Summer shirts, simplicity and other stuff
Super shirt photo: Claire Pepper
Thank you, thank you, for all your lovely, supportive comments about my new audio adventure. The feedback is very much appreciated. That’s Not My Age: the podcast has been well-received and I’m chuffed to bits. To be honest, it is a bit of an experiment, and one I entered into with some trepidation because I knew it was a big undertaking, not dissimilar to writing another book. And also because I have always seen myself as someone who likes to ponder over things and draw out a written conclusion as opposed to being a chatty, entertaining broadcast journalist. Anyhow, it’s good to have a new challenge and and I’m constantly trying to figure out ways of making That’s Not My Age work more effectively as a business….
There are three podcast episodes currently online and the plan is to post profiles of each my guests (as I did with Lucinda Chambers) and release a couple more interviews over the coming weeks. And then take a rest over summer and launch series two in September. The aim is for it to be a ‘slow’ podcast, there isn’t a big production team behind this, and so episodes will arrive in instalments. I just need to figure out how to do that and keep this site and all my social media ticking over without having a complete meltdown. Fortunately, my very part-time assistant Helen has been an absolute gem over the last few weeks.
In other news, the summer shirts are ON. Faff-free and fabulous, the Super Shirt fits seamlessly into my just-smart-enough wardrobe. As I cycle to a shared office space most days, I’m looking for a simple outfit that says ‘business on the top half, co-working on the bottom’. And the loose-fitting, cotton shirt is a neat way to add gravitas to a pair of relaxed harem pants or posh joggers. This navy organic cotton top is an old Eileen Fisher and the superior, heavy jersey twill cotton stretch trousers were a gift from Sunspel (they are so good I’m going to buy a pair in black). The scuffed white brogues are from the Grenson sample sale. Not worn on my bike but kept as an office standby for those all-important business coffees.
Summer ready and smart-enough-plus.
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Discussion (26 Comments)
stephanie says:
I wear a lot of EF because I love the simplicity, clean lines, and how the clothes fit my 6ft lanky body. But Im not very well off! Ive learned to follow sales when items can be drastically reduced and more importantly I have discovered that being signed up on their website gives me some amazing deals. They regularly send out coupon codes, which can also be used on clearance as well as full priced. It makes purchasing from EF a little more doable!
Nicole K says:
Agree with you Stephanie. I’ve also found some amazing items on eBay or other resale sites. End of season clearance prices make it much more affordable. Have two fabulous coats that are waiting for next winter purchased at end of season at less than 50% off. I have paid full price for EF basic pants, tanks, etc. and have never regretted it. The ethos of the company, the quality and cost per wear are all there for me!
I listened to all three episodes, Alyson, and loved them all. I really like the informal tone, more like a conversation, than a strict Q and A. The introduction to each episode is wonderful. Love the music; it’s just right. And the illustration on the “cover” is so cool. My husband was away fishing this past weekend, so while I was picking up groceries, or doing dishes or weeding the flower beds… I listened to your podcast. It was just you and me all weekend. Ha. Hope that doesn’t sound creepy:)
In episode one, I particularly loved how Lucinda Chambers answered your question about ambition. In fact that set me off on a whole thought process about ambition about which I wrote my own blog post. So thanks for the inspiration. I look forward to many more fabulous episodes.Thank you, Sue. That’s very kind, and not creepy (and I know you’re on the other side of the Atlantic so don’t feel too concerned…)
Amy says:
Loved the podcast! I especially like the “standard” questions you ask at the end of each one: “I’m exhausted- how about you??” is the best! I wish you the best of luck- there’s definitely a need for more voices from our generation out there!
Jeanne Edwards says:
Just love this look…..absolutely my style and this shape suits me best ! I have a pair of Mango ones I have not worn in awhile and still look good so I have got them out of the back of my wardrobe! I was looking at summer shirts yesterday but wasn’t sure of what trousers to wear….I now know. Thank you.
Jeanne
Emma says:
Loving your new podcast. Really like this look. Please can you tell me where the bag is from in these pictures. Many thanks, Emma
The bag is a canvas tote from Filson, bought in New York about five years ago and I use it practically every day.
I’ve never listened to a podcast, but it’s one of those things I keep saying I must start doing. And when I do (tempus fugit, and all that), yours will be the first I listen to. In other news, how wonderful you look in ‘relaxed’ trousers. I am green with envy. I am very slim, average height, but anything baggy on me looks dire….I don’t know why, but I look old-fashioned and dowdy. But then, you look awesome in anything.
Mrs Tonia says:
Like the aesthetic which suits you well. I need a bit more pattern and/or colour even if only a piece of silk round my neck Looking forward to listening to the podcasts when I’m in transit this coming week.
Hope you’ve got proper downtime on the schedule for the summer. We all need this to be able to recharge and feel less weary.slf says:
Every piece of EF clothing, with the exception of one skirt which didn’t fit my body, that I have ever purchased is still with me and still worn. Some pieces I have had for close to 20 years! EF is so versatile and doesn’t go out of fashion. Most of it I have purchased on sale or with a coupon. I consider these pieces great investments!
Barbara Thompson says:
Love the shirt on you, but I feel like a tank in them, so use them more as a layer over a shell. Although now persona non grata, I always liked Charlie Rose’s interview style as it was more of a conversation. Your style is like that and I love it. Best wishes as you forge ahead despite being exhausted!
jill shooter says:
The podcasts are on my ‘to listen to, very soon’ list, I am very much looking forward to them.
Advice please?
I love summer shirts but struggle with what to pop on if a chill or rain? How do you deal with a blazer collar and the shirt collar too? This type of elegance has always eluded me!
thanks. JillHi Jill, with a blazer I usually wear the shirt collar nonchalantly up!v It does depend on the shirt though – with a lighter, less structured style I recommend neatly tucking the collar beneath the jacket lapels and adding a summer scarf. Hope that helps.
Kathleen Blackmur says:
My podcast list is short, but yours is on it. You are so relatable on the blog, so I’m sure the podcast will be a success! Thanks for your “faff free” fashion! And “just smart enough”! I love your criteria, and as I sew my own wardrobe, these ensembles are the perfect preview and inspiration for my makes. Thanks!
Sara Mathews says:
Really enjoying the podcasts, thank you. I feel that as you find your voice and become more accustomed to the medium it might be possible to gently focus the discussions a bit more quickly. At present i think the intro chat goes on a bit too long before you are asking the interesting questions.
I like the quick fire questions at the end very much they are fun and are surprisingly revealing.
Really looking forward to hearing more !JoanCecile says:
Greetings from California. I love your style and I love this particular summer look. It is more than 100degrees here right now, so I am trying to adapt my similar dark and covered look to the current weather reality. Just ordered some varied harem style pants to try with long sleeve light tees. Any ideas you could generate for really hot weather and still be classic and covered (yikes) would be so appreciated. On top of all this, I am now into my 80’s and still want to be classic, stylish and appropriate. Tall order, I think.
JoanCecileHelen says:
Hi Alison,
Podcast is terrific as I would expect.
I value your opinion – what do you think of light wash jeans on older ( classy with an edge) type women. I’m debating buying a light wash boyfriend style from Rag & Bone.
Many thanksI love all different types of denim, Helen! Lighter washes are great in summer and Rag & Bone jeans are excellent. Do it.
Sue says:
This is the first time I’ve posted on any site, but I wanted to let you other Eileen Fisher fans know about something I found today. It’s called Eileen Fisher renew, a site where lightly-used EF clothes are returned to them, restored and put up for resale. Lots of lovely pieces at lower prices. Take a look.
AppleEverAfter says:
I’ve been meaning to get into podcasts for a couple of years and with the incentive of some TNMA content, have finally done it, thank you! Very easy, I just downloaded Spotify for Android and searched for TNMA podcasts. Your voice is incredibly youthful, not sure why I was surprised, but I was. I really enjoyed the chat with Lucinda Chambers; if anything I would say that 45 minutes is quite long, although it’s easy to pause it and come back to it. I also very much liked the discussion on ambition and second careers, and being now a few months into post-redundancy this has been helpfulin getting me starting to think about what might come next, which I realize with a certain amount of pride could be a third career! Inspiring listening!
Isobel says:
I came back to have another look at this outfit and had meant to comment originally that this is a favourite look of mine – a crisp shirt, sleeves rolled up, and relaxed trousers … although I’d thought the trousers were black, but maybe they’re darkest navy (there are so many different strengths of navy!). I love both combinations, anyway. Also, what a beautiful and inspired backdrop!
Emma 
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“as opposed to being a chatty, entertaining broadcast journalist” – thank goodness that you are not! The considered and ponder approach is far more appealing to most TNMA-ists I am positive. ps I love the Eileen Fisher aesthetic but find that the brands clothing really is insanely expensive.