Monday Musings on Putting Yourself Out There
My Monday posts are generally when I chat about what’s on my mind and often include thoughts on my personal style. For example, I wore the outfit below for an outdoor party we attended on Saturday, and I loved how I felt in it.
The skirt swishes when I walk and has a feminine vibe that’s appealing to me these days. I’m determined to work at incorporating more skirts into my wardrobe. I’m not sure why I’ve steered away from them in recent years, but they really are perfect for warm days.
Here’s what I wore on Sunday for some errands, then a very casual Father’s Day dinner at my son’s house. Same Jack Rogers sandals again…because they’re sort of perfect with so many things this time of year.
I want to discuss a few comments and emails I got last week. I’m hoping to clear up some confusion people have about what I’m doing here on A Well Styled Life.
One reader commented that the proportions of this outfit in last week’s dressing room diary were unflattering on me. I explained that my dressing room diary try-ons are not about me and I’m not shopping for myself. Their only goal is to share what’s new in the store and show some ways to combine things. These are not clothes I’m adding to my wardrobe. I do occasionally find something I can’t live without, but that’s not my main goal. The shapes are often awful for my figure, and the colors are frequently not flattering.
Many bloggers order massive amounts of clothes to their homes to do their try-ons. They steam the clothes, photograph them, then pack them all up and mail them back to the store. It gives them the opportunity to style items with their own shoes and accessories, creating very nice-looking outfits. They have my complete respect because it entails a massive amount of work, and frankly, I don’t have the energy for that, so I’ve chosen to do mine in the store.
Another reader left a comment saying that my content and the clothes I shared made her feel old and unseen. This really surprised me because I try to style and share the brands my readers know, love, and shop. She suggested that I should write my blog as a personal style journey the way other bloggers do. That’s never been my goal for AWSL. This blog is meant to be a resource for women with all different styles.
It might get pretty one-dimensional around here if all I share is my style. I like to think my personal style is just a tiny part of this blog. I don’t pretend that all the clothes I style are my personal taste. I share them with you to inspire you to think outside the box and find what makes you feel most confident.
My personal style will only appeal to a small portion of my readers. This community is diverse and filled with many stylish women who are looking for new ways to wear their things. It also includes lots of readers who are feeling a bit lost and hoping to get inspired to try the new styles. AWSL readers are either retired, actively working, traveling extensively, or staying close to home as a full-time caregiver for a loved one. Your well styled life will be as unique as you are and there’s room here for every woman.
Thanks for reading and making this community as rich as it is.
I love everything about your blog. I am looking forward to your deep dive on solar elastosis. I can finally put a name on what’s happening to my arms. I have crepey skin too. I was a sunbather back in the day. Have a great week.
The sun is brutal to our skin. I wish I’d been wiser about it in my youth.
I think most of us understand and appreciate your posts very much. Thank you!
Now if you could just get a 1x apple or pear to do the Diaries with you, I’d really be grateful. Hahaha
I would love too but my friends have no idea to be on the web
I love your blog. I read other blogs but some don’t appeal to me so I move on, doesn’t mean they are not good just not for me. Your blog is great keep up the great work.
Ditto to all the above comments, so well-stated and relevant. Of course, fashion/style advice is one reason I love the blog. But there are so many others, as aging affects all aspects of our lives. I appreciate your sharing so much of your experiences with us, as one person said, like talking with friends. It helps to know that all of us have triumphs and challenges; the support of the community gives us (me) encouragement that we’re not alone in our journeys. THANK YOU, Jennifer!!
Thank you Anne
Hi Jennifer,
I look forward to your blog every morning! You have a very relatable style of writing. It feels like hearing from a friend on styling ideas, but also other aspects of life affecting us as we are getting older.
I appreciate all your thoughts and information.
Please don’t change your format!
Hi Jennifer!
I enjoy your blog just the way it is! I joined years ago for fashion ideas and really appreciate the lifestyle content. Skin care, sun protection, fine hair tips, revisting colour choices , travel tips, good reading and reflections, and help with shoes for my poor feet. I’m currently reading a book you recently recommended. I also feel a Canadian vibe which I relate to. Keep doing what you do. I’ll be checking in over coffee. 💜
I personally love your blog. More than just fashion. I am a reader
love some of the book you share. Enjoy your travel and stories.
Love some clothes and not others.
Be you that’s all anyone can expect! Thanks for all your hard work!
Don’t change a thing! I have learned so much from you about what I want to wear, style, and buy for myself. I’ve taken risks I’d never have taken without you. Learned how to know when I’ve been in one style so long, I feel lost in it now and need to move on. Without you showing me how to do that, I’d be the same static person I used to be, lol. And there is this: until you posted about crops and ankle pants I had never even considered the difference. Yup, don’t change a thing about your blog!
That’s awesome! I’m so happy to hear that Jane
Like your style of writing and posting just the way it is! I love skirts but find I have a hard time finding tops to go with that I like and seem stylish
I so look forward to reading your blog every morning. I feel like you’re a friend IRL that lives in another state. Don’t change a thing.
In reference to the critique of the Dressing Room Diaries: they are my favorite part of this blog. I especially like when you find something that doesn’t work for you and tell us why –I learn a lot about the ways clothes SHOULD fit and how to put an outfit together in a way that is flattering to my body shape.
Thanks for keeping me current without looking like I’m trying too hard!
I love your blog Jennifer! Keep it the way it is!
I love your blog, Jennifer, and dressing room diaries is what initially drew me to your blog. I love your honesty, transparency, sense of humor, and the variety in your posts. Agree with others….don’t change a thing! Thx for all the time and effort…..sooo appreciated!
Hello Jennifer, I love visiting with you and all of the ladies in comments. This is the first blog I have ever read. I found you on Pinterest. You also linked me to Pamela Lutrell and her blog. I’m disabled and elderly but I still like to dress with comfort and style. As we are of similar coloring and size, I am grateful for your DRD and all of the chatty advice on shape and proportion. I live 50 miles from a large city so online shopping is very helpful for me to stay on top of style, not trends. You do a terrific job on your blog and I for one feel like you are a friend that lives far away. Ignore negative comments and listen only to those of us that really care about you. Please continue to take care of your health. It is the most precious thing we have.
Sydney H
I find it interesting that people criticize instead of finding a different blogger. Why spend time on something that will not help you become a well-rounded individual? In the last few years, I have found myself in all the slots of your readership except traveler, which hopefully will be something I will be doing in the upcoming years. I enjoy the information provided and know it takes a lot of time. So, I think you should do what makes you happy and fulfilled, and the rest of us will benefit from what you share with us. Have a great day!
Your blog is perfect as it is! I am a little upset that you felt you had to explain yourself. Anyone who criticized you certainly does not get what you are all about. Any follower of yours realizes that you try on the clothes FOR US, so that we can see how certain styles look on a real person. I mainly shop at JJill and Chicos, so I am very grateful when you show clothes from other clothing stores. This devoted follower loves everything about your blog and about you. Please don’t ever change !! 💕💕
Love your blog . You’ve taught me style tips . Fabric tips . Whats current and how things fit indifferent brands . I cant shop much in stores so your blog is so helpful to see how things look on a real woman . Fortunately my style is similar too . . Dont change a thing … thank you ! Youve inspired me to be more fashionable and care more about how i look as i age In retirement … and its fun ! Thank you !
I’m so glad it resonates with you.
Love your blog . You’ve taught me style tips . Fabric tips . Whats current and how things fit indifferent brands . I cant shop much in stores so your blog is so helpful to see how things look on a real woman . Fortunately my style is similar too . . Dont change a thing … thank you ! Youve inspired me to be more fashionable and care more about how i look as i age In retirement … and its fun ! Thank you !
well I enjoy seeing what you wear and the different styles from all the vendors. Just because i dress differently than you does not detract from using your blog as a resource. I live in hot steamy Florida and when I see you in long pants in the summer, all I can think is “she must be really hot!”. lol. I dress exclusively in shorts and tee shirts or a nice blouse in the summer. I sometimes buy nice things to wear but realize they are too heavy for Florida and end up wearing them in our “winter”. So just write the blog you already write and I will keep reading!
I may not want to buy everything you style (either not for my body type or my budget), but I so enjoy looking through (and reading through) what you post. I only shop online (since I hate shopping), and sometimes I find either something you styled will work for me or you give me ideas of what to look for. I always enjoy reading your posts.
Thank you! Arna
A long overdue “thank you” for all of the effort you put into your blog. I began subscribing to a number of “lifestyle” blogs during the pandemic…AWSL is one of only a very few that I still read. All of the points you mentioned this morning are exactly why. I know it is not an easy task to create useful, intelligent content – I truly appreciate your work. Thank you again.
I’m glad you’re here with us Sue!
I enjoy your blog and I appreciate how hard you work to provide so much useful and entertaining content. Maybe the readers who have a different vision for you should start their own blogs, lol.
I enjoy seeing the clothing combos you choose and tho a few stores are only in The States it makes me so want a field trip to those stores!!
How about a list of stores that are in the US but will ship to Canada?
Keep being you. I like your authenticity
That’s a great idea! I’ll try to put one together for you.
I love your blog. You have given me soooo many ideas, and steered me to try things I would not have on my own, which I subsequently have gone on to love. Please keep doing what you’re doing!
You’ve been very clear about your DRDs. Even though my body is quite different from yours, I can see what things are current and go together. I can get an idea of how something might fit me as the closest stores are 2 hours away. I thinks it’s quite cheeky to criticize anyone’s blog. Your blog is what you choose to make it. If it isn’t someone else’s cup of tea, they don’t need to subscribe.
Just keep doing what you’re doing Jennifer. It’s perfect for me, an 84 year old Brentwood Bay woman. I look forward ro opening your “news” & ideas each & every day!
Hugs from Vancouver Island
Nancy
I myself appreciate the way you show the different styles. It gives me the courage to try different looks. Do I like all of the styles chosen, no, but I just move on to the next and enjoy “shopping”.
Jennifer I especially love your insights into skin care and I really have invested in the Isdin Sunscreen and the other facial and body moisturizer products! Thank you so much for the heads up.
I’m a shorter, petite build but very short waisted, so your petite insights and foot issues really resonate with me as a 70 yo active wife and grandmother. Sandra Winfield
When you wrote about plantar fasciitis, but you don’t have PF…my new insoles arrived and I’ll be wearing them today!
Jennifer,
I’m so grateful for this blog. It’s honest, uncomplicated and user friendly. I love seeing all the different styles and colors you show and the way you fashion the different pieces to work for you. As a homebody who has lived in jeans and t-shirts for most of my life, my recent widowhood has left me with outdated ideas on how to dress. I have to get out of the house more than I used to, and I need an updated wardrobe. I’m glad you do what you do. Thank you!!!
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, Tessie. Sending best wishes your way.
I appreciate your trying on clothes in the store, I can see what’s new. I have the opposite body type, small shoulders and wide hips, but I can guess what would work for me based on how things fit you. I don’t understand how your content makes someone feel unseen and old. Because of the type of clothes you are showing?Or not showing? I appreciate you talking about the realities of maturing, we are not alone in our struggles.
While your style is not my typical style, I do love to read your blog each morning for the variety of styles you show that work for different lifestyles, life events and body shapes. And, I love your book recs! Please, continue to blog as you’ve been doing. If someone doesn’t like your content, she can always move along to another blog or social media influencer.
I prefer the way you do in-store try-ons. I have concerns about the sustainability of bloggers who buy or order a bunch of stuff (especially in different sizes), try it on, and then return everything. I remember hearing at one point that most returned items don’t get restocked for sale, so they end up being sold off in bulk. Also, just the resources used to ship and reship the items seems wasteful.
Hi Jennifer – I’ve always felt that the information that you provide is well researched, and you have always been very clear about the intent of your blog postings. Your dressing room diaries feel very authentic – I feel like I’m out shopping with a friend!
I really appreciate your style of blog and I find it very “real” which I like. Please – don’t change a thing!
Jennifer,
If someone doesn’t understand your blog and your try-ons, I don’t think they are reading what you state very clearly.
I shop at almost all of the stores you do try ons and although I am tall many of those stores carry talls. I like seeing you model the new items and I find all your other info helpful.
You can never please everyone but I think the vast majority of us love your blog! Keep up Keep up the good work!
Sizing is one of the reasons I share the brands that I do. I respect companies that women in all our shapes and sizes.
I soundly echo all the positive comments and encouragement expressed by those before me. You are so good at your job! On fashion note, I attended a baby shower this weekend with friends, family, and neighbors of all ages. I was the ONLY woman there wearing pants! (White jeans and a cute top.) I guess it’s time for me to consider some skirts too! Hard to find for my 5’2″ frame, but I’ll start trying. 🙂
I’m spotting lots of them too so I’ll be sharing more of what I find.
So much better to see the clothing on a real person than in the catalog or online. I have found your posts very helpful for years. Also, I think it makes more sense for the environment to try things on in a store the way you do rather than shipping a ton of things and then returning them. Just my two cents.
Your blog is more than showcasing clothing. I scroll through most of your try ons for two reasons. Most of those stores are not in my area and your height and body shape is totally different than mine, plus much of it is not my style. I guess that’s three reasons. So I scroll on! Others can do the same, if it’s not to their liking. Now, that I’ve reread this part I do hope it does not come across as a negative comment.
I read because of all the information and the research you do on health and beauty, plus current trends. Your travel, your book recommendations, etc keeps me coming back. You have a personal touch other bloggers do not have. I believe your readers think of you as a friend. I’m always happy to see you in my inbox.
Thanks Joanna. Many of you feel like friends to me too!
Oh my! Move along complainers. Why do people write such stuff? If they don’t see what they like, read a different blogger. I like to see new styles of clothing worn on a shorter person. I often think, not for me. Other times, I like how something looks on you and feel it’s worth a try. I also like reading about your life that is not always perfect. You have struggles too. You write about how you are dealing with those challenges. That is important for all of to know how to meet the challenges of an aging body. Keep doing what you do and know how much your efforts are appreciated.
Oh, brother. To each her own, I guess. Just shrug it off, Jennifer. You’re doing great!
It’s a shame that a tiny fraction of your readers feel compelled to post something derogatory before actually reading the blog. You clearly state that what you try on in a dressing room might not be flattering to you, but you do so to help readers see what’s out there and how the items fit. I always appreciate and look forward to your posts, and it’s clear from the comments today that so do many others. You are indeed a singular and class act. Please don’t ever think otherwise.
Thanks Kelly
Jennifer, remember the old saying: “You can please some of the people some of the time, and all of the people some of the time. But you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” You present yourself as a very real person and show styles of very real clothing. That format will appeal to very real people and that is perfect. Thank goodness we all have different opinions and the freedom to express them. It would be a boring world if we all liked the same thing. Keep being and doing you!
I agree. I want to encourage women to be creative and original, not copy me. I get influenced by other women too!
Jennifer, you are my favorite fashion blogger, and I look forward to reading your post every morning. You have shared your fashion perspectives and have explored your fashion challenges. I find this refreshing! Also, I enjoy hearing about your family and your travels. Best of luck in feeling better and hope you will continue blogging for a long time into the future!
Thanks Bea
One thing you do so well on your blog, Jennifer, but didn’t mention: You frequently explain WHY a piece or styling works or doesn’t work. I love that and have learned so much from your blog that I apply to my own outfits all the time. Thanks!
I’ll do that more often. Thanks for reminding me Becky
Always enjoy your content! I enjoy seeing what you are trying on, and never feel that your goal is to readers buy this, buy this. The skirt today I probably would have passed by, but seeing it on shows how cute it. Great as always!
I was so surprised to like it on me and my husband loves it, which sealed the deal because he never weighs in on what I wear.
Hi Jennifer
Please don’t change anything that you are doing. No one can please all the people all the time, and you shouldn’t feel like you even need to try.
Your blog is the only blog I read. I’m 70 years old and retired. I enjoy your writing because you are so open-minded about style and so willing to share your ideas about fashion. You always advise your readers to wear what makes them happy. I was in a rut with my clothing and your blog has given me the confidence to expand and experiment with both my clothing choices and my hair style. So, thank you for all you do. Please know that your efforts are valued and anticipated every day.
Sincerely
Janet
I’m so happy to hear I’ve helped you get out of your rut. Sometimes just writing about new styles will help me get out of a rut too.
I enjoy reading your blog and appreciate all the work you put into it. I do get value out of your choices and comments. Thank you! My stats: age 71, 5′ 7″
I really understand the meaning behind your blog. I love that you discuss many different topics that I personally wouldn’t know about and I enjoy learning about fashion. I like all the different styles you try on for us so we can see what’s out there and choose what works for us. Keep up the good work!! I appreciate you.
Jennifer, keep doing what you are doing. Your blog is creative, informative, fun to read and you have pulled in a wonderful community of readers.
And I adore your new skirt – fabulous outfit for a summer outing.
The skirt is a real change for me and I love it! Xx
I read your blog for inspiration. I am a budget shopper and I sew. So when I see something in your blog that interests me I may find a way to recreate it on my budget. I am a full time caregiver for my husband with dementia so I don’t get out much, but I am trying to look put together because that makes me feel good. I enjoy your classic style with a flair.
Bless you Barb! This is a tough time for you. I’m so glad you’re taking time to put yourself together. It’s critical for your spirit right now.
Thank you! I enjoy your blog because you are willing to try on things that you probably don’t want for yourself. The fact that you are willing to put yourself out there is brave and also very helpful. We have similar style and taste in clothes so I really appreciate what you do!
Thanks so much,
Suzanne from PA
Well said Jennifer.
I like your discussion today. I’m always curious about behind-the-scenes goings-on of blogs and I’m interested in you. And you have discussed it in a balanced way. I do think one of your personal styles is tying tops at the waist. You carry it off so well. It’s one of my own favorite styles.
Well said!!!! AMEN!!!
Jennifer –
I really enjoy your posts because you are so down-to-earth and easy to relate to in your posts. Your clothes selections that you show on your posts gives me ideas that perhaps I would never have thought of trying. Not all work for me and not all I can afford but good ideas to be adventurous and try new ideas. I am retired and I do not travel often but do like to look nice and put together.
Thank you for your blog!
Best wishes,
Marilyn Foster
I have been following you for a year or two (not as long as some readers) and I find your blog a breath of fresh air! I am very tall where you are petite, so some of the clothes you feature I know will not look good on me or more common – won’t come in tall sizes. I use your blog for inspiration – just as you said today – often to just look in my own closet for new ways to wear old items. The new look of wide pants is a trend I’m finding hard to incorporate into my own wardrobe because my inseam is very long, and even those styles of pants in what few tall sizes I can find, are usually only ankle length or shorter on me. If I want a full length, wide pairs of pants, I’m going to have to sew them for myself (sometimes this is very frustrating). I am a lover of skinny pants. They fit my body type well and I can usually find them long enough to not look like “high waters.” After being made fun of during my youth for wearing pants that were too short (my mom tried – I was too thin and tall for any jeans to fit me right growing up), I’m self-conscious about wearing clothes that work with my body and style. I keep hearing that skinny jeans are out of style, but as they are still sold virtually everywhere, I think better terminology is that they are not a current style trend, but they are still appropriate if a person loves to wear them (as is with a lot of different styles). I feel like you do a wonderful job of showcasing various pieces and styles of clothing for all figures. Those people complaining are just wanting to find fault with something. Bloggers cannot please everyone! Readers should look at the trends and styles that work for them to either buy or shop their own closet to recreate similar looks. The bottom line: Keep doing what you’re doing – I think it works terrific for most of us!
If you love skinny jeans, you should rock them with confidence! Trends are best served in very small doses.
So sorry you must suffer the slings and arrows of misunderstandings! I have thought you have made your goals and reasons for showing various items quite clear. At minimum, seeing you try on something that doesn’t look good reminds me of how color and proportion are individual and how important it is to understand one’s own colors, proportions, and style. And sometimes, what does not suit you WOULD suit me….
That’s my hope! Thanks for confirming it’s helpful.
I read other style bloggers for clothing suggestions. I read AWSL because it’s about so much more than that. I find you so very interesting Jennifer. Please keep doing what you’re doing!
The underside of influencing and blogging is corrosive comments. Anonymity encourages people to bring a pin to a balloon instead of bouncing it. You’ve created a colony where different sizes and styles are acknowledged and valued. Just keep doing what you’re doing; don’t feel compelled to answer petty criticism.
Great analogy!
I appreciate your blog just the way it is, Jennifer. Even though my shape is slightly different than yours I’m the same height, so I’m able to see how proportions would work (or not) for me. Many of these shops aren’t nearby, so it great to see what’s in the shop on a real person. It means I usually have fewer things to return! You have a great writing style – very relatable and like chatting with a friend who tells it like it is. Thanks for your time and effort!
Dear Jennifer,
Enjoy your contributions! It not only the style inspirations, it’s your honesty in your communications about aging gracefully, trends, family, holidays, whatever, that sometimes means more to me then your style inspirations. You’re all about community and I appreciate your words. God bless you! Been with you for at least three years. Your peer,
Marcie
Wow! Lots to think about with some of the comments you shared. I like your blog a lot. I recently started reading fashion blogs for women over 50. While it’s true that each blogger has their own style, the different styles is what makes it entertaining and educational.
I enjoy your blog and appreciate your unique way of approaching it. Stay true to yourself.
Keep doing what you’re doing and the heck with the complainers. I read your blog because of exactly what you said is the reason you write a blog. To show fashion and style to other woman. It’s not just about YOU. Thank you for being a fashionable, funny, heart warming blog to read.
Agree!
I couldn’t have said it better! I look forward to reading your blog every day.
Agree! Love your blog and the outfits above are beautiful!
I personally love the fact that you visit many stores and try on lots of styles that may give me an idea on how to style something I own.
Thank you for everything you do to help us learn the best styles for each of us. Many times I have learned what I like and what I don’t like about how things look when you try them on.
It’s very difficult for me to shop on line and you have saved me from purchasing something I would not be happy with.
I look forward to reading your blog every morning! I appreciate all you do! Keep it up, please!
I think what you do is wonderful! I really appreciate your posts and all the information that you share. Don’t let the negativity change what you do!
Jennifer, good morning. The way you’ve chosen to create your blog is precisely why I find it so valuable and enjoyable. Please don’t change a thing as you’re filling a niche that’s helpful to so many women. I appreciate you!
I know my blog is different so thanks for letting me know.
Good morning, Jennifer. I enjoy your blog, usually every morning with my cup of coffee. I’ve found many lovely pieces here that you have “shopped and shared” and I thank you for your efforts and presentation!
Love your blog. I am 72 and retired. I love seeing all the different clothes and get wonderful ideas to incorporate into my wardrobe. I enjoy your other lifestyle suggestions, resources and even book recommendations. I appreciate all the hard work you do. You are a class act! Thank you.
Ah, thank you. I love to read all of your book suggestions so too.
Jennifer- I have always enjoyed ur blog & get many ideas from you as to what goes together. I am a better shopper b/c of what you show us. Thank you very much & I am very pleased with ur blog!!
First, I love your blog Jennifer. I use it as a resource as you intend and it helps me greatly. I have low vision so it’s difficult to see clothing in stores as well as getting there. Shopping online is much easier and I enjoy seeing all the different styles you try on. Second, I like skirts but find them hard to style. I bought a midi skirt and no top looks right. It needs a cropped top. But I see you with a tied shirt and now know how to style it. Thank you for sharing all your style tips. Now to find that shirt…
Good morning, Jennifer.
I am glad you shared some of the comments you’ve received from readers. Some of them surprised me, but here are my thoughts. I subscribe to a few different blogs, many of which I have read and ditched after a short time, replacing them with others. I don’t know if I’m searching for a personal style as just trying to present my best self. Your blog, though, is one I have been with for more years than I can remember for several reasons. A big reason is one that you mention above–that you show a variety of clothing items that are frankly at a price point that is within my budget. I live in an area that is increasingly underserved by many of the retailers you feature, although that wasn’t always the case so I am familiar with them and miss them. I order a lot (instead of in-store shopping), and am grateful for the information you supply regarding size, and how something fits you personally. But, we are not identically proportioned, and some things you show us I would have walked by in a store if I had the chance or flipped by in a catalog. I think your final paragraph is exactly on point.
The other thing I really like here is the community of women. The helpfulness in the comments on topics like blepharitis and such, or book suggestions is just wonderful. A Well Styled Life is where I start my day.
Thanks Mary. I love the helpful comments too. We’re all in this together and it’s great to have the help and suggestions from wise women.
I have always felt that the wide leg pant did not flatter anyone. That is my personal opinion and it is not meant to criticize anyones choice of style. The skinny jeans or slim leg pants are out of style right now and that is my choice of pants style. I cannot stand pants that flap around my legs and that is just me. Everyone has a style that they think looks on them. If you like and it looks good to you , wear it. I do like that you do the dressing room try on session, It gives an idea on how things look on a real person
Please don’t change your blog.!
I enjoy reading several different fashion blogs and I think it’s wonderful that you make the time to go to the stores to try on for us.
I have learned alot from you Dian
I like what you do here and feel you help me figuring out what I DON’T want to buy just as much as what I do want. Your shoe features have helped me tremendously and I’ve I found your recommendations to be spot on. I follow several fashion bloggers across several ages and price points. One of my favorite only features items completely out of my budget, but I like her classic style and can easily find duplicates for most things. Another blogger only does solids and neutrals and wants us older women to toss ALL of our prints. Everything looks great – especially in videos and photos, but it gets a bit boring. You keep doing you. There are plenty of us that appreciate your input.
I seldom wear prints and I do love neutrals but recognize that’s not every woman’s cup of tea. I hope to serve more ladies by styling more than just what I like! Glad it’s helpful.
Thank you for your AWSL and all the effort that goes in to it.
Jennifer, your fashion presentations do not make me feel old and unseen! You have excellent taste, and present a variety of styles for different body types. Please keep doing what you do so well, for women that appreciate looking stylish!
Hello Jennifer, Keep doing what you’ve been doing. I love reading your blog and I think it is very helpful. There will always be naysayers, ignore them, they just don’t get it. Take care, feel better soon and have a great day!!
I’m improving each day. Thanks Violet.
Don’t change a thing! You are such a real, refreshing, accessible blogger! Of course my style isn’t the exact same as yours or others here – wouldn’t that be boring? Yet I love to see your ideas and your finds, many of which I have incorporated into my wardrobe and life. I so appreciate your work, and well, you! People will always criticize. Perhaps the most important thing we learn at this stage of the game is to be true to ourselves!
Love the outfit. I’m a sucker for navy and white. Glad you are feeling better!
I look forward to your blog and your perspectives. I can’t imagine the time and effort it takes to pull it off. I always appreciate the authenticity and enjoy living vicariously through your activities. Thank you.
You always look wonderful and I’m surprised to see the people were actually critical. I often get good ideas from you about how to style what I already have. Keep doing what you are doing!
Well said. I enjoy your blog and respect your intent.
Jennifer,
What you do and that you show us how an outfit looks (whether good or not so good) is what I love about your site. It helps me to decide if a particular item would look appropriate on me or if I need to try something else. Thanks for your your try-ons and musings. I look forward to reading them. Hope you have a great week!
Ginger
Thank you for all the work and time you put in to the blog. I enjoy reading and learning so much. I work at a pretty casual rural school in Mississippi but do enjoy trying to stay stylish and current each day.
We appreciate all that you do with the varied topics on your blog and the consistency and work that goes into a blog. As you know there will always, always, always be those who cannot (for whatever reason~ stress in their own lives perhaps)look at content at face value and either accept or move on to something else. You’re not here to hold us by the hand and direct our focus straight ahead. I see you as a long distance acquaintance showing up to offer various perspectives as we journey together. Please, you keep doing YOU, we’ll still be here listening and watching🫶🏼
Yes! That part always confuses me. If it’s not content that speaks to you, then move on! The rest of us truly appreciate your blog and the effort that goes into it!
Don’t change a thing…I love that you try on all those clothes! Saves me lots of time! I can see what is current at various retailers and decide if I want to visit or place an online order. AWSL is a great asset for me. Keep up the good work!!!
Jennifer, I appreciate very much what you do and give us your readers! You do a LOT of work finding and writing about different store, outfits , makeup, other products that MAY enhance our lives! I can’t imagine doing what you do!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and buying many products you introduce us to! Also, I realize all the clothes you try on are not for everyone but you let us see what is out there without us going to all these stores or ordering a bunch of clothes and having to send them back. I live on an island and I truly appreciate your suggestions. I bought a striped shirt from chicos that you featured in the winter and just knew it would make my narrow shoulders look more in proportion. Every time I wear it I get compliments! Even from very young women! Thank you so much for what you do! You are appreciated!
Beautifully stated. Thank you.
Jennifer, thanks for the great post! AWSL is such a supportive spot because it encourages us to think about how our clothing makes us feel AND it recognizes that we are all on unique journeys! Keep styling! Laurie
Keep doing what you are doing, Jennifer! I have been reading your blog for several years (5+)and I especially like DRD. Since we live far from a major city, I appreciate seeing what stores are selling and what the trends are.
Well , me I really like the variety you have on here ! Often because you are US based and I live in the UK the styles available are different but there is a lot of crossover , more than in my mother’s time .
Hi Jennifer! Im actually shocked ( a tiny bit) that readers actually critique your blog along those lines ( with that line of reasoning). You’ve always been quite clear that the fashions you present in the dressing room diaries are for us ( all of us) not for yourself.
Regardless, I just love your blog! Have a good week!