I am really enjoying having the opportunity to review books on my blog, some like The Love Detective, are sent to me as part of a blog tour, others I feature on my #beingfiftyandfab monthly post, books I have picked up or have been recommended to me.  I am still making more of an effort to read in the evening rather than scroll mindlessly on my phone, it definitely helps the quality of my sleep!

Last week was full on but so much fun and so many new opportunities for me and my blog.  I posted some of my adventures on Instagram but as we are charging into autumn now and gradually moving from our summer wardrobe to our autumn wardrobe I thought it might be helpful to share some outfits posts and tell you a bit more about what I am wearing now.

I am not great at transitional dressing so if like me you need a bit of inspiration then you might find these ideas helpful ...

I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to review this gorgeous range of ethical activewear from Asquith.  This is a brand that has only recently come to my attention but the benefits of bamboo clothing has been slowly coming onto my radar for a while.  

I adore their new autumn colours.  I chose the claret and pink with a hint of rust as well as a pair of black tie pants.  I was drawn to the style of the black pair as they can be adjusted for the shorter leg!  Being 'short' I do have a problem with this style but the Asquith Hero Tie Pants can be tightened at the bottom and therefore suitable for short and tall.

Benefits of Bamboo Clothing

Bamboo clothing in general but in particular bamboo exercise clothing appeals to me due to its ability to wick away sweat, it is breathable, soft and naturally anti-bacterial.  It is exceptionally comfortable to wear and suitable for sensitive skin.  It is also an environmentally low-impact fabric.

Asquith incorporate organic cotton into their range too.  Also a durable and breathable fabric that will not bobble, fade or stretch.  And like bamboo, feels amazingly soft against the skin.

Asquith say that once you have felt the softness of their bamboo activewear you will not want to take it off!  I agree, it is incredibly soft and comfortable as well as being very flattering.

Let's be honest - you can wear it for yoga, pilates or a gym workout but hey it is also fantastic as everyday 'athleisure'.  No exercise needed!  I am not a fan of relaxing in PJ's but I do love a lose pant or cosy leggings.  These bamboo yoga pants and yoga leggings definitely fit the bill.  In fact, it is Monday morning and as I do the final edits to this post, I am wearing the hero tie pants and pink top and yes I definitely love!

​Bamboo Yoga Pants 

First of all I chose the Hero Tie Pants in black (see photos above)  - because a girl always needs comfortable black yoga style pants in her wardrobe.  They have a very soft, elastic waistband that folds over so it is flattering and holds you in (I need that)!  They are so soft and drape beautifully.  The tie at the hem means I can pull them tighter and therefore adjust the length.  Perfect, I suspect these will become a wardrobe staple for relaxing at home, walking my dogs or even yoga!

Bamboo Yoga Leggings

Next I decided to try the new claret colour and chose the Move It Leggings (see below).  As I mentioned I am quite short (not quite 5' 3") and they are longer on me but not overly so.  They really are extremely soft and flattering and I doubt they will move much during a workout.  They will be put to the test later in the week when I finally get back to the gym.

Bamboo Yoga Tops

I chose the Balance Bra Top in claret and the Chi Racer Top in rust (see below) to go with both my hero pants and move-it leggings.  The bra top is very comfortable (I sized up) and I love the ruched detailing on the sides of the chi racer top. 

I added in the Long Sleeve Smooth You Tee in pearl pink to keep me warm!  It has lovely floaty puff sleeves and a wide waistband that can be worn on the hip.  I love it with the hero pants as it is also soft and drapey - and comfortable!

For yoga, pilates and living in ...
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Every item in their range complements each other, it is incredibly stylish with a beautiful seasonal colour palette.  Bamboo makes fantastic exercise wear due to its moisture wicking properties so I don't feel a desperate need to take it off, I can run errands on the way home!  I also think that the range would make a very stylish outfit to travel in - by car or by plane as it won't crease or look crushed and it will maintain it's freshness.  I wish I'd had it when we flew to Sri Lanka.

They have a good range of sizes too - starting at S and going up to XL.  I chose the S (M in the bra top) and everything fitted very well.  The leg length is longer but I didn't find it a problem.

​If you sign up to their newsletter online then you can get 15% off your first order, they also offer free delivery if you spend over £75 and all returns are free.

I am looking forward to getting lots of wear out of my Asquith items over the coming months, preferably in front of the TV and a log fire!

Love from
Michelle xx
​​

Late on Friday evening after quite a lot of prosecco and lots of chatting and giggling with my girlfriends - we were away on a girls weekend in the Cotswolds - I noticed an email telling me I was a FINALIST in the Beauty and Fashion category of the Brilliance in Blogging Awards run by BritMums.  Well that was a shock.  I had absolutely no idea that nominations were even going on but in fact I had already gone through the nomination round and made it to the finals.  In my defence I was in Sri Lanka for three weeks!

After picking myself up I decided I had to make sure this was genuine.  But yes on Saturday morning I realised it was indeed genuine and yes I am a FINALIST and yes I can display the badge on my blog.  

I started blogging on a whim in the February of 2016 when I was due to turn 50 in the December.  I didn't spend much time thinking about it - I guess it had been on my mind for a while but not seriously.  I asked my son to set up a website, buy a domain name and I fairly quickly decided on Fifty & Fab as I love style and looking good, I was on a healthy eating plan, I was exercising and I did indeed want to be fab at fifty ... my plan was to record my journey on my blog and let it evolve.

And evolve it did.  My initial thought was that I would be a 'style blogger' but fairly quickly I realised I wanted to be able to talk about all aspects of my life so I settled on 'lifestyle blogger'.

There are times when I am quite happy to hide away at home and tap away at my keyboard, I am not a prolific writer or even a very talented/creative one.  I write as I talk, I share useful tips in a simple way, I don;t want to read anything complicated as I don't have time so I am assuming you don't either.  I think my readers want to know what they can do to be and feel fabulous at fifty ... and beyond.  I set out to inspire myself but to inspire others too.

But I am also slowly getting new opportunities.  I was approached by Vionic Shoes, I have recently been asked by Asquith London to review their range (which will be on the blog soon).  I have a fab ongoing friendship and collaboration with Sweat-Bea - I met Kate over Instagram as I love scarves and accessories and I love the scarves and accessories she sells.  I've reviewed books and got to know the lovely Helen at Literally PR, I attended my first ever book launch.  I appeared in Fabulous magazine for The Sun Online and I have written reviews from local businesses and friends - not because I get paid but because I want to.  I have been to London for the Vionic Shoes AW/2018 launch event and met other Instagram and blogging ladies.  I joined the Biz Girls network in Marlow and I have attended their networking events.  I attended my first blogger event this year - BlogConLDN.  I went to another networking event where I met Vicki from Honest Mum.  Most of this I do by myself, walking into a room full of strangers is pretty daunting.

I now have regular features on my blog - monthly I talk about what I am doing myself to be fifty and fab #beingfiftyandfab and I have also created my Embracing Life (in Midlife) interview series where I talk to other women approaching fifty, and beyond, about what they are doing during this new phase of their lives.  I recently spent three weeks in Sri Lanka which was amazing and I have blogged extensively about the experience and so I can offer suggestions to anyone else who might want to visit Sri Lanka (just do it).

But I am not, and never will be, a big blogger in big blogger world!  I simply don't have time if I am honest, I really admire the bloggers who do this full time.  It is hard work and not easy to find the right collaborations.  This is a little bit more than a hobby, but mostly I do it because I enjoy it and one day soon I might have 'empty nest syndrome' and it will be good to have something to concentrate on.  If my blog can earn a little bit so it funds itself and I enjoy the opportunities I am given then I am content.

I really hope I offer the few brands I have collaborated with good value for money and that my influence does raise brand awareness but more importantly I hope that something I do - whether it be style, health, fitness or a trip away - inspires someone else to try something new and go out of their comfort zone or just pick up a tip that is useful for their every day life.  That is all!

Writing about my life is therapeutic for me, I do not always get it right and I am learning as I go along just like anyone else.  I am prone to anxiety and depression and peri-menopause hasn't been the smoothest ride.

So here I am - up for a blogging award - and still quite surprised but absolutely delighted and honored and so very very thankful to whoever nominated me!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for liking what I do enough to put me forward for an award.  I am sure I am not everyone's cup of tea, but that doesn't matter, if you like what I do, if you like my blog then I'd love it if you could pop over and vote for me!  You can do it here and it is very easy and will only take a couple of minutes.

​The photos on this post were taken at the weekend.  Just on my iPhone, By my friends.  We try to get away every year for three nights and we have found this rather beautiful house at the Cotswold Water Park which has a wonderful view, great outdoor space and a fabulous hot tub.  And sun - even though that is not guaranteed, we have been very lucky so far.

​I indulged a bit too much - but I am a firm believer in living life to the full and enjoying food and wine with good friends.  I am back to a much better routine now September is in full swing and I am looking forward to meal planning more, eating a bit better and fitting in more exercise.  I will blog about it all soon!

In the meantime - thank you again for all your support and thank you if do vote for me!

Love from
Michelle xx

Not Dressed As Lamb
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