The 9 Things I Was Most Complimented On In 2025 As A 48-Year-Old Woman Who Runs A Lifestyle Site
This is a lot of stuff I realize but I have that kind of face where every stranger thinks they know me.
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by Audie Metcalf
This feels like a sort of an embarrassing, braggy article but then I remembered that I always click on content like this so I wrote it anyway. Plus, a lot of these things were surprising even to me so there must be something interesting here, no? Maybe you can use it as an off-the-beaten-path-gift-guide. Or maybe you can forget other people and treat yourself because you work hard and you’re doing too much for other people anyway and you deserve it. Or you can buy none of it and just peruse because you’re endlessly nosy. Any/all of those work. I’m trying to get them sort of in order of least to most but this is all a little bit loose and from memory so, you know.
9th most complimented: These crazy comfortable sneakers
WHAT: Dr. Scholl’s Women's Time Off Win Lace Sneaker*
I bought these in green because we often write about the white ones being so insanely comfortable (and they are) and the green made me so very happy.
8th most complimented: This curve-creating blazer that makes everyone’s body look insane
WHAT: Babaton Standout Blazer - (Re)ssential*
I do feel like the perfect blazer has the power to change one’s life, and this is that blazer for me. It’s so perfectly fitted I can wear it like a top, and it makes anything I wear it with look like an outfit with zero effort. It’s also somewhat longish in the back so it covers most of my considerable backside if I don’t want that hanging out for the world to see that day. I’m buying it another color asap. Perhaps white?!
7th most complimented: My skin, but only because i have a literal secret weapon
WHAT: Furtuna Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil*
Not bad for an old gal, eh? But I feel like I can’t take credit. I always just say it’s this oil. And it is. Though … mixed with my own oil. Being oily as a teen sucked but as a near-50-year-old I don’t mind it! Oh, for the last couple of months it also might be this*.
6th most complimented: My daily necklace stack
WHAT: Quince 14k Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Strand Necklace*
Melinda Maria Grand Heiress Tennis Necklace*
Quince 14K Gold Lab Grown Diamond Solitaire Necklace*
Mejuri Bold Herringbone Chain Necklace*
Jane Win Protect JW Original Pendant Coin*
Jane Win Lucky Gold Wishbone Pendant*
I’ve been “curating” this “bespoke” stack over the course of 10 years and I think if I layer anything else on I’ll look even more unhinged than I already do. And everything is nice but still pretty affordable.
5th most complimented: My roll-on perfume that’s called “sex musk” so that’s really fun to tell strangers
What It Is: Cyklar Sex Musk Perfume Oil*
This smells like that white musk from The Body Shop we all used to wear in the 90s back when things were simple and good. Except this smells a little dirtier and better. Yes, I was sent this originally in PR but very quickly bought one for all 4 (yes 4) of my sisters and a back up for myself with my own cold hard cash.
4th most complimented: My everyday bag that’s so popular now but I sort of take credit for that unless that’s deranged?
WHAT: Clare V. Moyen Messenger*
We’ve written about this bag 487 times because we all own it and we all love it and wear it more than any other bag any of us own. It goes with every outfit, and even when you think it’s full, you can stuff like 8 more things into it. Not unlike a clown car. And it's just so pretty. I don’t think this color is available anymore but I have my eye on the black and white checker anyway…
3rd most complimented: The piece of jewelry that when I wear I haven’t once NOT been stopped by someone
WHAT: Jenny Bird Dane Anklet*
A hard bangle anklet is a big swing and though this was a PR gift at first, I also bought another one in another size* for myself and about 14 of them as gifts. It’s weird, it’s unique, it’s wonderful.
* Gifted product
2nd most complimented: The boots I'm asked about more than any other even though I own an outlandish number of boots
WHAT: Dr. Martens 2976 Smooth Leather Platform Chelsea Boots*
The “toughness” of these boots is a nice contrast for any outfit, and they magically look great with all lengths of jeans and all skirts. I will tell you, I was probably inspired to buy these from this tv show, so I give credit to the costumer. But I always get asked what they are since they look like Doc Martens but not exactly—and the comfort is UNREAL. If they had laces I would nevvvver wear them because I’m profoundly lazy when it comes to shoes.
1st Most Complimented: My soulmate, Bunny
I am astonished and humbled to say that we get stopped (often) by readers of The Candidly who recognize Bun from her cameos in my photos. Or rather, my cameos in her photos. Just another reminder that clothes and products and jewels and bags are so utterly bereft of meaning unless our lives are flooded with and focused on loving our kids and friends and pets and partners and parents, imperfect as they all are. (Though, to be fair, Bunny is perfect.)
Audie Metcalf is the Editor-in-chief of The Candidly, and lives in LA with her family. You can find more of her articles here.
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