Age Disruptor?

Michael Waring

Meet Juliette Branker: beauty industry disruptor.

Up until a day ago, I'd never heard of the term Age Disruptor, but I looked it up and found this - Age disruptors come from all age groups to bust preconceived ideas about aging.

A friend sent me the link to an article about Juliette see here. At 62 she is age-defyingly beautiful and certainly not what any of us would describe as old!  My friend Judy thought the term age disruptor applies to me too given my recent modelling adventures. To be perfectly honest, the article came at just the right time. Since returning from Cape Town I'd had cause to question why on earth I was doing this - putting myself up for rejection at this time of my life? Self doubt is no stranger in my life. On reading the article I recognised an element of myself in Juliette's language - phrases such as "Why not?" and "What do I have to lose?" summed up my philosophy too. 


I was recently sent details of a competition in a magazine, an age related topic along the lines of Why Not? which resulted in this impromptu photo shoot in my kitchen. A friend of my daughter's had seen it and thought of me. I'm often asked how my little adventures come about and there's no trick to it. We all hear of or see opportunities flagged up in various places, but for the most part think, Oh that's not for me! I, on the other hand, think Why not? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. This far I've been lucky and have had a positive result with the few things I've pursued. Until the other day that is, when I discovered that I'd not made the cut for a modelling job I'd been hoping for. It was my first experience of rejection within this new #sidehustle of mine. I thought my luck had run out. Was the party over? Had it just been my 60th year that somehow had cast this magical spell over me? 



Juliette was asked -

What’s your advice for women in their 50s and above who have dreams of modeling?
Go for it! You’re never too old. If you have the desire, don’t let this be an ‘I wish I did’ sort of thing. Even if you get a “no,” get 50 no's. Don’t let anything stop you. Don’t live in regret. 
And yes, this was maybe my first rejection, but I had to come to terms with it and understand that what had happened previously was no more than beginners luck and that I'd have to suffer rejection in order to grow. Pick myself up, dust myself off and start all over again, as someone once said.


Another quote of Juliette's that really strikes a chord with me is - 

"But – if they ask me to not smile for a shoot, I can’t do it.  I end up looking miserable. I never get those jobs." 
A smile is a natural facelift and also adds a bit of life, a sparkle to my complexion. As we get older our resting face can belie the happiness within - I know my resting face can look quite miserable, but that's not what I feel. Well, most of the time, anyway!


There's a book on this subject too which I've just ordered - it's called "Disrupt Aging - Living Your Best Life At Every Age" and golly I can't wait to read it. See more here


A couple of days later Sasha and I went out to shoot this outfit again. The main feature is the trousers which were in the Zara sale. The denim is weighty and the cut is neat around the waist and hips, beautifully wide over the leg, making for a fab fit. I ran with the theme of black and brown, adding my Zara sock boots from last year. A simple black polo neck was all that was needed under my studded jeans jacket by Michael Kors. The belt is old, from H&M and my crochet phone pouch is again from Zara - the sale is still on see here


The tiny phone case is a novel idea for me. I love that I know exactly where my phone is and no longer have that panic and scramble when I hear it ring and have to race to catch it in time. The other thing we must talk about is this rather lovely citrine ring. You may recall that I arrived back into the UK on the morning of my birthday. I spent that day in Truro, primarily to buy myself a new laptop. Steve rang me when I was at Gatwick airport waiting to fly down to Cornwall and confessed that he hadn't bought me anything for my birthday. That's no biggie in our house as he's not an online shopper and works in the woods all day so can't nip to a shopping centre to find me a present. We laughed at his confession and I offered to remedy the situation while I was in Truro. I visited TK Maxx first of all and found the most amazing orange sequinned jacket which I've already showcased here. After a bit of browsing through the rest of town, I came across this ring in a little jewellers window. For years I've wanted a citrine gemstone ring and this one seemed to have my name on it. I tried it on and it fitted - and because it didn't need to be adjusted I was given a 20% discount - not too shabby! Since then I've been reading up on the qualities of the stone. It's known for its powers of manifestation of wealth and success, and for encouraging generosity and shared good fortune. I like the sound of that.


This weekend I'm off-island having a little jaunt in Cornwall. I'm taking this outfit with me and hope to meet up with friends for lunch while I'm away. A haircut and some retail therapy are also on the cards. The gallery will be opening for business on the 15th of March so I thought I'd fit in a mini-break before things take off again. I hope you all have a lovely weekend too!

                                                            Anna x

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14 comments

  1. Very cool outfit - just when I was getting bored with leopard print, you produce such stunning trousers I am so envious! Keep up with the modelling assignments - you're bound to get the occasional No, but probably more often a yes! I agree with you and Juliette that we always look better smiling as we get older - it provides a natural lift! And who wants to look miserable?

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    1. Cheers for your vote of approval with these new trousers. I know we can tire of seeing the same old prints sometimes, but the cut of these jeans is what makes them a bit special. Let's keep on smiling too!

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  2. Fierce and fabulous Age Disruptor Anna!
    Keep up the good work beautiful lady.
    XXX

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  3. What a fabulous outfit - you know I'm drooling over that studded jacket! Yes to Age Disruption! Here's to blowing all those preconceived notions of what 50+ or 60+ women are "supposed" to be!

    I nearly always smile in my pictures - I just like it better. Glad you do too. Happy weekend, my dear!

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    1. I'm not sure if I've ever conformed to the norm, Sheila, so it won't be happening any time soon! I think it's also referred to as ageing disgracefully, which probably applies to us both too my dear.

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  4. That edgey combination of black, silver, and copper is brilliant and the textures make it vibrate with palpable coolness. The spikey jacket is perfectly "bookended" by those booties! I just LOVE this look!

    There's some wonderful karma in this universe of ours. You're inspiring many women by sharing the rich fullness of your recent adventures. I think those daily ocean swims have taught you to bravely immerse yourself while keeping watchful. You're happily learning to thrive in uncharted waters. Women in their 60's aren't often expected to be learning or thriving. You my friend, are doing both and looking good all the while!

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    1. Hahaha, I'm so pleased you love this look too Judy - it's another new favourite of mine - that's until the next one comes along!
      You're certainly right about the learning Judy. I've still got a thirst for knowledge and am constantly trying to push myself to fit more into my wonderfully blessed life. It's so good to have your feedback, thank you x

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  5. Keep smiling - you are and look fabulous. Love - Jill stylishatsixty x
    www.stylishatsixty.wordpress.com

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    1. Aw, thank you Jill. Some outfits really do help me feel fabulous - such is the joy of dressing without boundaries.

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  6. Anna, please don't stop doing what you are so good at. You my constant inspiration and so much admire your style, it's very unique and you have to share it with us. One rejection is not the end of the world, you will get something even better, I am sure
    https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Anna for this lovely feedback - it's a great boost. I've discovered the reality of the business and it's helped me to see how very lucky I've been so far. Keep on keeping on, is what I'll do, I promise!

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  7. Age disruptor - i love it! Defo think you're a leader in 'over's' fashion and style. Well done Anna, super read. x Jacqui Mummabstylish

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    1. Thanks so much for your vote of confidence Jacqui. It's good for us all to find out these new ideas, isn't it? x

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