The Spring Racing Carnival has received much media attention of late, probably more for its fashions on the field than its horse flesh. All the colour and frivolity to me signifies the beginning of our "party season" and although I no longer participate as I once did, it is still a busy time of the year.

The social calendar has few gaps, the house is receiving a deep clean, and the pantry and freezer filled with interesting bits and pieces that you wouldn't normally bother with.

Like Pretzels. Why do we eat Pretzels over the holiday season? 

It also seems to me that the number of articles in the media about fashion and clothing styles for mature women seem to increase exponentially over the same period. 

Although it is a positive that the older demographic is being given consideration in the fashion arena, headlines such as " Stop Making These Fashion Mistakes That Are Aging You", and "Ten Style Mistakes Women Over 50 Make All The Time" are dismissive and negative.

Don't even get me started on “Age Appropriate Hair Styles For The Over 60's'".

We are all individuals with different tastes and circumstances. Thank Goodness. If anyone is not happy about that, relocate to North Korea.

Most of us have been dressing ourselves for a very long time. I certainly have. Sometimes I get it right, and sometimes I get it wrong. Looking fashionable has never been a major priority, not compared to holding down a full-time job dealing with clients all day long, keeping house, paying the mortgage, and raising children to be independent and kind human beings.

Whether or not to wear the boho outfit on a particular day was never given consideration. It has always been about being comfortable, looking tidy, and feeling good about myself.

With age comes the confidence to be yourself though it took a few Life Lessons to get here.

Nearly thirty years ago I invested heavily in Elle McPherson lingerie. Guess what? In no-one’s imagination did I ever look like the beautiful Elle! And who didn't rush to the hairdresser for the Jennifer Aniston hairstyle all those years ago, and before that, the Farrah Fawcett cut.  Boy, did I hate all that hair flopping across my forehead.

My tastes are much simpler now that I have retired. And that's okay. I dress for me and the activities I undertake. I wear what I want, when I want. I don't take any heed of headlines suggesting that as a mature woman I need to update my wardrobe to look younger. I'm my age and extremely grateful to have reached this milestone, unlike so many others.

And sista, I have enough on my own plate to spend any effort judging whatever outfit you may be wearing on the day. So wear all the colour you want, wear your hair whichever way you choose, and just be comfortable enough to be active and enjoy life.

After all, the money is better spent on Pretzels!