The Tucker Tunic Top

Behold the printed tunic top. Kind of like a souped-up blue shirt - and the grown-up way to embrace casual glamour on a balmy summer's day. An uncomplicated style providing freedom of movement and a subtle flash of colour is the sartorial equivalent of a chilled glass of wine on a rooftop terrace. So. As a wannabe Tucker-wearer and fan of effortless style, this is the kind of sign I like to see when I'm in New York:

Before the Blog Widower could utter the words, 'I'll wait outside,' I'd whipped my top off and joined the fray faster than John Terry at the Champions League Final. After the impromtu trying-on session, I came away with this gorgeous feather print top for a bargainous $100. And a navy blue silk maxi dress which, if the weather holds, I'll be wearing to a friend's wedding this weekend. If not, I'll be in the tunic top and my old Rag & Bone trousers. For a recent business meeting, followed by drinks, I wore my new Tucker top with jeans and these Clarks flatforms (also purchased for the wedding):

J Brand jeans from Matches.

Clarks flatform shoe.

Sadly, I'm still suffering from First Day Of Summer Feet. But with a little perseverance and another box of Elastoplast, by the time the wedding comes around I'll be footloose and plaster-free.



The Tucker feather print top is available from my-wardrobe and Hunter Dunn.

The Old Ladies' Rebellion

How gorgeous do these women look? This fabulous line-up occurred at the finale of The Old Ladies' Rebellion's recent catwalk show. No towering heels, just towelling slippers (and espadrilles). Screen-printed silk dresses with sleeves, elegant trousers and neat edge-to-edge jackets. Fashion for all ages. Perfect.  

One of my first ever blog posts was about twenty-something designer Fanny Karst's label, which is inspired by her admiration for the older generation. So going to this catwalk show - along with meeting Ari Seth Cohen, another champion of Advanced Style - is one of the highlights of my blogging career. The audience was full of elegant women of a certain age, any of whom could have appeared on the catwalk. Before the show I bumped into this lovely lady who told me that she modelled in New York in the sixties and seventies, and helps The Old Ladies' Rebellion out from time to time:

And I was beyond excited to see 83-year-old Daphne Selfe on the catwalk:

The Old Ladies Rebellion has quite a fan club. A dignified crowd who cheer and compliment the models, and don't rush off at the end in typical fash-pack-style. Hanging around, instead, to meet the show's wonderful cast and take a closer look at the clothes. That's Not My Age was lucky enough to have a quick chat with the French-born designer Fanny Karst about her latest collection.

TNMA: What should rebellious old ladies be wearing this year?

FK: 'I'm not a trendsetter, but I would recommend swapping or even stealing items from their daughter's or granddaughter's wardrobes. My top Parisian model Monique Rozier looks very cool in her grandson's bomber jacket. And I'm always stealing my mum's clothes. But obviously for special occasions, I would recommend that they come and see me.'

TNMA: What considerations do you make when designing for older women?

FK: ' There are some easy rules to follow for shape, length (just below the knee for dresses) and fit. In terms of print, I've been encouraged by my customers to take risks. The wilder the print, the better.  My Old Ladies want to be noticed - but their main aim is to look elegant.'

 The fabulous 'See you next year, perhaps!' bomber jacket.

TNMA: So where does the name Old Ladies' Rebellion come from - and does it put younger customers off?

FK: 'The Old Ladies' Rebellion is a name to be taken light-heartedly. It's ironic, it says what it says but also hides a lot too. I'm not worried about what people think, young or old, it's my first name that's the hard one to carry!'

TNMA: Who would you like to see wearing your label?

FK: 'My mother, Andrée Putman, Jay Z's grandmother, Joan Burstein and any of Ari Seth Cohen's Advanced Style ladies.'

TNMA: And what about old ladies like me who can't afford designer clothes?

FK: We have just opened a more affordable line, Karst & CO , for business. Chic sportswear for ladies who don't exercise! It's classic, made in France. Fresh and cool.'



Sounds good to me, think I need to take a closer look.

The Perfect Blue Shirt

Toast shirt.

It's warmer than Barcelona in London at present and to avoid looking like I'm suffering a menopausal meltdown, I've been thinking of ways to stay cool. Ever since I read about Acne's Snowdon Blue campaign earlier this month, I've been determined to find the perfect blue shirt. So determined, I'm able to conveniently overlook the fact that this is the fail-safe fashion item of Prime Ministers -  David Cameron and Tony Blair are both fans - and focus on its more stylish supporters. As the royal photographer points out, 'The blue shirt is anonymous and yet a kind of uniform. It's a simple backdrop that leaves us to focus on the sitter's face without distraction.'

Actress Emma Thompson.

David Bowie.

At £180 a pop, the Acne shirt is right off my pay scale. So, I've  found a couple of reasonably priced alternatives. The collarless version from Toast (above), in a stunning shade of cornflower, and this little number from Gap:

The perfect blue shirt works with white pants, jeans, chinos and maxi skirts. And when I've got my hands on one, I'll show you how.


Have a lovely weekend.

Punk's got cred

Samuel Johnson said, 'Patriotism was the last refuge of the scoundrel.' And I'm usually inclined to agree, but to complete my Spirit of '77 Jubilee Look I'm thinking of buying one of these handmade silk cashmere scarves from the Conran Shop. The distressed finish says punk not UKIP. Feels more Vivienne Westwood than Nick Griffin. Its faded colour scheme would look good with denim jeans, a navy blazer and an old t-shirt, and I could add a regal spin with a pair of diamanté earrings.

God Save The Queen.

Punk's Not Dead

Every lamp post in central London is decorated with Union Jack bunting, every shop window filled with cheap patriotic tat, every magazine with the best royal buys - biscuit tin with a corgi on the lid, anyone? And I can feel my inner punk stirring. By the time it gets to Jubilee Weekend, I'll be playing Anarchy in the UK on repeat, snarling like John Lydon and wearing a pair of these fabulous pumps from Pretty Ballerinas. Just hope there's another pair out there with 'The Bollocks' on the toes.

To read my thoughts on what makes British Style great, visit A Femme d'Un Certain Age today where you'll find my guest blog post.