From sunny California, Nicole has adopted the mantra: “Let’s ROCK midlife!” She’s a smiling, stylish grandma to 12 littles who loves to explore from the Pacific Ocean to the Sierra Nevada mountains. With her Instagram account reaching more than 17,000 fans, you might think she’s been a life-long fashionista, but it wasn’t until she turned 50 that fashion became important to her. “In my younger years I was busy raising my kids and gave little thought to fashion, there was just no time.” Who can’t relate to that struggle?!

But as Nicole’s children started moving away and she took a job as Director of Volunteer Services at a non-profit, fashion came back on her radar. She began experimenting and trying new styles to find something that felt true to herself. “As I began to figure out what my personal style was,” she explains, “my daughter suggested that I start an over-fifty instagram account. I started @overfiftyfashion just posting a snap of what I wore that day and was surprised that ANYONE followed me.” Her account now reaches thousands of folks with fun fashion advice (especially for tall women!), how not to act your age, time spent in nature, and other inspirational content.

Though she maintains a cheery online persona, it’s not always easy to balance the pressure of societal expectations and personal identity. To help support her, Nicole has found community with other midlife women who play by no rules when it comes to fashion. “If you like it then wear it,” she explains. “It has really helped my confidence and that is really key to personal fashion in my opinion.”

Nicole is not just an advocate for staying true to yourself, she’s also one sustainable lady. “I believe in leaving no trace when enjoying the outdoors,” she says as an avid hiker, snorkler, and all-round outdoor enthusiast. As a grandma of 12, living sustainably is important to her. “There is no Planet B so let’s take care of the one we’ve got,” she says.

Through her fashion choices, she maintains this dedication to the environment. “I like to choose classic fashion pieces that will last for years and not trendy styles that come and go,” she explains. It’s actually what drew her to Aventura in the first place! “I found Aventura on Instagram as was really drawn to the brand since I LOVE the outdoors. It really fits with my lifestyle. When I learned about their values and company philosophies I was very impressed!”

We’re very excited that Nicole will be joining us as an ambassador this year - we’ve got lots to learn from her fun-loving personality. Make sure to follow her on Instagram for fashion tips and tricks!