en vacances (well, sort of)
I’ve decided to borrow a tradition from the French and take the month of August off. Well, mostly. I’ll be re-upping a few popular past articles, and have a couple of prior commitments for new posts. I’ll also be working on some “back office” projects to support launching my color analysis and style services.
tee | necklace | bracelets (similar) | jeans | sandals
It’s one of those times of year when I find myself in the “style doldrums,” just drifting a bit. I’m wearing my favorite summer pieces on repeat, and am not ready to start thinking about my fall wardrobe. Minimum effort outfits feel Just Right at this moment, and I’m leaning into it.
I also need some time off to recalibrate and refresh my focus and direction. I’ve been blogging since 2007, and as a full-time job since 2016. In that time, I’ve worked pretty much continuously, 6-10 hours most days, and while on vacations. I’m not complaining! I love what I do and it’s what gets me out of bed most mornings. (Well, that and the prospect of coffee…☕️ )
But lately, between writing here and creating content for social media (with ever-changing algorithms) to support this site, I’ve begun to feel a bit like the greyhound chasing a mechanical rabbit around a track. It feels like more and more effort is required just to stay even.
So I’ll be re-evaluating where and how I want to prioritize my efforts, and how I can work “smarter, not harder.” I’m still mostly a One-Person Band and do all of the writing and image creation myself, both here and on (most) social media. This blog will always be my online “home,” and no matter what, my top priority. And my goal has been and will always be to share information and ideas that are relevant to you.
I’ll be back at the beginning of September, and will have some new projects ready to launch. In the meantime, if there are any ideas or topics you’d like for me to cover, let me know!
Reporting back…
bag (similar) | shoes
I picked up these Vince mules that I featured in Monday’s post. Like most Vince shoes, they run a little large. I’m usually a 7.5 in closed shoes; in these the 7 was a perfect fit. They’re quite comfortable, too and easy to walk in.
These Vince pants (included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale) also run true-to-size. Most sizes still seem to be available online.
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Taking a break is not such a bad idea. I’ve lately found that most of the fashion bloggers I follow have become very overexposed. Too many posts with too many rabbit holes all touting too many products that are apparently the best. So now when these posts arrive in my email I generally think I might open them later if I have the time. Many times they end up deleted. I know you are under a lot of pressure to be au courant but enough already with the reels and Tiktoc. Nothing replaces a well written post with good links. I’m afraid we are becoming a society where we can only be entertained by visual means.
Somewhat “begging” here for you to please keep up the style inspirations and outfit ideas here! I love your style and have for some time. Rest and recharge for sure and enjoy your down time. You’ve earned it!!
Agree with Kathy! I love your style and your posts. Been reading you for many years and appreciate you very much!
ENJOY your break Susan you deserve it. I love your blog and your style and will look forward to your return!
Because I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Red Leopard consultation, I really appreciate when you point out which season an item falls into. Would you consider writing about each season with suggested items on a quarterly (or more frequent) basis? I truly appreciate your insight and read your blog daily. Enjoy your well-deserved break!
Great idea! Would be so helpful
Bonne Vacances!
Enjoy your opportunity to “sharpen the saw”. You have been at this a long time and sounds like a step back to re-focus and maybe even change directions is timely. I hope to get to SoCal one of these days to have a style and color analysis so looking forward to more information.
Hi Susan,
I hope your time off restores you! I only recently found your blog, and it has been a lifeline to normalcy during this pandemic. Having worked from home for the last two years and being of a certain age myself, I am re-entering work life in person this fall in a new job. I would like to see your ideas for fashionable outfits for an academic of a certain age who needs to walk around a large campus and look presentable to much younger students. Thank you for all you do, and I look forward to your posts this fall!
I look forward to your blog posts everyday! I love your style and would also love to do a color analysis with you when that side of your business gets up and running. Hopefully some time off leaves you rejuvenated! Enjoy!
Hi Susan, firstly please enjoy your well deserved break. Can you advise how me please on what size I’d need in the Kule striped tee you are wearing here. Do I size up/ down. I don’t like tops tight but don’t want to be “ swimming” in them either. It looks very attractive on you.
Many thanks,
Helen
Thanks, Helen. I’m wearing the XS. I sized down for a slimmer fit.
Enjoy your time away to relax and reset. I hope you feel inspired after doing so. Your blog (and social media) is such a pleasure, and often quite informative; it’s only right that it give you as much joy as it does us readers. I hope this time away helps with that. And good luck starting up your color analysis/style services! That is SO exciting. Can’t wait to hear more about it.
How am I supposed to get dressed this month?
Just kidding, but I do love your blog. I especially love the inspiration I get from your thoughtful engagement and evolution in life as you are aging. I always talk to my daughter about being the best version of herself, and your blog reminds me to do the same.
Enjoy a little refresh!
Enjoy your well deserved break. Love your style, especially travel inspiration.
Bonnes Vacances!
Bon ete & bonnes vacances!
Ideas for future:
-Well-made, attractive Shoes & sandals with ARCH SUPPORT (Revere, Finn Comfort, Alegria) and toes shaped like our feet before we squished them in narrow, pointy-toed shoes; these 3 brands also accommodate custom orthotics
-Sun-protective clothing ( Coolibar & SunPrecautions/Solumbra are top brands with everything from beach to office; Columbia for sport/beach/etc)
Yes, you made some good suggestions. I’m going to check out those brands for my poor aching feet.
Finn Comfort sandals offer amazing support. I never thought I’d pay $200+ for a pair of sandals and be happy about it, but they seem to last forever and the insoles are replaceable. Their color selection is often odd and the styles are not trendy, but I’ve come to value comfort and support for these aging, aching feet!
Enjoy your much deserved break. I’ll look forward to your return in the fall. Yours is the only fashion/lifestyle blog I follow. I don’t bother with social media as I prefer to read a well composed post and yours are always interesting. Good luck with your consulting. You will be fantastic at it and hope your new clients will permit you to share their color adventures with us.
Aww, a timely reminder that self care is imperative in order to be at our very best! I love you blog Susan. Your content is relevant, inspiring and at the same time real world. Savor your rediscovering month and we cannot wait to have you back in Spetember!
Have a great August!
I thoroughly enjoy your blog and check it daily. When you’re trying to keep your followers inspired on style creations, the other social media has to bog you down. You definitely deserve a time to regroup. Selfishly I really hope you continue your outfit posts. Speaking of,………did the flats in the above last photo work out? I like the look of these flats and have considered that purchase. P.S. What about an intern to help with social media outlets?
Well deserved time away! I often wonder how influencers continue the job daily. One I follow is posting all day on Sundays as well and I just wish she would take a minute away. You will be missed during your break!
I’m with all your other fans: have a wonderful vacation—but I sure hope you won’t stop your blog! You are my favorite style blogger! I can’t even imagine how much work it requires for you but unsure do appreciate it.
Regarding social media: I’m pulling way back from FB and keep IG on a tight reign as well (it’s become very annoying). Your blog, on the other hand is always thoughtful and full of good information for me. I look forward to your Color and Style Analysis! Take good care of yourself and enjoy these last few weeks of summer.
Have a wonderful break Susan it’s very important to step away and recharge. Enjoy the peace.
You deserve the vacation Susan, it is so obvious how much of yourself you put into your blog. Enjoy!
Have a wonderful August. Looking forward to your return.
Susan,
Good to have a break without a trip to just recharge. Will you be blogging as often, while doing color analysis? Maybe depends on how it goes with the color analysis?
Hi Susan, Your blog is my favorite and I find it so relatable. I agree with the comment that Instagram, reels ect are not a substitute for written material. They are flash in a pan! IG seems to be one big advertisement and I have been spending less and less time viewing. Rest up and enjoy the summer.
Since I find your color theory posts interesting but don’t know my own colors could you do a bit of a catch-up on how to assess this for oneself? I would like to use the information in your blog to create my wardrobe using color analysis and am just starting out on this process.
I know what you mean about this time of year and sluggish creativity. Time to rest, relax and regroup. I may be in the minority on a fashion blog, but I love your think pieces, where you talk about the bigger picture and your ideas about style, color, aging, travel, life, etc. I admire your perspective and your writing, and am always happy to see one of these gems. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
I hope that you enjoy your break and that it refreshes/recharges you – and all those good things a break should do! I’m probably in the vast minority, but I prefer the written word that is illustrated with photos over fashion video clips – unless those clips are actually showing something like a technique. I find that the concepts expressed in writing and the act of reading give me the opportunity to really think about and absorb the ideas that are presented. I wish you the best in your efforts in reevaluation!
Dear Susan: We will all miss your blogs in August, but you deserve to take some time off. I think many European societies have figured out that a few days are really not a vacation (though the few days can also help). I love the idea of a few weeks to re-charge. I think the idea of an intern is a great one. Community colleges might be the place to start for this. I would also add that I continue to be less on social media platforms.
Finally, once you do start doing style and color analysis, if your clients are willing, it would be marvelous to see posts of their journeys with you. Perhaps not everyone will want to do that, but I would love to see some of your analysis if clients are willing, particularly for style. We have so few places where fashion features the real people of a certain age. To see someone modeling styles good for them and their style personality would be fascinating.
Enjoy your time off. We all need some restorative time away from the “daily grind”. I enjoy your blogs, and don’t have time to full around with IG, and the FB posts are usually not timely….they always appear after I have read your blog. With that said, I am looking forward to your new adventure with styling and color analysis, and hope that eventually I will be able to take advantage of your services. I thought I knew my colors and style…..however I now think I might need a little tweaking. Retired, gray haired and not giving up on style!
Enjoy your break! It’s well deserved.
I always appreciate when you offer style suggestions for each color season. Many bloggers seem to think we can all wear black or white with equally stunning results. I was excited when you had your analysis done a few years ago and I have really enjoyed your metamorphosis. Or should I say your spring awakening?
Bonne vacances, Susan!
For commenters talking about IG content in general, I find it less annoying accessing from a browser instead of the app, Firefox or Safari on iPad/iPhone/Mac.
Enjoy your August! Long overdue, time off to regroup, rejuvenate, and best of all, relax a little. Looking forward to September. Always learning wonderful things from you!
Give me back Susan of 2007 – I became a habitual reader for your insights and cerebral take on fashion. So smart and inspiring and so well crafted. Your blog is still wonderful to read but I hope OOD or links to merchandise do not takeover but clearly based on your readership surveys, I am in the minority. The short of it: I appreciate the value of your blog as a shopping filter but I miss the days where my jaw-dropped because you are so insightful and made me really think about style. I wonder which content direction is “easier” and more satisfying for you (not based on monetization.). Enjoy your time away!
PS – I enjoy the archives from the early years, thanks for keeping them accessible, too.
You totally deserve a break! As a former teacher, I can attest to the need for the summer break to just relax without deadlines and being “on” all the time. Your fans will miss your wonderful posts, but totally understand.
I was blogging religiously on T/Th and decided when summer hit that I was a bit burnt out. I went to a voice teachers conference at the beginning of July and intended to write about the conference when I got back – and then came back with Covid. And then got a rebound case after the first one. And now have a terrible cough and no voice. I think I’ll write next week. Hopefully I can sing/teach next week as well. I didn’t expect to take off the entire month of July from EVERYTHING but….
FYI, those shoes look big on the model!
Christine, what a pain! I hope you’re feeling better soon!
Thanks. It’s crazy – this variant is like bronchitis and strep had a baby. Hit me right in the vocal cords. ;(
As a psychotherapist, I frequently encourage clients to take self-care breaks and this includes time off from social media. So although I will miss your posts in August, I wish you a relaxing, enjoyable month off to nurture your lovely self. Thank you for the time and effort you invest in your work and I look forward to seeing what you will share with us in September for fall wardrobe inspiration (note I love your capsule ensembles and hope to see a few of those featuring your classic, casual style).
Amusez-vous bien. À la rentrée!
Please enjoy your time away.
Re social media — it seems everyone is rethinking this. IMO, we often act as if social media is essential to our lives, instead of a choice we make every day. For example, my friends consider me “brave” for leaving IG and FB — which I find hilarious and sad. Unless you are reliant on social media for your income, I say focus on your blog and website, and forget the rest.
My .02.
Of course do what you need for your own well being. Love your real life, down to earth, style in fashion and writing. Will miss your cheerful smile three mornings a week. Best wishes for your new adventures.
I’ll echo Kathie’s post—yours is the only blog I follow, for the always well-composed posts—as well as the sentiments expressed by many others here. I particularly appreciate your thoughtful and insightful posts on a variety of substantial issues. As an aside, I’ve found, too, that at certain times I need to “reset and reboot,” as you posted some time ago—and I find that a break is productive in its own way. I’ll look forward to revisiting some previous posts and to your return in September.
Dear Susan,
You do an amazing job with your blog. I love it and have followed for years. Thank you for your all efforts. Looking forward to what you decide to do next, but most of all looking forward to you continuing these posts. I love getting them in my inbox and love reading them. Thank you. Have a wonderful time off.
Would love to see a winter travel wardrobe capsule with outerwear. Going to London-Paris-Bordeaux Dec-Jan
I have been reading your blog for many years now–and enjoying it! You have truly found your own best style now and that is fun to see. But, new and fresh directions are great–and much appreciated. Have a wonderful August and I will look forward to reading here again in September
Bonnes vacances (sort of )!
Taking off all of August like they do in France is an excellent idea — just wish that was the tradition in our country! I’m sure you’ll come back refreshed. Enjoy, relax, be safe and healthy.
Eagerly looking forward to your foray into color analysis.
Interested in hearing about how time and effort you put into this blog. I’m thinking about starting one (not fashion), and your comments have me rethinking a few things.
Enjoy your break…
It ain’t just the French…this Canadian had seven weeks paid vacation after 28 years of service. It’s not unusual here for employees to have 5-6 weeks.off. My husband worked for a large American company who gave six week vacation after twenty years to keep up with Canadian competitors. Most European countries have very liberal vacation times as well. Maybe we need a little less time spent on social media and a little more time spent on social reform. It’s how les Français ensured they received their lovely long vacances. I am a devoted follower of la duchesse and her blog Passage des Perles. Closes it down for two months ( July and August) we weep but she reminds us that time off is necessary to readjust, reconnect or just hang out at a side walk café and take a leisurely glass of wine.
Susan enjoy your time off you deserve it! Excited for September!
My suggestion for future posts would be some outfit inspiration for the different style groups.
Via Pinterest I’ve been checking out “Kibbe” styles and in finding that Flamboyant Natural (Adventurer/Huntswoman?) seems a good fit for me I’d love to see more examples for the community of women who now enjoy retirement whilst looking stylish.
Enjoy your downtime, hope the weather plays nice.
(From a very soggy New Zealand ☹)
Enjoy your vacation/blog break, and looking forward to your return in September!
Hooray for you! You retired from your corporate job for good reasons which are likely still viable. Stepping away from commitments and time constraints is a big deal, mentally and physically. Trying new things is great, but within your own boundaries! Another influencer, Kay Harms just this week posted a video entitled “Behind the Scenes at Dressed for My Day”. I had no idea all the mental gymnastics and time required to do your job until I watched it. I will miss you, but look forward to your return at your own speed…
Agree with so many of these comments today! Your blog is IMO the best of the bunch and I look forward to reading it. BUT self care and a lengthy break from the routine is critical to one’s well being. We want you back refreshed and ready to guide us forward again. Enjoy your time away- your loyal readers will be here when you return!
Hi Susan. Long-time follower and I agree with other commenters–I prefer your thoughtful, well-written posts with links over social media (IG, especially, which is a time-suck) and you totally deserve a month “off”! I’m hoping to squeeze a question in before August though. My husband and I are heading to Paris in September for the first time. We were wondering if you had some restaurant recommendations. I thought you were going to post some after your latest trip, but didn’t see where you had.
I agree with so many followers here – you do a great job of presenting a well-written and interesting blog with super style advice and honest reviews of products and apparel. I’ve enjoyed watching your color transformation and am excited to see you grow your business as a House of Colour consultant. I was so surprised at my color session! I’m an Autumn and I haven’t had my style session yet – the pandemic descended on us – so I’m eager to have that done in-person this fall. You have a great balance of recommendations and just talking to your readers like a friend. Keep it up! Enjoy your time away and I’ll look forward to seeing what’s next for ‘une femme d’un certain âge’.
I really enjoy your more essay like posts on the taxonomy of style. There was one a few years ago on ‘Rethinking Classic’ which made me a regular reader. I’m sure the posts on what’s available in the sales are really useful for your US readers but for me it’s the more discursive pieces that keep me coming back.
I have been reading and enjoying this blog for several years now and appreciate your fashion sense very much. In fact, you were the first over 50 blogger I discovered. Your color journey has been fascinating and inspiring to watch. But, I have never seen you on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Tik Tok because, imho, these platforms are a plague on humanity, creating all sorts of pressure on women, and worst of all, young girls to be someone not worth being. It is easy to understand why you need a break if you are trying to satisfy the appetite of the social media monster. Enjoy your time off and know people appreciate what you do. You help us feel like we are still alive!
Enjoy your break! One idea I’d love you to explore is evening ware. While California is quite casual, I do travel a lot and particularly in Europe attend fancier events. I looked for evening jacket ideas on Nordstrom and they were pretty bad. Saks has a few more. In London you can get so many more, particularly small brands. Maybe you could do a joint post with your stylists in London to suggest a few looks/brands?
Plus just moved to SoCal and have no idea what I’d wear to a charity event….
Enjoy a well earned vacation. Your blog really resonates with me. I love your style and your love of life and travel. I look forward to my daily email and think this is the cornerstone of your “brand.” I also look forward to how you will launch color analysis in the future.
If I have to wait until September for your usual interesting input I’ll be sad, but you certainly have earned it. I’m looking forward to seeing more about your new grey hair and how it impacts the color choices you’ll make near your face. My now grey-white hair induced me to give up my favorite redhead’s basics of beige, rust and tan (that suddenly made me look drab), for dark greys and creamy taupes.
Love the mules. Wishing you much creativity in August.
Greetje
I published a blog for my profession for several years. It was a tremendous amount of work. It’s why I’ve never objected to bloggers being compensated- no one should work for free.
Enjoy your break. I’ll be back in the fall.
I’m adding my 2-cents to your comment thread (I know I haven’t commented in for-ever!). I think everyone feels the same way about August–all of the wardrobe repeats–ugh. Enjoy yourself! P.S. I always enjoy your merch links, stylish, but a little different…
When style blogs get a “team”, they lose authenticity. I stop reading. It is better to post quality less frequently than derail altogether, IMO. That’s how the two schools of style blogging seem to go: the little engine that forgot where it’s going, and the little engine that stays on track and slowly chugs uphill. It’s a shame that algorithms are taking the humanity out of style blogs. Algorithms seem more interested in generating sales than authenticity.
Your blog is a lovely and generous gift. You don’t owe anyone anything. Relax and enjoy life. Return when you wish with whatever you wish.