Monday Musings : What’s on my Mind
I’ve been thinking about you lately. My readers. I assume you’re here for reasons other than you like my smile 🙂 I started this blog to help women get dressed with confidence. I love to read your comments and I’d love you to tell me:
- What do you want to see more of on AWSL?
- Would it help for me to show you outfits that fit your lifestyle? If so, please share what your lifestyle is these days.
- Would you like to see more DRD type posts that show what’s new and how I would style it?
- What are your favorite retailers?
In other news, here’s what caught my eye this week.
Faux Fur
When I was visiting my daughter in Vancouver, we did a little boutique hopping, and both fell in love with this little jacket. Then we discovered this longer version and but not in the color she wanted. She finally located it online and it’s due for delivery tomorrow. I really wanted this coat but she found it first. I love faux fur! Yes, I do know it’s supposed to have a larger carbon footprint than real fur, but since I won’t wear beauty products that are tested on animals, I certainly won’t wear their skins! I can’t be the only one loving faux fur coats because they’re everywhere at all price points.
Skincare
Last week I asked the ladies on my Facebook Page, “what’s the most expensive skincare product you splurge on because it’s just that good?” The answers were fascinating. Some of the products were familiar to me, but most were new. They ranged from very affordable to astronomical. Of course, me being me; I googled most of them. Dropping down internet rabbit hole after rabbit hole wiped out an hour in my day but I had a blast because I love beauty and skincare products.
These were some of the ones mentioned:
- LaRoche Posay
- Elemis
- Cerave
- Rodan and Fields
- Avon
- TNS Essential Serum
- Vaseline
- Boot’s No 7
- Kiehl’s
- LaPrairie Caviar Line
- Lavelier
Warm fuzzy throws
Under the category of too much information, I had a nasty bout of food poisoning on Saturday which left me feeling chilled and wanting to cuddle up on the couch. I ended up on my bed and wanted something fuzzy and substantial to cuddle under. My thoughts went to faux fur (again) and I realized I need a fuzzy throw in my life. I can’t believe I’ve never gotten one. Here are a few I found online. I can’t decide on the size.
Thanksgiving
How could this not be on my mind? My daughter is flying home, my son and his fiancé will be here and it’s our first in the new house. I bought our organic Turkey and cranberries yesterday which got me planning what else to make with it. I’ll make sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie but would love some fresh inspiration. Do you have something special you always make at Thanksgiving? Which veggies do you include?
Have a great day ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I always love learning what DRD pieces you decide to buy. I am also interested in what you are removing from your wardrobe. Not things that are too worn or the wrong size, but things that may be no longer current, not flattering, or just bore you to tears. Sometimes I put something on and think “Why did I ever want to wear this?”
That’s a great idea! “What Jennifer’s donating this week and why?”
I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of years and it’s one of my favorites. You offer helpful, practical advice and give examples of outfits I would actually wear – not crazy stuff that screams “look at me!” I’d love to see more DRD. And I’d love to see a few posts on wardrobe planning during the transition from the corporate world to retirement. What am I going to do with all those suits and jackets?? I’m 65, 5’2″, petite, 105 lbs.
Thanks, Ann. I would definitely hold on to your favorite suits and jackets to break up and wear with more casual things. I’m working on a post for transitioning your wardrobe for retirement.
Hello Jennifer, I have followed you for a few years and I have found your style tips to be very useful. I shop at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Loft, Target & Uniqlo. I am still working so like to see clothes that can be worn to work. I enjoy DRD and also “Would you wear it.” It’s fun to see what is currently in fashion although I prefer to buy classic items that will last longer than one season.
I am 62, 5’4″ and 110 pounds with a small frame – but pear shaped. I am a early childhood teacher, and can dress casually. I live 100 miles away from shopping, so free shipping it important. I tend to shop at Loft a lot, because they have affordable clothes that go on sale frequently. Affordability and comfort are important. My least favorite posts are the Would You Wear It? ones. I appreciate your blog, because even though you look like a million bucks and seem so sophisticated – you seem so friendly and approachable. My biggest fashion issues always come when the weather heats up, living here in dry Arizona. With my skin tone not what it used to be, it is hard to dress comfortably and appropriately. I wish companies would make more short sleeve summer clothes rather than sleeveless. When you find good short sleeve choices, please share on your blog! Anyway – THANKS for what you do…we appreciate you!!
I shop at Dillard’s and Kohls, sometimes Sam’s has cute coats and sweaters that are on trend. I dress very casual but like to look in style. Our Thanksgiving dinner will be Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy and sweet potato casserole. Mac and Cheese, broccoli salad, homemade cranberry orange relish, green beans/bacon, rolls. Dessert is apple pecan pie, pumpkin and peanut butter pie.
Forgot to say Sam’s has beautiful fake fur throws for $30.00. I have two in the bedroom and one in the living room. It gets cold in Arkansas in the winter!! Lol
I have seen (and petted) the faux fur throws in Pottery Barn. Scrumptious and a comparative bargain. I love everything you do. Thank you!
I’m retired and live in norther Alberta. I enjoy your blog very much. It helps me with styling tips and how to be on trend in a way that is appropriate for my age. I really like the styling tips you have of how to wear different items that most of us already have in our closet.
I like when you show us your mistakes and then tell us why it doesn’t work.
I love your blog and everything you cover, even though I live in the southern hemisphere so the seasons are out of sync. You show such a variety of fashion, and always inspire me to thing of other options for myself. I am still working part time, soon to retire but separated with little cash. I’d be interested in your retirement life, and I think you have moved into a retirement complex, how is that working out?
And shoes. the older I get the more comfortable my shoes have to be. So I am always on the watch out for stylish flat shoes
What do you want to see more of on AWSL? I would love to see your suggestions for people with different body types.
Would it help for me to show you outfits that fit your lifestyle? If so, please share what your lifestyle is these days. Yes. I am newly retired and want to look nice while I am doing errands, going to appointments and church, etc. But I am still wearing my work wardrobe. Not quite sure where to go from here. And I do like to walk every day so something that I could put on in the morning and then do errands and my walk would be great.
Would you like to see more DRD type posts that show what’s new and how I would style it? I would love that and enjoy DRD but how about bringing in a guest with a different body type? I learn a lot from your DRD posts but it would be even better if you showed some of the clothes on a curvy, 5’1″ 67 year old!
What are your favorite retailers? Nordstrom, Loft, L.L. Bean.
Thanks for asking. My favorite is your dressing room diaries. It helps me with new styles and fit. I shop Nordstrom, Loft, J Crew, Madewell, J McLaughlin, and lululemon. I have stopped shopping at Banana Republic but your last post with the wide leg jeans was great. I am a retired art teacher in southwest Florida so I need casual clothes, going-out-to-dinner, ladies’ lunches and meetings clothes, and holiday clothes. I’m 5’ 4”, 120 pounds and love stylish clothes. My typical daytime outfit this time of year is jeans (animal print, colored, or blue denim), blouse, cute belt, and flats. Need comfortable shoes. Also, I would like to see more columns on travel dressing/packing — for different climates and activities.
Well, I love all the ideas you present! As a school teacher living with a disabled Veteran, I can’t spend a lot on clothing but I still live to look!
It’s America and wonderful things can and do happen in our country so I try to keep a positive mind about the future for my husband and myself in spite of the odds.
Keep doing what you do and throw a bit of Walmart and Target in the mix once in awhile!
I love your blog, as you have lots of variety and helpful tips. I too find the mannequin pieces not very helpful. How about an occasional segment where you feature other women who show their style tips…..maybe even from your followers? And I love when you ask readers for their recommendations, like the skin care topic. I am 69, retired but I still care about how I look. On a fixed income and in Canada, so limited shopping options!
I love DRD because it tells me what’s out there, plus I have had some hilarious dressing room experiences of my own and it all floods back and I laugh. The Would You Wear It mannequins are just awful. No, hands down, I wouldn’t wear it. What are they thinking with the mannequins? This feature is so funny that you just have to keep doing them. I dress well, given a couple of major drawbacks, and I love to be funny about clothes. Column dressing is so helpful. Also, a woman’s best friend is a tailor. If it fits in a dressing room, you got lucky, so don’t count on it happening again. Also, I have some tips about shopping for clothes on-line that I would be happy to share.
I do enjoy your blog and reading what others have to say. Being retired I am very casual and do most of my clothes shopping on line as I live in a rural area. I highly recommend Lands’ End and L.L. Bean for well made casual clothes that last. Both have good sales. I also like eBay, Talbots, J.Jill and Chico’s on sale.
I have limited retail options. My size is not readily available in my country, even though it is the average size of North American women. As you know, our big department store chains have closed, with only one remaining. It doesn’t carry my size. Few international retailers carry my size on their Canadian shopping sites. So a big shout-out to The Gap and Old Navy! This is where I find what fits, plus Joe Fresh sometimes, Walmart sometimes and one other Canadian chain geared to women size 12 and up (Addition Elle). My lifestyle is casual, so that’s good. Otherwise, I’d be like those women who take cheap flights to Vegas once or twice a year, just to shop for clothes.
Exchange rates are killer right now, along with shipping and customs duties from U.S. stores without a Candian online presence.
With so few choices, it is impossible to get on the sustainable/ethical bandwagon, although some items from The Gap now have statements about these things on their website. I get tired of eco-everything, because there is nearly nothing for me in this category. If everything goes eco, surely women size 12 and up will be forgotten. We already pay a premium for our size. Extreme clothing prices are not sustainable.
I still learn from you, even though I am not your size or body shape. BTW, I have a teddy coat from The Gap that would be perfect for your winters. I love it.
@Anon: Do you live near the USA/Canadian border? IF so, many brokers (i.e.: Fedex/Strader-Ferris Intl. Service etc.) are located just minutes from the USA border where you can have items shipped to, who will receive and store them for a nominal fee which in return you can pick up and process through customs yourself (in other words pay the duty on them) without incurring the shipping/processing charges if such applies. Also shall add; a good majority of retailers accept Pay Pal (as well as a major credit card) regardless that you are a Canadian resident.
-Brenda-
Have read you for a few years now, like your take on things. I am conservative with a crazy gene. And I rarely go without a scarf. Dennis Basso is my favorite for throws, washable. Just could not part with the money last year for a faux fur in the plush, got a BCBG lavender 400 dollar coat for 99 dollars at Marshalls in September. Lucky break. Most money this year went for shoes, Rothy, Birdies and some fancy Italian shoes, not impressed. Most clothes purchased were Soft Surroundings and Nordstrom. Trying Prose shampoo and I am impressed. Also using Armani foundation with their brush and I am in love. Hope you stay around as I truly do enjoy reading your blog.
I agree with Nancy about clothes you can actually get dirty, but still look stylish. I am having problems with finding comfortable shoes. I don’t like sneakers, but need something to wear with jeans and sometimes leggings. I think shoes are my biggest problem. Love your blog!
Certainly enjoyed all on this blog…so many good ideas! However, a huge dilemma for this lady in her 80’s…very comfortable shoes that allow for foot problems (bunions, thinning footpads, now ingrown toenails). This issue is limiting my ability to walk and that is quite frightening. Ideas, Ladies..!?
I use EltaMD products, mainly the clear and tinted sunscreens. In fact, I have replaced my foundation with the tinted at my esthetician’s suggestion. I have three children and my middle son lives in Seattle and my daughter recently moved to Honolulu, so there will only be three for Thanksgiving. We decided to eat out this year for our Thanksgiving meal, but if I were cooking crawfish cornbread dressing and spinach madeline would definitely be on the menu. Everyone will be home for Christmas so we will have spinach madeline then.
I do love your blog and you really help with coordinating outfits and suggestions with new styles. I think Sue’s suggestion is excellent. So often when I’m shopping I see attractively dressed ladies in my age range and I try to discreetly study them to get tips. Recently I asked two different ladies about their handbags and they were pleased and had no problem with sharing the details. Unfortunately, they were both out of my price range. 🙁
I love Dressing Room Dairies … and I also love reading about your travels, RV adventures, moves to new homes, beauty products, etc. I like you and enjoy reading your blog! And … seeing what you wear! I’m 71 and have been retired for 4 years, so my wardrobe needs are much more casual now. Even though I’m casual, I try to put together an outfit that looks good everyday. I love faux fur jackets … so fun! Favorite stores/brands are Nordstrom, J Crew, Banana Republic, J Jill, Chico’s, and a local boutique. I love Eileen Fisher and watch for pieces to snag on sale.
Thanks for your emails! I look forward to them!
I very much enjoy your DRD and have gotten ideas for purchases from those posts. I like seeing available illustrations of current trends (say, items in emerald green) and would love your analysis of their shelf life. For example, I’d hate to pay ? for a faux fur jacket that will look dated by next winter. It’s also helpful to see one item styled multiple ways, as I can get into a rut. I tend to lean more boho but really like your style.
I really like your blog. It is more helpful and more at my fashion and thought level than others I’ve seen, I especially like DRD. I’m not a styling wizard(to put it mildly) and I love the tips. I have broad shoulders and narrower hips, like you so I relate to your ideas. I am taller, though and think about the women of all shapes and sizes that read your blog. I wondered if you would consider styling other women as part of DRD or some other feature to give some variety to the blog. I also love your skin care tips and really about everything I’ve seen.
Thank you!
I for one enjoy your fashion sense Jennifer and do appreciate the time and effort you put into your blog. That said; I also personally find the links you provide very helpful as well as more often than not, search engines are restricted to your I.P. Address even though many retailers do ship internationally. As for other content; perhaps once a month (similar to ‘Would You Wear It?) you could include a helpful tip/hint that you’ve learned and encourage your readers to provide similar based on their experience. (Just a thought.)
In respect to Thanksgiving though I am not fond of Pumpkin Pie I do make a double layer one whose filling is also that of cream cheese ‘n whipping cream with a graham cracker crust plus often do a Lemon Torte that is light and goes down well after a heavy meal. As for other fixings when doing a Turkey; most are make-a-heads that range from an extra batch of home-made dressing, a mashed potato dish that is stored in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours and heated through prior to serving, always a gelatin salad of some kind whereas vegetables chosen are variable and sometimes served with a (make-a-head) cream sauce. (Mornay/Parsley/Onion/Mushroom/etc.) -Brenda-
P.S.: As our Thanksgiving (in Canada) is in October usually it is only immediate family so often Turkey is not even served whereas for Christmas it definitely is and usually accompanied by a pineapple glazed ham (or similar) as there are often twenty to twenty-five people that grace our table for dinner with the above mashed potatoes always being on the menu and for sure honey-glazed carrots (as children even enjoy the latter.) As for desserts; again they are light and make-a-heads but never guaranteed to be calorie-free … ☺…. and
A HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU and all your American readers.
I live in Canada too and turkey and all the accompanying accoutrements are served. I guess it might depend on where you live in Canada and how close family abides. I am thankful that we give thanks earlier in the fall so we have one less big occasion leading up to Christmas, enjoyable as it is.
I love pumpkin anything! Yum! Once a year, I get my fill. Of course, there is another dessert for those that don’t share my love of everything pumpkin. ?
Do you ever shop Kohl’s? I go in when I hear a designer is coming in for a limited time. Just bought a beautiful winter white coat from Popsugar. Also they are now carrying Nine West which is good quality. Love when Target has designers for limited runs too. They just had Missoni and Ana Sui.
I really don’t remember how I came upon your blog but I checked it out because you had lived on Vancouver Island and stayed because I like your common sense approach to fashion, beauty & health.
This season, most of my purchases were from Loft, Talbots, Chico’s and Dillards, but I am also a Nordstrom fan. I like the Victoria Emerson Boho cuffs that I discovered via this wonderful blog, and have bought them as gifts and for myself.
I have to admit that my lifestyle includes running errands in workout wear after exercising. Jennifer, I would like to see if you might be able to do for my workout wardrobe what you’ve done for the rest of my wardrobe!
My workout wardrobe could use so updating so I’ll get to it and share
Jennifer, thanks for asking what your readers would like to see on your blog. I have been following you for several years because I like your honesty and transparency, and you have good styling tips. I’m in my late 60’s and have been retired for two years. I like to see casual and comfortable styles. The DRD are interesting for ideas. Honestly, I don’t care for the Would You wear It posts, or maybe just post less often. I love the idea presented about snapping photos of women our age that you think look stylish and sophisticated. Really enjoy seeing your travel adventures, home decor ideas or recipes. Have a happy Thanksgiving with your family!
Please don’t feel the need to click through to every post! I never want to be a burden.
This may not be a common problem but I suffered a life threatening event this year (recovering nicely– no worries) this year and would love to see some ideas about how to dress with some style while still needing clothes that can be worn in bed or a wheelchair and are easy to take on and off. It would be such a boost to morale at a difficult time.
Jennifer, I love your blog. I have “sampled” many that aim at dressing stylishly over a certain age and yours is the best. The clothes you feature are for the most part reasonable, but I do like the occasional splurge. I am retired and attend senior learning classes and do volunteer work. Your casual lifestyle suits me.
All I can say is keep it up.
Eileen
I am in a similar situation. I wear huge and extremely helpful leg braces these days. The braces go *over* my pants. I really have to think about what will work. I have whittled it down to leggings (Lands End makes great ones and are on sale right now) and skinny leg jeans because they are easier to get on under the braces. I am about to give up on zippers in the front (jeans) because I need to hold onto a bar in the restroom stall so can’t grasp the zipper or any buttons. Side zips = no way. No dressing rooms for me so I order on-line where they will actually take out a tape measure and measure the clothes. I concentrate on any variety I can squeeze out of this situation by concentrating on my waist up. I am living in American Giant long sleeve t-shirts. They fit me and wear very well.
I’m so glad you’re in the mend. I will see what I can do. Of course you know I’m going to recommend keeping up with grooming and makeup. Earrings too!
The DRD are my favorite. It’s a great help to see the pieces modeled and put together in outfits. I have visited the stores to find some of the pieces or shopped my closet to put the looks together. Thanks for your ideas and inspiration. I shop Nordstrom, Talbot’s, JCrew, Chico’s, as wsll as Marshall’s and TJMaxx.
Thanks Debbie