Jun 19, 2018 - But I digress... Let’s have some fun
This week, I will publish my 3000th post. Back in 2016, when I published my 2000th, I gave you all the opportunity to ask me anything, and since one of you suggested we make that a regular event, I’ve decided to do it again. As long as the question isn’t too excruciatingly personal, or the reply too potentially libelous, I’ll answer it. See you in the comments.
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.
Do you in fact own three cars and no stereo?
Ok here’s a real question: What’s the naughtiest thing any dog of yours has ever done?
Which item that you, for whatever reason, talked yourself out of purchasing, do you regret missing out on the most? And what item that you surplussed from your closet, for whatever reason, do you miss the most?
Yes! I was going to ask this.
What’s the most recent addition to your bucket list?
What’s been on your bucket list the longest time?
If you were a plant, what would you be?
If you were a cocktail, what would you be?
What are your grand plans for Girl of a Certain Age? (Know you’ve got a new site coming, but curious about what’s beyond that.)
How much money do you spend on clothes/shoes/accessories per month?
what advice would you give to a woman in her late 30s?
And can I piggyback and ask for advice for a woman who has just turned 40, if there is any variance in what you’d say?
(Since I work in sports…) What’s the most interesting crossover from sports to fashion that you’ve seen, and vice-versa?
What have you learned/ advice you’d give – that goes against what you were taught/ conventional wisdom?
When did you start to feel confident in who you are? What happened (or didn’t happen) to invoke that confidence?
What questions do you like to ask on a first date?
Do you ever think about living somewhere other than NYC?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What do you miss about Sassy/ Lucky (aside from the wardrobe budget)?
Who are your most important mentors?
What do you consider your most significant professional “failure”?
When do you know it is time to “retire” a trend or a particular piece.
At what age did you really know your own style?
What are you looking forward to/excited about?
Which products are you using in your daily skincare and makeup routines?
Which items/brands (for both fashion and beauty) do you find seriously overrated?
Have you ever dealt with a mean-spirited haidresssr/aesthetician as a GOACA, who critiqued your appearance in a way that wasn’t helpful or appropriate? If so, how did you handle it?
(Looking for a graceful way to handle my discomfort with stylists who IMO make ten too many comments per appointment about my tragically dry hair or overgrown cuticles. So many service providers are straight-up dicks in search of the upsell and I want to see how a smart woman might tackle that in the moment.)
@sevenlocalfilm/Seth Fein…new beau?
Whoa! What have I missed?!?
When will your book be finished/published?
What are your thoughts on “fast fashion”?
What advice do you have about dating in your 40s and 50s?
What advice would you give someone about to enter their 40s (read: me!)?
What fashion trend do you wish would stay hidden in the back of the closet forever and ever?
What’s your advice for staying stylish in your late 40s and beyond?
How did you decide what to do post-Lucky?
What is your personal advice on being older and dating? (Yes there’s a theme!)
If you could go back and change one thing—do it over, make it different, say it differently— what would it be and why?
What changes have you had to make (if any) to your lifestyle in general, but to your self-care in particular, after becoming a GOACA?
How is life after alcohol? What are the changes in your life that you didn’t expect/anticipate?
if you could change one thing in your life; what would it be?
What are you most afraid of?
When should a woman stop wearing ripped jeans?
What do you think of Levi’s 501 in white with a tapered leg….and some distressing. On a woman who’s almost fifty!
can you speak a little more about your sobriety? i’ve been a reader for many years but missed this one. what has been the most helpful to you? what’s the biggest challenge? thank you for being so open about it. and im looking forward to your book.
You know when you’re trying to fall asleep and all of a sudden your brain starts thinking of that time you did something horrible to someone else, did something really embarrassing, or just eff’d up?
What story from your past keeps you up at night?
How did you first know that you wanted to get divorced? Was it a difficult decision? Do you ever wonder what would happen if you didn’t?
Are you really cool with Christina Kelly now? Is there anyone from your professional past that you’re not really cool with?
Also, what ever happened to Karen Catchpole?
what is Emanuelle Alt really like?
do you regret endorsing anything (fashion/ beauty) on GOACA?
Ditto the questions on sobriety. I have 28 years under my belt, but would love to hear about your experience.
What is your writing process? Where do you write, when do you write (time of day), what inspires you? Do you keep lists of topics for posts or are you more in the moment? Who supports you, if anyone – researcher, editor, proofreader, etc?
Do you have a motto that you live by?
It seems like most people with a platform weighed in on the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain – I was wondering if you debated writing a post about it/depression or you just don’t think it is appropriate content for GOACA? Or had nothing to “add”? – Just curious in these sad times, it seems like you often hit on some of the heavier aspects of life – even if just in your links. (Or maybe you did address it and I missed it.)
This was what I was going to ask as well, especially about Kate Spade because I assumed you’d have met her at some point in your career. Too personal? Too sad? It really felt strange that it wasn’t mentioned or addressed.
How often do you purge your closet and how do you do it? Does it vary by clothes, shoes and bags? Thanks for sharing!
Can you tell us about your dogs? How do you manage them in a NYC apartment? Also, would you consider posting pictures of yourself wearing some of the clothing that you buy?
This is a very Sassy-specific question: you got to meet a lot of famous/cool musicians during your time there. Which one was the most unexpectedly interesting/fun to talk to?
You made a comment about DVF and how you don’t show her clothes because your personal experience and her reputation in the business is as being mean and not supportive of other women. As much as I love gossip and hearing how evil some people can be, maybe tell us who is surprisingly nice and warm and supportive. With the immigrant children being torn from their parents I am searching for good in the world these days.
what do you think of Anthony Bourdain’s death…
What’s your advice re letting go of, selling or donating unwanted but good designer clothes? I’ve tried RealReal, but is there a way to digest getting pennies on the dollar with Zen acceptance?
What is your bedtime routine for a refreshing sleep? Yes, I want to know if you soak in the tub with Epsom salts while gazing at lit candles, if you use an ambient noise machine, if you like cotton PJs and what kind of mattress and pillow work for you.
These things become more important at a certain age. And while we’re at it, do the dogs jump up on your bed in the night?
Sleep hygiene is the thing.
What did you once believe (about yourself, or anything else) that you no longer do?
How do you meet people to date?
What do you appreciate about being a woman of a certain age and what do you miss about being a woman of a younger age?
Botox? Yes or no? And at what age?
What is your worst career mistake/regret?
And how do you manage writer’s block?
After several heartbreaks, how have you continued to trust and to be open?
Did you consider having children as a single parent? What was that thought process like?
I realize these are both very perspnal–I only ask them because they are questions I think about often myself. I completely understand if you would prefer not to answer.
I’d like to know more about your dogs. What are their names and how old are they? What are their personalities? Was the little one happy when you adopted the big one? How are they getting along? I would love to see another post in the future about dog accessories.
What’s it like to be famous? Is it fun when fans approach you or annoying? Do you feel pressure to dress or look a certain way because people know who you are?
Have you ever reached a point when you realized you were old?
What do you think about style “rules”? Should people be steered away from things that aren’t “age appropriate”, “plus size”, “off-trend”, etc?
Probably been asked before, but do you have any interest in setting up any events in Los Angeles for us left-coast GOACA?
I am a firm believer in natural fabrics, cotton, linen and silk. I like to feel cool. If I see the words viscose polyester,rayon etc. I won’t buy it unless it’s at least 50% cotton. Change my mind?
Can there be a discussion about Botox, fillers, and all the rest? I’d like to know your thoughts but also those of your readers. What have people tried and abandoned, what do people do regularly and love, what age did y’all start these things, and will you do them forever or is there a point where one stops? Has anyone regretted using these measures? I haven’t done any of these things and am now wondering if it’s too late and also am trying to sort out what I think, what I would be comfortable with. I’m a bit afraid of all of it, but I have reached an age where I struggle more with my forehead than my hips, and that is saying something.
Aside from Maria Cornejo, are there any labels that you find to be consistently high quality (and stylish, obvs)? As I increasingly want fewer, better things, I am finding good quality construction hard to identify, especially online. Quality seems to be inconsistent even within a label.
In a similar vein, do you have any thoughts about fashion companies that prioritize manufacturing in New York or the United States? Are there any benefits beyond sustainability? Do you think maintaining a manufacturing ‘center’ matters (in light of the de Blasio proposal to move it to Brooklyn)?
1. Will you please be my Auntie? (but seriously.)
2. How did you learn to invest and/or about other financial security tactics? My salary is nowhere near your former paycheck (teacher), but I know there’s more I could be doing to make myself more financially secure. I just never know where to start, and the internet feels like drinking from a fire hose.
Hi!! Love your blog! My daughter and I will be celebrating her 21st birthday in NYC in August. I know it will be stinking hot! We plan to walk a lot. What are the must haves to pack? I’m not a short/ sneakers kinda mom! Just need a few ideas. ❤️
You get to partner with any designer you choose to create an 8 piece capsule collection of “Kim’s must haves”. Who do you partner with and what items are in the collection?
Ooo! Good one, Jennie!
After there any fashion blog sites you check out and would recommend to a GOACA if they need more reading material.
I would love to hear your thoughts on ripped jeans! Not completely ripped to shreds but some forced distressing around the knees. Levi’s 501 and the Wedgie are often ripped.
Can’t makeup my mind if my 49.5 year old body is trying too hard to be hip and am slowly going crazy!
Actually, any denim advice whatsoever would be fantastic!
What are your days like, start to finish? Where does work fit in? Besides working on your computer, is there anything else you consider “work?” What do you do socially–or anti-socially!–for fun?
Also, I’m interested in how you started GOACA. Is it 100% produced by you, or do you have someone to proofread, etc?
I don’t know how many years it’s been since you and the other OGs left Lucky (before it folded), but I still have not recovered. Thank you for this blog–your contributions as well as the community of fabulous GOACAs you’ve cultivated. 🖤
How many No.6 Clogs do you own? How many is too many for me to own??
Perhaps a stupid question but I struggle with this one! Unless a shirt is really short, how do you know when to tuck one in?
I’m not a fan of the tuck personally but also not a fan of cropped tops. At 5 foot five, I can’t seem to find many shirts to leave untucked.
Also! How often do you get rid of clothes (prune your wardrobe)? I have occasional cleaning binges but also have some clothes I’ve had for *years* and sometimes that makes me feel like a crazy person (some are well maintained basic pieces, and some are things I loved and had a hard time separating from). Do you have a one in—one out policy, or a regular seasonal purge? Or any system or set of rules to recommend? Are there certain types of clothes you would only hold on to for a short amount of time and other categories that you consider more timeless and would hold onto for longer (years, even)? Please help!
I think I asked this the last time you did a Q&A, but would you ever consider providing (at a cost, of course) personal shopping services? There are plenty of us out here who are in need of a critical but knowledgeable and friendly eye whilst shopping. I feel like you have the credentials, connections, and experience with various labels to offer this as a service to GOACA. Is this something that you have thought of before?
Hi Kim, I’m having some trouble finding balance in my life between a demanding job, newly dating after divorce, aging parents, spending time with friends, and trying to have enough down time for myself. I find the time for sleep suffers. Any advice and/or thoughts here on how you approach this greatly appreciated! Thank you very much.
If you couldn’t live in New York, where would you live?
Do you listen to the radio or podcasts?
How do you get your news?
In your opinion, is it ok to keep a certain item of clothing in regular rotation in one’s wardrobe for 5 years? 10 years? 15 years? Assuming said item is clean and in good condition? I have a few things I love and I just feel like “me” wearing them, even though I acquired them in my early thirties and I’m now in my mid-forties. How do I know if I look dated and sad, or does that not matter if I still feel good wearing them?
What are your thoughts on else? I am 48 and my midsection is not what it used to me. Do you think belts can help to make a mid-section look thinner even though that is not the case?
BELTS!!! That was supposed to say belts.
Also any thoughts on what works best when your weight is fluctuating.
what question are you dreading someone will ask?
would you do us the honors of answering the ultimate interrogation, the Proust Questionnaire:
https://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2000/01/proust-questionnaire
Any regrets? If so, what?
When Lucky was over for you, how long did it take you to figure out what to do next and what was your process? (I’m in the middle of a 3/4 life crisis.)
What item of clothing in your closet is the quintessential Kim?
I need a new pan! I think you said you bought a GreenPan awhile ago? But I cannot for my life find the link. Which one/do you like it/anything better out there? Thanks!!!!!
Oh wait I need a cool shower curtain too. 🙏 taking any recommendations!
I’m getting confused about what a Mom Jean actually is.
High-rise, straight and cropped? I thought a straight-leg jean was a classic?
What is the best thing you’ve found about being the age you are? (For example, in my mid 40s I’m really starting to appreciate how much I don’t give a fuck about what people think about me anymore.)
When will all our questions be answered? I’ll need to get a bowl of popcorn ready…