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Vicki Archer ~ AGELESS STYLE

 

 How would YOU describe your style?

Classic with a twist. 

I have always loved tailored pieces but I like to wear them in a less traditional way. I’m not so conservative by nature but with dressing I veer towards the elegant and simple. I have faithful pieces I wear over and over, that stand the test of time and also my style is comfortable. If I am feeling comfortable all is well in my world.

I am a walking contrast in many ways. I will wear the latest fashion look and least conservative footwear and yet my hair is natural grey and shoulder length. I believe personal style is similar to an interior; we can’t be all stars and no chorus line. It’s the blending together that makes signature style.

 What inspires your signature style?

JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I SEE!

My travels, the women around me, film and television fashion and my daughters, they inspire me. They are both so different in how they dress and yet we identify with each other’s.

When I consider a new piece or recommend it to my readers I have a little game I play. I ask myself would I wear it and would my daughters also wear it? If the three of us could find a way to work it then I am fairly confident it will be a winner.

 What accessory CAN YOU NOT DO WITHOUT?

RED LIPSTICK.

My advice, wear it well and wear it often.

 FAVORITE COLOR?

All over I guess it’s pink.

In fashion I am a fan of the jewel shades – emerald, ruby, amethyst.

What I wear most of the time is black/grey/cream and then I add a touch of the jewel when my mood needs uplift.

 

 Do you have a SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?

Right now – it is sneakers/trainers and blouses. 

I wear SNEAKERS with absolutely everything. This is one fashion moment I am taking advantage of.

I also am a dress person – I adore wearing a dress that makes me feel feminine and as if I have made an extra effort. A dress gives me a “going out” feeling whether I am or not.

 What are your style strengths?

I know what I like and what suits me. I can walk into a boutique or browse online and within seconds see exactly what I like and what would work for me. It’s something I have always been able to do and I love helping other friends shop – even if our styles aren’t the same I can pick at 30 paces what they would look fabulous in and what they would feel comfortable in. 

 Do you have a style icon?

So many beautiful women exude style. I admire many women, both young and old for their interpretations. 

Style is not only about what you wear but also a state of mind. There are too many to single out a few but what I wholeheartedly admire is women who know their own minds, women who represent who they are through their fashion. I love strength in style; even the very simple can be so strong in execution. 

What are your beauty essentials that you couldn’t do without?

I am a big fan of cleansing the skin. I cleanse morning and evening and often twice in one sitting. I use a very gentle cleanser so my skin, which has a tendency to be dry, doesn’t become dryer.

My other can’t-live-without is serum. I use it morning and evening under my night and day creams. 

I am also pretty partial to a leave on mask – either for treatment to replenish or just because I enjoy the relaxation and down time it provides.

 Do you have repeat offenders in your closet if so what are they?

Not really. I have become pretty adept at knowing what works. I am quite cautious when it comes to investing in expensive pieces and make sure they are worth it. 

I have a rule when I am shopping – the new piece must either replace an existing one that is no longer viable, be a completely new addition or be better than what I already own.

Otherwise what happens is I continually buy the same over and over. I have lost count of the number of “similar” dresses I have shopped over the years.

Now I am far more ruthless with myself. It is not only about cost, which can be a false sense of saving; utility is where it’s at. Cost-per-wear is what we should be considering.

 What advise do you have for women over 50, or over 40?

My ageing philosophy, which is be “better” rather than “younger”, has really been a brilliant way for me to approach every year. 

For women so much emphasis is on looking “younger”. It’s a no win game. We cannot possibly retreat, recapture the past, but we can advance and be the best, if not better versions of ourselves. I don’t want to waste my energy on a useless endeavor and a demoralizing one. I celebrate every day; it is a joy and privilege to get older. I much prefer me now than then. I wish I had figured this out earlier.

If I could speak to my 40 year old self I would tell her to relax, to celebrate her beauty and stop worrying about what she’s not and work towards being who she wants to be. 

 Do you have any style rules that you live by?

Wear what suits YOU and what makes you feel comfortable. Be aware that trends are not designed for everyone and they have nothing to do with fashion or style.

Dress for YOU. If you feel fabulous, you look even more fabulous.  Self–confidence is in abundance when you know your own style and dress accordingly.

 What are your favourite online go to sources?

MatchesFashion.com, for their fantastic and up to the moment edit.

Nordstrom, for their range of well-priced designer and non-designer labels.

Neiman Marcus, for their cashmere line and beautiful formal designer wear.

Net A Porter, for Beauty and in particular cult beauty products harder to find in regular stores.

 Do you have a particular DESIGNER that you are drawn to?

I find myself drawn to different designers every year – never one in particular.

I don’t wear one designer from top to toe and like to mix something unexpected with an investment piece. 

Who am I watching right now?

Maria Grazia Chiuri, at Dior

Pier Paolo Piccioli at Valentino

Clare Waight Keller at Givenchy because she is Meaghan’s designer of choice and in the UK we are all glued to the Duchess of Sussex’s wardrobe.

And Tom Ford always, because he is one of the most stylish men on the globe.

 

IN SEPTEMBER I had the GREAT pleasure of meeting VICKI at ANNABEL’S in LONDON  for dinner.

She had just flown in from AUSTRALIA and I was about to depart for HOME!

We covered a LOT from Bloggers to Lipsticks!

After many years of FOLLOWING her BLOG and NOW INSTAGRAM I was SO pleased to have this time with HER.

Here is the entrance to ANNABEL’S.

 

 

 

THE STAIRCASE which I climbed to use the RESTROOM!

Worth the climb I might add!

 

VICKI AND I with VICKI’s SIGNATURE LOOK!

I hope YOU ENJOYED THIS AGELESS STYLE POST and will wander over to CINDY’s BLOG to see who her VICTIM is this MONTH!

ALL you have to do is PRESS HERE!

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT THERE TOO!

The Comments help us gage if WE are BLOGGING about WOMEN and The THINGS YOU ENJOY!

CINDY came up with this IDEA of AGELESS STYLE and had to TALK ME IN TO IT!!!!!!!

PLEASE GIVE CINDY A SHOUT OUT and let her know YOU are enjoying it!

CINDY and I will take the MONTH of DECEMBER OFF, however we will be back the end of JANUARY with NEW QUESTIONS and MORE GORGEOUS WOMEN to INTERVIEW!

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON and do stay WARM!

A BIG THANK YOU TO YOU VICKI!!

  TO SEE VICKI’s BLOG click HERE!

XX

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. This was such a wonderful interview. I read Vicki’s blog and have long been an admirer of her sense of style in her decor as well as fashion. She is much beloved in the blogging world and deservedly so. I am going to plaster this interview wherever I can! So happy you were able to convince her to do this. Our readers are going to treasure this one.

    Reply

    • PLASTER AWAY!!!!!!
      I HOPE SO!!!!
      I was SO THRILLED TO MEET HER!!!!
      One of my fondest memories was visiting AUSTRALIA and MY GIRLFRIEND had her BOOK on my NIGHT STAND!I DEVOURED IT IN TWO NIGHTS TIME!!!!!!XX

      Reply

  2. Yes! I love reading these posts. For me, it always brings something new to my life. I love to see the unique personalities of all the various women who you introduce to me. This one is no different! Great style and true to her authentic self. Brava!!
    Baci…
    Zingara

    Reply

      • With pleasure 🙂

        And as an aside I do change products regularly because I adore trying new ones whenever I can.
        A cleanser I have used forever is the Intral by Darphin… so gentle and leaves the skin feeling very soft. A morning and night routine for me.

        Serum… that’s my absolute most loved skin care product. I have tried many and right now I am using Good Genes from Sunday Riley. I use Darphin serums and oils on a regular basis too.

        Mask – nothing beats the SK-II sheet masks for a total pick me up, especially after travelling. For luxuriating I love Susanne Kauffman masks ( and anything of hers to do with bath time).

        I am always testing new products and next on my list is the serum from Vintner’s Daughter… Anyone tried it? I hear great things..
        xv

        Reply

  5. I am so impressed! Vicki Archer is a Serious Full-Time Blogger and Author! Bravo!
    I have been reading Vicki for a long time, and I very much appreciate her theme of Better not Younger. She is so right that there are many things that get better over the years, and there’s no turning back the clock to become younger.

    Reply

    • WE ARE THE BETTER TEAM!!!!!!!
      I think thats how WE should all refer to OURSELVES!
      “YOU’VE come a long way baby!”What cigarette commercial sang THAT?I think it was VIRGINIA SLIMS?How on earth do I recall THAT!I never smoked!
      I was THRILLED SHE HAD TIME FOR ME!!!!!!!
      A definite HIGH-LIGHT of my TRIP!!
      XX

      Reply

    • YOUR STILL YOUNG!!!!!!
      Vicki, Loree lives on the island of MALTA and writes a blog called SINCERELY LOREE.
      She recently visited SCOTLAND and IRELAND and has written about her time there!
      SHE EVEN TOOK PHOTOS of COWS for me as she knows I ADORE THEM!
      She is a GREAT WRITER and is raising a little BOY!YOU other READERS TOO HOP Over and give LOREE ‘s BLOG A STROLL.Beautiful Photos as well!XX
      http://sincerelyloree.blogspot.com

      Reply

  8. Gobsmacked that I have somehow missed Vicki Archer on IG! When she mentioned Matches Fashion, Net-a-Porter, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom… I recognized a kindred spirit! I just spent Black Friday with Matches on their Chat navigating my purchases!!! I love Porter magazine … Neumann’s… a home away from
    Home… my first credit card! Yes… AGING IS A PRIVILEGE and it is about getting better… moving forward with a Spring in our step… not looking back to make comparisons! Wise words from a woman in the know. Thank you for this introduction to Vicki.. I am heading to her IG page and signing up to follow her… then I shall stroll my 10 digits to her blog!

    Reply

    • SO HAPPY I was able to TEACH THE TEACHER a little something!YOU of ALL PEOPLE will ENJOY HER BLOG POSTS and INSTAGRAM!
      Love that YOUR first CREDIT CARD was NEIMANS!!!!!
      I have yet to GO ONTO MATCHES…………I better see what I am MISSING!
      COFFEE then MATCHES!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  10. How fun to hear about her personal style. I love her long grey hair. I hope I can still wear mine long as it greys. She looks fabulous! Love her. You two were cute in Annabel’s!

    Reply

  11. Hi Contessa. so gorgeous to see my beautiful friend her looking so fab and stylish. Love you girls, you bring so much style to this world.. thanks for the wonderful interview

    Reply

  12. Oh, I just loved reading about Vicki! We are similar with our styles. How I love classic looking clothes. One thing I love about reading about the duchesses Cambridge and Sussex are the lovely
    dresses they wear. Here it seems few wear dresses anymore. How I used to love shopping for beautiful dresses with my mother who was equally dedicated to such pursuits. I find it is the most difficult thing to give away — her lovely clothes and mine too. They just don’t make dresses of such fine material here anymore.

    I know it is a rather personal thing to write about and definitely an aside here but today an order of lingerie arrived in Canada from Britain for me from Mark’s and Spencer’s. Ordered on Wednesday, it arrived by Friday. The M&S is famous for its lingerie and for good reason. So beautiful and well-made! I highly recommend it! A friend went shopping extensively while in London recently and her best little gifts came from M&S.

    I have also just ordered new, greatly needed eyeglasses. This led me to contemplate whether I wanted heavy frames (very fashionable at the moment) that draw attention to the frames or lighter ones that draw attention more to the eyes. The eyes won. I absolutely love all of Vicki’s eyeglass choices. Elegant!

    Thanks so much for this blog featuring the lovely Vicki!

    Reply

    • SOUNDS LIKE CHRISTMAS HAS ARRIVED EARLY IN YOUR CASA!!!!!
      I will check out MARKS & SPENCERS for LINGERIE!!!!!!!!
      NOW I have a VISION of YOU!!!!!If you say YOU dress like VICKI!!!!!!
      THATS A GIFT TO ME!
      XX

      Reply

  13. Ah Elizabeth ….. the lovely Vicki Archer ….. I met her in London once and we went to Buckingham Palace and then had lunch ….. she is so lovely…. hi Vicki if you are reading the comments !
    Great to have gone to Annabel’s ….. I think I went there once when I worked in Mayfair in my late twenties !!!!! XXXX

    Reply

  16. Love this interview! I am just shy of 54 and am loving life as I grow older, which is a wonderful place to be. Vicki’s line ” I believe personal style is similar to an interior; we can’t be all stars and no chorus line. It’s the blending together that makes signature style. ” is spot on for me. I have special pieces that get centre stage and simple classics that support. Fashion is art and it is fun! Life….it ain’t over til its over, and I want to continue to listen to my inner creative stirrings; spiritual or otherwise. Thank you for sharing these inspiring stories.

    Reply

  17. Love Vicki’s long hair and that she is embracing the sneaker trend…ME TOO. Life changing in an airport! Her comment about a piece being a winner if both her daughters and she could wear it rang true to me…especially when my daughter asks to borrow things like a jacket or skirt (much shorter on her)…I feel good about it. Love the glasses and red lips…such a great look! Thanks, Elizabeth and Vicki!

    Reply

  18. Great interview! I emjoyed reading about her love of wearing sneakers.

    Thank you for your holiday card. So joyful! Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas!

    Reply

  19. Loved this post and interview with Vicki…I have followed her blog for many years. Great to see her here and her comments about her style and aging.

    Reply

  20. I totally agree with Vicki’s philosophy about not trying to look younger, but instead look as good as you can whatever your age might be. There is something profoundly sad about someone trying to dress like their much younger daughter or acquaintance.

    Reply

    • I AGREE with YOU VICTORIA.NOW about the instagram DM……..did Lillian come back to advise YOU?MY name on FACEBOOK is Elizabeth HELEN KIRKPATRICK you can send me a message there with your address or better yet my email which is [email protected]
      I will start the search for a small PIGGY to send you!!!
      HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
      XX

      Reply

  21. Annabel’s, my goodness!
    I absolutely love what she said about the importance of pursuing progress over youth. We can’t actually get any younger, but we certainly can get better!
    I would like to ask her if/how her style has changed since her hair has gone silver, which I love btw.
    Wonderful series, Goddess. Enjoy your time off!

    Reply

    • Hello Yancey,

      I don’t think my style has changed so much because of my silver hair.. the colours I wear definitely. I wear grey, black and cream/white a lot and accent those. The caramels, which I love, don’t work anymore.

      Going natural with my hair has enhanced my self-confidence – don’t let anyone fool you – it does take some courage and a whole load of self-discipline. Well, it did for me. Those “tired” days or the ones with a “head cold”.. you know what I am talking about… I look in the mirror and almost pass out. Those are the tough ones. Those are the days I dig deep and focus on more important matters. I resist calling the colourist.

      I made the decision to embrace my “silver” so I have, the good and the “bad” days. Now 3 years in the bad days are less and the “empowered” ones more. My hair may be grey but I only love fashion more and dress as well as I can. Fashion is about adapting what is in, what we love and what suits.

      Going grey isn’t for everyone but if you like the look, try it… it’s the best 🙂 xv

      Reply

      • Thank you for being candid about the process. I, too, stopped coloring years ago, and my hair is now about 90 percent silver. It’s a journey with lots of twists and curves!
        Yes, the days when I’m not feeling my best are always the ones when I rethink my decision. Yet, ultimately I am glad to be on this journey!
        Your hair is gorgeous and I love your style.
        Thank you for sharing!

        Reply

  23. I LOVE Vicki’s style! I have been following her blog for years, dreaming of becoming a French girl. She gives great advice on her blog. We don’t often see pictures of her though, so this was a real coo on your part, Contessa. Convincing her to share her style 😀 Great interview. That London restaurant!! Such a cute pic of the two of you as well. Thanks for sharing Vicki here.

    Reply

  24. Vicki’s style is age appropriate and hip; she looks great! Thank you for sharing her style viewpoint. I love her hair; I wish that I had less gray hairs and the guts to stop soaking my scalp in a layer of harmful goop every month.

    Reply

    • You will when you are ready Kathy… it’s one of those things you simply wake up and decide.
      I found highlighting lighter bit by bit was the way to allow the grey to take over, without too much stress. xv

      Reply

  26. Well, well, Annabel’s! So fancy!! I went there once when I worked in London in my 20s and don’t remember it looking so glam then – and it was filled with very drunk Hooray Henry’s and Sloaney Ponies … ah, the 90s, so better left behind!

    I hadn’t heard of Vicki Archer, so these posts are very good at making up for my misdirected time on the interweb all these years. It’s like a crash course in Womanly Ways. Have now followed her on insta but can’t see how to subscribe to her Very Professional blog – I love it! Was it always thus?That girl’s site is properly coloured-in with pencils and all, unlike the finger-painting & safety-scissors craft table effort over at my own, haha!!!

    Another great post, Contessa!!

    Baci
    xx

    Reply

    • Normally the SUBSCRIBE BOX is on the side bar…………..
      I will have a look and get back to YOU or let VICKI ANSWER HERE!
      Vicki has also written two BOOKS for THE COFFEE TABLE!I failed to mention that in her interview!FRENCH ESSENCE and MY FRENCH LIFE both on AMAZON NOW!
      I think you may NEED these PIPISTRELLO!!!
      CIAO BELLA…………XX

      Reply

  27. Hi Elizabeth,
    Another fun post! I follow the very fashionable and elegant Vicki, I think I may have found her via a search for “fashion over 50”, and found YOU by one of your comments on her blog (because all the CAPS and !!!’s intrigued me and I tracked you down!) Anyway I enjoy these fashion posts, and also reading all the comments. You have some very interesting followers, it’s fun to learn what everyone is thinking!
    Xo Heidi

    Reply

    • Well, YOU just made MY DAY!!!!
      HOORAY!!!!!!!
      Pouring RAIN BUCKETS FULL and I am off to DECORATE WREATHS and HANG around OUR TOWN with the ITALIAN!!!!!Than we have cocktails at 5:30 and a DINNER at the OLD COUNTRY CLUB in TOWN!!
      A WONDERFUL WAY TO START THE SEASON……….
      I saw MY ROSES on YOUR INSTAGRAM page!!!!!!!
      YOU are such a talented artist!
      XX

      Reply

  28. Hello Elizabeth, I have just subscribed to your fabulous blog. I loved your interview with Vicki. What an amazing pair of ladies. Wow Annabelle’s must have been incredible. I have followed Vicki for many years and just adore her posts. Vicki has such inspiring and insightful posts. So great for the older girl ! She has given us all so many great tips and advice over so many years. Vicki is our fashion and style guru and we are so lucky that have. Look forward to reading your posts.x Trish

    Reply

    • OH TRISH……..THANK YOU!
      I am FOLLOWING YOU on INSTAGRAM NOW!
      I see YOU were in ITALY!!!!!
      MY HOME away from HOME!
      Lived there for Three years and DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE!
      XX

      Reply

      • Thank you Elizabeth for the follow on IG that is so nice of you, I adore Italy and Sicily
        Living in Italy for three years must have been wonderful. I look forward to reading all your posts. X Trish

        Reply

  29. I love this series, and have followed Vicki Archer for years. So glad you had dinner together In London. She is very chic, but in an approachable way. And such good advise. You, on the other hand, look so beautiful on your Instagram. Wow- what a stunner!!

    Reply

  30. I love Vicki Archer and agree with her cost per wear theory. EVERY SINGLE TIME I’VE BOUGHT SOMETHING CHEAP… which isn’t very often… I want to slap myself upside the head and say, “Seriously? What were you thinking?” Like Vicki I’ve always known what looks good on me and rarely deviate from it… Can’t quite make the leap to red lipstick though.It’s just not my color. Love this post, Elizabeth! xoxox, Brenda

    Reply

  33. It was Vicki Archer who introduced me to the fabulous town of St. Remy many years ago through her blog.
    Paul and I had a wonderful week together discovering this fabulous region of the south of France.
    Pretty impressed that you went to Annabel’s

    Reply

  34. It was Vicki Archer who introduced me to the fabulous town of St. Remy many years ago through her blog.
    Paul and I had a wonderful week together discovering this fabulous region of the south of France.
    Pretty impressed that you went to Annabel’s bella.
    Neat xx

    Reply

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