Monday Musings- Laughter, Wisdom, and Why I Love This Community
A few weeks ago, a reader asked me what aging naturally means to me. It’s one of those questions that sounds simple until you sit with it for a moment. How we decide to age in a world full of options is deeply personal, and no single approach gets to claim the moral high ground.
What followed was one of those conversations that reminds me why this community matters so much.
I nodded along to many of your comments and laughed out loud at others. There was wisdom, perspective, and a very healthy sense of humor woven through the responses.
Some of you landed firmly in the pick-and-choose camp.
Some embrace gray hair, wrinkles, and the freedom that comes with it.
Some happily use Botox, retinol, or both, not to look younger, but to feel better.
What struck me wasn’t the variety of answers. It was the tone with no judgment and no lectures. Just women talking honestly about what works for them, in bodies that have lived a lot of life and learned things along the way.
Here are a few of your observations:
- Shoes have definitely changed from fun to things a platypus could wear!
- I just saw comedian Fran Lebowitz, and she said there are three looks…young, old and surgical! I’m still laughing! I’ll take old✅
- Aging naturally to me means freedom! Not thinking I have to lose 10 lbs to fit into an article of clothing that I have been hanging on to.
- I am 76 with white hair, wrinkles, crackly joints, and lots of other aging stages. I dearly relish and appreciate each white hair, wrinkle, creaky joints, etc., because of a sis who cancer took at 50 and never got to experience older age and all! I am simply grateful for each day!
- I had my upper eyelids done 7 years ago at the age of 65. I didn’t like how my upper lid kept folding further down. I’m really glad I did it.
- I’m not in the aging naturally column: if I were aging naturally, I’d have about 3-4 teeth left in my mouth and wouldn’t be able to eat anything that required chewing.
- To me, ageing naturally means just that. No hair dye, fillers, Botox, face lifts etc…just let nature take its course. But, like ‘natural’ childbirth, this approach can be painful and one that I have eschewed. Have not had a facelift, but certainly have fillers, Botox, and dye my hair.
This space has always felt like that to me. A place where we can compare notes, laugh at ourselves, and admit that comfort now factors into our decisions more than it once did. Including shoes. Especially shoes.
As the year winds down, I find myself appreciating this community more than ever. Slower conversations, fewer rules, common sense, kindness…and the freedom to decide what feels right without needing anyone else’s approval.
I’ll be taking a little time off over the holidays, but before I do, I want to say thank you. Your honesty, humor, and generosity are what make this space what it is, and I deeply appreciate you.
As we look ahead to 2026, I’d love to hear from you. What would you like to see more of here in the coming year? More real-life outfits? Deeper dives into color and fit? Fewer rules and more perspective? Or something you’ve been quietly hoping I’d write about?
However you’re closing out the year, I hope it includes good company, a few laughs, and style that makes you feel confident.
xo
I read blogs for the fashion. In my small Midwestern city there aren’t many stores to shop in. I appreciate seeing what’s out there. I find shopping extremely depressing as private equity buys up everything and the quality goes way down. I would love for someone to search out clothes and accessories made of natural fibers.
Hi, Jennifer. You asked what we would like to see more of in the coming year, so here are my suggestions: outfits that are comfortable, colorful, creative, and affordable. One of the things I enjoy doing with fashion is putting together outfits that are different from how the brands present the clothes. For instance, I recently hosted a Christmas MahJongg party and wore a blue/green plaid blouse from Talbots with a purple cardigan with sparkly buttons from J.Jill. I got compliments from several people, and I felt terrific in that outfit. Best wishes for a peaceful and joyous holiday!
I love the dressing room diaries and I also like how you put your outfits together! Comfortable shoes,tennies and boots after 50 also are one of my favorites. The what to get gifts for Christmas and other holidays also top my list. 😊
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Hopeful, New Year, to you and your family. I hope, you will explore the “world of comfortable shoes” for those of us who (80 yrs.) need a little help with balance issues but not orthopedic. Having some style is still important. 😊🎄🎄🥳
I read your blog everyday. I always learn something, whether it’s related to fashion, makeup , hair or aging gracefully. On that note, you are 76?? I thought 60’s, tops. Keep on keeping on!
That was one of my readers comments.
Thank you, too. Truly. You are the first thing I read every morning.
Jennifer, I wish you all the best for a mostly heathy and happy year ahead. You’ve brought so much advice, knowledge and humor through your blog! 😘 I’ve followed you for several years now. I’ve recently change my email so I hope I get your posts in my inbox! If not, I’ll continue to check in through web search. I hope you get a nice break and enjoy the company of family and friends.
I really enjoyed your post on color pairings and I would like to see more posts like that. You helped me see color pairings I would not have thought of. Posts about what looks good on certain body shapes would also be helpful. I have fuller hips and thighs though am not pear shaped.
Great idea!
Happy holidays to you and all your readers.
Same to you Nancy!
A Very Happy Holiday to you and yours. I truly appreciate your fashion and health postings. It is always a safe place for opinions and ideas- let’s keep it that way. I feel like your column is a mini magazine (just like the ones we used to know). I miss the retailers and magazines of earlier years like old friends. You are near and dear as a newer friend.
Thanks,
I’d love to see more clothing options for short older women, and maybe a few more Kohl’s try-on sessions. I really can never find things that fit me in Walmart. I am 4’10”, roughly a size 10 or 12 petite. I DID try a pair of the knit pants from Quince and I like them. The length was great. I’ve been continually disappointed with Loft styles and quality. I appreciate the tips on hair thinning!! ( A medication has made thinning more of an issue for me…) And love the skin care tips, and the honesty regarding sun damage issues…Thanks for this page. I look forward to it.
I love everything you show us and write about. I keep seeing things on wear this not that and I kind of like that. How to tweak things to make it more stylish. I also love seeing everything you wear out in the wild! Enjoy your time off. Merry Christmas and Happy New year 🎄
Merry Christmas Rosemary!
Hi Jennifer! I feel you write with humor, honesty and generosity every day! I look forward to seeing you pop up in my inbox again soon. Happy New Year!
MaryAnn
Happy New Year!
Please continue showing us what you wear each week. It gives me ideas about what to wear instead of wearing my standard outfits. Enjoy your break over the holidays. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Jennifer….many thanks for all the work you do to publish, write and keep us engaged. I’ve always tried to look good in my clothes but honestly, it’s been trial and error. Now at 65 and almost retired I am finally feeling confident because of your posts! You have an impact!
Enjoy your well deserved holidays!
Peggy, one of your Canadian friends!
Jennifer I read your posts every morning. You always have good insights and a style sense that is classic and wearable.
As for what I’d like to read about in 2026. I am going on a trip to Japan in April. I have no idea what to pack because in addition to traveling in Japan we are jumping on a cruise that will take us all the way to Seattle, 20 days. There will be lots of stops in Alaska for hiking and river trips. What to pack and what to leave home?
Wishing you a wonderful holiday with friends and family.
That sounds like an amazing trip!
Your hair looks full, smooth, and strong. What is your best advice, along with products, to get your look?
I’ve written about my hair thinning and struggles often. I take otal minoxydil and use tons of products for volumne.
Hi Jennifer, In the coming year I would love to see you write about what to wear, and pack; for a destination wedding! My son is getting married in the Philippines in April on the beach, and I am at a loss! I’m 73 but young at heart ( I hate that society would describe as elderly!), short and 20 pounds overweight. I’m much more comfortable in a cozy sweater and jeans than baring it all in a skimpy sundress. However, with the extremely hot and humid weather in the Philippines, I will probably be wishing I could take off my skin too and just sit around in my bones😆!
Wishing you a Blessed Holiday Season!
Thanks Jocelyn
Jocelyn, I wore a sleeveless lace dress, knee length, and the mother of the groom wore a knee length cream skirt with a sleeveless top, when our kids were married on the beach in Dominica. We were dressed appropriately for the occasion and location but not too hot. Hope that helps!
Dear Jennifer, Just keep doing what you are doing. I read the blog religiously and find myself reviewing my wardrobe, my style of and my body type. Your blog really helps a woman of my age see ourselves in a different, and positive light. Thank you for your endless hours of shopping, trying on and reviewing fashion trends for us. Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!
I had to laugh at the excerpts from the “aging naturally” post, thanks for sharing! And no apologies needed for taking some time off, you are the hardest working blogger I’ve seen. Cheers!
Thanks for all that you do and enjoy your time off!