Weekend Reading: Things Worth Knowing About This Week
Earlier this week, we were thrilled to watch my grandson’s Little League team scrimmage. It was 101 degrees, but I wore sneakers instead of sandals because the entire area was filled with billowing dust from all the sliding, running, and general enthusiasm for playing in the dirt.

I love the side zipper, so I don’t have to retie them every time I put them on. I clearly have shoes on the brain because I’ve been revisiting everything I tucked away last season. My shoe wardrobe has changed dramatically over the past few years, and these days I reach for sporty sneakers more than anything else.
What shoes do you reach for most often these days? I’d love to hear which brands and styles have become your favorites.
Bestsellers of the week – what readers loved most:
- The recent Ring Concierge sale tempted more than a few of us. Many of you picked up the Sapphire and Diamond Band and Open Diamond Wrap Ring, while the Petite Jumbo Diamond Huggies were another reader favorite.

- These Frank & Eileen jeans I wore recently on a travel day are one of this week’s best sellers, and they’re a great pair to invest in for fall. The darker wash is running low in sizes, but the lighter wash is still fully stocked, for now!

WEARING – CARDIGAN – S / STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS – 10
- This limited-edition Tommy Bahama x Stetson Palmdana Cardigan ended up in quite a few carts. It even almost came home in mine!
- Fall sweaters and tops always lay better over the right undergarments. This seamless wireless ThirdLove bra is a comfortable way to create a smooth base.
- It’s a good time to give your skincare routine a little extra attention. U Beauty continues to be a reader favorite, and you can read my full review, then save 20% with code AWSL20.
- These Chico’s Juliet straight-leg ankle pants were a bestseller this week.
- Quite a few readers agreed that this Talbots Herringbone Barn Jacket looks fabulous.
Highlights from the weekend sales:
- Nordstrom currently has new markdowns. Sizes seem to be limited on a lot of pieces, but I do think it’s worth a look.
- This faux suede jacket from Nic + Zoe is still available in all sizes and would be perfect for fall.
- A belt is one of the easiest ways to make a simple fall outfit feel finished, and this Madewell suede style is on sale in burgundy and a rich chocolate brown.
- TALBOTS is buy one, get one 50% off on regular-price items through the 13th.
- If you’re already a fan of Talbots Travel Jeans, take a look at this new slim ankle style.
- This knit ruana is a cozy alternative to a cardigan and has the scarf built right in, so there’s one less thing to keep track of when you head out the door.
- This Red Cotton Trench looks fabulous!!
- Chicos has 30% off their all-new collection!
- I have their No Iron Stretch Shirt in white and noticed they now have it in new fall colors like chocolate, a pretty pomegranate, and teal. It’s perfect for layering under a jacket in the fall.
- Sweater blazers are one of my favorite fall layers, and this tweed style from Chico’s is currently on sale.
- Now that September is here, I’m ready for a few hints of fall around the house. This well-reviewed wreath from Wayfair is on sale and adds just enough seasonal interest without making the front door look like a pumpkin patch.
In case you missed it this week:
- The Best Tommy Bahama Pieces for Women Over 50
- Monday Musings: What’s New In The Zoo
- How to Prepare Your Closet For Fall
Ready for fall?
If you’re starting to think about your wardrobe for the season ahead, here are a few recent posts to inspire your wardrobe.
- Fall 2026 Fashion Trends For Women Over 50: How to Wear Them
- Early Fall Try-On from Ann Taylor and Loft
Have a great weekend and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.

Skechers have been my go-to shoe for a very long time. They are consistently comfortable and now come in some very cute styles and colors as well. I especially love their “boat shoes”. I enjoy your column so very much. You have the classic style I am always looking to emulate. You always keep your sense of humor no matter what. I am older than you and the happiest people I know manage to find humor in almost any situation. I also love to read and if I were to make up a blog I might title it “The Well Read Life.”
Reading is so fabulous!
I have two brands of shoes that I like a lot. The first is Pikolinos. They are a well made shoe that accommodate my custom orthotics because of a removable insole. The second shoe was recommended by my podiatrist. They are Oofos. Not pretty but very comfortable for me. I have a bone spur on my heel as well as plantar fasciitis. They feel funny the first time you put them on because of the high arch but the construction seems to take the pressure off of my heel.
Our feet seem to have a lot in common. I enjoy your blog and your insights on the fashion world. Thanks!
I have a pair of Oofos thongs and they’re amazingly comfy. I agree
As far as shoes. I wear Rothy’s round toed flats and also their points. My favorite shoes by far. Sketchers Slip Ins are my go to sneakers. In the winter months I enjoy wearing both high and low boots. Lifestride and Bare Traps are both comfortable!
My travel jeans from Talbots look almost identical to the ones you posted . They were the only ones that fit well and I have loved them.
I have a very narrow foot so I buy a lot of Vaneli from Marmi Shoes. Margaux and Stuart Weitzman will sometimes fit me as well. Like you, I struggle finding something that fits and is comfortable!
Comfort is so critical for me these days. Painful feet are the pits.
As a lifelong loafer lover I’m in my element. Sam Edelman Lorraine, Franco Sarto and Vionic are go tos. Birks, Uggs, NB 327 and 524 round it out. Got some Dansko sandals that I love. Wide foot/narrow heel here. Also, now that we can wear socks again I find I don’t reach for boots as much in winter. Tbh I never found them that comfortable. (Except Uggs.)
I love that socks are back! They’re fabulous with loafers.
My favorite go to shoes lately are sneakers. Brand is Vionic. They have neat styles. I’m having a foot issue. Sandles are not comfortable
I’m sorry about your foot issues. They’re the pits!
Hi,
We are still having 100 here in Texas., sigh. I am not ready to even look at winter things.
My go to sneakers are Brooks Glycerin. They are super comfortable. I wear them a lot. I never spend much money on sneakers, but I had to, because I started having trouble under the ball of my foot.
Thanks for reminding ladies to organize closets for fall, as a lot of my things are pushed far back in the closet.