Weekend Reading 04.12.25
My husband’s hip recovery seems to be going along swimmingly, and cabin fever has reached a fever pitch. He’s never been one to sit still or stay indoors, so this is going to prove challenging. I’ve gone out for groceries and a few errands, but I’m hanging pretty close to home because I don’t trust him not to overdo it. What is it about men and their ability to just chill? I’m a bit of a sloth, so it seems foreign to me.
Our roses burst into bloom this week, and I wasted no time before I began chopping off their brilliant blooms and bringing them indoors! And yes, I do have more than this one vase, but I’m not a fan of stems on flowers, so I like to cut them short.
What brought me joy this week:
My Naked cashmere cardigan arrived, and I could not love it more. It’s one of the softest things I’ve felt in a very long time, and that’s saying a lot because I’m a cashmere lover through and through. I’m trying to purchase from and support smaller retailers as much as possible these days. The Naked brand is committed to sustainable practices, and when I read they are also committed to cruelty-free cashmere, I knew I wanted to support their efforts. You can read more about it here.
I’m listening to this book on Aesthetic Intelligence, and loving her back stories about brands that have succeeded and those that have flubbed. I just got to the part about personal aesthetics, which I expect to love the most.
I love this little Noshinku hand sanitizer, which fits into the smallest part of my purse, and it’s so easy to refill!
On my radar this week:
- Designer toilet paper just hit the market, and I’m wondering in what universe this makes sense.
- I may finally apply for a Real ID.
- This featherweight cashmere cardigan looks so good for spring. There’s a matching shell too if you love doing the whole twinset look, which I do.
- The lab-grown white sapphire earrings I ordered didn’t sit on my ears properly, so I had to return them. Correction…the earrings were great, they did not look right on me because the young woman who pierced my ears at the mall 53 years ago, made the hole at a strange angle. They also weren’t as sparkly as I hoped, and since so many readers sang the praises of lab-grown diamonds, I decided to order these studs instead.
- I really enjoyed Jay Shetty’s Think Like A Monk book, and I see he’s going on tour.
- Interesting piece about aging and beauty brands.
What you loved this week:
Readers loved my AG Brinley straight leg jeans, with good reason. They fit well, are flattering, comfy, and have a timeless style. Check out this post, in case you missed it.
These Talbots jeans were a close second for the most purchased item this week.
The body Retinol was also a bestseller, likely helped along by the sale price.
Quite a few of you also bought my favorite Vitamin C serum, which is so good and affordable.
Hands, or makeup sponge down, this Ilia Skin Tint was the most popular item this week.
Sales of note:
NORDSTROM – I know I sound like a broken record, but I encourage you to keep an eye on their “limited time” sale section. These are the items they’re price-matching from other stores, and I’ve snagged more great deals there than I can count. Splendid has been outdoing itself lately, and this cotton blend cardigan in ash navy is currently marked down. I’ve had my eye on these square-toe ballet flats in the “ballet” color for a while…now at more than 50% off, I ordered them 🥳. You can also save 20% off clearance prices, so all around, it’s a great time to shop Nordstrom.
TALBOTS – has 30% off dresses, skirts, and more. I’m not a fan of eyelet for myself, but if I were going to wear it, I’d like it in this black poplin skirt. And this striped maxi dress would be perfect for casual spring days with a pair of sneakers. This beige linen shirtdress has my name all over it!
J. CREW – their spring event is on, save 40% sitewide. I adore this Cabana dress in French Blue. I’m still wearing a linen dress I bought from them over 10 years ago…it’s that good! This linen popover top looks breezy and cool for the summer, especially in bright clover stripe or pale flax.
J. JILL – has 30% off their Wearever collection. Their long layering tank has been a workhorse in my summer wardrobe for years. The 4-in-1 cardigan looks so good in navy. I love the zinc stripe color of this a-line tank.
DSW – save 20% off almost everything with the code SUNSHINE at checkout
In case you missed it:
Have a fabulous weekend and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
So nice to hear your husband is doing well after this surgery. I’m sure that’s a relief! Those roses are stunning! What a beautiful mix of colors.
Designer toilet paper? And here I thought I had seen everything! lol
Your roses are gorgeous! We barely have leaves on our rose bushes! I’m also a serial plant killer so mine are Knock out roses in red, ivory and peach. They live basically without me touching them, just the drip system which should have turned on Thursday. Brent had his right eye cataract removed yesterday up in Colorado Springs. He also is doing well. I’m glad to hear that your husband is feeling well enough to be a bad boy. That is a better sign than if he sat around all day moaning. PT should give him guidance on what he can and can’t do when he starts. My husband promptly took out the lense over his right eye so he can see with correction on his left. We get to do this over again on the 25th with his left eye. He is already commenting on how brighter colors are with his right eye.
These men are something! I’m glad his surgery went well. Cataracts seem so common these days. My eye Dr says I’m getting one.
Hi Jennifer,
I am so pleased your husband is doing well and recovering nicely and kudos for you the caretaker. Have you read Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson so good. I think you would love it! Have an easy weekend xo
That sounds like a fun book! It sounds like a great escape. Thanks Francesca
OMG…what I wouldn’t give to have beautiful roses like yours, Jennifer, in my back yard! I, too, had my ears pierced by a gal at the mall 45 years ago. One pierce is noticeably lower than the other, so I’ve never enjoyed wearing drop earrings…gggrrrrrr…. My 95 year old aunt had her hip replaced several years ago and said the operation was ‘a piece of cake.’ Enjoyed pain-free mobility until her passing four years later! Thanks for all of the amazing information you share with of us here on AWSL…much appreciated!
I can’t take any credit for these roses because I have a black thumb but I sure love them! Your aunt sounds amazing!
Your roses are spectacular!
Thank you! I’m loving them
Hoping all continues to go well for your husband. The struggle is real to keep our go-getters from doing too much. Great posts this week.
Thanks Janette
Wishing your husband a speedy recuperation for his well-being and yours too.💞
Thanks Carol!