I kicked off 2017 by taking suggestions from the audience, and am considering doing it again. Is there a post you’re itching to see here? Please share in the comments.
Dec 21, 2017 - But I digress...
I kicked off 2017 by taking suggestions from the audience, and am considering doing it again. Is there a post you’re itching to see here? Please share in the comments.
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Kim France
I was born in Houston, Texas in 1964 and have lived in New York City since 1988. I had a long career in magazines, working at Sassy, Elle, New York, and Spin, and in 2000, I founded Lucky magazine, which I edited for ten years.
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I was born in Houston, Texas in 1964 and have lived in New York City since 1988. I had a long career in magazines, working at Sassy, Elle, New York, and Spin, and in 2000, I founded Lucky magazine, which I edited for ten years.
A question I’ve been enjoying thinking about, and asking others is, ‘what was the best thing you spent money on in 2017?’. Answers have included: investing in dermatology, a particular item of clothing, obedience training for a rescue pup. GOACA readers are so insightful, I would like to hear their thoughts 🙂
I really like this question.
Me too!
Very good one…
I’d love to hear about affordable fair trade work type clothes (most fair trade stuff I see is yoga-ish.)
Would love this too!
YES…
Fair trade, American made, fairly made…
I love this!
Great idea!
I’d be VERY interested in this, plus green/natural/non-toxic beauty faves.
I would love to see your ideas for stylish workwear for the corporate office. I know that’s not your wheelhouse, but I would love to see what you come up with!
Would love to hear more of your take on travel, especially solo travel. What resources do you use to plan trips? What guides do you read? How do you plan out a year of trips — are you more spontaneous or strategic?
Yes! Love that- much better than my suggestion, Pants for Short People.
In the last two days I’ve had four women come up to me and ask me how I decided to go gray/white and one woman told me I had “given her courage” which made me feel slightly deceitful since my going gray was sheer laziness. All to say, I think hair topics are always good.
Also, what do you wear to a march? Since the second annual Women’s Day March is coming up Jan. 20th could be an interesting topic.
Someone asked about what one does with the clothes you no longer want/wear. I know a group of young women who have Clothes-Trade-Partys. I’ve never participated in one.
Do you feel more free with your wardrobe choices as you grow older or more confined?
And here’s something I’m curious about…Vegetarian that I am, my secret desire has been for decades a beautiful leather jacket However, the jackets that might be “the one” cost an arm and a leg so I’ve never laid the credit card down. How much would one be willing to spend to fulfill a lingering wardrobe desire and what is that article clothing/shoes/jewelry/bag?
Are shoes your first thought or an afterthought?
Okay, I’ll stop now!
That would be “parties” (Edit, cw, edit)
Love these questions…
Really good ones, cw!
Plus one on the leather jacket. I’ve been searching for ages. All the “good” ones I find are too stiff and boxy. I want one that is soft and fitted enough to wear over a dress — more akin to a blazer than outerwear.
How about posts on various accessories: wallets/card cases/other small leather goods, keychains, glasses/reading glasses, and suitcases.
There was a series that you did a few years ago where you found out what you had to purchase from a store, if you had to purchase something. I thought this was a hoot of a series! I remember your posts on Victoria Secret (I think you said they made really good cardigans) and LLBean or something like that. I wonder if you have a couple more of these ideas kicking around. 🙂
I’d love to see a round-up of great bathing suits, particularly one-pieces well-suited for those of us with droopy mom boobs. I have had the same bathing suit for three years because I can’t find a decent one that has enough support (and I am only a B cup!) and a little bit of padding. Even J. Crew has done away with padding. Who are these women who like paper-thin tops? Rant over!
my body in my 40s has become soft and round in the tummy and I am trying to love it but I can no longer wear things designed for hourglass and I am struggling. I’d love to wear leather pants or a cute little dress but I feel like mutton in lamb’s etc.
I haven’t been reading for all that long, so perhaps you’ve covered these earlier (still working my way through the archives).
I’d love to see outfits. I liked a post you did with what you’re wearing – Nili Lotan pants, Everlane V-neck cashmere, Officine Creative boots, etc. I have a good idea for interesting pieces, but putting it together? Not so much.
Same idea with accessories. Accessorizing a LBD, or black sweater/black pants. Interesting jewelry, scarves, shoes etc. that take basic to wow.
New labels you love that aren’t on the radar … yet.
Life in NYC is always interesting.
THis ^^^^^^^^^ Always love to see what Kim’s wearing!
I also love to see Kim’s outfits!
I’d love to see what you’d splurge on if you could go a price point or two higher than the GOACA guidelines.
Agreed. I wouldn’t mind at all if you wrote about even pricier items regularly as long as there are some affordable alternatives included.
Kim – were you wearing a blood orange hooded coat with a blue
leather backpack, near WTC earlier today? If so, I passed you! The coat and backpack just blew my mind – would you mind sharing where they are from? And if it wasn’t you, your doppelgänger has excellent taste!
Wasn’t me, D.E., but she sounds fabulous.
Warm but sleek/presentable footwear! Especially flats, bc heels are difficult in snow and ice. Also maybe ultralight stylish puffy coats and jackets?
Mineral sunscreens, especially ones that provide a little coverage too.
Also, it’s great that you’ve gone more inclusive by mentioning plus size picks—any chance you could regularly include petite picks for the shorties in your readership?
Thanks for soliciting ideas!
I’d love to see a mall (or its spiritual successors) challenge.
I like that one!
I’ve been searching for the perfect drapey, button-down black shirt for 3 years. I am plus size 16 so it needs to be loose, cover my butt, be able to unbutton to show a little cleavage, and most of all be FLOWY. I want this to be the perfect shirt I can throw on for 1) hosting in our home 2) going out to a bar 3) looking casually sexy.
In 3 years of hunting I’ve found nothing but crisp percale shirts and sheer black polyester that becomes a staticky hell in dry weather. I do not want silk or dry clean only. I would like it to be $85 or less. Am I asking the impossible? If anyone could find this shirt, I feel like you could!
I second this request, for all non-tiny sizes.
I don’t know how many GOACA readers are struggling with what to wear on interviews when you’re starting over in a new field and wanting to look professional and hirable while not highlighting you’re possibly older than the person interviewing you who’ll be your new manager and scaring them. That may be too small a niche (though interviewing with a younger potential boss isn’t uncommon, I think). So maybe a post on good interview outfit options for those of us whom traditional blazers fit badly? I had one suit that worked on me, and that was many years and pounds ago.
And if you feel like doing investigative reporting, I’d love to know when and why every designer decided women’s waists have migrated up our bodies. I’m long-waisted so I was used to occasionally trying on a dress and having the hip shaping hit above my hips. But now, it’s only occasionally that it doesn’t happen.
Yes yes yes Mockingbird! I feel your pain. I have to say I recently went thru the interview circuit in blazers and decided in the last one to go instead with a silk blouse, black trouser crops, and peep toe heels- it felt very me, was fun yet polished. And I accepted the job offer!
Woot Woot!!!
This may bo completely off the mark but as someone who is recently divorced and living alone for the first time at age 43, I would love to see a “best things about living alone”, “things to do alone” sort of thing 😊
yes! especially relevant when heading into a new year/clean slate idea…
Yes, I am divorced too and 44! And can I add the best things about being an aunt (and not a mom).It is a special role.
high & low….ie what you would buy is money didn’t matter, what you would buy, and what you would buy if on a entry level budget.
Perhaps a post for those of us who work at home/alone who don’t want or need to “dress” for work but also don’t want to spend endless days in pajama bottoms and hoodies? It does something to your mind when you can’t remember if you’re wearing pants or that your shirt is on backwards. Would love some suggestions for a work-at-home clothing strategy that was easy but also imparted confidence. Solopreneurship has enough ups and downs without also feeling icky about your clothes. Thanks for your soulful suggestions and good humor throughout 2017.
YES!!! I have gone from being someone who had a blog and photographed what I wore every day (several years ago) to working at home full time and see how easy it could be to slide into the “sweatpants uniform” every day.
Yes, could you look into caftans that do not break the bank and could go from working from home to the outside world if needed !? (I’m completely 100% serious.) TY
PS Don’t forget about La Gruta in SMA! It’s lovely.
In 2018 one of my goals is to direct my dollars to businesses owned by women and/or people of color. Would love to see a list
Love this idea a lot.
YES!!!
More beauty posts!
I desperately need new basic slacks and trousers. All of mine have or are developing holes. I LOVE the look of the Vince slacks that you often post, they’re pretty much my ideal pant, but they’re way too far out of my price range. I know that price based questions are annoying, but I do admire your style, so I’m hoping you’ll help me. Thanks and have a great trip!
I’m going through a big change in Jan 2018 and would love tips on how to reinvent my wardrobe. I have to since I’m moving to a much warmer climate (moving to LA) and I can wear fun things because I work in the arts but I’m intimidated moving to the west coast fashion capital. I’d rather edit my wardrobe before the move then purchase things in person and with time/thought when I’m down there and more inspired… how would you proceed with this fun yet challenging task?
I would love a post on issues that Girls of a Certain Age deal with, uniquely in some instances. For example, being called ma’am; peri/menopause; etc. (to color hair or not to color could also go in this bucket, though I’ve been entirely gray since my 20s)! As a single person, I also worry about aging issues like long-term care insurance, retirement, etc. (non-singles of course also worry, but I feel more vulnerable for not being coupled). I know these topics are a bit heavier than the usual here, but I appreciate this community & feel like it’s a safe place to explore/discuss them, in some ways even more so – or at least differently – than with friends IRL. This request is admittedly not as fun as go-to nail-polish colors (I’m also down with that as a topic too, please!), but figured I would throw it out there! Safe travels! xo
Hi, LOVE your site. thanks so much for your excellent commentary and choices. i would love a tote review. i know you have done these before but i need a heavy duty one that can deal with computer, and stuff for travel for work that looks good. i had one by rachel n. and it has reached the end of its days but have not been able to find a new one that is not $500+. Also would love recommendations on towels == random but we cannot seem to get ones that stay clean and smell good for more than a year. thank you, and have a great trip (and I think I am going to go get those no. 6 clogs next week).
I just read about these antimicrobial silver-infused towels that are supposed to be the greatest thing since sliced bread: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/silvon-towels-reimagined-home?utm_source=googlesearch&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=983537210&utm_content=240917916901&utm_term=%2Bantimicrobial%20%2Btowel&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItZT5ioqi2AIVlbjACh1WLgIFEAAYAiAAEgKx4PD_BwE#/
I would love to see a post with black slacks to go with all those party in a top posts that you like to do (and I love). Maybe even two posts, one with high waisted flowing black slacks worn with strappy sandals and a second with crop slacks that can be worn with boots.
1. Work-appropriate tops to wear under blazers—preferably things that add a little color and personality to a boring black blazer without getting too Madonna “Express Yourself” (although I love that look—just not for work)
2. Brands whose quality is dipping (I’m looking at you Banana Republic) and brands that are surprisingly high quality but affordable.
I was laid off from my job in January 2017 and to be honest, it’s knocked me sideways. I’m 58 years old and have applied to close to a hundred jobs, getting a few interviews and no job offers. I’d really like to hear about women who have gone through this and how they came out ok on the other side, because I could really use the inspiration.
Yes, this! I’ve applied for dozens of jobs for which I know I’m qualified, but haven’t been invited to even one interview. Applications are done digitally and submitted online, so there’s no human element. I’m a 54-year-old wannabe career changer and I am feeling more and more invisible and irrelevant. I’d love the chance to learn from successful later-in-life career changers.
Thirded! My job is ending at the end of the year, so I’m a new paddler in this boat. I’m 53 and in a large-ish city in a mostly rural state. I also have telecommuted for the past 20 years so I’m thinking jeans and sweaters aren’t quite dressy enough, even for this area.
Welcome to the club, Mary Alice. It’s really tough out there for us 50-plusers. My only suggestion is to find a good career placement advisor who can help re-craft your resume, including different versions for different types of jobs, and help you make sure you’re making use of online resources like LinkedIn. Most important, work your network and contacts. Mention you’re looking to everyone. You never know who they might know. Those online job apps mostly seem to go into a black hole that no one looks at. Personal contacts are the only way I’ve gotten job leads. Also, temp agencies that place contract workers are a way of getting a foot in the door and employment and the agencies often provide benefits too.
I would be interested to hear your take on facial piercings and visible tattoos. I’m 44 and really want to get my septum pierced with a small ring. I work in the arts but live in the South so it would definitely impact my professional appearance. I’m not sure I’m brave enough. I have considered trying a temporary one as an experiment. I’d love to hear your thoughts on all sorts of personal adornments from multiple ear piercings to bold tattoos.
Thanks and enjoy your trip!
i’m having a strangely hard time finding zip-up sweatshirts with collars instead of hoods. Am I the only one who gets the hood wadded up in weird and uncomfortable ways? Any help appreciated!
I’d love to see a post about how to resist being marginalized as a single 50+ woman. And if that involves tips on well-priced cashmere or best red nail polish options, all the better.
I’d love to see a post on what to wear when it’s cold as hell. You may have written about this in the past but I’m always stumped in the winter on how to look fashionable yet keep warm.
I am dying to know what your closet is like! How does it inspire you to dt SS? How do you purge, rotate? How do you manage your clothes.
I want to get as much wear as I can out of my clothes. I’d love a post on clothing items that can go from work to weekend (my work is fairly relaxed). I also second posts on ethical clothing brands, upcoming brands, brands you think are on the decline and those that are good value for money. That’s the wish list for 2018! And what would you like from your readers?
I love the idea of a uniform ward robe, but can’t figure that out other than pants and a jacket. Would love to see some styles that inspire you …
I loved 20 Wardrobe Classics. Perhaps an update?
your media diet: what news sources, blogs, music, and pop culture you “digest” daily. essential devices, apps, podcasts. you get the idea.
fashion posts: head-to-toe outfits, splurge v. steal – or a weekend steal; best collars and colors for your complexion or face shape
favorite spots in nyc.
What is the best book you read in 2017?
What, if anything, are you excited about in 2018? A goal, perhaps? (But no New Year’s Resolutions…they’re meant to be broken!)
Maybe you’ve asked this before, but I’d love to know this from other GOACA’ers: What would be your dream job? Assuming that you could start fresh with school, funds, etc.
Socks, tights, leggings please!
Layering ideas / layering tricks – it seems to be the thing to do, but how to figure out which patterns go together?
I’d love to see a fashion retrospective of your favorite and best outfits you’ve worn since your Sassy days! Would love to see how your style evolved from Sassy to Lucky to GOACA! Also want more pics of you and your current outfits!
Ditto on the professional office wear for interviews and for every day at the office. I live in the south and what is considered business casual in the rest of the world is not business casual here. In every conversation about work I have with my professional friends, the topic of where to buy “work” clothes comes up. Help!
extended calf boots!!
Brands for mens clothing. I have brothers, a dad and a boyfriend to buy occasional gifts for and I’d love some tips for where to look.
I love the home posts you do. I’m in the market for a new duvet cover and would enjoy seeing what you find.