As an obsessive blogger, my work is never done. Even when I'm offline, I'm thinking about blogging. The other day, I was cycling along minding my own business, when I clocked a beautifully dressed woman walking down the street. It was Gitte Lee. 'Excuse me,' I yelled excitedly from the kerbside, 'You're on the cover of the Advanced Style book aren't you?' The 78-year-old former model was very charming, told me that she's often recognised and allowed me to take this cheeky snap. What I love about Lee is her timeless style. The fact that she does her own thing regardless of what's in fashion - in nearly every photo she's wearing a wide brimmed hat, summer coat and wide leg trousers. This signature look is easier to see in Ari Seth Cohen's photograph (not taken from a bicycle, in the glare of the midday sun):
So, numbers one and two on my warm weather checklist are: a sun hat and a pair of wide leg trousers. I have several pairs that I love wafting around in. Might have to ask in-house photographer Mr That's Not My Age if he fancies a spot of trouser action, this week.
Number three is the stripy maxi dress. I know I'm repeating myself here but I'm not the only fashion journalist in town who believes in the power of the striped frock. It was a case of Style Snap, last week, when I bumped into the very lovely Sally-Ann Caroll:
A couple of readers asked where they could find something similar - Sally Ann's dress is from New Look, last year (this year they appear to have ditched the sleeves), and the best I've come up with is this maxi dress in the sale at Jaeger. But it's in the sale, so get your skates on:
And Boden has a sleeveless version that could be worn with a tricep-concealing denim jacket or knotted white shirt:
Having been slayed by Sandal Rub, you may have noticed that I've ditched my plimsoll boycott and reverted to Converse. The All Stars were sidelined several years ago when I spotted David Cameron in a pair - and as anyone who watched Wimbledon knows, this is not a man with much summer style sense. But mostly, I've been wearing checklist item number four: Clarks Originals. These tan leather sandals are great on my bike and look good with black Harem pants and faded jeans. Plus, they're in the sale too, so I might just treat myself to another pair.
What's on your warm weather checklist?
She looks absolutely fantastic.
ReplyDeleteAs for the maxi dress, you look adorable, especially with the sneakers, but it's just one of those trends I'm going to pass up for the most part. I don't get it, at least on me.
Yours is the best version I've seen:).
Oh my goodness, how amazing is that? Isn't she just super stylish and oh-so wonderful? I love your photos and yes to a sun hat! Happy day, lovely.
ReplyDeleteShe looks amazing. Those hats add such drama to her beautiful look. Loving the striped dress. Mine is short sleeved from last year. It must be belted because I'm short and I wear it with sandals. Sneakers just aren't my look.
ReplyDeleteGitte always looks amazing and is quite striking in person - plus very friendly (met her a few years back in Greenwich) which isn't always a given when people get recognised so much.
ReplyDeleteAs for the shoes, I seem to always end up in Birkenstocks. With feet like P&O Ferries, most shoes and sandals seem to give me some sort of pain which is extremely annoying. Just recovered from a massive case of extensor tendonitis caused by a pair of Clarks shoes - not fun... :-(
I always struggle with summer clothes; sadly, none of these will work for me either - wide-legged pants look ridiculous because I'm short, and a striped maxi would simply highlight the cylinder (or sausage) shape of my physique ... I just swelter through summer in jeans.
ReplyDeleteWow. Gitte is chic as hell. I need to find a wide-brimmed hat like that.
ReplyDeleteLilah
I've just had a flashback to 1974, what fun! Clarks sandals aka "Jesus" sandals, for obvious reasons, worn with wide legged jeans rolled up at the ankles - happy days!
ReplyDeleteGitte always looks amazing. Love your stripe and trainer look
ReplyDeleteLove the maxi dresses, wish I could do a maxi something but can't.
ReplyDeleteI have floppy palazzo linen pants too that make me feel great as I don't have to worry about my legs, also cotton safari and linen shirt dresses are essential. My Trina sandals and flat gladiators are the most useful.
Summer is tough for me. I'm 5'1", and carry all my weight from the waist up. In other words, I won't be taking any jobs away from a supermodel. My dresses can't be too long, there can't be too much fabric in anything. Clothes that are a bit more fitted work perfectly. Super slim pants and jeans are a winner.
ReplyDeleteHaving a second look, I see that her photo on Ari's site and book have been photoshopped. I'm disappointed they felt the need to do this to such a beautiful face. No wonder we struggle to accept our aging beauty!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer - oh that's a shame. I can assure you that my photo hasn't been touched.
ReplyDeleteAnd that is why I could see her beautiful face in its natural state! Photoshopping is so prevalent we frequently aren't even aware of it. Even when subtle, its insulting.
ReplyDeleteVery true.
ReplyDeleteJust love her look I intend to head in a similar direction as the years progress. I already do the hat thing out of necessity to protect my nose. Wore a simple maxi dress yesterday and felt great in it.
ReplyDeleteAri DOES NOT photoshop the women on his site. YES a photo on the cover of a BOOK is going to use the latest technology to make it look marketable or our Dumbed Down Society would think there was something seriously wrong with the book. Ari does the best work out there promoting woman as we age and needs to be commended!!!!!
ReplyDeleteShe does look amazing. I have two pair of wide linen pants and every time I wear them I get complimented. I wore my natural colored pair last weekend and my granddaughter said, "You make me look like a hot mess!" Wow!
ReplyDeleteAnd I like your maxi look. I would probably wear something a little more summery--may have to check out the Boden look. I have been hesitant to take the plunge....
Angele - oh I completely agree with you about Ari, he's the champion of style at any age and his photographs of older women are fabulous. He's really making a difference.
ReplyDeleteGitte Lee is very elegant and I admire her! How wonderful that you came across her on the street. I can relate about thinking about blogging in the midst of all that happens in life.
ReplyDeleteI am very inspired by your summer stapes... I must go find my wide legged pants!
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