Snazzy boots, a new style column and the business of blogging
Snazzy boots and not-so-basic-basics. Photo: Claire Pepper
Brightening up the winter bleakness with some good news. Double good news: a new gig and new showbiz boots. Hashtag, winning. As of 23 February 2020, I’ll be covering the Weekend Style column in the Sunday Telegraph while the regular columnist is on maternity leave. Initially, I was a bit concerned about the extra workload (keeping That’s Not My Age going has become a full-on, full-time job) but then I had a word with myself – and a look at my bank balance – and realised that I’d be crazy to miss such a fantastic opportunity. Helping to increase the visibility of older women on another platform, bring it on. The column appears in the ‘Sunday’ section of the newspaper and will feature yours truly wearing a different outfit or item each week. The plan is to continue to champion considerate consumption, not feature too many head-to-toe new outfits and to include some of my own clothes. That’s Not My Age will carry on as usual, and I will probably share some of the Telegraph outfits and an edit of the copy. I just need to get organised and get into my new routine. The podcast will take a short sabbatical – though I have already drawn up a list of dream guests for the next series and we may drop in a special episode, as with Zandra Rhodes, from time to time.
Keeping it neutral
On the business of blogging, I have been meaning to mention the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) rules for a while. Bear with me, I’ll keep this as brief as possible. As the publisher of That’s Not My Age, I have to make sure that advertisements are clearly marked. This is a legal requirement. I have to make it obvious that a brand has paid me to create content. When a company, like NET-A-PORTER has editorial control over the content and final approval before publishing on That’s Not My Age, there will be a black triangle with the word ‘advertisement’ in the top left hand corner of the first photo. Additionally, when a post includes affiliate links, this has to be highlighted, too. I do this at the end of the post with the following sentence, ‘Please note affiliate links in this post may generate commission.’ Basically, it is my responsibility to make it clear that ads are ads, and that I may benefit financially by using affiliate links.
That’s Not My Age is like a magazine. Except without a cover price. So the adverts and affiliate links need to finance everything. To keep this site going costs money. And I need to earn a living (this is something I’ve written about in more detail HERE). As with a magazine, sometimes the advertisements may be of interest, sometimes not. When I’m reading a magazine, I often skip through all the designer ads to get to the editorial copy – it’s the same online, if a particular advertorial is not for you there’s plenty of other good stuff to read on TNMA. Not to mention the well-considered comments and lively interaction between readers. I love the loyal community that has grown with That’s Not My Age, that you all take time to write thoughtful comments, share information and empower each other, pleases me, no end. Of course, I am happy to include constructive criticism and really appreciate your brilliant contribution but I won’t publish anything unnecessarily negative or personal. I know you understand this, I just want to be clear.
Zipping up my boots
The ankle boot is one of my steadfast winter essentials. Perfect with straight or slim leg jeans. And though you’ll often find me stomping around in black leather shit-kickers or a chunky Chelsea, I’m also partial to a snazzy, showbiz boot. Style Stalked until vastly reduced in the sale, this pair from Paul Smith are striking and super-comfy, and what outfit doesn’t benefit from a touch of 1970s Keith Richards? The old Burberry trench is a waterproof winner; though eye-wateringly expensive today ( the price has tripled since I bought this). For less of a blow-out, I’d recommend Hobbs Saskia, Boden’s half-gingerbread, half-navy Franklin trench coat and I like the look of Arket’s pink linen and Lyocell blend number. More outfit-boosting ankle boots can be found at Vagabond, the blue faux snakeskin boot (also available HERE) is such a great, versatile colour, Sam Edelman’s Winona western boot comes in array of lovely prints (reduced in the sale) and Everlane’s Boss Boot for when you feel like bossing it.
The cashmere jumper was a Christmas gift from New York brand Duffy who follow sustainable practises.
Please note affiliate links in this post may generate commission.
Discussion (36 Comments)
Thank you for your clear and thoughtful explanation of the “business of blogging. “ Your comparison of a blog to a magazine was brilliant. I think that is one reason we all respect what you write—no wool is being pulled over the eyes!
Good luck with the new gig. Please do share your column on the blog. As much as I’d love to get a copy, I don’t think I can find the Sunday Telegraph in Texas!
Cynthia says:
Nice to see another Texan reads TNMA, Michelle!! I live in Houston and always enjoy reading AW’s witty and practical fashion posts!
Cindy
I love those boots, Alyson. But I am currently wading snow to get to the driveway, then wading slush and salt in town… so no lovely boots for me… for a while.
We have similar transparency “guidelines” over here in Canada and the U.S. although I notice that not all bloggers are as diligent as you guys in the UK. I monetised my blog last spring with affiliate links as a way to pay for my hosting fees etc. And a few kind readers are even purchasing things through them which makes me very grateful. 🙂
Good luck with the new gig. Please do post links to your columns on the blog for those of us who may not have access to the Telegraph. I am loving the TNMA Podcasts. Just listened to the long interview with Patrick Grant while sick in bed with a cold. What a lovely guy. Your conversation with him was really inspiring… and hopeful. Although your comment about “big pants” did precipitate a coughing fit. Ha. 🙂Mrs Tonia says:
Like Michelle above I would appreciate seeing some of the Telegraph copy and outfits on TNMA. (Not about to buy that in addition to Sunday Times and Observer which I get principally for the review sections and their magazines including recipes)
Well done to have this new gig. Hope it goes well. You will be invigorating a rather tired fashion coverage from what I’ve seen previously.
And the shorter trimmed hair and snazzy new footwear look excellent in Claire’s every stylish photography here.
Clarification in the Paid Advertising Content on site is well explained. And shows ASA has set well-defined guidelines, which they strive to do, as has been explained to me by one who draws up guidelines there !Keep up the good and varied work as you juggle old and new commitments into the spring.
Sarah S says:
That’s so good Alyson and huge congratulations on the new job – wonderful! Won’t be missing a Sunday paper now – fantastic news.
Toomanyshoes says:
I love and live in ankle boots outside summer. All either flat or very low heel. In reality my name should be toomanyankleboots. I have a pair, very like yours pictured, in brown from Rag and Bone which I love. Very sixties vibe! I am very much looking forward to seeing you in the Telegraph! As a subscriber I feel like I’ve just won a freebie!. Good luck and looking forward to a fresh approach.
Isobel says:
Oh, well done, Alyson, I’m excited for you, and I’ll look forward to anything you share with us! Now that I’ve made my first online purchase successfully, and because I op-shop and spend so little, as a rule, I will be checking out your affiliate links more often, in the hope of finding just what I need (again),while supporting you and this wonderful blog. Snazzy ankle boots here I come!!
Nicola says:
Well done on the new gig Alyson – I wish I could get The Telegraph here in Sydney because our papers are all pretty dire. But I can’t so I hope you are able to publish some of the content here. I have the Boden trench in navy – traditional beige does nothing for my colouring- and it is beautiful.
maudie says:
Congratulations on your new venture – how exciting. What is the first publication date with your feature – I just might splash the cash on a copy! Yes, your explanation of the ‘nuts and bolts’ of a blog compared to magazines is very illuminating and it must be very precarious for you at times. Onwards and forwards for our bastion of the older and totally visible woman – ha – makes you sound like Boadicea. I was lucky enough a couple of years’ ago to find a Burberry trench in cream and a Burberry plain raincoat in navy blue (both with THE lining) in charity shops for an incredibly reasonable price. Better to be born lucky than rich? However, I am trawling ebay for the Hobbs Saskia trench in petrol blue (an archive colour no longer available) which continues to evade me. So Good Luck – we are all rooting for you.
Gill says:
Congratulations Alison on the S Telegraph gig. I will hold my liberal nose and get a copy weekly xx
karen says:
congratulations on the new gig. Yay for having another avenue to bring attention to that fact that fashion has no age limit, doesn’t require new every season, and most importantly, this blog.
Vivien Hallberg says:
Congratulations! I do hope you include some of your articles here.
On the subject of sustainability, I bought my Burberry (and it looks exactly like yours) for £29.99 at a local charity shop several years ago, and there are quite often reasonably priced ones for sale on eBay. It’s only the second one I’ve had in my life. The first one was from the catalogue as you nostalgically mentioned in your first book.
I wouldn’t be without it, so beautifully made and most definitely a classic in the best sense of the word.
Sarah says:
So pleased for you and your new gig, we know how good you are – the sharing across platforms is a nice cross pollination that benefits us all.
Stephanie Clark says:
This is fantastic new Alyson. I usually race out on Wednesday for a copy of the Telegraph for the fashion pages and on Sundays for Stella magazine. Now it will be doubly enjoyable. I’m just reading you initial column in today’s paper and plan to start pulling out my wardrobe and experimenting with the contents.
Ann L Yates says:
Wonderful opportunity… Congratulations! Look forward to seeing some columns here as well. Have enjoyed your sensible and thoughtful comments on fashion and life for some time.
Sara says:
Agree with Gill re the Telegraph; even the thought of reading your new column, which I am sure will be excellent, is insufficient temptation for me to pay a penny for its views or have it polluting my house. I’d love to read it via the blog, though!
Why does everyone else manage to get Chelsea boots to sit well with jeans and I never do? It’s either the length of the jeans that is wrong, or the tops of the boots. I’ve currently given up as I cannot get the damn things right! All tips, info gratefully received to enable me to think again. Yours look pretty cool, Alyson, as ever.Lynda Ashley says:
Congratulations Alyson on your upcoming endeavor! Yay for you!! I also love the look on this post and did you trim your hair a tad? Very flattering. Thank you for your transparency on adverts and why not?! Always a pleasure to read your blog.
Roz says:
I am delighted you will be writing for the Telegraph Alyson.
I enjoy Ginny’s column & ideas but the labels she promotes are just too expensive for me to justify. I am a self-employed florist of nearly 60 and I want clothes which are practical but make me feel good…..Kim says:
Good luck with the column – in sure it will be a great success.
The Burberry trench coat is an absolute classic. I wish I had saved the one my mother bought me for part of my school uniform. As with the rest of the kit it was bought to grow into and would probably still fit me now. I’m 60.Kim, that resonates with me! Part of my schooluniform was a navy gabardine mac bought to grow into but I never did, even though I was 5foot 9ins when I was 13!
Jean Bragg says:
Congratulations on your new gig.As the current saying goes ,you will crush it!
The boots are delightful.Dead of deep freeze Winter here(Ottawa Canada)so nothing quite so glam. In foot wear for awhile yet.You have encouraged me to revisit my London Fog trench coat,for an update.Bought it for $50.00 CDN. 20 years ago at a consignment shop.A few small repairs ,a good cleaning and it will see me through Spring and Fall.
Also thank you for the blogging info.My friend and I are considering a blog to mentor new Nurses and it helps to know these details.We may not seek Advertisers but it is smart to be armed with information .
Be well and best of luck.
Got up this a.m. Dressed, ready to walk The General (our 19 lb. dog), read TNMA. Changed into white jeans + taupe ankle boots (to match chunky knit black sweater) – and felt like a fashion maven! Great look! Spoiler: Couldn’t wear the trench coat. It was 14 degrees!
Clare F says:
Great news about the new column! I subscribe to the Telegraph online and am delighted to hear you’ll be boosting up the style section. I really like your bag in today’s post and would love to know where it’s from. I’m always looking at bags and although I need a new one, I’m never quite able to make a decision …
Thank you, Claire. The bag is vintage Gucci, I bought it from the website Menage Modern Vintage.
Rosemary Eychenne says:
Well done, Alyson. Very pleased for you. I’m sure one job will complement the other in more ways than one. Great start to the new year !
Katherine says:
Good luck with the new venture, Alyson. Personally I have found the columnist you are covering a little conventional for my tastes but have to disagree with the reference to the Telegraph’s fashion coverage as ‘tired’. Lisa Armstrong, their Head of Fashion, is Fashion Journalist of the Year and I find her interesting. I have a digital subscription and usually read the fashion on Wednesdays and Sundays. I need to read what we used to call the broadsheets for professional reasons and would be sorry to miss the fashion pages if this changes ( the Telegraph pay wall precludes browsing ).
Agree with you Katherine, I love Lisa Armstrong’s writing (always want to read more of it!) and she deservedly is Fashion Journalist of the Year.
Just read Caroline Leaper’s interview with their new columnist, ie Alyson in today’s Sunday Telegraph. A good interview and two excellent photographs of Alyson – I particularly liked the simplicity of the blue and white combination.
I managed to read your interview online and enjoyed the analogy of experimenting with garments as one does with ingredients in a favourite recipe. It’s absolutely true and something you advocate in your second book. Laying things out and then trying on different permutations does help to come up with new combinations to wear and new colour combinations. And it always makes me feel that I own plenty of clothes already.
As for the capsule wardrobe I own all but the navy poloneck, mine are all black.
Best of luck with spreading your ideas to a new audience of Telegraph readers, I’m sure “you will smash it “.
Rhoda 
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Love a boot for a bit of an upgrade from comfy trainers, especially in winter. Liking the new clarity on ads – I notice it on all bloggers/instagrammers these days and I appreciate it as a way of knowing what’s paid and what’s personal. I don’t mind it – rather that than a paywall!