I appreciate all of the comments and suggestions on my Coffee Talk post yesterday. I took notes and made a list of post topic ideas that will keep me busy for weeks, so thank you! I don’t normally have any trouble coming up with post ideas, but every once in a while I need a little boost, and you guys definitely gave me that! Plus it’s always nice to know what you’d like to see here.
While a lot of the suggestions will make good post topics, there were a variety of random questions that I thought I’d answer in a Q&A post and I’m doing that today! I did answer a lot of these in the comments yesterday, but I know not everyone is going back to read through all of the comments and responses so I thought it made sense to post them here. Of course, I am wordy and I’ve expanded a bit on some of my comments. I am sure you’re not surprised.
I think you’re pretty busy and yet your “voice” doesn’t indicate someone who’s overwhelmed or stressed out. How do you manage your time? Are you someone who works after 10 pm, when family responsibilities are less pressing?
That is my writer’s voice, I think. Ha! I do get stressed out, but I have a pretty good system in place that works well for me and our family. For one thing, I’m an early bird. I get up around 5am this time of year, and definitely by 6am in the winter months. I also have older kids that are fairly self sufficient so I can work when they’re around, and of course they’re in school all day 9 months out of the year. I work most of the day unless I have appointments or errands, but I quit working when I get up to make dinner. I may check email and social media on my iPhone, but I rarely work on the blog after dinner. To unwind, I like to watch HGTV with my daughter or sit on the front porch and relax or hang out with a neighbor and catch up over a glass of wine. I’m always in bed by 10pm and usually well before that.
Blogging is the type of job where there is always something I can be doing, however, I can also cut back when I need to. When I know I’m going to be traveling or life will be busy, I hunker down and prep a bunch of posts. I type over 100 words a minute, and I’m pretty efficient when I focus. When there’s nothing pressing to tend to, I spend more time on social media posts, answering comments, organizing the backend of the website, creating graphics, and things that I can let go when life is busy.
Also, I just love what I do and I love this space. It is not work to me so it’s not stressful unless I have deadlines looming and feel crunched for time. I would rather work on the blog than any leisure activity or hobby I can think of. My mom and I were discussing this when we were in Maine. She runs her own business and often gets asked when she’s going to retire. She’s like, but what on earth would I do if I were retired? Please don’t make me retire!!!
Haha, that is how I feel when y’all tell me to take a week off. That would feel like punishment, lol! For that matter, my 100-year-old grandfather (my mother’s father) never retired. He still asks his son to pick him up and take him to the office several times a week. I guess I come by it honestly.
You mentioned an editorial calendar. I am wondering if you have a special system or actual planner you prefer to use that helps you stay on track with all the components of what you do.
I have a WordPress plugin that I use (WordPress Editorial Calendar for the bloggers out there) but for anyone who is freelancing and not using WordPress, I highly recommend Google Calendar. My husband and I each have one for personal use that we share so we can plan around each other’s schedules, and then before I got this calendar plugin for my blog, I used to have a Google Calendar just for my work stuff. I would plug in posts that I was planning to write or big sales I want to cover, deadlines for sponsored posts, things like that. It’s easy to drag and drop and move them around when new things crop up, and you can set email notifications so you don’t forget important deadlines.
How do you keep your closet under control and not overwhelming with too many choices?
Well, for one thing, I keep my blog wardrobe and personal wardrobe separate. I keep a hanging rack for blog clothes that is outside of my closet, and I hang things there when I bring them home. I keep the tags on until I decide if I want to keep them or not, and then I move them into the closet (or return them.) Once they’re in my closet, I feel like they’re mine. Before that, I don’t get attached, and they don’t get worn or messed up.
In other words, everything you see on the blog does not go into my closet, but a lot of it does, and I am pretty brutal about cleaning things out regularly. As a fashion blogger, I feel like I need to pass things along when they sell out because I can’t link to them anymore. I don’t love that aspect of this job, to be perfectly honest, but in this era of fast fashion, things sell out so quickly that it’s hard to do what I do any other way. As a result, I clean my closet out constantly. I’m always reassessing and moving things out as they sell out or I decide they don’t really work for me, and then I do a massive clean out with each change of season.
That said, I want to try to shop less this fall and feature more repeats, wearing things different ways, and linking to similar styles if what I’m wearing has sold out. If I was better at layering and mixing and matching, I could do that more easily, but my style is pretty simple — cute sweater, jeans, boots, bag, done! So it really does get redundant if I’m not adding new pieces regularly. I’ll see how it goes, but I’d really like to be more practical about how I manage this aspect of my work/life balance.
Do you keep the outfits you post?
I keep some but I do get rid of a lot. I have some friends and family members who love to take them of my hands, and I return some things if the tags are on and I don’t wear them past the front yard or for more than 5 minutes. It’s not that I don’t like them or genuinely recommend them; it’s that I simply can’t keep it all.
I stress over wearing skirts and dresses in the fall/spring bare-legged but panty hose seems so outdated I don’t want to wear that either. Any advice on that?
I think tights are the best solution. Pantyhose are fine for more formal occasions, but bare legs or tights are more casual and on trend. I don’t mind doing the bare legged thing in the fall because I usually have some residual tan, and it’s not super cold where I live, but if in doubt, try opaque tights. I love Spanx tights. Ooooh! Bonus! They are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!! They are like half off in the black color. Seriously, grab a pair now. I’m going to order a backup pair since I only have one. (For size reference, I wear the B. There is a sizing chart if you need it.)
Jeans – do you foresee straight leg or flared leg jeans making a big comeback?
Honestly, no. Not this fall, anyway. I do see the flared leg occasionally, and it is certainly not considered out of style, but the skinny jean is definitely the trend du jour, and I don’t see that tide turning yet. That said, you should wear what you feel is most flattering on you. You can make almost any style of jean look stylish if the whole outfit works together and flatters your shape.
What is a bralette and when would you wear one?
A bralette is intended to be worn under a top that will show your bra. It’s generally pretty and meant to be seen. So if you like the trend where the one shoulder is falling off, your bralette strap will show, and it looks pretty and not like a fashion faux pas. Or those tops that have deep armholes are another good example.
You typically wear a bralette instead of a bra, but it obviously isn’t going to offer much support for those of us who are more well endowed so I haven’t bothered trying them. That said, I think you can wear it over your bra if you find one that works.
I just picked up the Tory Burch sandals in Makeup on the #NSale. Should I keep the makeup color or would black be better? Which color do you wear the most? It you only have one pair, which color do you recommend?
In matters of shoes and handbags, a nude/neutral/flesh tone is always going to be more versatile than black. Definitely stick with the makeup color. It is sooo pretty too! I’ve actually been wanting the Miller sandals in makeup but can’t justify it because it’s too close to the sand patent that I currently have. I’ve worn them constantly for almost 2 years and they still look like new. I almost wish they would wear out so I could get another color, but no such luck. Haha!!
So many tops these days are LONG and I’m short waisted and can’t tuck in. How would you handle this?
I am right there with ya, sister! It’s such a pain. Best practice is to hem your tops to the ideal length, and if you need to, you can have them taken in a bit in the waist area to provide a more flattering shape. The other option is the front tuck, which I often do because I don’t have time to hem my tops before featuring them on the blog because things sell out so fast these days.
I am happy to report that I am noticing a lot of shorter tops and sweaters this fall, and I think the pendulum is slowly swinging back to that trend. YAY!
What do you carry in your handbag and how do you switch bags — especially when you go from a larger to a smaller bag (what makes the cut?)
I am all about compartmentalizing! If you look inside my bag, you will see a bunch of makeup bags and pouches along with my wallet and sunglasses case. That makes it super easy to find what I need and also to switch from bag to bag.
When I switch to a smaller bag, I always grab my wallet and tissues (I love those Kleenex purse packs) and my sunglasses case, if those fit. Then I throw in a lipstick and that’s about it. If I am carrying a bag that’s too small for my wallet to fit inside, then I pull out some cash, drivers license, and a credit card and place it in the card slots in the small purse. Then I just add the tissues, lipstick, and my phone of course. I really hate not having my full bag with me, though, because invariably I forget something I need, so more and more I find myself carrying one of my bigger bags.
There were several comments/questions about skincare and what I use.
I’ve been using Rodan + Fields (full disclosure, I’m a consultant) for over a year except when I’m testing out a product for a campaign, and I keep going back to it because my skin feels and looks good when I’m on it and it’s a reputable company. I used to have a lot of issues with flaking and dry skin in the winter months, and that is pretty much gone.
I just use a basic skincare system — the Redefine line. They have a lot of cool products and tools, and while I’ve purchased some, I haven’t been consistent about using any of them. When it comes down to it, I’m kind of lazy. I always, always take off my makeup and moisturize, but a lot of nights I have no patience for anything else beyond that.
I recently tried out the Olay Regenerist cream, and I liked it a lot. To be honest, I can’t say I see much difference between that and R+F, which makes me wonder if I want to keep spending the big bucks. Then just this week a friend sent me some Ever skincare products to try, and I’m going to see what that’s all about. It’s are supposed to be more natural, which is definitely a compelling reason to try it.
I wanted a followup on those Olay cleansing cloths you blogged about. Are you still using them?
I still use them 4 or 5 nights a week. They’re just so easy, and I do feel that they get my skin really clean. When I have the patience for it, I use the masque/cleanser from the R+F Redefine skincare line, but since being introduced to the Olay cleansing cloths, I find myself going for them almost every night.
Suggestions for a foundation that looks natural but covers?
I use MAC Studio Sculpt foundation when I want full coverage, but for a more natural everyday look, I like Jane Iredale PurePressed Base. I apply it with my Sigma Kabuki brush and set it with her Hydration Spray. Yes, it’s an expensive combination, but the brush lasts forever and the spray lasts a long time. The base will last me at least one full season. I sometimes use it over the MAC Studio Sculpt as a setting powder and for a little more coverage.
If you could choose only one eyeshadow color to wear what would that be?
Definitely gray! My skin has cool undertones, so grey works well for me, but brown might be best for women with warmer undertones. My favorite eye shadow is the Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette and when I’m being lazy, I use the matte grey all over my lid and call it a day.
This post on What’s In My Makeup Bag is still pretty current even though it’s over a year old. I don’t change up my makeup routine very often, lol!
I would love to hear how you manage your mani/pedi routine; how you found your nail technician, the products you prefer, the frequency of your appointments.
I get a mani/pedi every other week. I used to go more randomly, but now I consider it part of my job because I want my nails to always be photo ready. I alternate between an express pedicure and a full pedicure to try to save a few pennies, but it’s definitely an indulgence that I look forward to.
I found my nail tech at the spa I go to for facials. A friend who works for them recommended it. (I am not on any sort of schedule for facials; in fact, I’m way overdue at the moment!) I made an appointment for a mani/pedi once after having a facial there that I enjoyed, and I really liked the nail tech and her approach. She helped me get my nails back after going to cheap nail salons ruined them with harsh treatment and gel polishes, and now I consider her a trusted friend. This spa only uses CND Shellac, and they are very careful when removing it. (They use Zoya for regular polish.)
She also recommended that CND Solar Oil, and I can totally tell a difference when I’m not using it regularly. My nails get really dry and brittle and peel and crack and break if I’m not using that, but if I am consistent, I can get Shellac manicures every other week with no issues. They also recommend Nailtiques for repairing damaged/weak/brittle nails. They use that as a base and top coat when my toenails are getting brittle, and every so often I take a break from the Shellac for a week and get a regular mani, and I apply Nailtiques every night for that week. It really helps restore their strength.
What is a blowout and what is all this dry bar stuff about?
LOL!!! Yeah, that trend isn’t a big deal where I live in the distant suburbs of Philadelphia, but my friends who live in and around NYC are all about the dry bar! Basically a blowout is the haircut without the cut, and a dry bar is the place they go to get the blowout. Usually the women who love it have long hair, and washing/drying/styling is a huge undertaking. The go and get their hair washed and dried and styled (often curled) and I guess it lasts them up to a week. I have such thin hair, it takes all of 15 minute to wash, dry, and curl it, so the dry bar is definitely not something I need. But yeah, it’s definitely a thing!
What kinds of exercises you do or a typical workout routine you do.
I do a variety of traditional weight lifting exercises with free weights and the weight bench as well as some body weight exercises and TRX. We mix it up. I also run several times a week, but I don’t go very far these days — just 2 or 3 miles, which is pathetic considering a ran a half marathon a few years ago and trained really consistently for it. I miss feeling that strong and healthy, but I don’t see myself getting back to that condition again.
Whew! I think that hits the highlights.
When I write posts like this, I always hit publish with a bit of fear and trepidation. It feels like a lot of over sharing, and I hope it doesn’t sound too incredibly self-absorbed. I suppose it’s pretty hard to be a fashion blogger without an element of that, lol, but I do try to keep myself grounded.
I’m happy to answer other questions you might have in the comments!
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What a great breakdown, Jo-Lynne!!
It’s nice to know that you try to balance the work/blog & family. I know there are times I”m checking the computer or phone a ton, and my husband gives me a hard time!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks for the Q & A post. I like the idea of restyling some of the same outfits for the fall! Thanks for the tips on the nail products too. I have been using the Olay regenerist and think it’s as good (if not better) than some of the higher end lotions I’ve used. Have a wonderful week!
Hi JoLynne, just a quick note to say thanks for sharing! I really enjoy your blog and admire your fashion style. I’ve gotten so many ideas and made purchases based on your recommendations. It adds a fun element to my daily routine!
This is a great post, Jo-Lynne! I love that you are going to restyle things you already have in your closet. I’m definitely looking forward to that “repeat series.” And if you are like your grandfather and still blogging when you are 100 years old (and I’m around too!), I will still follow you for fashion tips!!
Great blog!
Thanks for this post–very interesting (I love q&a formats!). Thanks for the follow up on the Olay cloths. My eyes tend to be very sensitive with makeup, so I think I just had bad luck with them. Too bad b/c they would make traveling much easier. I’ll look forward to your upcoming posts. Have a wonderful week!
I use Almay eye makeup remover pads, the oily ones for waterproof makeup. I have used coconut oil in the past. Both work wonderfully. The Olay wipes didn’t remove my eye makeup completely, but I do use them to wipe off the residual oil from the eye makeup remover when I’m rinsing my face.
I don’t think you sound self absorbed at all. I have been following you now for over a year and you feel like someone I could sit down and have a cup of coffee with, and chat. I am grateful for you and your blog, and the time and energy you put into it. Thanks Jo-Lynne!
Amen to all of that! Thanks for all you do, Jo-Lynne!
Love all the Q and A’s! Great info – thank you!
Thanks for sharing the Q & A. I really enjoy your blog and love your fashion style. I have gotten so many ideas and have shopped in my closet trying to match your looks. I can take a $6.oo dollar store dress and with your fashion style tips make it look like I went to a fashion boutique to buy it and I just chuckle to myself when some one complements me on my outfit. I so wish my closet was organized like yours, I have a friend that I am all the time taking boxes of clothes over to, she needs the clothes. Maybe one day when I don’t have to share a closet with my husband it can look like yours.
Haha, you don’t want to see his side!
🙂
This was so interesting and insightful! Thank you for sharing your real life! I picked up some great advice! Have a blessed day! ????
Great post!!! A lot of take aways.. let us know how you make out with Ever skincare products.
Thanks ????????????
Thanks for your Q and A., especially about the Tory Burch sandals in “make-up.” I made the splurge with the Nordstrom Early Access sale. Really enjoy your blog. Thanks too for the comment on trend of longer tops possibly going shorter again. I too am petite and short-waisted…I appreciate that you are helping me be more aware of items I may want to purchase, and those to possibly pass on.
Thanks for a great Q&A. I love fashion and being current, As a mom of two littles I love looking at your blog for casual and stylish ideas! Thanks for posting on your make up and skin care routine. I tried the curel shower lotion you recommended and am hooked! I love the idea of you re-styling clothes you already have. I finally bought a white button down shirt that fits perfectly but I’m trying to figure out how to style it casually. It’s always listed on those wardrobe essential lists but since I don’t go to an office I need some ideas for wearing it very casually. I also have a jean skirt that I think is the same one you have and I find that I never reach for it. So any ideas for wearing that too would be appreciated. Otherwise I need to purge it to make room for other things! Thank you! 🙂
Love the post! I wanted to add my advice on the “keeping all the clothes” line of thought and the money side of it. A friend of mine turned me on to one of the several women’s high end resale shops. You don’t get big $$ for your used clothing, but you get something. Plus I’m finding it a great spot to find high end bags and shoes in like new condition. For example, I got a $160 Dooney & Bourke wallet for $20. It’s just a way to follow the trends without breaking the bank!
Thanks for this post! I really enjoy reading your blog and have always wondered what it entails. Especially the clothes! I thought you kept them all!! But even thought it looks like a lot of fun I’m sure it keeps you very busy! I appreciate all of the time and effort you put into this!
Thoroughly enjoyed thus post!
I like the idea of remixing what you already have. I don’t always have the time or money to keep buying new things but like to restyle what I have to keep on trend. Also, we tend to get in a rut of wearing our favorites the same way every time. I don’t believe you overshared today. Sometimes we need to be reminded that you are a normal person just like us. Keep up the good work! I enjoy reading your blog daily!
Great Post! Thanks for keeping it real. Looking forward to your Fall wardrobe post.s.
Repeating outfits , mixing and matching, and, of course, accessorizing will be refreshing.. I love the 30 days of outfits, when the seasons change, but toward the end of a season, I’m doing lots of repeating, and need ideas!
Great post. I just ordered one of those purse organizers on Amazon for my LV Neverfull and its a game changer. It fits other large totes/bags and make it easy to switch from one to another. No more digging around and it’ll keep my Neverfull looking good.
It is most definitely evident that you enjoy running your blog, and that’s one of the reasons I love reading it so much. You are thorough and nothing ever seems thrown together or too vague. I love that you take the time to explain your finds and why you love/don’t love them.
I’m also thrilled that you plan to style more repeats this fall. I was a little bummed after last year’s nsale that once an item went out of stock, it seemed to disappear from all of blogland. I know it’s a blogger’s job to stay current, but it’s so helpful for reader’s that purchased the items to see them featured and styled. I guess it’s a balance that is probably very difficult to keep, as I’m sure there are also readers that get frustrated when items are sold out.. You can’t please everyone, right?
Loved this post and always love your blog! 🙂
Thanks for all the information. I love your blog and reading everything you put out there. I look forward to your blog each day!! 🙂 I do have one question. What color of make-up do you use for the Jane Iredale Pressed Powder- I am wanting to try that and wondered how to pick my color. I usually wear the beige category. Thanks!!
It depends on the season. In the summer, Latte. In the winter, Warm Sienna.
Great post! Thank you!
Great post! You should do some like this more often. 😉
I actually love these posts too. Who doesn’t like to talk about herself!?! Bwaha. Anyway, I’m happy to do them. I guess I should save up popular questions from the comments.
Great post! Love that you are always so informative and concise! I can relate to the handbag issue. I have my wallet, a small cosmetic bag & a medium one. I don’t like things rolling around in my bag. When I want to switch a smaller one, whether it be a crossbody or clutch, I basically do the same thing you do, but I still take my standard everyday tote & stash it behind the passenger seat. It’s rare that I have to grab something from it, but it’s there if a need it. I tried the Oil of Olay makeup wipes & love them! Great tip! They REALLY foam up, so much so, that I’ve cut mine in half! I don’t use them for eye makeup removal though, I still use a product just for that use. Thank you fo all the work you put into keeping us gals on top of things! ????
I don’t think I’ve ever been called concise. HAHA! But seriously, thank you. And I like the idea of stashing the tote behind the passenger seat. I did that in Maine on vaca when I wanted a smaller crossbody for walking around town but wanted to have everything in my tote available. That’s very smart.
I really enjoy the variety of these Q&A posts! Thanks for all you do with your blog- it is my absolute favorite!
great interesting post!! Thanks!
Love this post – thanks for sharing all of this!
People are curious and you don’t sound self absorbed at all.
Thank you for sharing.
Beth
Jo-Lynne, thank you for sharing. Your honesty and down to earthness is why I’ve been reading your blog for 2 years. In that time, I’ve really honed my style, thanks to you, despite going through two pregnancies (one ongoing lol).
It’s nice to hear you have time to work while the kids are at school. I tried working from home, but with a 2, a 4 year old, and a baby on the way, it’s just not realistic right now. Even if I have daycare twice a week, which I use to keep the house in order and if course-clothes shopping! Lol!
Really enjoyed this post-you always look so fabulous but given how you do it it doesn’t seem too out of reach-well, maybe the mani/pedis-don’t think my other half will be ok with that while I don’t earn. Ha ha!
How did you get your husband into fashion/nice clothes? Mine is a bit of a disaster on that front, lol. He’s a very brainy type and thinks it’s all superficial-however he admits he likes that I always look put together! Maybe a post on that would be interesting-how to gently ease your partner into dressing nicely?
Have a great week. And don’t be hard on yourself re a bit of weight gain! You look fantastic! If I can look like you in a few years, after three kids and the postnatal flab gone, I’ll be super happy!
I wonder also how to get my husband to kick it up more than a few notches.
Thank you, you’re a dear. As far as the husband, I wish I could take credit, but for some reason he has just sort of taken an interest. I don’t know if it’s me getting more into fashion or that we have a good friend who is a snazzy dresser (lol) and he has rubbed off, or what. My husband knows way more about men’s fashion than I do. I don’t really follow it, but he likes his snappy socks and trendy shoes and good quality shirts and pants. I got him into premium denim, and he won’t look back. I DO take credit for that one. 🙂 But other than that, it’s all him. He’s always appreciated good quality, but lately he’s also developed an interest in what is trending. It’s kind of nice! 🙂
Love this q&a post! Please do it again soon!! Thank you for your honesty about the Olay product line and how it’s comparable to R&F. I’ll definitely be trying Olay for sure now bc R&F is outside my budget plus I like products I can pick up immediately bc I’m not always good about buying before I run out of something. ????
Such a fun post! I ordered the Olay Daily Facials. I’ve wondered a while about giving R+F a try but haven’t wanted to make the investment but funny that I’ve been using the Olay Regenerist for a couple of weeks now and I use the Almay eye makeup remover wipes too and have always liked them. I like using coconut oil but feel it leaves too much gunk in the sink and likely in the drain too. Thanks for sharing and I wouldn’t say you’ve over-shared.
Fun Q&A post! I have a suggestion for you for all the clothes you need to get rid of but can’t return. Have you tried Poshmark? It’s a clothing and accessories resale app. I found it a couple of years ago when I had a couple items with the tags still on but no receipt. I’ve sold a lot of items on there, and for a pretty good profit. If you have a lot of clothes that you only wore for blog photos a time or two but don’t want to keep, it would be a great way to recoup some of your money.
Yeah, I’ve heard good things about Poshmark. I used to sell some on my Instagram, but it’s a lot to manage, and some people frown on that and feel almost cheated when I sell something that I featured and they bought. It’s hard to strike a balance. 🙂 Poshmark might be a better way to go.
That was a great post. Its so real and never feel you sound self absorbed. You don’t!!! Thanks for all the good information. You always look great and I enjoy your post.
Great post & it did not sound self-absorbed ????
I really enjoyed this post. You are not self absorbed; you are very, very real, and very down to earth. You really ARE that best girlfriend who’ll keep me from wearing mom jeans. So this is a good opportunity to be sure you know how much I, and so many others, really appreciate the hard work you do to bring us all these great ideas, and how much we appreciate that you interact and answer questions for us. You provide real inspiration, just being you. I’ve definitely upped my game since I started following you and Cyndi. So keep doing what you’re doing!!
Thank you so much for the encouragement!
Loved this past! Thanks for sharing all that you did.
This post is one of the reasons I love your blog so much! You keep it real. You come across as a genuine caring, thoughtful girlfriend to so many of us. ????
Thank you, Karen. xo
I read your post everyday and enjoy doing so. Your comment concerning skinny jeans might not be all correct. There is a current wave of 100% cotton denim jeans whereas one breaks in the jeans ( like the olden days-ha), these jeans are relaxed fit and take time to break in. I don’t think many women are ready to give up their skinnies but I think there is definitely a change coming.
Dry Bar type salons can be a god send. When I hurt my shoulder I used them a lot. They bend over backwards to give you service.
You don’t have to show a new different outfit everyday!!
I think your readers like today’s post of answering their questions and just your views on trends, where good sales are, posts on the different fabrics that we see in the marketplace and mixing things up a bit.
Why do you have to post every day?
Oh, I don’t have to post every day, but I have gotten into the habit, and now it’s what I’m used to and it’s what my readers are used to.
Same with the new outfit every day. With the seasonal style challenges, I’ve gotten into the habit, and then it’s hard to think outside the box. Also, it’s sort of the fashion blogger thing to do, but I don’t necessarily want to do what everyone else is doing. I appreciate the feedback and encouragement to do more reworking the closet posts and general fashion topics.
I agree with you about the skinny jeans — a change is coming. It is bound to, but I don’t think it will be this fall. Right now I’m still seeing 90% skinny jeans, but yeah, the tide will turn, and I think you’re right that it will be a more relaxed style, not bootcut or straight necessarily. And the cropped tops will follow b/c you have to keep it more fitted on top when you have a more voluminous bottom. I hate that relaxed sloppy style, though. LOL! So I am not looking forward to that. I love my skinnies! 🙂
Great job! And I love the CND products and I use the Zoya remover, got the tips from a beauty supply place where one of the workers and I hit it off.
I see my esthetician every other week which is part of the reason I can get away without make up but use the Jane Iredale for special occasion and date night. Hydration also helps.
Thank you for always keeping it real!
Yes, I get a package which is a peel and three (3) oxygen treatments. Or she has done a session with a led light that is fairly new.
Love this post! So many questions that I have also wondered about. I love your blog and appreciate that you elaborate and give details. Many of the fashion bloggers I follow are so short and just give a photo and link to the product. I like that you give more! Thanks again ????
Loved this! You are awesome!!!
Thanks! I love reading Q&A’s like this. Interesting about the clothes, I always wondering how fashion bloggers did this. I put myself on a shopping ban so I haven’t bought any new clothes in about 6 weeks, and I”m running out of things to put on my Wednesday fashion posts, hehe!
What a fun and informative post to read! You did not come across self-absorbed at all. Like another reader said, you sound like our best friend who is trying to keep us trendy. And your post read like I was sitting across from you on the front porch and asking you questions and you were answering them. (Does that make sense?) I like the idea of using small makeup bags for our must-have items in our purses. I use small plastic baggies for that reason but small makeup bags will look so much better. Thank you, Jo-Lynne!
What a fantastic post! This Q and A format is my favorite!
This is totally random, but I was just curious if Clarins is still your favorite self-tanner. Thanks!!
Yes, it is! 🙂
I loved this post and getting to know you better! I also liked knowing that you don’t necessarily keep everything you style. Thanks XO
Loved reading this post! I, too, use those Olay Cloths daily. They are just so easy and a no brainer when traveling! I’ve gone back and forth between moisturizers. Used the Regenerist line but currently using Confidence in a Jar by It’s Cosmetics. I’m liking the foundation and powders from that line as well as the ingredients they use in their products.
You are wonderful! I’ve learned so much from you and I don’t think you are self absorbed at all. I just wish I had the knowledge that I’ve learned from you 20 years ago.
Love this post! I love hearing about your favorite products and just stuff! Hope you do this regularly! And maybe your latest obsessions. I tried the Curel Hydratheraohy after you suggested it and am in love!
Thanks for sharing in this post Jo-Lynne! I feel you about the running – when I turned 40 I was running 5 and 10K races and was in the best shape of my life. Now 8 years later (and a few injuries) I have turned to TRX, HIIT workouts, yoga and lots of long (fast) walks with the dog. Not as fit as I once was, but enjoying it all the same. Your blog is awesome and I know everyone that reads it appreciates all the hard work you put into it. It has really helped me focus my spending and my husband is appreciative because I really look at my wardrobe now to see if I really NEED something or just WANT it. 🙂 We always do a purge with the kids in August to get them ready for back to school and my husband and I have started to do the same. All the clothes get donated that are in good shape and it makes me feel good about buying new stuff.
That is so great to hear. Rarely does anyone tell me my blog helps them spend less. HAHA!
I have just a fun/nosey/curiosity question: what food or drink do you consistently keep around the house, other than coffee, that you indulge on when you feel like it.
Wine! Haha. That’s it. I don’t drink anything else, really. I don’t want to consume sugary drinks and I hate sugar substitutes, so water is all I really drink during the day.