hello

i’m Amanda start…

… a perennial online dweller who IRL lives on the beautiful South Coast of the UK. In various guises I’ve been blogging for some sixteen years now and the most joyous thing is that for a lot of the time, I get to call it work since 2008. I’ve covered everything from toddler tantrums and tote bags to the life enhancing benefits of a neutral wardrobe and why being beside the sea solves most things.

Some years ago I took blogging from a hobby to a small business and along the way found connection, inspiration and a sense of fulfilment I didn’t know I was missing.

I’ve been an influencer, a workshop co-host, an Online Stylist, a fashion week attendee, a panel speaker, a style columnist (we’re talking more Cruise Travel than ST Style here), and a digital content creator for small businesses.

These days I enjoy a more slower-paced midlife but still get ridiculously over excited about style and what we’re trying to tell the world about who we are through our clothing.

I’m a non-conformist when it comes to the notion of women and ageing - style, beauty ideals, visibility, untapped potential – the list is long.

Challenging the “rules” about age and dressing is something I could rant on about for hours… but that’s what having your own website is for right?

live evolve flourish

Simply Start Living began in 2019 – the same year that I turned fifty and dove headfirst into midlife proper. The concept was born out of the need to evolve not just this digital space, but also to celebrate the creativity, simplicity, style and wisdom that should come with the territory of being a modern midlife woman.

Minimalist style, thoughtfully curated edits and lifestyle inspiration for midlife women who want to live a reimagined second act. By coastal creative, Amanda Start, a fifty something, online creative living on the south coast in the UK. Simply Start

Since I began blogging in 2008, I’ve witnessed the slow creep of female age positivity – aided and abetted by many of my peers who’ve taken courageous strides to move away from the stereotypical image of the middle-aged woman. It’s been a joyous thing to watch, and this thought-provoking subject can and should elicit impassioned responses to those who champion and support the concept.

I want to continue those conversations and keep discussing the challenging aspects because the topics still aren’t getting enough airtime - but I want to do it alongside celebrating the good stuff too. Because the two can exist side by side. There are difficulties and delights, experience and enjoyment. There are life events and light-hearted times, down times and elevated moments. There is acceptance of some and defiance of others.

LIVE

Live slower & in tune with the seasons

Be grounded by the small moments

Seek out the beauty of simple joys

Create a calm, restful place to live

evolve

Don’t dream it’s over beyond fifty

Remain curious, explore more…reflect often

Measure life in feelings instead of numbers

Reset, reinvent & reinvigorate

flourish

Celebrate visible midlife women

Nurture all forms of creativity

Draw strength from challenge & experience

Nourish the mind & prioritise wellbeing

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“midlife is when the universe gently places her hands upon your shoulders, pulls you close, and whispers in your ear: “i’m not screwing around”

- Brené Brown

If you came here for some “Me Too” connection, you’re in the right place

If you want to fall in love with getting dressed again, read on.

If it’s simply a matter of finding a place to pause and reflect or get curious about things you may not have had time for until now - how to nurture creativity, find ways to prioritise midlife wellbeing or nourish the mind as well as the body – I hope I can provide that too.

This is midlife though my lens – the good, the bad, the misadventures and the must-haves – I want to live it to the full, keep on evolving and flourish in the process.