Weekend Reading 12.30.23
I’m really looking forward to 2024! Is anyone else excited to see what the new year brings? As we round out this year, I’ve been clearing out clutter everywhere I find it. I want to start 2024 with a fighting chance at calm and organized. My husband just got back from dropping off some of my clothing donations and was shocked at how much there was. (I was surprised, too).
Being a fashion blogger can be a hazard for a woman who loves clothes because I end up buying things that aren’t my style and wonder how they got into my wardrobe. My goal is to be more selective next year with what I personally add to my wardrobe.
I’ve been giving a lot of thought to why I love wearing neutrals over color. Much of it likely has to do with overload. I shop for and try on so many clothes that when I reach for something to put on, I’m attracted to simple, easy, and calm neutrals. I will be writing more about my latest color analysis in the near future.
The winner of the Amazon gift card this month is Carolyn. I’ve sent her an email. Thanks to all my subscribers.
GREAT SALES AND WHAT I’M LOVING THIS WEEK
- J. CREW has an extra 70% off 3+ sale styles with the code NEWYEAR. I was delighted to rediscover my love for this brand in 2023. Their styles are modern, and the quality is great. They also have 25% off new styles today.
- EILEEN FISHER has an additional 40% off sale items. It broke my heart to have to donate three tops from EF, but they were really worn right out. This Ponte blazer looks like a great all-season piece in three colors that would pack beautifully. This crinkle dress would also be perfect for travel, and it’s an amazing price.
MORE FINDS AT THE EILEEN FISHER SALE
- SOMA semi-annual sale is on with up to 70% off. I just refreshed my bra collection and reordered a few of these super comfy Bralettes. They have the best nude shades ever.
- ANN TAYLOR semi-annual sale is on with up to 40% off your full-price items with free shipping over $150 and an extra 40% off sale items. This navy, long twill trench coat makes a great statement and also comes in petite.
- LOFT has up to 50% off new styles and an extra 50% off sale merchandise and is crushing on shades of berry. This faux fur jacket also looks so cuddly and warm.
- KOHL’S clearance is still on with up to 70% off.
- I’m loving this motivational water bottle to help keep me on track.
LOOK + LOVE + READ
WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
- My J. Crew Factory sweater blazer is a best seller this week.
- This fleece dress was also popular with readers.
- This DRD from J. Jill motivated several readers to email me to let me know that these colors were too bright for them at this age! That puzzled me because I don’t think of colors being that age-dependent. What do you think?
Here are a few outfit inspiration collages I shared over on Instagram.
I will see you back here in January! Have a safe and wonderful New Year celebration.
I just found your blog shortly before Christmas and look forward to reading it every day now. I also turned my sister-in-law on to you. Like you, she is a petite. We both love shopping at Talbotās whenever we get together.
I have a question: What is the brand and style of the taupe colored glasses you wear so often? I have looked high and low for something just like them. Also, maybe you could do a post on eyewear?
P.S. My husband and I are celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary this month and he purchased me a Lagos necklace like yours to mark the occasion. I canāt wait to get it!
Welcome!! So nice to have you join us. My frames are here. I do have an older post on choose frames which I need to update but you may find some nuggets in it here
Youāre going to love your necklace. Bravo to the hubs and Happy Anniversary!
Happy New Year Jennifer and ladies! Iāve been sick since Tuesday with flu. I have been enjoying reading and watching movies, drinking tea and eating soup and crackers. Viruses are self limiting and I just have to support my immune system and rest it out. I hope all of you stay well.
Oh no! I hope you recover quickly and are back on your feet soon.
Your hair looks really great in today’s photos. Full and color is wonderful. Neutrals are very calming but color can lift spirits (especially on cold, wet days). Happy New Year, Jennifer, and all your followers!
Happy New Year Christi
I’ve been thinking about this age/color question… Does dressing in only neutrals contribute to the idea that older women are invisible? They just blend in? I don’t know. Maybe the age/color thing is one of those old “mom rules” that rattle around in our heads. I still struggle with the “mom voice” who tells me women who wear leopard print look like tarts. That’s dumb, I know, but those “mom voices” are sometimes hard to silence. Is bright color on an older lady an indication that she’s not dignified? Of course, I’m always in favor of wearing what you like, bright or neutral, and feeling happy about your choices.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Kay. I have many “mom voices” that hover in the background too. I sure hope I haven’t left too many unfortunate ones in my daughters brain.
I do love earth colors and black. I have some color but usual stick to the basic beige, black, white, gray, rust, and sage Green in various shades.
I have added red, wine , navy and some blues which all go well with beige.
Gotta get those earth tone in. š
Those are my feel good colors. Have to be in a mood for pink, lime green or yellows.
Those sound so pretty.
Hi Jennifer
I have a question- what is a good face foundation to use?
I really love this Oxygenetix my dermatologist recommended but it’s very hard to choose the right color so if your derm carries it I’d ask for some sampples. I also started using this Ilia tint serum and really like it but the coverage is minimal and the finish may be too dewy for some people.
That neutral coat is stunning on you! Perfect with your beautiful hair color! And the Vancouver handbag coordinates so well with it. I appreciate your info on the current sales. Eileen Fisher is one of my favorite brands and has some great pieces available. Thanks to your post from 3/24, I decided to order the tiered midi crinkle dress. I absolutely love it! I haven’t had a chance to wear it yet and am wondering how it should be washed. Any good tips? Thank you and Happy New Year!
I haven’t washed mine yet, so I’m not positive, but assume I will wash in cool water in the sink and wring it out beofre hanging to dry so the crinkles get maintained.
I lean towards neutrals both in my home decor and wardrobe. Too much colour is chaotic. I have been adding some colour in tops but still prefer a column of colour – all grey tones, black or taupe. To me, it feels classic and elegant.
Happy New Year!
Ditto. My home is very neutral too. Happy New Year
Thank you so much for the article on leftovers. I had no idea about the dangers of reheating spinach and beetsāsomething I routinely do. Yikes!
Have a wonderful New Year! Thanks for all you do, Jennifer!
I read the article after reading your note. I found it really misleading. Most of the issues raised have to do with proper storage not reheating. Lots of foods (e.g., processed meats) have nitrates and are potentially carcinogenic. Spinach and beets are the least of our issues.
Happy New Year!
I love your hair in the side view picture. It looks so full and thick. My thoughts on bright colors at 78 years is what’s not to love-I will never let my age stop me from loving color or trying new things.
Amy
Thatās awesome Amy! I agree we should never say never
Love your outfit today, beautiful coat is a flattering neutral. I am not a fan of bright colors on my 70+year-old white-haired self, but I enjoy seeing them on others. Happy new year everyone!
I LOVE trying on bright colors but Iām not happy wearing them. Happy New Year!
Neutrals speak to calmness and easy wear while the stimulation of color is sometimes too much in our stressful lives. Even looking into a closet full of a jumble of color and pattern can be too much. I enjoy the view of mostly neutrals in the closet with jolts of my chosen jewel tone colors ā they are beautiful to look at in the closet and hopefully on me.
I love your observation.
It seems like I’ve been going through my clothes and donating often but I still feel like I have too many clothes I don’t wear. I just need to get ruthless about it now! Happy New Year š„³
Happy New Year. Iām being more ruthless now too. I have to or things stay Iāll never wear. Iād rather let someone else enjoy them.
I happen to love color always have and always will. Itās sad if we start to limit what we love in life just because of our age. I celebrate everytime I find a bold orange blue red or yellow jacket of which I have several. Including the orange one that you presented on your post. In the depths of winter or rainy spring the colors brighten up the day. Love life ā¦.love color!
Thatās fabulous!! I imagine my taste will change one day and Iāll begin to embrace more color. Itās not an age thing for me. Just personal taste.
If a bright color is wisely chosen — that is, if it is flattering to one’s complexion, hair, and eyes — I don’t think any color is off limits due to age. Well chosen colors can enliven one’s appearance, boost confidence, and help us to shine! That said, I preferred the “save” New Years Eve outfit because it was less flashy. The Bon Appetite article was great, but since I am not a subscriber, I could only actually read one recipe; there were quite a few I would have liked to copy and try. I appreciate all you do to thoughtfully bring us topics that cover fashion, make-up, skin care, health and much more. I will be forever grateful for your recommendation of RevitaBrow; I had bare spots in my brows probably related to thyroid disease and without your discussion of this I would never have tried it. It has made a world of difference! Best wishes for 2024!
Iām so glad you found the Revita brow. Itās a game changer for my brows too. Happy New Year!
J Jill DRD – I loved the bright colors you showed us! I have a love for color all year round, so this was right up my alley.
I loved your JJill drd. I donāt think we should limit our color choices by age. Iāve had gray hair since I was 50 (Iām now 72) and my coloring screams for a bit of color. Though Iām initially drawn to neutrals, I think a bright jacket or accessory keeps us from being that āinvisibleā mature person so many older women talk about. I cannot, however, pull off a red lip.
Happy New Year and again, thanks for all you do!
Happy New Year!
PS: Am really enjoying the restructured post format. Happy New Year.
Thanks Dianne
Eileen Fisher will take back their worn clothes and send you a thank you in the form of Renew Rewardsā¦.$5 per piece of clothing. I found the program after I donated bags of EF clothes when I retired and have used multiple times since. https://www.eileenfisherrenew.com/learn-more
Itās a fabulous program, I agree! Happy New Year.
The Demellier Vancover!!! Swoon!!! I am also eyeing the taupe for warm weather wearā¦most of my cross bodies are dark or pops of color. I have quite a bit of dove gray for summer so Iād love your opinion on how the taupe would go with that. I can see by your choice of taupe for this bag which way your color path is going and I like it! You just glow in those light cool neutrals! And how could looking amazing ever be boring? š
Relatedly, the J Jill colors arenāt too bright if they are oneās season! I realized this recently when I had to drag myself to a volunteer event and I did not feel like putting on makeup. I happened to have on a turtleneck in one of my best colors (a dark cool green) and I discovered that my skin looked great and I really didnāt need makeup beyond a little concealer. Several of the colors you featured would be great on springs! I reject the garbage about older women blending in vs sticking out with their fashion choices. I can say what a huge difference it has made for me to gradually point my wardrobe toward my best colors. I feel great, everything goes together, and I have a direction.
Happy new year all!
This taupe would be great in the summer. This lilac might be stunning with dove gray. I also likethis off white. this bag comes in so many stunning colors itās hard to choose!
It’s the simple things that endure. Best wishes to you and your family for 2024!
Happy New Year, MJ, and thank you!