Weekend Reading: 05.31.25
Happy weekend, ladies. I’ve been missing in action more than usual this week because, frankly, I’m exhausted. I hope a nice relaxing weekend will restore my energy.
I’ve also pulled way back on my Instagram posting as well because the churn has been wearing me out. The message used to be, “Here’s what I love and why I wear it”. Now it’s, “Here’s what to buy before it sells out”. And while we are on the subject…when did needing to own something because all the “cool girls” are wearing it become a thing? Seriously, influencers in their 50s are using this messaging! I’m not a girl…I don’t want to look like everyone else, and I find this kind of message to be the death knell of personal style.
I’ll have to return to the platform because my business demands a social media presence, but I plan to be very careful because I want the experience to enrich me rather than make me feel lacking.
Fashion On My Radar…not a cool-girl in sight 😉
- I’ve worn my old Eileen Fisher shirtdress twice in as many weeks and predict I’ll wear it a lot more this summer. (this one is similar, but mine has a collar). That means I need a comfy sandal to wear with it that’s not dorky, so the hunt is on. This Pixie is in the running, as is this Gabor. Both have a tiny wedge and a feminine vibe.
- I pulled out my oversized resin/lucite link necklace yesterday and loved it! It’s a perfect weight for summer and added a fun touch to my look. Mine is from Talbots several years ago but lots of brands make similar. I’m now on the hunt for a bracelet in other colors. I adore this bangle in charcoal, but my hands are too large to go through most, so I’d prefer a hinged one or a chain that I can open and close. All ideas welcome!
- I still have my eye on this casual cotton dress with sleeves. I hestitated long enough that my size is now sold out in blue, so I ordered the black.
Your Favorite Bestsellers
- This pretty stripped neck sweater with a coastal vibe was very popular this week.
- My Brigitte wide-leg pants were also a big hit. Mine weren’t ready to pack when we left for Vancouver, so they’re still in California and I miss how comfy and polished they are.
- I lot of readers also loved this striped maxi from J.Crew Factory.
- This brow gel was one of the most popular items this week and I know you will love it as much as I do!
- Quite a few of you also took advantage of the sale on my beautiful blue EF cotton sweater.
Spotted on sale
Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale is still on and has some great things left to shop. I assume they are clearing out for the Anniversary sale which will be here before we know it. Here are some accessories I spotted:
J. McLaughlin’s Spring sale is on with up to 50% off. This classic shirtdress is included and it has sleeves! You may see a trend for me…I am on the hunt for dresses with sleeves.
DSW has BOGO (buy one get one) 40% off summer sandals, which is a great time to replace sandals that got worn out last summer.
Thanks for reading, and do something wonderful for yourself this weekend.
Jennifer, your bang comment made me laugh. My former hairdresser continually confused me with the singer Sia. I need to be able to see and long bangs don’t help. Hair grows back. It will be fine. The more I trim the better I see. 😀
I think your bangs are just fine-they have a delicate, wispy look for an extra feminine touch! But I get it; I had to do my bangs during the pandemic, when I did not dare to go to the hair salon. The results were randomly a hit or a miss. (Ha Ha) I’m going to echo everyone else, please take time for yourself and for self care.
Thanks Linda
I have been there with bangs being too long. I too trim mine and results are often not pretty. Once I trimmed my bangs then proceeded to trim the back. At the time I was thinking about my mom who always cut her own hair. Well, the result was disappointing and I ended up getting it cut in a walk-in place the next day. I did confess to my hairdresser at my next appointment. I now only cut bangs. The cotton dress is lovely. I hope you like it!
lol, I am tempted to trim the back too. Maybe I need someone to take my scissors.
Jennifer, I broke down & just got bangs! My hair naturally falls forward & the style I had constantly covered my eyes. So tempted to cut it myself-ha-ha. I own the Pixie sandals & they go with everything! Enjoy your trip❤️
Great to know! Thanks
I had to laugh too about you trimming your bangs! I hate when mine get into my eyes and trim them myself. My hairstylist always knows!
Love that Gabor sandal & it looks so comfortable! Curious which color you’re interested in?
I have my eye on the Azure color
You had me laughing out loud when you said you trimmed your own bangs. I get in trouble every time I try. My husband does a very good job of getting my fast growing bangs out of my eyes. My stylist compliments him for doing a good job. She just moved up to Denver, three hours drive away so now I’m on the hunt for a new one. Ugh! It is so hard to find someone that can work with fine thin flat mostly white hair on an 80 year old who wants to look stylish and not matronly. Plus mine is naturally wavy which complicates the issue. I’m growing out my pixie cut and boy is this difficult! Get some rest this weekend. You deserve it.
I also recently trimmed my own bangs! I’m sure my stylist will be delighted.
I’m thinking hard on that gray bangle. It is devine!
Lol, It’s stunning, I love the texture, irregular diameter and unique color.His things are really unique.
Good morning, Jennifer. I’m glad to read that you’re taking time to relax and rejuvenate. The responsibility of producing daily content on the blog surely is taxing. We enjoy your posts, but encourage you to take care of yourself first! As for being cool and in “fashion”, I just want to look nice, wear what I love, and own it with confidence. Trends come and go but being authentic is more important. (Congrats to the other “Laura” for the win! You’re so generous. ) Wishing you a peaceful day.
Have a fabulous weekend Laura.
Jennifer, please take sometime to smell the roses. I am sure this audience is understanding as I sure am. Coming back recharged will make everything better. I am learning to take a page from the millennials to say no…not now. Hard lesson for our generation. I agree on not needing to be a part of the “cool girls” we have earned the right. I am enjoying seeing styles I embraced when I was younger come back… I guess I was ahead of my time.
We were all style trailblazers! Such a great way of looking at fashion.
I really love your bangs! You did a great job on them. I recently got the Taos Wonderful sandal and it’s so comfy.
Thanks Kim. They’re growing on me. Literally 😉
I always enjoy your blog! I agree with your take on what the fashion message has become. I did just but a pair of sandals from Sorrel, the Elsa lll, that I hope will work with dresses/skirts and be comfortable. They were on the J Jill site but I got them from Zappos. I like them even better “in person”.
Great tip! I like Zappos because the delivery is free. I’ll check them out.
Summer is the perfect time to slow down and refresh! Since we have hot summers, it is my crafting season. I was so happy to see that Coastal style is back! Hope you show us some great coastal finds. Take care and have a relaxing weekend.
I LOVE the coastal vibe so I’ll be wearing it too!
Love your bangs and the necklace. It’s a really great color. I think at 75 I’m kind of over the cool girl thing. 😊
I share your bangle frustration and hope you find one that opens. Let us know!
I will!
wow, that’s a real jab at your fellow older influencers who talked about “cool girl style”. I think you misinterpreted the whole idea.
Such a fun and relatable post! You’ll be missing 100 degree weather in California today.
Wow! I’m happy to miss it. Stay safe
When I had bangs, I always cut mine between professional cuts and the unevenness was what I went for – choppy. The trick is to angle the scissors upwards. I think your’s look just great!
So I accidentally figured it out! Lol.
Sandals on my radar – Abeo has pretty sandal styles that have support & are supposed to be comfortable. I’m saving up to try one! Thanks for your personal posts -you are one of my favorite bloggers because you stick to your guns & don’t follow all the influencer trends. I’m turning 60 this year & a few years ago, I gave up on trying all the trendy clothes & stick to what I love & works best on my body shape. Game-changing!
I hope you recharge while in Vancouver. Time with Vanessa, sitting by the water, or long walks in the woods are good for the soul.
I find the constant selling by influencers tiring and greedy. “Hauls” Ugh! I’ve unfollowed so many. One I followed would show three, five ways to wear one piece. I loved that! She now has “hauls”.
On a side note, the tariffs are crazy. I went to order the hiking boots that I’ve been wearing for a few years. To order from the a US distributor was $375, not including shipping, etc. I found a pair from MEC in Canada and they were $245, all in with free shipping. I’m now looking for made in Canada brands only.
I don’t use the term hauls, but it’s a personal choice. I know it’s good for SEO on Google, but it doesn’t resonate with me.