Monday Musings: Sparkle on the Outside, Ice Pack on the Inside
This past week had a little bit of everything…a road trip to escape the construction, a fashion deep dive, a sparkly surprise, a knitting project that’s testing my patience, and a ballet class that made me question every joint in my body. In other words… life. Not everything went smoothly (does it ever?), but there were enough small moments to keep things moving in a hopeful direction.
Fashion Pioneer
Claire McCardell has been living rent-free in my head all week. I just finished The Designer Who Set Women Free on Audible, and let me tell you…if you’ve ever slid your hands into a dress with real pockets, you owe her a thank-you.
Claire McCardell was a real spitfire, smart, stubborn, and wildly ahead of her time. While the fashion world clung to corsets and couture, she had the nerve to design clothes women could actually move in. She gave us denim dresses, wrap styles, ballet flats, and bless her…pockets. She wasn’t interested in impressing Paris. She was too busy inventing American sportswear and making sure women could go about their lives without tripping over a train or gasping for air. Claire had grit, vision, and just the right amount of rebellion. Honestly, I find her completely inspiring.
Zipping along
In other news, I’ve dusted off my Ziip Halo…a tiny microcurrent device that promises to lift, tone, and generally remind your face of its former structure. I’ve actually had it for several years, but I gave up on it when the routines started taking too long.
I’m using it with their free app, which offers a whole library of protocols, but this time, I’m sticking with the 3-to-5-minute ones because I know myself: if it takes too long, I’ll quietly abandon ship and pretend it never happened.
For now, I’m zapping faithfully, hoping a few things decide to snap back to where they used to live. And if I start looking suspiciously refreshed, you’ll know why.
Knitting Nightmare
Knitting is usually my peaceful place. There’s something deeply soothing about the rhythm of it…the clack of needles, the feel of yarn running through your fingers, the slow build of something useful.
This project is… not that.
Each row is taking me anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes, depending on how many times I get distracted…and after all that effort, I realized I’d gone 16 rows too far and forgotten to make the buttonholes. To make matters worse, I’m not thrilled with how the front band is turning out, so when I finally rip it back, I’ll probably make a few changes while I’m at it.
For now, I’ve set the body section aside and moved on to the sleeves…they’re easier, and I needed to feel like something was moving forward. It’s less meditative than usual and more like knitting under duress… but still, I love it…in a stubborn, complicated way.
Current color obsession
Now for the current obsession: my new Eileen Fisher coat in the shade Rye. It’s the color that pulled me in first — a soft, cool-toned neutral that somehow manages to go with everything without feeling the least bit boring. Not quite beige, not quite gray… just quietly perfect.
The shape is simple, the lines are clean, and yes — it has real pockets. It was the perfect weight for our trip down the PCH last week: not too hot, easy to layer, and just right when the drizzle rolled in. I wore it almost every day, and never once wished I’d packed something else. That’s saying something.
Hallux Limitus
I also made it back to ballet class this week, which fills my heart…but absolutely not my foot…with joy. My big toe isn’t just cranky, it’s screaming. I’m fairly certain it’s hallux limitus, which sounds almost elegant until you realize it just means your toe won’t bend and hurts like hell when you try.
It was so painful during class that I stepped out for a drink of water and stood outside pretending to stretch. When I finally limped back in, my daughter looked at me and smirked: “Are you trying to run out the clock?” Yes. Yes, I was. Busted.
My physical therapist has me rolling the tendon under my arch with a hard ball, wearing toe stretchers, and icing it religiously…all part of my personal campaign to avoid the surgeon at all costs. If sheer stubbornness were a medical treatment, I’d be doing pirouettes by now.
Birthday Sparkle
And finally, the thing that’s been putting the biggest grin on my face: a sparkly new bracelet. It’s slim, simple, and quietly elegant…but the way it catches the light? Pure magic. Not bold, not loud, just that perfect kind of shimmer that makes you pause for a second and smile.
It ended up becoming my 69th birthday present, which feels fitting. A little sparkle to celebrate another trip around the sun, and a gentle reminder that joy doesn’t always come in big, sweeping moments. Sometimes it’s just a bracelet that makes you smile every time you glance down at your wrist.
So no, it wasn’t exactly a graceful week. My toe’s still protesting, my knitting went rogue, and I’ll be revisiting those buttonholes whether I like it or not. But somewhere in the middle of all that, I wore a great coat, added a bit of sparkle to my wrist, and thought about Claire McCardell…designing clothes that worked for real women with real lives.
What about you? What small thing brought a little ease or quiet delight to your week?
I love the coat you showed the color is perfect. I bought over the summer a similar color sweater at JJill on sale can’t wait to wear it. Thank you for your blog I truly enjoy reading all of them.
I’ve requested the Claire McCardell book through our interlibrary loan system and can hardly wait to read it!
Oops! I forgot to add that I’m sending positive energy and healing thoughts your way. As I’ve spent between December 3rd and April 30th and then Late June until September 30th in an orthopedic boot due to various foot issues (fractures, neuromas, and sprains) you have my sympathies. I’m finally able to wear my Allbirds sneakers again but it will be a few more weeks before I can wear a dress shoe according to my physical therapist. My fingers are crossed that you can avoid surgery.
Ouch! You’ve had a tough time of it!
Thank you for the book reccomndation. I’m now on the waiting list for it at my local library.
Ouch! I read this after I spent time on Monday with acupuncture needles sticking out of my foot like a porcupine. I hear you!
I hear you, girl…77 & still tryin’ to “go strong”.😁
Happy Birthday! Your bracelet is beautiful. Your husband has great taste. I will be reading the book about Claire McCardell. (Thanks for the recommendation.)
P.S. Love the new coat.
Suzanne
Thanks for the McCardell book. Somehow I missed it–and just ordered it.
My sympathies on the foot problem. I’ve had a few myself and now, a few years older than you, I can say, Never give up! And thanks for reminding me that I’ve been neglecting my foot exercises lately,
Love the bracelet, I have a similar one in yellow gold and wear it all time when I am a yellow gold girl. It was my mother’s and she gave it to me when hers was upgraded. She is still with me, 91, and she also gave me the larger one. I never wear the larger it is too much to deal with and snags. Yours is perfect.
The other day there was a letter in the advice column in the Washington Post, a woman was at her wits end over dressing for work and she has lost all her confidence. I told her about your blog and you worked to include all ages, shapes, sizes and price points. I hope she look you up because I think it would really help her feel better to see your content. Thanks for the job you do.
Thank you so much Nola. That’s very kind of you!!
Jennifer it could be that you are developing some arthritis in your toes. Your feet look like mine did in my fifties when my feet started really hurting and I switched to wide softer shoes. I never wore heels or pointed toes but my toes started that bend down and my great toe that twisted look. Maybe some other type of exercise besides ballet may be helpful and not be causing injury. Ballet is one of the toughest things the body can do. I’m 80 and still reasonably fit but I walk a mile a day to keep my hips and thighs slim. Your knitting project is also a difficult one. Jennifer you do like to punish yourself. I want to get that book! It sounds great. It is going on my Audible wishlist for the end of October when I get my 12 credits with my annual renewal. The EF Rye coat is perfect! The color is great for us cool toned women. Have a good week.
I do push myself, and maybe too much. You’re very sweet Sydney, thank you! xo
Hi, Jennifer. Your experiences with taking the ballet class reminded me of what happened to me a few weeks ago. I took a 45 minute Zumba class at the Y, and I felt fine afterwards. So I went to the strength machines to begin the circuit and slowly began to feel not well – decided to just lie down on the floor rather than fall down. An ambulance ride and ER visit later, it was determined that I was dehydrated. So all is well. But, darn, you would think I would know enough to take a water bottle to a Zumba class. BTW I am 82 years old. Old enough to know better.
WOW, Bea! That’s scary. I always leave my water bottle at home and it’s not smart!! I am going to put one in my tote bag right now for tomorrow.
I use a retractable lipstick brush but it is wearing out and I can’t find a replacement. I love soft silver red and softsilver rose Revlon lipstick.
There is no garment more elegant than a below-the-knee coat. The Eileen fisher coat is beautiful.
Hi Jennifer,
Such a lovely post and that raincoat is just terrific. My small thing was doing pushups. I heard recently that women my age (61) should do 11 proper pushups ever day and so I have been pushing myself to get it done as best as I can on top pf the work out and the 10,000 steps as I am getting in a swimsuit over Christmas. Would you believe I am starting to like doing them! Another small thing was my always-deep- at- work daughter rang me and said she had a day off …’feel like going to Huntington Gardens’ so of course that made my day! Happy week friend 🙂
That’s amazing!! Good for you. I don’t think I could do one but I’m going to try.
Hello!
Just two quick things- you are brave for going to ballet again-well done!
I have never caught on to knitting so I think your project looks beautiful-sounds like a good plan to switch to something simpler for a bit.
I hope you take it easy and your flooring is done soon
thinking positive thoughts
Karen
That knitting pattern looks like it was designed by an evil person!!
I’ve been working on a baby blanket with a much simpler pattern, that is carrying me through the Blue Jay games, while they work their way to the World Series!!
I adore Eileen Fisher’s rye colour….it is just the neutral I’ve been looking for!
Thank you for your news in my emails everyday.
Dorie
Let me say this about that ballet class. Go slow and never give up!
Thank you! I have to pace myself. My mind remembers but the body is in shock 😳
I am so impressed with your knitting. My mom was a master knitter and did needlepoint as well. I have a lot of her pillows and a few sweaters. Living in North Carolina now I just don’t need heavy sweaters so I gave away a few and donated some. I hope someone else is enjoying them. Her work is amazing.
I knit, some, but easy knitting. I sometimes knit infant hats for the NICU in our area or as gifts. I also knitted baby blankets for our two grandsons (now toddlers), and I am working on one for our expected granddaughter! That brings me great joy, as we are thrilled our daughter is expecting a girl. I have done a few baby sweaters, but I am not very good. When I make a mistake, I wish my mom were here so I could have her help me.
What brings me joy? Every Monday we pick up our two grandsons from school, and we get 2 hours with them before their parents come home. We love this time with them. So much fun! I love when you post about your time with your grandchildren.
Congratulations!! Grandchildren are so fabulous!
Always enjoy your Monday musings! Your new coat looks great on you and the tennis bracelet is beautiful! I found the perfect long dress to wear to my granddaughter’s wedding in my autumn colors so it was a good week. Now to pair it with the right shoes and jewelry. Have learned a lot from your blog even though I’m in my 80’s, so thanks!
Wonderful! Perhaps a soft, warm metallic?
I recently read that book about Claire McCardell and loved it. What a marvelous pioneer in the world of women’s fashion!
On a different topic, what is the PCH?
Pacific coast highway
Last week, I took a refresher class in how to warp my portable loom. The weaving can be relaxing, but not the warping! There are times I think I should sell it. Maybe now that rainy season is coming the PNW, I will think differently.
It’s perfect for a rainy day
Empathizing about the knitting! I’ve ripped the button band out twice now. So frustrating. Perhaps it’s time to go back to socks, which at least are very easy to take along.
lol!
I had to laugh when I read about your knitting project going rogue. Until my fingers began to protest, I was a long-time knitter. I still remember one gorgeous batch of blue worsted weight yarn I had that I’m convinced had a curse on it. The first sweater I tried knitting with that yarn gave me the sort of fits you are having with your sweater. I ripped it out and tried a different pattern, but there was some sort of problem with that one, too. After attempting to use that beautiful yarn in a third effort without much luck, I gave up and gave the yarn away. Sometimes you meet gremlins where you never expect! I applaud your determination to beat that pattern into submission! I’m rooting for you.
LOL! I still have 12 skeins of a blue worsted that did it to me. It’s gorgeous but has been knit and ripped so often I can’t stand to look at it. I’ve had it at least 15 years. I guess it’s time to put it out of its misery.
I also just finished reading the Claire McCardell bio. She was a fascinating character! What an interesting designer; she really understood women’s lives.
She was amazing!
I truly enjoy your blog. I appreciate how you keep things real and openly share the challenges we all face as we age—yet you do it with such style and grace.
Before my 69th birthday, my husband asked what I would like and I said I didn’t know if I wished for a diamond pendant for age 69 or 70. He promptly took me shopping and I continue to wear the diamond pendant very very frequently for now 6 years. (It layers beautifully with other necklaces.) It is a special gift and it was a wonderful way to celebrate 69. Your bracelet is lovely and I’m sure it will continue to give you much pleasure in the years to come.
Thank you for mentioning the Claire McCardell book. I just put it on hold at the library. It will be a “quiet delight”. Happy Birthday!
What a gorgeous pattern you are knitting! I felt your pain about ripping back 16 rows! You are a beautiful knitter!
Thanks. I’m putting it off as long as possible 🥴
After multiple ankle surgeries my foot has gotten stiff and my toes would catch when i would walk. My ortho told me to have my husband bend my toes down and back up. It helps the arthritis so much since it works on the scar tissue I have. Having a painful big toe is no fun. Just throwing it out there for you.
Ouch! Sorry you have that. My other big toe got very stiff after the bunion surgery so I’m hesitant to do more surgery.
I am in aware of your knitting talents!! Please share a picture of the finished project — I have no doubt it will be stunning! Thank you for sharing your many talents with us.
I will share but it does have challenges.
Happy Birthday! Your knitting project and woes put a smile on my face! Finished my husband’s vest! It fits! He loves it 😊 plus once washed and blocked the crinkled wool from “pulling out” sorted its self out! I think I’ll buy a new lipstick to celebrate.
New lipsticks is a great reward
I feel your pain! I have been dealing with big toe issues for years and never wanted to do surgery. Injections helped for a long time but now they don’t . I am 78 and still get around just fine. Wearing Hokas helps. Now I rub Vitality essential oil on it every morning. Of all the things I have tried this seems to help the most. I rub the Aches and Pains or Frankincense on daily, all over the top of my foot. I regret that I didn’t just have the surgery when I was younger but, you know, there is ever time!
Hoping the oils will help you!
Jane
Thanks for sharing Jane!
My favourite posts! Just sharing your life and what is happening….yesterday I travelled to see my parents and help celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary! Isn’t THAT something! A dinner out and I feel so blessed to still have them both in my life!
Wow! That’s amazing Wendy. You are so very blessed to still have them.
I do enjoy your Monday posts and they have climbed to my fav read. Why do our joints protest our improvement efforts and have just completed 6 weeks of PT for my knee…sigh! I have last year’s EF light trench in Ebony…same fabric and also love…currently on sale.
Thank you for the great read.
Happy Monday! It’s a great fabric
I love the sweater you are knitting. It looks quite complicated, just think how accompished you will feel when it is (finally?) finished!
Good for you for buying yourself a birthday present! I too, just turned 69 and it is a strange feeling! I think I will start saving now to buy myself something beautiful (like a tennis bracelet) for my next birthday! Happy birthday!
Thank you
I admire you for keeping up with your ballet class. I just know my feet would not allow it but I would love it! That’s a beautiful tennis bracelet. I have a beautiful gold one from my late husband. I got the clasp fixed and I’m wearing it again. Just makes me happy. Love your rain coat and good luck on your knitting project.
Well, Happy Birthday! Hubby is a keeper. 😊
I feel for your toe….NONE of my toes right side will bend….secondary to botched Bunionectomy. If you ever consider it, get in touch with me….have “lessons learned” to share.
Despite living in “The Great Warm”, that EF coat caught my eye…ordered it in the Rye (that blue was just ‘in your face’. Also ordered the short sleeved knit top in same color. We’ll see how it looks with my winter coloring now that I’m 76 and my complexion has softened with white hair.
I adore the Rye. I hope they come out with some sweaters! Let me know how it works for you.
Hi Jennifer,
When I was young I loved anything “dance” and was pretty good at it, if I say so myself. So when the Y offered a hip-hop class, I decided that was for me! I was 60 at the time and ahead of even the 30 year olds at catching on to the steps -lots of experience under my belt. My brain was so happy that I was doing something I loved again, that it didn’t check with my body to ask if it was up to the challenge. I tore the meniscus in my left knee! It’s now 13 years later and I’ve just recovered from a knee replacement. Oh, the joys of getting old!!
Oh no! I’m so sorry. That’s so painful. I’ve decided to pace myself in class and do some barre work at home to ease into it.
Jennifer, surgery is the extreme for that condition. You should be able to manage it. I’ve had hallux rigidus (I have planter flexion but no dorsi flexion) for about 12 years now and have very little pain with just a few modifications. I have orthotics for my athletic shoes, I wear shoes indoors as I can’t walk barefoot for very long and all my other shoes have firm soles and are supportive. And if I know I’m going to be on my feet for extended periods (I had a part time retail job) I change my shoes every few hours. I hope you are able to find some relief.
Thanks for the hope Yvonne! I really would like to avoid surgery at all costs. I’ll see about orthotics. Finding a good doctor is the challenge.
I am not a knitter but rather a crochet addict. Your knitting pattern is beautiful. in crochet we call it frogging when we have to rip out stitches and believe me I’ve been there many times. I have to announce when I’m counting so hubby knows I’m not to be disturbed😂.
I am on the hunt for a classic denim shirt and if you have any suggestions I’d love to see them.
Also I love your writing style. You have a wonderful way with words and sentences. Maybe a co-author with your brother is in your future? 😊
I’m a Needlepointer and feel your pain with your project. When I find myself messing up a project because I can’t get the stitch correct or have frogged it – Needlepointer talk for ripping- too many times, I set it aside for a day or two and then it seems to go smoothly when I pick it up again! The brain is a curious thing. Good luck on your sweater, it is a gorgeous pattern.
I haven’t done needlepoint for many years but love it too.
I had a blast last Thursday! Treadmill, Lite Strength class and I topped off the afternoon with my BESTIE of 50 years with lunch
I realized I need to connect more
It was a fantastic day!
That’s wonderful!
What brings delight to my life is my grandsons. I was sick for two weeks and did not see them until yesterday. They fill my heart with joy !!!
They are the best. I’m glad you’re feeling better