Weekend Reading 01.03.26
Happy first weekend of 2026! I’ve got 4 large bags of clothing in my car to drop off and donate, which feels freeing and cathartic. I still have more organizing to do, but I want to move more slowly going forward so I don’t regret giving something away. This big cull included the disasters that looked awful on me, as well as things brands sent me that just weren’t my style.
SIMILAR BELT / SHOULDER BAG
My foot is officially pissed off at me for walking on the treadmill earlier this week. So now, I have to wear my little gnome clogs, which prevent my toes from bending. If you had told me 10 years ago that I would wear furry Birkenstock clogs out shopping, I would have howled with laughter. Now? They’re heavenly and I love them…plus, luckily, they’re in style.
Bestsellers of the week:
- Many of you ladies are still freshening up your home with new machine washable rugs. This blue quartz rug was a big seller last week. I love the idea of washable rugs…mine would need to be taken to a laundromat, but I do love the fact that I can get it really clean after the amount of traffic ours endured this season.
- Many of you tried my new favorite travel facial duo…I use the large one at home. It contains 5 sizes of Hyaluronic Acid molecules that leaves my skin so moist…I love it.
- My favorite zip top tote is on it’s way to many of you, and I’m confident that you wil love it! It’s a perfect size, stylish, and durable.
- Straight leg jeans were best sellers this week and I’m happy to see it. As much as I love variety in jeans, nothing beats the classic straight leg. This pair from Eileen Fisher was the number one bestseller, followed closely by these Frame straight legs. Both are not distressed and fit beautifully.
- My favorite body retinol was very popular last week. I’t been a constant in my rountine for years and seems to make a big difference in the snake appearance on my arms and legs. I apply it at night.
Sales Worth Checking Out:
Unless you have a hole in your wardrobe that absolutley must be filled, I would suggest you wait until the dust settles at your favorite retailors and revisit them when fresh merchandise arrives. My quick walk through the mall showed many jammed sale racks filled with the dregs of the dregs. There are select goods things available online and you will have your best choices there.
I spotted this gorgeous cream colored bag marked way down which has Cloud Dancer vibes for 2026. And I’m sorry, but this whimsical bag is clever and adorable!!
This grey Brahmin bag has such a unique shape, and of course I love the color. There’s only 1 left so it may be gone by the time this post goes live.
I’m still seeing a lot of wine color in the stores and these maroon low profile sneakers have fabulous reviews.
I love my Paul Green shoes, so finding them on sale is always a treat. These loafers look stylish and comfortable in 3 colors.
This Fleurette coat is a steal! I love the quality and fit of their coats but they are pricey.
Such a great price for this faux fur jacket, and there’s still lots of winter left to wear it. I snagged this faux fur vest on sale yesterday and can’t wait to wear it!! It’s perfect for our northern California climate and is so fun.
There were only 2 blog posts this week, in case you missed them:
Have a fabulous weekend and do something nice for yourself.
Thanks for being here and sharing this journey with me.
Good for you to donate some clothes. I recently cleared out some clothes I no longer wear. It’s a good feeling to see more space in my closet.
Hope your toes feel better!
Hello Jennifer: Very happy new year to you and all your readers. I wonder whether you would give some updates or readers who own the washable rugs as to how they really do with a machine wash and dry. I am about to spend a good deal of time and lots of $$ to take my two wool rugs which the carpet cleaners will not touch, to a professional cleaner. If the washables really hold up pretty well, they would pay for themselves with one of my cleaning bills, but if they start to fray and fall apart after several washes, the wool rugs win. Thank you.
I will share when we wash ours. I also have 2 wool persian rugs and we bought a rug shampooer to clean them ourselves.
Happy New Year 🎊 I actually bought those Birkenstock too and I never thought I would ever wear them again. When I was in my 40’s I had two bunions removed and those were the only shoes I could wear for a while. But my feet have been bothering me and these seem so comfy. At least they are in style now! I love your outfit in this post.
I’m sorry your feet are bothering you again! That’s the pits
Good Morning Jennifer and Happy New Year To You. I wish I knew which donation center you go to. 🙂 I spent yesterday organizing my closet with your suggestions. Thank you for that. Instead of by color, I’m now organized by type. Seems to work much better and my closet looks “organized”. The big advantage is with my black items, which I have a lot of. Instead of being in one big black “hard to find” clump, it’s much easier to find what I’m looking for now.
lol, dark colors are hard to see.
Welcome to the dark side! I got a pair of suede soft footbed Birk Bostons in navy and my feet live them so much I had to get the black. I need a size up (39) from my Birk sandal size (38) and that’s why I never wore my old stiff leather Bostons that are 38. I think they look just fine, but under the wider leg pants and jeans you really can’t see them. That pink looks amazing on you!
LOL, happy to be here! I refuse to let vanity make me miserable. My clogs are on the shorter side! Duh, why didn’t I think to size up. I need you to take me shopping Shari 😉
I always thought Birkenstocks were not for me until last year I finally determined I had to size up one full size! I love my Birks now.
I’m learning every day!
I just wanted to wish you a Happy New Year!
Thank you so much. Happy New Year Joanna!
You look so nice in your outfit today.
I was so disappointed to see the cardigan was not available because I loved it and know it’s something I’d get a lot of wear from.
It does feel good to purge your closet. I’ve been working on doing this also.
Happy New Year!
Sorry, I tried to find a similar cardigan.