Monday Musings: Barrels, Roses, and Books
I’ve been thinking about how much fashion we’re all expected to absorb now. Open your inbox or scroll for five minutes, and suddenly a pair of pants you never wanted is following you around the internet like a bad penny.
In my job as a blogger, I’m exposed to more of it than most. That’s part of the work, of course, but it also explains why my eye occasionally starts to go a little numb.
Barrel jeans are my current example.
The first few times I saw them, I knew they weren’t right for me. Too rounded for my proportions, too casual for the direction my style has been moving. Then I kept seeing them everywhere, and after a while, they didn’t look wrong anymore. They just looked familiar. And familiar can be persuasive.
There’s a real difference between genuine interest and visual fatigue, and it’s worth knowing which one is doing the talking. A small pause helps. Would I want this if I hadn’t seen it everywhere? Does it work with the shoes I actually wear, not the ones in the inspiration photo? Does the silhouette support the proportions I know work for me? Is this the style direction I’m choosing, or just the loudest thing in the room right now?
Which, for the record, is exactly where I should have landed on barrel jeans. Instead, I bought a pair, wore them once, and confirmed everything I’d already figured out. The fit was exactly what it was supposed to be. That was the problem. Turns out ignoring your own questions is a very efficient way to end up with pants you don’t wear. Luckily I bought an inexpensive pair to try. And no, I’m not sharing a photo 🙂
I did also pick up a lantern jean, which is a much better fit for where my style is right now. It’s in the same general shape family, but it’s more subtle, and that difference matters more than I expected.
A New… Art TV
We recently bought our first TV in over a decade. Yes, a decade. We went with the Samsung Frame TV, which displays artwork when it’s not in use, so instead of a large black hole on the wall, you get a rotating gallery. We’ve been cycling through Monet and Van Gogh, and I can’t quite decide what I love most. I tend to prefer watercolors and the classics over modern art, but the jury is still out. Now to choose a frame!
Since we don’t watch much TV anyway, it suits us perfectly. On the actual watching front, we’re slowly making our way through Suits and loving every minute. We’re going to need something next, so please send suggestions. There’s a very good chance we haven’t seen anything you’ve watched and loved in the last decade or so.
A Little Tour of Chantecaille
Last week, my daughter and I went cosmetic shopping, which is how I came home with a small collection of Chantecaille. We went in just to look, and then we started swatching. I’ve been wearing their tinted moisturizer and Lip Chic Lipstick or years. It’s cruelty-free, and each sale supports animal conservation partnerships around the world, which makes the spending feel slightly more virtuous.
EYE SHADOW TRIO IN PURPLE
The surprise favorite was the Flamingo Eye Shade Palette, which we both bought. I don’t usually wear shimmer because too many formulas migrate south by lunchtime, leaving a festive stripe of glitter under my eyes and making me look a little more disco than I’m aiming for. This one somehow works. The tones run cool, and the shimmer reads polished rather than sparkly chaos.
I also picked up the Sheer Glow Rose Face Tint, which I’ve been mixing into my Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer. I never thought I’d voluntarily add shine to my face, but it doesn’t look glittery or greasy, just fresh in a very convincing way. And I repurchased the Rose de Mai Face Mist because I go through it happily. It’s the most hydrating spray I use, and it’s especially good when my skin is dry and the scent is heavenly, so it sits on my bedside table and I happily spritz away.
We also sampled the fragrances, which was dangerous. As you know, I’ve been looking for a new Rose fragrance this spring, so I was drawn to Darby Rose. It’s a fresh, feminine floral with a little warmth underneath. They gave us tiny samples to try, and I liked it so much, I ended up ordering it.
My daughter went straight for Frangipane, the sweeter, softer one, which suits her completely, but it seems to be selling out most places. On the lipstick front, she practically lives in Anemone, and I added Plum Blossom, a soft, muted berry-plum with enough depth to add some life to the face without feeling dark or dramatic.
Vanessa’s Latest Book Recommendation
Vanessa is a voracious reader, and her latest recommendation is 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand, which she gave five stars. She said it was heartbreaking and completely page-turning, and since it was her first Elin Hilderbrand novel, she wasn’t quite prepared to get pulled in that fast. She finished it in a weekend and spent part of that weekend googling vacation properties in Nantucket, which tells you everything.
The novel was inspired by the film Same Time, Next Year and follows Mallory and Jake, who begin a yearly Labor Day weekend tradition after meeting in Nantucket in 1993. What starts as a romantic escape becomes a decades-long relationship that unfolds one weekend at a time, even as their real lives continue on separate tracks. It’s a story about timing, longing, and the kind of love that leaves a mark, whether or not it fits neatly into a conventional life.
Meanwhile, I’m racing through Still Life. It’s book #1 of Louise Penny’s Inspector Armand Gamache series. I finished How The Light Gets In (number 9), and realized I wanted to work through them from the beginning so I could appreciate the character development.
Are there any Elin Hilderbrand fans here? We’d love to know which of her books are your favorites.
Love the Gamesch series cant get enough of these stories. Best ever. Solvai
Hi Jennifer
Not big fan of TV but I loved The Madison with Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Set between New York City and Montana. Waiting for season two!
Enjoy your column, love makeup clothes and reading. Loved The Correspondent!!
Amt
I’m really loving The Correspondent.
I needed to hear again that I shouldn’t get inspired when a style I can’t wear, [short & pear shaped} is suddenly everywhere.
I love, love, love Elin Hilderbrand’s books. I’ve read them all!
I love to use Rose water as a spray cologne. Get it from a Health food store or Amazon. Fresh, sweet, and light, as well as uplifting!
Great idea!
Jennifer, I laughed at the comment about the barrel jeans. I decided they were not for me. But three times after reading other blogs I put a pair into my cart. Thankfully I have not actually purchased a pair yet.
Love the new frame tv. I do not watch tv so I do not have any suggestions, but I did watch a great movie recently, Finding Your Feet. I loved it.
Have a great week.
Elizabeth
The frame TV looks great! We’ll have to look at that when we get a new one. On TV shows, I like the snappy dialogue and wardrobe in Suits. If you want a drama, The Diplomat on Netflix is a good one. Keri Russell plays a CIA agent who gets suddenly elevated to ambassador to Britain during a crisis and is woefully unprepared to be diplomatic. Political intrigue galore. If you like gentle murder mysteries in a lovely setting, check out Death in Paradise which is set on the fictitious island of StMarie (really shot on Guadeloupe). Each season or so, a new detective from London is sent to this French island (why?) to become its inspector and has to adapt his English ways to the more casual island lifestyle. It’s an ITC/BBC show you can find on Prime or PBS. And speaking of PBS, Call the Midwife is a touching series about an order of nuns who work as midwives in a poor area of London starting in the 40s. Heartwarming and tragic sometimes.
Love my frame TV . I lose my mind on holidays and seasons trying to find the right picture. My go to TV watching is Home Gardens. (HGTV)
I’m sure I will do the same
Love your new TV! Ours is fading and we are looking at the Samsung Frame. Question – did you get the wireless hook up, or the one with the little cable and the box? Thanks for the info!
We got the one with the little cable. It barely shows
I have read The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand and loved it 👍🏻
My husband and I are currently watching The Count of Monte Cristo, a new series on PBS, and it is excellent!
I am with you on the barrel jeans, Jennifer. I know my lack of hips and butt just don’t work with them, no matter how often I see them on models or influencers.
Exactly my problem
A word of warning: Once you start Louise Penny’s Insp Gamache series you will be enraptured. There were very few of the books in the long series that I did not care for, but the magic of Three Pines draws you in and won’t let you escape. The characters become dear friends of yours. Enjoy them . Most people stumble onto one book and elect to start at the beginning. Enjoy!
Thanks for your book suggestions you’ve offered along the way. I just finished Clothes Minded having bought it after you posted. Did you like it? The fashion world is fascinating! Have you read The Last Dress From Paris by Jade Beer? It’s historical fiction (my favorite genre) so I was able to look up the couture dresses it referred to. The Gown by Jennifer Robson was so wonderful too!
My husband is a bit of a photographer. He can put his photos on The Frame.
I just love Elin Hildebrand and have probably read almost all of her books!
It’s funny too how I have looked up Nantucket and wanted to go – just that shows what a great writer she is 🙂
Hi Jennifer, I am not familiar with Chantecaille, but it all looks wonderful so I’m going to check out their products.
Definitely, The Hotel Nantucket. Happy reading!
I just picked that one up at the library!
Two Elin Hilderbrand favorites of mine are THE HOTEL NANTUCKET and THE BLUE BISTRO both possess an element of mystery are hard to put down. Happy Reading!
I LOVE and have read all the ARMAND GAMACHE books! Definitely start at the beginning and read in order-the character development is what makes these books so special.
Can you explain the difference between barrel and lantern styles of jeans? I’m still on the hunt for a slim wider leg jean. Maybe that’s an oxymoron…!
The lantern is less bowed than a barrel leg.
I haven’t read her books but someone suggested that I read the Joe Dillard series by Scott Pratt. Joe is a cynical lawyer working to solve crimes in East Tennessee. I was raised in East Tennessee so I found these to be so fun to read because he talks about towns or roads or places that I know!
Such a good point about how our perception adjusts to new styles. While I disliked the barrel shape at first, once my eye got used to them and I tried them, I really liked them! I have a dark wash denim pair and a khaki one. They’re not extreme, like what I’ve seen called horseshoe style, but they’re definitely curved and I feel current in them.
“I never thought I’d voluntarily add shine to my face”
Now there’s an example of a perception challenge for me. I started high school in 1980 and finished college and got married in 1989, so the 80s are my decade of reference, especially since I spent the next 20 years mostly at home with kids and wasn’t really able to shop and keep up with fashion. For the past ten years or so, trying to get back into style, it’s been interesting to learn that what I once took for granted as universal rules are actually outdated. Matchy-matchy was the first thing I realized was dating me; in my world in the 80s we would never have mixed colors, shades, and metals as modern style does, because that to us seemed 70s and drab.
We Jersey mall chicks were obsessed with looking what we saw as perfectly squeaky clean all times. We liked sparkly and frosty, but nothing shiny that could read as oily, greasy, or sweaty, which was taboo. We caked our faces with powder and concealer, and used tons of hairspray and later mousse and gel. One trend I do remember noticing in the 90s was “bed head,” and it horrified me- God forbid we didn’t look fresh from the shower and blowdryer. But last year I bought a gel blush stick from Flower, and I’ve had dewy pink cheeks ever since.
I love this Trish! Thanks for sharing
I love the Inspector Gamache series. I’m glad you are going back to start the series at the beginning. I prefer to listen to these books on the Libby app. The narrator’s accent is lovely and adds to the pleasure of the mysteries.
I also am a fan of Elin Hilderbrand books.
Hello!
I really enjoy your fashion+ blog and always learn something new from it.
In response to your comment regarding tv series, I have a wonderful recommendation for you;
Emily In Paris! There are 5 seasons right now and the sixth season is coming soon. I think you will love all the beautiful fashion and architecture in Paris. Plus the storyline and the main characters are so lovely.
JK
Thanks Jill! That sounds fun
For TV I highly recommend two series: Heartland and Virgin River
Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorite authors. Among my favorites are The Perfect Couple and the other books in that Series: Castaways and Swan Song, ; The Paradise Series and Five-Star Weekend. I like to read a Series at a time.
Oh my goodness I’m so glad you’ve discovered Louise Penney! I love her books! Like your daughter I went looking for a 3 Pines village in Canada after reading her first book. It’s still on my bucket list to visit that part of Canada and Quebec. Enjoy!
I’ve read most of Elin Hilderbrand’s books and agree with the posted suggestions. I would like to add The Five-Star Weekend and she also has a new series, the first book named The Academy.
I love Inspector Gamache and the friends at Three Pines. My late brother introduced me to him. We would often joke about going to live in Three Pines.
Is sounds so lovely!
Hi, Jennifer. I’ve never tried Chantecaille but may have to give it a try. Just an FYI, on a totally unrelated topic, but I just ordered beautiful ribbed cashmere gloves from Garnet Hill, on sale for !9.99. Their products are very nice quality and this is a steal for accessories. Wanted to pass it on!
Wow that’s a great price. Thanks.
The show Man on the Inside is absolutely delightful! Enjoy the Louise Penny series . While I’m not usually a fan of book series, I’ve read them all & love the characters. The setting & food she writes about positively transport you.
I agree. I can just picture the lovely village.
I wish I could afford Chantecaille, their products are amazing. A few years ago I wandered into Cos Bar in Larkspur and got a full makeup and skin product makeover. Quite a bit money later I left with these products. But I can’t repurchase. I go with Elemis which I love and is in my opinion just as good, but kinder to my pocket book….I also love your new TV….
I am so enjoying Lidia Poet on Netflex. The series is based on the life of a true person in the late nineteenth century in Italy who was disbarred from practicing law ( until 1926) because she was a woman. The costumes and settings are gorgeous, like out of a painting sometimes. Each episode’s mystery is exciting and the acting is suberb. Check it out.
That sounds great!
We just finished watching 2 seasons of Emily in Paris on Netflix, just a fun watch with Lots of beautiful fashion!
I’ve read all of Louise Penny books and can’t wait for the next one! Will try the book your daughter recommended! Read your blog all the time and enjoy that you are so down to earth!
I love Elin Hildebrand books and have several on my shelf. My favorite is Summer of 69. I enjoyed it so much!
I have read every book by Elin Hilderbrand, and enjoyed them all. Her most recent book is cowritten with her daughter. It’s called The Academy and it was very good as well. Summer of ’69 is very good, too, and touches on many events happening at that time-really takes you back!
I am on book 6 of the Louise Penny series. These books were recommended by a friend, and I am reading them in order … each book stands on it’s own, but I think you get more out of it reading chronologically. In addition to the intriguing stories and characters, you can almost smell the delicious sounding food in the cozy bistro!
On the topic of pant styles, after spending time thinking I can’t pull off wide leg jeans, I finally bought a pair, probably because they are everywhere! I actually like them, they remind me of the high waisted, wide leg jeans of the 1970’s which I loved back in the day, and but I also worry that they look too sloppy. Maybe I’ll try on the lantern style. Thanks for your posts Jennifer!
I wore those pants back then too.
Elin Hilderbrand is my favorite author. I have read every single book she’s written. Doesn’t it make you want to go visit Nantucket? I love that Samsung TV. I want that next! I knew from the get go that barrel jeans would never be for me. I’m just finally accepting flares.
lol!
When I first looked at the barrel jeans I laughed and thought since I was only 5ft 1 that I would look like a barrel. When I tried on a petite size I found out that I loved them and they looked great on me. Now my favorite jean. So I guess you never know until you try it.
So true
I also tried barrel pants and quickly regretted my lapse of judgement, but settled in with Eileen Fisher lantern pants for a boost of style. Read Elin’s Winter series starting with Winter Street, but save it for a Christmas read. Love your musings!
Completely agree as to barrel jeans! I am a true petite and they overwhelm me. Re: the Louise Penny books, several friends have told me they are best read in the order they were written. As for TV…..we mainly watch things on PBS. My favorite is “All Creatures Great and Small”, this year’s series (the 6th) has ended but if you are a donor to your local PBS station you could stream it and any of the prior years. Set in rural England, starting in 1940, it centers on a veterinary practice in a small, rural town. Based on books/memoirs written by James Herriot, regarding his veterinary experiences (which include serving in WWII). Beautiful scenery, wonderful character development.
Yes, I am starting at the beggining.
There’s a car in my neighborhood with the bumper sticker, “I want to live in an Elin Hildebrand novel.” LOL. I like the Paradise series (trilogy), which is not as well known but really piqued my interest.
That is funny
Great post! I have not tried on barrel or lantern style jeans…I just don’t know. Straight legs are still my comfort zone. Maybe after summer, I’ll step out of my comfort zone. I very rarely wear jeans when the weather warms.
I’m seeing fewer barrels in the store which usually signals the trend is phasing out. I should have known better.
I’ve read all of Elin Hilderbrand, and was so disappointed to hear she was retiring. I think she is collaborating now with her daughter, though I haven’t read it/those. I find her always readable, but somewhat uneven. She deals very sensitively with flawed characters, and her sense of place is great. I prefer her earlier work. I remember the fails more than the wins, so no fave titles come to mind. I didn’t like one where the heroine was the town festival planner, and one about a hotel, I think called Hotel Nantucket. For a change of pace, she did a trilogy set in St. John in the Caribbean, and I enjoyed those a lot.
Interesting!
Beautiful picture of you and Vanessa.
Thank you so much.
“A Place to Call Home” on Prime Video. Excellent Australian show. 6 seasons. Enjoy!!
Thanks
Try watching “White Collar”. We loved both it and “Suits”.
Thank you!
The Golden Girl was my first Elin Hilderbrand book recommended by my sister. I have read others and I don’t think you can go wrong with any of her books.
I’m with you on barrel jeans. Not happening for this 73 year old! I like the shape of my legs so why would I make them look like I have saddle bags.
Lol!! Thanks for the morning chuckle Nancy
Watch The Madison for sure!
Great! Thanks
I like Elin’s books. She’s a graduate of the famous Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa.
I’ve read 8 of Elin Hilderbrand’s books. I loved Hotel Nantucket. Also The Perfect Couple that was made into a movie. The Five Star Weekend was also very good. She’s a great writer.
I’m have to read her. Thanks
I basically designed my kitchen around a frame tv. I love it. Although I let my art subscription expire and you have inspired me to renew it
I love Elin Hildebrand. I discovered her a few years ago and have read them all. The last thing I read is the companion short story to 28 Summers-I think it’s called The Last Wedding. Some of her books are parts of a trilogy (same characters) so that’s always fun. Characters do pop up from book to book, too. Just start reading-they are all so good!
Jennifer, I am laughing at myself and this post! After reading post I decided I needed a frame TV. We have 4 TV’s! Told my husband we needed to go and look at the new framed TV’s, he asked what I was reading. Guess its kinda like the bucket pants:).
Lol!!
Do you love the dresses in Suits? I adored the fashion and some pieces just took my breath away! I was so sad when I reached the end of the show 😢 Hope you are enjoying it!
The dresses are so creative. Yes I love the fashion.
I love Elin Hilderbrand! She’s one of those authors that when you see she has a new book, you get it without looking at the plot, cause you just know you will enjoy it! Love your post on visual fatigue. I never thought about this but you are so right.
I’m glad I’m not the only one.
My favourite Elin Hilderbrand novel is Silver Girl, followed closely by 28 Summers. I read them on the beach every summer!
Sounds perfect.
Repetition is so insidious – in fashion as you point out and in ads, politics, and social media. It sounds as if you are past this point, but cleaning a grill will help it last for years. And it’s therapeutic. I used to clean the cooktop burners when I was stuck with my studies b/c I could see tangible progress. Thanks for the cosmetics reminder. Elin Hildebrand is good beach reading, and, yes, she does make you want to go to Nantucket. Christmas there is supposed to be really special, but I’ve yet to get there then. Maybe next year?
We’ve scrubbed and scrubbed but it’s just a disaster. The grease is what gets me.
I was so glad to read this post and your reply — it is so true that repetition starts to become “truth” (not just in fashion) but it is only due to its prevalence and exposure. It is so easy to suspend careful thinking, to our detriment…from barrel pants to measles! Thanks to both of you for your gentle reminders!
One of our favorite shows is on the regular U Tube (the free one like you have on your phone). It is called The Mineful Narrowboater. It follows a lady and her yellow lab as she travels the canals in England and Wales. She loves nature so you see alot of scenery, birds , and flowers plus the towns she stops at. Think you will enjoy it.
That sounds so fun! They showed us how to watch You Tube on the frame TV. Thank you.
Jennifer – thanks for the recommendation (and sale info) on Opalex shampoo and conditioner at ULTA. I have a lot of grey throughout my brown locks. Although evenly distributed, my hair looks rather dull. I have tried other “blue/purple” products with no discernible difference.
I’ll be happy to report back on whether I see a difference!
It’s pretty intense on my hair! Please let me know.
I am reading the Shetland Series by Ann Cleeves. And Watching Murdoch Mysteries, set in Toronto during Victorian and Edwardian times. I agree with you about how tempting it is to follow certain trends despite listening to the inner voice of good sense in terms of of our own personal style!
How lucky to be just discovering Elin Hildebrandt! My favorites are Summer of 69 and the Winter Series, probably because I relate to the time period. I recommend reading her books in chronological order as so many background characters like the police chief and the owner of the organic farm and many of the families are background in many of the books and age as the books unfold. The one book I do not recommend is The Academy, the start of a new series written with her daughter. Too many reasons to list why I didn’t like. But the Nantucket books, I loved them all!
Great tip, thank you!
I didn’t realize there was an area to send a reply so I just sent you another email which I’ll repeat here:
I’d love to see your opinion about leggings, the ones we still have in our closet from a few years ago. I know newer yoga style pants are in style, but what about the older ones that we wear with tunics? I’m about to get rid of all of mine. Should I?
And, read all of the Louise Penny novels in order. They are wonderful. I also just finished an excellent historical fiction called Finding Margaret Fuller who is an unknown, but considered the mother of the feminist movement. Excellent novel.
Great tip Carol, thanks. Leggings are definitely past their prime. Narrow leg stretch pants have replaced them.
Jennifer, I so enjoy your writing and your wonderful sense of humor! In addition to everything else, the book recommendations are a terrific feature too. Vanessa’s choice of Elin Hilderbrand’s book 28 Summers has me intrigued. I’m a fan of Hilderbrand, and have read several, but I’d missed this one. Having lived a “Same Time, Next Year” type of experience myself for 9 years, (also beginning in the Summer of ’93!), I ordered the book just to see what happens. I eventually married my special person, so that was my “happy ending” for the past 45 years. I’m thinking this book might stir some interesting memories for me. Thank you!
That’s amazing!
I, too, love Louise Penny! And have been through all of her Gamache books in order. You’re correct, her character development is superb, and they’re well worth a re-read.
I’m really enjoying them.
If you are considering a BBQ I encourage you to look at the Weber Q series (1200 or 2800 depending on size you need). They come in cute colors. They are portable and you can buy a folding stand if necessary. They never go on sale but they work well and I think are attractive, functional and they last. We finally gave up on the mega size aluminum (?) ones as they were larger than we typically needed and the heat was uneven at best (so even if you had more grilling “space”, it wasn’t functional). We have been really pleased with these Weber models.
Great tip! What is it about men and gargantuan BBQs?
The lantern Jean look you posted was so good on you! High Style!
Thanks! I like lanterns. Eileen Fisher has been making them for years.
Enjoy the entire Gamache series, as I did!
You and your daughter are both beautiful! Glad that you share so much joy.
Marketing definitely affects our FOMO nerve. Perhaps there is a glimmer of hope that it works in favor for women over 50. I’ve read two articles that could be early indications that the fashion industry might finally recognize our purchasing power. One from Vogue highlighting that the over 55 crowd has a higher level of disposable income for clothes yet is a market largely ignored (duh!). The second a feature on Eileen Fisher’s new fall line that features a 60 y.o. model (along with LONGER tops and jackets. Hallelujah!!) Woudn’t it be wonderful to be bombarded with fashionable, graceful
mature women?
Yes it would. I’ve read several articles about this new trend of using older models. Finally!!
The Hotel Nantucket is probably my favorite of Elin Hilderbrand’s books!
Yay!