Age Is Just a Number: 10 Questions With the UK's Coolest Over-50 Fashion Blogger

Get The Look: H&M blazer, H&M trousers, Cult Gaia basket bag
Culture Trip: What does being a 50+ blogger mean to you?
Renata Jazdzak: I use the manifesto that fashion should inspire us regardless of our age; there’s nothing to say that you shouldn’t have an appetite for fashion – to be curious and trend-focused – over the age of 50. I aim to show my peers and my followers that it’s the perfect time in life to focus on your own needs and to pursue your dreams.

CT: How do you feel about the fact that your age is attributed to your blog?
RJ: When I started my blog, I didn’t think about myself as being a certain age, I was rather focusing on passion. I don’t believe that age defines a woman. At the age of 50, a lot of women are still professionally active and ambitious. We are still learning and building our skillsets and we still want to feel attractive. Fashion can be our ally. I believe age, in this instance, is an asset and not a weakness.

CT: Talk us through your career to date and what made you venture into the blogging world.
RJ: I was a probation officer for many years. I think fashion was always in the back of my mind even then but my style was more masculine; the career lent itself well to suits and trousers. My family pushed me to start my blog. They convinced me that I should share my style. It started as a hobby and I still see it in that way. It’s a very enjoyable hobby.

Get The Look: Charms bomber jacket, Topshop Boutique trousers, Topshop shoes
CT: What is the message that you want to portray?
RJ: I want to show that fashion is for women of all ages. We all have the right to look interesting and on-trend. I think it’s probably more relatable to see certain trends worn by someone of a similar age to yourself than someone in their 20s so I want to inspire the women of my generation to feel confident to experiment with style.

CT: Have you ever had any negative response from brands regarding your age?
RJ: There was one particular collaboration that I was in discussion with a bags brand about and they told me that my aesthetic wasn’t congruent with theirs, which I’d like to think was about something other than age but you can never be sure.

CT: Who is your target audience and does your Instagram following reflect this?
RJ: My content is directed at anyone who loves fashion, values comfort and appreciates beautiful style and my current following reflects that – it ranges between 20 and 60 in age so there’s a huge variety in there.

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Get The Look: Miss Selfridge blazer, Mango trousers, Shrimps bag
CT: What are your key style mantras and what is the message that you want to get across within your work?
RJ: I place focus on accessories and I tend to look for something unique. I do believe it’s possible to find some great pieces without spending a fortune so I try to mix high-street finds with designer buys. There are certain items that I think every woman should own: perfectly fitting jeans, an oversized white shirt, a trench coat and a leather pencil skirt. To me, these clothes carry great power. I want my outfits to say: ‘I like myself and I am curious about life. I always look great regardless of my age and I’m not afraid to show it.’

CT: What tips to you have for women over 50 who want their wardrobes to have a fashion-focused edge?
RJ: Mix clothes from high-street stores with more expensive, designer pieces to create a look that’s truly unique. Try to add original accessories to your outfit and don’t be afraid of colour. Even a single colourful element can inject energy and revive an entire outfit.

CT: How much of an influence do you think where you live has on what you wear?
RJ: I think everything about our style can be influenced by our environment. I’ve adopted the British way of dressing to a certain extent; I’m keen to wear classic suits and to combine them with seasonal trends, for example. The weather also plays a factor though – perhaps living in the UK is what has sparked my love of layers and outerwear?

CT: Capital cities have proven to be the ‘hub’ of fashion bloggers and a lot of the UK’s most influential names are based in London. What makes Newcastle special to you and how have you embraced your location within your work?
RJ: Living in London as a fashion blogger is somewhat easier as you’ve got flagship stores on your doorstep and there are an infinite number of unique locations to shoot your imagery. However, I think that Newcastle holds incredible charm and it constantly surprises me. I love to walk around the city scouting new locations that might work for my next shoot.

Get The Look: De-Tapy denim jacket, De-Tapy jeans, Burberry pouch, Balenciaga mules
Read more about Renia’s style on her personal blog, or follow her on Instagram @venswifestyle, and discover the top 10 things to do and see in Newcastle here.

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