Entrepreneur and hotelier Vicki Tollman opens up about her style journey, sharing her top investment pieces and timeless advice on aging with grace and confidence. Dive into our conversation with Vicki…
On Aging Gracefully
Wishi: You've embraced aging with such grace and elegance. What are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned about aging gracefully, both inside and out?
Vicki: First of all, thank you! Aging and facing the changes and challenges that come with it have been a journey—one that hasn’t always been met with grace and elegance, but rather with some resistance and resentment. However, over time, I’ve learned that to find peace and truly appreciate all the positive and wonderful aspects of my life, I needed to surrender, accept, and embrace who I am and how I look while living more in the present moment. It’s such a waste of time and energy to focus on the negative, so I changed my perspective. Unfortunately, I learned this lesson later in life and only wish I had appreciated and enjoyed myself more when I was younger. That would be my advice to my younger self.
Fashion Formula and Staples
Wishi: Your style is timeless and effortlessly chic. Could you share your go-to fashion formula or staple pieces that have become essential to your wardrobe over the years?
Vicki: Absolutely, it took some time to understand and discover my own style and what truly suits me. It's easy to be influenced by trends and what's fashionable, but sometimes those just don’t work for us. I’ve learned to follow the rule of 'less is more,' choosing colors that flatter me, and selecting pieces that match well with others. I believe in investing in good quality items—like sweaters, jackets, coats, bags, and shoes/boots—you can find great clothing and value today, even among less expensive brands. I also think it’s important to choose timeless pieces that you always enjoy wearing and feel comfortable in.
A good test of this is what you pack when traveling—we tend to want to look our best and choose what we know suits us.
Age as Just a Number and Ageism
Wishi: In a world where ageism is still prevalent, how do you maintain the belief that age is just a number? What advice would you give to others facing similar societal pressures?
Vicki: It’s easy to get affected by the number when getting older but actually its just that! What truly matters is how you’re living at that age, including your lifestyle and the choices you make that are within your control, which contributes to your overall well-being.
I actually feel better today than I did in my 30s; I still feel young, full of vitality and energy, but now I’m much more at peace with who I am.
My advice would be to try to ignore societal pressures or take them for what they are—'noise'—and focus on what you can do to feel as good as possible in your own skin. This includes the pillars we all know: engaging in exercises you enjoy, eating healthily without living in deprivation, and surrounding yourself with people who enhance your life or being part of a supportive community. Friendships and family are a gift. Keep learning and enriching yourself through culture, art, history, literature, and travel. Enjoy life and its many pleasures, as it passes so quickly!
A wonderful podcast that has helped me accept my age is Women Wiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It's insightful, funny, and reassuring!
Saint Lauren top, Ralph Lauren Wide-leg Pants, Ralph Lauren Single-breasted Blazer, Etro Shoulder Bag, Jacques Marie Mage Sunglasses, The Row Slingback Sandals, Ghazal Paris Gold Earcuff, Ghazal Paris Mixed Metal Necklace, Hermès Beauty Rose Tan Lip Enhancer, Hermès Red Nail Polish
Fashion Inspiration and Evolution
Wishi: Your fashion sense seems to evolve beautifully with time. Who or what has been your greatest inspiration when it comes to fashion, and how has your style evolved over the years?
Vicki: I have always admired women who dress effortlessly, elegantly, and timelessly. To name a few from the older generation: Isabel Preysler, Christy Turlington and Jackie Kennedy. From the younger generation, Zendaya & Sienna Miller.