Sonia Lovett, Author at Style Beyond Age

Montana Lake House Home Tour and Interior Styling Tips

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 7, 2020 | Fashion, Lifestyle

Today at Style Beyond Age I´m welcoming you into my home with open arms for an exclusive Montana lake house home tour and to share a few of my interior styling tips along the way.

I hope you’ll join me…

Montana Lake House Home Tour

Living in such a beautiful location is a blessing, but when we originally brought the cabin in Montana, I felt such an obligation to do the surroundings justice. I hope I now have. The first order of business was to extend, adding several decks and floor-to-ceiling windows to the back of the property to make the most of that view.

Style Beyond Age Lakeside Chic House Tour

Lake House Living

I learnt quickly that what you gain in picturesque privacy, you lose in convenience, and I wasn´t initially prepared for the challenges to come my way. From being totally cut-off with no power (which also means no water from the well), to being blocked inside our home; there were many obstacles we did not anticipate. However, as the saying goes you live, you learn and as you well know, we made it through those early days to see the other side.

Livable Luxury

I knew I wanted to stay true to the area, so we developed our own cabin chic style, incorporating local stone and wood with more modern, glossy materials like glass and metals. In our living area, you will see a combination of glass, stone, wood and various textiles tied together with burnt orange accents. The cozy snug just around the corner, incorporates the same hues, but swaps the clean modern walls, for cozier wrap-around wood paneling; perfect for movie night.

Style Beyond Age Lakeside Chic Living Room

Style Beyond Age Lakeside Chic Living Room 2

Style Beyond Age Lakeside Chic the snug 2

Combining Minimalism and Maximalism

When I´m styling a home, especially a home I am living in, I want it to feel organic yet artistic, modern yet diverse and fashion-forward yet established. I find combining minimalist design, with maximalist styling is a great way to inject soul and depth. I’m obsessed with old tapestries and textiles, especially when mixed in with more modern elements. It all feels so collected over time and has a sense of story, which is something I look for and hope to achieve with my interior styling. You will notice this influence, woven throughout the house, but I really went to town in the guest house.

Bathroom Design

When it came to designing the bathrooms, I was thinking mountain chic combined with spa sensuality. As with most rooms in this house, the lake offered inspiration. I pulled colors and textures from outside and chose beautiful statement pieces that exude calm but are far from boring.

This is one tub with a view that I´m sure to miss when we move on…

Style Beyond Age Lakeside Bathroom Inspo

Couples Walk-In Closets

And of course, I´ve left the best until last. Follow me through to the closets. You´ll be glad to see we created his and hers areas, so there´s no bickering over closet room in this house. His closet is no fun to look at, so here is a bit of mine. It´s a space I spend a lot of time in and I often come here to think and feel inspired; it´s my #SheChateau if you will.

I have several tips for styling your closet, which I covered in a previous blog, so head over there for some of my ultimate closet hacks. Do you have a favorite place to hang out in your home?

Interior Styling Tips

If you´re undergoing a renovation or just feel like refreshing your home, here are some of my favorite home styling tips.

Interior Styling Tip #1

Identify the focal point for your room and develop your style around it – we don´t want too many heroes fighting for attention.

Interior Styling Tip #2

We want to create interest, encourage the eye to wander and discover something new. We can achieve this by introducing texture and building up the layers to create depth in each space.

Interior Styling Tip #3

As you style a room, notice where the voids are, where you need height and verticality, where you need something to grab attention and where you might want to retain negative space.

Home Styling Tip #4

Consider scale and the variety of shapes you are using, taking note to offset something soft with more angular, weighted pieces.

Home Styling Tip #5

Furniture is an art form and a few key pieces will really inject life and creativity into your home. Focus on quality over quantity.

Home Styling Tip #6

Aim for livable luxury, rather than show home perfection; it´s much more, well livable, and you´ll quickly feel at home in the space.

Montana Lake House Home Tour

Thanks for joining me today at home in Montana. It´s been great to show you around and I´ve really enjoyed having you here with me. Let´s do it again soon.

Until the next catch up, we can stay connected on Instagram and you might want to check out…

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10 Styling Hacks to start Incorporating Today!

by Sonia Lovett | Jun 3, 2020 | Fashion

Today at Style Beyond Age we´re joined once again, by our resident stylist Serena, as she spills her industry secrets and shares 10 Styling hacks to start incorporating today.

10 Styling Hacks to start incorporating today!

If there’s one thing that all stylists agree upon, it’s that age has nothing to do with style. Great style is possible no matter how old you are; the key is knowing how to flaunt your body sensibility in a way that works for you. Navigating the ins and outs of fashion styling can be tricky, so I’ve put together a list of my favorite styling tricks that you can try today.

1 – To Tuck or Not to Tuck

In this case, we should have split the difference! This blouse looks like a boxier fit with a lot to tuck in, especially paired with these high waisted jeans. With this particular shirt option, I would have chosen a French Tuck or Front Tuck. Unless you are going to tuck into your seamless panties (which is my favorite trick), I would recommend working with the fabric instead of trying to hide it. This way, we are visually creating a waist and elongating the look. To achieve a casual front tuck, just tuck the middle of your top straight into your bottoms. You can losen where needed to achieve this casual tuck. I found an excellent resource for all other tucking issues here.

Life-Hacker-Style-Beyond-Age-French-Tuck

2 – Shortening Statement Sleeves

I loved this dress so much but when my mom tried it on it just seemed off! The dress itself has wide longer sleeves that overpowered her and looked messy. We transformed these sleeves into a more bohemian blouson sleeve by wrapping two longer rubber bands (or two hair ties) around each wrist and covering them with matching silver bracelets.

Style-Beyond-Age-Styling-Tips-Long-Sleeves

3 – Define Your Waist

By adding a good belt; you can elevate any outfit. You must, however, be mindful of your body proportions when choosing the right belt for your look. Short-waisted women look best in skinnier belts while thicker belts are better suited for longer torsos. Consider a belt, another piece of jewelry to be the icing on the top of your outfit!

4 – Wear One Color

Monochromatic looks are chic, timeless, and are instantly more fashionable! Dressing in all one color is a simple, clean approach to putting an outfit together. Try mixing textures in the same hue to create a striking look that can be just as bold as a pattern.

This suit is from Choosy, Here is a similar one from there in Satin.

Style-Beyond-Age-Styling-Tips-Monochrome-It

5 – Invest in Shape Wear

We all need a little help at times and wearing the proper shape wear underneath everything helps to give you smooth lines. We love Evelyn & Bobbies longline boyshort to smooth under skirts because they are just the most comfortable and aren’t too clingy like traditional shapewear.

6 – Graphics Tees

I love to mix the feminine separates with tougher “borrowed from the guys” pieces. Try thinking outside the box while styling your favorite band tee by pairing it with something unexpected. Whether it is a silk skirt, or a two-piece suit, pairing a graphic t-shirt will always give you a bit of an edge.

Style-Beyond-Age-Styling-Tips-Graphic-Tees

7 – Know When to Cuff ´Em

Cuffing your jeans is certainly not a new trick, but sometimes we forget that with just one turn of a hem we can, show off a little more shoe, instantly tailor a pant that is too long, or refresh an old favorite pair of jeans.

8 – Brooches

Our family has always had an affinity for brooches and have quite the collection. They aren’t typically on your radar as a fashion accessory; however, I love to add them to basic jackets as an unexpected statement. I’ve pinned them to necklaces to create dramatic effects and also used them to cinch and drape a blouse.

9 – Become a Nudest

Nude shoes should be a wardrobe staple for any fashionable woman. Not only do they flatter and elongate the leg, but they can also go with basically any outfit. There are two rules of thumb with nude shoes: Find the correct shade of nude for you, and don’t forget to keep them clean!

Style-Beyond-Age-Shopbop-awang4279811231_q6_2-0._UX357_QL90_

10 – Tinker Tailor

Often what makes or breaks an outfit is the fit. Tailoring your clothes is a luxury that does not cost a fortune. With so many body types, we are hard-pressed to find clothes off the rack that fit ANY body perfectly and as it was designed. I work with a tailor to alter new purchases to fit perfectly as well as alter clothes in my closet to give them new life. A good tailor can also recreate your favorite looks in whatever fabric and color work best for you now.

10 Styling Hacks to Try

That wraps up today´s share; 10 simple, yet effective styling hacks, from our resident stylist, Serena, to help you get creative with the clothes and accessories you have.

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Why I Stopped and Restarted Eating a Pescatarian Diet

by Sonia Lovett | May 31, 2020 | Lifestyle

I´ve been eating a Pescatarian diet for decades, but there are pros and cons. On the Style Beyond Age blog I´m sharing the benefits and the pitfalls to avoid. I know because I fell into one.

What is a Pescatarian Diet?

You hear Pescatarian and you think of fish, but it´s a heavily plant-based diet. The difference being, unlike a vegan or vegetarian diet, it incorporates fish and seafood as a primary protein source.

My Experience Eating a Pescatarian Diet

I had been eating this way for decades, then a little over a year ago I had a mercury test. There it was in my bloodstream. I stopped eating fish and began a daily detox shake. Now, I am about to start back on my Pescatarian ways, but I had my scare. Hence why I´m sharing the good with the bad, and the detox juice recipe that helped me through.

Eating-Pescatarian-Diet-Style-Beyond-Age-Lifestyle-Blogger 2

Health Benefits of being Pescatarian

The addition of seafood to a heavily plant-based diet means valuable nutrients such as vitamin B12, Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and protein are in greater supply. According to the experts, health benefits can include lower blood cholesterol, lower blood pressure and a decreased risk of heart disease or diabetes.

Cons to a Pescatarian Diet

Eating high levels of seafood can expose yourself to higher levels of mercury, which can have alarming side effects and is something to take seriously. Like any diet, it is about balance. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) advise limiting consumption to two or three servings a week, and opting for fish with low mercury levels.

But how do you know?

Eating-Pescatarian-Diet-Style-Beyond-Age-Lifestyle-Blogger 3

High Mercury Fish

As a rule, larger fish are more likely to contain higher levels of mercury. The reason being, they absorb the mercury from the smaller fish they ingest throughout their lifetime. It´s helpful to know which fish are high in mercury, so you know what to avoid, and what to enjoy as you please.

Fish Low in Mercury – Eat at will

Anchovies, Scallops, Herring, Pollock, Sardines, Catfish, Shrimp, Oysters, Crayfish, and Squid.

Fish with Moderate Levels of Mercury – Enjoy sparingly

Carp, Cod, Lobster, Herring, Hake and Salmon.

Fish high in Mercury – Be weary

Swordfish, King Mackerel, Marlin, Bigeye Tuna and Northern Pike.

If you are concerned about high levels of mercury, a simple blood test will give you the answer. You know who to call…

Eating-Pescatarian-Diet-Style-Beyond-Age-Lifestyle-Blogger 4

Quality Matters

As with most things, quality matters. The amount of mercury in fish can be affected by pollution in its environment or over-farming, so ask the questions about where your fish came from. When shopping for wild-caught fish, FOS (Friend of the Sea) or MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) seals show the catch was responsibly sourced. If purchasing farmed fish, support sustainable operations where possible.

Daily Detox Juice Recipe

Should you get caught out, like I did, then a detox can help to flush your system. This Heavy Metal Detox Juice is designed to purge them from the body, and it´s a recipe I enjoy. I say recipe, but there is no cooking involved, promise.

Heavy-metal-detox-juice-Style-Beyond-Age-Lifestyle-Blogger

I opt for a juice, as I find smoothies to be a landmine of carbohydrates disguised as something healthy and nutritious; which of course they are, but with consequences that are often ignored. No thank you weight gain; I´m after a cleanse and it´s so simple; you´ll see…

Returning to a Pescatarian Diet

So, after a year of detox juices and clean eating, I´m reverting back to my Pescatarian diet; only this time a little wiser.

If you´re also considering the switch, here are some food bloggers for thought…

Pescatarian Friendly Recipes

For the keen cooks among you, of which I am not, these are worth a look. I´m all for the culinary creativity, and the eating; it´s the clean-up I can’t stand.

Chef Jacquelyn Jones

at SolFood Collective

Style-Beyond-Age-Recomends-SolFood-Collective

The Posh Pescatarian

Killing Thyme

Love and Lemons

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5 Ways you can Support Small Businesses During Covid

by Sonia Lovett | May 27, 2020 | Fashion

There´s a whole lot of female-led fabulousness on the Style Beyond Age blog today, we´re sharing 5 ways that you can support small businesses during the time of Covid.

Support Small Businesses during Covid

As the country starts to relax its Covid-19 precautions, we emerge into a different world. No matter where you are, I’m sure that you feel and see a change. Everything from the way we socialize, shop, eat, and engage is evolving.

As we transition into this “new normal,” have you noticed that some of your go-to retailers haven’t come back or are packing up their storefronts for good? Some national retailers haven’t re-opened their doors yet, and if they have, they are only offering limited services or curbside pickups.

Quote-Life-Shrinks-or-Contracts-Style-Beyond-Age

Support Small Businesses

I see my local boutique owners as brave because these are stark and scary times for small businesses. Women often run most of these businesses that we admire and depend on as a community.

And as you know, here at Style Beyond Age, we LOVE to support our fellow female entrepreneurs. I’ve made a list of my favorite shops that you can patronize today and five ways to help support small businesses during these transitional times!

5 Ways you can Support Small Businesses During Covid

(and Beyond)

1 – Shop local – online

Our communities need us now more than ever. Online shopping is convenient and can be done right from the comfort of your couch! Most, if not all, small business retailers have websites offering their products with a click of your mouse that can be delivered right to your door. Honestly, I love this way of shopping. I get just what I need, and it is available for pickup within the hour.

2 – Purchase gift cards

Consider buying gift cards for the businesses you visit most often to use later when they are officially up and running again.

3 – Order takeout

Can’t wait until you can eat your favorite meals from your favorite local restaurants? Many are keeping things going by offering meals to go, and some are even providing free delivery. This is a great way to keep money going into the local community while enjoying all your favorite dishes.

4 – Increase the tip amount

Don’t forget, servers and delivery people will also be feeling the decrease in business, and many of them survive on the tips they’re now missing. If you’re ordering takeout or delivery, consider giving a little more than usual when tipping.

5 – Practice patience

We’re all in this together. Don’t forget that many small businesses are most likely working with a skeleton crew, so you might have to wait a little longer for your delivery to arrive or for items to become available to purchase.

SUPPORT – SHOP – SHARE

Women’s Boutiques and Brands that we love to Support

Join Style Beyond Age in supporting small buisnesses during Covid-19, and beyond.

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10 Rules to Even Self Tan Application

Day to Evening Maxi Skirt Restyle

10 Rules to Even Self Tan Application

by Sonia Lovett | May 24, 2020 | Skincare

From skin preparation through to applying and preserving your tan. Here are 10 rules to even self-tan application that everyone needs to know.

It´s no secret that I enjoy a good glow. Applying self-tanner allows me to achieve a sun-kissed look any time of the year, without the harmful UV rays damaging my skin. There are a few potential stumbling blocks though, so today on the Style Beyond Age blog, I´m sharing my top tips to achieve an even and natural-looking self-tan.

10 Rules to Even Self-Tan Application

1 – Leave Self-Tanning until Last

Self-Tanning should be the last step in your self-care routine. If you’re planning on getting a manicure, shaving, or waxing, make sure it´s all taken care of before you start your application. These treatments will remove your self-tan and we don´t want you going to all this effort for nothing.

2 – Exfoliate your Body before Applying Self Tan

Self-tan and dry skin do not mix, so exfoliating your body is a crucial step in the application process. I like to use my exfoliating body mitt in the shower, paying particular attention to the heels, ankles, knees and elbows. A back exfoliator is also handy, for those hard-to-reach places.

3 – Exfoliate your Face before applying self-tan

Like your body, your face also requires TLC before self-tan application. I use a facial exfoliating mitt, which is much kinder to your delicate facial skin than the alternative mitt for your body. Methode Brigitte Kettner also has a gentle, yet effective exfoliating tool, that I have been using for years on my face.

4 – Dry Fully Before Applying the Product

After washing and exfoliating, allow yourself time to dry completely before moving onto the next stage. I recommend waiting fifteen minutes once you´re out of the shower. It sounds like a small step, but it can make a big difference, don´t be tempted to rush ahead. A great towel helps with patience. This is my favorite, an oversized lightweight Italian waffle weave towel.

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 7

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 8

5 – Moisturize your Skin

Once you´re fully dry, but before the self-tan is applied, we need to add some moisture back into the skin. I like to use Cetaphil Moisturizer cream around my knees, ankles and elbows to avoid these areas taking on a darker shade. For my face, I choose Perricone MD and pay special attention to my nostrils, eyebrows and hairline.

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 1

6 – From the Bottom to the Top

When applying self-tanner, we work from the bottom to the top. Starting with the feet and legs, moving onto the body, and finally applying to your face.

When applying the self-tan, avoid using your hands. Our hands move the product around the skin too much and often leave us looking sad and streaky, instead use a mitt like this one from Best Bronze for the most even results.

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 3

7 – Applying to your Face

Less is more when it comes to applying self-tan to your face. I sparingly dab the self-tanner on the areas of my face that would naturally catch the sun. Focus on your forehead, cheek bones and around your nose, then gently spread the product out towards your hairline and the edges of your face, to achieve a natural look.

8 – Extend the recommended drying time

For the best self-tan results, extend the recommended drying time of the product. If product guidelines recommend ten minutes, allow for twenty and you won´t be in for any nasty surprise streaks.

9 – Tidy Up Problem Areas

If you have messed up, there are ways to rectify things. Some say rubbing a lemon on the area will remove streaks. For those streaks that a lemon can´t budge, soak the area in warm water and oil to remove the tanner, before applying again.

Style Beyond Age Self Tan Application Tips 2

10 – Preserve your Tan

Now that you’ve gone to all this effort, we want your tan to last. Keeping your skin moisturized, washing gently in the shower and minimal exfoliation will help to preserve your tan and keep it looking good for longer.

I hope you enjoyed these 10 rules to even self-tan application.

Will you be giving them a try?

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Lake House Living

Livable Luxury

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Bathroom Design

Couples Walk-In Closets

Interior Styling Tips

Interior Styling Tip #1

Interior Styling Tip #2

Interior Styling Tip #3

Home Styling Tip #4

Home Styling Tip #5

Home Styling Tip #6

Montana Lake House Home Tour

The Latest on the Blog

10 Styling Hacks to start incorporating today!

1 – To Tuck or Not to Tuck

2 – Shortening Statement Sleeves

3 – Define Your Waist

4 – Wear One Color

5 – Invest in Shape Wear

6 – Graphics Tees

7 – Know When to Cuff ´Em

8 – Brooches

9 – Become a Nudest

10 – Tinker Tailor

10 Styling Hacks to Try

More from Style Beyond Age

What is a Pescatarian Diet?

My Experience Eating a Pescatarian Diet

Health Benefits of being Pescatarian

Cons to a Pescatarian Diet

High Mercury Fish

Fish Low in Mercury – Eat at will

Fish with Moderate Levels of Mercury – Enjoy sparingly

Fish high in Mercury – Be weary

Quality Matters

Daily Detox Juice Recipe

Returning to a Pescatarian Diet

Pescatarian Friendly Recipes

Chef Jacquelyn Jones

at SolFood Collective

Latest on the Blog

Support Small Businesses during Covid

Support Small Businesses

5 Ways you can Support Small Businesses During Covid

(and Beyond)

1 – Shop local – online

2 – Purchase gift cards

3 – Order takeout

4 – Increase the tip amount

5 – Practice patience

SUPPORT – SHOP – SHARE

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Accessory Junkie

Aquelarre

Bell Jar

Bird Brooklyn

Harlow

Sappari

Sev & Co

The Canyon

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Bodewell

Erica Weiner

Grayson

JadeTribe

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More on the Blog

10 Rules to Even Self-Tan Application

1 – Leave Self-Tanning until Last

2 – Exfoliate your Body before Applying Self Tan

3 – Exfoliate your Face before applying self-tan

4 – Dry Fully Before Applying the Product

5 – Moisturize your Skin

6 – From the Bottom to the Top