so so







I was going through my past outfit posts the other day and just cringing.  How on earth could I post these photos of myself?  Not enough attention as a child...that has to be it. But here I am posting another. What's wrong with me?

I guess the reason why I originally started outfit posts was because I had just turned 50 and noticed there weren't many 50+ women's fashion blogs out there. It's been tricky fashion-wise for me. Suddenly things that used to look good don't and then there's the issue of how much skin shows in the simplest things like t shirts.  Sleeve length, dress length...everything is now an issue. It's not easy to sort out.  Anyway I don't in any way consider myself a fashion blogger but one thing I notice is that what looks good in the mirror does not necessarily translate well in real life. Here is a perfect example.  I thought the jeans looked ok rolled at the cuff but all it does is make my legs look shorter. All this is to say...I've added another so-so outfit to the archives.

Please try and have a decent weekend.

85 comments

  1. I'm not so sure it's the pants as much as it is the lighting. You have a really strong horizontal shadow in your picture right at mid-thigh. I suspect that is a lot of the visual chopping off you see in the photo. There is a reason so much fashion photography is taken in front of a blank white wall!! I like the pant roll and think it is an age appropriate use of a trend. Low investment, not trying too hard, but still shows you care and are paying attention. I say, "well done"!

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    1. I agree! Photos don't tell the truth. We often look different - better! - in nature.

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  2. Nothing is wrong with you!

    And, perhaps a roll with boots isn't perfect, but imagine the same roll with oxfords and it is. We learn in increments. You have a WONDERFUL weekend, how about that:).

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  3. You made me smile! I hope you will continue to show your outfits - they are such an inspiration because it is nice to see real clothes (not some endless designer wardrobe) on a real person. I think you look great and have found the perfect balance in your style - attractive so that your husband is surely proud to call you wife, but appropriate too so that no son would ever be uncomfortable, but would also be proud to call you mother. I hope that you have an even better than decent weekend!

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  4. Love your style and your home. Follow your blog daily. Do you still use the aveda products and if so which moisturizer do you use?

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  5. I think you look fine. I enjoy seeing your different outfits. You have a lovely home, by the way.

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  6. Um, your legs look great to me. It's true that rolling the cuffs will visually shorten your leg but you're tall enough to carry this look. I like to see the different outfits you post. Fashion is such a personal thing. And we all look back at certain outfits we've worn in the past with a "what was I thinking?" I'm all for aiming for a classic look that defies time and trends, but it's nice to experiment with different looks. Some work, some don't. :) I love your blog Janet.

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  7. You made me laugh out loud! I am always surprised to see how much - ahem - more of me there is in pictures and how some of my choices were truly appalling.... I am working on becoming "the mindful dresser" and so I take your self-portraits as simply another guidepost you put on your blog so that we can all mutually help one another on our journey! I got lots of attention as a child and I am still yammering! Have a beautiful day Janet!

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  8. I really enjoy your fashion posts. this one looks on trend but not overdone. I like the look of rolled jeans but on me I don't think it would work as I am barely 5 feet. I read several blogs on fashion for women over 50 but there seem to be few for those over 70. the couple I did find seem to think we need to go over the top to be noticed. your sense of personal style is much like your style in your home, classic but certainly not boring. I also want to tell you that you are inspiring me to move from my mostly vegetarian diet to being vegan.
    Darby

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  9. I think you look fabulous & chic!

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  10. Janet I love your outfit posts but I can so relate to this feeling... when I go through old posts on my blog my only thought is "what an idiot I am". Then I end up deleting everything. So I don't go through old posts anymore.
    I can really tell proportion of something in a picture however, much better than a mirror. I actually like these jeans rolled over the boot and I think your legs look long and lean like you've been doing thousands of leg-lifts.

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  11. I like seeing you doing these "fashion" type posts. Rolling up your jeans says that you've been paying attention to detail.
    Until there is a magazine devoted exclusively to over 50 women I find blogs the best source of what we are wearing and how we put it all together. Please keep on bringing us images of yourself as you dress yourself with fun and flair.

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  12. well ...I think you look quite smashing actually. I love the rolled cuff and think that we over 50's do have a really hard time with fashion. I'm always re-thinking my choices and it's maddening - a young salesclerk recently told me that boots are out of style for "older" women - oh really???? well....Miss Priss - That nose ring you are wearing is out of style too. So much for shopping there again. ~ Keeping it simple is your beautiful style and I love it. ~ Pamela

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    1. Dear Anonymous, I love it when salespeople try to dictate what is suitable for us "older" women. It is quite funny because usually the way they look is the exact opposite of the way I want to look! So, consider where this unsolicited advice is coming from! I find this happens with hair stylists too, when I go in to get my hair trimmed the stylist always tries to do something different with my hair when I know what I like and what looks best on me (a classic look, not trendy). Typically, they have the Desperate Housewives (reality tv show) look!

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    2. I would so love to reply to that sales girl, with her compete lack of experience of dressing as an older woman an' all! Those boots look great in the photo, and I think the boots and rolled up jeans rock. End of sales girl!

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  13. I think you look great!!! I know many women that are over 50 that you'd never know there were over 50. They keep with the trends BUT are not TOOOO trendy. They stay nice and trim. I think weight makes a person look older. But I think this outfit looks hip! You have long legs anyway. So what if they look a little shorter. Still look awesome!!!!! As my mom says - today is the best we will ever look. What are we waiting for. Embrace our looks now!!!!

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    1. What a positive way to look at aging! I needed to hear that...

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    2. I so agree! - I think the outfit is great, not least because its almost exactly what I'm wearing too!

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    3. Whenever I complain about some age related thing, that is what my husband says to me! "you look as good today as you ever will". :)

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    4. Whenever I complain about some age related thing, that is what my husband says to me! "you look as good today as you ever will". :)

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  14. Hi Janet. I quite like your cuffed jeans and booties look with the aviators -- it looks current and fresh. And you are rocking that style.
    Camille

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  15. Go easy on yourself! I think you look great. I wouldn't concern myself with the cuffs on the jeans, nor that it shortens the look of the leg - the higher heels on your boots make up for that. Overall, I think your legs look long and you look fantastic.

    I, too, have trouble finding the right type of clothes whilst shopping for my 48 yr. old self. I do try to stay away from the younger shops that my 14 yr. old daughter prefers: H&M, Zara, Forever 21, etc… although sometimes it is tempting. I see some items in these stores that would be acceptable to me, but I still don't buy them when I consider the quality (I know in the long run I'll be disappointed). For a teenager, mediocre quality is fine because they are still growing, but for me - I look for things that I get the most value from.

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  16. So weird. I just wrote a comment, hit Preview or Continue, and it wiped me out. What the?

    What I was SAYING was, you are 'way too hard on yourself. A 50-something woman who can rock a pair of jeans like you, with a perfect figure, should feel smug! You look a lot younger than your numbers-age.

    I do know about the more-careful consideration of clothing choices. I well remember the day when I realized I could no longer wear a certain style. I had reached the point where I had to contemplate "age appropriate." Chalk it up as another loss on the way to aging; another thing taken away, where I couldn't just throw on a tank without a bra (hey, we did it in the 70s and 80s...just read Linda Ronstadt's tell-all and she mentioned the same thing). Now it's what's shaky and flabby and hanging. Or worse, the beginnings of a crepey neck. Ugh. And, back in the day, I would have NEVER been caught dead with untanned legs. I am paying dearly for my youthful offhandedness...pre-cancers of the skin, 'rocks in a sock' boobs and, well, I don't even know where to begin about the arms...

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  17. I think that outfit looks wonderful! Casual but totally elegant too! I LOVE your fashion sense (and it is sensible -- because you truly use both common sense and a natural artistic sense too!) Cheers! Jan at Rosemary Cottage

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  18. I love the way you dress - so simple yet chic :)

    I recently started my own blog, and there I wrote about how you and some other bloggers gave me the encouragement I needed when I was going through a challenging time. This is sort of my thank-you post to you and those other bloggers. If you could take a moment to look at it, I'd be thrilled :)
    http://northfieldgate.blogspot.com/2013/12/theres-something-about-giving.html
    Thank you for sharing your stories with us. You have been an inspiration to me, and I’m sure many feel the same way.

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  19. Your look is casual chic, always gorgeous (with your hair, face, and body, m'dear, you just can't go wrong) and I, for one, am really, really grateful for your outfit posts. Since there are so few good fashion blogs for over 50's, we NEED your inspiration and outfits. One of the most helpful things for me about your outfits is that there isn't all the high-priced designer focus- you're showing us great outfits with a minimalist wardrobe and affordable pieces. Genius!

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    1. Yes, we over 50s do need these blogs, and outfit pics. I used to love reading fashion magazines, but can barely do so now, as they scream "young"

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    2. Oh, this is true. I actually called one magazine's subscriber service before the subscription had run out and told them it was pointless to keep sending me the magazines because it was so unrelatable to my age and life. I had thought it was a women's health-type magazine. I thought later that I could have gone ahead and let the last couple of issues arrive, then take them up to the library or hospital but, you know, I really didn't like what they were 'selling' and the covers are still sending a message to younger women that gaunt-thin wears the clothes better.

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  20. Keep these fashion posts rolling. It's so hard seeing yourself objectively but take our word for it you look great in a kind of realistic way which gives hope to the rest of us. Wish I had your weather and garden for fashion posts :)

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  21. janet, you look hot! it is your stance, your hair, your attitude!
    Janey

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  22. Contrary to your opinion, I think the jeans rolled at the ankle look great on you! I'm not sure wheather you are short, med or tall, but your legs look long in this post regardless. I too enjoy the fashion posts as I am a women of maturity too and find it helpful to discuss the do's and don'ts of dressing age appropriately....so many women don't take this into consideration and should. I think Classic lines/styles seem to work best and then dress them up as you would like with a bit of colorful or maybe even flashy jewelry! Thanks for sharing all you do! Laura

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  23. I think you look great ! Yes I agree being over 50 has me thinking twice about what I wear. As long as WE like it it's okay. ;)

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  24. You look simply beautiful.

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  25. I find it really difficult to get outfit photos that I'm comfortable posting when I'm "normal". Now that I'm pregnant - fuggedaboutit! Have a wonderful weekend Janet!

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  26. I think the turn-ups on your jeans look great - as do you. I think us 'women of a certain age' tend to be too self critical when it comes to outfits.

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  27. I think you look wonderful, I pine for that slim body of yours! I enjoy your fashion posts, especially hearing what a wonderful deal you found on some of your items. I think you & your blog exude a sense of contentment. Happiness is fleeting & moments come & go but real contentment is what we're really after & that's why your blog touches so many of us......... Kristi

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  28. I think you look great but that's not what matters - it's what you think that matters.

    Before I started clearing out my wardrobe last year, I decided that my clothes had to fulfil certain criteria. One of them was that I wanted to look and feel great every day - not for anyone else but for myself. If I was unsure about an article (shoes, bags, accessories included) I would wear it for a day/outing and then decide. This made decluttering really easy. I now have a small wardrobe that I love.

    Spud.

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  29. Oh my goodness my dear friend - you are lovely ! Inside (most importantly) and outside as well !!

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  30. I like your fashion posts. As a 30 yo I feel they give me something to look forward too when I get older. I've always felt that mature women exude this special confidence that only comes with age, and being comfortable in your own skin...even if it's slightly wrinkly :-)

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    1. Keep your eye on the actress Helen Mirren. I bet she's 70. Silvery hair that's stylish. Unapologetic attitude and, yes, exuding confidence without being off-putting. Saw a photo of her...recent...in a 2-pc swimsuit and she obviously works out and probably has for a long, long time (it's the payoff!).

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  31. You don't have the body of a 50+.
    You look way younger!! :-)

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  32. Janet - I love the look and think you look fantastic - as always. LOVE your style (fashion - beauty - decor). Simply classic and beautiful. I too would love to see more blogs for women 50+ so keep us informed on what you find.
    Mary - Birmingham, AL

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  33. I agree. You look fantastic and so do the rolled up legs. I want to be you when I grow up (oh wait, too late). :)

    Janet, can you recommend an eye cream for sensitive eyes? Every one I have tried (to slow those wrinkles) makes my eyes blurry and red. It's just too expensive to keep trying stuff that bothers me. Thank you.

    ~Joy

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    1. joy i would just use whatever moisturizer you are using on your face around your eyes. just pat it on gently. have you tried that? or does that still irritate?

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    2. That still irritates. Coconut oil irritates. Neutrogena sensitive skin moisturizer irritates. Just makes my eyes feel tired and blurry, especially when it is bright, but even in dim light. If I apply it at night I will wake up blurry eyed and irritated. Very frustrating.
      ~Joy

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    3. ok that's what i figured but wanted to make sure. i have sensitive dry skin and what has been working for me, and i'm putting together a post on it, is extra virgin olive oil. just make sure you apply it to wet skin and gently rub it in and i've not had any problems whatsoever. a tiny bit goes a long way. try it and see. there are no chemicals that should irritate. try it and report back.

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    4. Bought some olive oil today, I'll try it tonight and report back tomorrow. Thanks! :)
      ~Joy

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    5. I tried the olive oil for two nights and days now. The first night it bothered me but I think it was because my eyes were already really irritated. The second night and day -- NO PROBLEMS! It worked beautifully. I also tried it as a body moisturizer, using the wrung out wet washcloth with olive oil on it to dry after a shower, and that worked great too. Just had to wait to get dressed for about 10 minutes to let it all absorb. And I did your brown sugar olive oil scrub and my skin feels so soft. Plus I tried it on my hair (damp, add oil, put up in shower cap for a few hours and then wash out) and my hair is so incredibly soft, I keep touching it to make sure it's real! Thank you Janet for all your posts and help on beauty. You're awesome! :)
      ~Joy (who one of these days needs to figure out how to get my name on there instead of Anonymous)

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  34. Janet... are you kidding...this outfit can't be in your so-so pile...I think it's probably one of my favorites. I don't see one problem with the rolled jeans or the boots ... I think the whole look is good and those glasses are awesome on you!

    I say stop worrying about the age thing-feel good and it will all be good. ♥

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    1. just wondering .... am I the only one that can't see your blog from a mobile device (kindle)? It comes up but then after a few seconds I lose you and the screen goes blank. it just started happening...but maybe it's me?

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    2. i really don't know sarah. blogger has been weird lately so i wonder if that has something to do with it?

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  35. Fifty and older??? You do not look like 50!!! And saying that, I am much older than 50,(70+) and just bought a low ankle boot with a hidden heel that I wear with rolled up jeans. It is a nice change from the knee high boots I tend to wear "always" . I love the way the jeans rolled up and the boots look on you. Some can, and probably some can't... but you sure can wear this style with ease. I enjoy every photo you post showing your outfits. Please don't stop!!!!!!

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  36. Really? So-so outfit?? I think not! Personally, Janet, I think you look fabulous! Embrace it, and be kind to yourself. If I didn't know better, looking at this photo, I would guess you less than 50.

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  37. Hi J, I too think you look fab, always. I love seeing your outfits so much. I find it helpful to snap photos of outfits. I also like to see a room arranged and decorated through the lens of a camera. It always seems to translate a bit differently than what I perceive in real life. In both cases, photos reveal scale. Somehow I cannot pickup on the wrong scale of things (especially in outfits) when I view them in my full-length mirror. I think your rolled cuff is a scale issue. In interiors decorating is mostly done in odds (this does not apply to symmetry of course).To look at your outfit proportions or scale; is as follows, the cute t-shirt is one, the jeans the second, the small cuff is three and the boots are the fourth. Four is an even number; that cuff breaks the rule of thirds so it does not seem "pleasing to the eye". It is out of balance (scale!). Of course, rules are meant to be broken, always. I think this rule is a good guide for both dressing and working in interiors. Keep posting outfits and have a good weekend.

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  38. Wow! you don't look 50! Keep up the good work.

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  39. I think you look good in the outfit.It looks like you have grown your hair out-the length suits you :)

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  40. In the end it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. What do you think? Have a wonderful weekend!!

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  41. I think that's great look on you.
    I know what you mean about looking back at blog pics - complete cringe fest!

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  42. I think you look great, hip and sassy. You always do. : )

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  44. I found your blog because I had just turned 50 and was needing fashion inspiration. Updated but simple grabbed my attention. Then discovering we had similar decorating tastes was the icing on the cake, so to speak. Then looking through blogs you recommend I discovered this concept of minimalism. I frequently come for a visit for inspiration. I never tire of your fashion posts or pictures of your house. Your blog is such a breath of fresh air. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  45. OK, so now you really have me thinking...not good haha. When I read the rules to dressing I got a little overwhelmed. Yikes how did I become 60 and not realize there even more rules than I ever knew? I'm afraid if I photographed every time I leave the house I'd never leave. My daughter's a fashion major and has worked in the field for quite a few years in NYC. The only rule see says is DONT wear leggings!!!!! So I don't. OK, I did the other day under a very long skirt. It was -35 out that night. I'm going along with the whole lets live simple but now I feel like I need a new wardrobe 😞

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  46. I think you look amazing and I love your "fashion" posts. You are right, there aren't many blogs about fashion for the 50+ (there are a few which I'm sure you know) -- I also love that you have managed to achieve "simplicity" in your home. Don't stop posting I enjoy all your posts, food, shopping, deals, and your garden. Thanks!

    Maureen

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  47. Oh Janet, you are so silly! I personally have enjoyed your fashion photos, so don't beat yourself up over it. I love the outfit you posted here. I roll my jeans sometimes with my ankle boots too. I actually got a nice compliment recently from a girl in her 20's at a place I frequent and she said "you always look so cute when you come in here" and my response was "well, thank you but I guess when you get to my age you have to work harder at it"! (there's that age comment again) :/

    I know what you mean about sleeve and skirt length.I just noticed a couple months ago that the skin on my upper arms is looking less taught. I work out with free weights, do wall push ups, etc. So it's very frustrating! I'm also self conscious of my spider veins and told my husband if he lets me get the treatment for them, I would wear (knee length) skirts again, which would be especially nice in the summer months.

    I keep forgetting to mention that I like your longer hair!

    Have a great weekend!

    Linda
    xo

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  48. I don't understand why so many women are sporting the trend of cuffed jeans with booties - it shortens the look of anyone's legs. That's just a fact of how optics work. I also find it weird that sometimes a blogger will express self-awareness about something like this and all they'll get is a chorus of "no, no, it looks wonderful." That's not "nice" or helpful, people. It doesn't look as good as another style would look on Janet (though Janet never looks bad).

    Also, I can't begin to tell you how much I love your self awareness. Most personal blogs - and especially style blogs with personal photos - are huge tributes to narcissism. And then someone points this obvious fact out on a blog and the blogger and most of the other commentors get so defensive. I LOVE that you're aware of this basic fact. And I love that you blog anyway and continue to post photos of yourself. I love seeing them, and I love reading what you write, so I'd hate it if a tiny bit of narcissism made you stop. I'd say your self-awareness, humor, charm and all around good nature more than make up for the slight attention seeking aspect of blogs like this :)

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    1. I've been digesting this comment and, okay, I get the different perspective.

      I did read a blog for a long while which was really a lot of pretty stuff to scroll thru but I got tired of hearing about her upscale, perfect life. I was, like, do you ever have problems? Do you ever have a bad day? It must be a delicate balance for a blog owner...I think Janet sort of touched on this with another post, when something was up with her son...because you don't want to be Miss Mary Sunshine all the time NOR do you want to be Debbie Downer.

      In my opinion, Janet is just sharing her life and what's on her mind; the online journaling thing. I find it all enormously helpful. I would never have known about a lot of stuff without this blog, and I have read a bunch of them in the past few years. For instance, LIVING THE SIMPLE LIFE, a fantastic little book by Elaine St. James about 'scaling down and enjoying more.' Guess I lived under a rock to have not known about this book published nearly 20 years ago. It took me awhile to find it (paperback) but it sits now on my night table so that I'm sure to read something from it every day; thanks, Janet..

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    2. anon i quite like your comment. i like your honesty. :)

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    3. i like yours too vicki in that you recognize the delicate balance bloggers face in deciding just how much to post about their lives. it isn't easy.

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    4. No you're right it isn't easy. I admire your guts.

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    5. Vicki - I love Janet and her blog. The last two times she's written about stopping blogging, I've commented to ask her to continue. In fact, she's one of my favorite bloggers because she's self-aware, has a good soul, minimizes narcissism, posts about things that matter, helps animals, and somehow manages to be all-around delightful. My comment simply meant to acknowledge the reality that (1) all blog like this are narcissistic to some degree; that doesn't mean people shouldn't blog, but they should be self-aware about it - which Janet is, unlike most bloggers and (2) not all clothing looks amazing on all of us, and it's annoying when a blogger point that out and all anyone can say is "you look amazing!!" Granted, Janet really does always look good. But is there a more flattering look for her than cuffed jeans. Yes, there is.

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  49. Janet, I really like this look on you. Very cute. That said, usually you are right that the looks chops ones legs up a bit. Still this is darling for casual on you with the T.

    I agree too many blogs are look at me in this outfit now. A big yawn. Yours has never been that ever. Love yours and the inspiration to live simply and better.
    happy weekend. Kim

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  50. Janet you look tall and slim in this outfit. I don't think the jeans make your legs short at all, quite the opposite. I reckon this look is great, way prefer it to some of your earlier outfits. Very relaxed, chic. x

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  51. All interesting. Fashion or fashion tweaking is fun. Im short, short, shorty, short-short, and Im going to try the cuff with booties even though as tall as you seem you feel like it makes you look shorter. LOL Its not that important, and it is all fun! I think its a cute casual look. Most fashion is not earthshattering, so the trying is whats fun. Keep it up. Ill be 50 next month, and I for one am very excited. My 40s, although filled with some great sadness and huge change, have been the best years of my life. Im currently entering a time where I am trying to take myself less serious and purging myself of "things." I love that so many of us are on that same train, and Im loving visiting your blog, full of honesty and simplicity. I hope you continue to post as much as you are....you are a nice little self-indulgent retreat for me. XOXO

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  52. It's my humble opinion that the jeans rolled with boots look very good on you. It's true it's not the most elongating look,on anyone, but if they look great, who cares?!
    Fashion for over 50-indeed a humbling adventure! There are many things I've surrendered, but jeans, God willing, will never be one of them. xx SP

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  53. Janet,
    I want to slap you and your "so so" self. You crack me up.
    pve

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  54. Janet,

    I like it. It is a nice change. I can't see the boots/shoes so well, so can't comment on the whole thing. Keep on posting outfits, it gives me ideas and encouragement.

    ann

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  55. I'm not a big fan of booties, so I will agree with you, Janet. I think booties shorten everyone's legs. I would love your outfit with jeans rolled up and flats. Not as fashion forward, but could be cute!

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  56. Janet -

    Tell us about the top - I like it.

    Ann

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kindness is never out of style.

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