I can’t tell you how excited I was to turn 40 today. Even with deeply set laughter lines, crow’s feet, blemished legs and a bust line that absolutely requires a bra, I can sincerely say that I have never felt more fabulous than I do right now. As Geneviève Antoine-Dariaux says: “Elegance is the privilege of age”. I have four decades under my belt and finally feel I’ve earned this rite of passage.
My teens were awful, which made my 20’s a blessing. My 30’s were better than my 20’s so I can only assume that my 40’s will be another step up. If so, I’m sure that I’m going to feel even better in my 50’s. Life keeps on getting better!
At 40 I feel a special energy. A verve and passion for life and for what I do that I have never felt before. I can attend NY Fashion Week and be one of the oldest fashion bloggers there and still feel that I run with the best of them (in low heels or flats that is — my days of running in high heels are over). I have 18 years of international fashion and style experience behind me and that feels phenomenal.
As much as my personal style has evolved, some things just don’t change. I’m still obsessed with pearls and handbags. And my love for sheath dresses, trench coats, biker jackets, Converse sneakers, saturated colours, strong black and white statements, geometric patterns and military jackets continues unabated. In some instances my current style is more daring and trendy than it was when I was younger, because I’m more comfortable in my skin. But in other ways my dress sense has become more refined, sophisticated and classic. What I enjoy most is mixing up the two vibes, which makes me feel ageless.
A big thank you to everyone who inspires my style each day. From people on the streets of Hong Kong, London, Paris and my late Mum, to Vera Wang, Coco Chanel, Greg, gals who take fashion risks, the blogosphere, and all our forum members. Of course, I also have to mention my two little Yorkies, Rosie and Jasmine, who mostly wear the same furry outfit but inspire me anyway.
A very heartfelt shout out to YLF forum members over the age of 50 who continuously post their outfits. Your killer style inspires me more than you know and I hope to have as much spunk and grace as you do when I hit my fifth decade.
Cheers to another 40 years of having fun with fashion. I hope you will join me.
These pictures were taken in and around Hing Hay park in Seattle’s international district, just a few minutes away from where we live. I love the Asian vibe in this neighborhood because it makes me feel connected to my days growing up in Hong Kong. By the way, that’s my red Golf in the background — it matches my shoes!
