) and while I’m not heavy at all, have the same thickening torso so many older women have. So waistlines are often way too small but my hips are only 33” around. I found that in our hot humid summers I’m most comfortable in pull on linen blend pants. Not so horribly wrinkly, and this year I found a bunch of colors on New York and Co. In petites! For $30! They’re made nicely and holy moly, they fit! No extra pockets, a loose but not crazy wide leg. Something Susan in Australia might enjoy. I normally don’t purchase that brand because it’s too juniory for me , but these pants are perfect. I bought extras just in case they don’t carry them next year!
Hi Susan…I haven’t thought about this brand in a long time. I will check them out and thanks so much…Sue enjoyed the inspiration!
Here is a link to New York & Company pants if anyone is interested….https://rstyle.me/+CY1MMwTLzIP6i5p5fJH04A