Weekend Reading: 2.10.24
I prefer to get my steps in walking along the seawall or forest in Vancouver. Now that I’m back in California and the weather is lousy, I’ve gone back to the treadmill at the gym. I downloaded The New Japanese Minimalism book from Audible to help pass the time and keep me from looking up at news they run 24/7 on the TVs. I’m there to work on lowering my blood pressure, not raise it.
Here’s what they say about the author:
“Fumio Sasaki is not an enlightened minimalism expert or organizing guru like Marie Kondoāheās just a regular guy who was stressed out and constantly comparing himself to others, until one day he decided to change his life by saying goodbye to everything he didnāt absolutely need.”
This book is so much more than I expected, and I’m loving it! He makes so many great observations about how we spend our time and the way our possessions impact the quality of our lives. I highly recommend it and have already begun to make changes that feel fantastic. It’s also reminding me that I prefer quality over quantity.
ON MY RADAR THIS WEEK
- I left these sneakers in my closet in Vancouver, so I just ordered a replacement to wear here in California…I love them that much! Those elastic laces are the best.
- J. Crew just keeps getting better this season, and the new cashmere Lady Jacket sweaters look amazing. I’m intrigued by this one in Cardinal and Navy. This croc-embossed bag looks like an investment piece for your wardrobe. You can also save 15% off you purchase with the code EXTRA.
- Ann Taylor has their latest collection out and I love so many things in it. This denim trench coat is an interesting twist on a classic. This new belted denim jacket in ivory looks fresh and modern. My standard denim jackets have begun to feel outdated, and I’ve just moved them all to the guest room closet. This denim crossbody bag is a fun look in a great shape. I think it would look best with a non-denim outfit.
- I bought these flats in the sand and black combo and love them! They have such a great “Chanel” vibe and are really comfortable. I plan to dress these up and down. A brand sent me a similar pair last year that was a bit too wide for me, so I donated them and have been wanting a replacement.
- Mary Jane flats are having a moment in fashion, and I’ve been trying on tons of styles. This pair was the best and came home with me. They have a leather upper with leather lining and feel so comfy. PS- lots of shoes are synthetic and just never mold to your foot and fit comfortably.
- I just signed up for some Pilates reformer classes and ordered these leggings to wear. I’ve read fabulous reviews of them, plus they come in regular, tall, and petite which I’m needing more often than not these days.
- This leather hat hanger was a best seller with AWSL readers this week, which tells me many of you have travel on your mind.
- My new Zella jacket was also a best-seller, and it’s on sale! I highly recommend this jacket and have been wearing mine a lot.
LOOK + LOVE + READ
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Have a fabulous weekend and please include some self-care time for yourself. Too often, we spend all our energy making things “right” for others and leave ourselves on the back burner.
xo
Always appreciate your recommendations, Jennifer. For today; particularly the single strap Mary Jane and the two-toned sling-back footwear. -Brenda-
Quality: does it even exist nowadays? It’s getting harder to find clothing, even high-end items, made with 100% natural fibres. It’s still possible, but not in all sizes. So many things beyond clothing seem to fall apart soon after purchase. The quest for quality definitely involves keeping what you have already longer and using it up, for finding a worthy replacement is not easy.
I totally agree! It is so hard to find and price isnāt a guarantee anymore.
Yeh You! You will not regret signing up for reformer Pilates, Jennifer.
It is the highlight of my weekā¦twice a week with just two clients for our fabulous and professional instructor to work with. Our minor body problems are dealt with so we both get as much out of each session.
I was in a class with a 6/1 ratio and really disliked it and I felt that I could easily injure myself with the lack of personal attention. Although Athleta has great fitness attire, I need to try on my leggings. Here on Vancouver Island where I live , thereās a new sports store and my soft and lovely leggings are Vuori brand ( x-large even though I am 5ā3ā and lean 150 lbs.) Glad to try on!
I love Vuori so I should try their leggings too. I donāt want to be part of a large class for just the reason you mentioned!
I am in Toronto and there is no snow! Yesterday it was 15C ((about 62F. While it will be a bit colder next week there is no real snow in the long range forecast. Even northern communities donāt have that much. I guess itās global warming. While I am enjoying the warmer weather, itās scary.
Thatās weird. The weather is so unusually chilly here.
Those Athleta leggings are just the best. I got them last year when I got into yoga and canāt say enough about them. Athleta is my new go to for all things athleisure.
Athleta has become my favorite for so many items. Great quality.