How Would You Describe A Well Styled Life
Happy Thursday, ladies. I know what A Well Styled Life means to me. Today, I want to know what it means to you. I often say my readers are the best part of this blog, and today I need your insight and advice.
So just a few questions I’d love your take on-
- How would you describe this blog to a friend who had never heard of it?
- What are we not covering here that you’d like to see as part of future content?
- What is your favorite topic that I do cover?
- What type of post is the most helpful for you?
- Anything else you’d like to share?
Thanks in advance. I’m going to use this input to ensure I stay on track here and continue to provide value to you.
xo
1) “You need to read Jennifer’s blog, “A Well Styled Life.” I feel like I am keeping up with a friend when I read her blog. Because of Jennifer I wear jewelry and lipstick everyday even though I am just going to be at home taking care of my husband. I do it for myself. I’ve learned about taking better care of my face; that I’m not the only one with dry eyes in this world; and I’ve stretched a bit in the type of clothes I wear. Sometimes I like her style suggestions, sometimes, I don’t; but she doesn’t tell you absolutes, just to wear what is right for you and makes you feel good,
2) Because I would sew, I would love to see fabrics for each season. But, I realize I am in the vast minority on that and don’t expect to ever see that in any style blog. Forget I said anything. It was the only thing I could think of that is missing for me.
3) & 4) I like it when you share cosmetics you are trying and how they are working for you. Your hair products, too.
5). I’m not crazy about the mannequins. Usually, there is nothing I like about them. That may be because I don’t shop in department stores, but in fabric stores and pattern catalogs. But I do love the recent, “Splurge or Save(?)” outfits you have been putting together. I find those very helpful.
Your answer to number one brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing that Phyllis!
I’d love to return to sewing for myself as I did when I was young and sewed all my own clothing as well as for my boys.I bet there are many of us here who used to sew. It would be very cool to see the look created from a “can’t-fail” Simplicity pattern as well as the online fabric source for those of us trying a return to sewing
I hadn’t heard of this until yesterday, but you might check out Erica, Mari. She’s a sewer with an amazing sense of kind-of-out-there style.
My sister and I both read your posts and often discuss them. We love the outfit ideas. You have a similar body composition and life style to ours, so most often the outfits are fun and useful to us. You also convinced my sister to get rid of her capris! Thank You!
I would love a little more comparison on the posts that show an expensive outfit and a more moderately priced one. I always understand the value of saving money but would like to understand when a more expensive item might be preferable. Is the shirt a better material that doesn’t wrinkle as badly? Does the coat shed rain better or is just better cut and will look better on? I know that might be hard for you to do, but I would love to read the discussion!
That’s a great idea, Leslee. Quality can often be in the eye if the beholder but I think this is a great idea! My extreme pleasure about the capris 🙂
Love dressing room diaries, and that you include what size you are wearing. You are fortunate to be able to sometimes wear regular/misses or go down to petites.
Taller gals don’t have options, but I can tell from your photos what will work for me. I appreciate all the work you put into this.
I describe AWSL as a fashion blog. You cover a bit of everything.
1. I would describe this blog as one that would appeal to women like me: retired, still active in the community, style-conscious.
2. I would love to see the outfits you showcase on another, more curvy woman.
3. Dressing room diaries are the best!
4. The most helpful part isn’t the type of post, but the fact that you link all the items.
5. Can’t think of anything else. I look forward to all episodes, except, perhaps “Would you wear it?” I’ve rarely seen anything that would entice me to try it on.
I’m a long-time everyday reader, first-time commenter.
I’d describe the blog as a fashion and lifestyle blog for our age group with a realistic and modern approach to looking our best—from smart basic clothing items to accessorizing, advice on hemlines/shoes, proportions, and silhouettes that are on trend, or not (ex. flared jeans vs skinny jeans). The blog is a fun way for me to see what’s new and fresh and modern without tramping through all the stores.
I think you’ve got almost every topic of interest covered.
Favorite topics:
I love posts about color (as an aging Cool Winter I’m still learning to adjust to graying hair and overall fading).
Posts on haircare interest me because my hair is also thinning.
Although I’m taller than you are, and short-waisted, I also have very broad shoulders and proportionally slimmer hips, so many of your tips with regard to those features are useful for me.
I love to travel so those posts are fun to read.
Most helpful:
Dressing Room Diaries is fun…I’ve purchased items spotted there.
I liked the recent three-word “style motto” article—very difficult to get to three words. My style is more bold, dramatic, boho (?something?) and a lot less tailored/classic/crisp than yours, but nevertheless, there is overlap in many areas and basic style principles apply, so that much of what I learn on your site is useful.
I very much enjoy checking in with the blog each day. Thank you for all the work that goes into it!
Thank you Andrea
1. I would describe the blog as both a fashion and personal growth blog for women at any age who like a more classic style.
2. As answered below, more real life outfit photos.
3. My favorite topic is ‘What I wore’. I think you have only done this a couple of times, but it’s nice to see you in real life.
4. Your real experiences with clothes, make up, food, books, etc.
I’ll try to share more of what I wear.
How would you describe this blog to a friend who had never heard of it? – Real woman wears real clothes!
What are we not covering here that you’d like to see as part of future content? One item worn multiple ways, combos, mixing & matching an item different ways. You cover it in dressing room diaries, but more curated options would be great.
What is your favorite topic that I do cover? – Dressing room shots, it’s so helpful to see someone who is my shape & size (& age) try things on. I live in a mountain town far from stores and can’t do my own try ons very often.
What type of post is the most helpful for you? Splurge v. save, Dressing room diaries, also anything about proportion or fit and and why it works or doesn’t.
Anything else you’d like to share? Great blog, I check it often.
Thank you, Laurrie
I so enjoy your emails! What I find the most helpful is when you explain why or why not an outfit works – I’ve learned so much. And, Dressing Room Diaries is a highlight.
Have you ever considered going to an independent boutique and talking about the accessories and how they can add a touch of “current” to our wardrobes? Keep up the good work!
I would say to a friend that this is a warm, nonjudgmental, friendly space for professional style advice for dressing casually if you are over 50, and do not miss the comments! I would like to see more athleisure outfits and combining athleisure with smarter pieces (your leggings article is my leggings style bible). My favorite posts are just what you put together for your lifestyle, especially restyling basics I’ve seen before. Most helpful are dressing room diaries, and fashion content where you explain why something works/doesn’t due to balance/shape/etc. honestly, if you didn’t change a thing, I’d still be reading :).
Thanks so much, Linda :). That leggings post is very popular.
I like the more classic look when you put an outfit together. Don’t get me wrong, I like jeans and the
thrown together look of today, too. But the classic always wins out in my book. Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, are the styles I like…..simple and elegant effortless looking.
I can’t add much that hasn’t already been said. I love your blog! It’s my favorite read to start the day…something light & yet informative with regard to style & fashion. We have similar looks so I can relate to most of what you share. I also like some minimal skin care tips with these newer clean products on the market, as I have sensitive skin that reacts to almost everything. I love some diet/food tips that also affect skin. Finally we share aging issues that can be of great help to each other. I’m thinking of the eye vitamin recommended by a reader. I knew I didn’t care for capris on my short 5’2 body but wasn’t sure why. You explained the proportion aspect. Thank you so much! Please keep on keeping on…
Thank you so much. I need those eye vitamins, can you recall the brand?
Inspirations for an elevated casual way of life. I like your dressing room diaries, the save/splurge posts and the ones where you show us why something doesn’t work and the little tips/tricks you share. My favorite series was one you did on a vacation where you showed us how to wear the same pieces in a variety of ways for different activities. I like that you’re current and modern, aware of trends but don’t follow or promote fads. The occasional non-fashion topic: travel, book, movie, food, skin care is great and I’d enjoy more of those.
I love your first sentence, thank you! I’ll try more mixing and matching ideas for outfit flexibility.
An authentic source for real-life classic casual. You never try too hard and never make me feel like I’m missing out on something… whatever that is (lavish trips, expensive clothes, certain beauty products).
Love your “would you wear it” and “save or splurge”. Would like more of your styled explanations, like the contrast level, rules of thirds, ways to make things casual or dressy (like the mention of the denim color yesterday, or shoe choice). You have an easy, practical way of explaining concepts. Also appreciate your recognition of our physical limitations….knees will never wear heals again. That’s okay! Finding loafers very fun and trying to add more belts.
Q: Have you ever used Anson belts? I only wear silver buckles which are difficult to find. They offer (2) swappable silver buckles with a wide range of straps.
Thanks for your thoughts, Diane. I’m glad the style info is helpful. I’ll be including more. I’ve not heard of those belts. I’ll check into them.
I want to learn the principles about what clothes look best on a person.
I think color and shape may be most important. Clothes can be a backdrop to make jewelry the focus of the outfit.
As an older woman, I want comfort, quality, and longevity of the purchase.
Shopping is not fun …. So, I want a good looking wardrobe that needs minimal new purchases Year after year.
Thank you for your insightful comment, Carolyn. It’s very helpful.
I would describe your blog as , Classically casual with a sense of curiosity.
I like DRD, and Save/ splurge. It would be fun to see more examples of the four general color seasons in the same outfit. I also like the occasional book / video recommendation. Thanks for all your hard work, you are a fun fashion friend!
Thanks Eileen! Fashion is fun, as you know 🙂
Hi Jennifer,
1. How would you describe this blog to a friend who had never heard of it? I’d call it a blog for stylish women over 50 who are not slaves to fashion but want to look their best.
2. What are we not covering here that you’d like to see as part of future content? I’d love to read more about clothing items and accessories made from fabrics that are more sustainable to the planet vs. polyester and many other manmade fabrics.
3. What is your favorite topic that I do cover? “Tips and tricks” -type posts are my favorite. I also enjoy the spend vs. splurge posts very much.
4. What type of post is the most helpful for you? Your explanations of why something doesn’t look “right” (e.g., rule of thirds) due to proportion or color intensity.
5. Anything else you’d like to share? Thank you for doing this! I love starting my day reading about your finds and insights!
Thank you so much, Kelly! Your answers are so helpful.
I’d describe it as a great friend who shares, shares. And shares. You share advice on dressing well highlighting your own life, climate, travel needs. You share trends in stores and shops where you live abundant elsewhere. You share your needs and even some of your personal physical afflictions ( couldn’t find the word here…). I like that you’re open about your hair needs, your fingers/hand challenges as well as your skin.
I like the way you put this all together- the dressing room diaries is most fun! But I liked the pieces about you in Vancouver and Palm Desert and Mexico too!
You write from the heart.
Thank you Paulette. I’m certainly not a professional writer so I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts :).
I have been following you for a number of years and over that time my life has made dramatic changes from retiring to moving cross country but your content has remained relevant. I would describe your blog as a conversation amongst friends who want to stay current in today’s world. Fashion and looking my best has always been important to me and you have helped me stay the course while expanding my awareness of other retailers and products. I like DRD even though our bodies are very different. High inflation and a retirement income has me watching where I spend my dollars so I would like to see you address that topic. Keep up the good work Jennifer!
Great suggestions, thanks Linda. I’ll do that.
1. A Well Styled Life is a virtual friend who shares a great sense of style to help women like us to make wise wardrobe choices.
2. I am interested in reducing my consumption of new clothes to help the environment and build my savings. I will still purchase new items, but selectively. Along those lines, perhaps a feature of “Update This Outfit,” showing an outfit you featured in prior years updated with a piece or two to make it more contemporary. Or, a “One More Time” feature showing how you’ve updated an investment piece with contemporary choices.
3. You publish so many helpful ideas, hard to pick one. If forced, I’d say “Splurge or Save” is the most fun.
4. Your expertise in retail and the principles of dressing set you apart from some other bloggers. I really benefit from posts about best choices for body shape, contrast, color, etc. You tell us why something will look good on us. It’s what keeps me coming back.
5. Thank you. I published a professional blog for three years. Boy, it was A LOT of work. I appreciate that while your job is fun, it also takes many hours of time and constant attention.
Thank you so much for number 1! That’s very helpful, Susan.
Number 2 is filled with great ideas, love it.
Number 4, golden. Thank you so much and yes, it’s more than a full time job, as you know. What was your blog about?
I was a professor for a graduate class on personal learning and change. Wrote a blog to help keep me current on the topics.
The ideas in #2 are exactly what I would like to see also!
Me too … need ideas on how to update what I already have.
Everything SusanBK said…except #5! Especially love the “update this outfit”. Thanks for all your hard work, Jennifer.
# 4 . Is the reason I stopped reading some of the other fashion blogs- as I prefer to spend my time here.
I have a body that’s changing whether I like it or not. Hair, eyesight, vitamins, supplements, food sensitivities, exercise, good shoes, these subjects you cover help educate me and keep me informed. You are truly the virtual girl friend who discusses these topics that are really important to know about- and that’s how I’d describe your blog to others. Thank you.
1. Describe blog: age appropriate (in my 70s) but with classic style – great tips and tricks!
2. Not covering: more affordable clothing – Eileen Fisher is out of my retirement budget. I love seeing the high end items but it is not realistic for me and most of my retired professional “girls”. I am not a fan of skin care posts and don’t read those days but I know lots of ladies enjoy them.
3. I LOVE the tips and tricks (putting hem of a t-top through belt loop=brilliant!) and use lots of your tips. I have always wondered why I don’t like “pedal pushers” on most and now I know why thanks to your tip regarding them.
4. Like others I do like the dressing room diaries.
5. It has been a delight finding your blog – I appreciate your candor. I wonder if “boutique finds” or clothing options on line (other than the standards of Talbots, Chicos, JJill, etc.) would be a consideration for you. My wardrobe is inundated with Talbots and I have loved adding boutique tops, etc. but, again, many I find seemed to styled for my 3 grand girls ages 18, 20, and 22😂 – harder and harder to find unique, age appropriate items for Nana.
Thank you for allowing input!
That’s great, thanks Terry.