Ten years.
It feels surreal to type those wordsโStyle at a Certain Age is officially a decade old. What started as a simple ideaโa space to celebrate aging with grace, confidence, and, of course, a fabulous outfitโhas grown into something far more meaningful than I ever imagined.
When I launched this blog in 2015, I was stepping into a new chapter of life. I was in my 50s, my children were grown, and I was searching for a creative outlet, a new purpose, and a way to connect. What I found was a vibrant, engaged, and incredibly supportive community of women who wanted the same thing: to embrace life fully, fearlessly, and stylishlyโno matter our age.
The Early Days
Back then, there wasnโt much representation for women โof a certain ageโ in the digital space. Fashion felt like a young womanโs game. But I knew betterโstyle doesnโt retire when you turn 40, 50, or even 70. It evolves. And I wanted to show the world exactly what that looked like.
My very first brand collaboration was with Talbots (how fitting, right?), and from there, the blog blossomed. Mr. Style photographed my outfits on the streets of San Francisco. Then we moved to Athens, headed to UGA, and my backyard, wrote posts from my kitchen table, and slowly but surely, Style at a Certain Age found its rhythmโand its audience.
Growth, Grief, and Grit
Over the years, this blog has grown beyond fashion. It’s chronicled lifeโs joys and heartbreaks. When I lost my beloved husband of 35 years, Siamak, in 2019, this space became a lifeline. I kept showing upโsome days in red lipstick, some days in tears behind the scenesโbut always with the belief that vulnerability is a strength.
Through the ups and downs, youโve been here. And for that, Iโm endlessly grateful.
Together, weโve talked about everything from skincare to silver linings, capsule wardrobes to caregiving. And whether youโve been with me from day one or just found your way here, your presence has made this journey unforgettable.
Style, Evolved
Ten years in, my styleโand this blogโhas evolved. Itโs more than just what we wear. Itโs about how we live. How we age. How we keep showing up, learning, laughing, loving, and leading.
And while the algorithm may change, and platforms may come and go, one thing remains constant: my commitment to this community. To creating content that uplifts, inspires, and reflects the beautiful complexity of life after 50.
TBT to 2015 โ Sequins, Denim, and a Very Dapper Pup
One of my earliest blog photos, and still a favorite. Oscar was just a puppyโfull of energy, curiosity, and charm (some things never change). I paired a sequin skirt from LOFT with a classic denim jacket, proving that style is all about contrast: a little sparkle, a little structure, and a whole lot of confidence.
It was a look that captured exactly what Style at a Certain Age was all about from the very beginningโembracing fun, mixing high with low, and never saving the sequins just for special occasions.
Stepping into 2016 with Color, Comfort, and Confidence
This look from 2016 is classic Style at a Certain Age: timeless pieces with a pop of personality. I styled a cozy topper sweater from Talbots with suede ankle boots from Banana Republicโchic, comfortable, and perfect for those in-between seasons. The finishing touch? A vibrant scarf that added just the right dash of color and joy.
Back then, I was still finding my rhythm as a blogger, but pieces like these reminded me that great style doesnโt have to shoutโit just has to feel like you.
Power Dressing, 2017 Style
In 2017, I leaned into elevated classics with a little extra polish. These sleek black pants from Diane von Furstenberg and an ivory Alexander McQueen blouse proved that simplicity can still make a statement. I added a bold red clutch and my signature red lipstick for that extra punch of personality.
It was a look that said: confident, elegant, and unapologetically strongโexactly how I was feeling as Style at a Certain Age continued to grow and evolved.
2018: A Year of Highs and Heartache
In 2018, I had the incredible honor of stepping into the role of Guest Editor at Talbots for five unforgettable weeks. It was a professional milestone Iโll always treasureโstyling looks, sharing stories, and celebrating women who embrace style at every age.
But behind the scenes, life was heavy. My husband, lovingly known to readers as Mr. Style, was in the fight of his life, bravely battling cancer. While I smiled for the camera and showed up for my audience, my heart was often somewhere elseโat his side, holding on to hope.
That season taught me the delicate dance between joy and sorrow. And it reminded me that strength doesnโt always look like armorโsometimes, it looks like putting on lipstick, showing up, and loving fiercely through it all.
4th of July, 2019: The Last Gathering
The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidaysโfireworks in the sky, laughter echoing through the house, and family gathered close. In 2019, our celebration looked like so many before it: sparklers in the driveway, good food on the table, and Mr. Style by my side, smiling as he watched his children gather in the summer heat.
What I didnโt know thenโwhat none of us could have fully graspedโwas that it would be the last time our family would be together like that. Just two short weeks later, my beloved husband passed away. And life, as I knew it, was forever changed.
Looking back, that day glows in my memory like the 4th of July fireworks โbrilliant, fleeting, unforgettable. It was a day full of love, laughter, and unspoken goodbyes.
Grief is a strange companion, one that reshapes everything. But on anniversaries like this, I hold tight to the joy of that final gatheringโthe sound of his voice, the warmth of his hand in mine, and the gift of one more day together.
2020: Style in the Time of Uncertainty
The world shifted in 2020. The pandemic brought life to a standstill, routines unraveled, and uncertainty filled the air. Like so many of you, I stayed home, adjusted to a new normal, and in the midst of it all, underwent a knee replacement.
But even in sweats and recovery socks, I believed in the power of getting dressed. So we kept showing up. Day after day, we shared outfits on the blogโnot for perfection, but for connection.
For a sense of normalcy. For the reminder that even in hard times, style can be an act of hope.
It was a year of healingโinside and out. And proof that showing up, however you can, still counts.
2021: Classic Style Meets Cool
In 2021, I leaned into wardrobe staples that packed a little extra punch. This lookโa crisp white shift dress paired with a black moto jacketโwas the perfect blend of timeless and edgy. Clean lines, bold contrast, and a reminder that great style doesnโt have to shout to make a statement.
Itโs one of those effortlessly chic combinations that proves staples donโt have to be safeโthey can have attitude, confidence, and just the right amount of edge.
2022: A New Chapter, A Parisian Adventure
In 2022, Style at a Certain Age welcomed a fresh voice to the teamโmy daughter-in-law, Kelly, joined the blog as our 40s and petite style editor, bringing her unique perspective, polished style, and vibrant energy to the mix.
To celebrate her 45th birthday, we packed our bags and headed to the City of LightโParis! From cafรฉ hopping in Saint-Germain to soaking up inspiration at every corner, we documented the entire trip right here on the blog. It was a week filled with fashion, friendship, and the kind of joie de vivre only Paris can provide.
Sharing that adventureโand watching this platform grow in new directionsโwas a highlight of the year and a beautiful reminder that style is ageless, borderless, and best when shared.
2023: Finding Peace by the Sea
If thereโs one place that always soothes my soul, itโs Tybee Beach. In 2023, I made time to return to my favorite stretch of sandโwhere the waves know my name and the salt air seems to wash everything clean.
Thereโs something undeniably special about Vitamin Seaโthe way the ocean calms, restores, and reminds us to breathe a little deeper. Whether itโs sunrise walks, breezy sundresses, or the sound of seagulls overhead, Tybee is my happy place.
Itโs where I go to reset, reflect, and remember that sometimes the most stylish thing you can doโฆ is simply slow down.
2024: Polished, Playful, and Perfectly Timeless Style
This look from 2024 is the definition of effortless elegance with a modern twist. A crisp white twill blazer layered over a strapless top and tailored shorts from J.McLaughlin created the perfect balance of sophistication and ease.
Itโs the kind of outfit that turns heads without trying too hardโclassic in silhouette, fresh in spirit, and ideal for warm-weather days when you still want to feel put-together. Proof that timeless style doesnโt have to play it safe.
2025: Style with Purpose
While fashion will always have a place in my heart, 2025 marks a deeper focusโone that goes beyond the outfit of the day. Aging with grace, strength, and beauty isnโt just about what we wear; itโs about how we care for ourselves, inside and out.
Iโve come to believe that true style includes wellnessโphysical, emotional, and spiritual. Because if we want to keep showing up for our daughters, granddaughters, and the generations of women watching us, we must prioritize our health and vitality.
This year, Iโm embracing a more holistic approach to agingโone that celebrates confidence, courage, and the kind of beauty that radiates from within. After all, the most powerful accessory a woman can wear is her well-being.
Whatโs Next For Style at a Certain Age
As I look ahead, Iโm excited to lean even deeper into what makes Style at a Certain Age unique: personal storytelling, timeless style, real conversations, and a fearless approach to aging. Iโm working on new projects, refining the brand, and (yes!) preparing to become a grandmother. Life continues to surprise me in the best ways.
To celebrate this milestone, my team selected 10 photos for a Life in Looks video. Check out the looks they chose (a few of them really surprised me!), and hear my stories of each outfit in our video: A Life in Looks.
So hereโs to ten years of showing up. Ten years of outfit photos, heartfelt posts, and a few too many cups of coffee. Hereโs to YOUโfor reading, commenting, sharing, and walking this path with me.
Thank you for believing in this blog, me, and my fantabulous team!
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