Monday Musing and What I Wore
Happy Monday, ladies. This week’s musings are shorter than usual because I spent yesterday enjoying family. I finally remembered to capture a few outfits I wore last week, and I would really love your help with something.
What Are Your Ideas?
Instagram used to be a photo-sharing app. Last year, the powers that be, decided to downplay the photos and put more all the emphasis on video. I need to make more short 15-30 second “reels” that entertain. If you were to watch short little videos, what would you like to see? I made a few tying scarves. I did one showing how I tie my trench coat belt, and a few putting makeup on. You can’t cover too much material in 30 seconds, but I would love your ideas.
What I Wore
I didn’t capture all my outfits, but this is a start.
Last Monday, I wore this casual look for working from home and a run to the grocery store. It was cool in the house and I found that just wearing this cardigan around my neck and on my back added the little bit of warmth I needed. I couldn’t wear it over these cropped sleeves anyway because they would bunch up.
I wasted no time breaking in my new polka dot tee from Talbots. Since I never left the house, I stayed in these slippers all day.
Wednesday was cool and blustery so I switched out of the denim dress I’d started the day in, into jeans and a denim shirt. I guess that’s what spring is all about but I’m always surprised by the rapid swings in temperature. These are my Ilse Jacobsen’s, good as new after a quick run through the washer and allowed to air dry.
Saturday was raining cats and dogs in the AM then sunny and mild in the afternoon. I have long silver chain earrings on but they’re hard to see in this photo. My shoes are old as the hills but super comfy so I wear them often when running errands.
I also want to resurrect my YouTube channel and would love to know what might interest you.
Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas.
I feel the same way others do. I cancelled my Facebook and I don’t do Instagram. I like the way you put together the outfits. I would ask that you consider those with a budget. I cannot afford jackets that cost 300.00 . I will spend money for things that I will keep for years. One example a short trench coat. I have a Columbia rain jacket that I have had for ten years because I take care of what I have.
I share clothes at all prices on my blog, but today’s post is me sharing my personal wardrobe.
Budget should not stop women from styling fabulous outfits from what they already have in their closet.
I like that fringe sweater on you and the polka dot shirt. They really suit you. As for what I’d like to see: You have helped me in the past about the importance of wearing sunscreen. Reminders at this time of year would be helpful I love hats and want to buy a new straw hat for summer. So many styles to choose from. I liked your tutorial on makeup. More of the same please. Happy Memorial Day from Canada.
I love the striped blouse in the first picture but I’m unable to bring up the maker. I’d love to order it.
The links are under every image. Here you go 🙂
Hi Jennifer,
Love the outfits. I rarely go on Instagram anymore. I guess I got burned out. I prefer photos to reels. Much easier to see things in a photo than in the snippets of a reel. My daughter just found out that someone created a fake account using her name and photos. She reported it and was told it’s not against their policy to do that. She’s livid, I’m appalled. Have a great Sunday!
Kim Vardas
I find I’ve lost interest in Instagram now with the emphasis on video. The videos were interesting when they were occasional. Now it’s nothing but. Is good photography dead? Glad to have your blog. If you feel the need to do videos try to make them unique to you and your content.
No Instagram, no Facebook…..I’ll watch the occasional YouTube….I’m not interested in what “my dog had for breakfast/my restaurant meal/my wonderful vacation” so there’s lots of stuff that’s absolutely meaningless to me (anyway). Love your blog and will continue to follow since it’s so much “common sense.”
Hi Jennifer,
I’m 62, really enjoy your blog and was surprised to see I am part of the large group today who don’t use social media at all. I’m glad to know I’m not alone in that. I have really been enjoying videos on Youtube from other style bloggers in our age group, would love to see those from you as well. Keep up the good work!
Thank you
The instagram videos are all over the place.
One I have enjoyed has showed a person actually changing and outfit showing it worn different ways. Showing how to accessorize outfits is also a good video.
I’d be curious to understand why you hold your phone upside down for photos. You could do a reel right side up and upside down to show the comparison..? 🙂
It allows the camera to be straighter so my body is in proportion.
Love videos on tying scarves and trench belts.
Love your outfits today and your hair is so cute.
Happy Monday.
Thanks, Lin. Happy Monday
I enjoy your blog and look forward to reading it. However I will not do IG or FB, and only watch YT if embedded in a blog. Also prefer them to be between 5-10 minutes in length. Sorry you are being forced into these new forms of social media, but I will not follow there. Thank you for all you do.
Not an Instagram, Face Book or Twitter user as prefer YouTube or Blogs however as you have the talent for styling why not concentrate on it, breaking it up into only two components what works (Do’s) and what doesn’t (Don’ts) with a format using a split screen if possible. Hope this helps. -Brenda-
It does, thanks Brenda!
Hi Jennifer. I love the format you are using right now. I don’t have an Instagram account and don’t plan to get one, but I know some people like the different formats. One of the things I like about your blog is your honesty! Sometimes things work and sometimes they dont’t. I also enjoy reading the comments from your readers. I have come away with many good ideas. Keep up the good work!
Those slippers looked so comfortable I ordered them plus they were half price!!
And affordable to start with too 🙂
I would be interested in seeing you add accessories to complete an outfit. It would be interesting to see you take the same basic outfit and either glam it up for a dressy occasion,or pare it down for a casual look.
I had an Instagram account, but deleted it after they started inserting so many ads. Getting close to doing the same thing with Facebook, but not quite there yet.
I enjoy your blog, and all of the great tips and recommendations you offer. It is enough for me.
The inside of your closet.
I enjoy your pictures and written commentary. I have no interest in Instagram or Pintrest.
I am in my early 70’s and follow you. I like your videos on u-tube. I don’t do instagram unless sent there. No account there.
I love your hair now! More on that, please. I am starting to lose hair now. Ask the dr about it, everything ok. Guess what? Just an age thing again.. what are ladies using to help this? Read closely your blog on creepy skin. Good info. Thank you and all who responded. Yes, my dears, it is coming your way. My favorite is dressing room blog as it is so up to date. Love collared blouses and three quartered light weight blouses. Think they look nice on us all. Really everything you are doing is right on spot even for us 70 plus gals. You are keeping me young-er. 😊
Thanks Karen 🙂
I too am a daily avid blog follower and would open an attached short You Tube video though but not Instagram.
Love everything you post.
Question on “tucking”. My backside is shapelier than my front and so I tend to tuck in my tops in the back waist band.
Anyone else do this?
I enjoy your blog, but I rarely visit Instagram or YouTube – and I quit Facebook a couple years ago. You might be able to lure me, but honestly I like to stay busy doing other things. Thank you for all you do!
Hi, Jennifer,
I am not addicted to Instagram but I do have an account because I have to.I follow cats,travel,fashion,tutorials.
I did enjoy your reels on make up, hair – in fact I began to mimic the moves you made when brushing my own hair and I was happy about the results. I have thick blond hair but I have it dyed copper for the benefit of youth I hope I get a little bit.
Please, keep going with the reels about clothes, hair , fashion,house or garden details or your travel adventures- wonderful locations in Hawaii and Mexic
Have a wonderful week!
Thank you
I really enjoyed your video on how you do your hairstyle. Many of us are affected by gravity as we age, and our hair is no exception! I purchased some of your recommended products and use them religiously. Thanks for the tips! Also your “growing out our gray hair” thoughts and videos would be helpful.
Is it possible to show how to accessorize an outfit in 30 seconds? That would be such helpful content!
Your outfits are all great btw.
Yes it is, and I will 🙂
I’m on all platforms but don’t view Instagram daily. If I watch a reel, the volume is muted because I don’t care for the music. I enjoy YouTube and subscribe to many accounts but am only faithful to a few on a regular basis. Angie Hot and Flashy, Dressed for My Day, Justin Hickox (hairstylist) and Dominique Sachse are worth my time. I always check the video length before playing and if it’s 20 minutes or so, I listen. Your blog is value-added for me. You touch on all topics I’m interested in- makeup, skincare, hair(!), fashion and color theory and I’m sure I forgot something!
I don’t do Instagram and watch just a few You Tube videos. I like informative and to the point videos. Too many try to “make much ado about nothing” and their videos go on and on which really turns me off. I do love your blog and read every day and have learned a lot about what to do and not do. Thanks for all the work you put into “teaching” us.
My pleasure, Ann. I get so much enjoyment helping women
I would love to see more short videos on scarf tying!! Also some on wearing brooches.
I like IG and understand the popularity of reels. Short reels can be entertaining and informative. I enjoyed your video on tying the scarf and the trench belt. You could take a simple outfit, like a white or black tee and jeans and show how to style it a couple different ways with scarf, jewelry, cardigan, belt, shoes, etc. Even just showing how a change of one accessory can transform a simple outfit would be good. So many women don’t know how to use accessories.
Great ideas, thanks.
What I like so much about your blog compared to others is that you cover issues that not only resonate with where I am in life but are also more meaningful. For instance, addressing dry skin, dry eyes, make-up for skin types, colors by skin type, shoe comfort, hair thinning, and so on. It’s not just about outfits, it’s so much more, it’s real, everyday issues women beyond their 40s can relate.
Those are the REELS:)
Thank you, Anne
Hi Jennifer, I too love your blog and so appreciate everything you discuss! I have read some of the comments. I have an Instagram account, but I am terrible at navigating in Instagram, so I think I miss most of the content. All I can see are pictures – no captions or commentary. Not helpful to me. Occasionally I will somehow stumble onto more – a series of shots (I guess that’s a video) or something like that.
I agree with another lady that seeing clothes from the back (or side) is helpful. That might be something for your YouTube – do an occasional 360 degree fitting session. I also love accessorizing options. I buy a lot of solid-colored basics, and accessories are what keep my outfits from becoming “blah.” But I could use more help with them.
Your hair looks lovely.
Thank you
Ideas for instagram: I really like Cindy’s suggestion of showing “one outfit three ways”. You could also start with a photo of wearing something that doesn’t work with the outfit and then fix it or add different accessories to change the look. I enjoy watching your reels and your group videos on instagram. I appreciate all your hard work using instagram and your blog. Please keep them coming!
Thank you Judy
I read your blog regularly but I find Instagram reels annoying and too fast paced to actually LEARN anything from them, so I skip past them and just use the site to view pictures of what my kids and grandkids are up to 😎. Sorry you’re feeling pressured to create content in that kind of environment, but it seems you’ve done your research and found that some older women DO enjoy it…good luck!
Video ideas – 1. how you tied bottom of polka dot tee 2. How fill in eyebrows (thin and pale as we age) 3. quick morning styling of your hair,
Follow you every day, first thing with a cup of coffee in hand. Thank you so much for all you share!!!
I just gathered the bottom of the tee together and slipped it through my belt loop, Easy peasy.
I’m not on Instagram, but I do use YouTube for workouts and the occasional video. I really enjoy your blog. I would love to see something on capsule wardrobes and how to mix and match and restyle things we already own. I also love the Talbot’s polka-dot tee.
Jennifer, I love reading your blog and the short scarf tying video was great! Like others, I am not on Instagram but watch your videos when you send blog updates. Since the video length is 15-30 seconds short, perhaps you could focus on accessory options. Choose a basic outfit and show how to accessorize/style it a couple of ways. Kind of like when you restyle a mannequin in a store, but using your own items. Jewelry and how it changes an outfit. Casual shoes to dressy sandals. Going from the tennis court or golf course to lunch (more than the shoes). Purses, scarves, sweater vs jacket, etc.
Any how-to would be helpful!
Hi Jennifer, first of all I would like you to know how much I enjoy and appreciate your postings on your blog and Instagram. Regarding your question about Instagram, how about if you modeled your outfits that you tried and also turned around in them? I was thinking that would be fairly easy to do as well as informative for us to see the outfit all the way around. That’s my Monday morning idea!
Hi there:
I would like to see how you organize your closet on Instagram. A short video would be all it takes to help me get started!
Thanks.
Sharman Bingham
I have a tiny closet so that would be hard to do
Hi Jennifer, I have enjoyed your blog for a while now, I am not on Instagram, and have no plans to start. I do watch a couple of blogs on You tube connected to a hobby, but I am finding I can spend too much time on social media, and that troubles me. So I am trying to cut my time on it. I feel I am no help to you, as like a few others I am apparently a Luddite, not moving with the times. You obviously spend a lot of time formatting content for these different mediums, and what you do is good, but I have no intention increasing my ‘screen time’.
I’ll use you tube when I don’t understand the written instructions, say for a knitting cast-off , that’s new to me. I can watch over and over until the lightbulb goes on.
Instagram, no,not at all.
I love reading your blog & prefer that to Instagram & short videos. I look forward to seeing what you have created each day…Thank you!
Ps Your hair looks great!
I follow friends, family, & YT influencers who are on IG: Bobby of FlavCity, Angie’s Hot & Flashy…. I agree with the others here who’ve offered ideas for IG. I would watch you there! I actuallyfollow IG & YT content more than blogs. Though, I thorougly enjoy yours!
I would love to see you compare the different color stories(idk what else it’s called; ColorMeBeautiful seasons is all I know) you’ve learned about.
When you do IG stories, yes, they’re limited to 15 sec or so, but you can continue with your story for as long as you want. Watch what others do with their IG stories. I don’t know much about the reels. I watched your collab on IG with the other 60+ yo influencers & lives like that would be awesome even if it’s just you. I’d follow you on IG in a heartbeat!
I love your little tricks on Instagram how to style clothes with tucks and trendy folds. Eye shadow tips too l would appreciate also make up brands you like. I find it all so useful 🙂 Happy week Jennifer
Hi, Jennifer, I guess we’re a bunch of luddites, but I, too, have no interest in Instagram and will not use it (or, wait for it, Facebook) b/c I abhor Mark Zuckerberg — and I value privacy. I access YouTube for instructional videos only, Please keep the blog coming. We all love it! There are some excellent video ideas from others: scarves, sleeve rolling, styling, etc. I’d like to see the back of some of the clothes you model.
p.s. Your hair is gorgeous now. Are you doing something new?
I read your blog daily, but I do not have an Instagram acct.
My name is also Mary, and I did not write the comment above, but I could have. I also read the blog daily, and do not have an Instagram account. Just sayin’.
Hi Jennifer! I seem to be in the minority here, but I love Instagram 😁.
Some ideas for reels: applying makeup (not a full face, that might take up too much time, but more along the lines of lips, or eyes); packing a carry-on for a vacation; putting together a travel capsule wardrobe; selecting / comparing clothing colors for different color complexions.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
I read your blog daily and really enjoy you! Similar to others, I don’t do IG, FB, or twitter. However, I do enjoy YouTube and think you would be great on there if you choose to do the video thing.
My thoughts on the Instagram changes; I truly dislike the very short videos. They are not informative, some speed up the presentation to get more in which gives me a headache, the music is often intrusive. Others must be questioning their value as I have found that influencers/bloggers repeat the material as still photos with captions and commentary. These are more generalized thoughts, not directed at your content. I prefer to get information from a more conventional video in a YouTube format although the advertising that intrudes there is also problematic. I am thinking long and hard about giving up these applications (IG, FB, Twitter) and paring down my viewing to interesting blogs and ditching the rest. Guess you could call me a grumpy old lady.
I agree – the IG videos that are sped up are not fun to watch and are over so quickly, I feel that they are not worth watching. I prefer the photos – like paging through a magazine, and pausing on something you like and want to peruse longer.
Agree 100%
I’m another one not on Instagram, but I do enjoy your blog.
Hi Jennifer – Another non-Instagramer here. I do like YouTube and enjoy the instructional videos on make-up, hair, interior decorating, gardening and baking. They’re very helpful. I don’t get the point of Instagram, but love to read your blog. I enjoy the photos of what you actually wore during the week. I follow another blogger who does this and it’s helpful to see what you really wear, not just dressing room diaries. Please don’t stop blogging!
Jennifer I would follow you in a heartbeat on YouTube. I think your message/blog would translate well to YouTube. (DRD, hair, color, and fashion issues – what works, what doesn’t work, how to make it work.) Even a little Vlog the next time you are on a Canadian ferry telling us where you’re going, what you are wearing and what you’re doing, how fun would that be; and all of the adorable little towns that you visit. Someone mentioned Angie @ Hot and Flashy I think she is the definition of what drives me to YouTube. She is real, relatable, credible informative, relaxed and transparent all the things Jennifer that can be said about you. I don’t understand how to fully utilize Instagram and I don’t care for the soundbite/short attention span mentality of the format. 👍🏻 For YouTube!
You are so kind. Thanks for all the great ideas, Suzi
I do insta and YouTube both, but not for videos. I have always enjoyed just picture posts, and only once in a while look at videos. Don’t have time for much video watching actually, although I’ve clicked on a short one in your posts once in a while. I feel changing an established, profitable platform for the sake of change (TikTok competition?) is just wrong. Oh well, my 2 cents worth..not many media giants pay attention to the 70 year olds wants and needs anyway!!
Always look forward to seeing your posts! In regards to your Instagram, maybe you could do “One outfit, three ways”. Start with a base outfit and change the look by changing out the shoes, adding a scarf, adding a different 3rd. piece…
Or, show how to change an outfit from day wear to night out.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
Happy Monday morning Jennifer! I so love your posts. Okay, I see I am not the only one who doesn’t have an Instagram account. I do watch YouTube videos, instructional for a hobby I indulge in, music(the oldies), and I would watch your style videos. I also would enjoy seeing what you carry in your handbag on a daily basis. You know, what you consider essentials. The ladies have added loads of ideas that would interest me. How you style your accessories. And of course, I really enjoy seeing your shots of what you are wearing. It always give me more interesting ideas for what I already have in my wardrobe, plus I have acted on some of your recommendations and have not been disappointed.
I don’t do instagram . I enjoy your blog. Maybe occasional short video in your email. I like to see makeup and hair solutions for problems as we age. I would like to see how to mix and match basic clothing that we already have, and what new pieces to add.
Instagram or you tube are fine with me..I use both along with Facebook. I really just wanted to say your hair is beautiful and wondered if you would share what products you use on it. I have been a Fekkai fan for,well it seems like forever but could be tempted to try others. I have lots of hair but baby fine..
Thanks
Elizabeth
Thanks, Elizabeth. Yes, I will be sharing my new products soon. I have tried the Fekkai and it’s lovely
Hi Jennifer: I realize that I am swimming against the stream here and you may not agree with my response. I am disappointed that more bloggers seem to be posting their entries on Instagram and then referring blog readers to the Instagram posts. I will not use Instagram because I am opposed to the policies and practices of its owner, Mark Zuckerberg. This means that I am now missing posts from bloggers that I have followed and loved for years. It is beyond annoying to read in a blog that you can see my posts/photos/etc on my Insta…. I have no objections to Youtube and would love to see your videos there. I would be interested in seeing you drape a few colours that suit you and those that don’t so we could see exactly how colour is drained or added to your face. Not as a professional, just as a woman who knows what colours complement her.
I agree with you, Barb. And when I see the Instagram referral, all it does is send me negative vibes. It just makes me more determined to not use Instagram. I don’t know if folks make money off their Instagram posts, but for me, it’s a definite turn off.
Well, let me join Barb and Rhoda and say that I have no intention of signing up for instagram or for me, Facebook. I love following your blog and have found so much inspiration from it. If nothing else good came from this horrific pandemic, it made me more resolute than ever to be very careful of what I want to participate in and who I want to be associated with. My focus today is on all things positive in spite of the turmoil all around.
I’m not a follower on Instagram either, but I bet a quick video on how accessories/bags/shoes can liven up an otherwise lack luster outfit could be good.
I love what you have to share about how proportion is important in making an outfit work. You’ve shown us how shoes affect the line of the leg, how a column of color works, (and more) and I’m sure a quick video using an outfit to illustrate a concept would be fun and useful. Many quick videos!
I enjoy reading the blog every day. I enjoyed the scarf and belt tying videos. I don’t go on Instagram but I will watch instructional videos on Youtube
Not a user of instagram, Facebook, or uTube so I can’t be helpful there. I do enjoy reading your blog and find it informative. Also enjoy your photo demonstrations. I’m surprised at how much time it must take you to supply your readers with all the great info! TY!
I have watched some short Instagram reels, I am quickly bored, I think they are more for entertainment purposes, than informative. I think of reels as a form of advertising for the blogger, etc, and may be useful to the blogger/ company. I watch utube for information, I read blogs for information, so the reels aren’t useful for me.
Look forward to your posts, don’t pay much attention to Instagram other than photos. No to you tube. Do you “have” to do Instagram reels in order to stay on?
What is bothering me are the ads at the bottom of the posts. I don’t know if you have control over those, the running ad is so distracting and hard to close sometimes. Having said all this – I do love your posts!
If I don’t do reels, my IG account won’t be shown to anyone. There is a large audience of over 50 women there who want style ideas too.
I enjoy your blog. I don’t do instagram and very very rarely look at YouTube videos; they take more time than reading and require some privacy so as not to disturb others. Perhaps a short video on your blog might be ok for how to apply make up, or how to tie a scarf, but a sequence of snapshots would do just as well!
I am not on instagram and have no plans to change that. I enjoy reading your blog. Sorry that’s no help.
It helps that you enjoy my blog! Happy Monday Susan
I prefer reading your posts. I’m usually checking in online on my I Pad while others are around and don’t have earbuds on and don’t want to bother others with my audio or when we’re also watching TV. But I’d enjoy a video on choosing a foundation and color, your latest book read, your latest clothing purchase, what you carry in a handbag, what’s on your desk top and To Do list and most enjoy the everyday looks.
Thanks Sue
I thought I was the only one that doesn’t do Instagram but reading the comments I’m guessing I’m not. I do enjoy YouTube videos. Since I’m not on Instagram it won’t allow me to click on any of the photos. So, I view things from your blog/emails. Really enjoy your tips and eye for fashion for those of us who are older but want to always stay current. (I’m 64) Thanks for all you do, can’t imagine how much time it takes to put it all together!
Thanks. It takes a lot of time. It’s waaay more than a full-time job but I love helping women!
Love all your outfits. I look at Instagram occasionally but I don’t get on u tube often. I enjoy the short reels but tend to ignore them for some reason. I liked your scarf video. I like the handbag suggestion.
I liked the way you styled your polka dot tee shirt from Talbots. I have been struggling with the French tuck and when to use it. Tucking (rolling ) sleeves is another styling option that I struggle with. Video demonstration of these hacks would be helpful.
Great idea! Thanks
For instagram, you can use the jump or twirl style. Show an outfit, twirl and you show it styled differently. Twirl or jump again and it is styled differently again.
As for YouTube videos, I really liked the one of you styling your hair. Also a makeup one. Perhaps when you take the photos for your blog you could just record yourself moving around in them a little and describe the pieces. Show the indoor look and then put on a jacket for the outdoor look.
Sounds like a lot of work!
Great idea! I just asked my husband to help me remember we should video me 🙂
Hi Jennifer, I don’t get on Instagram and don’t watch YouTube. I love reading your blog and seeing all the wonderful outfits you display for us.
Hello Jennifer. I love reading your blog. If you attach a video in the email I would love to see how you style a purse (size and colors) to your outfits. I love all the clothes you style for us.
I have to host a video somewhere so I try to share them from YouTube because anyone can watch there.
Well that explains why I’m seeing so many video clips lately. Your scarf tying clips were really good and I would enjoy seeing daily outfits or how to accessorize an outfit different ways. This must be so much more time consuming for you. I usually prefer to read an article rather than watching a video on youtube, but would watch something if it was no longer than 5 minutes.
Oops – meant to say “no more than 15 minutes” for youtube videos.
It’s a lot more work! I’ve avoided it but realize it’s important to my business
I prefer YouTube with videos that are no longer than 15 minutes. I don’t really get instagram.
I always enjoy seeing your outfits.
YouTube is in my agenda too!
Hi Jennifer, I’d definitely watch you on YouTube! 👍🏻😁
I’m 66 and love to see what you wear. I don’t use Instagram so have no suggestions for you. I’ll only watch You Tube videos if you share them in your daily email and they are kept to 5 minutes or less. I hope that helps.
I don’t use instagram either. I’m 66. I’m an avid Talbots shopper, so I always enjoy your trips and try ons at Talbots
How to do a French tuck or other ways to tuck or partially tuck shirts or blouses.
Good one, thank you!
I’m replying here to agree with Lesley….what to do with a shirt that is too long. Especially what to do for those of us with too much tummy for a front tuck. I have Instagram but feel like I have no control over what appears, so I mostly avoid it. I love You Tube videos but they get to be too time comsuming. If you do You Tube, you can shorten the length by avoiding spending five minutes talking about who you are and what you are going to talk about. I can’t imagine how you have time to do all the things you do.
Thanks Mary Frances. I think people do that for new followers but I know what you mean 🙂