So you didn’t take the stylist’s advice, then… 50 and proud Carol Vorderman sticks with the sprayed-on T-shirt and jeans

By Marcus Barnes


Refusing to back down: Defiant Carol Vorderman wears her standard T-shirt and tight jeans for a visit to Scott's restaurant in Mayfair, London


Earlier this week she agreed to let a stylist advise her on what she SHOULD be wearing.

But Carol Vorderman has refused to conform, sticking to her tight jeans and T-shirt ensemble less than a day after she invited the Mail along to a styling session.

The former Countdown presenter, 50, visited Scott's restaurant in Mayfair where she was pictured wearing the youthful get up.

Looking great: The presenter was irked by the suggestion that she shouldn't be able to wear 'younger' outfits because she's 50


Carol wore a pair of tight jeans, accentuating the backside that won her the presitigious Rear Of The Year title in June.

She matched the jeans with a small navy T-shirt by Superdry, priced £24.99, a thick brown belt, grey heels and a large shoulder bag.

The outfit was a clear rebellion against the advice she was given during a styling class at House Of Fraser with Mark Heyes.

Advice: But Carol refused to change her personal style after a consultation with stylist Mark Heyes

Branching out: Carol wears dresses by Marc Cain and Mango during the styling session at House Of Fraser


Mark put Carol in a series of patterned and plain dresses, saying that she should flash her legs or cleavage but never both.

But the presenter stuck to her guns, stubbornly sticking to her ideals and refusing to let her age define her fashion choices.

She says: ‘If I told a 50-year-old man that he had to wear baggy trousers, a baggy top and a golfing sweater to befit his age, they would think it was unfair and ridiculous. So why is it that a woman of 50 suddenly isn’t supposed to step out in jeans? It’s my school run outfit and I feel comfortable in it. I wore it on the way home from the Lorraine studio one day last week. I was amazed - and very amused - by the fuss it caused.

‘I bought the T-shirt from Topshop ten years ago and it cost £3.99. I’ve worn it hundreds of times. The jeans are Levi’s and they are six years old. I’ve always had a sticky-out bottom, which I hid for years. But now I take the attitude of “live and let live”.’

Where it all started: The presenter has been criticised by some for her tight-fitting wardrobe choices


Rear Of The Year: Carol beat Pippa Middleton to take the prestigious title in June this year


And Carol - who beat Pippa Middleton to the title Rear Of The Year earlier this year - is very frank about why she suddenly embraced clingy clothes when she reached middle age.

‘There was a period in the Nineties – after my son Cameron was born - that I expanded to a size 14/16. I spent years camouflaging myself in the same black trousers and long jackets on Countdown,’ she says.

‘But when I hit 39, I lost weight and, more crucially, lost my fear. For the first time since my 20s, I started to wear clothes that designers sent to me as I was on the TV all the time. Even then, at 39, I was criticised for wearing dresses that were “too short” for my age.

‘Ten years on, if someone aged 39 was seen in those dresses, no one would bat an eyelid. We have moved on with our attitudes and I believe we’ll move on again. It shouldn’t be about age, but about how you feel and the shape you are. I’m in better shape now than I was 15 years ago. I like the Mad Men look, so I wear it.

‘In Italy, women of 50 wear incredibly sexy clothes. In France, women in their 50s look incredibly chic. But in the UK, it seems women of 50 shouldn’t be wearing T-shirt and jeans. Why not? There are hundreds of thousands of women in their Fifties with much better figures than me and who are far better looking. Why should they stop wearing clothes that they also like?’


source:dailymail

Not many 50-year-old women could wear that! Carol Vorderman shows off her figure in skintight top and jeans

By Sarah Bull


Not many 50-year-old women could wear that! Carol Vorderman wore a skintight top and jeans outfit as she left the ITV studios today


There comes a point in a woman's life when she is finally forced to accept she cannot wear the same type of clothes as she used to.

However, despite having turned 50 earlier this year, that point hasn't yet arrived for Carol Vorderman, who showed off her toned figure in a skintight outfit outside the ITV studios today.

Carol, who has been filling in for Lorraine Kelly on morning show Lorraine, teamed her khaki T-shirt and stonewash denim jeans with black boots as she headed home after her morning's work.


The top is clearly a favourite of Carol's, as she also wore it when she was presented with the rear of the year accolade back in June.

Earlier in the day, mother-of-two Carol opted for a chic black and white bandage-style dress as she presented Lorraine.

And while Carol's programme went smoothly today, off-screen it wasn't quite as manageable for the star.

Toned: Carol showed off her amazing figure in the outfit as she left after presenting Lorraine


Carol tweeted fans this morning that thanks to a problem with the heating at the ITV studios, she was suffering in the freezing cold.

She said: 'Inside gossip alert. Heating broken down but air con is still running here,so 10 degrees in dressing room!! Time to get changed... Ouch.'

Carol then added: 'Actually I fibbed. It's minus 25 in here .... Aaaaaarrrggghhhhh!'

Carol has also been struggling with the early morning starts required to present a programme like Lorraine.

Quick change: While presenting Lorraine, Carol had worn a chic black and white bandage-style dress

Getting tips for tomorrow's outfit? Carol and Mark Heyes host the fashion segment


She tweeted at 4.30am: 'Just to prove there are two 4.30s in one day (students take note!), am already on my second pot of tea. Off to lovely @ITVLorraine shortly.'

But while the early starts will stop when Lorraine returns, Carol's partnership with ITV will continue as she was recently confirmed as a new panellist on Loose Women.

She and 37-year-old actress Sally Lindsay will be joining the lively daytime chat show in September, ITV confirmed earlier this month.

Favourite outfit: Carol had worn the T-shirt before back in June when she won the Rear of the Year prize


The appointment of the two new faces comes after the dismissal of regular panellists Zoe Tyler and Kate Thornton.

Carol and Sally are expected to join regulars Lisa Maxwell, 47, Carol McGriffin, 51, Andrea McLean, 41, Denise Welch, 53 and Lynda Bellingham, 63.

Carol is thought to be appearing as co-anchor alongside Andrea, and Sally to replace Tyler on the regular panel.


source:dailymail

The 20-40 effect (or why mothers are dressing like their daughters)

By David Derbyshire


Lookalikes: Carol Vorderman and daughter Katie at Epsom last month


It used to be teenage daughters who raided their mothers’ wardrobes for something to wear.

But these days, it seems it’s more likely to be the other way round.

A generation of mothers are treating their daughters as fashion role models, according to a study.


The ‘20-40 mums’ – an expression invented by teenage girls to describe women in their 40s who dress as though they are 20 – are so desperate to stay young that they follow their daughters’ leads on everything from make-up to hairstyles.

But it’s a one-way process, with the fashions and tastes of the older generation leaving youngsters cold.

The findings could help explain why celebrity mothers such as Carol Vorderman appear to be taking style tips from their offspring. The 50-year-old presenter and her daughter Katie, 19, showed off similar looks at the Epsom Derby last month.

The study of more than 300 mothers and daughters found that adolescent girls have a powerful influence on the make-up, clothes and hairstyles chosen by their mothers.

Spot the difference: Demi Moore, 48, and her daughter Tallulah, 17, look more like sisters


Cultural historians have long argued that the 1950s were a turning point when the younger generation actively rebelled against the tastes of their parents for the first time.

However, the phenomenon has now come full circle, with parents increasingly copying the younger generation, the study suggests.

Dr Ayalla Ruvio, from Temple University Fox School of Business, said the impact adolescents have on parents ‘is much more profound that has been credited to them’.

The researchers, whose findings appear in the Journal of Consumer Behaviour, questioned 343 mothers and daughters with an average age of 44 and 16 respectively.

They found that if a mother is young at heart, has high fashion awareness and views her daughter as a style expert, she will copy her daughter’s shopping habits.

But even if a daughter regards herself as older than she is and is interested in fashion, she is far less likely to see her mother as a role model.

Dr Ruvio said: ‘Our culture emphasises being young and so we see this reverse socialisation where parents mimic their kids. We had mothers who were 44, but who felt that they were 33 or 34.

‘They feel younger and they are compelled to project that through their consumption behaviour.

'But they don’t have time to go and work out what was cool or hip because they have busy lives and jobs, so they take a short cut and mimic their daughters.’

Copycat: Mother Janet Cunliffe, left, spent thousands of pounds to look like her daughter Jane


In 2009 it was reported that a mother had spent £10,000 on cosmetic procedures to look like her daughter, 22 years younger.

Janet Cunliffe, 50, said: 'It might sound barmy that I had cosmetic surgery to look like my daughter, but she's gorgeous. Who wouldn't want to look like her?

'The way I see it is that she got her looks from me in the first place - mine have just faded with age.

'Seeing how attractive Jane is made me want to get my looks back. Now instead of mum and daughter we look more like twins.'


source:dailymail

So that's how you get someone to carry your bag: The Carol Vorderman guide to flirting

By Daily Mail Reporter



Flattering: Carol Vorderman visited the ITV studios in London today in one of her favourite Victoria Beckham dresses


In a world with less gentlemen then there used to be, it's sometimes difficult for a lady to find a helping hand when she's struggling with her luggage.

But when your name's Carol Vorderman, there's no shortage of starstruck male admirers willing to help you out.

Capitalising on her recent Rear Of The Year win in a figure-hugging dress, the TV presenter found herself as a recipient of many a man as she headed back home to Bristol today.


The 50-year-old was making her way from ITV Studios on London's South Bank to Bristol via Paddington station after an appearance on Loose Women.

And she had clearly made an effort for her TV close-up in one of her favourite frocks, a tight grey number by Victoria Beckham from her Spring/Sumer 2010 collection.

Carol knows what works for her and has cultivated an enviable collection of designer dresses in a similar style that show off her famous curves to perfection.

If you've got it... The 50-year-old, who was recently awarded the Rear Of The Year award, showed off her curves


As she made her way home, Vorderman clocked up quite a few male admirers on the way - perhaps congratulating her on her Rear Of The Year win.

When she got out of the taxi at Paddington station, she happily posed for a photo with her cab driver.

Then as she tottered through the station on her towering charcoal grey Christian Louboutin pumps, she caught the eye of an admiring rail employee.

Unsurprisingly, the gentlemanly worker offered to help carry her bag as she boarded her train home.

Ready for your close-up: Vorderman poses for a photo for her cab driver after arriving at Paddington station, before tottering across the concourse to find her platform


Vorderman sticks to a winning formula of body-skimming designer dresses by Roland Mouret, Herve Leger and Victoria Beckham.

Carol has previously told the Daily Mail: 'Having been on Count­down for so long, I learnt to gather classic pieces that could be mixed and matched easily.

'They’re not cheap, but I can still wear them years later without looking dated. It’s simple Forties styling.

Can I help you miss? It isn't long before Vorderman's recognisable face - and famous curves - attract the attention of a rail employee


'Above the knee is fine if you’re in your 20s, but I don’t feel it’s overly appropriate at my age.'

It's the 50-year-old's love of figure-hugging dresses that won her the Rear Of The Year Award last week.

The award's organisers said Miss Vorderman received a 'deluge' of votes after her fabulous figure became the envy of many middle-aged women.

Why thank you: The TV presenter thanked the customer service assistant for carrying her bag on to the train


She was named Rear Of The Year 2011 alongside male winner, Strictly Come Dancing professional Anton Du Beke.

Vorderman said: 'I am really surprised and flattered to get this award, particularly at this stage of my life.

'I always suspected there were a lot of people out there who were glad to see the back of me, so this has turned out to be very funny indeed.'

Bringing sexy back: Vorderman shows off her famous bum in a tight pair of jeans as she's named as Rear Of The Year last week


source:dailymail

What no body-hugging dress? Carol Vorderman shows off her curves... in a pair of skintight Levi's

By Daily Mail Reporter


Figure hugging: Carol Vorderman showed off her incredible figure in skintight jeans


There’s no denying that Carol Vorderman makes the most of her stunning figure usually in an array of figure-hugging frocks.

But today the former Countdown co-host was spotted leaving ITV studios today in a pair of skin tight Levi’s jeans that wrapped around every curve.

But while she easily squeezed into them the denim jeans didn’t look like the most comfortable choice.


The 50-year-old star teamed up the ensemble with a long-sleeved white top and peep-toe heels.

She had been at the ITV studios to film Lorraine, which she will also appear on this week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

She hosted the show at 8:30am and yesterday tweeted that she hadn’t decided what to wear yet.

Carol tweeted: ‘…. Yours truly hosting Lorraine at 8:30am on ITV. Haven’t decided on dress yet. Think light grey xx’

Looking good: Carol has revealed that she's happy with her curves and she has every reason to be


Nice style: Carol has always been a fan of figure hugging dresses such as this one from last Christmas

And grey it was, as she took over Lorraine’s duties and interviewed Coronation Street star Jack P Shephard as one of her tasks.

The actor, who plays David Platt, joined Carol on the pink sofa to discuss his upcoming Corrie plot regarding his on-screen son Max.

Carol looked stunning in the also figure-hugging grey dress alongside a pair of Christian Louboutin heels but made sure to change back into her casual jeans to leave the studio.

The star, who is in incredible shape for a 50-year-old woman, said earlier this month that she is happy with her figure and has learned to accept her womanly curves.

She explained: ‘When you’re in your 20s and 30s you often think “I don’t like this bit, I don’t like that bit, I wish I could shave a few inches off here”.

‘But when you’re older you’re just blooming grateful for what you’ve got!

'For instance, I’ve learned that women spend lots of time worrying about cellulite but men just don’t see it, particularly as they get older themselves and their eyesight goes too!

'At this age you don’t beat yourself up any more - what’s the point? I’m comfortable in my skin, I’m really happy and that’s all that counts.'

Pretty in grey: Carol decided to wear a grey dress today while filling in for Lorraine on ITV


source:dailymail

What a conundrum! Carol Vorderman can't figure out how to get into her car in super-tight pencil dress

By Sarah Bull


It's a puzzle! Carol Vorderman struggles to get into her car in a tight white dress after appearing on This Morning today


She's a huge fan of tight pencil dresses, saying they push her up and pull her in just where she needs it.

But sometimes it seems they perhaps pull Carol Vorderman in a bit too much - judging by pictures of the presenter struggling to get into her car in a white zip dress today.

The 50-year-old star tried various ways of getting into the vehicle in an elegant and ladylike fashion, but ended up having to lift up her knee and swivel her way in as the dress proved too restrictive.

This way or that way? But Vorderman kept a big smile on her face throughout her predicament


However, Vorderman managed to stay smiling throughout her predicament, grinning widely for the waiting photographers before finally successfully navigating her way into the vehicle.

Earlier in the day, Vorderman tweeted fans to warn them to expect a special outfit when she appeared on This Morning to do the newspaper review with comedian Iain Lee.

She wrote: 'Warning. This Morning about 10.30 I shall be reviewing the newspapers and will be in danger of dressing my age!! '

Got the answer: Vorderman eventually decided to lift up her knee and swivel her way into the vehicle


She later added: 'Re dressing my age. I am 27 aren't I? Just checking. Ha x'

And while Vorderman's dress may have been a little restrictive, it was incredibly flattering to her hourglass figure, drawing attention to all her best features.

Vorderman has become something of a sex symbol in recent years and is undoubtedly in incredible shape for a 50-year-old woman.

And she said recently she is happy with her figure and has learned to accept her womanly curves.

Stunning: The white dress flattered Vorderman's hourglass figure


She explained: 'When you’re in your 20s and 30s you often think “I don’t like this bit, I don’t like that bit, I wish I could shave a few inches off here”.

‘But when you’re older you’re just blooming grateful for what you’ve got! For instance, I’ve learned that women spend lots of time worrying about cellulite but men just don’t see it, particularly as they get older themselves and their eyesight goes too!

'At this age you don’t beat yourself up any more - what’s the point? I’m comfortable in my skin, I’m really happy and that’s all that counts.'


source:dailymail