That’s Not My Age
Well, hello. After two full years of blogging, I thought it was about time I finally introduced myself. So, here I am – out from behind the dashboard. When I started this malarkey it was the done thing to remain anonymous, but times have changed. And I’ve been putting this off for long enough (mainly because I wasn’t quite sure how to go about it, and also, I don’t like having my photo taken). So, here goes: my name is Alyson. I’m a freelance fashion and lifestyle journalist and an academic. I was fashion editor of a well-known women’s magazine for many years but now the majority of my work is online. Which is how That’s Not My Age came about.
These pictures were taken by my lovely friend Dvora at Fashionistable, an excellent photographer with a very strong vision. Yes, she really did make me stand in the middle of a very busy road for this next shot – as you can imagine, I much preferred sitting on the bench. Mr That’s Not My Age says I look like I’m wearing the pedestrian crossing but I’d just like to point out that it’s actually my new favourite dress by A.L.C., a prized stake-out from the Liberty sale.
Talking of stripes, have you seen the French football team’s new Breton-style away kit? C’est fantastique:
PS I washed my hair especially!
Discussion (44 Comments)
You look wonderful Alyson – loving the stripes of your new dress and your 'freshly washed for the occasion' hair too! Great to meet you. Fabulous photographs too. X
So nice to finally meet you Alyson! How chic are you? I love your hair, very pretty indeed.
~SiobhanYes lovely to finally meet you .. you are so lovely I do not know why you have hidden away.. well actually after several yucky incidents of being to honest in my blogging maybe I do.. but hey.. I think its good to be open in life.. I love your hair ..your style and I adore that dress xx
Enchanté. You look befits TNMA – stylish, trim and confident …….to the point of standing in the middle of a busy road to be photographed! I’ve never been able to wear horizontal stripes due to my large mammaries, and since reaching “middle age” stripes definitely don’t flatter my stomach. I think I’ll stay behind the shield of the dashboard!
hello alyson!
i think this is wonderful! i too hate having my picture taken but i do think it's important for us non-twenty year olds to put our face out there and show the world that fashion/style doesn't die after 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 even. you are stunning and i adore your new dress!
xo
janetHello Alyson, so nice to meet you. You look fabulous, living up very well in your photographs to all the lively words you've offered us over the past two years. It's true that we were all quite expected to be anonymous not too long ago and now it's beginning to seem a bit not quite comme il faut. I've recently been trying to integrate my digital identities and am currently holding my breath for the first student who comes into my classroom and says, Hey, I saw your new boots on your blog. . . . (or "What did you think you were doing trying those new coloured jeans")
I absolutely agree with Janet, above, that your project is a very worthwhile one, showing the world that we can still be stylish after 40 (for you), 50 (for me), and 60, 70, 80 (for both our futures).When I first opened your blog this morning, I thought "who is that great looking model?" Absolutely true!
Glad you're no longer hidden, and actually had no idea that you've been anonymous, as I feel sure I've seen outfits that you've worn, but I guess, never your face?
Anyway, glad you're out.Just like you, I hate having my photo taken which is why there are always headless shots on my blog (well not often, I don't even like the headless ones). Nice to meet you anyway and great dress, I was looking out for the Lollipop lady…… (sorry only joking) x
You look fantastic. I love that dress – and it suits you so well. The gray hair, the great shape you're in, the quizzical expression, you represent us, the over-40s who feel stronger than ever in their hearts, so well. Nice to meet you. I'm starting to feel that all of us showing up, visible, may matter in ways we can't predict.
well hello, i was wondering when you were going to take the plunge and i'm glad you did in this dress. you look super dupa! Dvora did a great job.
you look fab, as usual. I also hate having my photo taken and usually end up making a weird face.
I have just posted a photo on facebook…the first time in about 5 years so perhaps this urge to 'reveal' oneself is catching xFab pic Alyson, v proud of you… What a relief! (I see you've taken the 'I'll out myself on a sunday, when no-one's looking' approach!)
Hello, I'm a brand new reader, hence had no idea you were anonymous, but am glad to meet you! You look fabulous, not at at all like someone wearing a pedestrian crossing :-).
Well hello! I love the dress and though sad as I am to lose a fellow headless blogger friend it's very nice to see your face. Great hair!
I hate being photographed too – I never know what to do with myself. You look lovely in these, however, and I love your stripey frock – and the Breton away tops are great too. xxx
Alyson at last! Lovely to see you all in your blog, bout time! Your dress is fab – makes up for the topshop one hey & have to say the flats tres chic and they are…??
Hi Alyson, Lovely to meet you!
And you don't look the slightest bit like a pedestrian crossing… just don't pick up two orange ballons on sticks;-)
E xI struggle with photos of myself as well, but as others have pointed out, it's good to show the world we've still got it going on. And you do! Love the hair, too.
Thank you all for your lovely comments – they're much appreciated! And just so you know, this isn't the end of the headless photos, just a brief interlude.
Very nice to meet you!
I love your blog and it is wonderful to "meet you in person" 🙂Well done for going for it. You look brilliant in these (even though I say so myself….) Hope you had a wonderful holiday. Xxxx
I am a fashion designer from Oregon in America. I love your blog. You will never believe that I just made a dress just like that one. I hope you will visit my blog.
Love from Oregon,
Danielle
xoxoxwow…
please, please feature yourself more often! you are really beautiful, and clearly have great style. i wish there were more of "us" doing quality, self-styled outfit posts.– Style Odyssey (blogger still won't let me sign in…)
Hey, you look great! Good for you!!
The ALC stuff is very cozy – I considered the sibling t to your dress. You wear it well, btw.
I'm considering taking the plunge and outing myself. We'll see; maybe next week.Well done you for coming out, so to speak! I'm such a ham, I will always pose for photos, so I'm glad that you've shown us what you look like!
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Nice to meet you! Great dress and the French team shirts are perfectly French!