Neutrals and I Need Your Help
Today I have an outfit that I love, plus I’d love to get your answers to a few questions. As much as I enjoy wearing color, neutrals have my heart. They’re timeless and easy to coordinate plus they’re less memorable than brighter colors which make them more versatile.
This faux suede moto jacket has been a best seller on AWSL for many months, with good reason. It comes in several flattering neutrals, it’s incredibly luxe and soft, and the price is amazing.
This fawn color coordinates with so many other colors. It feels as versatile as black…but a lot more flattering for many of us. It comes in sizes 00-18, I’m wearing a 6-8. Leather and faux moto jackets have a hard look to them, which I avoid, but this super soft, ultra-suede dials back the edginess because it lacks shine.
These are super-soft cords from Banana Republic which have a straight leg and high rise. I like the way the fuller leg helps add balance to my shape. I’m sure skinny pants will be back before we know it, but I’m not anxious to wear them anytime soon. How about you?
The surplice-wrap blouse has a shirt tail back you can wear out, or tuck in. It has a lightly draped front with a snap at the V which keeps it from gaping open, always a plus for me. The front is the perfect length to wear over your waistband which shows some waist definition but conceals your tummy. It comes in several patterns, regular and petite, sizes XXS-XXL. I am wearing a regular in small. The subtle lug sole combat style booties are from last year, similar here, and here, and here.
Now, here’s where I need your help-
Please feel free to answer in the comments, which I feel proud to say is a safe, nurturing environment for us to chat. If you’d like to be more private, simply respond to the email and tell me that way.
Why do you follow my blog? What it is about A Well Styled Life that you enjoy most? How does it differ from other blogs you follow?
Several of you have mentioned that you’ve given up reading other blogs, but continue to read mine. Why? I am honored, but I have never asked why and I would love to know.
I would love to know your fashion and lifestyle goals and how I might help you achieve them.
Could you also please share what country you’re from.
Thank you for being here and helping to make this community what it is.
xox
I love reading your blog! Your outfits are perfect for women our age. I particularly enjoyed the blog about comfortable shoes. I am all about comfort. I miss the video chats you did with the other 3 blogs. They were fun to watch and listen to. I hope they start up again soon!
Like the others, “real” and “relatable” are the keys. I am another Midwestern petite who needs to lose weight (I went from a 14 to a 10 a few years ago but statistically should be a 6) and was born loving clothes. I do and have read other fashion blogs but drift away from them and find yours and the problems you solve the most real-world and practical yet fun and up to date. I see us all as artists and we are our own canvases.
I keep reading because 1. You don’t preach! I want a fashion/ lifestyle blog without political or religious interference.
2. You know what you’re talking about. Probably your background, bit I think you have a good eye too.
3. You’re younger than I am, but still within a decade. I’m retired and leading a very different life in the middle of Connecticut than when I was commuting to NYC in my black pantsuits and heels! You’ve given me lessons ( unintentionally I’m sure) on how to be casual and stylish at the same time.
4. Even thoughI can’t wear a lot of the colors you wear ( dark hair, light eyes, soft winter coloring) and am 4” shorter (!) I’ve been able to take your cues and put myself together in my own palette.
5. Not everything you show is super expensive. That’s not realistic on a fixed income. You’ve directed me to lots of bargains without sacrificing quality.
6. You include personal information without going overboard. It makes your blog human and relatable.
Sharing issues you deal with from your hair and your lovely daughter in Canada to more serious medical issues makes me care the way no amount of pretty clothes can. You project likability without sacrificing your opinions. Soft sell really works!
7. Your readers are delightful. So if you edit them, well done. But if these are just the women who follow you and express opinions, you’ve drawn a good group.
So that’s why I’ve stayed and will continue to stay. Even if you wear leggings or not-really-straight leg pants occasionally. And, frustratingly, show clothes that aren’t made in petite sizes!
Bravo, Jennifer, I’m a fan.
Like your blog. You present focused information yet give us a glimpse into real life issues. You always seem upbeat — love your smile! I enjoy the different ideas you have for styling the items you are presenting. The clothing you talk about is varied but realistic in style, shape, color even though I am lots older. Although many of the pieces are more expensive than I would buy, it gives me ideas of what to look for in resale shops or at lower price points. I like that you post frequently. I wish I could find a blogger who writes like you but with a body shape more like mine, which is the opposite of you, since styles that look so wonderful on you would not look the same on me. I live in the midwest.
Good morning from southern middle Tennessee! And, yes, there are bloggers that I quickly scan and move on. Too edgy, or too conservative, or too much of the same stuff day after day! But most of the time I will spend some time with you! Your sense of style and life seems to speak to me plus you seem like a person I could set and chat with, really easily! I like that you do not allow yourself to get in a rut and stay there! You do add trends that work for you and can possibly work for me; you share real aging issues, I.e. hair thinning, hand issues, (I just went thru successful trigger finger surgery ). I think we could relate!
First of all I adore your outfit, it really suits you and I too am a big fan of neutrals. Your style is probably the closest to mine that I have found with any blogger, even though I hardly ever wear jeans and have different colouring and body type and live in a different climate (southern Ontario, Canada) LOL. I appreciate your style and colour background and your expertise shows through your with your writing and explanations of why and why not something works. DRD is a particular favourite, as going into a dressing room to try items on hasn’t been possible for much of the last 1 1/2 years.
I also like that you experiment with skin care and cosmetic products rather than pushing one line.
I discovered your blog in 2015 when I first discovered fashion blogs, and followed a few out of curiosity, but over the years, yours is the one I read daily now for the above reasons.
And you always have something interesting to say or show.
I follow your blog because you provide objective style advice at all price points. Your style is timeless and early on you made sure this was a safe place to engage in conversations about aging. You give parts of your life which helps remind us you are living in the same world and these concerns are universal.
I continue to read your blog because you post almost every day and it gives me great ideas and inspiration. Other blogs tend to disappear over time and leave their followers behind. I like your dressing room and mannequin features in particular. Live in Florida now so please keep us in mind for some lighter weight outfits. Thanks!
I must echo the other readers for reasons I read your blog! We are of similar age, size and life style. The brands and price points work for me and you always seem to give honest and helpful feedback about why a look or fit works or could be restyled to suit. I have discontinued several other bloggers because there are too many of them and their content is frequently one long sponsored advertisement. I truly hate “Amazon Hauls” and in several years of following you, I don’t believe you have ever done one. Thank you!!
I like your blog because you wear clothing very similar to my style. Causal but polished. I love neutrals. I like the stores you shop at. I like to see the clothes on a real person. I am from South Carolina, USA
I enjoy your try on sessions with a “real person” wearing the clothes. I love your motto – wear what makes you happy. The clothes you work with are in my budget. Thank you for all of your hard work.
In addition to many of the other commenter reasons I like that you explain why a style works for a body type. You educate rather than tell.
Good morning, Jennifer. Thank you for asking these questions. I will try to answer your questions as briefly & succinctly as possible. I am from the US, and my fashion goals are to look thinner, taller, and “put together” while , at the same time, feel comfortable in my clothing. Since I am 78 years old, I would like to look current but not a like a fashion victim. I consider color my friend because the right colorful outfits seem to provide interest and provoke compliments, which make me feel cheerful. Your fashion blog is my favorite because you seem authentic and you provide fun commentary that is also educational (helping me reach my fashion goals as stated above). Have a GREAT day!
Most of all I appreciate having a place for women of a certain age. We don’t see ourselves on TV, online, in advertising unless in health ads, I appreciate being “seen.” You help keep me current. I live in a rural area and do not have access to malls so it helpful to see clothing I can easily order online and from stores I can visit when I get to a city. Your style is accessible and appropriate wherever one lives. I would enjoy even more insights into your daily life, not just news about clothing—books, decor, holidays, health, hobbies, thoughts about aging, creating a fulfilling at home life.
I am retired and had begun for feel like the “invisible woman”. After I started following your blog, I started challenging myself to try new things and felt how wonderful it was to stay current. I don’t want to give up!
I also love to read all the comments that follow each blog. I find that I relate to so many of these ladies too.
Life is too short to be complacent! Thank you !
USA
You show a lot more clothing than some others do. The Dressing room diary is
Especially helpful. Also like, would you wear it segment.
My body height is different;
So when you, at 5’4”, are modeling a regular size, rather than petite, I know that the garment won’t work for me. Saves me shopping time!
And, by the way, you make an excellent model.
Thanks so much!
There is a lot that keeps me a loyal follower. I feel that you have experience and keep learning and sharing with us. I follow bloggers like you to get a realistic viewpoint from someone who appreciates style and looking chic. I like your approach to sharing outfits and other thinking about how to put it together. I sometimes use that to “shop my closet”. I like the mix of retailers and that you dress to flatter your body and style. I am looking at retirement in about 4 years, and decluttering my wardrobe. I am eliminating what does not flatter, fit, or serve me well anymore. I am no longer buying work clothes, and selling things that I know I will not wear in retirement. I also like your writing style and that you are warm and professional.
All the outfits you show are very wearable and affordable. I enjoy when you restyle looks to fit your taste. Our taste in clothes are very similar. When you make comments, your not “preachy “ like some bloggers and you leave room for different opinions. I agree with Nyla, you are someone I could be friends with!
I followed Brenda Kinzel (RIP) for years and believe she turned me on to you.
Your blog addresses all the issues we all have at this stage (am 67) in our lives honestly and without the drama.
Because of your blog, I also read Over 50 Feeling 40, 50s Not Old and Style At A Certain Age. I also follow Susan After 60 (for years) but she’s considerably cut back on posts. 😕 All worthy sites for the every day woman who’s pretty darn special.
My fashion style is fairly conservative yet classy. While petite and mildly obese (according to the charts…ha!) your tips still apply, I just have to shop petites. Side note: Would love to also follow someone this age who is petite and based in the Upper Midwest instead of a warm climate so any recommendations appreciated!
Keep up the good work; appreciate your efforts!
God bless the USA!
I love the confidence and style you share and your encouraging other women like myself (over67) to feel that’s expressed and shown! In your blog!
As someone else has mentioned you are so relatable, Jennifer. Everything you write about and highlight is in good taste, and yet modern. You remind us that we are women, first and foremost. Some of us are retired yet still moms, grandmothers – others are working out of the home. Your fashion sense and real life approach to your blog is just that— real! Another aspect is your reminder that we are often fragile suffering from unseen health or orthopedic issues. Self care is the order of the day when these issues crop up. It’s all real!
Agree with Paulette! You share your vulnerability with us: foot problems, asked us for shoe advice and through the comments, learned of a few new great shoe brands! Learn from others. I am 49 yrs old and try to be fashionable, not frumpy or living in athleisure. Following you from Alberta 🇨🇦
Love this jacket. Wish they had it in petite.