Hello, my name is Josephine Lalwan. I started my fashion and beauty blog Chicatanyage ten years ago at the age of sixty.
Chicatanyage is a fashion resource for women over 50 who want to learn more about style, fashion and what will suit them as mature women. If you want to continue to look good and have fun with fashion you have come to the right place.
I have spent most of my working life connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR, then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, coaching and speaking at conferences.
I recently celebrated my seventieth birthday. I am married to a gorgeous man. I have two adult children and four wonderful grandchildren. I spend my time between London and St. Tropez.
Since I started my blog the world of fashion has changed considerably. I currently focus on building a sustainable and practical wardrobe. Encouraging women to buy less and buy better and make the most of their existing wardrobes.
I am very pleased to have found your blog! I truly love seeing diversity in the blogosphere, particularly when it comes to fashion and lifestyle blogs. I look forward to reading more from you!
xo Charlotte
Welcome to my blog Charlotte and glad you like it.
Neither of those are my colours, though certain yellows can make a room cheery. They must be sunny and not too acid. The only blue I wear is denim and similar fabrics. I’m more drawn to reds and to greens (not too yellowish!)
But here is a photo of the Queen, much older than we are, sporting a bright blue jacket (suit?) with an orange hat and what is probably an orange and blue silk top!
Some sumptuous fabrics in your post.
Hi Lagatta
I think the queen can be very adventurous with her colours. Considering her age I have great admiration for her choices.
Hi Lagatta
Welcome to my blog and glad you like. Not sure if I will be travelling to Australia any time soon however if you are planning a trip to the UK do let me know.
So glad to have found your blog 🙂 I live in Australia and write a blog for women of the same age, although I’m originally from Devon. It would be great to stay in touch 🙂
I have only just found you and am really enjoying all the features here. How I wish I had had similar help when I was young! Yes, I know you state Chic at any age but my age,( late eighties), means I have to work a lot harder to look passable!
I think it all starts with a decent hair style. It needn’t be the fashionable long straight hair seen everywhere these days. It does mean having a good cut and hair styled so that it is neat and manageable. I do like your style and actually tried something similar the other day. I discovered that I still need height on the top! For years I have had perms (yes, I know….) but have just decided to try and do without. Whether I give in, remains to be seen. I am concentrating on treating my hair at the moment so that it is in good condition. It is fine, grows quickly and is still its original mid-mouse colour.
I look forward to learning a lot from your website!
Welcome to my blog Mary. I do think that we can continue to look chic at any age but I agree with you as each year passes we do have to work harder, especially with regard to exercise, posture etc.
I always invest in a good haircut, one that is quick and easy to style. It pays off in the end.
I would love your suggestions for a Mother of the Bride outfit for a June wedding.
Hi Marie
Thank you for your comment. I think weddings have changed so much over the last few years. Many are set in unusual venues and they have generally become more relaxed and less traditional. If you let me know what type of wedding your daughter is planning I might be able to help.
Hi, What an opportunity to share and be inspired. Does anyone else have difficulty buying suitable trousers this season? Im quite tall 5.7, reasonably slim (!) 65 kg. I find the elegant drain pipe trousers simply too narrow. Everywhere seems to stock them. At least I have not found anywhere yet. The boyfriend type dont suit being, too baggy. Help!
Hi Julia
You are about the same height and weight as me. I agree with you about some of the trousers being too narrow, especially on me as I have wide calves I find that there is more choice this year as the wider leg trouser has come back into fashion. I don’t wear the boyfriend type either. If you look through my recent posts you will see that I am choosing a straight or wide leg trouser in many of them. I find the HopefashionUK ones very flattering and M&S do some good ones if you look carefully.
I will shortly be doing a post on a straight leg jean.
Just found your newsletter after listening to your interview with Margaret from Sixty and Me.. Being a woman over 70, I sometimes wonder what is appropriate to wear at my age. So delighted to find your newsletter and blog.
Hello Joyce
Welcome to our community. I look forward to hearing from you in the comments box in the future. I will be 69 this year so 70 is not far off. If you have any particular questions do leave a comment or email me directly.
I’ve just found your blog after watching you on Margaret’s channel, Sixty and Me and it’s lovely to find another stylish woman to follow. Your scarves are striking and I’ve just ordered one. Keep pushing the barriers!
Hi Pauline
Welcome and glad you like the blog and thank you for supporting our new scarf shop venture.
Dear Josephine. I am a daily reader of Susan’s blog and saw her post with you this morning (here in California!). I looked at your blog and enjoyed it…it is similar to Susan’s in its excellent user friendliness.
I did sign up and await my email verification. Meanwhile, it helps me to compare my body size and make up with a model’s (you) so I can get an idea of how pieces of clothing will actually look on me. Can you share that information or is it on your blog somewhere? You look tall, but the so did Susan and I now know she is tiny!
I am fascinated that you shuttle between London, one of my favorite cities, and St. Tropez!
Kindest regards,
Jan
Dear Jan
Welcome to my blog and thank you for your compliments.
I am approximately 5’7″. I am a classic pear shape (narrow shoulders and wide hips) My measurements are 40inch/102cm hips, 29inch/74cm waist and 35inches/89cm bust. I normally take a size 10 or 12 UK/ 8 US. Separates work best for me.
Thanks for an inspiring site!
For someone who had lost her way with fashion over the years, I am so pleased to have found your blogs. You have inspired me to be more adventurous, even my husband has noticed the difference! Please keep up the good work.
Hello Kaz
Thank you for taking the time to comment and really glad you like the blog.
Josephine you look absolutely fabulous in the beautiful blue dress and necklace! Love it on you!
Dear Josephine
I thought it about time that I thanked you for all the excellent mailings that you have been sending from the UK and France. You have given me so many terrific ideas for assembling my clothes in different ways and, also, how to fill the gaps with the generous examples and recommendations that you provide.
Thank you so much for your inspiring emails. I so look forward to receiving them and your very interesting travelogues and literary recommendations are all a welcome bonus for your readers.
With best wishes
Pamela
Hello, Josephine.I just discovered you! I am almost 72, but much shorter than you and also a lover of creative dressing. I enjoy traveling…on my way soon on a solo adventure which includes a small ship cruise from Lisbon to London, with many stops along the way. London is a favourite place of mine , and I may have time to enjoy some St George’s day celebrations in Trafalgar Square once I disembark on the Thames.
Cheers from Vancouver Island , BC
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Hello Cath
Welcome to my blog. I too will be 72 this year. I hope you enjoy your trip to London
Hello! I found you through following Susan. I am a recently retired teacher so my wardobe has changed considerably. I appreciate any and all tips and tricks to dress our best that you ladies offer!!
How much fun was it to see your blog show up in Pinterest. Very few blogs out there for we 70 year olds. Looking forward to interest , informative and creative posts.
Any advice for long waisted gals, 5’6, 130lbs?
Author
Hello Penny
Glad you found my blog. I must pay more attention to Pinterest. I am long waisted 5’7 and 134 lbs so most of the clothes I wear should work for you.
Hello Penny, I enjoy your email and would like to access your blog. I am particularly interested in Shop your Closet.
Many thanks
Good morning. Thank you for your reply. Looking over your site, fabulous suggestions and advice. Looking forward to many more posts.
Please send me the info. To contact Nuno Morales private tour guide from Lisbon to Sintra.