First up, my humblest apologies for being totally crap and not writing anything for, ooh, just looking back through my posts, feck, it was October my last one. Jeez. In my defence I was monumentally busy with work, the loft extension, then Christmas and well, the next thing I knew it was 2022.

I’ve been sorting through my wardrobe before reinstating it into my new loft extension, and I’ve been recycling loads of stuff I no longer wear (which was a big pile) and it got me thinking about how I have my head turned by outfits I see on other people, who not only have totally different body shapes to me, but also totally different styles. Then surprise surprise, I wear said item once and realise it looks like utter wank on me. Which got me thinking about being more strict with my purchasing and how I should stick to my own style. Which made me question what exactly my style is and who I would want to dress like. Which in turn led to my top five style icons.

So here are my top five, in no particular order..

Renee Russo as Catherine Banning in the Thomas Crown Affair

I know, I know weirdly specific. Kate Harrington was the stylist on this movie. I’m infatuated with every single outfit, pretty much. It’s just so polished. I love her hair too. I’d lose the pearls though.

Kate Moss

How could she not be in? Not the first, but certainly one of the coolest rock chicks. She knows her own style and isn’t afraid to mix it up. Always ahead of the curve, like always. Definitely need to remember to Be more Moss when getting dressed

Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw

I haven’t watched much of And Just Like That, some of it was just too cringey for me, but I have been following the outfits on Insta (@justlikethatcloset). I still heart loads of the SATC outifts even now – styled by Patricia Field. Quite a lot of classic stuff, but with an edge. What’s not to love?

Grece Ghanem

I love Grece. If you don’t know her, Grece is a 53-year old personal trainer from Montreal. Grece’s style is classic tailoring in vibrant colours, making it a less staid and therefore less ageing. Just really cool. I love her hair as well – in fact I think she may well have featured in a shampoo ad a while back.

Find Grece on Instagram here.

Emma Stone as Cruella

Again, another strangely specific choice. I watched this movie with my mouth open, honestly the clothes were just stunning. It’s sort of Westwood, it’s sort of punk, it’s sort of bonkers. I think this quote from the movie sums the style up perfectly “The thing is, I was born brilliant, born bad, and a little bit mad. I’m Cruella.” I’m in love with this entire wardrobe. (minus the hair, I’m no where near cool enough to carry that off). Emma Stone’s outfits were styled by Jenny Beavan. Actually, a lot of Emma Thompson’s outfits were utterly gorgeous too.

In Summary

So I think my style is classic but colourful tailoring with a soupcon of madness. That’s all I’m going to be buying from now on. Brace yourselves.

People who didn’t make the cut were – 80s Madonna, Katherine and Audrey (Hepburn), Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy and Victoria Beckham, (not during the WAG era) I should have done more than five icons.

Menopause Moment

Actually this is going to be more of a rant than a moment. Why can’t I get testosterone on the NHS? They are happy to help with oestrogen and progesterone (kind of) so why not testosterone? That was also in my body originally and is now depleting as part of the menopause. It’s not like I’m asking for something that wasn’t already there. So why the hell not?

On the upside, I have found a natural alternative. Maca. Have I mentioned this before? Oh wait, I don’t remember, because of my menopause brain fog. Actually, I don’t think testosterone helps with brain fog, I hear Vitamin B12 does, but lets not ruin the rant.

Maca Root is produced from an ancient plant with many uses in the present day. It has become extremely popular as a supplement, although it has been used by the native people in Peru, where it grows, for many years. With properties with the potential to enhance strength, stamina and energy. This one from Sara’s Choice gets rave reviews. Sara’s Choice are based in Ireland, but they do deliver worldwide if you drop them an email. They are very lovely and accommodating especially as I think I changed my last order about three times.

Sara’s Choice Certified Organic 3Root Maca Veg Caps from €25.68

Would love to hear who your style icons are. And can anyone answer why I can’t get testosterone on the NHS please?

Have a good week.x