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.
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 š.
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 donāt 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 doesnāt work, how to make it work.) Even a little Vlog the next time you are on a Canadian ferry telling us where youāre going, what you are wearing and what youāre 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 donāt understand how to fully utilize Instagram and I donāt care for the soundbite/short attention span mentality of the format. šš» 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. Donāt have time for much video watching actually, although Iāve 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 āOne outfit, three waysā. Start with a base outfit and change the look by changing out the shoes, adding a scarf, adding a different 3rd. pieceā¦
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 doesnāt 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 donāt know if folks make money off their Instagram posts, but for me, itās 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 Iām 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 canāt be helpful there. I do enjoy reading your blog and find it informative. Also enjoy your photo demonstrations. Iām 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 arenāt useful for me.
Look forward to your posts, donāt pay much attention to Instagram other than photos. No to you tube. Do you āhaveā to do Instagram reels in order to stay on?
What is bothering me are the ads at the bottom of the posts. I donāt 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 donāt do reels, my IG account wonāt 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 thatās no help.
It helps that you enjoy my blog! Happy Monday Susan
I prefer reading your posts. Iām usually checking in online on my I Pad while others are around and donāt have earbuds on and donāt want to bother others with my audio or when weāre also watching TV. But Iād enjoy a video on choosing a foundation and color, your latest book read, your latest clothing purchase, what you carry in a handbag, whatās 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. Itās 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 š
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.
Itās a lot more work! Iāve avoided it but realize itās important to my business
I prefer YouTube with videos that are no longer than 15 minutes. I donāt really get instagram.
I always enjoy seeing your outfits.
YouTube is in my agenda too!
Hi Jennifer, Iād definitely watch you on YouTube! šš»š
Iām 66 and love to see what you wear. I donāt use Instagram so have no suggestions for you. Iāll 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 donāt use instagram either. Iām 66. Iām 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 š