Age Is Nothing But a Number

As you know there are lots of fashion blogs out there which I soak up regularly but when I need that extra bit of depth I check out That's Not My Age. Started in 2008 by a seasoned fashionista, the blog covers  good style in fashion, interiors, design and art. It also looks at fashion trends, street style and icons in fashion. That's Not My Age is so revered that it has been mentioned in The Guardian, The Independent, Easy Living and Stella magazine. The anonymous blogger took time out to answer a few questions about her blog.

What made you start blogging?

I started That’s Not My Age over a year ago because I felt there was a gap in the blogosphere for women like me. I focus on life, culture and style but try to make sure that it's a real rather than an airbrushed or botoxed version, and that everyone I talk about is over 40.

Describe the concept behind That's Not My Age?
The name stems from the idea that when you get to a certain age, denial kicks in and you start to knock a few years off (I know I did!). So to try and overcome this, I like to champion the fact that actually, people over 40 are pretty cool, they’ve established their own singular style and aren't swayed by trends. And there's nothing wrong with being middle-aged, just look at Jarvis Cocker, Tilda Swinton, Mary Portas and my current style crush Suzie Bick (saw her at a party on Friday night and she looked fantastic).

Over the last year bloggers have really made their mark in  the fashion industry, how do you think they will continue to push the boundaries over  the next few years?

Blogging has become a way of life and will continue to have influence – I'm a member of Handpicked Media which is a fantastic idea: an independent bloggers' collective run by Krista Madden and a team of experts. We meet up once a month to discuss financial opportunities, technical stuff and most importantly to socialize. I think blogging will continue to exist alongside mainstream media. Most websites now have a blog as another way of promoting a brand/company/product. I’d like to think that there will be greater transparency in terms of advertising and product placement (something Handpicked Media is very keen on), which is still very much a murky area. 

You come up with a lot of unique stories on your blog, how do you get your inspiration?

Ah thank you, so nice of you to say – but quite a tricky question to answer! I’m inspired by lots of things; what’s in the news, people, art, music, fashion, travel, and I suppose living in London helps, there’s always so much to see and do.

What do you do when you are not working on your blog?

Eat, sleep, work.

What are your favourite glossy magazines?

Ooh now this should be easy to answer but I’m not very good at lists and I’m very fickle so my favourite ‘anything’changes on a regular basis. My mum buys me a subscription to Red, I like the Observer’s Food Monthly and most other Sunday supplements.

Name five blogs that you read religiously.

Disney Roller Girl

The Sartorialist

Fashion’s Most Wanted

The Women’s Room

Fashion Editor at Large

How do you see your blog evolving over the next two years?

Oh blimey, I would like to think that That’s Not My Age will get an update sometime soon but I’m such a Luddite, I’m not sure I’m capable of anything too complicated. I’m just not very good at all that tech-y stuff. So if there’s anyone out there who’d like to help, please make yourself known! Content-wise, I’ll continue to focus on stylish, talented  people over 40 for inspiration.

You can read That"s Not My Age here.

You can follow her on Twitter.