What would you like to read more of on That’s Not My Age?
— by Alyson Walsh
In this period of unparalleled uncertainty, I’m wondering what you’d like to read more of on That’s Not My Age. Style features and outfit posts? Creative Women at Work? Book lists and other staying-at-home suggestions? Let me know and I’ll do my best.
Discussion (102 Comments)
- Elizabeth says:
Hi Alyson,
I love the most reading your posts about older women, when they talk about their make-up and skincare routine, their clothes style and favourite style habits. I also love your posts which feature sustainable and eco-friendly companies. I discovered Community Clothing thanks to you.
- Jo says:
Hi Alyson, Im new to TNMA and I absolutely love it. Any style ideas, clothes and home, make up, reading, anything positive about this stage in life is great. Thank you for this.
- Cate says:
Hello Alyson
As a long term reader (and fan!) from Sydney, I wonder if we can make a difference as a collective. As there is a tsunami of ecomonic hardship and heartache ahead, I would be interested to hear from your like minded readers as to how we can unite to make a small but positive impact. We come from all corners of the globe so perhaps once a week there could be an entry seeking collaborative ideas or even ones which work in one territory to be replicated in another. Small or big as we are all facing the same dilemmas in our families, communities, cities, countries.
In answer to your question, I believe its a matter of finding a balance of distraction through your enlightened postings to uplift, guide and transport but we must be mindful as to the reality of these challenging times as we have a positive duty to be present and assist wherever possible.
Grey hair and a love for an austere jacket perhaps brought us together but let interesting ideas as to kindness take us to another level in the coming months.
I am very interested to hear from your fellow readers.
Take care
Cate- Saba says:
Can the readers of this column do some small part of the enormous job that will be necessary in order for security to return? An excellent question and I, for one, shall think about it. Meanwhile, creating beauty in spite of all is always an important response, also.
- Lee says:
Cate you so beautifully articulated what many of us are feeling. We are in desperate need of distraction but this is a call for use to dig deep into our common humanity. I suspect this is why Alyson is soliciting input at this time. The fashion focus is a joy in and of itself and reminds us that there is a future with brighter days. However at this time it is trite, narcissistic, and extremely entitled not to acknowledge the global suffering by confining our scope to aesthetics. I am a big of this site as well, and I like your idea of a weekly collaboration within this international community regarding positive actions we are or could be taking.
- Mrs Tonia says:
I also support the ideas expressed by Cate above. Knowing you Alyson I am sure you would embrace our using our virtual community to look outwards into the wider world in addition to how to keep mentally strong under our own personal confinements.
I feel as an occasional contributor to That’s Not My Age, as an art reviewer as well as writer on Working into our Extra Time, last year, that it isn’t either, shoes and comfy clothing, or coverage of broader issues but we can combine resources to cover the more frivolous as well as the serious and socially minded.
In the past few days I’ve received poetry from friends and in my turn sent pictures of blossom and magnolias in bloom against blue skies and recipes for nurturing cheap and cheerful meals.
I have benefited from hearing how those in our age group are faring in other places under other lockdown regimes. And how they are creating daily routines for themselves. Perhaps we could share and support each other along these lines going forward.
Antonia
- Isabelle Fish says:
Great point Cate and I’m sure that’s what Alyson has in mind. I am in the arts space and rallied my tiny group of followers around helping artists who, like everybody, are suffering so much – women more than men it seems. The response was incredible. Once a week I do a free live Zoom interview of an artist, and my audience can participate live. Giving an opportunity to artists and makers to present their work, share their reality and hopefully connect with a buyer is my goal (I don’t take commission on sales obviously). I am based in Canada but both the artists and audience come from several different countries. If anyone knows of artists who would benefit from this please send me their details, I would be delighted to feature them. And if anyone wants to host a similar event In your country/town, I would love to share my experience with you and help you in anyway I can.
We have so much power to change things as a collective.- Ellen Miller says:
Isabelle,
I would love to join your group of artists. I am a sewist and author, writing about sewing. Previously I designed and clothes for clients, made samples for teaching: sewing and pattern making, and made samples for my book (Creating Couture Embellishment) and articles for Threads magazine.
I am not selling my sewing projects right now; for the first time in my life I am making clothes for me! I have a million ideas of garments to sew and embellish but each garment is slow to make, which is a little discouraging. Connecting with other artists who also wrestle with slow but fulfilling creation would be wonderful.
If I don’t fit into your group of artists, no worries, just let me know that. Thanks!- Isabelle Fish says:
Hi Ellen , of course. Please either email me at [email protected] or go to the events page on my website – you will find the link to our Wednesday conversations – https://www.ruepigalle.ca/events
If you have a website please share – it’s lovely to meet you.
- Gladys says:
Staying at home suggestions sound great. Since we’re all in this together it would be fun to hear how other women are coping.
- Deb Chowney says:
I often trip over the contributions that women make, design, science and perhaps a focus on those that game change. Their lives, what’s important to them, their style, their challenges. Be interesting to see what’s important to us now we are spending more time at home and what we think will be the priorities when we get back to being able to socialize again.
- madhura says:
More outfit suggestions… clearing out your wardrobe suggestions… fabulous women with fabulous style.. basically all things stylish. Anything that reminds us that there is life beyond pandemic and we will wear outside clothes again and not carry sanitiser in our handbags!
Personally I would love to see what your wardrobe looks like 🙂M
- Carole says:
Mine is silly, but I am wondering what is in our closet that still has the tags on it and why is it there?
- Jennifer Ware says:
Well I for one have stuff in my wardrobe with tags on purchased for the coming season. So I’m doing Dress Up Friday and posting a selfie on Instagram and have encouraged my family to do the same (I’m over 70, live alone and am in self isolation anyway). This might be the only opportunity I will get to wear my lovely summer clothes.
- Kylie says:
Hello Jennifer,
Please share your instagram so that we can tell you how lovely you look in your new Summer clothes 🙂
Take care of yourself (same goes for all the That’s Not My Age gang),Kylie, Perth, Australia x
- Jenny says:
I’m currently browsing my wardrobe, not the internet. Going through my old stuff, putting clothes and accessories together and creating new looks .
My shape has ‘blossomed’over the last few years and it’s quite uplifting to do this. Also a lot less expensive.
After all , where are we all going over the next few months to need to buy new clothes.
Be creative!
- Sarah says:
Recommendations for books and films which don’t feature young female characters as their sole focus. I wish Hollywood would make more films like It’s Complicated, in recognition of the fact that women over 50 aren’t sexually past it!
- Ana says:
I agree with Sarah; I love every single one of your posts, but when you post book or film recommendations, I frantically jott them down and go search for them on the internet! They are a guide to me.
- Jo says:
All of the above, I absolutely love reading followers comments as much as I love Alyson’s content.
- Sarah says:
An awareness that we don’t all have more time, some of us are working harder than ever. I’m pushing 50 and have 3 young children and work in a key industry so am getting up before 5am to do a full shift of work while my husband does the home education then at lunchtime we swap so he can work and I take over the childcare. We are fortunate to have plenty of space so we can escape to the study to WFH while the playroom has become a school room but it is utterly exhausting and it’s just the first week.
- idelisse malavé says:
Thanks to an earlier post, I’ve been happily watching Secrets of the Museum while shut-in in my apartment in New York City. Other streaming possibilities, podcasts (in addition to your own) and book ideas would be very welcome, along with excellent style posts.
Gratefully,
idelisse - Maryann says:
Recommendations on how to cope with skin and hair routines with no access to professionals services, especially hairdressers for a cut. I have very curly hair and I suspect I will be cutting it myself I this goes on too long.
- Julia says:
I have already pared down skin routines to the minimum since I retired, but feared it was somewhat trivial of me to think about my hair in these difficult times. However, several friends have mentioned this! For me I think it will be the time to grow out the dye I have been using for years and revert to grey. I shall probably have to wear scarves and turbans though!
- Susan James says:
Keep writing. We will keep reading. I echo all the above. Fabulous women over 50 dressed beautifully.
A recent widow at 54, I am decluttering our belongings, going about the financials relating to the death of a loved one, and learning who I am at this new stage in life. I enjoy reading your post as it inspires me to be the woman I am meant to become. Thanks so much for what you do.
- JB says:
Thank you for sharing Susan, sounds like a massive task, remember to take some breaks too and practice some kindness towards yourself
- Sandy Smith says:
I echo Susan James’ sentiments. Also recently widowed, I am after many years, beginning to find a totally different ‘me’. Your articles Alyson, and the readers who cobtribute, are part of my support network…whatever the subject.
Many thanks
- Jennifer Polo says:
Alyson,
Looking at your posts keep me going. Thank you 🙂
Right now I am thinking a lot about what really matters? Our lives need to change for so many reasons, getting older, climate crisis, living in uncertain times and so on. Any thing that touches on these would be appreciated. Flowers too… beauty helps me get through this tough stuff. - Kirstie Masson says:
Hello,
My current ethical quandarary is the ethics of online shopping while in lock down.
While we are advised to stick to buying the essentials there are small companies begging for our business. Then there is the safety of the delivery people to consider.
I read somewhere, ‘buy from companies you want to be there when this is over’ so more than ever that’s small businesses. I would love your thoughts.
(I have a husbands b day coming up so not just thinking of myself!)
Would welcome a discussion.- Lorraine Grant says:
Kirstie , I share your quandary. Like you, I’d like to support businesses which are being hit so hard by the current situation but worry about the people trying to deliver the service; in outlets, delivery services, etc. Also, it feels selfish to be focusing on what might be regarded as trivialities in the present climate. I’ll continue to wrestle with my conscience until needs must, I guess.
Alyson, please continue with blog informed by your intuitive good sense & taste aided by all the additional ideas from your audience. Best wishes to all. X - Angela Kennedy says:
I also worry about ordering on- line as the packers, delivery men and post-men have to deliver to us and they are also at risk but no-one seems to have as much to say about them . I feel eternally grateful to our wonderful post-man who smiles through it all and he is the oldest post-man in the depot.
Luckily my daughter drops groceries off on our door-step , because when I have tried to order food from many of the small companies I would like to support that I generally buy products from , they are so swamped with days to wait . It is a cycle of anxiety .
I will not order anything on-line other than essential toiletries/vitamin stuff to keep me calm and only from the places I have always supported .
It broke my heart to see so many flowers wasted last week after so much hard work went into growing them , we need beautiful things to look at right now ! I was SO impressed with my Mothers Day flowers sent through the letterbox by Bloom & Wild and will continue to support them now. - Isabelle Fish says:
One way to help your small businesses who are our support network is through gift vouchers to ourselves, to others. We can also pay for services in advance. Of course there is always the risk that the business might go under but if one can financially sustain losing the price of a manicure or hair cut for example, then maybe it’s an act of kindness worth doing.
- Martine Large says:
I love these posts, but I’ll be wearing what we might euphemistically call lounge wear for the foreseeable, so I’m less interested in style tips. I would like to read more about inspiring women.
- Jill shooter says:
Perhaps you could choose different chapters from your books and discuss strategies to suit different body shapes, some outfit suggestions and how we might adapt our wardrobes in this lockdown times?
- mrsglimmer says:
That’s a great idea! All advice welcomed as someone who’s short with excess baggage…..
However, in these worrying times, I’m just grateful for anything you post, Alyson, and for all the responses from your followers. It’s nice to feel connected.
- Suzanne Cline says:
Hair! I’ve worn my hair long for a very long time because of being a carer and doing a lot of grubby jobs. I’m free now to restyle it but I’m a lot older and don’t feel the styles of my younger self are right now. In a quandary. Help would be much appreciated.
- Sara Lubowitz says:
What would older women from refugee backgrounds about how to cope with the stress . What about hearing from women who have really struggled we can learn so much. Thank you Alison for your email newsletter.
- Susan Maxwell says:
I do enjoy reading about older women and their style choices, clothing, hair etc. I also enjoy seeing what Alyson is wearing through the seasons.
I have also appreciated some of the more general articles you have published. - Jeffer Wright says:
I think particularly in these times, articles that are inspiring and which don’t involve the often very expensive items of clothing. More of a make do and mend approach. Yes to community, books, films, coping with isolation, mental health – and the inspiring women who are reaching out in so many different ways – working on the frontline, volunteering, making a difference. Thank you
- Katharina Allès says:
I was going to write something similar. I love fashion, and am interested in finding inexpensive ways of being fashionable. I think many of us will have less money in the future.
My great aunt spent 4 years in the Ravensbrück concentration camp. I remember her telling me that at the camp women tried to tie their scarves in a stylish way. Fashion is life.
- Delyth says:
How to cope with cutting your own fringe when you have to wear glasses to see what you are doing!!!!!!!!!
I love reading your articles because I live in an isolated spot so find it hard to get ideas locally. - Cath says:
Thank you for asking us. Thoughts as to how we can meaningfully care for those around us in this time of crisis and change, even when we are socially isolating, the internal responses we are having and how recognise and respond to the greater needs in our culture, looking beyond ourselves. How we can use this time to make meaningful change in how we live, not just go back to ‘normal’ after this pandemic shifts. How we can prepare ourselves for the changes that will be permanent in culture, thought and values. This will radically change how we think about fashion for a start. apologies if I have been too serious.
- Anna says:
More clothes for us Mature Women which don’t cost the earth! And, coming from Australia, I’d be interested in those companies that ship globally. Help in going through our wardrobes – I seem to do a clear-out regularly now! Style for those of us whose bodies have changed shape after menopause – I used to have a waist… 🙁
Thank you Alyson and everyone. I agree with just about everything and I particularly support Cate’s idea of contributing at this dark time.
Keep safe, stay at home and wash those hands!
- Rosemary Eychenne says:
I agree, I love reading your blog but also the comments we make because, of course, we are all more or less on the same wavelength even though coming from completely different backgrounds and parts of the globe. I find it quite magical that you, dear Alyson, have made this happen with the choices you make when deciding what to put in your blog.
I love practically everything but do really enjoy your clothes posts which are always spot on.
Thank you for it all and bon courage to all in these difficult times. - Vivien Hallberg says:
How wonderful to see all these suggestions! A good mix of everything seems to be the consensus. I especially agreed with the lady who brought up the subject of whether we should be buying on line for non essentials as I have been hesitating over the last couple of weeks. Yes, buy from the companies that you hope to see around when this unprecedented crisis is finally over.
- JB says:
I would like some help maybe getting my wardrobe(S!) in shape and clothes organised so that I can actually see what I have. I struggle to know what to give away/recycle and what to keep and find myself looking for that item only to remember it went to charity.
- Deborah says:
I am interested in learning more about how people forge and maintain contact with their colleagues and friends, how to remain up-beat and stylish in this challenging time and how to best support and help others in our culture who need support, style and inspiration. And yes, sigh, what to do about roots and haircuts.
- Deborah says:
And maybe for discussion….online shopping means that people somewhere, somehow are selecting, packing and shipping our purchases. What is done to protect them? What can we do as a society to be sure that social distancing and safety precautions are being enforced and enabled for all our workers?
- Diana says:
I love your style advice! How about a „Find your style“ series? For me, thinking about the future and preparing my closet occupies my mind 😉
- Jakki says:
Alyson I think it’s time for your readers to ask you style questions – to perhaps show you a favourite item and ask you how best to wear it. Plus you could style different outfits from your wardrobe showing how one item can be used to create different looks. Let’s work on what we’ve got!
- Caroline says:
Definitely more lockdown style posts! And booklists. Podcast recommendations.
I adore your blog and am really valuing feeling part of this particular online community.- Lynn says:
I agree with Karen, as that was what originally prompted me to read thatsnotmyage.
As a 69 yr old, I travel NYc, the capitols of Europe,and then back to suburbia in Miami.
Blue leans , sneakers ( trainers,baskets) and a jacket works everywhere but please help with an upgrade to that look.
And south Florida? No jacket, please.
- Gwen Ibbotson says:
Style ideas please personal and home. Perhaps make do and mend ideas would be good too. I’m sure we all have items of clothing that we have put to one side thinking I’ll find time to either alter that garment or repurpose it, but never have. Until now!!
- Harriet Forde says:
Recommended books but ones that have been out for sometime and maybe forgotten?
Also, audio books…I’m a massive fan especially since I discovered I can get them from my library app! - Suzanne Cline says:
I subscribe to an excellent website called ‘Brain Pickings’. Odd name but it’s produced by a woman in Brooklyn New York and is full of truly inspiring material about philosophical conundrums. Full of great quotes and outtakes from wonderful books including children’s illustrated works. Very uplifting in these difficult times. Complimentary not competing with this website.
- Alyson Walsh says:
Oh yes, I follow Brain Pickings on Instagram. Thanks, Suzanne.
- Mags Webster says:
Hello there – I’ve been enjoying this thoughtful, grownup site and the discussions associated with it for a few months now. I’m a Brit transplanted (at the moment) to Perth WA, and have lived out of the UK for nearly 20 years.
Although this is in some way addressed by the lifestyle section, I’d love to see more discussion of books and culture to support and enrich the intelligent style examples and advice. Something that can address the whole person, inner and outer. Not necessarily books recently out. Authors like the late Helen Dunmore for example, write so convincingly of family and the complexities of being who we are: sometimes contradictory, big-hearted, small-hearted. I’m in semi-lockdown and have been reading the extraordinary and exquisite writing of Denise Riley, Helen Garner for example: books that give out so much in terms of ideas.
I really love this site. And I’ve been cutting my own (greying) hair for about a couple of years now. It’s incredibly liberating. And I’ve found the right red lipstick at last….
- maudie says:
………………….tell us about the lipstick!! Frivolous fun is much needed.
- Christian P. says:
Pursuing work as a 45+ woman is top of mind. I enjoy reading about women in this situation (like Lucinda Chambers and you!) who have cut their own path, or changed careers entirely. What advice do you have? We keep hearing we will all need to work longer before retirement, but the opportunities for older women seem fewer. Even practical things like what to wear to an interview and how to respond to the dreaded “you’re over-qualified” comment are welcome.
- Lovisa Brown says:
New subscriber here, lots of what’s been mentioned with a collected space for us to provide favorite podcasts, films, books… Make up tips for black and brown skin types and recipes that are sustainable and for entertaining.
- Kathy Fediw says:
Re-styling and re-purposing clothes, what to do with your hair now that the salons are closed, little things we can do for our neighbors while staying apart, easy meals from what’s in the pantry, things to do outdoors, How to be brighten our homes and lives with small things, creative ways to keep in touch with others, re-working the budget, bare essentials for skin care and makeup while home. It would be helpful to have more alternatives for those of us not in the U.K. Thank you so much for doing what you do!
- Mrs Tonia says:
I like a lot of what you suggest. I’m keen on the Make do and Mend aspect and thinking about restyling of existing garments. Have been thinking about this a fair bit as I get my spring clothes out of storage. I am most grateful to have been taught to knit by my mother at five and taught to sew and shown how by her when young. Life long skills which have proved useful at all points.
- Lynn Cook says:
Alyson, I really enjoyed your last post . Stay-at-home style, comfort tips, the best things to read and watch…… anything to give respite from the depressing news and to restore sanity would be most welcome inclusions in future blog posts.
- Karen says:
I want to read more about ways to put outfits together from things that are already in the closet and drawers – especially different ways to use accessories. I’d love to see before and after pictures of outfits before and after adding accessories. I find that more interesting than uplifting stories or philosopy.
- Lynn says:
I agree with Karen, as that was what originally prompted me to read thatsnotmyage.
As a 69 yr old, I travel NYc, the capitols of Europe,and then back to suburbia in Miami.
Blue leans , sneakers ( trainers,baskets) and a jacket works everywhere but please help with an upgrade to that look.
And south Florida? No jacket, please. - Suzanne Cline says:
I made it sound intellectual and pompous but it’s not. She often quotes great women like Maya Angelou and Rachel Carson. I love this website because it’s completely different and what I desperately need now. I’ll be 63 in June. I want to celebrate my age and my womanhood. I’m sick of feeling like a frump.
- Prue Townsend says:
You always look so healthy Alyson, I’d love to know what you eat, it’s such an important aspect of our lives in these middling years.
- Pauline Coxshall says:
Hi Alyson,
As an older lady (74) with a brain that still thinks I’m much younger, it’s so nice to read about other women and the way they adapt to their life in later years. I still love clothes, makeup, music, wildlife, gardening, Pilates, choral singing……I could go on. I love the interaction you get from a class of similar ladies such I have with my Pilates class. Over the years they have become such supportive friends to me and each other. Let’s all appreciate the women we have grown into over the years, with our faults, admittedly, but with many much more positive things. Please keep on posting. Thank you. - Veronika Sramek-Markusfeld says:
Hello Alyson, I’m from Austria and have been following you for more than a year. I just love to read TNMA! Being 67, I’m very interested in the interviews and recommendations for such wonderful women as we are. And yes, I’m always curious for new styles in dressing. Especially I appreciate your great ideas about how to combine old pieces from my wardrobe with new ones. Furthermore: a reading list works be terrific! All the best to you and and your team, Veronika
- Mary says:
Anything to do with fashion style! Age-appropriateness, fashion do’s and don’t etc.
I absolutely devour anything to do with jeans!
Thank you so much! Your blog is a wonderful diversion.
- AVC says:
What am inspiring set of comments!
Anyone interested in learning all sorts of subjects might be interested in Futurelearn courses run by the Open University for free.I have done a fair few and do not pay for certificates just relish the information and the discussion boards.
Just search for Futurelearn on a search engine. Mind blowing. - Jenny Booker says:
I love reading your articles & would love podcast & other interesting website recommendations….oh & how to use them properly! Thanks…Jenny
- Alex says:
Hi from the US! Alison, I love reading your work on just about any topic . Recent favorites have included the “made in the UK” basic clothing line you featured a few weeks back and a more recent piece on how to style joggers.
Like another reader above, I’d welcome more fashion posts so we can think about the time to come when we “won’t have to carry Purell in our bags”. At the same time, I’d like to know from you and other readers:
— how is the pandemic changing your view of what you wear and why?
— what brings you joy or escape — in terms of fashion, home and garden design, books, films and TV, music, social media or anything else.Take care, all!
- Laurie Fox says:
Hello from the Pacific Northwest. As an occasional traveler, and hope to be again when our world crisis is past, I would love to know about consignment shops and special clothing boutiques around Europe. My friends and I would love to know about your reader’s favorite shops.
- Sarah says:
Here in the UK my favourite shops – online and IRL are, COS for coats, Hush, for lounge wear and summer skirts, Kin (John Lewis) for tops , Boden, for trousers and tops and shoes, Uniqlo for staples and Whistles for tops and jumpsuits. Also, Community Clothing and People Tree.
- Francesca says:
How about ideas for finding and styling good second-hand finds? Seems to be the sustainable way to have fun with clothes these days… Also, as someone above suggested, styling tips for different body types.
I love all your book & film recommendations (as well as those of your readers). Love the idea of a virtual book/film club.
In general, I’ve really enjoyed all your content -including podcasts – so thank you for all you do! - Nichola Cox says:
I’d love help sorting out my wardrobe and putting new outfit combinations together.
I really feel for the charity shops who are losing out at this time due to lockdown. I’m sure they will appreciate all our donations when they are up and running again. - maudie says:
Alyson – just keep us all going with your blog! Fashion and beauty seems so frivolous at the moment and I have alarmingly quickly lapsed into semi-slobdom! Jeans, grey jumper, no makeup, no jewellery – this can’t be good can it? A friend commented to me on Whatsapp at my lack of makeup and jewellery. Some tips on basic ‘appearance’ for The Duration would help. I am shocked how much I miss my charity shop sojourns! More importantly how about book suggestions, articles relating to women who have experienced difficult times, mental health, film suggestions, anything to give us the delight of reading TNMA. Basically Keep Up The Good Work and we shall delight in whatever you post.
- Susanna says:
This site is the equivalent of the women’s magazine I have long been searching for – intelligent and deep, for women who want to look and feel good AND think. I love the arts and design articles as well as the fashion and skincare. As one who will be retiring from an academic career in July, I’d love some articles about how to make that shift in my wardrobe – not exactly dressing down, but a little more creative and casual than I can do when I’m lecturing. Thank you for your writing, Alyson, and thanks to everyone for the comments.
Such wonderful comments and suggestions! I really don’t have anything fresh to add. I always look forward to your posts, Alyson, and even more as I wonder what you’ll do with some of these ideas!
- Inga says:
Hello! I am from Latvia and like your blog. Thank you. Good health!
- Hope says:
In these extraordinary times, I guess, our needs for connectivity have increased as we have been keeping ourselves isolated at homes. I would appreciate anything that would increase our sense of well-being and resilience, along with responsibility for the suffering, for the community as we get through it. Thank you.
- Sue Young says:
There’s a huge virtual community of women over fifty on Instagram who sew their own clothes, stylish modern ones which suit our lifestyles. Many of us had grown fed up with being overlooked and misrepresented, like much that is fashion-related, as Mumsy and irrelevant so we started a specific account called @sewover50 which now has approaching 20k followers. There’s never been a better time to start, or resume, sewing and refashioning our own clothes. I bet most of us in our fifties and older were taught ‘needlework’ in school (even if it took all year to make one article!) There’s much to be concerned about at present but the act of doing something creative is proven to be very calming and therapeutic. Maybe this is something you could bring to a wider audience Alyson?
- Fliss says:
Lots of interesting suggestions. I would like anything about routines in these strange times, new things to learn or discover, books and films.
I’m a little wary of ‘inspirational’ women- who may make some of us feel a tad useless as we struggle on at the moment! Or that may just be me . - Ruth says:
Hello Alyson – while we’re all busy culling our ‘stuff’ in these strange times could we have a skincare post please, along the lines of Vicci Bentley’s Marie-Kondoing her make up bag. A simple skincare routine of cleanser, serum and moisturiser with maybe some optional extras – exfoliant, vitamin C, sun protector. The more I read and shop the more complicated it becomes! Thank you for your wonderful and inspiring posts.
- Victoria Kirkman says:
Quite a few readers have already mentioned this but I would welcome something about whether to still online clothes shop. I’ve ordered from Hub (an independent in London) and Community Clothing purely because I love their clothes and want to support them.
- Step says:
I would also like to see ideas about sorting out the wardrobe and putting new outfits together, particularly colours and accessories. I am lucky to be still working ( key worker in healthcare) but have some downtime to fill. TNMA is nicely distracting from other worries. Also, how to cut your own fringe in these different times! I know I’ll make a hash of it without instruction. Keep up the wonderful work Alyson.
- Patricia says:
I would like to know how to incorporate some of my own vintage clothing items into my current wardrobe without looking like I’m just wearing old clothes! For example, I have a silk bomber style jacket (from the 90s??? not sure) and the fabric/ copper color are beautiful which is why it’s survived many closet purges, but I am unsure about how to wear it. I’ve also got some very wide legged jeans in nice weight old non-stretch dark denim and need to decide what length to hem them to look current. Honestly, if I had known that clothing /fabric was going to get so cheaply made yet still be so high priced, I would have saved more of my quality items. Love your posts and look forward to them!
- Isobel says:
Well, Alyson, I can’t wait to see what you come up with after all these fascinating comments!
For myself, my interests are:
Playing with comfy chic ideas
Wearing socks with everything!
Imagining ways to rejig and refresh my surroundings, both indoors and out, without spending any money
Cautiously trying a bit of DIY!! - The French Contessa says:
I am a French reader and I thoroughly enjoy coming here.
What I would like to read is what life has taught older people, both males and females.
What they have understood, and what nurtured them.
What they wished they had known or understood before.
What they would have done differently, or not.The wisdom that we all need so much. The treasure that talking to older people brings.
It is very rare that older people are given a voice ; give them yours, which is intelligent, sensitive, and generous.
Merci
- Jenny says:
I’m a 50 year old woman in the US. Your writing is excellent, I know it’s not easy to put together such great content post after post. Many thanks for this work, Alyson!
- Inge den Exter-Peters says:
Dear Alyson, Since one month I read your posts and I love it, the clothing and your writing! I would love to see your Interior and how you live there! A look behind all those clothes…..
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Your style and style for our generation please please! and how you live your daily life are inspiring, real, beautiful and a comfort. All the gorgeous and pragmatic life tips from you and those you admire a boon especially in these times!