Hello There
You fabulous women, you!
I hope life is treating you well and, despite the crap situation the world is in right now, I hope, as we approach the halfway stage of 2025 (who knew??) that you are moving in the direction you want to move.
In this issue, I’m talking about clothes, and what we choose to wear. Not from some vain perspective (#TodayImWearing etc) but, to quote the fabulous Sarah Knight, who is a fellow writer here on Substack….
STYLE IS A FORM OF SELF CARE THAT EMPOWERS WOMEN
I love this from Sarah. I’m a subscriber to her newsletter and this issue really resonated with me.
You see, I totally agree with what Sarah and Abbie Booth, a guest on her podcast, say about dressing to make us feel better about ourselves. And that it’s a tool to have in our basket when we’re facing a difficult challenge, or not feeling too great about ourselves.
It goes like this.
You’re in the middle of a crisis or you’re feeling a bit down, and to get up and face the world seems the most difficult thing to do. I know, I’ve been there (and I expect a high proportion of you lot have too?)
If you can summon up the energy to get up, shower and eat, and then throw open your wardrobe and put on your most favourite item of clothing you know you look good in, then I promise you, you will start to feel better.
Years ago, I remember reading an interview with Gwyneth Paltrow (when she wasn’t the slightly bonkers entrepreneur she’s now become) and she said that one tool she had in her basket to lift herself up, was to get up, show up and apply the most kick-ass red lipstick she owned. Then go out and face the world.
And I get that.
What Gwyneth is doing here, is that she’s telling her subconscious brain that things are not as bad as it’s making out and that by appearing as though everything’s okay, then it can start to give her the energy she needs to get on with what she has to face etc.
Now, as I’ve said many times before, I’m not a qualified psychologist or therapist, but I can honestly say that I’ve tried this and it works. Okay, it doesn’t turn you into Little Miss Positive instantly, but it can give you enough of a lift to at least walk out of your own front door.
And with Sarah’s permission (I have checked with her before publishing this) I just love her quote
I’M DRESSING FOR THE KIND OF DAY I WANT TO HAVE © Sarah Knight
It’s all about how you can use to make you feel better on the insider. Other people don’t come into it, and I suggest that they don’t figure in your clothing decision. It’s about you and how what you wear to make such a difference to how you feel.
And, if you want some scientific proof about this concept, take a look at this scientific study here
Forgive the moment of self indulgence, but here’s a picture from a small photo shoot I had taken earlier in the year, and chose my outfit carefully. And, it’s my go-to when I want to give myself a lift.
Now, I’m asking a favour (again!)
Your support as a free subscriber means a lot to us, and a lot of you have subscribed to the newsletter from the start (and that means the world to me).
But, I’m introducing the opportunity to go a bit further and become a paid subscriber.
What’s the difference, I hear you ask
Well, as a paid subscriber, you’ll unlock exclusive content that’s tailored just for you. . This will include in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes insights, and premium articles that aren’t available to free subscribers. It’s my intention that this paid for version will help you stay ahead of the curve and connect more deeply with the 45 Not Out community.
Beyond the exclusive content, paid subscribers will be part of a vibrant, like-minded group that values quality, depth, and meaningful engagement.
Plus, your subscription directly supports the creation of more high-quality content and helps me continue to grow and innovate for you.
And, if you subscribe before the end of June 2025, I will send you my e-book “How To Be A Vital Woman” FOR FREE!
If you’d like to become a paid for subscriber, all for £6 per month, just click on this button.
So, that’ll be a wrap from me.
I hope all this helps you in some small way. Please don’t be shy and let me know if it does.
I’ll see you at the next issue, in a fortnight’s time (unless you decide to become a paid subscriber, and I will love you forever ;)
Take care
Una x