Weekend Reading 11.08.25
It’s been a challenging week for me…but today is a joyous day. My youngest grandson is having his second birthday party, and I’m excited to join in the fun. My oldest grandson has parties with his pals now because we’re not really cool anymore…and yes, I know that if I use the term cool, I am definitely not!

I’m in and out of a lot of dressing rooms, and have to congratulate Ann Taylor for this lovely one above.
Bestsellers of the week
- These Endless Pants were the biggest bestsellers by a landslide this week. I just ordered them in the truffle color.
- This fabulous Chico’s statement necklace was very, very popular with readers this week, and it’s 25% off.
- Many of you also ordered the same Lands End needlepoint Christmas stocking that I did for my grandson.
- This Talbots perfect turtleneck was a huge seller this week, and I bought it in the moonlight blue.
- My Loft Mockneck sweater was also a bestseller. I love how soft and cozy mine is.
- The surprise bestseller was the Ruggable washable rug I ordered! Mine arrived today, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Who knew so many of you appreciate a washable Persian-inspired rug, too?
Weekend Sale Highlights
- TALBOT’S has 30% off your entire order, so I ordered these Velveteen leopard print pants and Studded puffer jacket. Yes, this short-sleeved jacket is a huge departure from my usual, but I’ve had my eye on it and decided it was time to add some fun to my wardrobe.
- KOHL’S Black Friday sale is on, and my Lands End Squall Jacket is included! This Shark cordless vacuum is also on sale, and I highly recommend it!
- CHICO’S Life of the Party event is on with 30% off sweaters, pants, and jackets. I’ve been surprised by how many of you ladies love and shop at Chico’s! I hope to get in for a try-on for you next week. When we talk about elevated casual, this Zenergy line really fits the bill. This Faux Fur Cocoon is simply smashing looking. Picture what it would do for a simple outfit of jeans and a cotton sweater for daytime!
- ANN TAYLOR has 40% off tops and sweaters, and an extra $50 off your purchase of $200. I have my eye on this gorgeous navy cashmere turtleneck. And this Satin Rosette brooch really rings my bell. These modern pearl earrings look incredibly similar to a much more expensive pair I’ve had my heart set on.
- SOMA is having a huge sale! All bras are $30…I bought two of this style and really like the way the cup lining stays put and won’t fall out in the wash:). They also have 25% off all sleep…who couldn’t use fresh jammies before the family comes to stay for the holidays?
- SEPHORA Saving Event is on, and it’s a perfect time to stock up on favorites or try new goodies. I’m excited to get this Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. This Airbrush Matte Blurring Setting spray arrived, and it does just what it promises. I apply a lot of sunscreen, then tinted moisturizer, which often leaves me looking shiny. This knocks down just enough shine and my eye makeup never budges!
In case you missed it:
- Monday Musings on Muppet Brows And Midlife Adjustments
- A Few Outfits I Wore Last Week: No Jeans In Sight
- Best Pull-On Jeans and Pants That Move With You
- Simple Pleasures For Women Who Love Being At Home
Thanks for reading, and have a fabulous weekend!

Do you wear your Mary jane flats without socks or nylons?
Yes, just bare feet.
Happy Belated 2nd Birthday to your sweet grandson! I know you enjoyed celebrating with him!!
Your Talbots studded short sleeve puffer jacket is very intriguing and looks very versatile, especially since it is indigo blue.
Have a great start to your week! Love your blog so very much! It really centers me—thank you!!
Happy birthday to your grandson!
We just celebrated our youngest grandchild’s 2nd birthday too (Nov 7) with a Mickey Mouse theme. Such a fun age!
If my husband shops with me he enables me! So I like taking him with me ha!
Wow! That is unusual
I ordered the Shark corded vacuum that will go under the beds! Mine is too thick and won’t fit. The dust on the carpet is getting to me. Happy birthday to your grandson. Mine are all in their 30s but two. Most have kids but all live out of state from us. I see their parties in videos and pictures on the family text thread. The weather is cool but nice and sunny here.
I hesitantly ordered the Athleta Endless pants after you recommended them earlier this week, because I love the idea of elevated casual. The hesitation was because I’m pear-shaped and often pull-on pants either fit in the waist or at the hips but not both. They arrived today and I am so happy with them! They are just a little loose at the waist but otherwise fit beautifully, so they’re a keeper! I think they will be a great addition to my suitcase when we go on a Viking river cruise in the spring.
As for whether my husband is willing to shop with me, I think I’m in the minority when I say yes. He gives me his honest opinion, which sometimes I agree with and sometimes I don’t! But he is always very generous and encourages me to buy what I want/need. I enjoy having him along – it works for us!
Have a wonderful cruise!!
My husband doesn’t shop with me and I’m happy to not have him along. I can take as much time as I want without feeling Zi should cut it short because he’s along. But, I do take advantage of any seating when shopping with friends or my girls. My feet get sore even with good footwear and sitting briefly is welcome on those long days.
I can understand your young grandson wanting to party with their friends, than adults. We’re boring to them. I don’t even buy them gifts anymore. They prefer money, then they can spend it any way they want. I’m not fussed.
My husband is a rare gem. He not only goes shopping with me, but he offers input that I value. He knows what colors and styles flatter me and is always encouraging I I find something that would be a good choice for me. That said, I don’t shop too often these days. I have plenty of clothes in my closet that may not be what they are showing this season, but they are good quality and I like them. I would rather do something useful with my money than to overdo it by purchasing clothes I don’t really need.
On another note, Jennifer, I felt so sad when I read what you wrote about being criticized for featuring some higher end labels. While I may not wear them, there is no need to be hurtful. We all have different means and values, but we are all women who care about beauty, among other things. A little kindness goes a long way and it is something everyone has the means to spend.
He sounds like a real gem, lucky you!
If I’m shopping for a special occasion, my husband loves to come with me, but any other type of shopping, he’s always got something else to do. When he comes with me he will honestly but kindly give his opinion on the outfit and if he thinks it doesn’t work he’ll find a sales clerk and go select something he thinks would work better for me to try on. He’s got a great eye and one of my favorite “going to the ballet” outfits was selected entirely by him, including the shoes. I also wanted to thank you for your kind words the other day. Things are going much better now and I took a tai chi class yesterday and made it through the whole hour without stumbling or losing my balance. Take care!
I’m very curious to try tai chi classes
My husband is willing to wait while I shop, but when he does I feel rushed. No fault of his though. I just don’t feel comfortable taking as much time as I’d like to browse and try things on. That, plus the fact that we’re two hours from the closest city and usually have a list of things to accomplish when we go, has kept me from doing much shopping for myself for quite some time. I am feeling the need!
Newly married, we lived in Dallas in the late 1970s. Not too far from our apartment was a great strip mall that had a wondrous discount clothing store for men and women. It gave away little glasses of beer and Nathan’s hot dogs. We bought all our clothes there, and not just because of the beer and food. They carried great stuff. It’s the only place I ever found clothes with the International Ladies Garment Union label. Remember that song “look for the union label?”I remember how amazed my parents were when we first took them there. We all filled out wardrobes. I actually cried when they closed—gosh, I wish I could remember the name.
Your column stimulated this great memory. Thank you!
My husband hates to go shopping. But a cozy place to sit and an adult beverage would certainly help. Oh and a big screen TV with the football game on. 🙂
What a great way to end the week! Happy Birthday to your grandson. My 6 grands have all gotten to the age where their birthdays are with their friends, but they are all drivers and I get to see them when they stop by to raid gpa’s and my pantry 😅🤗 I love every single stage.
How wonderful
My husband NEVER shops with me, not would I want him to! He stock comment would be “you don’t need that.” I don’t think men understand that it’s rarely a question of need. The Talbots velveteen leopard print pants arrived this week and they’re yummy! Thanks for highlighting them.
lol, so true about need vs want.
My husband would rather put a stick in his eye than accompany me on a shopping trip !
lol, same
My husband and I rarely shop together. In fact, much of my shopping is online. Enjoy your little one’s birthday party.
So I ordered Talbot’s velveteen printed pants and want to wear them to a birthday dinner party tonight, but I’m struggling with what top to wear to showcase some stunning diamond jewelry I have. I was thinking of this great black Vince sweater that I got on sale, but it’s super hot so that’s out. Then I thought my Quince burgundy cashmere sweater I got last year, but when I got it out it had some pilling which I tried to remove with my de-pilling tool but then I found a couple of moth holes! I can fix them where they won’t be noticed BUT… I also have the cream cashmere sweater from Quince but I prefer wearing a dark top to hide my mid-section. What do you think about a brand new crossover neck black T-shirt I got from LL Bean? Or any other ideas? I just turned 75 and I want to look perfect!
I love the crossover tee idea! The black elevates it and you won’t be hot. It’s also a great backdrop for diamonds!