Monday Musings on Putting Yourself Out There
My Monday posts are generally when I chat about what’s on my mind and often include thoughts on my personal style. For example, I wore the outfit below for an outdoor party we attended on Saturday, and I loved how I felt in it.
The skirt swishes when I walk and has a feminine vibe that’s appealing to me these days. I’m determined to work at incorporating more skirts into my wardrobe. I’m not sure why I’ve steered away from them in recent years, but they really are perfect for warm days.
Here’s what I wore on Sunday for some errands, then a very casual Father’s Day dinner at my son’s house. Same Jack Rogers sandals again…because they’re sort of perfect with so many things this time of year.
I want to discuss a few comments and emails I got last week. I’m hoping to clear up some confusion people have about what I’m doing here on A Well Styled Life.
One reader commented that the proportions of this outfit in last week’s dressing room diary were unflattering on me. I explained that my dressing room diary try-ons are not about me and I’m not shopping for myself. Their only goal is to share what’s new in the store and show some ways to combine things. These are not clothes I’m adding to my wardrobe. I do occasionally find something I can’t live without, but that’s not my main goal. The shapes are often awful for my figure, and the colors are frequently not flattering.
Many bloggers order massive amounts of clothes to their homes to do their try-ons. They steam the clothes, photograph them, then pack them all up and mail them back to the store. It gives them the opportunity to style items with their own shoes and accessories, creating very nice-looking outfits. They have my complete respect because it entails a massive amount of work, and frankly, I don’t have the energy for that, so I’ve chosen to do mine in the store.
Another reader left a comment saying that my content and the clothes I shared made her feel old and unseen. This really surprised me because I try to style and share the brands my readers know, love, and shop. She suggested that I should write my blog as a personal style journey the way other bloggers do. That’s never been my goal for AWSL. This blog is meant to be a resource for women with all different styles.
It might get pretty one-dimensional around here if all I share is my style. I like to think my personal style is just a tiny part of this blog. I don’t pretend that all the clothes I style are my personal taste. I share them with you to inspire you to think outside the box and find what makes you feel most confident.
My personal style will only appeal to a small portion of my readers. This community is diverse and filled with many stylish women who are looking for new ways to wear their things. It also includes lots of readers who are feeling a bit lost and hoping to get inspired to try the new styles. AWSL readers are either retired, actively working, traveling extensively, or staying close to home as a full-time caregiver for a loved one. Your well styled life will be as unique as you are and there’s room here for every woman.
Thanks for reading and making this community as rich as it is.
I so look forward to reading your blog every morning. I feel like you’re a friend IRL that lives in another state. Don’t change a thing.
In reference to the critique of the Dressing Room Diaries: they are my favorite part of this blog. I especially like when you find something that doesn’t work for you and tell us why –I learn a lot about the ways clothes SHOULD fit and how to put an outfit together in a way that is flattering to my body shape.
Thanks for keeping me current without looking like I’m trying too hard!
I love your blog Jennifer! Keep it the way it is!
I love your blog, Jennifer, and dressing room diaries is what initially drew me to your blog. I love your honesty, transparency, sense of humor, and the variety in your posts. Agree with others….don’t change a thing! Thx for all the time and effort…..sooo appreciated!
Hello Jennifer, I love visiting with you and all of the ladies in comments. This is the first blog I have ever read. I found you on Pinterest. You also linked me to Pamela Lutrell and her blog. I’m disabled and elderly but I still like to dress with comfort and style. As we are of similar coloring and size, I am grateful for your DRD and all of the chatty advice on shape and proportion. I live 50 miles from a large city so online shopping is very helpful for me to stay on top of style, not trends. You do a terrific job on your blog and I for one feel like you are a friend that lives far away. Ignore negative comments and listen only to those of us that really care about you. Please continue to take care of your health. It is the most precious thing we have.
Sydney H
I find it interesting that people criticize instead of finding a different blogger. Why spend time on something that will not help you become a well-rounded individual? In the last few years, I have found myself in all the slots of your readership except traveler, which hopefully will be something I will be doing in the upcoming years. I enjoy the information provided and know it takes a lot of time. So, I think you should do what makes you happy and fulfilled, and the rest of us will benefit from what you share with us. Have a great day!
Your blog is perfect as it is! I am a little upset that you felt you had to explain yourself. Anyone who criticized you certainly does not get what you are all about. Any follower of yours realizes that you try on the clothes FOR US, so that we can see how certain styles look on a real person. I mainly shop at JJill and Chicos, so I am very grateful when you show clothes from other clothing stores. This devoted follower loves everything about your blog and about you. Please don’t ever change !! 💕💕
Love your blog . You’ve taught me style tips . Fabric tips . Whats current and how things fit indifferent brands . I cant shop much in stores so your blog is so helpful to see how things look on a real woman . Fortunately my style is similar too . . Dont change a thing … thank you ! Youve inspired me to be more fashionable and care more about how i look as i age In retirement … and its fun ! Thank you !
I’m so glad it resonates with you.
Love your blog . You’ve taught me style tips . Fabric tips . Whats current and how things fit indifferent brands . I cant shop much in stores so your blog is so helpful to see how things look on a real woman . Fortunately my style is similar too . . Dont change a thing … thank you ! Youve inspired me to be more fashionable and care more about how i look as i age In retirement … and its fun ! Thank you !
well I enjoy seeing what you wear and the different styles from all the vendors. Just because i dress differently than you does not detract from using your blog as a resource. I live in hot steamy Florida and when I see you in long pants in the summer, all I can think is “she must be really hot!”. lol. I dress exclusively in shorts and tee shirts or a nice blouse in the summer. I sometimes buy nice things to wear but realize they are too heavy for Florida and end up wearing them in our “winter”. So just write the blog you already write and I will keep reading!
I may not want to buy everything you style (either not for my body type or my budget), but I so enjoy looking through (and reading through) what you post. I only shop online (since I hate shopping), and sometimes I find either something you styled will work for me or you give me ideas of what to look for. I always enjoy reading your posts.
Thank you! Arna
A long overdue “thank you” for all of the effort you put into your blog. I began subscribing to a number of “lifestyle” blogs during the pandemic…AWSL is one of only a very few that I still read. All of the points you mentioned this morning are exactly why. I know it is not an easy task to create useful, intelligent content – I truly appreciate your work. Thank you again.
I’m glad you’re here with us Sue!
I enjoy your blog and I appreciate how hard you work to provide so much useful and entertaining content. Maybe the readers who have a different vision for you should start their own blogs, lol.
I enjoy seeing the clothing combos you choose and tho a few stores are only in The States it makes me so want a field trip to those stores!!
How about a list of stores that are in the US but will ship to Canada?
Keep being you. I like your authenticity
That’s a great idea! I’ll try to put one together for you.
I love your blog. You have given me soooo many ideas, and steered me to try things I would not have on my own, which I subsequently have gone on to love. Please keep doing what you’re doing!
You’ve been very clear about your DRDs. Even though my body is quite different from yours, I can see what things are current and go together. I can get an idea of how something might fit me as the closest stores are 2 hours away. I thinks it’s quite cheeky to criticize anyone’s blog. Your blog is what you choose to make it. If it isn’t someone else’s cup of tea, they don’t need to subscribe.
Just keep doing what you’re doing Jennifer. It’s perfect for me, an 84 year old Brentwood Bay woman. I look forward ro opening your “news” & ideas each & every day!
Hugs from Vancouver Island
Nancy
I myself appreciate the way you show the different styles. It gives me the courage to try different looks. Do I like all of the styles chosen, no, but I just move on to the next and enjoy “shopping”.
Jennifer I especially love your insights into skin care and I really have invested in the Isdin Sunscreen and the other facial and body moisturizer products! Thank you so much for the heads up.
I’m a shorter, petite build but very short waisted, so your petite insights and foot issues really resonate with me as a 70 yo active wife and grandmother. Sandra Winfield
When you wrote about plantar fasciitis, but you don’t have PF…my new insoles arrived and I’ll be wearing them today!