First of all, I really want to thank all my readers who took my survey. It makes me feel so special that you would take the time to give me feedback and so I wanted to take the time to share the responses with you. It means so much to me to know that I’m making a difference to some of you and reading through your comments has given me such a happy boost of enthusiasm for blogging!
A few of my favorite comments:
“Thank you so much for doing this blog. I really believe you have found a way for us middle age gals to still feel youthful but still classy. Your writing style is completely relatable. You can spot trends and make them completely your own. You have shown me how to use be stylish yet still be comfortable and casual.”
“Encouragement to be yourself and wear what makes you happy.”
“Classy, classic with a bit of sass, styles that work for my pear shape, styles that are fresh and age appropriate.
“I really enjoy how you can make casual dressing look polished but still fun and youthful. I also like how to point out items in your wardrobe that can be transferred to different looks and occasions. It seems you thoughtfully shop for items that work seamlessly across your wardrobe.”
“Building a Wardrobe is so helpful!”
“Your personality – how you style clothes, advise women to dress for themselves and take (good) risks. Your NYFW recaps, any video you do and your newsletters are among the best written I’ve come across (you share sales, welcome new people and do lots of stuff that feels personal that I can’t just get by going to your blog).” (Not a subscriber yet? Sign up here! Your email adress is always safe with me.)
“Dawn- I think you’re awesome. I love your perspective on fashion for women, how inclusive you are, and how much fun you definitely have in attending fashion shows/trying new trends/not taking yourself too seriously. Keep up the good work. The fact that you’re on the west coast is fun eye-candy for me during the harsh Northeast winters we’ve had on my side of the country!
“More day to day outfits. I’m older but still teaching full time. Your looks are very contemporary and updated. I’ve picked up some ideas from your blog that I get compliments on at work. To me most of the ‘style over whatever age’ blogs are attractive but very much ladies who lunch. The looks would age me on campus. Your looks are on trend without seeming too try hard and young. I’d like it if you posted or Instagrammed more frequently but know it’s time intensive. It is May though! Thanks for a great blog.”
Haha, yes it IS May and I’m really looking forward to spending more time on the blog and social media this summer!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Ladies! I appreciated everyone’s comments SO much. You made my day over and over again.
Now, let’s learn a bit more about you! It’s so nice to know I have readers from all over the US, coast to coast and everywhere in between, along with some international readers from Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand!
About half of you work full time, with the rest mostly being retired or working part time.
Most of you usually spend in the middle price range for wardrobe items you buy. I’ll try to continue focusing on mid-range priced items, along with being sure to add in more affordable choices, as well as a few luxe pieces.
Speaking of shopping, I took a tally of everyone’s favorite places to shop and the top picks were Nordstrom, Chico’s, Loft, and Macy’s. No doubt I do A LOT of my shopping at Nordstrom, Chico’s, and Macy’s … and I’m going to take some advice from you all and try to check out Loft more often as well! (See, this style advice thing works both ways!)
A few of you shared concerns with me. One reader is concerned with my sponsored content. And I get it. But I just want you to know that I’m always honest in my reviews and you can always email me for more information. Also, I want you to know that I’m super picky about the collaborations I agree to. I get emails every day from PR people wanting me to sell everything from potato chips to lamps. I’ve been passing on the beauty and skincare campaigns coming my way, until a brand I feel really good about reaches out. I also say no to many fashion brands. I’ve stopped collaborating with some of the fast fashion sites for the good of the environment. I don’t pretend to be the most savvy eco-friendly shopper, but I am making more and more thoughtful choices. And I refuse to showcase brands that I just plain don’t like!
I’ve had a request for more petite and plus size options. I LOVE that I have a variety of shapes and sizes reading my blog. The majority of pieces that I feature are also available in petite and plus and I’ll make sure to be better about communicating that.
Other things you’d like to see more of: one item styled multiple ways, capsule wardrobe, packing lists, beauty and make up, thrifting tips, hot weather dressing, how to shop your closet, more inexpensive choices, how to hide a tummy (hello, midlife!). I’m taking this list with me into my summer blog planning and am looking forward to the challenge of addressing as many of these as I can!
Oh gosh and one very important little detail: the winner of the $100 Nordstrom gift card is … Annie! I put emails on slips of paper and let one of my students choose. Congratulations, Annie!
If you didn’t get a chance to take the survey, I’d still love to hear from you!
And thanks again a million, Dolls! Adore my sweet readers! I couldn’t take this style and blogging journey without out you. Well, I guess I could, but it sure wouldn’t be half as fun!
2 Comments
You are fabulous! What sweet comments you received!
http://www.ruthyannie.com
Aww thanks so much for that. I’m super lucky to have such thoughtful readers! OXOX