Jane Birkin (part deux)

Did I tell you I met Jane Birkin? Mmm...thought so. Ever since that blissful encounter, That's Not My Age has been channeling NBFJB style (that's New Best Friend Jane Birkin if you've just joined me). I've found myself trapped in a fashion moment with the queen of casual glamour. Which is not a bad thing because low-key style with a twist is my vocation, you can read all about it here. The aim is a natural, carefree look with added sparkle - when we met, NBFJB was wearing a Margiela knit over second-hand combats with satin ribbons hanging from the belt loops and a pair of 15-year-old Converse. So far I've tried; a military jacket over a sheer chiffon tunic with cropped black trousers, Chelsea boots and chandelier earrings, an over-sized shirt with jeans, tan lace-ups and er, chandelier earrings. Next week I'm thinking of branching out into scarves.

What I really admire is the fact that Birkin has stuck with the same style choices all her life. Apart from a stint in dresses during the Gainsbourg days, NBFJB tends to live in trousers and prefers the looser fit of men's clothes. This nonchalant approach to fashion - probably comes easy when you're beautiful, rich and famous - sounds simple enough but can end up looking a little shabby if you're not careful. So how to get the look?





Do
1. Go back to basics. Khakis, jeans, a v-neck top and white shirt are all key pieces that work well together or help loosen up a more formal wardrobe. Be sure to add a camel coat to the list this season.



2. Stay neutral. Birkin loves shades of khaki, olive, grey and sand. Easy-to-wear, timeless colours that look good whatever your age.



3. Get a handbag named after you.



Don't
1. Cut your own hair. Birkin is her own hairdresser but let's be honest, there's a very thin line between boho chic and care-in-the-community.
2. Wear Converse. Two words. David Cameron. And so what NBFJB wears plimsolls? She probably doesn't have to walk anywhere/ commute in the pouring rain. Opt for a sturdy brogue or lace-up instead.


3. Attempt to make you're own perfume. Leave it to the experts.


Photos
NBFJB: Last.fm
Patent shoe: LK Bennett

J'adore Jane Birkin

Last night That's Not My Age met Jane Birkin. Can't quite believe I've just typed those words but let me tell you every one of them is true. Yep. Vogue's Fashion's Night Out provided me with the opportunity to guzzle vast quantities of free champagne, scoff canapés like an underfed freelance journalist and meet the legendary actor. My latest grown-up lady crush is beautiful, unbelievably friendly - we chatted for about 15 minutes about her work as a campaigner on social issues - and smart. Meeting JB was the highlight of the evening/my life, after which I had to get the bus home, lie down on the settee and watch Mad Men. Sorry Don Draper but last night you were overshadowed by a 63-year-old woman (and Jane doesn't watch the show, by the way).

So, here's Birkin at the Martin Margiela store. She popped in to peruse the collection and ended up leaving with this fine knit top - accessorised with her Aung San Suu Kyi badge - and a chunky camel cardigan. We bumped into each other again at the Miller Harris shop, where, ever the style icon, Ms Birkin caused a fashion flurry as two assistants checked out her new top and rushed next door to buy the very same thing.



My New Best Friend Jane Birkin (NBFJB) told me all about l'air de rien, the perfume she's created with the help of Lyn Harris. How on visiting her brother Andrew at his laboratory on the Perfume film set in Wales she started mixing ingredients together. Birkin's friend, the photographer, Gabrielle Crawford - was there last night and is equally lovely and smart - told NBFJB she should bottle it, and introduced her to fragrance expert, Lyn Harris. LH offered some advice on botanical components, the potion contained so much oak moss it could poison people! Fortunately, the bespoke scent launched this week is non-toxic. A gorgeous heady blend of vanilla, musk and the just the right amount of oak moss, designed to express Birkin's ethereal self.




And now for an exclusive. Earlier this week, Vogue reported that Jane Birkin had ditched her eponymous bag for a second-hand sporran.



Not so. Last night, NBFJB nipped behind the desk and started rummaging in a leather handbag customised with stickers and beads. I give you, the real deal, Jane Birkin's bag:




Miller Harris, 21 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London W1J 6QD (tel: 020 7629 7750)

Photos
Pick 'n' mix: Disney Roller Girl
Second-hand Sporran: Rex Features
l'air de rien: Gabrielle Crawford
And special thanks to my lovely friend Dvora at Fashionistable for removing the glare from Jane Birkin's glasses.

Easy Style

So, get this. That's Not My Age has had a virtual wish granted, a Rag & Bone concession has popped up at The Shop at Bluebird. When Anthropologie opened in autumn, I dreamed of the other American brands I'd like to see over here. Behold the Power of the Blog! Now I've experienced its supernatural properties, I'll be using them more often. In fact, I'm going to start right now with electoral reform. Nick Clegg you know what you've got to do - step away from the Tories and give Gordon Brown a call. You'll find him at Number 10.

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes. That's Not My Age is a big fan of low-key style. Simple, uncomplicated clothes that are easy to wear and effortlessly stylish are right up my strasse. Utility chic is a current obsession - an old khaki jacket from Muji has been doing the rounds recently - and I live in jeans and grey marl t-shirts. Which is why I'm pleased to see the Rag & Bone men, David Neville and Marcus Wainwright, have rocked up on our shores. It's just a shame their clothes are a bit on the pricey side - I have a pair of trousers purchased in New York (cheaper over there/where the British duo are based), and would like to add to the collection. Make that Blog Wish number two.

That's Not My Age's trademark look is casual with a twist. I'll slip a neatly tailored jacket over the t-shirt and jeans, add a mannish shoe or trainer - heels if it's a special occasion - and er, that's it. The problem with pared-down chic is that if you're not careful, it can end up looking bland, or too boyish. Which is why it's best to liven things up with a pair of diamanté earrings, an animal print scarf or some other form of embellishment. Bella Freud calls this casual glamour. Which I like. I also like this gorgeous jacket from Isabel Marant. Pure casual glamour:



And while I'm at it, how about this lovely Margaret Howell trouser suit? Perfect for summer but I'll leave the stripy tee, thank you very much. Got plenty of those already and That's Not My Age knows that greed is not good.



The queen of casual glamour is Phoebe Philo who has transformed Céline into the grown-up label du jour. Blog Wish number three is the entire S/S 10 collection, no sorry what was that about greed? Make that a pair of camel, bum-flattering trousers:





And the good thing about easy style is that you can find it on the high street. Uniqlo, Gap, Cos and Whistles are all good for simple basics. The key is to carefully select pieces from here and there to go with what you already have. Inexpensive jersey tops work with well-cut trousers, skinny military pants with a killer jacket. Take influence from the catwalk/magazines but don't go overboard, just add certain elements to your wardrobe to keep yourself looking au courant. And on that note, I'll leave you with the Goddess of Casual Glamour, the inimitable Jane Birkin, in dungarees!




Photos
Catwalk shots: style.com
Phoebe Philo: David Simms
Jane Birkin: Harper's Bazaar