Weekend Reading 11.18.23
It’s been a busy week! We flew to Vancouver on Thursday to spend time with Vanessa and find furniture for our new, virtually empty pied-à-terre. It currently houses a new bed along with a few kitchen spices, so we have our work cut out for us. It’s much chillier here than in Northern California, so I’m glad I packed lots of warm clothes.
We spent Friday furniture shopping and fell in love with a Canadian-made couch that I fear is too large for this place. Mr. AWSL and I have a tape measure in hand and have a few more spots to visit.
I’m making some big and small changes to my blog, social media presence, and my business. First and most obvious is that I’ll be doing weekend reading on Saturdays. I’ve been digging into my stats and discovered that the interest in mannequin posts was dwindling.
FASHION + SALES ON MY RADAR
- My long {Ella sweater blazer} is a great piece to travel in because it doesn’t wrinkle and looks polished. I sized down to an XS, and it’s still roomy. It’s currently 40% off.
- Jenni Kane started her Black Friday sale early so you can save 25%. I brought this one in oatmeal on my trip. FYI- I sized up to a L.
- I’m so impressed with the quality of this little sweater! I ordered both the S and M, and ended up keeping the small.
- I love this gorgeous slip-dress to wear under a pullover or this cardigan.
- J. Crew brought back my favorite straight-leg faux leather pants this year in even more colors. I brought my black ones on this trip to wear to a concert.
- I’ve you’re looking for a machine-washable silk blouse, this one is fabulous. I have it in ivory in a medium.
- If I weren’t already a member… I would sign up for Audible Premium Plus at just $5.95 for the first 4 months.
- Thinking of an automatic vacuum (on sale), and since we don’t have a dog, we don’t have to worry about terrorizing it.
LOOK + READ + LOVE
- I’m excited to put this book on my wish list because I’ve always loved her chic, minimalistic style.
- How to safari in Africa, which is on my bucket list. Have you been?
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- This was the most read and loved post of the week…by a landslide
Thanks for being part of this community and shopping through my links. I’m so grateful for your support.
I love the new Saturday format. As for robot vacuums, I have two labrador retrievers so I have invested in several of them and had them for years. I have Hazel upstairs and Rosie downstairs. Named for the old Hazel TV show remember Mr. B. And the Jetsons household robot.
lol, I love those names. I remember this shows well!
Shopping is one of my best hobbies. I love furniture shopping as much as clothes shopping.
Enjoy every minute of your shopping trip.
Love all your style tips and sales and your tryons . Mannequin always seemed something id never wear or picture wearing so i must say i usually skipped it and didnt have much to contribute to styling it as id not wear it . Its nice to see whats innstores during your dressing room diaries tho
.. the great thing about your tips are you actually wearing items so we can see how things wed love look ..
I have a robo and love it .saves my arms shoulders and cleaning time and goes under things like beds ! I put it on when i go for walk , occasionally gets stuck under low sofas but i used those riser pads on legs to raise mine a bit .problem solved
Brilliant
I love your travel outfit. Part of the reason I love this blog is because I feel I have absolutely no fashion sense. I never really liked the mannequin posts because they often were way out there although I did enjoy reading what your readers said about them.
Change is good though. It helps keep things fresh.
Looking very chic Jennifer and wishing you a speedy success in furnishing your second home away from home. As to your new format; in respect to the mannequin style challenge I for one always enjoyed looking through the lens that your various readers shared/offered, however certainly understand that a re-fresh in content is often necessary. Last but not least re a safari; do have a nephew who is a pilot that travels/holidays extensively and swears by Mahali Mzuri Safari Camp in Kenya if wishing a memorable experience.
-Brenda-
I read you every day. You rarely lose me, but change is good. I do have to say, the Saturday style items were getting a little too out there as things I’d never ever wear. My daughter and SIL live in downtown Vancouver. I viewed your FB reel and everything looks alike to me in that city! They are very thoughtful and purchased a brand new condo and are slowly adding furniture pieces after much thought. They purchased a new sofa and finally a Murphy bed so we have something other than an air mattress to sleep on. Please do some columns on things to do in Vancouver as all they ever want to do when we come to visit is walk a lot of steps in Stanley park.
It’s such a great city with many things to do. Walking is very popular here. I hope to try lots of things.
Love your travel outfit here, Jennifer! Such a great combination of neutrals and texture. Also, belated congratulations on your new grandbaby:)
I, too, skipped the mannequin articles. I do appreciate how much research you do for your articles and am re-reading your recent “What to Consider When Updating Your Wardrobe”. For years I thought my style was more boho/romantic, but when I purchased clothes in those styles I never wore them. I am in the process of updating my wardrobe and honing in on my style.
We leave Wednesday from Minneapolis to Rome.. not looking forward to the flight, but excited to get there. Any survival tips?
Skip the meal so you can get some sleep. Eyemasks are helpful too. I often take a cold pill to help me sleep.
Have fun decorating , and seeing family!
Jennifer you look wonderful in your travel outfit! It is cooler here as well. We are expecting snow tomorrow night. I’m wearing my trouser jeans from Chicos with long sleeve tees and either plaid flannel shirts over as a topper or a boyfriend cable sweater. I wear Smartwool socks and slip in Skechers. So far these layers work comfortably for Colorado weather and culture. It is fun work to set up your new apartment in Vancouver. I can’t wait to see pictures! Enjoy your family time!
Welcome back to Vancouver! Lovely sunny but cool weather.
Your outfit is awesome!
I enjoyed your reminder about hair.
Part of looking good is good hygiene, my British friend always reminds us “ your hair is your crowning glory”.:I think i will take my brush into the shower with me tomorrow!
Agree with others that your new focus on Saturday is preferable to the mannequin posts which I stopped reading a while ago. I get so many emails that I prioritize my reading- I enjoy your regular blog but never engaged with the mannequins. Enjoy your new digs in Vancouver and time with your daughter. Your travel ensemble is terrific!
Totally onside regarding your new Saturday posts. I have a few things to read here today 📚 but saw the link to robot vacuuming. After a Pilates session, sometimes Olivia lets ‘Bob’ out and it slowly spins around cleaning the floor. Such fun ! And very useful. She has programmed it to recognize the reformer machine etc. I have a wish to go on safari… my cousin lives in Grahamestown SA, and how cool to visit there! And see 🐘🦛🦒🦏 in Botswana. Lucky you to have found a place to hang your hat ( wearing a very stylish one at YVR!)while staying in Vancouver. And easy to cross over to Vancouver Island to see your brother ( the author) as well. Have fun shopping!
I love that you’ve named him “Bob”! They seem so smart. I’m excited to be able to see more of my brother too.
Our robot vacuum is called Sparky. Love the outfit today – so good to see things in brown!
Your travel outfit is beautiful! I like the mannequin posts but not as well as would you wear it. That seems really interesting. How fun decorating a new place. What is your decorating style?
I have eclectic decorarting taste and like to mix old with new. I’m hoping to have this look comfy and unique with some french touches. Less farmhouse and more urban looking. We shall see what I can find.
Hi Jennifer
Agree re the mannequin posts–
A fabulous safari is Secluded Botswana Safari with Natural Habitat.
We went in September and had a beyond fabulous time. We went 6 years ago
to Tanzania and again: a beyond fabulous time.
Thanks for a lovely blog!
That sounds so amazing!!
I had forgotten about your recent purchase of a condo in
Vancouver. It will be so nice to have a spot of your own when you visit Vanessa. How exciting to be furnishing a vacation home. Will you decorate in a different style from your current home?
I stopped participating and even reading the comments in the mannequin series a long time ago. I just lost interest and skipped over those posts.
Welcome back! Our temps have been quite cold, especially in the mornings, for this area so I hope you bought layers. “Hi!” to Vanessa.
I’m hoping to make this apt look more modern. Less antiques but some interesting pieces. It depends what I find.
FYZi I saw a console table on marketplace this morning in Surrey. It’s gold with marble. Modern but interesting lines. Stunning in an entrance or as a sofa table. I’m on the island or I would have snagged it for myself .
A refresh can be very invigorating. Hope it is for A Well Styled Life.
In the opinion of this one reader, I will not miss the mannequin posts.
Welcome back to Canada, Jennifer. Thanks for keeping your blog fresh and relevant! Your loyal readers appreciate the thoughtfulness you put into each issue. It’s a lot of work, but you keep us connected to the latest trends and classic staples we need.
Your outfit is stunning and so sophisticated! Good luck on your furniture shopping. I am sure you will find some beautiful pieces for your new place. Would love to see some after pictures Jennifer🤩🤩
I will share them!
Love your travel outfit!
Thanks
Good morning, Jennifer! You look fabulous in the JCrew sweater blazer outfit. The blazer reads taupe on my screen. Since I don’t see taupe as a color option on the JC site, is it the charcoal?
And love today’s post format.
It is charcoal. They make a beige that’s very popular too. Plus black.
I have been squirreling away ideas for what to wear for quite a while. However I am always going to lose weight and I have been only using one or two suggestions each year. Since I am always sure I will use weight I have been using some of my larger clothes and keeping my smaller clothes in site. I just got back on some more medicine and am sure I will get there this time…
Another issue is that I have a long torso and cannot wear high rise pants as they fold over. Would love any suggestions for that. I don’t know if you have any comments for something like that, but thought I’d try.
Have fun in Van Couever.
Try mid ride and see if that helps. Pull on styles tend to fold over more that’s ones with zippers.
I always enjoy looking at your selections, although most of them are out of my budget. Please note in your opening picture where you look so glamorous California is misspelled.
Thanks Nancy
I agree the styling posts were not very interesting. I preferred “Would You Wear It?”. I thought those discussions were lively!
I like your new Saturday blog! Sometimes we all need a change! Enjoy your time in Vancouver!
Hello: like the idea of reading Saturdays. Thx!! The odd mannequin if related to fashion discussion is fine. Everyone I know is always looking for a new author.
Thanks for the J Crew sweater knockoff! I have one of the Emile sweaters but so pricey. I’d balked on the black/ivory because I prefer black/white…which the Amazon version is!
I love mine🤍
Enjoyed today’s post, Jennifer! Good luck decorating! Sounds like fun, but also a good deal of work!
Welcome back to Canada. I hope you have good luck finding the perfect pieces for your new little home. Also I will take some time going through all the info that you have provided for us this morning, and like this format for Saturdays much better. I have a shorter version for your sweater blazer, and love it, and also wear a brooch on the lapel, you look great at the airport. We just came back from Portugal and I don’t think I looked that good getting off the plane.
The flight from Portugal is long and grueling. I looked bedraggled when we flew back. This flight was just quick two hours.
I love your new Saturday post theme, Jennifer! You look great in your travel outfit!
I adore your travel outfit… c’est tres chic!