Monday Musings: I Skipped Paris for a Rainforest Full of Bears. No Regrets
Happy Monday, ladies. I hope you had a great weekend. Mine was calm, and the weather was beautiful.
I broke out my raspberry colored washed linen dress yesterday along with my open-weave flats to head back to the yarn store for stitch markers. I’m carrying my large tote these days so I can bring my knitting with me. It’s much healthier for me to take out my knitting while waiting than doomscrolling on my phone.
I’ll be turning 70 in a few weeks…that sure happened fast. To celebrate, we’ve decided to go on another adventure.
Paris, Tokyo, or Florence would have been fun, but we’ve decided to hop on a small prop plane to fly three hours north, followed by a 90-minute boat ride to arrive at Spirit Bear Lodge in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest.
As you know, I’m not a water person. I’m not a boat person. I’m not particularly a small, bumpy, propeller-driven plane person either, so this should be interesting. I don’t think of myself as terribly adventurous the way most of my family members are, but when there’s something I really want to do, I’m willing to step up to the plate.
I’ll be packing plenty of anti-nausea medication and hopefully leaving my usual worries behind…because I expect I’ll be wrestling with brand new ones, like how to avoid freezing, getting seasick, trying to spot whales, and actually seeing the elusive spirit bear.
It would be so cool to see a spirit bear or a grizzly. When we went arctic cruising out of Svalbard a couple of years ago, we saw several polar bears, but they were a long, long way away. Frankly, keeping that kind of distance from a polar bear is a pretty solid plan. This time, we’ll be out in Zodiacs and small boats, experiencing nature up close in a small group.
When it comes to packing, we’re keeping it simple and using what we already have. I tried to order silk long johns and a backpack, but they didn’t arrive in time, so I’m borrowing a few pieces from my daughter. The rest of my suitcase will be filled with warm layers, comfortable walking clothes, and some cozy fleece. My preferred fleece happens to be from Frank & Eileen, which is my elevated version of sweats but comfy cozy nonetheless. There is nothing dressy about this trip, and we’re entirely fine with that. I am packing my makeup because I go nowhere without putting on a bit.
So why are we choosing the wilderness for 70?
When I turned 60, we went to Iceland at my daughter’s encouragement, and it was unforgettable. Now, as 70 approaches, this felt like the right move because when we think about major milestones, cities don’t pull us the same way nature does.
Wish us luck, and wish my anti-nausea medication luck, too.
Reader questions
Q – I have a couple of longer tunic-style sweaters from Eileen Fisher that I have trouble styling now that leggings are “out”. How can I wear my sweaters? Also, do you hang or fold your sweaters in your closet?
A – I hang almost all my sweaters, or I forget to wear them. Most get folded in half and draped over a pant hanger. I suggest you try a slim ponte knit pant, which has more substance than leggings. Eileen Fisher also makes a washable crepe slim-leg pant that looks better than leggings. Here are some other options:
Q – I’m going to a wedding on October 3rd in Pennsylvania. It’s semi-formal, and the venue is outside unless it rains; then inside a “barn “. I plan to wear nice black pants or a long black skirt with chiffon material, with black boots. I’m undecided on a nice blouse or jacket. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
A – I love the sound of your bottoms. If you have a semi-cropped jacket, that would be nice with the skirt or pants. Blouses mean you tuck them in, so if you’re comfortable doing that, it would be nice under that jacket. You could also consider a lightweight sweater that stops near the high hip area to go under the jacket.
Q – What denim is on trend for fall?
A – I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with trends because they can easily encourage us to buy what’s popular but not right for ourselves. I do like to know the direction fashion is moving so I can tell when something is making me look hopelessly outdated.
1-Relaxed/baggy is still big, but pair it with a fitted top, or it just reads sloppy.
2- Slim straight leg and stovepipe are creeping back for anyone tired of fighting volume.
3 -Washes are calmer, and heavy distressing and shredded hems are fading out.
4 -Gray is the new neutral wash, alongside classic blue.
On the way out: exaggerated flares, frayed raw hems, aggressive rips.
The bottom line is to check your closet first. A good straight leg and a good relaxed pair cover both directions this season.
Would you ladies be interested in a blog post on this year’s fall trends? Please let me know in the comments.
I would also love your input as I plan my content going into fall.
I have several regular posts I do: Monday Musings, Try-ons, Styling tips, Healthy Aging, and Beauty. Which are your favorites? I’d love to know which ones to concentrate on as I reduce my number of posts per week.
Thanks so much!
I love every single “Try Ons”! …even for brands I don’t usually buy. Your comments are so helpful to short me. I also love the Monday Musings. You are a good writer and always post such interesting thoughts.
I really enjoy Monday Musings and Beauty. I don’t shop at Chicos, J Jill, or Talbots, even though I appreciate your willingness to try on their clothes. Those posts are less interesting at least for me.
Your birthday trip sounds very adventurous!
As a 73 year old woman I would like to see more articles about healthy aging as well as styling tips to keep me somewhat relevant.
I love your blogs and look forward to reading your latest post!
I look forward to your Healthy Aging and Styling tips, but enjoy and learn from all your topics.
Go, you (!!!) for the adventurous birthday plan. Inspiring me to push myself a bit despite orthopedic issues. Agree with your thoughts on long sweaters. Slimmer pants will be back, and Eileen Fisher slim are classics. I’d say a straight hem sweater looks great, but would not go back to the asymmetrical or waterfall hem sweaters now.
I totally agree with you about the waterfall and asymmetrical hems tops. They’re looking particularly dated to me.
Hi! I enjoy all your post topics and feel like you should release what ‘feels right’ when it feels relevant to you! Personally, I’m finding that your comments about your mental processes/decisions etc are even more impactful than the fashion advice. Thank you for your transparency in life’s journey!
We are navigating this time together, and sharing helps us know we are not alone.
We went to Ireland in June and that was the trip of my lifetime so far. The best part of the trip was meeting a relative and seeing the stone house my grandmother lived in as a child. The Irish weather was perfect in June. I brought a lot of things I could layer. I turned 76 in June and as you said that went fast. A Longer life is gift. I like when you try on clothing in the store so we can see what it looks like on real person. Sometimes when you see something on a professional model it does not translate well on a normal person.
Jennifer, hope you enjoy your fabulous trip! Looking forward to hearing about it.
Regarding fall content, I’d love to hear your thoughts (and thoughts from your readers) on whether or how it’s possible to wear a twinset in a modern, non-mumsy way. I saw a twinset on the J Crew Factory site in an appealing dark green, but the traditional styling they feature wouldn’t hit the same on me as on their younger model.
I’ll be looking forward to hearing about your birthday adventure! We went to Svalbard after reading about your trip, and it was unforgettable, in a good way!
I always enjoy your posts!
We loved that trip!!
Your trip to Spirit Bear Lodge sounds wonderful! Love nature, enjoyed Iceland too. Yes for post on fall trends! Enjoy all your posts, if have to pick, try-ons and styling tips. BTW, love the raspberry dress on you. Happy 70 Jennifer!!
Thanks Pat
I am most interested in styling tips and beauty.
What hair tools do you use to style your hair and what products do you use on your hair? Your hair style is very attractive.
Always want Fashion updates from you. I scroll right by what starz
are wearing and other crazy fashion blogs.
Happy Birthday Jennifer! I just turned 72 a few days ago an am so thankful for that.
Please keep Monday Musings (it’s so enjoyable – like an email from a good friend)- and maybe rotate the others – styling tips and try ons one week, and beauty and healthy aging the next.
Have a wonderful birthday celebration and enjoy your adventure vacation.
Thank you Yvonne! I hope you’re doing well. Xo
I would absolutely love a fall trends post! It’s nice to know what’s in style and also what is out of style. I don’t think it matters as much in 2026, but it’s still good to know!
Hello Jennifer,
I don’t get to stores or websites all that frequently so post on fall trends would be appreciated. Particularly colours and combos so I can ‘shop my closet’ as well as explore retail options. Your trip to Spirit Bay Lodge sounds amazing – have a wonderful time!
Try buying a Reliefband for you air/boat sickness. I have the original that uses batteries. It changed my life! I would get sick just being a passenger in a car driving down the road. Once I found the relief band I have not gotten sick once now! It was developed originally for patients in hospitals and we saw it as an advertisement on a fishing show for a fisherman who used it. It’s not very expensive and just a wonderful alternative for helping you with your sickness!
I’m glad you reminded me. I have a set! I’ll bring them.
My doctor prescribed scopolamine patches for my motion sickness and they have been a miracle! And no drowsiness! Have a great trip!
I would definitely be interested in fall trends. I need a new jacket but wanted something that looks good but not too dressy.
Yes, I would like a blog post on wearable trends.
You may want to read Touching Spirit Bear, an adolescent coming-of-age novel. It’s a very good read. I would like articles on the latest trends. I enjoy your styling tips the most, for example the info about proportions or the responses about leggings. The Try-ons are fun to see, especially when I can afford the clothes. Have a Happy Birthday and a happy trip. I’ll stick to cruising.
I think a post on fall trends would be great and helpful! And, is there a way to find old posts – like an index? (hmm – probably not..) I am searching for your post on toes and how you fixed them so you could walk…I hope you know what I am talking about! I do enjoy your posts and look forward to them. Stay safe with your bear travels!
Yes, there is a search bar at the top. Sometimes it looks like a circle
I like the try-on sections. Saves me a lot of time in the dressing rooms and has gotten me to try brands I normally might not consider.