Tell us about yourself?
Well, let’s see. I would describe myself as an animal-loving, creative soul who lost her way in the corporate world for a long time during my formative work years. Feeling compelled to fit into the hamster wheel of life and also somewhat conditioned by the ideology of that way of life being the only way to make real money, and that was ‘just how it is.’
My family was poor as church mice so the idea of singing (I always had that dream as a youngster) or working in fashion seemed like girly nonsense to them. I came to understand that work meant something that you must do to live but not to enjoy. It has been a long road for me, but I believe I have finally cut my own groove in life. The original allure of color, texture, and identity I discovered as a child through clothing has remained my anchor and passion.
What do you do for work?
In my last year in the sixth form at school, and meeting with the careers advisor, who asked me what I wanted to be. At that moment, I chose the wrong path as my answer was that” I did not know.” When really I did, I was just too scared to own my truth. To work with fashion and maybe sing a little in a small, local jazz bar. I thought she would think I was foolish. Funny now that I think of it as she thought I was foolish anyway for not knowing, so I may as well have told her!
I ended up trying many different careers, which was not necessarily bad; at least I discovered all the things I did not want to do. It helped me to understand who I really wanted to be. My most meaningful careers have been as a personal assistant(in all its guises; Executive, Virtual – which I currently do part-time). As a personal fitness trainer and massage therapist. I worked part-time in all these roles, as I have always wanted some me-time to develop my passion for styling and fashion. Some of my clients have been women I have ended up styling. I would arrive for work, and they would often remark on my outfits and ask me to re-work their wardrobes.
During the pandemic, I had 3 physical injuries; a torn calf muscle, a dislocated shoulder, and a foot operation. I had plenty of time to reflect on my stage of life on how to move forward while I recuperated. I always knew I wanted to focus more on styling but was stuck in my comfort zone, too scared to take a leap of faith in my abilities. I reconnected with my fantastic photographer Zoe Griffin (who quickly became a great friend and keeps me young as she is half my age!). I began building a catalog of styling on my Instagram page, @theelegantstylist. And that’s how I came across AndBloom, seeking out other pages of women over forty who would have similar interests and values to my own.
You have an excellent fashion style. Can you tell us about it?
Thank you so much! I actually love yours too. My style is elegant chic, with an edge. The name “The Elegant Stylist” was borne because my friends often refer to my look as elegant. Elegant styling is no longer about twin sets and pearls and high-end price tags. Still, it will always be about how you carry yourself in your clothing and how well you pull an outfit together whilst still expressing your sense of self.
Ultimately my mission is to offer inspiration to women over forty. Women who have perhaps lost their way as they have ventured into a new life chapter demonstrate how to elevate their look. I like AndBloom; I feel emboldened when I see women on social media that I can identify with. I would like to be involved in uplifting women (as they do me) in some way that will strengthen their resolve to “wear the life they want to live.”
For example, I rarely save any clothes for the best. My mother used to do it, and it breaks my heart to recall the suitcase she kept under her bed, with all these beautiful clothes that she never wore. I vowed never to live my life in a suitcase. So I wear my most elegant items out for a walk and a coffee if I am so inclined. And I am so glad I developed this habit because of the smiles and comments of approval on the strangers I encounter. It makes it worthwhile, knowing I have brought a smile to someone else’s day.
What’s the one thing you most hope for personally in the coming year?
Simply to move forward, always. I really try to stay in the moment as much as I can. Looking forward or back can fill my anxiety and stop me from doing anything at all, as standing still feels safer. That said, it would be super lovely to have impacted some women positively through my styling. That would really make me happy.
What Would You Tweet to Your Younger Self?
I would never tweet my younger self; it’s so not my thing. I find Twitter can be a scary place. However, I would tell her not to ignore her gut instinct and listen to it about everything, especially people. It is rarely wrong, and it is trying to protect you.
Any surprises about getting older?
Yes! The flaming menopause! Why did no one tell me just how life-changing it can be! If anything has changed me the most, it is going through menopause. I have found it physically and mentally exhausting. It has drastically changed how I feel about my body and the way I look. It is the one thing that convinced me that if there is a God, he must be a man because no woman would inflict this on another!
Knowing yourself now, what would you tell your 80-year-old self?
I have never imagined myself at eighty. I think I am too scared to look that far ahead. Although I think I would probably say something along the lines of “you had better have lived a full life and said and done all those things you dreamed about!”
Favorite fashion brands we should know about?
Not a brand per se but Vintage. I love high street fashions but the world is changing. It simply cannot sustain fast fashion without compromise and adaptation. It is one of the world’s biggest polluters. Vintage has so much history and a story to tell. It very often is far more exciting and of higher quality. Really if you want to develop your own individual style. Then source vintage pieces that speak to your identity, and that way, you will never be dressed like any other person you meet. My most remarked upon pieces are very often vintage items.
What Keeps You Up At Night?
Night sweats from menopause. Dreams about exes – why do they always come to you in your dreams! Haha! I am a big dreamer! I have the most realistic dreams that I remember even as I wake and often return to sleep to see how my dream shall end. Sometimes my dreams can be the best part of my day; does that sound sad? It is not meant to, but I often dream of life events simply an extension of my real life. Still, in my dream, I get to decide how I want them to end, add in a few sunsets and me riding a white Palamino horse on a beach and, of course, a fabulous outfit! Haha!
What’s your age, and how old do you feel?
I will be 56 in December, so I am Sagittarius; they say we are fiery, and I agree with that. Although not in an aggressive way, more exuberance. I feel about 38, more mentally than physically though, I never had backache in my thirties!
That said, I am relieved to find that many of the tales I heard about getting older are true. I feel more confident, able to speak my mind, weirdly sexier, and most definitely wiser.
Jordan is a guest Bloomer. Her beautiful pictures were shot by photographer Zoe Griffin who did a wonderful job shooting in AndBloom style.
Instagram: @zoegriffinphoto
Website: www.zoegriffinphoto.com
