It’s been quite a while since I did one, and it feels like time. Share your queries in the comments.
Jan 23, 2023 - But I digress...
It’s been quite a while since I did one, and it feels like time. Share your queries 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.
Caftans! I know you did one a while ago – maybe caftan update?
Any suggestions on books, magazines, Instagram, TV series, movies etc. , to follow for current fashions for those of us over 50? I follow you and Andrea online and hold onto my 2 Lucky books (forever!) … I don’t live in NYC and therefore don’t see any inspiration on the streets of my city. At all.
Thanks!!
I’m spending two weeks in Italy in late May/early June and I am not sure how to pack! I am thinking of dresses/skirts because those tend to be the most comfortable for me but obviously want to minimize my packing so mixing/matching outfits is ideal. Also shoe recs! I want a comfortable walking sandal that doesnt scream orthopedic. TIA!
I need a beachy “festive formal the invitation says” mother of the groom dress for a wedding in northern florida- in late July. Something maxi, flowing….Help!
Good-looking fitted denim shirts, not too western-y. I’ve seen them on TV shows with ruching under the bust, which would be a great find. Thanks!
The best of the true comfort shoe brands (ecco, Dansko, Vionic, etc.). That is all I can wear and it can be a style challenge. Also non-frumpy dress cardigans. These GOACA arms need to be covered. Would also be interested in a review of Beauty Pie–are the products good, recommendations, is it worth the $. Thanks for a great site.
I feel like the trick to wearing comfy shoes like that and having them look chic is largely about the hem (if you’re wearing pants) right above them. So, for me, a slim pair of black pants with just a bit of a kick pleat at the bottom, hitting right above the ankle, will make almost whatever pair of shoes you’re wearing below look stylish . And keeping the upper half of your clothing neat and tailored too goes a long way as well. And if the shoes are a bit chunky, I just think a nice, trim outfit above with a larger shoe is a great silhouette.
A very specific request, that maybe GOACA readers can help with. Seeking a sleeveless wool sweater (not cardigan/vest) with pockets. My 84-year old mother has worn hers to death, but I can’t find one anywhere
Workout clothes — especially tights — that:
– don’t give you swamp crotch
– don’t show the cellulite
– are over-40 (ok, 50) friendly in terms of style, colors, etc.
The swamp crotch thing is real. EVERY brand I’ve tried (Athleta, LLL, Sweatty Betty) all end up not being able to prevent this, despite their claims. I can’t be the only person who, when they get sweaty, looks down at their once-cute-and-dry tights to see that the entire crotchetal region is soaking wet and soaking through. It’s not a good look and I need resources!
Kim! Grown up sundresses! Not too low or too short?
Good, subtle (NOT statement-y) investment pieces of classic gold jewelry, with or without gemstones. I’ve worn very little jewelry since the pandemic started, but I do especially love pieces that can be worn 24/7 because you can’t even tell you’re wearing them. I’m thinking of a couple of Catbird pieces I own including a gold bracelet that’s welded to my wrist.
Again, best websites for tall ladies of ACA. There is so much frump out there.
Preppy Old-School Khakis. I missed out on ordering the slouchy boyfriend pair from J. Crew and now they are out of stock. I have become obsessed with finding the perfect pair that will not only bring me back to my youth (i.e. the preppy handbook) but channel Annie Hall. Also, my son got me a pair of Doc Martin Oxfords for Christmas and I would LOVE some ideas on how to style them. I just don’t see wearing them with my Nili Lotan Paris pants. Oh, and I absolutely LOVE when you do what to pack wardrobe.
I’m trying a Buy Nothing program Jan into Mar, to see how it goes. I really don’t need any new clothes right now, and I may even try to extend this through the full year, barring any emergency necessities. But I want to be really intentional with my wardrobe — no more closet space and trying to spare the wallet. I’m intrigued by the concept of creating a capsule wardrobe for each season out of the full collection. Just saw this interesting video: https://youtu.be/PV7KjuT4f1Q. Anyway, here’s the request for Kim: I really want to be better at shopping my (decent-sized for an apartment) closet, put outfits together and 1-2 capsule wardrobes. Wondering, if you can share tips, tricks and perspectives from your own experience and apartment/condo life.
Jumpsuits! And non-maternity Maternity.
How to deal with (slow/delay/prevent) hair thinning with age, also while having color treated hair.
How to style a midi faux leather skirt that doesn’t include stilettos or high heeled boots, like for a date night where there will be some walking to dinner.
What is that chain/ropey thing called that you attach to your reading glasses so you can tether them around your neck? I am constantly searching for my reading glasses and now know that the library ladies had it figured out! Are there any decent looking options or is the whole concept a big ‘ahhh… no’?
etsy
I rewatched When Harry Met Sally recently and Meg Ryan rocked the glasses chain and now I am a convert. I went big chunky tortoise chain, go big or go home…
Gym bags that are functional (have a separate shoe compartment) and don’t have a huge logo splashed all the way across them.
I got this bag last year https://www.lolelife.com/en-ca/product/lily-bag-law0880-N134 and it is excellent as a gym bag and travel carry-on!
Please do a post on caring for sweaters. I had an invasion of moths and many of my $$$ and most treasured pieces were ruined. I need expert advice so it never happens again!
Gloves! My leather gloves aren’t warm enough even though they are lined in cashmere – I want practicality and warmth. Much like your cute hat post, cute warm glove post would be great!
I would love a treasury of loud pattered blouses please Kim, particularly button-ups in silk or silk blend. DVF used to have great ones; Zara has good prints but the staticky synthetic fabrics kill the vibe…
Evening dresses that you can wear to a wedding 🙂
Same! But the wedding I’m going to is afternoon through evening (June) and I think something midi length would be great
I would love to see some comfy clothes that are worthy to wear in public – not too schlubby. I don’t want to wear my pajamas, but I also want to be comfortable sitting at the desk in my house most of the day. Jeans are not that. I recently bought a pair of wool drawstring pants from Ann Mashburn, and they are perfect, but they were spendy even on sale.
try Saint + Sofia, they are British, so shipping can take a couple of weeks. but great quality at reasonable prices
A cavalcade of cotton – beyond tee shirts! It’s so damn hard to find mostly cotton socks, underwear, leggings, pajamas, and other apparel at decent price points (and that are attractive). My body wants to breathe!
I have liked everything I have gotten from Pact (wearpact.com) – good quality cotton and cotton/hemp clothes that feel good on.
Also like the things I have from Pact!
Blazers in petite sizes. I’m short-waisted and have short arms, and fitted garments always hit in the wrong place. And all my sleeves are rolled. I’ve been especially looking for man-tailored suit style blazers ever since I forgot mine at a friend’s place and he mistakenly donated it to charity (oops)
I’ve given up wearing blazers and any everlasting search for blazers (ever since I start working in offices), because of those same reasons *and* also being busty. Just not a good recipe for wearing a blazer. I finally got a blazer that looks more expensive than it is (Nordstrom private brand) and a bit edgy with a zipper instead of buttons. It’s a weird combination of bomber jacket features with a blazer, but longer like a blazer jacket … something about the cut elongates and the fabric drapes well — not too structured, not too soft. That’s the only blazer I’ve kept. Otherwise, sweater jackets and cardie blazers are the only blazer-ish things that look good on me.
how about loungewear that is chic but not overtly sexy…trousers that look like, but don’t cost like, The Row…and outfits for entertaining at home…shoes included!!
I co-sign on the request to find dupes for The Row pants! It’s my unicorn wardrobe staple but I still haven’t found anything that comes close.
Hiya!
You shared a killer playlist a few years back. If it’s not too much brain damage I would love another one.
Long, formal dresses — evening wear; specifically, Mother of the Bride/Groom Dresses! Thank you for such a delightful site!
Look at https://www.terijon.com/
Their dresses are fabulous…pricey for me but was worth it…arm coverage/midi length/all sizes and classic/feminine.
It’s so interesting to read what others are struggling with! My biga** boobs have had enough of the prairie-vibe shirts. Could you share suggestions for work shirts that aren’t tight, but are more fitted through the arms and torso? In the poofey shirts I end up looking like a balloon, even with the most drapey fabrics.
Praise be. How can we please tell designers that not EVERY.SINGLE. BLOUSE. need have puff sleeves? I have a ridiculously difficult bra size to begin with (34i-yes, we exist), and puff sleeves on dresses and shirts do *not* flatter.
AMEN – I got me a short torso and long thin arms with boobs (and hips! ugh) – I want chic semi-fitted tops that are fashionable that I can gently tuck into my jeans and trousers.
Perfumes. They’re a great mood enhancer in the depths of winter.
I would love to hear what you have to say about getting your colors done- on the one hand it seems like an old-fashioned thing to do, but on the other hand, maybe it really helps and is awesome?
Like a tonal or seasonal color palette?
I’m all for that as well. I finally figured out what mine were after a few years of deliberation. Am now doing a phased-in roll-out and trying not to have to get a whole new wardrobe because of it.
ditto!
Would it be possible to update the search functionality on the GOACA site? While I visit the site daily for your posts, I often return looking for something I know you’ve previously written about, only to not be able to retrieve said thing.
The holy grail: comfortable, walkable, chic shoes that you’ve actually road-tested. Summer and winter version please. Oh, and bonus points for a chunky sole for us shorties who avoid flats. Thanks for asking!
Flat zip-front ankle boots, please. And if they could be not pointy-toed, that would be great. Crazy specific, I know……
This immediately made me think of the boots by The Row that fit this description (not sure if you want a bit of a platform, but they have one). They are $$$ but if you search for dupes you get lots of options! Hope this helps. https://www.google.com/search?q=the+row+zip+boots+dupe&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1001US1001&oq=the+row+zip+boots+dupe&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30l3j69i64.3715j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Best foundation and concealer that don’t settle into wrinkles!
Combat boots! Full/a-line midi skirts? Fancy work dresses — i.e., for the big presentation / panel discussion / salary meeting. Heels for work. (Can you tell I just work a lot?) Date night skirts and dresses?
Full/a-line midi skirts!!
Bathing suits for 50+ women, one of your last recommendations nailed it for me a couple of years ago and would like more ideas.
-Combat boots
-Best white shirts that are not tees or button downs
-Top five wardrobe staples
-affordable, plus sized midi skirts
This is a very weird beauty request that probably can’t be covered, but at the same time…Could you do some sort of consumer’s guide to refreshing tattoos? Even before the pandemic, my tattoo needed a refresh/re-working from the fading of twenty-six years’ worth of wear. I’m still in the intel gathering stage and want to figure out the most sensible approach to refreshing a tattoo.
Hi D., I know you weren’t asking me, but my $0.02 is (as a lady covered in tattoos, to include several excellent coverups of ~18 yr old works 🙂 ) – find the best-reviewed tattoo shops near you. Once those are found, check out each shop’s website, looking specifically at the tattooers that have a style closest to the piece you’d like to refresh.
After finding those artists, you can usually drop by the shop during business hours for a quick consult with the potential artist, or schedule a consult if not. Usually whoever runs the front desk can offer input, too. Do they think they can re-do it as-is? Will some parts, or the entire thing, require a coverup? Do you want, or do they suggest, any different elements, details, or colors?
Some tattooers aren’t keen on ‘tracing over’ older works that they didn’t do originally, especially if they think the older work wasn’t done well in the first place. The better/best artists should be able to a. tell you that what you want is possible; b. work with you on any tweaks/additions; and c. give you a good idea what to expect regarding time and price.
Apologies for my novel, and for sharing anything that you already knew! Good luck!
Only just now saw this. Thank you so much. I’m totally willing to do something other than tracing, perhaps a new design that makes a known-only-to-me reference to the original. So, I really appreciate your input.
I’m so glad!! I hope that you have an awesome experience, and my fingers are crossed that you find an excellent tattooer to collaborate with. <3
Since I plan on being at the beach a lot this summer – cover ups? I find they are really all over the place. Want something that is easy to put on, and cute enough to get home and make dinner in. And can be easily washed because the sunscreen always seems to bake itself in…
Loafers or ballet flats
My husband and i listened to the last episode that Jen just apologized profusely for, it was his first time listening , he absolutely loved it! And he wanted to hear more!
I live in LA and am going to NY to run the half-marathon in March, and I don’t have a coat! I have lots of blazers and so forth, but I don’t really need a coat here. Any suggestions to fit that bill?
Have fun! I ran it last year and it was such a great experience, even for someone who lives here.
I’d love your recommendation for a tweed blazer to wear with jeans or work pants
Best white cotton button downs.
Pajamas that are cute but not cutsie and that skew on the more comfy side and less the lingerie side.
I know you’re not looking for my opinion. I just can’t not suggest you take a look at Bedhead Pajamas!
I love the long sleeve classic stretch jersey PJ’s.
I often see this brand on TV and movies. They have a distinctive look with classic piping on collars, cuffs, ankles and edgings.
Right now they have a collab with Trina Turk. Great colors!
This one may be too boring, but your favorite socks! Ones for the gym, for coziness, sheers, to wear peaking out of cropped trousers, the works!
Affordable accessories! It’s so hard to find jewelry under $100 that doesn’t look super cheap.
j crew is a good resource, too
Ohhh yes, especially fun earrings. Colorful is a plus.
Cos does great costume jewelry – looks much more expensive than it is! And some &other stories as well, depending on your style.
Anthropologie too.
I’d love your suggestions for simple but stylish crossbody bags. On the smaller side, to hold the essentials. I find that I don’t have the patience for shoulder bags that I have to fidget with anymore. Thank you!
Rough and Tumble waxed canvas!
Claire V is pricey but the simplicity is divine.
cute but walkable waterproof boots
Adjacent to this, waterproof sneakers, I bought a pair of Ecco waterproof high tops way back, around 2019, and they are unfortunately on there last legs. Ecco no longer makes this style, and I need, yes need, to replace them.
Ilse Jacobsen. I got a pair with a stacked heel that are remarkably walkable in NYC but they have many options.
I got these wacky red Spring Step rain boots last spring and I love them. They’re super comfortable and I get so many compliments on them.
https://www.springstepshoes.com/products/yasmine-boot
I have only tried their booties, but Bogs brand.
exercise tops for women that a) aren’t CROPPED and b) cover upper arms and c) aren’t entirely polyester (I want the unicorn of exercise tops)
I really like sweaty betty for their fit/lengths and options. I find their cropped hits me below my belly button and their regular hits at the hip (I’m 5’5″). Their tops trend towards 100% cotton or a poly/elastane mix vs a poly-cotton blend, but I have their merino running tshirt that is wool+stretch in both short and long sleeve. (oh and their gary yoga pants are a loose-but-not-sloppy fit)
Would also be interested in breathable workout pants that are not skintight leggings!
I have been wearing the joggers from Outdoor Voices, and they are so soft. Finally realized that they are less likely to fold down than leggings when I bend over – something that happens a lot in yoga – so much better.
Spring jackets and coats that are not raincoat styles please. I’m thinking ahead as I watch the snow fall here in MA!
Acrylic or cotton sweaters. I can’t tolerate wool and it’s such a challenge to find cozy winter sweaters that don’t look cheap.
Pact has some cotton sweaters. I have one that I wear all the time.
I’m also allergic to wool, and that includes cashmere and alpaca. I love finding interesting heavy cotton sweaters. Machine washable, bonus
Can you wear cashmere? If so, Naadam and Quince have great quality, at good prices. (-:
Just to butt in … have you tried alpaca and silk already? (I’ve never found acrylic to be very warm, though it can make for nice bright colors.)
A dress to wear to a wedding in the Midwest in June – cocktail attire – and shoes with a 3″ heel or less
Yes, both of these things. I spent a lot of time this weekend on Rent the Runway looking for something that was suitable for a wedding and didn’t find much that would work. And I’m always looking for heels that are both cute and comfortable.
Jumping in here about shoes…I’ve been told that Ballroom Shoes are great to wear when you’re going to be standing for a long time because the footbeds are padded (for the dancer’s comfort) and they are usually 2 to 2″ inch heels. And they come in great colors and metallics. Might be worth a look, yes?
Hi cow, good suggestion. I checked them out, but they have an ankle strap which tends to accentuate my sturdy ankles. I then went down a rabbit hole and found some Veronica Beard metallic sandals with a 2.25” heel that might work.
Best budget and splurge items for your beauty and wardrobe.
Ditto. I always appreciate hearing what others think is worth splurging on and what items they can get away with budget versions. My goal is always buying for longevity — getting good quality so the item lasts. But some things just don’t seem to make it past 2 or 3 years of regular wear. Are the budget versions just as good (t-shirts, undergarments, button ups etc)
Stylish, comfortable and practical bags/purses for walking around Europe.
Summer sun protection/staying cool options. Trying to be serious about skin cancer due to losing the genetic lottery. Would love recommendations for city casual looks in terms of hats, uv fabric clothing, parasols, pants in linen or gauze or 100 % cotton, summer weight jeans, flattering tank tops, tshirts, shirts that look good buttoned all the way up. Goals are to stay cool, possibly look cool while covering up, without bathing in sunblock.