I feel like we’re kind of overdue for one. Send me your best.
Jul 27, 2021 - But I digress...
I feel like we’re kind of overdue for one. Send me your best.
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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.
Hair. Flattering haircuts for the 40+.
I’d love this. So tired of everyone trying to give me a bob. (Which they’ve been trying to do since I was 14.)
Unicorns: apparel/accessory items that set the high bar for:
cost per wear
quality
longevity
multi purpose
multi-person (heights, shapes, ages, style)
Just a thought …. but I see the best seller posts on here as unicorn like. They always skew towards super stylish basics in very neutral colors.
I might be alone here but I’m glad the era of skinny jean hegemony is over. As ever, I’m on the lookout for straight leg jeans with at least a 32″ inseam (in other words, not just full-length but almost floor-length) and a medium-rise waist. Is this a weird thing to want? It might be because this jean doesn’t seem to exist. Any and all leads appreciated. Also, I feel like these fuller legged jeans look better with something in a slimmer cut on top — if I wear them with a blousy blouse I look sort of poofy all over. A post on these matters would be great.
as you’ve described the jean i’m always looking for, i’ll give you a list of my usual suspects: citizens of humanity “charlotte”, madewell “perfect jean” in tall, Acne Studios “classic fit” (and yes, i know, but i never said i’d give you a cheap list! btw: order a million different sizes, lengths and styles from them… they have a free shipping free return policy and even though it’s not exactly climate sensitive, it rocks for jean try-on… just be aware your order will be, like, a thousand dollars and make you want to pass out… but you’re only going to keep one super over-priced pair… and that’s only if you get lucky!), AGOLDE “lana” (weirdly billed as “low rise” when they are decidedly NOT) and possibly AGOLDE “cherie” but i haven’t tried them on. if the egregious price of the jeans on this list makes you have vertigo, you can try them on, find your perfect suspects and usually find them on therealreal, ebay, mercari, etc etc etc. enjoy!
THANK YOU!
All I’m seeing is crop tops and billowy cottagecore… Help! Looking for minimalist, classy, yet still edgy clothing that doesn’t break the bank.
Looking to update my living room. Couches that don’t break the bank, but aren’t from wayfair. Needs to look good and be comfortable as well. Modern/contemporary but will look good 10 years from now.
I’ve been a fan since before Lucky (I still think the sticker tabs were the most brilliant mag invention ever!). This is a super specific request. Your body is totally different than mine (i’m pear-shaped, with really wide hips) and I find that many of your chino suggestions don’t look flattering on me because of the side seam pockets… they flare open because of my curves. Can you do a post on pants that have a traditional 5-pocket style front pocket? Thank you!
Mooki, I always take side pocket pants to the tailor and have the pockets sewn shut. It has made a big difference for me.
Ooh, ooh! Lingerie for hot, sticky summer weather, please! Divvied into perhaps a few size categories would be lovely.
Low heel, knee high black boots, I’d like something a little edgier than a riding boot but that still feels classic. I’d also love to know your most worn pieces that have stood the test of time.
Not exactly a topic, but a feature request: Would it be possible to enable sharing photos in these comments? It would be inspiring to see other ladies’ posts of good outfits, jewellery, coifs, etc., that work in real life. (E.g., if anyone figures out how to pair boots / booties with the new non-skinny jean cuts / fits, I would love to see their combos … (-: )
Already made some requests, but here’s another and I promise the last one: loafers (I love the way ballet flats look with skinny jeans, BUT not how they look with straight leg jeans so I’m guessing a loafer or a boot would be the most flattering)
I think that ballet flats look cute with bootcut or flared jeans.
Outfits for getting back out into the world that don’t involve leggings or sweats of any kind. Ideally don’t even include T-shirts. Dressing but not overdressing.
Vegan “leather” options for shoes and bags please! Love this blog and all of the requests I’m reading on here too. : )
I have several weddings and Bar Mitzvahs coming up, since everything was postponed last year. I would love to see some special occasion dresses and outfits.
Essential travel clothes for when the world opens up again.
Good travel outfits! Esp for when it’s 90 degrees where you live, freezing on the plane and temperate where you’re going.
Best dating apps for a “woman of a certain age”
I’m bewildered by jeans styles right now…seems like skinnies are finally out (?) but I am seeing such a huge range of styles, and most of them don’t look very flattering, especially for a GOACA. What to buy for Fall?
I’d love to see trousers that are current and stylish without being too skinny or short (damn the 26” inseam which now seems to be standard!). These unicorns would also be wool, wool blend or at least a dense, high-quality synthetic that doesn’t look cheap and plasticky. Styling for full-length straight and bootcut pants with heels 85mm or lower would also be super-helpful.
Things for which there are many competitors that all pale in comparison. When shopping online it is hard to determine if the original version is worth the price or wait or if it’s just branding.
Office appropriate for those who are back in the office but want comfortable pants. Especially those pants that are flattering for those of us who gained a bunch of weight over the past 28 months or so.
I would love some advice on this topic, too! I’ll be heading back to the office in September, and I’ve gained a fair amount of weight over the past year plus. I’d love to find some outfits that help me feel confident. Thank you!
Flats you can walk in, ankle boots with jeans, affordable versions of the tweed chanel jacket & how best to style them, crossbody bags with straps long enough to get over a bulky coat
Sustainable brands, and/or shopping your closet. (I see a lot of similar requests above!)
so many great ideas that I agree with here! For me it’s outfits – I see great single items, and I have many, but seeing things put together in different ways is always illuminating for me. I can get tangled up in proportion issues, and then add bag or jacket options and I’m in the weeds.
Comfy white booties or boots for fall! Mine are on their last treads and gotta have some new ones to tromp back into the office!
I know I’m late to the game, but searching for panties that are slightly more high rise without being granny knickers would be great.
I am late to this thread but…any interest in a post about skin care regarding cosmetic procedures like fillers, IPL, etc…? I feel like we all talk about skin care in terms of products but that it’s still kind of taboo to admit we’ve had some work done. I have no judgment towards any of it as I have had a few treatments here and there and wonder if anyone would be open to discussing the topic in a safe way without shaming. Thanks!
There was this thread a while back, DK, but maybe it’s time to explore this topic again! https://www.girlsofacertainage.com/but-i-digress/have-you-had-or-will-you-ever-have-fillers-injections-etc/
Summer dresses for the office and for weekends, budget friendly please around $50 each
Also a special occasion dress for an upcoming belated wedding reception (we had a covid wedding) and what shoes and earrings to wear with. Preferably one with a loose middle that can accommodate my baby bump
Another vote for a belated wedding celebration dress! (Also congratulations!)
It’s hard to find casual solid dresses – no pattern or florals please. I miss the textures in mixing textiles (knit and a woven) in the same garment.
Check out Xirena–often has solid-color options, usually in cotton gauze. Bonus: most garments made in USA.
Two things: 100% cotton knit pajama sets which are not covered in flower prints (so hard to find!)
Black booties which go a smidge above the ankle which are very close-fitting.
Unfortunately heel height shouldn’t really be above two inches.
Thank you! Looking forward to these posts.
Two upcoming (Covid postponed) weddings. Looking for chic, a little edgy and not short. Maybe even not black?
100% wool longish (hitting knee or below) investment coat – preferably something other than black. Maybe navy or camel?
Long gold (or “gold”) chains – on which to thread charms, or lockets, or odd earrings? Some solid, basic jewelry recommendations needed!
More posts featuring sustainable brands or investment pieces. Combing through the best pieces at upcoming sales (at Nordstrom or Shopbop, for example). Guest posts from other cool ladies featuring their favorite summer/fall purchases.
a variety of flats that are comfortable, stylish, in vegan and/or real leather, including ones made by indie companies, and sustainably and ethically minded companies. I miss the Italian made Cece flats that J Crew used to have.
Cute scarves of different types, from bandannas to silk shawls and everything in between!
COVID has found me in the middle of a separation/divorce, and I have no idea what to wear once I start dating again. Let’s just say it’s been MANY years since I’ve dated. I’d love suggestions for cool date-appropriate clothing that may be a bit more fitted/polished than what I usually wear (I usually gravitate towards looser, minimalist styles).
Similar here. During COVID my marriage ended, I moved, was desperately searching for a job, and my last surviving parent passed. I want to find my “me” again and that includes how I want to look and dress going forward.
Wow Elizabeth that’s a lot. Hope you are doing okey
Seconded! I’ve been looking for tops that show a little cleavage, but everything seems to be cropped these days!
Agreed! Cannot go back to pre-COVID clothes, but need to be more polished as meetings begin again.
i wouldn’t mind a post on activewear…(said the pilates instructor…)… so much of it skews too young/ridiculous/revealing that many of my GOACA clients just stick with black leggings and long t-shirts…i would love to see what you can do with it!
I am sooooooooooo tired of only being able to find CROPPED EXERCISE TOPS or BRA EXERCISE TOPS. They don’t even make sense––particularly if you are laying down on a reformer or an exercise mat or anything where you top half makes contact with some kind of exercise apparatus. (I have a lot of energy on this 😉
Just want to suggest Oiselle for activewear – great stuff. The flyte tanks are a dream to wear. The shorts all come in a variety of lengths. Good fabric that hold up well. And they have the most comfortable sport sandals to recover in.
I second the request for non-twee hair accessories, please. Also sustainable office-appropriate attire.
Try France Luxe. Many of their accessories come in several variations of tortoise.
Yeah … I have been looking for summer-weight pantsuits that aren’t either horribly cheap looking or reeeeeally expensive. I don’t see much in the middle. (Plus I am picky about colors and fabrics too. This may not ever happen.) Oh and they should fit a full range of sizes too, if at all possible, but I’m still interested in hearing about it if they don’t. I guess I could just not close the jacket…
Hi…how about a post on activewear (said the pilates instructor…) so much of it skews too young/ridiculous/revealing that many (most) of my GOACA clients default to plain black leggings and long t-shirts….i would love to see what you can do with it 😉
oops sorry duplicate comment…
Woven wool coats for fall! And favorite small brands. Thanks!
I don’t want to wear heels anymore, but can’t do the sneaker look at work. So maybe good work looks with flat boots or shoes?
I would love to see truly comfortable (good looking) and good-for-walking sneakers, shoes, clogs, sandals and boots. Ones that work for people with bad knees, hips, etc.
I will never get tired of these types of posts. please!
Mid-weight, non-wool jackets for fall; age-appropriate hair accessories; gold earrings; apple watch bands for both exercise and everyday
I second the Apple Watch bands. The in-the-box ones are SO UGLY and they don’t stay on. Help! I hate all the ones I’ve seen so far. Except for Hermes and that’s a no until I win Lotto.
Speaking of Hermes, how about some scarves you love that aren’t $450+?
I agree about never finding an Apple Watch band to love. That said, I did buy a cheapy Target Heydey? blush pink mesh steel Apple Watch band that is in heavy rotation this summer. Just a subtle shade of pink that looks nice with a tan for summer.
Bring on the non-button down shirts (blousy, tee, summer, fall, winter, whatever you got), please. I FINALLY found jeans to fit and am ready to ditch dresses at least some of the time and realized my shirt selection is pretty sad. Also (not to be greedy) a pre- or early season post on short puffer coats would be great. Looking forward to what other readers come up with.
yes, ideally with sleeves!
And what are the jeans that fit you? And, yay!
I ordered, and returned, no less than a zillion pairs over the past year-plus and the first pair I tried on in person actually fit and looked so good that I am going to get more (price tag and “out of style” skinny fit be darned!). I’m 5′ 2″ and never thought I’d resort to a high waisted pair but these don’t feel like I am being cut in half: https://lagence.com/products/margot-high-rise-skinny-jeans-black-noir
I would love to see posts on winter clothing … it will help me get through the toasty part of the year!
A navy blue dress (solid), midi, XXL/ 1X or 16/18 in an A line for an upcoming family picture…sleeves please. My dream would be a shirtdress.
Have you checked out Universal Standard? I love their stuff – https://www.universalstandard.com/collections/dresses-jumpsuits-sample-sale
How about a post on some office appropriate but rock n roll style? a little punk rock for financial services. 🙂
I’m an oncologist and would also appreciate suggestions for work-appropriate clothes with a little edge.
I second this!
Another doctor here… I so badly need work appropriate dresses and tops that fit under a lab coat!! Preferably that are a little edgy, too 😉 These last few years of puffy sleeves has left me wearing basic sleeveless shells all year round…
Great idea – Huzzah! Elementary school teacher chiming in for comfortable edgy/cool looks -all the teachers at my school in LA are stylish – we’re always looking for/appreciate fresh ideas.
Also, white gauze shirts (any and all styles) that don’t cost a small fortune for our protracted hot weather season that’s staring to ramp up now.
Thanks, have a good one!
Yes! Another educator here who needs edge – I start ajduncting at an art college this fall in addition to my regular gig. Help a sister out! Don’t have as much time to shop anymore 🙂
What’s looking dated to you now? What are you just not reaching for any more?
I second this request from Sharona – perhaps paired with the items that are filling the hole left by the dated items? I am thinking along the lines of the recent post where you showed the Clark wedges you were wearing to replace some no longer comfortable / compelling shoes.
Black boots. Not knee high, but jean appropriate and without a high heel. Throws for winter comfort in case we’re back in lock-down or even if we’re not. Lamps that do not have shades. And, vegetarian that I am, I have become obsessed with suede shirts. Also, I’m always on the lookout for patterned flannel sheets that are not plaid (I believe this is a bit of blowback from living with someone who could only sleep on grey or white sheets).
Second the request for office appropriate, with some rock and roll thrown in (like dresses with grown up hemlines with fun jackets). Any dark florals a big plus. THANK YOU!
How to style boots/booties with jeans. I’ve resisted the trend of high waist jeans, but could use some guidance on how to style boots/booties with some of the newer jean trends- cropped raw edges, straight, and the old standby of the skinny.
Can we expand that into how to style ANY shoe with jeans? Especially the wide leg flare leg jeans. They come so long and I do not want to wear sky high heels with them (ideally, a flat or just a minimal heel at best) so then they sit in my closet because I don’t know what shoes to wear in order to bring them to a tailor to hem them to an appropriate length.
How to update the tunic and leggings look for going back to work in person.
Hiya!
This is redundant but I could really use some jean guidance.
I’m just not sure what’s what in the jeans world anymore..
Are we cropped or is that over.
High waisted or is that over.
Wide legged or straight..etc..
When I lived in nyc I could just go for a walk and I would know. But I’m definitely feeling clueless in Virginia.
Yes, I only wear what I think works for me but still. Nothing ages you faster than really dated jeans.
Thanks Kim!
Caroline I may change my comment name to Clueless in Virginia. I love jeans but agree that they can date you without tweaks.
I wonder though, have jeans become a free-for-all? What I seem to see is chaos. Tomorrow if I see someone in acid wash, I won’t know if they’re being ironic. So, I can’t draw conclusions about them. (Well, depending on the rest of their outfit, that is …) I thought maybe we had finally broken loose from there being a one true denim fashion? Perhaps I imagined it. I mean, I know there is a trend of what’s being *sold,* but do people still go by that?
The jeans thing has me stumped for sure. I am a teen parent and work around teens / young adults in NYC and what they are wearing no one in Gen X is wearing (baggy high waisted light colored mom with potential rips in the knees) whereas 10 years ago teens and adults all wore skinny jeans. I have reverted back to my wide leg and boyfriend styles as a compromise. I am still looking for that perfect mid rise dark wash straight leg jean for fall. No such luck yet.
Well, I don’t know where to find those, but I bet somebody here will. I am a mid-rise fan too. The high rise has been so prevalent I have even thought of getting some and lowering the waist, but luckily I realized I have not the skills to even think about that. … … … I will say, the Mom Jeans Resurgence has been a big surprise. Also that they actually call them that. At least they look comfortable?
things that you still wear that you bought 10, 20 years ago.
Perhaps you could talk a bit about how you think about clothing colors from season to season. How do you balance colors that might look best on you (ala “Color Me Beautiful” for a blast from the past) vs. colors that are featured in current fashion trends?
Two good things to share (and I might share again tomorrow since idk if ppl will see this … ): first, I tried the Cerave Ultra-light moisturizing lotion with spf 30 and so far, it is not annoying. I don’t know how it would be if one did yard-work at noon, but for incidental bits of sun, I like it. I think one of youses here suggested it, so thank you!! I am fussy about wearing heavy lotions. … … … Second, this is perhaps the most awesomest thing I have ever seen on telly: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/these-tight-knit-retirees-are-helping-breast-cancer-survivors-feel-like-boobless-wonders It is sort of like that golden record, playing out in space, it’s that great.
So sorry, I forgot: since we are heading into a situation with probably more mask wearing, I’d love some suggestions for earrings likely to stay put. I lost some earrings early on, pulling masks up and down.
Thanks for the offer! GOACA is a favorite for me because you give us clothing that is fresh, and outside the standard mall store catalog. (1) I would love to see some options for pants with some sort of finished waistline, ratherthan gathered elastic. The elastic pants often have a very unflattering fit, at least for me. Plus, I feel like an oversized, overaged toddler wearing pull ups. (2 ) I don’t know if this is possible, but I would so love to find a chic and warm black wool coat. Maybe $500? Is that possible? (3) fall/winter blazers and jackets, maybe in wool, definitely with some style. Thank you.
How about a post on stylish reading glasses?
Chic, affordable jackets!! A new everyday bag roundup. Good socks. (Thank you for your dedication to your blog, you make us so happy!)
Request: Perfumes. But to be specific, perfumes for transitioning into fall/winter/cozy season.
Awesome thread as always – Re: the requests for return-to-work posts, might it be possible to feature actual practitioners (attorneys, physicians, teachers, etc.) with great style (perhaps drawing from readers/posters here) – ??
This is niche, perhaps, but self tanner for feet? I ‘ve been wearing sneakers for 16 months. I have an amazing sock tan line around my ankles and I am normally proud of it. This tan line represents all the walks that have kept me going. However, I ‘m going to a wedding in September and that sock tan line is going to look dorky with sandals/heels/cute shoes.
Put on a layer of lotion and let it soak in. Then put on a layer of self-tanner, avoiding the soles, edges, Achilles’ tendon, and ankle bones—so mostly just your instep/top of your foot. Repeat every night/every other night for a week or so. If you are still walking in your sneakers on the regular you might consider some sunscreen at the tan line and a bit north.
I am 62 y/o and 5’1″. So many dresses are SO LONG (even when you post about dresses with grown up hemlines), they lose proportion if shortened, and petites are cut all wrong. Would love some fun dresses to wear out and about!