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Lifestyle blogger Hilda Smith on ageless style, favourite road trips and restaurants to try
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Hilda’s days are jam-packed, between updating her followers, heading to Pilates, and chasing after grandchildren, so the Peugeot 3008 is indispensable for getting there in style.
Hilda Smith’s career may have been as an English teacher, but after retiring in 2015, the 68-year-old has had a whole new journey after starting her lifestyle blog, Over The Hilda.
“There were plenty of blogs for a younger audience but nothing for women of my age,” Hilda says. “I was 58 then. I felt that older women were being ignored in the fashion world and certainly were not represented. Even in the 10 years since then, a lot has changed, but there is still a long way to go. I also wanted to start conversations and share my experiences of ageing, menopause, marriage, and new beauty treatments.”
She says she has had a very positive response. “I enjoy the connections I have made over the years. My health posts have always garnered a good response, such as my posts on my experience with TGA (Transient Global Amnesia). But equally, my posts on how to stay married and not kill my husband were well received!”
Hilda explains that starting the blog involved a learning curve in terms of technology, but she’s now on Instagram too, where she can update her followers on her day-to-day life.
It’s a life that’s very busy. Hilda and her husband Graham have two daughters, Kirstin and Courtney (Courtney Smith, one of Ireland’s most well-known fashion stylists), and five grandchildren ranging from 0 to 8. “We are besotted with each and every one of them,” she says. “Luckily, they live close by, so we get to see them often and are, of course, available for babysitting and fun. I love that feeling of a little hand in mine as I collect them from school or creche, the greeting ‘Nana’ as a grandchild runs into my arms.”
As well as minding grandchildren, Hilda walks, does yoga daily and has recently started Reformer Pilates, which means she’s always on the go. “I have always been an active person. In fact, Graham and I met playing hockey, but following a back operation when I was 32, I had to stop playing. So, I played tennis up until a few years ago, and I still play social golf.”
She recently tried out the Peugeot 3008 and found it was perfect for her busy days. Available in both hybrid and fully electric models, Hilda enjoyed getting around in the electric model. “Even though it is an SUV and therefore roomy, I felt it was really easy to manage and park, helped by a great reversing camera. The boot was big enough to take two sets of golf clubs too,” she says.
She also loves to head out to meet friends for shopping or a meal. “I love a day out in Kildare Village with its diverse range of boutiques, from high street to designer. We always end up in Dunne & Crescenzi for food, and I am never disappointed. I also love their restaurant on South Frederick Street.
“If I want something really special, it has to be The Intercontinental for lunch, particularly on The Terrace in summer. It is an oasis away from the bustle of the city. My favourite coffee stop in Dublin city centre is Il Caffe di Napoli on Westland Row near Pearse Street train station. Great coffee, buzzy atmosphere and really friendly staff.”
Style is an important aspect of Hilda’s blog; she is a big believer in ageless style and shares great tips with her readers for embracing style at any age. “You are never too old to try something new or different,” she says. “I often try new trends, for example, taking the barrel-leg jeans with gusto! Do not care what other people think. If you feel good, then that is all you need.”
She’s also a believer in adapting your style to your current lifestyle. “I have invested in more casual wear in this last year and treated myself to some new jeans and a stunning trench from Max Mara Weekend, which was a good investment piece as I will be wearing it for years. I’ve also recently returned to shopping in charity and second-hand shops, and found some amazing bargains. You just need to pop in regularly and keep an open mind. I bagged a Louis Copeland cashmere blazer and a long, cream, leather coat in Oxfam in Malahide.”
You are never too old to try something new or different
Her discerning eye meant that she loved the Peugeot 3008’s sporty aesthetic. “The Peugeot E3008 is a dramatic-looking car, and I enjoyed bopping around in it. The all-electric model made for a very quiet drive, the comfort factor was very high and, in fact, it was a very smooth ride. Driving around in such a stylish car is just like wearing a gorgeous outfit; it made me feel good.”
And it’s not just good for short trips, as the Electric’s range is up to 527km. “Galway is my favourite city as Graham and I started going out following a hockey festival there,” Hilda says. “I love popping down to meet friends, or staying over in The Hardiman for a night. There is such a buzz around the city. A walk along Salthill is perfect for blowing away the cobwebs, and you are spoilt for choice for eateries.”
The journey is also made easier thanks to the Peugeot 3008’s panoramic i-Cockpit. “The panoramic dashboard display made me feel as if I was in an airplane cockpit, and I was also impressed with the racing car-style steering wheel,” Hilda says.
It’s the perfect car for getting to all her favourite things. “A walk along the coast or a laugh over a coffee, shared food at homes or in restaurants, and weekends with friends. Always a joy.”
To learn more about the Peugeot 3008, head to peugeot.ie.
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