How Would You Describe A Well Styled Life

Happy Thursday, ladies. I know what A Well Styled Life means to me. Today, I want to know what it means to you. IĀ often say my readers are the best part of this blog, and today I need your insight and advice.

over 50 fashion blogger showing travel outfit of white denim jacket and jeans with scarf

 

So just a few questions I’d love your take on-

  1. How would you describe this blog to a friend who had never heard of it?
  2. What are we not covering here that you’d like to see as part of future content?
  3. What is your favorite topic that I do cover?
  4. What type of post is the most helpful for you?
  5. Anything else you’d like to share?

Thanks in advance. I’m going to use this input to ensure I stay on track here and continue to provide value to you.

xo

 

 

183 Comments

  1. I canā€™t add much that hasnā€™t already been said. I love your blog! Itā€™s my favorite read to start the dayā€¦something light & yet informative with regard to style & fashion. We have similar looks so I can relate to most of what you share. I also like some minimal skin care tips with these newer clean products on the market, as I have sensitive skin that reacts to almost everything. I love some diet/food tips that also affect skin. Finally we share aging issues that can be of great help to each other. Iā€™m thinking of the eye vitamin recommended by a reader. I knew I didnā€™t care for capris on my short 5ā€™2 body but wasnā€™t sure why. You explained the proportion aspect. Thank you so much! Please keep on keeping onā€¦

    1. Thank you so much. I need those eye vitamins, can you recall the brand?

  2. Inspirations for an elevated casual way of life. I like your dressing room diaries, the save/splurge posts and the ones where you show us why something doesn’t work and the little tips/tricks you share. My favorite series was one you did on a vacation where you showed us how to wear the same pieces in a variety of ways for different activities. I like that you’re current and modern, aware of trends but don’t follow or promote fads. The occasional non-fashion topic: travel, book, movie, food, skin care is great and I’d enjoy more of those.

    1. I love your first sentence, thank you! Iā€™ll try more mixing and matching ideas for outfit flexibility.

  3. An authentic source for real-life classic casual. You never try too hard and never make me feel like I’m missing out on something… whatever that is (lavish trips, expensive clothes, certain beauty products).

    Love your “would you wear it” and “save or splurge”. Would like more of your styled explanations, like the contrast level, rules of thirds, ways to make things casual or dressy (like the mention of the denim color yesterday, or shoe choice). You have an easy, practical way of explaining concepts. Also appreciate your recognition of our physical limitations….knees will never wear heals again. That’s okay! Finding loafers very fun and trying to add more belts.

    Q: Have you ever used Anson belts? I only wear silver buckles which are difficult to find. They offer (2) swappable silver buckles with a wide range of straps.

    1. Thanks for your thoughts, Diane. Iā€™m glad the style info is helpful. Iā€™ll be including more. Iā€™ve not heard of those belts. Iā€™ll check into them.

  4. I want to learn the principles about what clothes look best on a person.
    I think color and shape may be most important. Clothes can be a backdrop to make jewelry the focus of the outfit.
    As an older woman, I want comfort, quality, and longevity of the purchase.
    Shopping is not fun ā€¦. So, I want a good looking wardrobe that needs minimal new purchases Year after year.

    1. Thank you for your insightful comment, Carolyn. Itā€™s very helpful.

  5. I would describe your blog as , Classically casual with a sense of curiosity.
    I like DRD, and Save/ splurge. It would be fun to see more examples of the four general color seasons in the same outfit. I also like the occasional book / video recommendation. Thanks for all your hard work, you are a fun fashion friend!

    1. Thanks Eileen! Fashion is fun, as you know šŸ™‚

  6. Hi Jennifer,

    1. How would you describe this blog to a friend who had never heard of it? I’d call it a blog for stylish women over 50 who are not slaves to fashion but want to look their best.

    2. What are we not covering here that youā€™d like to see as part of future content? I’d love to read more about clothing items and accessories made from fabrics that are more sustainable to the planet vs. polyester and many other manmade fabrics.

    3. What is your favorite topic that I do cover? “Tips and tricks” -type posts are my favorite. I also enjoy the spend vs. splurge posts very much.

    4. What type of post is the most helpful for you? Your explanations of why something doesn’t look “right” (e.g., rule of thirds) due to proportion or color intensity.

    5. Anything else youā€™d like to share? Thank you for doing this! I love starting my day reading about your finds and insights!

    1. Thank you so much, Kelly! Your answers are so helpful.

  7. Paulette Levy says:

    Iā€™d describe it as a great friend who shares, shares. And shares. You share advice on dressing well highlighting your own life, climate, travel needs. You share trends in stores and shops where you live abundant elsewhere. You share your needs and even some of your personal physical afflictions ( couldnā€™t find the word hereā€¦). I like that youā€™re open about your hair needs, your fingers/hand challenges as well as your skin.
    I like the way you put this all together- the dressing room diaries is most fun! But I liked the pieces about you in Vancouver and Palm Desert and Mexico too!
    You write from the heart.

    1. Thank you Paulette. Iā€™m certainly not a professional writer so Iā€™m glad youā€™re enjoying the posts :).

  8. I have been following you for a number of years and over that time my life has made dramatic changes from retiring to moving cross country but your content has remained relevant. I would describe your blog as a conversation amongst friends who want to stay current in today’s world. Fashion and looking my best has always been important to me and you have helped me stay the course while expanding my awareness of other retailers and products. I like DRD even though our bodies are very different. High inflation and a retirement income has me watching where I spend my dollars so I would like to see you address that topic. Keep up the good work Jennifer!

    1. Great suggestions, thanks Linda. Iā€™ll do that.

  9. 1. A Well Styled Life is a virtual friend who shares a great sense of style to help women like us to make wise wardrobe choices.
    2. I am interested in reducing my consumption of new clothes to help the environment and build my savings. I will still purchase new items, but selectively. Along those lines, perhaps a feature of “Update This Outfit,” showing an outfit you featured in prior years updated with a piece or two to make it more contemporary. Or, a “One More Time” feature showing how you’ve updated an investment piece with contemporary choices.
    3. You publish so many helpful ideas, hard to pick one. If forced, I’d say “Splurge or Save” is the most fun.
    4. Your expertise in retail and the principles of dressing set you apart from some other bloggers. I really benefit from posts about best choices for body shape, contrast, color, etc. You tell us why something will look good on us. It’s what keeps me coming back.
    5. Thank you. I published a professional blog for three years. Boy, it was A LOT of work. I appreciate that while your job is fun, it also takes many hours of time and constant attention.

    1. Thank you so much for number 1! Thatā€™s very helpful, Susan.
      Number 2 is filled with great ideas, love it.
      Number 4, golden. Thank you so much and yes, itā€™s more than a full time job, as you know. What was your blog about?

      1. I was a professor for a graduate class on personal learning and change. Wrote a blog to help keep me current on the topics.

    2. The ideas in #2 are exactly what I would like to see also!

      1. Me too … need ideas on how to update what I already have.

    3. Everything SusanBK said…except #5! Especially love the “update this outfit”. Thanks for all your hard work, Jennifer.

    4. # 4 . Is the reason I stopped reading some of the other fashion blogs- as I prefer to spend my time here.

      I have a body thatā€™s changing whether I like it or not. Hair, eyesight, vitamins, supplements, food sensitivities, exercise, good shoes, these subjects you cover help educate me and keep me informed. You are truly the virtual girl friend who discusses these topics that are really important to know about- and thatā€™s how Iā€™d describe your blog to others. Thank you.

  10. 1. Describe blog: age appropriate (in my 70s) but with classic style – great tips and tricks!
    2. Not covering: more affordable clothing – Eileen Fisher is out of my retirement budget. I love seeing the high end items but it is not realistic for me and most of my retired professional ā€œgirlsā€. I am not a fan of skin care posts and donā€™t read those days but I know lots of ladies enjoy them.
    3. I LOVE the tips and tricks (putting hem of a t-top through belt loop=brilliant!) and use lots of your tips. I have always wondered why I donā€™t like ā€œpedal pushersā€ on most and now I know why thanks to your tip regarding them.
    4. Like others I do like the dressing room diaries.
    5. It has been a delight finding your blog – I appreciate your candor. I wonder if ā€œboutique findsā€ or clothing options on line (other than the standards of Talbots, Chicos, JJill, etc.) would be a consideration for you. My wardrobe is inundated with Talbots and I have loved adding boutique tops, etc. but, again, many I find seemed to styled for my 3 grand girls ages 18, 20, and 22šŸ˜‚ – harder and harder to find unique, age appropriate items for Nana.
    Thank you for allowing input!

    1. Thatā€™s great, thanks Terry.

  11. This is a difficult question to answer, because there are so many good things to say. Your blog is friendly, informative without being judgmental, encouraging, and relatable. The variety of topics keeps it fresh, and so do the great comments from other readers. It feels like a real community, which is lovely. I intend to tackle my closet next week, and it has me thinking (again) about how my look has changed. I think there is going to be a fairly big purge and I plan to look over some of your previous posts for guidance. Iā€™m realizing what I used to love to wear has really shifted. Thanks for your columnā€¦ I read it every day! šŸ˜Š

  12. Rukshana Afia says:

    I live in the UK so would first of all say it is a US fashion blog however the style advice and clothing photos are still relevant not just because everything crosses the pond eastward but also specific garments are increasingly available globally . The writing style of US blogs is always very approachable and this was one recommended by unefemme . I find blogs far more current and useful than fashion magazines but they cater to the same kind of readers and deal with the same subjects . My favourite feature is shared with another recommended blogger – ie “Would you wear it ?”

  13. 1. Thoughtful, creative, fashion-forward and health-conscious, non-judgmental, intelligent, instructional, and for me very inspirational!
    2. No suggestions. I like that your emphasis is on fashion and styling. That being said, you introduced me to the benefits of collagen and products like Hair Biology, both are now part of my life. I like that I learn things here that I would not discover on my own, including clothing hacks.
    3. I really donā€™t have a favorite. Sometimes a topic which I think wonā€™t be of interest to me turns out to be informative and very helpful.
    4. Presently, in a time of high inflation, ā€œSplurge or Saveā€ motivates me to create current and classic looks at online retailers like Amazon, TJMaxx and Marshalls, all of which carry many labels featured at more high-end stores.
    5. Jennifer, you are so much more than an ā€œinfluencerā€. You are an ā€œinspirerā€, the highest rank in blogdom! xo

    1. Thank you so much, Lynn. Iā€™m delighted to hear I inspire!

      1. Jennifer, you are my research assistant! I’m retired but am very active with 7 grandchildren… I go to T ball, swim meets, gymnastic meets, soccer games, plays and musical concerts that span outdoor temperatures from freezing to 100 degree weather. I don’t have time to discover all the trends and styles for myself, so your dressing room diaries, would you wear it, and tips on sales save me time and money. I confess I sometimes rely totally on what you’ve modeled even though I’m taller and older than you. Your posts give me reference and comparisons by offering a realistic photo instead of a professional model’s image. I’ve been exposed to stores I never considered before like walmart online and amazon (who knew?) I travel internationally twice a year and although I’ve literally been around the world, you travel wardrobe tips that include current and trending styles are so appreciated. Finally, since I live in the same area and shop the same stores–when you find something great and post it, I can be out the door in a flash to snatch it up!

  14. I enjoy your column and find it inspiring every day. I would typically reach for the same old comfy pieces, your suggestions and professional advice prompt consideration to branch out and ā€˜thinkā€™ about putting an outfit together.

    DRD are really helpful to see how different pieces work/do not work together, on a person of a certain age. Especially for those who donā€™t have time or access to some shops IRL. Very helpful to see we can still wear many current styles (Iā€™ll be 60 next yearā€”how did that happen?)

    Color is a topic it would be nice to see a bit more of; doā€™s and definitely do-nots, why, etc. Love the brief personable touches from your life and family as well as the occasional non-clothing features.
    Thanks for everything you do, and thanks for reading our comments!

    1. I donā€™t always get to answer each one but I always read your comments! I learn so much from my readers. šŸ™‚

  15. Well, Jennifer here goes.
    1. If I was describing your blog to someone I would say there is this this adorable lady who puts style, life ideas of how to live your best life and all kinds of information from books, makeup tricks, sales and how to be fabulous in our own bodies of (50 and above – younger gals could also benefit also).
    2. What is not covered? Can not think of any specific topic, maybe lifeā€™s priorities- What is first in your life and moving down second, third and so on.
    3. I love DRD. Look forward to it every week. Great inspiration for new styles.
    4. What is most helpful to me is the ā€œhow toā€ hints on makeup, cleaning, accessorizing.
    5. Off hand I can not think of anything else.
    Thanks for all your research and ideas along with all the modeling. šŸ˜Œ

    1. Jennifer, I have described your blog to my daughter as a lifestyle and fashion blog for over 50’s but it is so much more than that. I look forward to reading it every day. I value the posts regarding makeup, skin care producsts and living a healthy, stylish life. I can’t think of any content that you are missing. I love seeing your outfits and the DRD are my favorite. You and I are not the same build, I am petite and carry a few more pounds than you, but I am inspired to try styles and colors I may not have in the past. I actually enjoy putting an outfit togther and put more effort into looking my best. I previously shopped a lot at Talbots from their petite range, but since reading your blog I have branched out to shopping at Chicos, JJIll and Nordstrom.

      1. Iā€™m so glad youā€™re branching out. Itā€™s so easy for us to get stuck in a rut.

  16. Cheryll Sampson says:

    I love DRD as I live in a small town with one clothing store.You speak to the more mature women of which I most definitely am. I like that you want to look modern but are not trying to make us smell look 20 again. Keep up the good work.

    1. Youthful and modern, never 20! :). Thanks Cheryll

  17. I really enjoy your blog and your willingness to share the ups and downs of life with a positive outlook.
    Based on comments below, and when the pandemic time is right, maybe occasionally shopping with a friend of another body shape might be cool. You could show what to look for in terms of shaping and length etc. Even little details can make a difference based on our various physiques.
    Thanks for your great work!

  18. I would describe your blog as a stylish fashion and lifestyle blog for the more mature, but classic, woman.

    I would love to see more picks for basics that you believe will last over several seasons. I am trying to make fewer, more sustainable purchases. Avoiding throwaway fashion, so that may mean spending more initially but ultimately paying less per wear. So if you have any suggestions for sustainable clothing companies, I am all in!

    I like the DRD, because they show what the pieces look like in real life. I don’t have the same body as you but I find those posts very helpful, because it gives me a sense if I could pull off a certain look. I also enjoy your collaborations with other bloggers. And I enjoy your Monday musings….just because. Thanks for all of your hard work! It can’t be easy doing this every week, and I do appreciate it. You bring a bit of normalcy and fun to these times.

    1. Thanks Melissa. Iā€™m wanting more sustainable choices too so Iā€™ll be talking about that more

  19. suzanstew says:

    I tell my friends that this is the best old lady fashion blog around. I like almost all of your content. I am a Talbots/Chicos shopper, but your column has extended my fashion sense to many other stores like Banana Republic and definitely Nordstrom. I like the dressing room diaries, although sometimes I think they get a little monotonous. I also do things like use your sunscreen regime, although I’d have to say my least favorites are some of your cosmetics/creams entries. I would concur with lower-cost clothing, but I like to consider the high cost stuff, too. I could not look more unlike you, but it is sometimes a little scary how frequently I see something you feature and then I go out and purchase it myself. I am a meat eater, so I would not be too keen on recipes.

    1. Awesome! I love being an old lady fashion blogger šŸ™‚ Iā€™m glad youā€™ve been inspired to branch out. Itā€™s easy to get stuck in a rut.

  20. Reading your blog is like getting tips from a stylish friend.

    You bring us timely, up-to-date styles and info that are still relevant to those of us in the over-60 category. The only thing I’d like to see more of is colors in my autumn palette. Your last post had a nice group from Talbot’s, but I rarely see colors I can wear on the blog.

    Favorite topic might be when you show a current trend and how we can add just a bit, without looking like we’re trying to be 20.

    Dressing Room Diaries are helpful to see the clothes on you. I am built like you, just two inches taller, so seeing them on you is great.

    Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into bringing us such good information.

  21. Oh my, how do I describe my relationship to this blog! This whole aging process is a new adventure for all of us. I donā€™t want to be consumed with all the negative aspects of this journey but also, I want to face this time with my eyes wide open. When I found your blog, itā€™s been like a new, wonderful friend who shares so many of my very personal concerns. I have learned so much! Itā€™s also the community of friends that I feel has helped me keep a sense of humor rather than tears of frustration and sadness.
    I donā€™t get out to all the stores to do try on sessions, so your blogs that feature whatā€™s new are so helpful. I also love to hear what youā€™re trying thatā€™s new for skin care or hair products that are working for you too.
    I just started taking a vitamin for eye care. My optometrist said that I have early stages of muscular degeneration in one eye and ā€œwrinklingā€ in the other eye.
    Omg, is there no end to this whole wrinkling process!? šŸ˜‚
    I love starting my day with your blog and it leaves me with a bit more energy to make the most of each new day! Thank you!

    1. Iā€™m so sorry to hear about your eyes, Jan. Is the ā€œwrinklingā€ the outer layer beginning to sag and fold? I have that now too!

      1. Apparently, the wrinkling is in the internal eye tissue. The vitamin supplement that she recommended is PreserVision Areds 2.

      2. Thank you so much! I shall order some.

    2. I am your same height and wear a size 10 – 12 and what is frustrating about that height, especially when ordering, is whether to order a regular or petite size, which can result in returns. Learning more about proportions would be greatly appreciated. I would like to see more DRD at Banana Republic, and other retailers. I have to be very selective when ordering from Talbots or Chicoā€™s clothingā€¦not much works for me.
      You do a good job
      with all your blogs, my least favorite is ā€œwould you wear it.ā€ I find ā€œSplurge or Saveā€ is interesting, and helpful. Apparently, I missed the post on the eye vitamin. I have the beginning stages of Macular. You are great at sharing your knowledge with us. I hope all these words of encouragement is helpful.

  22. I follower several fashion bloggers and you are one of my favorites! I like to see what is on trend and where to find it, as I do most of my shopping online. Dressing Room Diaries is my favorite feature and very helpful. Splurge or Save is also fun!

  23. A well styled life would be living within you means also purchasing what you can afford and not going into debt to finance a lifestyle.

    I would like to see more affordable clothing some choice are way out of my price range. I purchase the majority of my clothing from Talbots. I usually wait for a discount. Talbot has quality and modern style.

    I do the dressing room pictures and that is my favorite topic. I do like when you describe the fit and size range.

    I would like to see more reasonable prices cosmetics even though I do buy quality skin care and make up.

    The splurge and save are good too.

    My take is that I do not want to dress like an old lady. Classic but modern.

    I am finding it hard to find dresses I like. I like sheath dresses that skim my body. The last two I purchase were from WHBM. I go for simple design on my 5’2″ 124 pound curvy body.

    I really do like your posts a lot.

    1. Dresses are going through a more is more phase these days, arenā€™t they?! Thanks for reminding me about WHBM.

  24. I look forward to the dressing room diaries! I like seeing you in the clothing and getting your viewpoint of the garments. Keep those coming.

    1. Will do, thanks Vicki

  25. Deborah B says:

    Fashion fun, styling and lessons for the mature woman. I enjoy your DRD – it lets me see clothes from my favorite stores on a real person, not a 5ā€™10ā€ size 00 fashion model! I appreciate your sharing of years of knowledge.

    1. Oh to be 5ā€™10ā€! šŸ™‚

  26. Good morning Jennifer! I would describe your blog as relevant to my current lifestyle and age. I find so many tips and clothing choices from your blog and the responses other ladies give. My two favorite types of posts are splurge vs save and especially would you wear it. I just love reading how other ladies would style clothing it’s fun.

    1. Thanks, Leslie. I was wondering if itā€™s time to retire would you wear it.

      1. “Would You Wear It” is my least favorite section … just for your information.

  27. I would describe your blog as the intelligent women’s fashion blog. You always cover interesting and educational topics and you don’t overwhelm us with 10 photos of the same outfit or write in a style that treats us like we have no attention span.
    I enjoy DRD and any articles that teach us something about style or colour. Your background as a style consultant is obvious in what you write about.
    And reading your articles and the reader comments feels like having a conversation with a good friend.

    1. Thatā€™s good to know, thanks. I often wonder if I say too much :). I always look forward to reading your comments, Yvonne.

  28. I enjoy your expertise on how to dress women so they look their best. Like the 1/3 2/3 rule. It might be a suggestion to you, but I use it as a rule. And crops make legs appear shorter. More please! As a professional, Iā€™m sure youā€™ve picked up so many things that the average person doesnā€™t know or doesnā€™t know how to implement. When youā€™re in side by side pictures, showing different ways of wearing similar outfits, itā€™s so obvious what a styling ā€œruleā€ means. More please.

    1. Iā€™ll keep the proportion posts coming! Theyā€™re some of my favorites

  29. My favorite posts you do are when you show pictures of an outfit that doesnā€™t work and then tell us in detail WHY it doesnā€™t work. I find the mechanics of an outfit fascinating.

    1. Good to know! Iā€™ll share more of those.

  30. Kathy Gray says:

    There are a few occasions where I need to wear something dressy. I am finding it more and more difficult to find appropriate clothing that is dressy enough. I shop at my local Nordstrom store, but find most of their dressy clothing is too young looking. Macyā€™s the same way.

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