As suggested by...Karren.

Today I thought I might introduce a new feature to my blog which has come about thanks to one of my readers. She classes herself as a "lurker", but felt the need to comment to give me some feedback. Well, I'm delighted to convert you to becoming a commenter Karren, and also to accommodate you with your suggestion. Karren wanted me to pair up my beautiful Micheal Kors boots with my leather jeans and a short jacket. Initially I thought this was a bit too racy for me, but I then realised that if I actually have these items in my wardrobe then I'm surely a bit racy anyway! I've no idea if this is what she had in mind, but I kinda ran with the idea of rock-chick seasoned with a liberal dash of sparkle.













This entire outfit flies in the face of age appropriate dressing which I find totally liberating. Since starting my blog nearly a year ago, I can say that I'm increasingly becoming more myself. What? you may well be asking. Let me explain. In the run up to launching my blog I followed lots of fashion blogs and also did a lot of reading and researching into all sorts of aspects of self development. One very useful book was "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin. This contained an abundance of wonderful, empowering advice, but the one phrase that struck a chord with me was her advice to herself to "be more Gretchen". I took that to heart and have used it daily to help me redefine myself if I feel I'm losing my way. I still urge myself to be more *Gretchen at times when I think I may be in danger of becoming a lesser version of myself through emotional or physical neglect, or even by being swayed by outside influences which are not to my benefit. So, what I mean to say is; the freedom to have somewhere to express myself through my outfits has enabled me to explore my heart's desire and be my true self. Clothes and shoes I may have previously looked longingly at, I now pluck off the rack and try them on. You, my readers, and fellow bloggers have played a massive part in my fashion liberation, and for that I thank you. I'm neither a slave to trends, nor am I aspiring to be a trend setter, but I know what I like and I know how I like to look. The joy of the platform that is my blog, is that I may share my whimsical outfits, and racy get-ups with you from behind the relative safety of my laptop.

*
Yes, I know I'm probably meant to say "be more Anna", but the power seems to come from what her name reminds me to do, thanks to the book (it's also more comical when I say it out loud). I contacted Gretchen once my blog was up and running, and told her how influential her advice had been. She was indeed happy to have helped and said she would become one of my first background followers - my readership figures seem to reflect a fair few of these amongst you.

I have two more "As suggested by..." posts already lined up where I'm responding to fellow bloggers suggestions. Please do feel free to pop your suggestion in my comments box, whoever you are. Anything you've already seen on my blog can be paired up with anything else (within reason) according to your fancy. I'm interested in having different viewpoints and ideas to work with over the next few months. My other new feature "Ping-Pong Post" is going to become a regular monthly feature and there's no reason why "As suggested by..." can't be too. Please come along and join in. See you all again on Sunday x

Jacket: Micheal Kors. Top: H&M. Trousers: H&M. Boots: Michael Kors. Necklace and rings: old.

Linking with
Cherie at Style Nudge
Jess at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish
Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy 

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24 comments

  1. I'm still searching for those gorgeous boots, and now I have a jacket to find too! looking the part here Anna, and with a figure to be proud of.
    Laurie x

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    1. To my absolute surprise I found out that I can actually walk a fair distance in these boots, so I'm afraid I won't be getting rid of them just yet. Thanks for your lovely feedback x
      Anna

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  2. Brilliant rock chick loo, Anna! You look fab and the outfit shows off your lovely slim figure. x

    Veronica
    vronni60s.blogspot.com

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    1. Veronica, so lovely to hear from you! Are you still in Ireland? Thanks for getting in touch and saying all these lovely things x
      Anna

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  3. Anna this may well be one of my favorite looks on you! Glamorous biker chick perfection...you look gorgeous! You are absolutely radiating confidence in this outfit. Well done!
    Debbie
    www.fashionfairydust.com

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    1. Hey thank you Debbie. I must admit this really did make me feel pretty fab. It may well be my favourite outfit of the moment too! Good of you to drop by x
      Anna

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  4. One word...YES! (And now I'm off to look for that book!)

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  5. Yowza! Hot mamma! Thank you Karren! Very cool look.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. Good for Karren, eh? I had my reservations, but when I found that sequin top, I knew it could turn trashy into plain ol' flashy! Thanks Suzanne, I know you'd rock this look too x
      Anna

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  6. I love this look (like this surprises you!) - it's totally badass but also classy and very "you". I covet that jacket!

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    1. Sheila, you're so right - this feels so very me. Being more Gretchen clearly suits me!
      Anna x

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  7. I think Karren did herself proud!! You give off such a sexy yet sophisticated vibe in this outfit!! jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. Jodie, at my age there's a fine line we tread. Sexy yet sophisticated is a very welcome description, thank you!
      Anna x

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  8. Wow, this is one of my favourite looks on you, hardcore with spangle. Love it! You seem very "Anna" in it. Heh. I so agree with how blogging is such a fantastic platform for exploration and acceptance.

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    1. Some outfits you just put on and feel totally right, and this is one of them. It's completely over-the-top dressing for this little island existence, but I'll still strut my stuff regardless of seeming a bit out of step. Hurrah for the joys of blogging then!
      Anna x

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  9. Racy? Check!
    Fabulous? Check!
    Winning look? Check.
    Thank you Karren for being the catalyst for this outfit...now all we need is the night out, Anna!
    XXX
    Samantha

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    1. Thanks Samantha for all the votes of approval. Gimme the excuse again and I'll be out there!
      Anna x

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  10. OH MY WORD ANNA!! how amazing do you look you have really took the sexy yet classy look to another level i really adore this outfit on you as i have told you i love all your outfit's and your style in general but this outfit has to be my all time favorite you rally have a great body for this outfit i am so glad you tried it i think all ladys over 40 should look at this blog...

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    1. Dearest Karren, I'm so sorry to have missed your response here. Anyway, I have you to thank for pushing me in a direction I honestly would never have dreamed of taking. I like to play with only a hint of sexy now that I'm in my 50's as I worry it might look a bit seedy/desperate, but I was so surprised when I put this on and really loved it! Let me know if you have any other suggestions...
      Anna x

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  11. 'Be more Anna' - Yes, yes, yes! We all do, indeed to be more ourselves. I'm so glad this blogging experience is freeing you and letting your artistic side be truly expressed. Isn't it wonderful?
    The sequin top is perfect with the trousers especially as it picks up the colours of the boots. I think this looks fantastic on you Anna.
    Sorry I've not stopped by until now. Life has been crazy busy and I'm behind on catching up on my blog reading but you know I always like to pop over and support.
    And how timely we both did rock chick style outfits this week! When you're next in London, we'll have to go out together wearing them both! Wouldn't that be an absolute hoot!

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Jacqueline I think we're both the same with our desire to keep up with other blogs, but are always on the run. Good intentions are understood though. I did laugh when I saw you on IG with your own rock chic version - great minds, eh? I'd love us to take London by storm in our hot outfits!
      Anna x

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  12. You rock chick you. Looking perfect. And I am glad you are becoming more Anna.
    Greetje

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