Our annual survey plays a major role in gathering valuable insights, opinions, and feedback from our community. Your responses provide a wealth of information that enables us to provide more posts that interest you. Surveys have the potential to reveal unexpected and surprising insights that challenge our preconceived notions. A big shout out to those of you that took the time to fill out the survey. I know a few of you had problems and I apologize for that. Your invaluable feedback allows us to make informed decisions for our upcoming content. We are already acting upon several of your wonderful suggestions. Below are the results and rankings for each topic. Let’s take a look at the Key Takeaways from our Annual Survey that Have us Inspired. I have included an overview of your suggestions under each section.
Key Takeaways from our Annual Survey that Have us Inspired
YOUR OVERALL FAVORITES:
Over 50 Fashion-299 ranked as #1
Interiors-76 ranked as #1
Ageless Style-51 ranked as #1
Entertaining/Recipes-46 ranked as #1
Travel-41 ranked as #1
Makeup & Self Care-36 ranked as #1
Gardening and Outdoor Living-34 ranked as #1
FASHION TOPICS
1.Travel Wardrobe, 2. Jeans Styling, 3. Comfortable Shoes, 4. Accessories, 5. Workout Wear, 6. Wedding Attire Suggestions
Reader Suggestions:
Several people requested that I only feature natural fabrics and several asked for more affordable options. I personally prefer natural fabrics and rarely wear those that aren’t. However, not everyone can afford all natural fabrics, so I need to provide a balance. A couple of requests for more artsy, funky options. Shopping your closet and wearing items multiple ways. Best undergarments (this is a good one-working on it). Splurge and Save posts. Accessorizing. Many requests for casual chic everyday wear.
You can read my post Slo-Fashion How to Buy Better and Smarter here.
You can find more Vivian Westwood quotes here.
POSITIVE AGING-SELF CARE
1 Aging Gracefully, 2. Skincare, 3. Makeup, 4. Diet and Excercise
Reader Suggestions
Non- and minimally invasive dermatologic procedures. I am on this one. I will be featuring my skincare guru Kelly and she will answer our questions.More silver haircare (I do this at least a couple of times a year). More cruelty free organic skincare options. Help for thinning hair. Natural looking makeup for women our age.
You might enjoy this post Three Tips for Overcoming Invisibility and Embracing Empowerment After 60.
DESIGN RELATED TOPICS
- Design Tips and Tricks, 2. Interior Styling, 3. My Home, 4. Featured Homes, 5. Featured Designers
Reader Suggestions:
How to use what one has in new ways. Seasonal updates. Downsizing ideas. Small space decorating. Decorating with antiques. How to keep your home stylish without following every trend. Closet organizing techniques.
OUTDOOR/GARDENING
- Outdoor living and styling, 2. My Garden, 3. Garden Design, 4. Gardens of Others
Reader Suggestions:
Container Gardening. Small Space Gardening. Rose care and companion plantings. Waterwise gardening. Price friendly Outdoor furnishings.
You might enjoy exploring my garden posts here.
ENTERTAINING/RECIPES
1.Favorite Recipes, 2.Entertaining Tips, 3. Table Styling
Readers Suggestions:
Small group entertaining tips. Healthy recipes and vegan options. Simple appetizers and entertaining for small groups. Cooking for two.
In 2024, I’m going to do my best to showcase some new brands. I want to know from you what brands you love and actually purchase when you are looking for new articles of clothing, accessories, activewear, skincare, etc. What are your tried-and-true brands, and why? Please share with me in the comments and I will compile a list and focus on showcasing some of these later this year!
Thank you so much for reading Key Takeaways from our Annual Survey that Have us Inspired. Feel free to leave any additional comments below. I cannot tell you how inspired I am by this community. You guys are the best!
P.S We are working on a few tweeks on the website, so if it looks a little “wonky” don’t worry.
I am an Interior Designer who has been practicing for 34 years! Of course I love your posts on Interiors. Also the tablescapes are very inspiring. Somehow I missed the survey but here is my advice to you that I find ALL bloggers should adhere to. Do what you LOVE! Don’t try to be all things to all people! I will love some posts and some I’ll pass on. What interests me and keeps me coming back to your blog is YOU. You are interesting and inspired me to look at things I wouldn’t have looked at otherwise. Don’t try to please the masses. I’ve seen too many blogs do this and they become bland and watered down. You do you!
I absolutely agree with this post.
I second Becky’s post !!!!! you be YOU !!!
Thank you!
Amen to this, just be you
Hi Becky
Thank you. I will always try to provide affordable looks and tips. I know my style does not appeal to everyone, but I love a collected look in my home and on my body. That will never change. Thank you so much for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate you!
Cindy:
Thank you, for the results on the survey.
My Fav: ( Die Hard, Faithful to the Brands
Ralph Lauren
Fashion and Home Interiors
Make-up
Giorgio Armani ( Foundation)
Did you try it?
Blue Jeans
Levis 501 ( Great article on them)
I have purchased high end from all the top lines, still love the 501’s and yes you can custom them to fit .
My lists are minimal, now as for as Winter Garb, Coats, Snow Boots, Gloves. Hats, Insulated Hi-Tech Under garments, list is looooong, ( learn the best winter garb for residing in Maine. ).
Could you please share an fragrance? And fav candle scent as well
HOW DO YOU CUSTM THEM TO FIT?
Hi Karen
I love Votico red current. I also love Tatine candles. I tend to like fresh or earthy scents. My favorite cologne jo malone lime basil or grapefruit!
Great question and answers!
She is refreshing isn’t she?
I don’t think I mentioned it, but I do like to see your tablescapes. I just love setting a beautiful table (when I get the chhance.
Interesting survey results.
I’m heading for 73, Cindy, and always love looking at what others are wearing, which is essentially why I subscribed to your blog.
I have a mood board of classically elegant looks on Pinterest – and frequently refer to it. I also have a personal photo file of outfits that work for me – it’s a bit more objective – and if it doesn’t work in the pic then it’s a no-no and i may get rid of the clothing. But I rarely buy clothes or shoes any more unless I really need them and then I’m not at all adverse to buying secondhand via consignment stores and ebay, as so many folk just live in the fast fashion lane.
I use L’Oreal cosmetics but have refined that down so far now that my little cosmetics bag is nearly empty. I give myself mani/pedis weekly but never wear nail polish as my hands are nobbled and scarred from arthritis, gardening and animals. Nor do I wear anything on my fingers other than my wedding rings. I wear very dainty and fine artisan-designed gold and silver bracelets in the Danish style and small discreet earrings when needed.
I use L’Oreal and Dermalogica Skin Care products and visit my skin specialist every three months as i have had many skin cancers, including losing 1/3 of my right ear a year ago. That was a horrid operation! Maybe why I love your hats so much.
I visit my hairdresser every 5 weeks for deep conditioning and a toner.
My townhouse and coastal home are now just the way I want them and I speak to them with love when I walk in and I always talk to my gardens which are my sanctuary. (Perhaps I’m just a crazy old woman) I have a 48 year old partnership with my adored husband and I have a busy Jack Russell terrier who requires walks twice daily – good for me and for him.
And that’s it. I spend hours outdoors and do classical ballet one day a week. I stitch every night and I’m a fiction writer, so I’m never bored. It’s made for contentment and fulfilment in my life, that’s for sure.
Cheers and thank you.
WOW! I would love to know you!
Love it when you guys interact!!
Fascinating life, enjoyed reading this. Contentment, so good.
Hi Carol
Yes!!
Such an interesting post to learn of the results and also to read all of the comments- great suggestions! I also am very committed to trying to buy second hand clothes but if I want to make a new purchase I typically wait for a good sale. Here are my favorite lines:
Beauty -Osea Malibu, Jones Road, Aveda, Weleda
Fashion- CP Shades (when on sale through local boutiques and Sundance Catalog), Quince, Everlane, Pact Clothing (great organic basics(socks, underwear, bras, Ts/excercise), J Crew, Alex Mill, Nordic Labels (Beautiful site for home goods and fashion – esp Marimekko, Lithuanian Linen)
Thanks agin for such a wonderful and inspiring blog!!!
I saw in one of the comments about nail care. I would be very interested in reading more about that. I am a gardener in the spring through fall and a quilter year-round. I will admit I don’t do a good job of taking care of my nails. I used to do acrylics, but they were terrible for my nails, and I really don’t want to take the time or spend the money on a regular salon visit. I do a pedicure monthly and that’s enough. What can I do at home to at least make my nails more presentable?
I do bimonthly pedicures at salon but use OPI base coat, polish, and top coat. Usually when I’m watching a show and sitting still for 30 min, remove old polish and use the three bottles, with 2 coats of polish. OPI Take A Vow natural color. Trim and file before as needed. Basic but looks decent.
I use the OPI for my fingernails at home.
Love all areas of your blog Cindy. I recently went back to the old tried and true Levi’s 501’s and expelled all stretch type Jean out of my closet. So tired of pulling up $100+ jeans all day. I also wear NYDJ’s and they hold up well. Due to back surgery also need a high rise. Since color analysis and petite fashion rules I have a curated closet now. I love vintage well made clothing such as Ralph Lauren and shop high end consignment frequently. Recently, bought a Vintage 100 percent wool coat for $35! I have also found good deals on Poshmark and EBay. I am a retired therapeutic Yoga instructor and my go to for athletic wear is athleta. I have a closet full of different styles of Yoga pants I will keep for long term. Hoka and Birkenstocks are my go to footwear for tennis shoes to sandals/boots. I use Dr Denese skincare line, an organic vitamin C serum, and No. 9 retinol products. Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation, Bye Bye under eye by IT mixed with No 9 eye cream for concealer, It face wash, Dior Maximizer Eyelash Primer, and various drugstore shadows, eyeliner, etc. Cheers into 2024!
As a Canadian follower of your blog I would like to suggest that you link through to Canadian versions of purchasing sites where possible. You have so many good suggestions!
I know that Kris at https://www.drivenbydecor.com/blog/
and Diane Henkler at https://inmyownstyle.com/ do this. Such that where there might be a link to Amazon.com, when I click it, it automatically goes to Amazon.ca. I know this can be done for many American online sites that have a Canadian equivalent. Even Nordstrom. Don’t know how, but maybe follow up with the above mentioned ladies. It would be so much easier than having to click on the link, copy the descriptive info, find the Canadian site and paste that info.
Love your blog!
Hi Cindy,
I’m less interesting in adding more clothing to my wardrobe. I have quite enough even with paring down.
For make-up with serious skincare my tried and true is Ilia and Dore is my cleanse, moisturize, lip and cuticle go too…simple French beauty that is EWG approved.
Quince is wonderful for cashmere sweaters & I love Express denim. I am going to do a NO BUY year for clothes & shoes this year as I have too many of both. Love your outfits, they inspire me to use what I already own .
Hi Cindy,
For inexpensive I love Quince, Baby Gold jewelry Naadam, Everlane, Zara and Vuori shoes. For more expensive I love AGL sneakers, Aquatalia boots, Bogner, Theory, Brochu Walker sweaters, Zimmerman dresses, Poetry from England and Fold from England.
Nails as we age…I never see much advice on this. Am I the only one who doesn’t have gel nails or a manicure every few weeks? I am in the garden or crafting so much that it’s difficult for me but I do have them done prior to events or trips. What color of nail polish has been a favorite for pale skin? I love a red but it must be a lighter bright red vs a deep burgundy…Id love to see some shades you love. Are gel nails safe and how do you remove them without heading to the salon? If you don’t continuously keep them. Pedicure shades? I use a tea tree foot balm that works wonders for dry feet. Love your ideas and look forward to your new tips.
I loved to hear about this too!
I look forward to what you have coming up for us. I’m always happy to see you in my in box each Thursday. I love mixing hi/low and I can get away with some things from Target or similar mixed in with more expensive. For this trip, I have a cream color small bag that some women were gushing over. When I told them where it came from for $30, they were incredulous. One of them even sniffed it to see if it was leather! It’s fun to find a great look at a bargain price and I know you have a way with doing that too. Keep doing what you’re doing….its all good!
So where’s the bag from?? Please share.
Hi Mary
Here is the link a great bag and a great cause https://rstyle.me/+BLuY6_aQDw1CjYAyo5BmdA?__cid=1152
Hi Mary, It’s from Target! I looked it up on their website and it’s called Elongated Refined Crossbody by A New Day. I think it looks better in the off-white than in black. It has a nifty closure.
Thanks pal!
Hi Cindy –
Thanks for the survey results. I love your blog and all the ‘reads’…I have been wearing BODEN for over 15 years…they make beautiful cotton dresses that are lined and fit my ample bosom. I am having sinus surgery in February and am adding on a ‘blepharoplasty’…because I can. Please lmk if you want any reporting from the trenches – I’ll take photos, too!
Hi Cindy –
Thank you for the information that you share on all topics. I live local to you and am curious as to where you predominately source your outdoor pots.
I order many items from J Crew but almost never at full price. And I don’t shop their best sales, because I refuse to purchase anything that can’t be returned or exchanged; I have found J Crew sizing too inconsistent for me to trust that a final sale item will fit. I have tried multiple brands of jeans at all price points, but weirdly I’ve had the best luck with Old Navy. (In the skinny jeans era, Gap curvy true skinny jeans reigned supreme my closet.) For linen, sweaters, leather bags, and even some jewelry, Quince is unbeatable in my book.
Thanks for letting us share our thoughts! You’re simply the best, and I love your blog.
Two new to me brands in the past 3 years are Alex Mill (love!!…natural fabric, timeless styles) and Frank and Eileen (triple fleece LS). Both are expensive and Alex Mill now has twice yearly sales which are amazing and Frank and Eileen does have a sale section tho still pricey. Other: Banana Republic Factory for girlfriend jeans; Birkenstock for waterfriendly Arizonas, Prana for tops, Woolx for leggings and LS tees, Taos (dress sneakers, wool clogs) for select shoes, Eileen Fisher for select items, On Running for sneakers and Back Country for shorts and outdoor gear. Excellent brands with high quality, sustainable products and most importantly wonderful sales. 🙂 Ilia is my new fav make up, Neutrogena and Cetaphil for SPF products and skin care. It seems a lot but I but only purchase a few items each year and have clothes from Eileen Fisher and shoes/boots that are 20+years old. I retired about 7 years ago and it has taken me a while to find clothes/style that work for our coastal, laid back outdoor lifestyle. Very much enjoy your blog and thank you for reaching out for our input.
Hi Cindy! I found your site after searching the web on whether I could wear linen for fall. Your outfits inspired me! I have enjoyed seeing all of your beautiful outfit combinations.
I am a bargain shopper, though. I have looked into Eileen Fisher resale and Banana Republic Factory (both are a bit more affordable than the EF or BR stores). I also do a lot of shopping in Marshall’s and T.J. Maxx to find a good item at low prices. I actually found a silk Eileen Fisher long tank for $15 at Marshall’s once! Even Ross has some wonderful Calvin Klein pieces (though, the fabrics aren’t necessarily eco friendly).
For makeup, I order from online companies that have good ingredients. RMS Beauty is a wonderful line for aging skin, developed by Rose-Marie Swift, a master makeup artist for over 30 years. Another one that I am trying is Jane Iredale; mostly powder formulas (good for summer!). 100% Pure and W3ll People (not a typo) are 2 others that I have used.
I travel quite a bit and love to look at your blogs for packing inspiration. I recently found a pair of leopard print loafers, similar to your Birdies, but with a knit material at a much lower price. They are going in my upcoming vacation – yes! I am wearing leopard items for Spring!
Thanks for your lovely articles!
What a great response. I too-am a bargain shopper and often find great prices on Postmark. I always look for Johnny Was, Anthropologie and Vince. I just bought a possible Mother of the Groom option for a summer tropical beach wedding. I have searched about every website and store for dresses-and they are so expensive or inappropriate . I even bought a few and went to a seamstress for alterations, which would cost more than the dresses. UGH.
I love quality-but also need value. And spending $$$ for clothes are just not something I feel good about. I love Postmark as a solution, environmently friendly, cost effective, and many options for designer clothing. Thank you for your suggestions about make up. I need that!
I haven’t tried Poshmark yet, mainly because I can’t try the clothes on first! But, it’s a good resource. Since I am traveling a lot and usually only take a carry-on bag, I look for clothes on the lighter-weight side. Sometimes that’s hard to determine online.
Yes, alterations are so expensive! Sometimes I will justify it if the item is a great buy, but needs some help.
Sign up for emails and join the rewards clubs from some of those online makeup companies. They offer some great discounts, especially around Black Friday, Christmas, and some holidays.
Great suggestions Nancy thanks!
The fushia roses in the black and white vase were such cheerful welcome on this dreary, cold New England day – Thank You!!!
As a stylish, traveling and environment enthusiast, I appreciate your blog. You have inspired me in so many ways. My taste goes to natural fibers, but I have discovered kohls, target, and Costco for some basics. Then I wait for sales at anthropology, Talbots and athleta. I also shop at Etsy. I am a master gardener, and love to plant and create sustainable gardens.
Thank you for your work!