Blog Birthday: 17 Years & Going Strong!
Happy July 1! Today is my Blog Birthday: 17 Years & Going Strong!
This actually begins my 17th year and I never would have thought I would still be in this space. So let the blog birthday commence.
I am older, (I hope) wiser, with more wrinkles, aging challenges, and still have a lot to say.
I have learned so much and will do my best to share some of it with you today…but YOU are the reason I continue on. This audience is such a blessing and I love our daily interactions.
In the same month that this blog turns 17, I turn 73.
I began this when I still had my own kids in the school where I was teaching Journalism, and today I continue as a grandmother of 8.
Someone always asks…why don’t you change the name of the blog??
Perhaps I should have had more long term vision when I named it in my 50s, but social media and blogging was very new to me and I had no idea where we were headed.
I only knew I wanted to help other women by sharing information I learned when I went through a AH-HA wake up call in my early 50s.
When I began to care for me, and moved me from the bottom of my priority list, I learned so much and my closest friend encouraged me to share it in a blog.
The name seemed clever at the time, and put the over 50 audience in the forefront.
However, to change the name would wipe out 17 years of branding and in the marketing world that it gold.
So, I now say that I will ALWAYS be over 50…the rest of my life. And I will ALWAYS be striving to feel my best.
Let’s begin with a little reminiscing….
BLOG BIRTHDAY: 17 YEARS & GOING STRONG – CHANGES
When I began, I did not want the content to be about picturing me and my logo was a mask.
So readers rarely saw my head or face. I would cut off my head to just talk about the outfit or I would hold a newspaper or magazine in front of my face.
Again…I still did not get what was really going on here.
Other bloggers coaxed me out from behind the papers, and told me to show the whole me.
I took a deep breath and plunged.
You know that I have always loved fashion…since teen years…and early on the blog was mostly about clothing.
I looked at myself as a fashion reporter sharing the stories of what others taught me.
In 17 years, my hair has gone darker to lighter.
I wore any and all colors for a long time…until I began to understand color.
Someone reading this wants to type a comment that you like my hair short better…thank you…but, as I have said, I like it longer. And feel more like me.
This was a professional look when I was working in the professional world.
I loved ballet flats…they were my favorite shoe style to wear…but with the botched foot surgeries, they are now more difficult to wear. I do miss them.
One of my very first sponsors was Goodwill and I was a Goodwill ambassador for a long time.
I loved it…the piece I have on here was Goodwill. It was where I could play with fashion and have a little fun.
And when other sponsors began to arrive, I was honestly shocked…and so thankful. There are expenses to this and it helps to keep me here.
And on this blog birthday, I want to send a big THANK YOU to Chico’s….They have a big semi-annual sale in progress.
They have been with me the entire time….participating in different ways.
Oh yes…by the way…I love these pants and they are on sale…CHICO’S ANIMAL PRINT GIRLFRIEND SLIM CROPPED JEANS...at an incredible price. I will wear these all year long.
BLOG BIRTHDAY: 17 YEARS & GOING STRONG – LESSONS LEARNED
My intentions were always to inspire, encourage, and educate women to be their best and thus enjoy life!
My #1 goal has never been to sell, sell, sell or to build numbers. My audience has always been small and targeted.
I experienced a makeover which taught me that there is much psychology to fashion and how we look ….it does influence how we feel…and can promote a more optimistic life…when we take care of ourselves.
I am more comfortable at a keyboard than I am behind a cell phone.
At 11 years of age, I began to write and am still writing. It is in my makeup…a gift that is me.
I realize now that my blog is considered “Old School” and that modern “influencers” are more into video and on many platforms. Plus, there is a chance that AI may eventually take over all of it.
But, I just want to be where you are…where my way over 50 audience is… and not just to follow social media trends.
It is more important to me to write often than to spend time doing so many other things that can actually water down my intentions in being here.
Don’t get me wrong, the income really helps my family, but stories of how content has helped you is much more of a thriller to me.
I love to share those stories with Mr. B.
It does frustrate me to see so much content online that I deem harmful to women.
This is why I like to encourage you to focus on YOU…and look at what your clothing communicates about you.
Too many places attempt to persuade you to be something you are not. We are all unique and cannot be shoved into one label.
Think about what an outfit tells others about you…and control your messaging and, voila, you have a personal style.
Also, I have transitioned to be more of a lifestyle blog than solely fashion blog. This is important because we have so many challenges to face at this time of our lives and I believe this audience has really helped one another/
MY PROMISE:
I promise going forward to be here as long as I am able…I promise to only share about products and clothing that I have personally experienced in a beneficial way…I promise to own up to it if I make a mistake (not perfect here!)…I promise to listen to you with your ideas and assistance…and I promise to curate content that is optimistic, joyful and helpful.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your faithfulness and friendship.
Thank you for joining me today on this Blog Birthday…let’s keep this party going.
EMBRACE TODAY & KEEP SMILING!!
By Pamela Lutrell
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog. It means the world.
AND…visit my NEW CURATED SHOP where I will be adding my finds on a regular basis.
Disclosure: I do receive affiliate commissions for the brands I promote. Thanks!
I enjoy you, the blog, and the women who contribute here. I have no idea how many years that I have been following and eventually contributing. I remember when you had your colors done by Annie, and it was before that. I read a small handful of other blogs, but I only respond to yours. It is a safe place. I have seen you grow exponentially, experiment easily, share generously. You have been disappointed, you have been thrilled. You educate and question which entices us to do the same. You think of us on Sunday, which I secretly believe is your favorite post of the week. You lift us up every day. What a fun journey for you! The ability to research and write and think and share with a like minded community is a gift that God granted. Thank you for today’s back story and thank you for being here every morning. Happy 17th, Pamela.
Deborah, you said this perfectly! I almost never comment in any other space but this one, and I actually read all the other comments from “our” community. I remember tentatively posting my first comment ever, in a Would You Wear It, many years ago. I love that I can open this page without fear of seeing bunch of comments that are petty and cruel … there is no other space on this vast internet that I would have posted my pictures and color analysis. I know I can open up this blog and feel lightly, gently educated about fashion, have a bit of fun and connection, and be nodding along about the life challenges we are all dealing with. Over 50? Yes I am. Waaaay over 50, but still here and still grateful to you, Pam. Happy blog birthday! Have some chocolate! :).
Bless you, Deborah. I am so glad you joined in. I love this safe place for all of us.
Congratulations on “Seventeen” years of making every single day count. Your remarkable path is a joy to celebrate today. Your wisdom and knowledge shared with us are truly appreciated.
Oh my… a little chocolate to celebrate does sound good…but I am saving up for this weekend’s peach cobbler, which is my favorite dessert. With ice cream, of course. It blesses me so much that some of you have shared your personal stories and pictures here. We all learn from each other daily and this community has taught me a lot. Thank you for your willingness to share and be here.
Thank you, Janet. I am so glad you enjoy the content. Blessings!
Congratulations on 17 years of blogging! Deborah and Linda have both said it beautifully – it is a pleasure to enjoy this space with you and others in the community. I don’t know how many years I’ve been following you, but likely over 10 by now. Like Linda, this is the only space where I feel safe to post comments occasionally and I’m always interested in the wisdom not only from you but other readers. I love that this has become more of a lifestyle blog and not solely fashion, as I think that speaks to where most of us are at this point in our lives. Glad to hear you will continue until unable and I would submit that most of us will read your blog until we are unable too! Happy Blog Birthday. 🎉
Congratulations, Pam! What a wonderful accomplishment. I can’t remember the exact year I started following your blog, but I’m guessing around 9 or so years ago. And, I am very glad to have discovered it. Your content is interesting, helpful and fun. My favorite thing about you and your blog is your positive outlook. Wishing you well and looking forward to many more years with you!
Thank you so much, Barb. I agree that at our stage of life it makes sense to lean into lifestyle posts more than I have in the past…but I know we are all girls who love clothes. So, we gather here as we did in high school with friends to discuss…what do you love to wear? I will balance it all for us.
Thanks Beth! I look forward to being with all of you…hopefully a long time…
Happy Anniversary! Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Linda..so glad you are here.
I too wish you a happy blog anniversary! Seventeen years and evolving! ❤️
I too recall the many Would you Wear It segments! Such fun! I loved reading the responses and the reasoning behind what women said…..
Happy blog birthday! Always good to read your posts.
Thank you, Susan. So glad you join in.
Those were fun…but could also get a little dicey…I have attempted to bring it back a couple of times and the numbers are low. I might pop one in every now and then for a surprise…they can be fun. Thanks for being here, Paulette.
I don’t know how I found your blog but I’m glad I did. Pam, you have helped me a lot not only in fashion but lifestyle and how I can feel more confident in who I am. I’m still working on that.
Also as someone said earlier I do feel this is a community. I do read the other comments and get ideas from what others said.
Keep it up and let’s not worry about AI. We will all need some who is real to communicate with. Husbands are good but just not in the same thought process as other women.
Congratulations on 17 years Pam!! I have always enjoyed your blog (and friendship)! I love that you are open and honest and share how you deal with changes, trials and triumphs. Your faith shines through it all and is such an encouragement. I’m glad you still enjoy writing this and will keep going! Blessings to you!!
Congrats! What a fine job u continue to do sharing all with us your adventures my fave part. I love adventures!! I only have been here 2 yrs learning fashion ideas.I was just immersed in country life with all my beloved animals and growing plants and trees. So u have moved me forward on this new path, thanks a bunch!!
Happy Blog Birthday to you! I read your blog every day you post. It is really the only one that I actually read, lol. I love the content and your style of writing. I hope you continue to enjoy it, as well. Thank you for publishing it. 😊
Have a wonderful day!
Thanks Paula…we are all girlfriends here and I love it. You stay strong and confident…you are a special person.
Blessings to you, Sabrina! I miss your laugh…hope to hear it again sometime soon! THANK YOU for being a part of this audience.
You are welcome, Debra…and thank you for being here.
You also have a wonderful day, Glenda! Thank you for the well wishes and support.
🎂 Happy, Happy!!! I found your blog in the summer of 2019. I remember it distinctly because the little private school where I taught suddenly shut down, and because I had planned to continue for several years more, I felt like the proverbial rug had been yanked from beneath me. I worked three days a week, for the sheer love of it much more so than for the paycheck…and so I felt rather lost. In wondering “what now?” I Googled something along the lines of “how to dress after 50 and suddenly retired” – which brought me here, exactly what I needed. The fantastic quirk is that what I gained was SO much more and beyond fashion advice. The community aspect, supportive attitudes and personal bent to this space makes for a safe and homey visit, day after day and year after year.
I wish you a very Happy Anniversary on the blog. You are so appreciated! 🌻
p.s. – starting day#3 in our new home, so it’s a bit chaotic yet, but feels so good to be done with the move, just a handful of miles from my boys, and with my dad under the same roof. I am feeling very blessed.
Thank you, Connie! So many here I would love to meet face to face! And I am thrilled to hear that the move is going well. Have fun setting up your new home!
Congratulations, and Thank You for being a part of my every morning. With all the garbage one has to wade through on internet sites nowadays, it is wonderful to have a safe place. I love reading your blog to start my day and follow your fashion and decorating ideas with great interest. Now and then when you add family and home updates, it’s like a visit with close friends. Keep up the good work and I will keep following along.
Good morning!
What a fun post Pam! I wish I could remember when I first stumbled upon you. I’ve been with you for many many years. Congratulations to you. I enjoy your content very much. I wish you many more successful years. I retired from Procter and Gamble research and development and worked for Always. I believe at some point Always Discreet sponsored you. Here’s to you and all of us over 50’s still contributing, enjoying, and encouraging each other. Amy
Blessings! Thank you for starting my day with you!
Oh yes…Always Discreet sponsored me! And is still a part of my personal life 😂 I remember when you came here and so glad you still remain. Thank you, Amy!
Happy Blog Birthday, Pam! You and I have much in common. My blog will be 19 years old in December and it’s still old school too. It’s name made sense when I thought I’d only be writing it for one year, but even though it no longer fits as well, it’s who I am online and so I keep it. And then, of course, there’s our love of fashion and our desire to help our readers be the best that they can be. Keep it up, Pam!
I would love to see the pictures that readers send in.
Congratulations on your blog anniversary! I love that your blog is “old school.” I really appreciate that you are not modeling a new trendy outfit everyday. I like that you show the different ways you wear your clothing, this is what I want with my clothing, I will buy new things but I want to remix what I have. I also like how you motivate with your weight loss journey. You are relatable! I have followed too many bloggers that I thought I related to and before I knew it they were skinny and wearing designer clothes. Thank you for your Sunday Devotions as well. I hope you have many more years of blogging ahead!
Congratulations! So glad you continue to write and share your insights with us!
You as well, Elaine. I am so glad we have made this journey together!
They are already on the blog…both did carol analysis and shared their experience…it was Linda and Kathie. Anyone else who would like to share what they are wearing for summer…I am happy to post. Thanks Carol.
Thank you so much, Karen. While I am on a journey to lose weight and be healthier…I do not ever see me being super skinny…so no worries there! LOL! Glad to have you here.
Thank you for being here, MaryAnn.
Congratulations on your 17th blog anniversary. I have read you for many years and always enjoy the family news, the devotions and the fashion and shopping advice. Please keep up the good work! I also learn from the comments of others in this group.
Happy Blog Birthday to the one blog I look forward to reading each day. I don’t know what I can add to all the comments above other than that’s how I feel too. You have created a community, a safe place and I so appreciate how you share your faith and your family life with us. I only wish I had found you 17 years ago.
Congratulations! Your blog is a breath of fresh air and a joy to read every morning. Thank you dear cyber friend.
Congratulations on your 17th blog birthday! I agree with what everyone else shared. You do provide a safe happy space but also honest and willing to share your life with us. I also like fashion but this is much more than fashion. It is like sitting down with my girlfriends every morning with my tea. Pamela, you have provided this space for me for several years. Thank you for your kindness, honesty and generosity. I will be here as long as I can and I always read the girls comments. Congratulations to Connie on completing her move to her new home. We have completed all the repairs now from the water damage in March. It is feeling peaceful again here.
Happy 17th! I found you as I was transitioning from the working world into retirement. It was one of my many transitions over the past 16+ years. I was looking for something from someone who had a mature woman’s point of view, & that someone was you. You have guided along an ever-changing path not only in fashion but other areas of life. I too am more comfortable behind a keyboard, & though ballet slippers were never right for me, I miss my high heels. My feet don’t miss them, but my heart does. I am wishing you many more years of sharing your life with us.
Thanks so much, Cheryll.
If you had you would have experienced the headless blogger! LOL!
Thank you, Jill…my audience is a breath of fresh air….
Sounds like you and Connie are experiencing some joy and peace. Thanks Sydney!
Thank you, Becky…hopefully you will be along for the entire ride! Blessings!
Dear Pamela,
Happy 17! I have to say one of the things I find so refreshing about your blog is your genuine voice. You don’t make your followers feel regret about leaving behind our high heels, our professional wardrobe and our younger sense of what beauty is. You embrace the gift of getting older with style, dignity and grace. You have definitely made me love reinventing myself. When I retired, I literally felt lost. It took me a while to look in the mirror and see I could still be vibrant, classy and have a sense of purpose. I no longer spend hours on hair and makeup but the end result is no less dramatic. When all I have to do is put on moisturizer, a swipe of blush and a lip tint and dress casually but deliberately, and my husband asks “Where are you off to all dressed up?” that’s a good thing. Literally just going to do some food shopping can be an event. And, like you inspire your followers, leaving the house with a smile is your best accessory. (BTW, I did get the Nopalera on sale from Ulta – your code worked – and I love the fragrances! I’ll be adding more of their products soon.). Thanks for sharing!
Congrats Pam!! I love your blog. I follow a handful of “influencers”, but I’m thinking of dropping a few because they’re beginning to feel irrelevant. Yours is so sincere, down to earth, and applicable for my lifestyle. I look forward to it every day. Your posts and the comments are inspiring for those of us “over 50”. I also enjoy your Sunday posts so much. Plus, I love your bravery to go into the kitchen and be creative.
I think you look as amazing today as you did 17 years ago. What an inspiration for joy. Again, congratulations.
So glad you like Nopalera! And there is a lot of living to do after retirement. Let’s look our best for it! Thanks Sharon!
Thank you, Cindy, for all of the encouragement!
So glad you are here.
Congratulations, Pam! I have been following you for many years and am always inspired by you and your readers. Thank you for all you do!
Happy blog anniversary! Yours is the first blog I open in the morning and the only one I’ve been following for years. And I love your hair just the way it is! I can’t imagine starting my day without you. Here’s to many many more anniversaries.
Love all of the comments today and hearing how much you have helped women. I don’t comment often but read every post. Thank you for what you write and share.
Congratulations on 17 years! I believe I have been following you since the inception, following along as the aging process, fashion trends and family moves forward. So lucky and blessed to have the privilege of being a part of this community. In August I will turn 75 and I am looking forward to what you have to say in the next 17 years! God bless!!
I think I must have been following along for close to 15 years! Amazing. Although I’ve never enjoyed thinking much about clothes (one of those jeans and T- or big-shirt “girls,” even at 80!), your cheerful, courageous, creative approach to life’s challenges keeps drawing me back. And I’m not alone in this, as other comments show. Congrats on 17 years, and may the 18th be one of the best yet.