Fashion Trends and Friends is as much about FRIENDS as we are about FASHION!

Today we’d like to introduce you to one of our favorite fellow Life and Style Bloggers Over 50!

INTRODUCING NINA BANDONI OF:

SHARING A JOURNEY  Ageless Life & Style

FTF: What is your background? 

NINA: As a kid, I was a dreamer. I was always telling stories and was the one who made up most of the games we played in the neighborhood, especially when they centered around dressing up and my getting to be the princess!  

I wanted to be a writer, or a Princess, but my parents weren’t exactly thrilled with those choices.  They kept telling me Princess wasn’t a viable occupation; and were afraid I’d starve as a writer because in their minds, all writers starved. (I still think I could have made a go of either of them!)  

I went to business school instead, and worked in banking and community development.  In 2000, after my daughter was born,  I started my own business so I could have more flexibility; my company, Community Development Concepts, provides strategic planning and project management for non-profit organizations.  I can’t believe the company is almost 20 years old, and still going strong.

FTF: Why did you decide to blog?

NINA: I always loved to write; I wanted to share some of the things I was learning as I hit midlife and struggled through it’s transitions (I’ll be 60 on my birthday in July!)  Blogging seemed to be a good fit.  I completely love it.  I wake up and bound out of bed every morning full of ideas for posts.  Sharing a Journey started as an inspirational blog, but when we shot a few fashion photos on a whim, the blog took another direction and we added fashion and beauty.  It surprises me that it’s turned out this way, but I love styling clothing, fashion and beauty so I can’t complain.

FTF: How would you describe your fashion? 

NINA: I find it hard to describe my style because it sort of flows from my imagination and I don’t really know how others see me.   I think, looking at the photos and considering how I feel when wearing certain outfits, I must be classic.  I love dresses and suits most and struggle with more causal styles, I’m especially tired of boho and skinny jeans right now.  (Though I still wear skinny jeans.)

FTF: What fashion tips do you have for us? 

NINA: Have fun with fashion, experiment…go try things on…laugh a little—if it doesn’t work out you can always take it off and try something else!  When trying things on, be sure to look at yourself in a  big mirror and from a distance.  Close up, things look much different than when you are standing back a bit and can see the lines and fit better.  Most of all, don’t let other people’s rules govern you or your style.

FTF: Where is your favorite place to shop? 

NINA: I like Nordstrom the best for in-store shopping for my self. I take my mother to Talbots and often end up buying for myself when I’m there; (I love taking their classic pieces and adding my own twist to them.) I’ve been enjoying Reiss and Karen Millen on line both are from the UK—I just purchased a Reiss jump suit for evening and I’m obsessed.  Roger has had to take me out on numerous date nights so I can get ample wear out of it!

FTF: Who is your style icon? 

NINA: I love Victoria Magrath, from In the Frow, she is a young blogger with amazing style; I find her super inspiring. I think it’s important to follow some younger fashion bloggers as well as those in our age group.  I just scrolled through my Pinterest boards and I would say Grace Kelly would be my retro favorite; I pinned a ton of photos of her on my Fashion Icons board.  I would happily wear any of her outfits. Of course she rocked 1950’s movie star style to a T, which is right up my alley.

FTF: What decade/era speaks to you the most with regards to fashion? 

NINA: I love the 1950’s right now.  I’ve been watching several television shows set in the ‘50’s and have been loving the color palettes, the silhouettes and the fully accessorized looks women used to wear. My mother used to have tons of hats, handbags and matching shoes.  I used to sneak into her closet and play in her clothes when I was young.  

My father and grandmother were both majorly interested in fashion and style.  My father always bought me classics; I always mixed in a little glam, something trendy and a bit of a retro movie star vibe for fun.  

NINA’S FINAL THOUGHT: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to apologize for being your authentic self.  I’m a fashionista. I love wearing beautiful things, but it’s not all about how we look on the outside; I’m a huge believer in doing the inner work as well.

We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Nina of Sharing A Journey! If you’re not already following her, we highly recommend you do so. Click the links below:

BLOG

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

YOU TUBE