I received a preview copy of India Knight’s forthcoming book In Your Prime – with strict instructions that it may appear on here as long as it also appears on BBB… erm, I don’t think so – this is the target audience exactly! There might be fewer of us but it’s 100% relevant. I said I’d buy it myself and put it where I like, but a copy turned up anyway. So, that aside, all I can say is beg, steal or borrow for In Your Prime!
I genuinely didn’t like India Knight’s book, Mutton, but this is whole other thing. Reading it is like having your smartest, most sensible friend by your side with whom you can chat about anything at all. And, when you’ve already had the wine! She’s just got the best way of writing that feels like she’s talking to you directly – I’ve learned and I’ve laughed as well as nearly nodding my head off in agreement to many of her views on being an older woman. In particular, India, too, wonders why women hit the ‘very short hair stage’.. I’ve often thought that unless you have bone structure of Audrey Hepburn then it’s one of the cruelest things you can do for your looks. Except, til now, I’ve never actually said it out loud. I can sit watching people on TV and I am mentally scribbling on longer hair if I see women with drastically short locks. It’s a very defined look that’s only going to bring out the best for very few.
When are clothes mutton? I’ve deliberately steered away from this subject because I truly think you should just wear what you want and hang what anyone else thinks, but India goes straight in (short skirts for a start). It’s useful to hear someone else backing up what you secretly think about yourself. I have wondered, to be fair. “Beware ethnic clothing that isn’t relevant to your ethnicity…” A good point.
It’s pretty clear that India isn’t a fan of Botox or fillers, whereas I am. She cautions not to end up with Humpty Dumpty face – a face devoid of all creases. I’d advise the same.. but a little here and there will always do more than the most expensive of moisturisers in eradicating deeper lines if they bother you. Most of the beauty advice is rather generic, but you know, it’s sensible – it’s what your best friend would tell you.
I love the chapter on Sex & Relationships – it’s true that it’s easy to assume you are the person having the least sex ever (particularly if you’ve been married or in a relationship for many years) but India’s take on that is that nobody that has a long term partner is having chandelier sex, and it’s absolutely fine, provided nobody’s feeling rejected and undesired to carry on as you are. This is something that you never hear! It’s one of the most difficult areas to talk about – even with your best friends. India’s just saying what you’re thinking on this one! There’s also a page on How To Get A Divorce, if you’re really unhappy.
I can’t tell you what a wonderful woman’s companion In Your Prime is. It’s very difficult to address ‘all’ older women – fifty is not sixty and sixty is not seventy and so on – but India has done an amazing job in crossing the generations with advice that will resonate with all ages.
In Your Prime launches on 26th October – get it on pre-order HERE now!
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5 comments
Jane
Sounds like a great book. I do worry about the generalisations regarding very short hair, though. I lost all my hair over a year ago when it started falling out in great chunks due to illness. I have since kept it short in case the problem recurs. There is nothing I would like more than a full head of beautiful, luxuriant hair, but this is not to be. Sometimes, short hair isn’t a choice and knocking someone when they’re down doesn’t do a lot for a self esteem, which may already be shot to ribbons.
Tracy
Such a coincidence- this book launches on my 60th birthday! Is that karma or an omen
I’ve had short hair for most of my adult life, and I love it. My hair is thin and fine, and when it is long, I have to spend time styling it, which if I’m lucky, only lasts about an hour.
And I have to say, that I think most people look better with short hair … 🙂
Why this perpetual focus on hair? I have the suspicion that your somehow perceived as less feminine if your hair is short. Short hair, like long hair, doesn’t suit everyone, but your hardly doing yourself a disservice if you prefer short. Skirts area other matter. You either have the legs for them or you don’t, regardless of age.
I think I’ve maybe done three posts on hair..so it’s not really a perpetual focus. It’s a personal opinion to think that short hair is harder to wear than mid-length – it’s certainly softer around the face and jawline for a start to keep it a mid length, but it’s not to say that short hair doesn’t suit anyone. Interestingly, I wrote a piece on hair dye that didn’t really express a view but more a ‘letting you know this product exists’ post and someone said they failed to see the point of it. And as for legs my friend – that too is a matter for personal choice – you might think you have the world’s most beautiful legs or vice versa – others may well disagree. I wouldn’t get my legs out if you paid me and it is my opinion that legs after a certain time lose their appeal – my mum at 78 has great legs but it doesn’t mean I’d like to see her in a mini skirt.