Weekend Reading 10.17.26
I never tire of travel, so we’ve begun planning where to go for our upcoming 49th anniversary. Our trip to Singapore and Bali last year convinced me that checking a bag for longer holidays can work, so long as I have a decent-sized carry-on in case my luggage goes on a holiday of its own.
This Bric’s Expandable Checked Bag came home with me from Vancouver at the end of the summer. I don’t need it there, so I loaded it with linen and cotton to bring back to California. Just as we were thinking it’s too pretty to get beat up on luggage carousels and tossed into the underbelly of a plane…we discovered it came with a heavy-duty plastic cover that’s easy to Velcro on and off. It wheels like a dream and looks beautiful, so I’m anxious to take it on its maiden voyage.
We’ve been tossing around ideas, and the Amazon is appealing, as is a cruise around Japan. Of course, a safari is near the top of our wish list. The trouble is, every time we discuss it, the list gets longer. Have you taken a trip you’d happily do all over again? I’d love to hear where.
Weekend Reading 10.17.26
Question of the week
I know it seems early, but holiday shopping will be here before we know it! Who’s on your gift list this year? Grandchildren, husbands, friends, or someone who’s impossible to shop for? Would you like me to share some gift ideas? Tell me in the comments who you’re shopping for and who’s giving you the most trouble
Weekend Bonus: Chico’s Try On
I stopped into Chico’s recently to see what was new and couldn’t resist taking a few things into the dressing room. They’re also having a sale right now, with $20 off $125 or more, or $50 off $200 or more, so the timing is good if you spot something you like.
I’ve always been fond of sweater blazers, so I was happy to see this double-breasted version at Chico’s. The olive green is a wonderful neutral for fall, and I like how it looks with these gray jeans instead of my usual blue denim. I added a simple V-neck pullover underneath and wore my own platform sneakers.
I’m always drawn to a crisp white shirt, and this no-iron stretch version is right up my alley. I love the look of a freshly pressed shirt, but I’d rather not spend my afternoon ironing one. I paired it with the black Juliet wide-leg pants for a classic black-and-white combination. The fuller leg gives the outfit a modern feel.
I love mixing shades of navy, and this combination has some nice details. The Passport Blue no-iron stretch shirt is a great layering piece, and I wore it open over a foiled microfiber tank. The tank has a subtle sheen and soft, stretchy fabric that makes it comfortable under a shirt or jacket. I paired them with these refined pull-on wide-leg jeans, which are made from soft-stretch twill denim with a faux fly and angled front pockets.
I liked the olive double-breasted sweater blazer so much that I tried it in black, too. I layered it over the Travelers rhinestone tank for a little sparkle and added the faux leather Juliet slim pants. They have a comfortable pull-on waistband and built-in So Slimming technology. I could see wearing this to a casual holiday party with different shoes.
Bestsellers of the week – what readers loved most:
- My recent Lands’ End post was so popular, and I loved reading all of your suggestions in the comments! There are clearly some longtime Lands’ End fans among us. The pieces you shopped most were the Drifter Ribbed Collared Blazer Sweater, Oversized No Iron Tunic with Statement Collar, and Sport Knit High Rise Pants.
- This portable charcuterie board with a lid was another reader favorite this week. It’s such a practical idea for taking cheese, crackers, and other nibbles to a gathering without worrying about everything sliding around in the car.
- So many of you gravitated toward the Frank & Eileen Jackie in White Triple Terry this week. I’m a longtime fan of their soft, comfortable fabrics.
- These flats were one of your favorites this week. I love how fun and comfortable they are, but the lining makes them a bit snug so make sure to order one size up.
- These Talbots Stretch Corduroy Pull-On Pants have been on the bestseller list for most of October. I love the soft texture of corduroy for fall and the pull-on waistband. They’re currently 30% off so now’s the time to order and try them.
- I was happy to see the Open Diamond Wrap Ring from Ring Concierge among this week’s bestsellers. I’ve always loved jewelry that’s a little different from the usual, and this ring’s open design really appeals to me. It’s delicate enough for everyday wear but still has plenty of sparkle.
On my radar:
- Nordstrom has opened its Holiday Gift Shop, and I have to say they’ve done a wonderful job with it this year. They’ve made it easy to browse gift ideas for everyone on your list, with plenty of options at different price points.
- I just spotted these 21″ Thigh Society Cooling “shorts” that will be fabulous under pants this winter. They also come in 17″, 12″, 9″, 7″, and 5″. I’m partial to my 7s, but under jeans, the 21 might feel great. I also noticed they just launched underwear!
- The evolvetogether Havana Restorative Lotion would make a lovely holiday or hostess gift. A good hand and body lotion is always welcome when the weather turns cooler, and the simple, elegant packaging makes it pretty enough to leave out on the counter. You can use code AWSL15 for 15% off.
- I love the idea of giving someone a little pampering, and this five-minute facial treatment would make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer under $40. Who couldn’t use five minutes to themselves and a little extra TLC for their skin?
- Wayfair has opened its holiday shop with everything you need to get ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, they have a whole section of turkey prep essentials like this carving set and meat thermometer.
- Chappywrap released their new Holiday collection! They also released their seasonal shawls that look super cozy and sell out every year.
Highlights from the weekend sales:
- Athleta had a new fall collection out, and quite a few of their best-selling bottoms, along with some of their tops, are included in a sale they’re running.
- I discovered Athleta’s Brooklyn pants many years ago and they’re on constant rotation in my wardrobe as much as the Endless. They’re great for working out, traveling, and everyday life.
- I also love their Move with Ease top. It comes in 13 colors and is available in regular, tall, and petite sizes.
- Anthropologie has 30% off clothing and accessories, which rarely happens. Take a look at their jeans and accessories!
- Talbots is having its Friends & Family Sale with 30% off, and I noticed a lot of their holiday and special occasion pieces are including:
- Embellished Crewneck Sweater: This reminds me of the gray sparkle sweater that was a recent bestseller with readers. Just enough embellishment to make it special without going overboard.
- Velvet Wide-Leg Pull-On Pants: I love the idea of comfortable velvet pants for dinners out and special occasions.
- Burnout Velvet Skirt in Prosperous Florals: This is the sort of skirt you could keep in your closet for years and dress up with sweaters and tops you already own.
- Faux-Fur Collar Puffer Vest: This vest is always a hit with readers, and it’s back this year in new colors. I like that the faux-fur collar is removable, so you get two different looks from one piece.
- Ruggable Deck The Floors For Less Sale is on, with up to 25% off. This one is so, so pretty.
- Rothy’s has its clogs on sale for up to 25% off through October 19, and they’re worth a look if you love an easy slip-on shoe. I could see wearing them as house shoes!
In case you missed it this week:
- Fall Shoe Trends for Women Over 50: What I’d Wear and Skip in 2026
- Lands’ End Review: My Take on Their Quality, Fit, and Value
- Monday Musing: Enjoying Where We Are
Have a great weekend!
Hi Jennifer, we did a Tokyo (Yokohama) to Seoul cruise in October 2024 – this one took in two places in the Okinawa Islands, as well as a stop at Jeju Island, S. Korea. It was lovely (temperatures were still very high!), and we have booked another one for next April for our 35th wedding anniversary. This time we will be going all around the main island (Honshu), plus stopping at Busan SK. We’re going on the Norwegian Jade, an older and smaller ship, but we prefer those. Last time we were on the Norwegian Spirit, which is smaller than the Jade. This cruise is around 13 days and only one sea day, so non-stop really, but we’re keen to see more places in Japan in preparation for hopefully a later road trip there. Good luck with your travel planning!
It sounds lovely! We prefer smaller ships too. The large ones just feel too crowded.
My sister and I did Japan two years ago and it was amazing. Spent a few days in Tokyo and then took the train going south to several cities. Hiroshima is one of the most moving places I have ever been. Japan is amazingly clean, friendly and easy to get around. I want to go back for the cherry blossoms but hear that time is extremely crowded.
I use air tags for my luggage and I have one for my wallet that I bought on Amazon for my wallet that looks like a credit card. Happy traveling.
Same here and my husband has one in his wallet.
Best trip ever (a while ago) — back-to-back Windstar cruises, Istanbul-Athens-Rome. Loved every island, and the pace was easy and relaxed. But what made it even more special were the few days before, exploring Istanbul on our own. We stayed in Old Town, and saw all the sights. But we asked for local shop and restaurant recommendations, so we thoroughly enjoyed local food and people.
I think we’re kindred spirits… for our upcoming 70ths, we are looking forward to Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador, the Galapagos, and Machu Picchu!
Good luck with your decision!
Love your blog!! Thanks for the reliably great advice.
We’ve been on several Windstar cruises and loved them all. Our favorite was the Baltics!!
As always really appreciate the in store clothes try ons since we’re similar in height and weight. This time it was especially helpful with the subtleties of sizing between the .5 and the 1 on the sweater blazer in the length and where it hits on your body with a 5’4″ height.
LOVE the sweater blazer from Chicos! And the no-iron white shirt looks amazing!
I love my grey jeans from Chicos! I have two pairs, one in size 1.5P and one in 2P for bloat days. My husband is the hardest to buy for as he says he has everything he needs. We don’t travel anymore but if we did, I would love to see Nova Scotia and also Scotland.
Jennifer, I enjoy your blog so much, but today I want to thank you for all the times you’ve spoken about skin cancer issues. I realized recently that I had a spot on my face that was not going away & had changed just a bit. I saw a dermatologist this week. It was precancerous & she used liquid nitrogen to freeze it off. It’s not the most attractive area right now, but it’s gone. I really thank you for sharing as you have because that’s what made me pay attention to this. Have a wonderful weekend!
I’m SO very glad you got it checked out Michele!! I usually find my precancerous spots before my dermatologist too.
Such great ideas as usual- love the gray jeans from Chicos
Christmas gifts for 9 year old girl.Is pretty artistic has an I pad. Is an only child.
Great Kathy! I’ll see what I can find.
I hope this doesn’t happen to your suitcase. I was also happy to find that plastic, velco cover for a pink suitcase. When my suitcase arrived, the cover was gone. Maybe they searched my suitcase and didn’t put it back on?
I agree, the Nordstrom gift shop is wonderful and on the first floor at Stanford Nordstrom. I bought some little Christmas candy tins that have a ribbon i can tuck a gift card into.
Although they weren’t marked on sale, a magenta and navy classic cashmere sweater for $99.
OH NO! All I can do is hope they don’t lose it.
Hi Jennifer,
As usual, I enjoyed reading your article this morning. And how great that you’ve offered to suggest gifts for the hard to buy for! I need ideas for my daughter and her husband. As an individual, I can alway come up with ideas for her but he is trickier. I do like doing a “couples gift” and that’s the ideas I’m hoping for. They love boating in the summer; traveling; will be spending some time in the FL Keys this winter. I would any ideas you may have and thank you!
I will see what I can find, Maureen
We joined two other couples for The Rocky Mountaineer train excursion from Vancouver to Calgary in late August and had a marvelous time! While in Vancouver we took a float plane to Victoria, dropping us off right in front of the Empress Hotel. We thoroughly enjoyed our two days on the train with delicious meals, friendly and caring staff, and a wide variety of interesting landscapes. The bus time provided great commentary and a comfortable ride. The accommodations during the trip were luxurious and we didn’t have to schlep our luggage the whole time. Check in for the hotels was handled separately from the hotel and was quick and easy. Our favorite location was Lake Louise, oh, that lake color is unbelievable! We booked a guided canoe trip and also braved the hike to the tea room on top of Mt. Agnes, five miles total in my Ilse Jacobsen’s over roots and rocks (silly me) but my shoes and I survived without a twisted ankle! I would highly recommend this trip to your readers, Jennifer.
That is such an amazing trip, Pam. We loved it.
I have 3 Chicos sweater blazers. They are wonderful, and I highly recommend them!
They’re great, I agree Nancy.
We are in Sorrento, Italy. Visited the Amalfi Coast yesterday. Warm, sunny, beautiful countryside. Some lovely shops also. Add it to your list!
Lucky you! It sounds beautiful Lee. It’s now on our list.
We began a tradition with Christmas gifts when our granddaughter joined the family. Four gifts: Something you want; something you need; something for fun; something to read.
She really gets a big kick out of what is included in these categories each year. And it’s a blast for my husband and me to come up with the gifts.
I love that idea Kathleen.
Happy upcoming 49th! A safari sounds awesome! It’s something I have wanted to do since childhood. The vacation we would do over again, and have been talking about repeating, is Viet Nam. The countryside is beautiful and the people are the most lovely, warm and welcoming that we have ever encountered. We also visited Cambodia and Laos and enjoyed them very much as well. We’re thinking Viet Nam and Thailand next time. We’ll do more countryside and less of the cities next time since we’ve already done the city tours. Can’t wait to hear where you decide to go!
Our good friends have done Vietnam and loved it!
Hi! The trip I would happily do again is to Antarctica. We went with Silverseas and we chose the option of flying over the Drake Passage rather than spending two days doing the “Drake Shake” lol. It was the most special time in my life! My favorite trip ever and I would LOVE to go again, but it’s pricey which is part of what makes it so special. My second favorite trip was two weeks going around Kenya, with glamping, game drives and some pretty spectacular scenery.
What a pleasure to be planning a special trip. I wish you all the best!
Those sound amazing. My daughter raves about her trip to Antarctica but I would want to skip the Drakes passage the way you did. Shaking and rolling is not my idea of fun.
Safari. We thought it would be a once in a lifetime trip….
We have just returned from our 12th! We enjoy South Africa the most: MalaMala, Tanda Thula, Dulini. While you are there go to Cape Town. And the winelands around Franschhoek – be sure to visit Babylonstoren (staying there is special).
Wow, that’s amazing. Thanks for the recommendation !!