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.
So just a few questions I’d love your take on-
- How would you describe this blog to a friend who had never heard of it?
- What are we not covering here that you’d like to see as part of future content?
- What is your favorite topic that I do cover?
- What type of post is the most helpful for you?
- 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
Hi, there. You asked for thoughts on what your blog means to us.
For me, reading your content is like visiting a friend with excellent fashion knowledge and advice. I like “Dressing Room Diaries” the most, although all of your content is useful and, most importantly, enjoyable. Interestingly, our two bodies are decidedly different, which is probably true for all of your readers. I am skinny with a flat chest (ha, ha), but at 71, I still love fashion, especially the Ann Taylor esthetic. In the future, I would LOVE to see more videos, especially when you join with blogger friends.
Take care and keep up the wonderful content. You inspire and entertain all of us.
Thank you, Karole
1) How would you describe this blog to a friend who had never heard of it?
a) I would describe your blog as a great resource on fashion and self-care that focuses on personalized classic styles with a twist ā it isnāt staid.
2) What are we not covering here that youād like to see as part of future content?
a) Maybe sustainable fashion choices. I also like that one time you incorporated a vintage scarf into your outfit. I would like to find out more about how to make good vintage selections.
3) What is your favorite topic that I do cover?
a) I enjoy reading all your topics, and your visits to clothing stores to try on clothes is probably my favorite, since I shop at many of the stores that you visit.
4) What type of post is the most helpful for you?
a) When you talk about why certain proportions or styles āworkā it is really helpful for me.
5) Anything else youād like to share?
a) I really enjoy your blog. I find it very relatable and full of good information. It is also fun to read!
Thank you so much, Alexis!
I like that you feature clothing and styling tips for clothes from the stores that I shop. What I would like is for you to style those clothes on other people with different body shapes and coloring. After following you I know what will look good on you but how would those colors work on a brunette or a person with a curvy figure etc. That would help others style themselves at those stores.
Hi Jennifer. What about a Q and A post? We could ask the questions then in a subsequent post you could list a few and answer them. I so appreciate all that you do for us and canāt for the life of me figure out how you keep up with it all! Blessings to you!
I love your tips on how to style and fit better for our size age and what to put together that makes you look polished Taller or thinner . Iāve started wearing belts and scarves more and more aware of what doesnāt look good on a short person and what does .I also like seeing real clothes tried on by you for fit and comfort ! A model online is so often 20 and tall and very thin .š
Many of your choices are unaffordable for me but I can shop for the sale discount or even thrift items or occasionally splurge on your choice that look similar . I like that you include a variety of stores and prices ..and age appropriate but still fun and fresh . And it helps me stay current and not look dumpy or frumpy as I age . And I appreciate you donāt embrace silly trends for 20 year olds (like ripped jeans or bare midriffs š
I look forward to your posts and I share so many of same health issues with you which I relate to ( the feet , skin precautions , eye , thin hair and even the finger Dupree issue ) that we get as we age and have to adapt our life and fashion to ..āŗļø
We do seem to deal with more body breakdowns every year :). Thanks Susan
Description: how to look up to date using trends with the classic look
I love that you go in different stores and show us what is in their shop.
I love the spurge and save post. ***
I love different options of what to wear–like a wedding.
I appreciate all the new brands of skin care, make up, etc.
I appreciate the information on how jeans should fit; how to wear leggings; length of skirts, capris, etc.
length of sleeves; and how to dress in thirds.
I feel you hit it out of the park and I will always continue to follow you!
Thanks so much Paula!
Oh my goodness, from reading over the many comments I think everything has been said. On that note though, as it is obvious your forte is that of a stylist who is genuinely knowledgeable you might consider taking one of your random photos of yourself and explain why you chose the pieces you did.
i.e.: As in the photo you included. The tank top adds _________. Also, maybe a mini course on how to organize one’s clothing and accessories, or encourage a discussion per same (considering climates vary) would be beneficial to some. Just a thought as (even at my age) I am always open to learning. -Brenda-
Great idea, Brenda
In addition to your style and fashion advice, which is really invaluable, I think you speak to many of the issues that are important to educated, well-to-do women over 55 or so. Issues of sustainability, re-use, repurposing are important to me. I have a daughter about the same age as yours and want to leave her and my son with a better world. That’s an incredible challenge – but you take on these issues when you talk about investment purchases, mining our closets, beauty products, etc. Maybe you could cover consignment shops, what vendors donate or will recycle clothes, clothes rentals, etc. I love your Monday musings and DRDs! And your style tips are second to none. The save or splurge is fun, but once a month would be fine with me.
Your blog is the first on my reading list in the morning. I describe it to friends as casual classic affordable and relatable to my lifestyle and aesthetic. I love your dressing room diaries series as well as the new save/splurge series. The ‘would you wear it” feature is a fun weekend feature too. I like that you explain WHY certain proportions and silhouettes work or do not.
Thank you for all of your hard work and effort keeping us up to date and informed on the latest trends & products.
I love your tips on how to style and fit better for our size age and what to put together that makes you look polished Taller or . Iāve started wearing belts and scarves more and more aware of what doesnāt look good on a short person and what does .I also like seeing real clothes tried on by you for fit .and comfort ! A model online is so often 20 and tall and very thin .
Many of your choices are unaffordable for me but I can shop for the sale discount or even thrift items or occasionally splurge on your choice that look similar . And it helps me stay current and not look dumpy or frumpy as I age
I really like your blog and enjoy seeing all the styles and colors you put together and show us. Lately, I m not so much interested in clothing . I m trying my best to just update what I already have and save a bit of money. However, I spend a lot on my hair and hair products and make up so I d really be interested in finding really good products. I color my hair and recently I m considering going grey (Im 74 years old, and getting tired of the monthly hair appointments. I d love to see articles about the best way to let my hair go naturally grey) I m just not sure I can handle letting my hair grow out and always have that white strip on my hair . And I love to see articles on quality comfortable shoes for my bad feet. Not necessarily designer shoes, but well made quality shoes. Thank you for your interesting articles .
I plan to cover shoes more, because we all need them
I would describe the blog as a conservative but current style/fashion/skin care blog for post-60 women.
I appreciate the constructive information regarding body-type as it relates to fashion. That you give specifics about your body-type as it relates to the clothing you feature is helpful.
Wish the accessories (e.g. purses and shoes) were more affordable for me.
I also find much of the skin-care information interesting and often useful.
Hope the above helps a little. I truly appreciate the hard work and thoughtfulness you put into your blog.
It does help and I thank you!
1. A blog for mature women who are interested in looking and living their bestā¦accessible fashion and trends, with a dash of home, books, beauty, travel.
2. Colorāhints on choosing and integrating our favorite, best colors throughout a neutral wardrobeā¦Simplifying our wardrobesānot quite capsuleā¦Supportive shoe brandsānot quite orthoticā¦Applying makeup, especially eyeliner, maybe visit a Nordstroms beauty counter for a makeoverā¦ Assembling an upgraded every day wardrobe that works for physical, non-office work
3. Because the nearest womenās clothing stores to me (such as Chicoās or Talbots) are three hours away from my home I depend on your DRD to see into these stores. Would they allow you to occasionally do a video walk through so we could see a bit of the racks of clothing, giving an overall look at the trending colors and styles ?
4-5. Iād love to see posts on creating a nurturing lifestyleā¦hygge, if you willā¦how to live with more intention, extending the caregiving we have done throughout our lives, first with children and now with spouses and friends, to ourselves. More than candles and the fireplace I donāt haveā¦.
I think I could do a video in the store. Iāll try some. Thanks for the ideas.
I like that you do dressing room diaries. Instead of encouraging mass consumption, you try, not buy.
I am not interested in strictly OOTD style blogs. I will not be wearing new clothes every day. I am more interested in restyling what I do have in multiple ways. How can I get creative — that’s what I need.
I like that there are elements of learning along the way. My body shape and height are not like yours, nor is my coloring. I can still learn from your blog.
I appreciate the budget-friendly options in the recent high-low features. We all have different priorities and budgets.
This is real life dressing for real life women.
Carry on!
I have described your blog as everything a woman over 50 would need to know. I love the dressing work diaries and the splurge/save segments. I’m always looking for ways to dress as a petite person. I look forward to all you have to say, thanks!
Hi, I just started reading your blogs and subscribed to your e-mails. I do love that you look amazing and we are close in age, so you do show it’s possible to be very stylish and still age appropriate. One of your articles I believe talked about proportion. I have two dusters which I love and don’t wear because they were way too long for my height. A quick trip to a good tailor and I have two dusters ‘new’ for my fall wardrobe, shortened a good 5 inches. You’ve encouraged me to look at my closet and do more editing. What I purchase and what I end up wearing shows a huge gap in my everyday clothes choices. I’m a big t-shirt and jeans person, loafers, flats , tennis shoes. Not a sandal person.
Maybe more makeup tips. They abound on the internet, but nice to have tips condensed, otherwise a person can get a bit overwhelmed. I do plan to recommend your blog to friends that flounder sometimes as I do… Have a great day….I’m looking forward to fall, and sweater weather,,,,well in a few more months…
Thatās awesome that you got them tailored!! Bravo
I don’t think I was ever fashionable and now in my late 50s I had about given up. I don’t want to look frumpy but I find shopping to be very difficult, particularly in my hot, humid climate. What to choose? How to put an outfit together? What styles are appropriate for someone my age? Your blog has been an inspiration to me. I like the fact that you explain things and that the outfits aren’t too flashy or too hard to find. The dressing room diaries, would you wear it, and splurge or save columns are very helpful, plus the columns where you explain principles that I can use. For example the other day when you explained that in a hot climate, you can get a fall feeling from color choice even when fabric choice is light. Or the time when you showed an outfit for the plane and explained why you chose what you did. Or you suggestions for wearing leggings. My body type is different from yours so sometimes the suggestions need translating, but it would be unreasonable to expect you to be my twin, haha. I also really enjoy reading the comments–it has been very enlightening to see everyone’s opinions and suggestions. I’ve already recommended your blog to friends. Thank you for a good blog and a good community of readers. š
re: what is missing, that was a hard question! Other commenters have given some great topic suggestions that I would second: how to accessorize, what looks good on different body types, why are the “splurge” items so much more expensive. Also, maybe you could have an index to your “greatest hits” or tags for recurring features like the mannequin or splurge/save features. Then people who like a particular kind of content could easily read through your previous posts.
I love this community too. Thanks Martha!
I agree with comments made by others and expressed so much better than I could have! Your blog is so relatable and helpful and your readers who comment are great too. I would like more information about dressing for body type — I am the opposite shape! My shoulders are narrower and my hips and thighs are heavy, so the silhouettes that look wonderful on you would not look the same on me. I do love the look of well-fitting shoulders and a bit of looseness (or not tight) at the hip and slender legs. Sigh! I might as well wish to be tall!
If I would have to describe your blog in two words or less, I would say you are relatable and informative. I love how you are able to add your own personal twist to a classic piece and make it your own. My favorite features are the DRD’s and the Save or Splurge posts. I also enjoy learning what you pack when going on vacation. As a carry-on only kind of girl, seeing how to put together multiple outfits that will take you anywhere, from just a few basic pieces is especially helpful. One thing that I would like to see is an open and honest conversation on how much is enough. I would say the common thread through most fashion blogs is buy, buy, buy. While it’s sometimes fun to see one individual’s haul from the N-sale for instance, my underlying thought is “how much of what is in your closet is actually needed or even being worn”? Not to mention how much it all costs! After all, how many pairs of jeans does a person really need? More and more, I am yearning to simplify my life and do more with less; but at the same time I don’t look like I’ve given up on looking current either. Perhaps that is why I appreciate your blog so much as your style is more classic and timeless, but with a modern twist. Another topic I would love to see addressed more is how to make your color palette work in off seasons. For instance, I am a summer person, or was at least until my hair turned white. It has always been a struggle to find things to wear in the Fall. I also am leaning towards the coastal Grandma style but how does a coastal Grandma do winter? Thank you for all your hard work, my morning coffee wouldn’t be the same without you!
If you were a summer, youāre still a summer but some of your best colors have shifted. Coastal grandmother style is relaxed in sift blues and neutrals. Perfect for a summer palette.
Good morning, Jennifer. I will try to answer your questions. #1 A fashion blog for older ladies #2 I am not one for giving advice. Sorry. I say do your thing. It’s your blog. And it’s good. #3 Fashion and travel #4 I read your blog every day but not sure about the helpful thing. #5 I would enjoy knowing more about the area where you live and I always enjoy your travels. Plus if you recommend books or movies, I am always interested.
1) āYou need to read Jenniferās blog, āA Well Styled Life.ā I feel like I am keeping up with a friend when I read her blog. Because of Jennifer I wear jewelry and lipstick everyday even though I am just going to be at home taking care of my husband. I do it for myself. Iāve learned about taking better care of my face; that Iām not the only one with dry eyes in this world; and Iāve stretched a bit in the type of clothes I wear. Sometimes I like her style suggestions, sometimes, I donāt; but she doesnāt tell you absolutes, just to wear what is right for you and makes you feel good,
2) Because I would sew, I would love to see fabrics for each season. But, I realize I am in the vast minority on that and donāt expect to ever see that in any style blog. Forget I said anything. It was the only thing I could think of that is missing for me.
3) & 4) I like it when you share cosmetics you are trying and how they are working for you. Your hair products, too.
5). Iām not crazy about the mannequins. Usually, there is nothing I like about them. That may be because I donāt shop in department stores, but in fabric stores and pattern catalogs. But I do love the recent, āSplurge or Save(?)ā outfits you have been putting together. I find those very helpful.
Your answer to number one brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing that Phyllis!
Iād love to return to sewing for myself as I did when I was young and sewed all my own clothing as well as for my boys.I bet there are many of us here who used to sew. It would be very cool to see the look created from a ācanāt-failā Simplicity pattern as well as the online fabric source for those of us trying a return to sewing
I hadn’t heard of this until yesterday, but you might check out Erica, Mari. She’s a sewer with an amazing sense of kind-of-out-there style.
My sister and I both read your posts and often discuss them. We love the outfit ideas. You have a similar body composition and life style to ours, so most often the outfits are fun and useful to us. You also convinced my sister to get rid of her capris! Thank You!
I would love a little more comparison on the posts that show an expensive outfit and a more moderately priced one. I always understand the value of saving money but would like to understand when a more expensive item might be preferable. Is the shirt a better material that doesnāt wrinkle as badly? Does the coat shed rain better or is just better cut and will look better on? I know that might be hard for you to do, but I would love to read the discussion!
Thatās a great idea, Leslee. Quality can often be in the eye if the beholder but I think this is a great idea! My extreme pleasure about the capris š
Love dressing room diaries, and that you include what size you are wearing. You are fortunate to be able to sometimes wear regular/misses or go down to petites.
Taller gals donāt have options, but I can tell from your photos what will work for me. I appreciate all the work you put into this.
I describe AWSL as a fashion blog. You cover a bit of everything.
1. I would describe this blog as one that would appeal to women like me: retired, still active in the community, style-conscious.
2. I would love to see the outfits you showcase on another, more curvy woman.
3. Dressing room diaries are the best!
4. The most helpful part isnāt the type of post, but the fact that you link all the items.
5. Canāt think of anything else. I look forward to all episodes, except, perhaps āWould you wear it?ā Iāve rarely seen anything that would entice me to try it on.
Iām a long-time everyday reader, first-time commenter.
Iād describe the blog as a fashion and lifestyle blog for our age group with a realistic and modern approach to looking our bestāfrom smart basic clothing items to accessorizing, advice on hemlines/shoes, proportions, and silhouettes that are on trend, or not (ex. flared jeans vs skinny jeans). The blog is a fun way for me to see whatās new and fresh and modern without tramping through all the stores.
I think youāve got almost every topic of interest covered.
Favorite topics:
I love posts about color (as an aging Cool Winter Iām still learning to adjust to graying hair and overall fading).
Posts on haircare interest me because my hair is also thinning.
Although Iām taller than you are, and short-waisted, I also have very broad shoulders and proportionally slimmer hips, so many of your tips with regard to those features are useful for me.
I love to travel so those posts are fun to read.
Most helpful:
Dressing Room Diaries is funā¦Iāve purchased items spotted there.
I liked the recent three-word āstyle mottoā articleāvery difficult to get to three words. My style is more bold, dramatic, boho (?something?) and a lot less tailored/classic/crisp than yours, but nevertheless, there is overlap in many areas and basic style principles apply, so that much of what I learn on your site is useful.
I very much enjoy checking in with the blog each day. Thank you for all the work that goes into it!
Thank you Andrea
1. I would describe the blog as both a fashion and personal growth blog for women at any age who like a more classic style.
2. As answered below, more real life outfit photos.
3. My favorite topic is ‘What I wore’. I think you have only done this a couple of times, but it’s nice to see you in real life.
4. Your real experiences with clothes, make up, food, books, etc.
Iāll try to share more of what I wear.
How would you describe this blog to a friend who had never heard of it? – Real woman wears real clothes!
What are we not covering here that youād like to see as part of future content? One item worn multiple ways, combos, mixing & matching an item different ways. You cover it in dressing room diaries, but more curated options would be great.
What is your favorite topic that I do cover? – Dressing room shots, it’s so helpful to see someone who is my shape & size (& age) try things on. I live in a mountain town far from stores and can’t do my own try ons very often.
What type of post is the most helpful for you? Splurge v. save, Dressing room diaries, also anything about proportion or fit and and why it works or doesn’t.
Anything else youād like to share? Great blog, I check it often.
Thank you, Laurrie
I so enjoy your emails! What I find the most helpful is when you explain why or why not an outfit works – I’ve learned so much. And, Dressing Room Diaries is a highlight.
Have you ever considered going to an independent boutique and talking about the accessories and how they can add a touch of “current” to our wardrobes? Keep up the good work!
I would say to a friend that this is a warm, nonjudgmental, friendly space for professional style advice for dressing casually if you are over 50, and do not miss the comments! I would like to see more athleisure outfits and combining athleisure with smarter pieces (your leggings article is my leggings style bible). My favorite posts are just what you put together for your lifestyle, especially restyling basics Iāve seen before. Most helpful are dressing room diaries, and fashion content where you explain why something works/doesnāt due to balance/shape/etc. honestly, if you didnāt change a thing, Iād still be reading :).
Thanks so much, Linda :). That leggings post is very popular.
I like the more classic look when you put an outfit together. Don’t get me wrong, I like jeans and the
thrown together look of today, too. But the classic always wins out in my book. Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, are the styles I like…..simple and elegant effortless looking.