Monday Musings and Answers To Your Style Questions
We hit the farmers’ market over the weekend, and I’d forgotten how much I like them. This summer has been much milder than last year, so I simply forgot they were happening. I wore a giant hat, a high-necked tank under a white shirt, and another neck scarf to protect my skin from the sun.
To be perfectly honest, my recent neck and chest IPL treatment was a total piece of cake. A lot of freckles are already coming to the surface to flake off, but nothing else dastardly is happening. Whew.
I do have another photodynamic therapy treatment scheduled in two weeks, though, and I’m thoroughly dreading that one. It forces me to stay inside and completely away from windows for two days. After that, my entire face will blossom with lots of red, angry-looking actinic keratoses before they eventually flake off. Let’s just say the process isn’t pretty.
At nearly 70, it’s becoming a mandatory treatment for me. My skin is just paying me back for a misspent youth spent baking in the sun trying to get a tan.
The Elephant in the Room
I’m driving south a few hours today to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because there isn’t a store near me. It’s a tradition that goes back to the early 1960s at the flagship store in Seattle. I drove down and shopped that exact store two summers ago, which felt a bit like visiting the mothership.
I’m an Icon, which is just Nordstrom’s polite way of saying I shop there quite a lot, so I get access on the very first day. Some things sell out incredibly fast, and to be honest, I’m still annoyed about a beautiful cashmere coat that got away during the last sale.
I’ve been combing through the online offerings, but I want to see, touch, and try on these pieces before I recommend them to you. I’ll be sharing everything genuinely worth considering right here in my storefront.
This year, ladies, I’ll be looking closely at cashmere sweaters, rain jackets, lightweight blazers, and cardigans because those pieces play such a massive role in my own wardrobe. Pajamas are also a fantastic buy during the sale, and then, of course, there are the shoes. There are always the shoes.
I don’t plan to turn this sale into a major production, but I’ve been shopping it for more than 25 years and know how to spot the smart buys. My top tip is always to order more than one size if you find something you really want. Popular items disappear before you can switch them out, and Nordstrom’s free shipping and returns make it easy to compare sizes at home.
Reader Questions
Q – I’m looking for cotton or linen full slips for wearing under my summer dresses. What do you recommend?
A – I prefer linen or cotton slips too. Nylon and polyester are just so hot! I bought a few of these affordable ones a few years ago, and they work nicely. They have adjustable spaghetti straps so you can raise or lower the neckline as needed. I also bought one of these slips to wear under my maxi skirts. These come in several colors, so you can find a nude that matches your skin tone. Beige was best for me.
Q – Are wide-leg pants and jeans going out of style? I found some jeans I really like but I hate to invest in them if they won’t be in style.
A – The short answer is no. Keep in mind, wide-leg pants are classics, not a passing trend. Soft, flowy wide-leg pants are especially great for summer. Keep in mind, the term “wide-leg” covers a lot of territory. The industry labels everything from a subtle shape that is barely wider than a straight leg to massive fabric volumes. Personally, I find them most flattering when they’re fitted through the seat and then flare out. The exaggerated, ultra-wide silhouettes you see on the runways might feel dated in a minute, but a moderate wide-leg trouser will always look stylish.
Q – Can you recommend a comfortable wireless bra for a small-busted older woman that adds a little shape and padding?
A – This seamless cotton bra has no underwire with built-in foam cups to shape, support, and separate. I haven’t tried it, but it looks comfy, so I just ordered one to try. This wire-free contour bra also looks like a winner with adjustable straps to convert to a criss-cross. This Pima cotton bra is padded, breathable, and has shallow cups to prevent gapping.
Q – I am in the market for some hammered silver hoops.
A – You and me both! I love a great hoop earring, and the hammered texture makes them so much more interesting than a basic, shiny surface. It catches the light beautifully and gives them a slightly modern, artistic edge without being overwhelming.
- These wide hoops are a nice size for everyday.
- This pair is slightly larger and has a nice weathered finish, which they say adds an industrial edge.
- These hammered hoops have a rounder shape and shinier finish.
- This pair of small hammered hoops hangs from a wire so they appear round from the front.
- These hammered huggies are oval-shaped, which is fun.
- This pair is oblong-shaped and made from recycled sterling silver.
It appears the list could go on and on. I hadn’t realized just how prevalent that texture was in hoops, so thanks for sending me on the hunt.
That wraps it up for me today. If you have more questions, either hit reply to the email or leave me a comment.
Funny because I too have been on the hunt for hammered silver hoops. None of these here quite do it, but I’ll keep looking.
You have lots to choose from out there, Kay
Pepper makes all types of bras for small busted women. Their tshirt bra has no underwire and has light padding. Great for travel!
Hoping you find some great rain jackets at Nordstrom. I need something lightweight, packable and rain proof (or at least resistant) for a trip to Japan in October. Good luck with the photodynamic therapy, my derm keeps freezing the same spots on my face but she says the other therapies are not recommended in the summer in SC, so have to wait until November.
I did find some nice ones here.
On my way to Bellevue.
Downtown Seattle used to be the best Nordy when I worked. Now I like Bellevue. Happy Shopping!
It’s a fabulous store
After scanning the Anniversary Sale online I’m quite disappointed in this year’s selection. Zero pieces in petite by Eileen Fisher! I used to hold off buying anything for months in anticipation of this sale- no longer. I’ve earmarked one pair of shoes and some skin care products. Not very exciting! Unfortunately Frank & Eileen is still out it my price range even on sale.
I’ll be curious to hear other people’s take on the sale.
I did find lots of petites here, but not EF.
I’m very lucky that my Nordstrom is only 10 minutes away and I’ll be there bright and early at 8:00 tomorrow morning. Thanks for the heads up on those moonlight pajamas. I’ve looked at those before and that’s a good sale price. Two years ago, I went directly for a beautiful camel coat that was featured in their catalogue, tried it on and it became the first item in my “stash”. And by the time I checked out a few hours later, my shopper Karen told me it had sold out and couldn’t even be ordered. So you bet, it happens.
You are lucky Lea Ann. I’d purchased the coat I wanted, got the confirming email then they canceled two days later saying it was unavailable! I was shocked.
For hammered hoops or other beautiful pieces try James Avery; their pieces are beautifully made, classic, and have great artistry. This is a Texas store that has many locations and does wonderful pieces in many sizes.
Thanks Nyla!
I agree! James Avery has beautiful jewelry!
Agree with you…I have many pieces from James Avery and they are beautiful and well made
Is your next treatment a blue light ? I’m scheduled for one in November and concerned as well!
Mine is primarily done walking outside in the sun for three hours after they apply the solution. If after that time, they see things that haven’t “bloomed” enough, they out me under lights (probably blue) to finish the process.
Please make sure that they remove the treatment solution *thoroughly* afterwards.
I will. Did you have a problem with that?