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
Hi Jennifer,
I tell friends that A Well Styled Life is a blog for us (women our age) covering fashion, beauty and health.
I can’t think of anything that is not already covered. I love your Dressing Room Diaries, especially when you tell us about the size you are wearing and about the fit. I have successfully purchased several items based on your descriptions. I find it frustrating when bloggers style an outfit, but don’t mention what the items are or which shops they’re from. I enjoy the style hacks as well and also appreciate your information on upcoming trends.
You do a wonderful job with your blog. You obviously put a lot of thought and research into your chosen topics.
THANK YOU!
I’m really glad to know what helps. Thank you Sandra.
I start every day with your blog! Favorite is the dressing room diaries. I never thought that JJill was right for me – I look better in structured clothing — but you inspired me and I found several things that I am enjoying!
Some topics you might want to discuss: necklines! To me they are super crucial to getting a good fit that is flattering. High crew necks on sheath dresses, wide bateau necks, and the current necklines that are everywhere right now, with a narrow band and v- opening at the top of the placket, are just not flattering. Sometimes I add a small shoulder pad to lift the garment up a fraction, off my skin and it changes the look for the better.
Some of the bateau dresses from Talbots are low at the back neck area where some of us have a slight hump so I avoid those or wear a scarf.
Another topic is, I like short shaped jackets with skirts or pants but they are hard to find now. I wish I could find some in a textured fabric like boucle or a weave, rather than smooth ponte that shows static dust. Even with static spray and every trick in the book, sometimes I look at my sleeve and it will look like salt sprinkled on it at the wrist edge.
My husband would say, “It’s not easy being you, is it? “ to tease me when I am doing something ridiculous with various sprays, pins, tape, whatever!
Last but not least, bunions… I just got the most amazing shoes, Dansko Rowan. The front part of the shoe is roomy and the straps fit snugly while the whole front half of my foot is enclosed but is not touching the shoe! It is amazing. They are cute, too.
Now I feel like we have had a little chat! Thanks for your blog, it helps me get dressed every day. Why it is a struggle at 65, I don’t know. But it is.
I guess it really isn’t easy being me!
Thank you Nancy. I really enjoyed your comment. We’re all in this together with out aging issues and I love how we help each other out. I’ll check out those Danskos. They sound great!
I enjoy your posts very much. I especially like the ones where you reveal your feelings about a subject or situation. I may not agree but respect your opinion.
I would like to read a bit more about health issues such as osteoporosis. I thought I remembered you taking a supplement. Did it work? Have other women had success with diet and/or exercise as a way to slow down bone loss?
Thanks for listening.
I love reading this blog, save or splurge is one of my favorites and so is DRD. I enjoy reading ideas for looking your best 50s and beyond. I am an avid sewer and make many of my clothes, jeans are my favorite thing to make. Id love to see more ideas of styling in terms of being able to sew things or alter to address style and color. Thanks for
Also,just wanted to say a huge thank you for doing what you do. I love your blog and tell everyone l know to follow you !!
Happy weekend xo
You’re so kind, thank you!
Hi Jennifer,
Sorry it’s late but l wanted to reply to this post.
1) A terrific blog for women sharing the best of what’s on offer today in regards to style, healthy living,positive thinking,Sorry it is late !!!
2)l love creative and artisan clothing and jewelry,and supporting artists so maybe introducing us to finds from Etsy and other sites that foster the unexpected and the unique. Also l would love a post on tartan, the really authentic fabric, and why the color choices and the history and how would you wear it today. I always like learning about the source of fashion pieces and why they are timeless. Fair isle knitting or cable sweaters…
3) l love your tricks for styling…if only l could remember them!! Maybe you could have a video library on the site so we could refer back to them. Also your splurge and save is great. How to trick the eye to help with problem areas is always good.
4)You have such an amazing gift of writing and communicate so well your audience feels honored to be included, so l would say write the post you want to write not what you think we want to hear necessarily. I am thinking about Beth’s piece on grieving on “Style At A Certain Age” as it is something we all are going to go through and the way she talked about her marriage and coming to terms with loss and finding a way through was marvelous. I love hearing the truth from my favorite bloggers -of course you are number 1- because it is a relationship l am attached too with how many days a week tuning in !! I have been following your posts for years now and l always enjoy them. Especially for older women …l am 58 dealing with adult children living a long way away, families apart, what do we do to keep motivated and feeling engaged…..so my advice is be you, what interests do you want to explore. What is imperative to you we hear.
5) Maybe conversations with other women you admire and want to interview. One of the things l love about your blog is you don’t show clothes that are too expensive. I understand there are always statement pieces worth buying but l do get fed up of stylists who constantly show Nordstrom prices all over the $400 mark dresses in the $600 mark and put boards together that cost a fortune. I cannot and will not live that way. I feel they are just collecting my money to add to their Nordy points !
Thanks for listening.
Thanks so much for your ideas, Francesca! I always look forward to your comments and insights. Etsy is such a great source for fun things.
I would call your blog the thinking woman’s guide to real life. You cover a lot of topics with brevity and clear analysis. You invite civil discussion and you elicit tons of reader input which is also informative and grounding. It feels like a community. You are an educator who is influential. I used to get very overwhelmed with shopping choices, but have learned to have an eye for pieces that offer flexibility, longevity. Your practical shoes give you credibility,and your elevation of casual basics with accessories is what I wish to emulate.
Input about your family life,health,travel packing, hair journeys, eyewear keep me hooked. I don’t follow “ would you wear it” or weekly sales, but all the rest is a helpful mix. Appreciation for all you do.
PS: Sorry but forgot to include this suggestion in my previous response. If possible Jennifer, would enjoy that in your comments section (platform allowing), a link to upload photos of us modeling the items we purchased from your dressing room diaries and or / finds along with comments. On Facebook we can add these photos but not directly on your blog (for those who are not familiar nor subscribe to your Facebook group). Just an FYI,
Love your blog agree with all the comments. Your teaching me so much about fashion. Love your approach and sincerity. My only feedback which is totally out of your control is that many products/items that you recommend are not available for purchase in Canada. Enjoy reading the comments great idea to incorporate in your blog.
I know that and I wish I could fix it. Thanks for reading.
Hi Jennifer.
Sorry for the length but is necessary.
Thank you for asking us for input. Your request had me thinking deep about how your blog and advice assisted me with defining my personal style, making informed decisions and influencing how clothing fits and conforms to our individual figures and personal style.
Additionally, when I followed some of your recommendations with respect to hair/body/facial care, sunscreen and beauty products, I experienced a revolution and inspiration that led me onto a path to be my best self. I cannot thank you enough for being my inspiration and mentor.
In the past 4 years, I’ve experienced a drastic change in self-care, thanks to your advice. My social group now compliments on my color choices, jewelry, clothing (expert fit included), makeup, hair color and style as well as confidence exuded. This was all due to locating your blog and following the advice you provide. No exaggeration here, just results!
1. I describe your advice to my friends as a blogger friend who advice assist me with making educated decisions based upon what and what not to wear as we age gracefully. I additionally explain how you, as a stylist, assist us with making informed decision which help each one of us to be and present the advice best image possible. I describe your health and beauty advice as invaluable. Hopefully, many of my friends made the decision to follow you.
2. What I feel is covered less and would like to see more of, is an informed sharing of healthy living decisions to emulate your preferences (love how you lost the weight but don’t understand how those last 10 lost came about – i.e., food choices and exercise routine) to suit our age group. While I believe makeup, skin and hair products, clothing and supplements are invaluable, healthy choices matter more than anything else, yes? You appear to be at peak health and would love to learn how.
3. Of course, my favorite topic is the dressing room diaries (I was an unabashed fashionista in my heyday) where you show us all how clothing from various merchandisers fit and presents. I do find sometimes the size you are mentioning and fits you, then stating TTS, is not always accurate. A suggestion is to post your measurements rather than size for a more accurate gage of the sizing. I’ve found when looking at the merchant’s sizing charts, and even verifying the garment measurements via telephone call, often are far off reality. So much limited in store inventory is creating even more of a frustrating experience.
4. All of your posts are helpful. Truly found you are honestly relating your personal experiences with products tried along with the results.
5. Jennifer, your influence and advice has converted me from an individual who basically gave up on feeling and looking good while aging into someone who actually cares about myself again and strives to be the best I can be. So many compliment me on the transformation and cannot believe I’ve lost 60 lbs, wear nice clothing and care about my appearance and health. I wouldn’t have changed but for finding your blog. The honest truth. Thank you immensely. Please keep up the excellent blog and work. You are so much appreciated. XoX
Great insights here!! Best: DRD, Splurge or Save, Sales, Hair, Nails. I do find the Mannequin Restyling somewhat irrelevant, since I almost NEVER am attracted to what the store thinks is stylish. So it’s back to your staples as stated above. Great work Jennifer!! You inspire me!!!
I am fairly new to your blog and love it. When I was younger, I always had a friend who served as my fashion consultant. She would always advise me on what styles and colors looked good on me. My daughter, before she moved away also helped with fashion advise. At one time she promised to never let me go out of the house looking like a fool. Fashion does not come naturally to me. Let me write policies and procedures or make a spreadsheet but choose a stylish outfit, forget it. I go blank in a clothing store. I now live in a very rural community and no longer have fashion consultant friends so you have replaced that role in my life.
I really enjoy DRD, “would you wear it” (because I like to hear what others think compared to my thoughts), and Splurge or Save. Tips you provide are always helpful as I learn to look my best. Your style sense matches what I like in fashion and my wardrobe.
Please keep doing what you are doing. Your blog is a pleasure to read each day.
I’m delighted to fill that toll for you, Becky. Thank you
i love your blog and all your fashion posts. I would like to know a bit more about retirement, any hints, as I understand you live in a retirement complex.
I would describe your blog as reasonable. Reasonable clothes at affordable (for me) prices. My favorite feature is would you wear it and i am recently loving save or splurge. The days of spending hours in dressing rooms are over so i do appreciate drd. Would you wear it is a hoot and so bewildering. It is what gets me up on saturday mornings.
This influencer is someone that I could be friends with:) Jennifer is confident and assured enough to give her honest”take on things” and I get the sense after following her for a couple of years that there is no “put on” with her. I’m always amazed at the variety of topics ( Monday musings) she covers that interest me at my stage of life:). I’ve developed more confidence in my shopping and my fashion choices and I give all the credit to Jennifer! The dressing room diaries are fun and informative, and I especially have enjoyed all the posts on Color/ and contrast, ( I even followed up and had a color draping with terry Wildfong in CA- I’d been totally out to lunch for 40 years on that one!!). and packing and travelling with carry on!! The only “downside” would be that I have definitely spent more money in the last couple of years on what’s in my closet and vanity!! On the other hand, I’m more confident in knowing why I never wear a particular thing or why I reach for something over and over. I would say just keep doing what you’re doing Jennifer, as long as you enjoy it!! During covid, I did enjoy the instagram hour you did with the 3 other influencers on Fridays but it must have added quite a bit to your schedule.. perhaps once in a while you could do that again! Thank you. Jill from Canada!
Agree with you Jill. Jennifer and her blog turned my life of not caring around! I was a frump until I discovered her blog. Such a beautiful inspiration personally and with her unabashed advice!
Thanks for asking
` How would you describe this blog to a friend who had never heard of it?
A style (not a fashion) blog for those at or near retirement. Leans classic and middle of the road, both in point of view and price points
` What are we not covering here that you’d like to see as part of future content?
I think you cover what you know well. Honestly I’m here because you have style/dressing expertise. If I want nutrition, skin care or makeup advice I’ll find a blog/ YouTube channel with expertise in that topic
` What is your favorite topic that I do cover?
Style tips, how to wear trends, how to tell if something fits
`What type of post is the most helpful for you?
I love the new splurge or save, loved the how to tell if your clothes don’t fit. I like the would you wear it posts. Not really into the dressing room diaries
Anything else you’d like to share
Dressing for the mature women but never dowdy. I love your style?
A friendly space in the comments. I have rarely seen someone attack another’s comments.
I love topics on the latest trends for the season (what’s In & what’s Out) and how to wear then for those of us well over sixty.
I appreciate the fact that you are not constantly doing try on “hauls” to try to influence us to buy and buy.
Your posts on beauty are always appreciated. It keeps us in the know on what is out there and Jennifer approved.
I started following you because you lived on Vancouver Island, as I do, and continue to for your content. You’re very relatable, down to earth, kind, informed, and have a great sense of humour.
I recently found your blog when looking for style tips for a petite woman over 50. I would describe the blog as informative in regards to clothing options for a mature woman. I really like the dressing room diaries and the splurge vs cost effective choices. I love a classic updated look on a Vintage style, such as Grace Kelly style a bit modernized. Peddle pusher/Clam digger, interesting sweaters and of course classic white buttoned down shirt. Also, breathable fabrics are important at this stage of life for many of us. Thank you for all your professional insights which keep me out of the “Adult Garanimal” look!🙏😁
I am thrilled to do all I can to keep us out of the adult garanimal look 🙂
Oh my Wendy, “adult garanimal” is the perfect phrase! I remember how depressed I was when I went to the store and it seemed like the only choices were 1) shredded clothes designed to show off young bodies 2) appliques of dragonflies and/or cats.
(dragonfly on shirt pocket, matching dragonfly on pants pocket, so you know they make an outfit)
I’ve had those same experiences in stores too, Martha. I find it discouraging.
Informative blog for fashion, tips and tricks for over 50 year old women. I like the Splurge or Save, Dressing Room Diaries.
I like it when you wear an outfit with jewelry, shoes, purse that go together that looks good . I need ideas on how to put together an outfit with certain basic pieces and then adding the accessories.
Also how to mix and match different pieces.
Thanks for all you do. You help make me feel young by your fashion ideas , hair and makeup. Look forward to the blog every day.
Mostly, I enjoy the blog but I will echo others in saying I don’t care for the mannequin posts much.
I am the same height and weight as you but I wear a larger size, much to my frustration.
Soft Surroundings might be another store to feature.