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 love everything about your blog. I am looking forward to your deep dive on solar elastosis. I can finally put a name on what’s happening to my arms. I have crepey skin too. I was a sunbather back in the day. Have a great week.
The sun is brutal to our skin. I wish I’d been wiser about it in my youth.
I think most of us understand and appreciate your posts very much. Thank you!
Now if you could just get a 1x apple or pear to do the Diaries with you, I’d really be grateful. Hahaha
I would love too but my friends have no idea to be on the web
I love your blog. I read other blogs but some don’t appeal to me so I move on, doesn’t mean they are not good just not for me. Your blog is great keep up the great work.
Ditto to all the above comments, so well-stated and relevant. Of course, fashion/style advice is one reason I love the blog. But there are so many others, as aging affects all aspects of our lives. I appreciate your sharing so much of your experiences with us, as one person said, like talking with friends. It helps to know that all of us have triumphs and challenges; the support of the community gives us (me) encouragement that we’re not alone in our journeys. THANK YOU, Jennifer!!
Thank you Anne
Hi Jennifer,
I look forward to your blog every morning! You have a very relatable style of writing. It feels like hearing from a friend on styling ideas, but also other aspects of life affecting us as we are getting older.
I appreciate all your thoughts and information.
Please don’t change your format!
Hi Jennifer!
I enjoy your blog just the way it is! I joined years ago for fashion ideas and really appreciate the lifestyle content. Skin care, sun protection, fine hair tips, revisting colour choices , travel tips, good reading and reflections, and help with shoes for my poor feet. I’m currently reading a book you recently recommended. I also feel a Canadian vibe which I relate to. Keep doing what you do. I’ll be checking in over coffee. 💜
I personally love your blog. More than just fashion. I am a reader
love some of the book you share. Enjoy your travel and stories.
Love some clothes and not others.
Be you that’s all anyone can expect! Thanks for all your hard work!
Don’t change a thing! I have learned so much from you about what I want to wear, style, and buy for myself. I’ve taken risks I’d never have taken without you. Learned how to know when I’ve been in one style so long, I feel lost in it now and need to move on. Without you showing me how to do that, I’d be the same static person I used to be, lol. And there is this: until you posted about crops and ankle pants I had never even considered the difference. Yup, don’t change a thing about your blog!
That’s awesome! I’m so happy to hear that Jane
Like your style of writing and posting just the way it is! I love skirts but find I have a hard time finding tops to go with that I like and seem stylish