THE CITIZEN INDEX

Monday, July 29, 2013

Into the Violet

Full Spectrum +40: Our new +40 website, INTO THE VIOLET has launched!

YOU ARE NOT INVISIBLE. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I wrote these words when I created the first stand alone page for the +40 Blog Roll almost 4 years ago. You see, the blog roll had taken a life of its own, and had already outgrown my sidebar, and the post that I had written about it- so I gave it its own page. From the original handful of +40 fashion blogs, the roll is nearing 400, and I feel the need to give it a space where I can fully focus on the community that has sprung up from it- not just for women over 40, but for all women- who need to SEE that +40 is beautiful. 

The +40 Blog Roll now has its own website: INTO THE VIOLET: FULL SPECTRUM +40
Although it's still in beta and very much a work in progress, I'd love for you to check it out, and please share it with your friends. 

To celebrate the launch of the new +40 website, and to help raise funds for this project, I've created custom silicone ultraviolet bands, made courtesy of wristbands.net with the message that started it all: you are not invisible. you are beautiful. I've been wearing my custom UV wristband non-stop, and I love how I am reminded every time the band turns a deep violet purple, that just because I am over the age of forty, doesn't mean that I can't still have a positive cultural impact, and be joyfully present.


Visible Violets: Buy your Into the Violet Ultraviolet wristband to show your support!
You can show your support with the purchase of these bands- and help me maintain the new website and +40 community. More support means more original and community building content in the coming year for us "Ultra Violets."

Support INTO THE VIOLET

SAYING THANK YOU. I'd like to take a moment to specially thank the following people who have shown me tremendous support, and without which, I never would have the nerve to take on this undertaking. This goes to show how incredible our +40 community is, and how lucky I am to have attracted so many amazing people into my sphere! 

They inspire with style, they inspire with spirit:

Anne Bray, Spy Girl
Ally, Shy Biker
Gabriala, Style Higher


I've also been blessed with sponsorship by the following businesses:
Vacationistas: The go-to girls for planning GREAT vacations.

L'Affaire Cashmere: Specialising in super soft artisanal made cashmere, wool and silk scarves. From now until September 8th, use coupon code dn016 for 15% off your L'Affaire Cashmere scarf purchase.

Tooth Soap: Wholesome, natural tooth products made from natural and organic ingredients. Featuring the new and natural way to brighten your smile, Tooth Brights. Use coupon code VIOLET30 for 30% off any Tooth Soap purchase. 


It's probably no surprise that the above companies are owned/run by +40 women who know the value of community. If you get a chance, please support these fine companies, and check out their services.

The +40 Blog Roll now has its own website: Into the Violet, Full Spectrum +40

If you would like to be added to the blog roll, or know someone who should be on it, please use the contact form over at the new website: IntotheViolet.com. Look for upcoming interviews and features of the best on the Blog Roll, and if you'd like to contribute a post, or help build the community, please message me and we can set that up!

Linking to the Visible and Beautiful Patti over at Not Dead Yet Style for Visible Monday.


37 comments:

Patti said...

your new site is beyond wonderful! what an inspiration you have been to us 40+ women, and you keep bringing it, all the time. thanks for linking up to Vis Monday! xoxo

Unknown said...

How awesome! It's be such a cool site to link up with my peers :-)

Monica, www.pear-shaped-gal.com

Anne M Bray said...

Thrilled to be a part of your new adventure!

Jenmarie said...

This is fantastic, dear! Every woman, no matter her age, is beautiful and deserves spotlight!

J. said...

Very cool and very relevant...brilliant!

Melanie said...

Excellent, Bella. I love what you're doing! Seeing so many awesome women is incredibly uplifting.

Unknown said...

I'm excited to be a part of this! Thanks, Bella! ;-)

Alicia

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

Bella, this is gonna go ORRRRRRRRRRRRF!!!! I have a feeling about it ... you've tapped into an incredible part of a woman's life! xoxoxo

Catherine, Not Dressed As Lamb said...

Donation made and looking forward to getting my wristband - what a totally fabulous idea!!! Happy to support it :)

Btw I went to add myself to your 40+ blogroll... so happy to be on there already! Thank you so much! Quick update on interview questions: about 75% done, hope to be sending them next week. Good for you Bella - wish you all success with this project. I have a project of my own set up which I'll asking soon if you'd like to be involved with, will send details :)

Catherine x
http://notdressedaslamb.com

Suzanne said...

What a great idea!

I went onto make the donation but I wanted to do it with PayPal...is that possible? Would love a bracelet for myself and my girlfriend.

bisous
Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Great idea, Bella. I can't wait to see more!

Sue @ A Colourful Canvas said...

I applaud you Bella! I've been over to your new website and love what I see.

THE DIVINITUS said...

Congrats
The only note, the text should go as follows:

"...because I am over the age of forty, I SHOULD have a positive cultural impact, and be joyfully present"...

:)

Sheila said...

And goodness, there I am on the front page! I'm honoured, dear Bella - thank you!

"Into the Violet" reminds me so much of that Jenny Joseph poem, "Warning" - I first read it when I was about 19 and adored it. I have been heading into the violet every since, methinks.

Linky if you don't know it: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/warning/

Keep us updated on this exciting venture!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Helga said...

Lovely, darl! Well done!
XXX

CityScape Skybaby said...

This is such a brilliant site Bella. I remember when I used to search for anything style related for over 40's it never seemed to be for someone like me, it was always kind of staid and depressing, until I found you lot here on Blogger, but I could easily have never come across any of you so it's a great idea to do something this big that is easier for people to find. xx

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

This is gonna be AWESOME!! There is more style here than the September issue of Vogue could EVER have!!

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

Oh yes--Bella could you change my link in 40+ blogroll to the new address? Thanks!!
http://menopausalsupermodel.blogspot.com/

Forest City Fashionista said...

The website looks amazing Bella!! Thanks so much for including me in my rock 'n roll persona in the photos. This is such a great idea, and you are just the gal to do it. HOw awesome to see all of us 40+ delicious dames in one place!!

Anupriya DG said...

Wow!! That sounds great! Congratulations, you gorgeous, gorgeous women!!! <3

Unknown said...

Nice idea. I've never really felt invisible, even at 53, but I guess that's just my personality.

Unknown said...

so glad to be part of this wonderful group of women! xoxo Bella for doing this!

Ulla-Marie said...

You seem to have so many ideas! Great ini ... (can't spell it, but you know what I was suppose to write, right?)

Ofelia said...

How amazing you are to think of such a great way to support the 40+ community!

Unknown said...

nice to see this blog i really like custom silicone wristband for cheap thanks for sharing

Unknown said...

nice to see this blog i really like custom silicone wristband for cheap thanks for sharing

No Fear of Fashion said...

Fun page, cannot wait until you have expanded on it.

Peaches McGinty said...

congrats! it was your wonderful blog that opened up a whole new world for me x

Tamera Beardsley said...

My dear Bella... your building this community... sends such a strong and positive ripple out into not only our community... but the world at large. You are amazing!!

de|constructed said...

Well done Bella!

Good luck with everything!

Love,
Gigi

Unknown said...

Late but nonetheless heart-felt ... Congrats again! Know that the world would be a much drearier place without your efforts, Bella.

The Style Crone said...

Thank you for all that you do to support the +40 blogging community! I am happy to be a part of any project that you pursue with your passion. I am thrilled with the new +40 website and the "Ultra Violet" concept. Brava!

Lyosha Varezhkina said...

awesome site! it inspires me so much! and hey I'm not even close to my 30s) thank you Bella

bluehuewonderland said...

This is looking great Bella. Thanks so much for your efforts. You are one inspiring lady with kicking style!

blue hue wonderland

Amber of Butane Anvil said...

Oh Bella, tremendous!!! I am so grateful for your community-building and leadership - you are such a gem. xoxo

Alison at Wardrobe Oxygen said...

You rock Bella! What a wonderful project, thank you for spearheading this community and showing the world that life, style, and sense of self is amazing at all ages!