Random Thoughts On Sunday
Happy Sunday ladies. I hope you’re having a relaxing weekend and have something special planned to pamper yourself. It could be giving yourself a pedicure, listening to your favorite podcast, or getting lost in a good book. When things are stressful, and they are, we could all benefit from some extra pampering.
I have a special post for tomorrow so rather than Monday Musings, I thought I would share what’s on my mind today.
Let’s start with yesterday’s mannequin.
Summer Dresses
These are the two dresses we discussed in would you wear it yesterday so I thought I would share my thoughts today.
I would not wear this white eyelet dress because it has a sweet quality that just isn’t me. One reason is the eyelet and the other is the ruffle on the bottom. The high neckline isn’t the most flattering for my wide shoulders either so all and all, this dress is a no for me.
The black and white check dress does appeal to me so I would definitely try it on. Our summers are can be brutally hot so the torso portion may be too fitted to be comfy, but again, I would try it on. I am not a fan of strapless bra’s which this requires but I like that the V-neck is centered on a check. Those little details are a nice indicator of quality. I would definitely wear this necklace.
Summer Pajamas
Last year’s summer jammies do not look fresh enough for me to get another summer out of them. It seems you’re either a pajama wearer or a nightie wearer. I am firmly in the jammie camp for a funny reason. Because of back issues, I have finally trained myself to sleep on my back. This means I need to put several pillows under my knees to relieve lower back pain. That causes all nighties bunch up around my thighs which drives me batty, so pajamas it is.
I have lots of long leg ones, but no shorts so I’ve been on the lookout. These ones are modal with a little bit of spandex for comfort. Modal is a cotton alternative that is breathable and absorbent. This set is cotton with modal so it would be very soft and cool. This set is awesome because it’s made from organic cotton. This set has much longer legs if that’s your thing. I just ordered this set because they’re 43% off and they are cotton and silk. Soma also makes pajama shorts in their Cool Nights fabric. Many sets I found were made of polyester which I find way too hot to sleep in so the ones below are all in breathable fabrics.
That Woman
I’m listening to this book on audible and totally engrossed. I’ve always been fascinated by history and Wallis Simpson is no exception. She’s certainly one of the most talked about of her generation. There are tons of books about Wallis who inspired a king to step down from the throne, but this is the best one I’ve read. I’m puzzled by the negative reviews because I’m loving it. Go figure…books are such a personal thing. Queen Elizabeth is reported to have referred to Wallis as That Woman, hence the title.
Here are just a few of the other books on Wallis Simpson-
What are you reading lately? Are you a fan of historical fiction?
Be well, be kind, and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
I find the button up pjs with collars very uncomfortable. I toss and turn too much, I guess, and I don’t like a bunched up collar and buttons poking me. My preferred style for summer is cropped wide leg bottoms and sleeveless pull over shirts in a knit fabric. Garnet Hill has some good ones.
I feel the same way, Kay. The collars always seem to fold up around my ears at night, driving me crazy! So I, too, like the pull over tops in a knit.
I want to read that book! I just finished watching all of The Crown. I loved it. Not sure how historical it was but all things royal are fascinating to me.
I’ve always been a pajama girl. I think a pair that comes to the knee would be great for summer, although they’re hard to find. I’d love to know how you trained yourself to sleep on your back! I’m a stomach sleeper and often wake up with a sore neck. I love your articles, but really miss your “Dressing Room Diaries”……. hopefully things will get back to “normal” someday. Take care!
The PJ’s look comfy but I am a nightie person.
I absolutely love Audible.! I just finished “theGiver of Stars” by Jo Jo Moyes,
It’s about the pack house library of Kentucky in the 1930’s…excellent.
I will have a look @ the one you suggested.Thanks.
I love being read to.
Loved TheGiver Of Stars. Great story of some brave and determined women of their time. I am not a PJ’s fan, maybe because I always wore night dresses growing up.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you might like to read some of Philippa Gregory’s work. She has done some serious research into the history of the Tudor families who ruled England, the War of the Roses, etc. Her telling of historical tales is wonderfully done and sincerely personal. You feel as if you’ve had real insight into the lives of people who have been gone for centuries, but whose decisions affected generations, up even to Queen Elizabeth II.
I am reading “The House of Medici: Inheritance of Power”. I made my first trip to Italy a year ago (this week!) and spent several days in Florence where the Medici family lived. One of the things I love about travel are the visuals I carry with me that enhance so many other parts of my life, even while reading historical fiction!
I wear summer pajamas all year long. I must move around a lot in my sleep because anything long ends up all twisted and uncomfortable. Those Nordstrom pajamas are very cute.
I love reading history and historical fiction, also listen to a lot of history podcasts. I live alone and used to listen to the news all day, however had to cut way back as I got anxious & overwhelmed!
Duchess of Windsor is a very interesting character. I believe both she and the Duke got carried away by events but they don’t seem to have been very thoughtful or pleasant people.
Even new summer PJs won’t help with sleep. We have entered tornado season. Off to a sensational start with hail, heavy rain, flooding, spectacular fork lightning, funnel clouds and multiple tornado sightings, two nights in a row. Things are setting up for round three, as clouds move in today. People were rescued from their car roofs on the freeway by police in boats, and siding was shredded on houses.
2020, the year that keeps on giving.
Did I mention that it is common to have to reseed the garden multiple times here? It washes away.
Love the pajamas! I am reading Beach Read by Emily Henry which is just what I need.
I have jammies and gowns but lean more towards nightgowns. Just finished reading American Dirt about the plight of a brave woman and her son forced to become migrants. I have The Giver of Stars next on the book stack to read.
I just finished the Giver of Stars & loved it.
Also enjoyed the “Dutch House” read by Tom Hanks!!!
Jennifer, I’m so delighted; I started reading your blog to see if I could improve my style, and now I’m entranced with the wonderful variety of books your fans are sharing. During this extremely difficult time, books, gardening or music keep me sane. I try to read one edifying non-fiction, then dive into some Elin Hilderbrand type of beachy fluff. Just finished Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker, true story of a family dealing with mental illness.
Peace,
You’re right about books being a personal thing. I started reading “That Woman” awhile ago and didn’t bother finishing it. I rarely quit reading mid book, but I’ve started doing that more often when I feel that a book simply isn’t worth my time. Isn’t it great that we all enjoy different things though? What a boring world it would be if we were all alike! We definitely have one thing is common though. I’m a jammie girl too.
I’m a night shirt person. Preferably knee length and short sleeves for warm weather and long sleeves and ankle length for cold weather. Love styles that look good and are fun to wear. Pajamas for summer look cute but it’s one more thing to pull down when making that first dash from bed to bathroom in the morning.
Hi Jennifer
I enjoy your blog very much but when I go to post it says I have to enter a valid email address.
The address [email protected] is my address.
I would very much like to see more Jjill fashions as their line fits me. I can order on line and they ship to Canada … it is expensive with our dollar and shipping costs but the clothes fit.
Thanks for letting me know if you receive this.
Sue
Hi Sue, You certainly should be able to leave a comment. I love the new J.Jill so you will see much more of it soon.
I’ve read the Anna Pasternak book on Wallis Simpson…….and I’ve come away very conflicted and of a mixed mind. On the one hand I feel sorry for her/them………and yet, on the other hand I feel different choices could have been made which, altho’ would have been initially heartbreaking, would most likely have ended up better for all concerned. Glad I haven’t been put in the same position—even on a commoner’s level and not royal. Too many people’s noses in too many people’s business.
I am reading ‘We Never Asked for Wings’ by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Her first book was ‘Language of Flowers’ which was excellent. She is a wonderful writer. I just finished ‘Camino Winds’ by John Grisham and while his books are fast reads, Diffenbaugh is a much better writer. And thanks to your recommendation, I am now a fan of Fiona Davis and have read several of her books.
Thank you Nancy. The Language of Flowers is on my list.
We read The Language of Flowers in our book club and enjoyed it.
Love the checked dress, and I would have worn that in my youth, but too much skin on top for me as I approach 70. I’ve been increasingly drawn to eyelet lately, it just a touch here and there – so a whole dress out of it would be a no for me.
I love historical fiction and read The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson. It’s about the lace makers for Queen Elizabeth’s wedding dress. Fascinating. I also am obsessed with architecture, so any book by Fiona Davis is a win for me.
I’ve read all of Fiona’s books and love them!!
I too have broad shoulders and try never to wear a rounded neckline, it makes me look even broader. I won’t be reading any books and Wallis Simpson. She and the Duke collaborated with the Nazis during World War II. Quite shocking when you discover they actually met with Hitler. Supposedly the Duke felt he could be reinstated as King if Germany beat Britain.
I hadn’t heard that. Very interesting.
They were both Nazi sympathizers (like many of the British upper class during the early days of Hitler). Diana Mosley, a biographer of Wallis Simpson, married her husband Oswald (head of the British Union of Fascists) at Joseph Goebbels home in Berlin, with Hitler in attendance. Her sister, Unity, shot herself in the head when Britain declared war on Germany. Diana, despite being imprisoned in Britain during the war, remained a good friend of the Windsors. It was the British government who objected to Edward marrying Wallis and remaining King
I’m reading Dangerous Personalities by Joe Navarr. He’s a FBI Special Agent thats been on a lot of the big take downs like Jim Jones for one he’s s fascinating… in this book his teaching on how to spot different personalities so you can be prepared. I’m not sure if I’m saying this right because I hate putting people in a certain box, if you know what I mean? There are little red flags that you should be aware of so you can protect your family and yourself. It is very interesting. Oh I’m new to this blog I just want to say I’ve been enjoying it so much…
Welcome Christie! That book sounds like a must read for life in this day and age. Thanks
Oh no, I feel a book order coming on, and I’m trying to downsize! The Duke and Duchess of Windsor have long fascinated me….she seemed almost homely, but with charm and guile she conquered a king! Yes, I love historical fiction! I just received Villa America,by Lisa Klaussman,about Gerald and Sara Murphy who inspired some of Fitzgerald’s writing.I thought your post might be about evening pajamas which were so popular in the 20’s.
I only read or listen to books from the library. I put them on hold and wait my turn. Saves me hundreds of dollars a year! Reading Maybe You Should Talk to Someone now. Just finished Dear Edward and Valentine, both very good.
Evening pajamas…now you have me wanting them!!
While I wouldn’t wear either dress, I always learn about making wise choices from your comments, and those of your readers. I prefer pjs or kaftans for mornings and evenings but prefer to sleep nude, free of any fabric twisting around me. If you like historical fiction, I recommend The Nightingale by Hannah about women in the French resistance during WWII, and also Beneath a Scarlet Sky, a true story set in Italy dying WWII. My husband and I wrote his family’s true story called The Prom Night Murders Memoir. Just published one year ago, it will soon hit 10,000 sales so it has done remarkably well. Thanks, Jennifer, for all I’ve learned from you about clothing and accessories!
That’s so exciting Mindy! Bravo
I only wear a t shirt and undies to bed. Too hot for anything else!
Love to read anything. Have you read The Paris Architect, The Gentleman form Moscow, The Lilac girls? All excellent!,
I have not read the Paris Architect or The Lilac Girls. Thanks for the tip.
I would not wear either dresses because I don’t do dresses. They reveal my leg veins that have come with age. And black and white are not flattering colors for me, although I love checks. I am a pajama gal, but mine all have long legs. Several of them are bought from Soma. I just wish theY made them in petite sizes. The tops and sleeves are always too long for me. I confine my choices to the Capri length. I am reading a series of 3 WW 2 books by A.W. Hartoin. The first in the series is “The Paris Package”. Lots of intrigue and action. i read a lot using the Kindle app on my iPad.
Love that black and white checked dress!!!
I am a pj girl year round
Enjoy historical fiction
Not a big fan or even a small fan of historical fiction.
I am reading two books at the moment…fiction and non-fiction. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng ..after watching the fabulous limited series on Hulu. Also reading White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo. While I consider myself to be aware and ‘woke’ to social issues and racial inequities that exist in the US, I wanted to do more to be part of the solution, as a white woman, and not part of continuing the problem.
Happy Sunday from Central Florida!!
Happy Sunday Patti!
The jammies you chose are tempting. I have to admit I just wear a stretched out linen tee shirt and briefs… comfortable and for some reason sleepwear has never been all that important to me. I’m enjoying listening to Home Work by Julie Andrews.
Not a big fan or even a small fan of historical fiction.
I am reading two books at the moment…fiction and non-fiction. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng ..after watching the fabulous limited series on Hulu. Also reading White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About R*cism by Robin Diangelo. While I consider myself to be aware and ‘woke’ to social issues and racial inequities that exist in the US, I wanted to do more to be part of the solution, as a white woman, and not part of continuing the problem.
Happy Sunday from Central Florida!!
I could only get my comment to post by changing a letter to a character in the word ‘Racism’ above.
That’s unusual
That book sounds interesting. She’s a fascinating woman.
Just finished the Viceroy’s Daughters( he was the last Viceroy of India.) Presents a totally different picture of Wallis than is current held. I remember as a child, when they came to Miami Beach. How everyone got so very excited,etc. As to Pj’s I am in the nightie camp.Have had to learn to sleep on my back because of various surgeries, but have always been more comfortable in the nightie,than PJ’s. To each her own, I guess. A quiet day here. Small projects. got out for dinner last night. trying to at least do a date night once a week to check out what our fav restaurants are doing. I do look forward to sharing your thoughts daily. NIce to hear intelligent comments instead of the TV junk.Stay safe!
Have just finished Dan Jones’s book on the Knights Templar and am about to start on Anthony Beevor’s book on the Spanish Civil War. I have read several books about Wallis Simpson, but not the one written by Diana Mosley, who was a personal friend of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor fellow Nazi sympathizers and in the case of Diana an apologist for Hitler.
Sorry Susan, posted my comment as a reply. There is also a book about the daughters of Lord Curzon, who was the Viceroy of India during the early 20th Century. This was written by Anne de Courcey. I din’t realize there was a book about Lord Mountbatten’s (the last Viceroy of India) daughters which would be an interesting read.
That sounds like a book I would love. Thanks Susan
My phone has changed the word Jammies to games in my original message.
I agree with you on summer games and you got me thinking that Inneed some new sets too. Thanks for reminding……
I’m reading two books, a psychological thriller/crime novel titled Someone We Know. I’m really into trying to figure things out, which Is why I enjoy this genre. The second book is Mrs Everything by Jennifer Weiner, which I’ve just started. Can’t make a comment yet.
Reading, ever using, yoga, and tending my small herb/flower garden is how I spend many of my days when not sanitizing surfaces …..,cooking and cleanup.
Enjoyed today’s posting very much. Thanks