Hello and welcome to something new…
Welcome to 5 Things Friday, your invitation to pop the kettle on, get comfy, and catch up with my edit of the latest fashion finds, beauty buys, lifestyle tips, and anything that’s tickled my fancy each week.
My name is Melissa Abbott; some of you may know me from my Instagram account, Backofthewardrobe 70. If you do, you’ll know that I’m navigating my way through my 50’s, working part-time in education, I am married, and have 4 daughters….basically my life revolves around the everyday juggle! Through my popular Instagram account, I have been able to connect with women and relate with all of the challenges and passions that this time of life brings. I’ve spent years devoted to motherhood and work, but as I’ve entered my 50s I’ve decided it’s time for aside some space for ME and share my love of fashion. The overriding message from women going through the same experience is that they feel ‘unconfident and ignored by fashion’, and ‘have lost their way with what to wear’. I know what you mean, trust me, I’ve been there. That’s why I want to create a like-minded exclusive community here on Substack so I can share my looks and recommendations, talk with you all and have fun whilst proving that style really is ageless! I firmly believe that everyone can create a wardrobe that gives them confidence and pleasure…..you don’t have to be a stylist!
I also get asked a lot about where I holiday, what I cook, and what beauty products really work. The good news is I’m going to share ALL of that here too. I spend literally hours trawling websites, testing products and finding recipes that really work. You will find all of this on 5 Things Friday too.
So why am I doing this now?
I’ve always loved connecting with women of all ages and inspiring them to have confidence and creativity with their clothes. We go through many stages in life, all of which can make us lose our identity and leave us feeling invisible. Through my Instagram, I’ve helped women re-discover themselves, giving them the confidence to try new things and helping them build a wardrobe where they are never left feeling “I’ve nothing to wear”.
So 5 Things Friday isn’t about having 5 new things to buy each week this is about repeat wearing, building new looks, and feeling stylish and confident…..and so much more! Here you’ll find the very best of all the expertise I’ve learned over the years; information you won’t find anywhere else.
As well as a newsletter 5 Things Friday is also an exclusive community where we can talk. There will exclusive Style Clinics (see below) where we can talk about fashion (or anything else for that matter) together, far away from the noise of social media and any negativity.
So how will it all work?
There will be three different types of memberships on here. I’ll be offering a free membership, a paid one and a very special exclusive founding membership.
I wanted to take a moment here to explain why this is. Most of you won’t be used to paying for things like this; I know I’m not used to asking you to pay! But the reality is that I've spent the last seven years working almost every night and weekend to create an Instagram account where all the content is free. I’ve been lucky in that occasionally I work with brands, but it’s not a regular income. Whilst affiliate links are not always the cash cow everyone assumes they are. I also don’t want to have to rely on advertising. I want a space where there are few adverts and no algorithms (which means you don’t always see the posts I put hours into anyway); just a direct link between you and I.
A paid membership model allows me to have this by being paid by those who support me and the work that I do. Of course I realise that a paid membership is not for everyone, especially in these difficult times, which is why some of my work here will always be free. But if you are at a point in your life where you can support me and the work I do, then I would be eternally grateful. What’s more, you’ll also get some very cool things, as I’ll explain…
Free Subscribers
You will get…
The 5 Things Friday newsletter - I'll be posting a weekly Friday edit of fashion finds, beauty and lifestyle tips, style edits or travel recommendations, and anything that I think You NEED TO KNOW that week, free subscribers get access to the first 2 items delivered straight to your inbox.
The Monthly High Street Fashion Edit - Each month I’ll give a round-up of the best buys on the high street at any one moment. These will be items that give YOU the luxe look at high street prices.
Paid Subscribers (£4.99per month / £55per year)
You will get…
5 Things Friday - If you upgrade to a paid subscription, you will have access to the FULL 5 Things Friday edit.
My OOTD’s - A fortnightly edit of my looks, giving you all the inspiration, dupes and formulas.
The Monthly High Street Fashion Edit - You will get the complete round-up of the buys on the high street.
Insider Travel Guides: I’ll give you unlimited access to my holiday recommendations, where I stayed, what we did, restaurant reviews, and what to wear. Basically the complete itinerary!
Exclusive Community Access: I’ll offer opportunities for you and other paid subscribers to ask me style questions, help with dressing for certain occasions, or how to make the most of your wardrobe. I’m open to varying ways of doing this so it works for everyone, possibly videos, Q&A’s.
And lastly Founding Membership - £199 per year.
Foundling members get everything paid members get as well as a virtual Styling Session with me for 45 mins. This is a chance for a one-on-one wardrobe edit to help you make the most of your existing wardrobe, help with dressing for an occasion, and make any recommendations to help you achieve your ideal wardrobe. (Please note, there are only a very limited number of founding memberships available)
Finally, thanks so much for being here! It really does mean the world. If you know someone who would also enjoy getting 5 Things Friday into their inbox every Friday then please feel free to share the news.
And if you want to follow me on Instagram you can also do that by hitting the button below
