Monday Musings – Shoe Proportion and Bad Decisions
I wore this oversized, long, fairly shapeless Artist Smock out to dinner on Friday night. I LOVE this shirt, but it’s not easy to style in a flattering way. As I was getting dressed, I realized I didn’t have the right footwear. We’ve talked about shoes a lot over the last few weeks, so why stop now?
This outfit needed a visually heavier shoe to balance the shirt, and I wanted it to be a casual sneaker. My lifestyle is so relaxed now that sneakers are acceptable everywhere. I’ve taken to looking at women’s feet wherever I am to check out what they’re wearing. More times than not, it’s some sort of athletic shoe. In hindsight, I could have worn my retro sneakers, but they got moved while reorganizing my closet, and since I didn’t see the box, I forgot I had them.
Dazzle Dry
I decided it might be a good idea to try a salon gel manicure right before the holidays. Regular nail polish chips in 1-2 days, so I thought a professional option might be a time saver. It was a very bad decision. Most people get 2-3 weeks from their gel manicures. I only got eight days before it started chipping and looking tacky. I had it redone three times, 10 days apart, and each time they used the sanding drill to “smooth” my nails which totally destroyed them.
Then I read about Dazzle Dry, which is totally non-toxic, requires no light for curing, and comes off with regular polish remover. A local salon offered a Dazzle Dry manicure, but they wanted $60 for it. This isn’t my first goat rodeo, so I knew it would never be worth that price on my nails. Then I spotted this mini kit on Amazon and decided I could risk that amount to try and do it myself at home. I watched their “how to” video here, which looked fairly simple.
There are several steps, but they dry very quickly, so the entire process is fast…much quicker than driving to a salon, and it feels more sanitary too. My first week, the polish lasted four days which is a record! The second go-around lasted 8 days which is huge for me! I’ve been so happy with these results I decided to spring for the full-sized options for each one. They offer tons of colors and lots of “mini flights,” which are a great way to experiment with colors. I packed the mini kit to bring to Miami because it’s so tiny and portable.
JUST A FEW OF THE MINI FLIGHTS YOU CAN TRY
Food
A reader once commented they were grateful I didn’t write about my grandson or food because they only read my blog for fashion. That’s lovely for her, but I’m beginning to feel this blog is getting a bit one-dimensional. At the risk of alienating that reader, I may begin sharing a few favorite recipes going forward. Part of a life well lived and healthy aging includes food choices, exercise, mindful practices, travel, and what we wear.
After having the Brussels Sprouts at Dr. Andrew Weil’s restaurant, I ordered his cookbook which looks amazing. It has so many great recipes that we’re excited to try. The problem is, the above recipe isn’t included. I did find a recipe that sounds just like what we ate, here. They were amazingly good. I never knew the best brussels sprouts were the small ones…did you? Proof positive that this will never become a food blog š¤£.
What else would you like me to cover here?
Thanks for reading; being the best part of this community, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I’ve spent most of my life as a techie who ignored fashion. As I approach retirement, I am interested in dressing myself appropriately for all occasions, so really enjoy all the fashion angles you present. I would love to see more on closet organization and how you remember all the different pieces that make up a total “look” for a specific occasion. Your post on different hobbies really hit home as I’m an avid crocheter who is expanding to knitting. I’m also taking about 1/4 acre of stripped land and landscaping it over the next couple of years to include public facing spaces with a couple of hidden garden areas, so any outdoor decorating ideas you care to share would be welcome. But most of all, I look forward to your daily posts on clothes. I’ve already learned so much and my friends are also noticing my change in style — in a good way. Thank you!!
It is so cool that you can rock an oversized puffer vest! You look great in it ā intentional even. And I have honestly never thought before of balancing shoes to the rest of the outfit. Iāve āknownā when the shoes were off, but never had an articulation for why. Great post, thanks.
Nails…..during the shut down, I stopped polishing my nails which I would faithfully do every Sunday night (for over 25 years)….my nails have improved tremendously; I apply one coat of a quick-dry polish and then apply Julep Cured Freedom 2.0 Top coat. I find this top coat keeps shine for over one week and my nails don’t chip! I only polish when I know I’m going to go out into public….it’s amazing the coverage of the quick dry color and the shine and lacks of chips from the Julep. My nails seem to “grow out” before my polish starts to chip. May be worth a try.
And, here I’m thinking those cutsie flats look so good with you outfit! Makes me think I better start rethinking which shoes I’m wearing! But, for a work environment, would you still wear a heavier shoe?
For a work environment, I would wear this ballet flat and a shorter scarf.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve been so bothered that something seemed “off” in many of my outfits and have recently realized that it’s the shoes. Thanks for addressing that in this post. I’d love to see more on finding the right shoe for various styles and pant lengths.
I had a gel manicure in November and filled in with clear polish at the base of my nails as they grew. When the tips began chipping, I went to work removing the polish – what a process! The upside – the manicure looked pretty good for WEEKS! The downside – my nails were a wreck. My normally strong fingernails were thin, brittle, peeling and broke off too easily. They are just now getting back to normal. Glad to learn about Dazzle Dry.
I enjoy your blog – fashion, food, fingernails, grandchildren, all of it.
Jennifer, your posts feel like Iām visiting a friend. I enjoy reading most all the topics- fashion tips, health, gardening and decor, travel, and your family. Look forward daily, I just skim by what doesnāt grab me knowing something later likely will. Thanks for all you do!
Jennifer, I really enjoy all your posts, the more diversified the better. I’m 75 and and a transplant from Boston to South Florida. I have found it difficult to find age appropriate clothing here. I love to read about outfits, hair, makeup, health and recipes. You cover life and I definitely am interested in how others live theirs. Keep writing about what you love! You’re terrific!
I always enjoy your blog and the subjects you write about.
I look forward to your wisdom every day because if I learn one thing, I become wise.
Thank you š
I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your fashion ideas. I like looking stylish, but casual. Iām interested in hair and makeup ideas, too. So, regarding your piece on nails, Iāve tried Olive and June polish and had very good luck with it. They say it is a regular polish, but it stays on my nails up to 10 days. I tend to use neutral shades, so if there is a small chip it doesnāt show very much. The polish removes easily.
I actually like the flats with the shirt. About the blog, I agree, do what makes you happy!
After awhile the connection has become with you as much as the content (clothes). Write about anything! Hereās a blog idea, though. Let your readers challenge you. Call it āhow i would wear itā. Hereās your first challenge: saddle shoes.
I have noticed the āshoe balance problemā this past year. Maybe the changing jeans/pants silhouettes? Lug soles seem made for some of this.
I have always had soft, weak nails. My best solution is acrylic nails with gel polish applied or done French style. I get them redone every two weeks as I keep them shorter. A side benefit is my cuticles (which had always looked ragged) stay nice. I admit it is a time and money commitment but I never have to do anything in between and they always wear well and look great!
I love stories of your life and travels. Anything you talk about is of interest to me. I would love to see you talk about sleep wear. I love nightgowns but the selection is often frumpy appearing. Also how to apply makeup as we age. (You may have already done these things).
I would love to learn about any health-related beauty topics you might choose: I think you did endure some cosmetic dental procedures, for example (excuse me if I am wrong or being nosy). I am considering whitening and repairing chips in my front teeth.
I also have varicose veins behind my knees, and live where treatment requires a 50 mile drive for an exam, and would love to hear from other women how they handled (or didn’t) this issue. I have extremely hard to fit feet (no padding on bottoms of feet, so need padding built into the shoe, high arches, moderate bunions, high instep, narrow ankle): no ballet flats nor pumps, everything needs a closure and adjustability, but I like elegant shoes!
Love hearing about your nails: every time I have a manicure that requires the da– sanding drill to remove the old, I ruin my nails for 6 months!!! I am not talented at shaping my nails, so I am still hoping to find a professional manicure that lasts 2 weeks without the bloody drill. Now when a manicurist comments on “how nice” my nails are, I think it is code red to run out the door…
I enjoy your posts about fashion, shoes, hair and dry eyes as those pertain to women over 50 and you are very knowledgeable. I follow other excellent cooks for healthy recipe ideas, and a decorator or two for home styling ideas. I stopped following one fashion blogger when she branched out to cover cocktails, recipes, home decor, as well as fashion. I think it is presumptuous to think one person is an expert in all areas and I’m not always interested in reading about everything. So I guess I’d prefer you what you know best. I always enjoy your frank and relatable writing style. Cheers.
I really enjoy your posts. I like the variety and read the ones I am interested in and skip the ones I am not. I was interested to see your post about nails. I have been dipping my nails about every 3 weeks since September (initially for my son’s wedding) and I love how strong it makes them because my nails are so naturally thin and weak however I don’t like the drill part of the process and now I dread removing them to let my nails rest and deal with horrible nails until they grow out. I had tried shellac before and do not want to use the light curing process so I am was thrilled when they didn’t use the light for dip. Any suggestions for revitalizing the nails after removing the dip?
I have never tried dip, and my nails are drilled to death, so I’m using cuticle oil at night and just living through the grow-out.
Ideas for future blogs: What about ankle pants with the proper socks and shoes to balance an outfit? I remember years ago when youād show two pictures of an outfit. One was not chic. Are you going to do any videos with Susan this year? I miss watching them as it felt like I was having a little visit with you. I look forward to reading your blog every day. My clothing choices have definitely improved, thanks to you.
I loved doing those videos with Susan!! I’ll ask her ab out doing more. She’s fabulous
I thought your outfit looked great with AGLs! Please post a photo with the same outfit when your shoes arrive.
Dip manicure ruined my nails, I find that the gel stays on really well for about 10 days but try to only do it when I’m going on vacation as the application and removal destroy my nails.
I started storing my shoes in clear plastic boxes I found at the dollar store as out of site ….
Keep diversifying topics – keeping to one topic (fashion) can become quite boring and I’ve learned about all new products and topics such as dry eyes, nutritional supplements, books, the list goes on and on.
Hi Jennifer,
I would love to hear your thoughts on sustainable fashion and where to source ethically made clothing. Thank you for all you do. I love your blog and always look forward too reading it for all the creative ideas you share. I think many of us are trying to be very intentional about our consumption.
I concur with most everyone else. Mix it upā¦ I find as I get older, less is more. Iām more into getting rid of things. Fashion, food, aging issues, new discoveries, coping, emotional issues, family. Thatās what friends talk about.
Try Salon Life on you tube. She does gentle manicures and her suggestions helped my nails immensely, especially the cuticle remover and files. She does a lot of Dazzle Dry. Watching her work is very relaxing before bed too :).
Jennifer, I’m happy with whatever you feel like writing about. I’ve learned a lot from your postings, and I feel like I’m in a conversation with a friend. I also enjoy reading the comments, it’s a great community!
I love this community!
You looked great in your outfit. I know so many designers are going for big flowing tops. Not my favorite choice either. Love the platform Addisās you ordered. I wasnāt aware the smaller sprouts were better Iām going to remember that the next time I buy some.
I was initially attracted to your blog for fashion advice for the 50-plus set. But Iāve really appreciated your health-related topics too, like dry eyes. Iād be interested in articles related to food and recipes, with an emphasis on minimally processed, plant-based foods. Thanks for checking in with your readers for feedback!
I really don’t like that kind of top. It is too full for my body shape, just makes me look even bigger. I don’t really read recipes. My husband does all the cooking (Lucky me)
Thanks for the tip on the nail kit. I have done a manicure it a long time, but like the idea for a special occasion. Do you have any good less expensive options for the Rag and Bone retro sneakers?
There are lots of similar-looking retro sneakers. I think this Nike is even cuter, as is this Adidas pair.
You do you.
I noticed many bloggers during lockdown started writing about everything, not just fashion. I prefer the fashion aspect myself, so I skip over the other content. I canāt cook, so I will skip that as well.
The fact that clothes for 40+ women isnāt promoted by the media, is why I started following bloggers/ influencers, in the first place, and that is still true.
I understand the need to diversify for your livelihood, and the readers needs. DRD is my favorite.
I think the chic black flats were a great option with the white top and black pants. They gave it a Parisian flare and looked perfectly balanced to me.
I love all the topics on your blog – fashion, food, travel – all of it. Please keep writing about it all.
The whole balance thing was so interesting. I liked the flats so would love to have seen a follow-up photo with the ‘correct’ shoes. You made your husband’s vest chic, and we know he’s a lot taller – lol. I’d like to learn your thoughts about sustainability as well as, how much is too much. The fact that you couldn’t find your shoes but ordered another pair has me thinking about my shopping habits. I love the periodic recipe, but I subscribe to a cooking newsletter — and with due respect this is not your forte. I come here to enjoy but also to learn from you. I’m a serious cook, but fashion and style – that’s another story!
Jennifer,
Donāt change anything about your blog! You really come across as a very ārealā, relatable person! While I do follow some other fashion bloggers, she me spend too much to me on decorating their homes. I think thatās fine but most of us in this age group are more interested in fashion, food, and enjoy you telling of your personal experiences with products. I agree with the other person, if you want to share pictures of your lovely family, do it. BTW I hope no leggngs would balance out the bigger shirt and like you said, a bulkier shoe. JMHO
Jennifer, I follow several other style blogs, most of whom mix it up. Clothes, home decoration/renovation, food, family. I like the variety. Also, it must get old for you doing only one or two subjects. Keep up the good work.