My cubicle is cleared – above is what it looked like yesterday afternoon. My overnight bag, purse and scarf, office keys, headphones, essential coffee, my LAST timesheet, and my fan…
Yes, my friends, I am going to try to blog, write, and speak full time!
I’m utterly terrified.
But belovedest suggested a few weeks ago that I grab this particular bull by the horns and see what I could do in 40 hours a week that I can’t do in 15…
Did I mention that I’m terrified?
I have ideas for my book, of COURSE I’m going to continue to blog every day, and I’d love to find some opportunities to speak to groups about defining personal style, planning a wardrobe, or planning a travel capsule.
Oh yea, I’m really terrified…
me -outside GT Fish & Oyster, courtesy of Pam at Over 50 Feeling 40
Hop over to Pam’s to get the details on our dinner together, including an adorable picture of the chef…
Oh, my goodness, I am happy for you! To me this feels so right. I think it's all going to be brilliant for you–Adelfa
Your writing is fabulous. I am so pleased! You will do wonderfully well Janice. Best of luck x
I am so excited for you…I know you are going to soar, Janice! Like I said…you are a rock star and such an inspiration for women over 50!
This is wonderful…you have a huge fan club! I am waiting for a copy of your book, but meanwhile will continue to look forward to your blog
Congratulations! You will do wonderfully well. Enjoy every minute of your success.
Congrats! I'm waiting on your book and I check your blog daily. I have a question–is the blue sweater/jacket you are wore yesterday from your current Project 333?
It is indeed – the one I show in the ensemble of my clothes doesn't look exactly the same – it's the same color but it lacks the wacky ziggy hem and swingy style. Getting a good photograph of an Eileen Fisher garment is nearly impossible!
And I know someone asked about my glasses – they're Silhouettes, and the sides and nose piece are dark red! I'm seriously considering trading them out for a new style though, these are beginning to create dreaded perma-divots on the sides of my nose. Sigh…
New glasses have been a big boost for me. I highly recommend shopping for new frames. Someone (Angie @ YouLookFab?) once said the three biggies for updating one's look are: new bras, new hairstyle and new glasses and I think that is spot on.
Hip Hip Hooray! Big things are in store for you my blogging-friend! And when you come to Houston, you have a place to stay!
(Thought you would appreciate this sudden realization that crossed my brain yesterday: I have 1 Hermes scarf – thank you Janice for the inspiration – and 3 daughters. I need to buy at least 2 more scarves. Planning my heirlooms early!)
Sounds to me like you're going to need to own all of your most precious items in "three's" – what a great excuse!
(((Renee)))
Wishing you every success for your adventure Janice :-)
OH!!!! Congratulations! I am so excited for you! I know that this must be scary (you have said), but you have SUCH talent! This is absolutely wonderful!!! Congratulations. You have been such an inspiration. Changed my life, really, as I've been sorting and weeding and clearing out. You have helped me to feel lighter! Oh! Congratulations!!! Happy, happy, happy for you! Susan
Congratulations! I'm a big fan and wishing you nothing but the best, dear Janice. How utterly terrifying AND utterly exciting! We are pulling for you, girl friend. Onward and upward! – Poppy
I wish you all the best Janice. I read your blog every day. I am from Melbourne and orginally from Sydney. Your blog assisted me in transitioning in climate & attitude. Having commenced my own business some 10 years ago now, I must say never ever give up and you will have your rewards.Assisting people to find their personal style with your suggestions must be so rewarding.Clearing out can often assist in the clearing and focusing of the mind as well.Personal image can do so much. I will now eagerly await your book.
You go girl!
Best of luck to you in this new adventure! I'm very excited for you and am sure you'll be wildly successful.
Sounds exciting and hurrah for you !
If not know when? Carpe diem!
Yay! Good for you! I know the books will have a wide market –and you cover so much material, there are quite a few books there. Magazines would want you for a monthly column. The world is open to you.
Wishing you much success in your new endeavor.
Gigi
If i weren't totally jealous, i'd be screaming 'congrats!!!' I'll scream it anyway. You write well, have great ideas and a really useful way of looking as clothing. You go, Girl!!!
Janice, you have been such an inspiration with your wonderful wardrobes that I am sure that whatever you choose to do will be successful. You are now a jubilada!
Yea! Please post chapters of your book(s) as you prepare them. We'll be happy to be your beta readers!
Janice, when you mentioned that there would be a change in your future, I wondered if this might not be the plan. You are a natural, but it is never as easy to do as people assume. However, aside from talent, you have a work ethic that makes your new venture very likely to be successful. I followed your comments on the Yahoo Group (French Chic)with great interest (including your move to Ireland); I will be following your newest venture as well. Very best wishes. Susan in WA
OMG, Janice, how exciting! I'm sure you will be a stupendous success! From your pics, you have a beautiful energy and definitely will be a delight to any audience… Likability is more important than anything ese – that and enthusiasm for your passion! As a long time public speaking teacher, I can spot talent by a pic!! You will be just great! Remember this! And a book on style, Project 333, French chic, or your travels and adventures… I'll be your first fan.. And real ALL of them with gusto..
Hooray for you!
Oh Janice, congrats to you!!! I have ONE teeny request:)…..please, please, please come speak in Los Angeles!! OMG I'm SO excited, a book AND a speaking tour AND continuing my favorite blog ever, wow. I am over the moon about this. You are going to do great and we are so lucky. You rock!!!
I am so happy for you! I can't wait for your book.
Good for you. I thought you might be up to something… first we see a photo, then a surname than a full reveal at Pam's. I am thrilled for you and wish you all the best. I have learned a lot from you.
How wonderful-and you sure look happy in that photo. I can't wait to read your first(of many) book(s)!
Congratulations! You are certainly an inspiration to me and a book and speaking tour will make you an inspiration to many others!
I am filled with respect for your courage, Janice! I have total confidence in your future success and (most importantly) happiness and self-satisfaction! All my best to you!
Congratulations! You are very talented and I wish you all success.
The very best of luck to you!
What a great change of life! So to speak! Best wishes. Can't wait to see what is next!!!
I cannot wait to read your books. Your blog is inspirational and has changed my life!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Mary
Woot! Gotta tell you, you have inspired my wardrobe thoughts more than once, and for fashion-klutz moi, that is something. Wishing you the best on your new venture…and I'll be watching for the book! ;-)
Very, very excited for you (and your readers)!
You go, girl! We need you out here!
I've only been following for a few months, but your inspiration has completely changed the way I present myself to the world. Even though I have a valid excuse to wear them, the middle-aged-woman-in-yoga-pants-and-top look is so . . . boring (to say the least!). A few scarves and accessories make such a difference!
And I love the format of your posts; they remind me of the paper dolls I played with for hours on end :)
Congrats!! That is fabulous!!! I support you!!
So exciting! You're a role model in more ways than one.
I am so excited! I have learned more about fashion from you than any other source. As part of your fan club, let us know what we need to do to help your success. I am sure we will all be there cheering you on HIP! HIP!HOORAY!!!!!!!!
Karen
Wonderful! Congratulations!
How exciting… your approach is unique so it will be a great success. Yes i too read your blog everyday and am about to invest in hermes scarf! Look forward to seeing your new work. And your collages should be captured by moma or the like as example of everyday modern art… please pursue!
If your blog is any indication of what you have planned ahead you are going to be fabulous!! I have slowly eliminated many blogs that I began following a few months ago and yours is one of two I have held on to. I will go on to say that it's my favorite. Best of luck to you and I'll be seeing you on your blog!
I'm so pleased that you are taking this step. I've been following you for quite some time now and although I rarely comment,
I look forward to reading your posts. I don't understand how everyone else seems to get them hours before me. They show up for me in the evening and inevitably someone has already said what I think of to say.
It's really nice to see the picture of you. You're lovely.
My very best wishes on your new venture,Janice! I will be eagerly awaiting your book here in South Australia. As I have commented before, you have been inspirational to me and I have a folder in My Pictures entitled 'Vivienne's Files'. I love browsing those photos often. <3
You could rewrite the original Vivienne Files from the French Chic group! I still keep and review a copy I made years ago. Congratulations and good luck!
Leah
Wishing all the very best. There are exciting times ahead – lots of them :-)
You are beautiful, thank you for sharing the photo.
Best wishes in your new endeavors, I have no doubt you will succeed.
Belovedist is a clever Man. Your blog is wonderful, your skills are genius! All the best.
Every best wish for the future. We all know that you will be very successful in whatever you do!
I am really looking forward to your new format.
Thank you for all the wonderful advise.
N.J.
Hi Janice,
Congratulations and awesome applause for having the courage to take the leap into the great unknown. I am hoping you will include dressing the different body types as you expand your repertoire. Based on your self description yesterday, we have much the same body type. I know your skills and imaginative creativity will inspire all of us to have joy in our clothes and ourselves.
Deb from Vancouver
Brava!!!
I am a newcomer to your blog, but I did spend several days reading all your archived posts instead of working, so I'm caught up. I was struck by the dissonance between the writings of a smart, worldly professional and some of the jobs you've had. Not to belittle those jobs, but, well, employers keep lamenting the lack of highly qualified personnel, and I don't understand why someone like you wasn't snapped up. Age discrimination, I guess. (We are the same age.)
In any case, I look forward to watching you on the road to success, which I am sure you will find in your new endeavor. This is clearly your calling.
The next time you are in France, consider a trip to the south. I'm not in Provence but in Languedoc, just outside Carcassonne. Google it–it's really incredible…..well, culturally rich (and the wine is fantastic), but sartorially challenged.
Best wishes,
Catherine
Your blog is inspiring and I wish you every success. Can't wait to see what the new era brings.
With very best wishes,
L
You are my favorite blogger! Tomorrow is my birthday and this is a great present—knowing i will see more of your material! :-) bonne chance!
Lynn Marie
Janice,
Your blog is one of TWO that have stayed the course on my bookmarks bar. I believe you have the skills to keep an interesting blog going. I also think that it's TIME for a new 'French Fashion' book. What are some of the stand-bys? Tips from the 1980's? Yes, it's time!
I hope you can build the audience and get the sponsors to make it worthwhile.
Jora
Best wishes on this new chapter of your life! I will eagerly await your book(s)!
Dear Janice,
I am so pleased to hear your news! You are so talented and I have learned so much from you. Thank you….a book would be wonderful. I was in Chicago last week and I was looking for you (except I didn't know what you looked like!). I used all your travel tips, working with one pair of pants and one dress. Perfect. It's nice to see what you look like…now I can look for you,on the street, next time we visit. Wishing you the best in your future. Perhaps we'll be reading about you in More Magazine!
Warmly, Kathleen
What an adventure! Keep all of us posted as to the latest in styling but also what happens when one is able to finally focus on oneself. I retired 4 years ago and, along with all the enjoyment that brings, I have enjoyed getting to "know" myself again without all the clutter of work, schedules and exterior imposed deadlines
Hmm. You say you are terrified, but you look so incredibly happy in this photo!
Congratulations on using your talents and creativity for your own dreams, instead of squandering them on someone else's work! I am so thrilled for you!
This sounds really exciting. Sending good wishes for success in your new ventures. Looks like you've already got a ton of support, your blog is one of the best.
No worries, Janice. You will be awesome in your new gig! Enjoy!
Congrats for jumping out of the box! Looking forward to your new endeavors.
Great idea to move onward & upward ! Look forward to seeing your posts daily –
cause even in deep E. TX we aim to be stylish. It's getting harder to stay cool and look 'cool' as 100 degree temps are knocking at the door, but your tips make it easier. . . Susan from E. TX
I love your blog Janice! I am so thrilled you will have more time to devote to educating all of your fans on the power of a simple and yet elegant wardrobe. Best wishes to you!
You go, girl!
I am delighted to see that you look like a real person. I'm pulling for you!!!
Congratulations and this is very exciting! Looking forward to more of your incisive and informative posts!
Brava!! The world will be richer with you sharing your gifts full-time! Thank you for all you have given already!
MB
Alea jacta est! Congratulations on your big and courageous decision! Funny as I was about to ask you if you would consider a workshop with a group of professional women in Vancouver, BC – if you haven't been here, you'll find so many reasons to love it. If you have, you know that your workout gear will be put to good use walking around beautiful and big Stanley Park!
Amazing things await!
I do hope your loyal readers had something to do with this decision. We all recognize your talent and can't wait to see how this unfolds. Bravo for your decision! You will never have to say, "I wish I had followed my dream."
I do hope your loyal readers had something to do with your decision. We have always recognized your talent. Can't wait to see where this leads. Bravo for a courageous decision. You will never have to say, "What if……?"
Way to go Janice! Can't wait to see all the success you have :-)
Alea jacta est! Congratulations, Janice – on having the courage to move forward in a direction that's right for you!
Funny, before your announcement, I was going to ask if you would consider a workshop for professional women in beautiful Vancouver, BC. If you've been here, you know the reasons to come back – and if you haven't, your walking gear will get great use walking stunning Stanley Park.
All the best, Janice – can't wait to hear more!
I will buy the book (and some for my friends.)
I cannot tell you how amazing this is, or how excited I am for you! You deserve this so much for your hard work and creative blog!
Best of luck Janice!! Haved followed your blog for quite a while now, and it's become one of my favorite places on the web. You'll do wonderfully!
Wonderful news; wish you vibrant and deeply satisfying adventures!
Great news, Janice. You are truly inspiring and will be very successful. A book would be great, and in the meantime, we will continue to study your wonderful daily blogs.
Breathe deeply…
Wishing you all the best in your next big adventure. Your writing is beautiful, and I enjoy seeing your style ideas each day.
Bravo!
How wonderful! Best wishes on your new journey! Can't wait to see what you do! I have every confidence that you will succeed! It was nice to see a picture of you!
seriously?? This is fantastic news!!
God knows there are a lot of style blogs out there (including plenty for those of us over the age of 40), and yours is one of the only ones I return to again and again. It seems I am not alone! You obviously are providing a much-needed service.
cheers!
How exciting! I look forward to the book!
What wonderful news! Like everyone else, I read your blog everyday. I hope this will be a fun AND lucrative endeaver for you!
Can't wait to get your book. I enjoy your blog every day and have learned so much. I wear my collection of scarves more now. I used to wear them a lot, but hadn't seen much opportunity since I retired 3 yrs ago. I decided I can wear those scarves with my casual outfits too and make them a little more stylish. Best wishes as you begin this new phase of life. I know you'll be a great success when even more people find out about you.
About public speaking: you might look into teaching via continuing ed programs at local community colleges and universities — perhaps with a view of revving up your wardrobe to go back to work. Or perhaps some volunteer workshops for organizations like Dress for Success and other organizations helping women enter/re-enter/step-up in the job market. Good way to get your toes wet and to refine your presentation. I look forward with interest to this new career venture.
Holy Guacamole! I was afraid you were giving up blogging. Thank goodness! Can't wait for what is next. This is so exciting:)
How exciting! You go girl!! Best of luck as you move forward, though I have no doubt that you will be anything less than fabulously successful. Thanks for all you do and for being such an inspiration!
Congrats and best of luck. Can't wait to read your book!
Congratulations! You are my inspiration!
Congratulations! Your work is going to be excellent, I know. I am looking forward to every word!
Congrats and good luck! What an exciting adventure. Oh, and thanks to you, I walked out of the thrift store yesterday with three items in my core neutral!
This is AWESOME!!!!! So happy for you, and so excited to see what wonderful things will be coming. Also, thanks for being an example to anyone who thinks that 50 is a time to be slowing down, winding up, and staying the course. Thanks for being bold and for living life out loud. :)
Congratulations and Good Luck! I know you will do great. :)
Congratulations and Good Luck! I know you will do great. :)
Congrats Janice! Sounds like your new chapter is beginning :) Wishing you much success!! Bet this Monday morning is quite different?!!
Congrats Janice! Sounds like your next chapter is about to begin :) Bet this Monday morning is quite different?!!
All the best dear Janice from Europe! I adore your blog, your style & advice. Congratulation!
Don't be terrified! You are fabulous. You have a wonderful talent at this. I am sure your book will be a bestseller!!!
Congrats! It's a big, gutsy move and one I know you will not regret. Being over 50 frees the body and soul in so many ways. It's awesome!
HURRAY!!!
Best wishes, Janice! Gimme a call!
Wow, looks like we're all as excited as you. :-)
It looks like it is unanimous. You made the right choice!
Cheers!
So excited for you!
Janice, You look so happy in the photo. I am sure your happiness will continue with your success. Your blog has been so welcome and inspirational, giving me lots of ideas on clothes combining using my current wardrobe. I especially love the common wardrobe theme. My very best wishes to you in your future projects. Gwen
You did it! You are a brave soul with so much to share and the blessing will be returned to you as you bless others with the gifts put into you!
Looking forward to what's ahead!
Lisa
Love your blog! It's one I read every day.
I'm so proud of you. Yeah, it's scary, but you'll be brilliant!! Good for belovedest. I had the same kind of support when I reinvented myself at age 51. That was 11 years ago and I'm still loving what I do. You will, too!
All the best to you.
Warmly,
Kay
Love your blog! It's one I read every day.
I'm so proud of you. Yeah, it's scary, but you'll be brilliant!! Good for belovedest. I had the same kind of support when I reinvented myself at age 51. That was 11 years ago and I'm still loving what I do. You will, too!
All the best to you.
Warmly,
Kay
Yay! Good luck! You are so inspiring and I can't wait for your book! You have changed the way I look at clothes!
You're an extraordinary talent, Janice. I have immense faith that your future is going to be not only tremendously successful, but a lot of fun, too. You are awesome and your vision is spot on for what women NEED…not what advertising folks try to convince us that we want…but what we NEED.
Merci bien!
You are inspirational and my scarf hero. Can't wait to see where you'll go.
I've been traveling for three weeks, with little access to internet, so am just getting this wonderful message. Hallelujah for you–and especially for us, your doting fans. You have an extraordinary eye, ear for language, and clothing genius to share; I'm so glad you're clearing the decks so you can do what you evidently love most as well as do so brilliantly! Thanks, Janice!
Janice, I've been traveling for three weeks, with little access to internet, so am just getting this thrilling message. You have such an eye, ear for language, and genius for imagining and communicating clothes choices that there could be no better outcome for you and especially for us, your doting readers, than this. If you love doing these blogs half as much as we love gazing at them, you will be a very, very happy woman.
Congratulations! My best wishes for your success. I enjoy your blog very much. You are very talented!
Having read each of your posts in chronological order, I am thrilled to have witnessed this. Congrats.