Monday Musings: Random New Year
Happy Monday, ladies. Let me start by thanking you for allowing me to come into your email box and for your generosity in sharing your thoughts in the comments. This community just wouldn’t be the same without you! This week’s musings seemed coherent when I started, but upon proofreading, I’ve discovered it’s very random.
It’s been our tradition to have all of our Christmas decor stripped and stowed in the garage by New Year’s Eve. This year is no different, but I’m not thrilled about it. I love starting the year with things back to normal, but I always feel a certain malaise when that chore is done because the house looks so plain. How do you combat that in your home?
Our weather is especially gloomy and gray these days, so my thoughts are turning to travel. We have a few small trips on the agenda and I wondered about you. Are you planning a trip to a warmer climate in Jan or Feb?
I’ll be heading to a very special retreat with some amazing women in three weeks (more to come), then on to Vancouver for the arrival of our new couch and to settle in a bit. The weather won’t be warm, but I’ll get to wear my new coat that readers thought looked like a sleeping bag š¤£. BTW- I agree, and I’m so excited to wear it!
There were several NYE parties we could have gone to last night, but to be honest…I prefer going to bed early. One of my goals ( I don’t do resolutions) for 2024 is to get myself to bed earlier than usual so I can start my day earlier. I’m a very slow starter in the morning, so getting up earlier will allow me to have tea in bed without feeling like I’ve lost the morning.
My outfit for this week is rather random, too. It’s scrubs.
My husband and I drove to Redwood City this week to each get a full body scan at Prenuvo. The scan took an hour in their very loud, claustrophobic machine. I survived without freaking out by keeping my eyes closed and breathing calmly. I’ve always believed in being proactive about my health, which has saved my bacon more than once.
This scan is just the tip of the iceberg for our upcoming health tests and procedures this month. Do you ever feel like your week is planned around your doctor visits?
Here are a few other things on my mind that I would love your opinion on:
Read on IG– Is the world hell-bent on frump? Socks with Birkenstocks? (I do it at home). Dresses with sneakers? (I have with my Paul Greens). How worried are you about looking or, more importantly to me, feeling frumpy?
Seen on Google– If you shop at the same retailer as your friend, how do you create a unique look? If we’re all shopping at the same stores, how do we not have a (boring) cookie-cutter style?
Seen on AWSL– I mentioned that a reader felt she was too old to wear brighter colors. Several of you have since shared your thoughts on color as we age, which has kept my wheels turning. You know I love to ruminate about color theory, so let’s hear yours.
Seen on YouTube– Quiet Luxury is the biggest fashion trend of 2023. Does that style of classic dressing appeal to you?
Now on to the juicy stuff…
A reader who bought me a coffee this week called me a “style therapist” which flattered me no end!
My hope is that my posts help you navigate the world of modern fashion and empower you to put together outfits that refect your personal style so you can dress with confidence.
What would you like me to cover on the blog in 2024?
What do you need help with? Would you like more DRD? More spend vs spurge outfits?
What life events are you needing help and inspiration to dress for?
Again, thank you for being here. I’m so appreciative of your support and encouragement.
xo
Thank you, Jennifer, for all the wardrobe advice you provide. I have learned so much from your columns. Iāve always loved nice clothes but I now have a better sense of what looks best on me from a color as well as style perspective. This has been especially helpful as my hair has changed from dark brown to a steel grey and I have moved from a classic work wardrobe to a more casual one that suits my retirement lifestyle. Some of my favorite topics you cover are on color, and color analysis, your references to resources we can link if we want more information in depth on a topic and I absolutely always look forward to your Monday musings. Wishing you all good things in 2024!
Thanks for sharing this. Happy New Year!
Happy New Yearš„³
Thank you Jennifer for all what you do. I like your fashion blog. Have a good 2024!
Happy New Year Sheila
Before the pandemic I felt invisible and, being an introvert, I was just fine with that. Now I am 4 years older (age 75], have gray hair and, due to being immunosuppressed, I wear a N95 mask in all indoor venues. I am quite visible and to counter any feelings of frumpiness I wear what makes me happy, maintain a strong posture and strong gait (yes, it takes lots of core exercises) and smile a lot from beneath my mask to keep my gaze open and friendly.
Wearing what you love that brings you joy is so smart! Happy New Year
Happy New Year, Jennifer. I am curious. What made you and your husband get a full body scan? I have read pros and cons of doing that.
Yesterday I put away Christmas dishes and most indoor decorations. But I kept all the red poinsettias and the little artificial tree that I pull out fully decorated every year. Those things are timeless and will cheer me up throughout January.
I look forward to reading your blog every day! Thank you.
Our dear friend was diagnosed with lung cancer through a full body scan and it saved her life. I know they have false positives but Iād rather deal with those than miss something.
Even though my home is decorated in calming monochromatic tones, my wardrobe has more color. When my husband and I go to our favorite restaurant, we often start at the bar before our table becomes available. We look at couples and try to figure out if the man is with his wife or his mother. Too many women let their hair go gray, cut it short, and wear glass frames that are wire or are too small. Do yourself a favor, ladies: wear make up, wear color, wear some glass frames with some flare, and if you go gray, get help from a hair stylist to make it WOW. Looking younger is better than looking older! (Thanks Jennifer, for your dressing room pics.)
Happy New Year Judy!
Hi and Happy New Year! I would like you to style one piece in different ways. I need some inspiration with stuff I already have in my closet and incorporating new pieces.
Thats a great idea Jo. I used to do more of those so I’ll beging again. Happy New Year
Hi Jennifer I love your style and would like to no more about getting the colors done.
There are many people doing color analysis and lots of different theories. Put color analysis into the search bar of my website and I review several for you. I recommend in person color analysis.
JenniferāI want to say a big ā Thank Youā for helping this 70 year young lady re-style my wardrobe. 2023 had me leave behind 55 excess pounds. I used to shop in 16-18 womens and what has emerged is a 10 Petite womanā¦so we are very close in size & build, only your legs & arms are longer. I am still losing and have about 15-20 pound to go. I figure I will end up being a 8 petite. Iāve never been that small! I was obese from age 10 and fought my weight my entire life.
I have staples in my wardrobe as I am a Realtor and need professional clothes. However, I work in a rural county near Washington DCā¦so my go to clothes are jeans (JJILL) with tops, jackets & sweaters. Occasionally dresses/dress outfits.
My biggest challenges right now are panties that fit a short torsoā¦I keep trying them, but none fit as I like. Also workout clothes for small people. I row 4-5 times per week. Capris fit me like long pants, but come up nearly to my bra! Lol. Happy 2024 everyone! I am grateful for fashion help! I absolutely lust over some of your higher end pieces (little black purse that is thousands!)
Congratulations Lynne. Thatās fabulous. It sounds like you may have a short torso so try hipster panties. Happy New Year!
After I put away my Christmas decorations, I keep some winter greenery and pinecones out and I add a few snowmen, and sparkling snowflakes . Since we have snow and dreary days in the Midwest, the snowmen theme is cheerful. Then in February itās valentine decor, and before you know it, time for Spring!
Thatās a great idea! Snowmen are cheery little fellows. Happy New Year
Dear Jennifer, I donāt know how I stumbled onto your site but I sure am glad I did. Itās one of the few I have delivered throughout the week I enjoy your recommendations. I have enjoyed the Saturday change to more items to read, I donāt do social so I miss out on a lot of thingsā¦ā¦not as many anymore.
Concerning your question about Christmas decorations. I usually take down all but the tree by New Yearās Day and leave the tree up for a couple of weeks so that we have light and coziness a little longer (the downside is cleaning up the green droppings one more time).
Thank you for your little corner of the internet!
Happy New Year Shari! Iām glad youāre here.
Yes, to scheduling our time around doctorās appointments. Thereās so much testing and patching that goes on at this age! We had so many doctor visits last year that we’ve started making it a ādateā and going out to lunch or to the movies afterward ā ha! I hate the frump, especially for women our age. My granddaughter can wear sneakers with a dress, but I think I’d look ridiculous. I like to take Coco Chanelās advice and ādress like [Iām} going to meet my worst enemy today.ā She said so many wonderful things about the importance of putting in some effort. Thank you for being here for us every day; I so enjoy reading your blog and have gotten so many great tips from you, Jennifer. Happy 2024!
Happy New Year Niki. I love that Chanel quote. She was so clever
Yes, I know the feeling about endless doctor visits, procedures, and tests. I had my gallbladder removed 3 weeks before Christmas. I feel I had a good thorough checkup . The poor gallbladder just didn’t function like it should, thus many tests to rule out other problems. I was shocked I had to get it removed, as there were no gallstones, just awful stomach pain and digestion issues. My doctor is very thorough. Glad it is over with. I don’t want to see doctor or tests anytime soon. I had laparoscopic, so healing was easier than the old full cut surgery.
I am leaving up my decorations , tree, a week longer. I know what you mean when you say it looks so dark when everything is all down. I miss the cheerfulness of it all.
I recently cleaned out my closet. I had two big bags of clothes to donate, and so did my husband. I actually can find clothes that I forgot about. Feels good to purge.
Happy New Year!
Gallbladder pain is brutal! Iām sorry you went through that. Iām still working on my closet and have more to do. Feel better soon.
I donāt follow all the trends just those that suit my aesthetic and body type. I donāt believe I ever look frumpy. I dress current.
I love Quiet Luxury! Itās that classic, elegant look I strive for. No big bold labels ever on my clothes, no loud prints, not skin tight but not baggy either. Fit is important starting from the bra & panties out.
I see too many people wearing leggings as pants. To me, that is a big no/no. How hard is it to put a pair of jeans or pants on? Or the sloppy jogging pants some men wear and the younger crowd. My husband doesnāt own a pair. He wears cargo pants as his everyday wear. And when we go out a button down shirt and nice pants. I think itās important after we retire to keep dressing up to fit the occasion. I noticed some seem to get lazy in that department.
I look forward to your Whatās in/Whatās out posts for 2024
Iām a fan of quiet luxury long before they coined the term. Itās a form of investment dressing thatās saved me tons over the years.
Iāve been retired for over 10 years, so I certainly qualify as an older dresser.
I have given up many things, high heels, short skirts, bear tops, and many trends but I will never consider giving up color. It brightens your life and it makes me feel happy. Even when I wear black, I usually have something colorful around my neck. I would consider myself a classic dresser I like styles I can rely on to be in style for many years.. in fact classic is one of my style words.
Happy new year to all the readers of a well styled life.
Happy New Year Judy!
I recently had my colors done again (originally did so in the 1980s). My season has not changed although my hair color certainly has, LOL. I am a winter and I love bright colors. For your read that does not like color, my basics are black, white, and gray….so one could always work around those colors and add a pop with a scarf or other accessory. I am all for color no matter what time of year. I guess I take after my dear mother on this one!
Happy New Year Jennifer, and to everyone else who comes here for inspirationā¼ļø
Your question is interesting because I work for one of the retailers where many women shop and I never dress like anyone else! My career required me to wear business suits and the minute I retired I donated all of them. Now I get to be myselfā¦ā¦a bit unconventional, quirky and artsy.
Yes, most everything I wear comes from where I work. However, I donāt wear āoutfitsā that are displayed in the catalog or the store. I studied with an image consultant years ago and learned to buy pieces that I love, in colors I look good in, and I constantly mix things up. I also have a collection of accessories that Iāve accumulated over the years from art fairs and galleries. I mix my āgoodā jewelry with fashion jewelry, Iāll wear beautiful hand dyed silk scarves with jeans, a faux leather vest and patent leather boots. I love and wear color and when I get dressed I have to feel good in what I have on, but I donāt feel I have to please anyone else.
Perhaps youāre scratching your head and wondering why I love your blog? It helps me view things from a more traditional perspective which enables me to help customers. I can read people fairly quickly and help them find pieces in colors that suit them, and show them different ways to put them together. And if theyāre ready to step out a bit, Iāll gladly help them š
Fabulous, Bobbie!
Wondering if youāve found any vertical stripes in your searches? Being a petite lady, the horizontal stripes donāt work for me. Like you, I love polka dots and stripes so any help in this area would be great.
There are lots of classic shirts in vertical stripes and Talbots often makes shirt dresses in them. Choose narrow stripes if youāre petite.
Hi Jennifer – I’ve been thinking about trying a pair of Athleta pants/leggings. Are the ones you’re wearing petite or regular length? I’m 5’4 and always on the fence with pants lengths. Thanks!
Iām always on the fence too. I buy regular. It turns out that Athleta will hem your pants free!
I live in casual classic looks, so I appreciate your posts that feature clothes like this. Iām in my 70ās now and wear knee high support stockings. Thankfully there are some really fun/pretty ones now(Vim&Vigor is my fave). I also love leggings but rarely wear them because the stocking band shows. Now Iām looking for straight leg/narrow leg knit pants that are reasonably priced. Iād appreciate some ideas on this.
Thanks for all of your interesting posts and Happy New Year!
J Jill makes some great ones, as does Talbots. Happy New Year!
Wow that’s great to know! Thanks, Jennifer! Customer service like that is hard to find these days.
My house has a few reminders if the holidays still- pillows that spell Joy, a few white Poinsetta still flourishing, and greenery with pinecones in my three window boxes ( a New England thing, I believe).
We’ve recently learned that our primary care doctor is retiring in February so husband and I started making phone calls last week and have a new one lined up for April first!
We’ve been with our current dictir fit decades andI’ve been dreading this day but realized it was certain to arrive. Since I see several specialists too, I need a good care manager in my primary care doctor.
No travel plans for us. Covid cases are sjy rocketing around here but I feel adequately protected as I got flu along with the new COVID booster together back in October. Our medical offices and hospitals have recently Re-established masking (most have).
I wish you a happy and a healthy 2024! You’re an inspiration!
I got both of mine too! Happy New Year Paulette
Lol……wasn’t going to comment on the color thing when you posted recently on color and high/low contrast. Contrast thinking was a new concept to me and it actually made sense as to why I can wear black easily near my face as a blond and others struggle to do so. I guess it also explains why certain color hues are better than others on me as well. I do try to add some color to the top/shirt or accessorize near the face to change things up…..and still keep a classic style over all.
I love your coat then again I am Canadian. I have several long coats for Canadian winter depending on temperatures. Also several short down filled. In south western Ontario the temperature varies. We have had the mildest Christmas weather this year. Last year it was a frigid blizzard.
I read your blog everyday and enjoy. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year Pat!
Quiet luxury is important as I want quality that lasts and not fast fashion! I enjoy spurge vs spend.
Thanks Patsy
I love your quilted loooooong coat. I have a similar style coat. This coat is a must with living in Ontario , Canada! I am 5’2″tall, like you, and most coats are long. Gotta keep the cheeks warm! I do enjoy your blogs.
Happy New Year Jennifer to you and your family.
Happy New Year Christina!
Buy yourself FRESH flowers before you start taking decorations down. The thoughts of where to place them help me tuck Christmas in nicely and look forward to the flowers.
Great idea!
Happy New Year! Thank you for all your creative work for so many of us; I know I am not the only one who eagerly looks forward to your posts to start the day. Regarding your questions: I need a definition and examples of Quiet Luxury. On color, at 75 I still feel most comfortable in neutrals with sparks of color from tees and scarves. Most importantly, please continue your research reports as I have benefited so much from these.
Quiet luxury is buying clothes of higher quality,and less of them that stabd the test of time and have a timeless appeal. Think high quality classics that you wear year after year.
I love reading your postsā¦. I am 77 and I never want to look FRUMPY, which was my motherās word for looking like I am working in the garden or cleaning house. I get up at 4:00 or 4:30 every morning, and started doing it on purpose but it is a habit that I love now. I am up, showered and dressed, reading a devotional which sets the tone for the rest of my day, and just enjoying my coffee and sitting in peace to think about whatever comes to me. There are no distractions and I can get everything that I need to do DONE by lunchtime, which leave a lot of leisure time. āThen I can catnap later! It is very peaceful, and I think you would learn to savor that quiet time!
That sounds so ideal! I aspire to feel like everything is done more often so I can have some down time.
Happy New Year Jennifer,
As an āautumnā season, I prefer the rich, warm colors usually, but sometimes like to throw caution to the wind and get something different. Sometimes if itās ātoo brightā I feel that it enters the room before I do, or I need to put more makeup on to ākeep upā. Just my thoughts on brights (for me.)
We too, stay in for NYE. Rent a movie and go to bed at our regular time . When I was younger I remember my father calling NYE
amateur night. š¤Ŗ.
Hereās to a great 2024 !!
Happy New Year!
I really enjoy reading your blogs. Being 66, itās great to feel Iām still vibrant and fashionable. Iāve shopped at Talbots (great petite selection) and Nordstrom (free alterations) for years. Right in line with your recommendations. Happy 2024! Keep up the good work!
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Jennifer! And all the best to you and this wonderful community for 2024!
I need to contemplate a bit before I answer your questions. Right now I’m enjoying my morning coffee watching the snow fall after 2 weeks of very mild, gloomy, foggy weather.
Happy New Year! Snow is always cheery to me. The whiteness brightens the day. Enjoy your coffee.
I would like to hear your thoughts on clothing and climate change. 10% of carbon dioxide emmissions come from the production of clothingā¦as a grandmother I am sure this is also of concern to you.
Iāve never been a fan of fast fashion for many reasons, including what itās doing to the environment. I prefer to spend a bit more and wear things for many years.
I am a retired teacher, and my wardrobe revolved around navy, brown, and black. I used cream and deep greens/ maroon for contrast. I realize as I age the dark colors totally wash me out! I have made a point to keep aqua, white, or a soft pastel near my face. It makes a huge difference. I still love black…but will go for a v neck or a soft colored scarf near the face.