Weekend Reading 06.28.25
It promises to finally be a sunny weekend here, so we plan to get out on the water and check out the new sail my husband had made for our boat. I still haven’t decided if I will watch from the dock, or risk seasickness and go aboard. It’s the sort of decision I make in the moment. I’m not a brave sailor, I get violently seasick and frankly, I just dislike the water. My husband likes to joke that the only boats I like are the ones I can drive my car onto…and he’s not that far off.
We ambled over to the other side of town for dinner at Nightingales last night. It’s a casual place, but I was still disapppinted to see that a few men were wearing tee shirts. My husband thinks I’m a nut (I am), but a collarless cotton tee shirt doesn’t seem that different than an undershirt to me, which I consider a bit underdressed for dinner in the city on a Friday night. I am old fashioned, but come on people…stepping it up a notch is a nice thing to do,
On my radar:
- I’d really like to add an eyelet top to my summer wardrobe. Since I’m not sure I’ll feel like myself in it, I know I should only look at very affordable options. The problem with that is that if the quality is lousy, I won’t like it because of the shoddy fabric. I’m not the type to wear something that looks sweet, so the style needs to be very simple too. Many seem to have a puff at the top of the sleeve, which looks silly on me, so there is that, too. This sounds like a taller and taller order by the moment 🙄. I’ll keep you posted.
- Currently eyeing this pretty, ultralight cotton scarf. I miss wearing scarves in the hot weather, so the breezier the fabric, the better.
- I’m seeing more and more hair clips like this…right after I got my hair cut.
- It’s funny how a trend sneaks up on you. I began seeing fish pendants in the spring, and now they’re everywhere! They symbolize good luck and is associated with prosperity. I used to own a pair of silver fish earrings that I’ve long since lost, and wish I still had. I’m not prepared to invest much in this trend, but am toying with trying it. There are some amazing gorgous ones and the price reflects it. This Koi one actually has sapphire eyes!
- Listening to this book on Audible and thinking seriosuly about upping my probiotic game.
Bestsellers this week:
- These Talbots crops were a huge bestseller this week. They come in several colors and look like a great summer staple.
- Many of you loved and ordered this animal print bungee dress. I have it in black and love it.
- My Ecco Flowt sandals have been very popular and I know you’ll love them…my feet sure do!
- This J.Jill striped tee dress is on it’s way to many of you and I can see why.
Sale highlights:
TALBOTS – Tops & crops starting at $29.50, and 40% off the rest of your full-price purchase.
KOHLS – Earn $10 Kohl’s Cash on every $50 you spend, clothing specials starting at $6.99 and 50% off select beauty.
LANDS’ END – Up to 70% off clearance and up to 50% off everything else.
J.CREW FACTORY – 40%-70% off everything.
CHICO’S – 40% off 2 or more full-price items.
NORDSTROM – The Anniversary Sale is coming soon, and the preview has started so I rounded up some of my favorite picks so far.
In case you missed it:
- Best Comfy Shoes for Summer
- Summer try-on from Chicos.
- The best color shoes to wear with navy pants.
- How to Wear A Sleeveless Dress…Even when you don’t love your arms
Have a great weekend and be sure to do something nice for yourself.
My husband always wears a short sleeve button up when going out dining on a hot evening. He once said it’s the least he could do because I always make an extra effort to look nice. One thing I detest, more than a tee, is flip flops while dining.
I’m pretty conservative in my dress but I did buy an eyelet top that I love and wear often. It is more a white shirt style. Eyelet with a white cotton collar and cuffs. It is more on the cropped side with a scalloped edge. With high waisted pants or skirt it is feminine without being foo foo. I hope you find your perfect one, too.
Your top sounds so pretty!
A couple of questions re: EF pants in anniversary sale.
What size do you wear in those pants?
And, love the way you wear longer dresses as dusters. Looks like these would work for that look…..do you think so?
Thx, Jennifer.
Btw….there was a pix of you a few days ago? Not sure when but your hair was pulled back….that was a great look!! Love your hair up.
You’re sweet. I actually like my hair up too but it’s very thin so the back looks sort of goofy. I wear a regualr small in those EF pants. Her things all run large
My hair does something kinda funky…like an odd part that looks like I’m missing hair or that my hair grows funny. But I spray (liberally I might add) dry shampoo…I use living proof. Then tease it a bit. That covers. My hair is fine, thin too. Maybe that might work.
I love the Living Proof dry shampoo. It gives my hair so much body!
My husband grew up in poverty, but in a culture where good grooming and well-kept clothes were important. Then he went into the Marine Corps where being “squared away” was required. Then he took up golf, another kind of culture with a dress code. When we took up country dancing he bought his first jeans, but always kept them pressed. I have had to work hard to keep up to his level of style.
I love your story, thanks for sharing
Hope your haircut works out for you! I’m really picky about my hair cuts. I think a good haircut is an important part of being put together.
Thanks for all the style tips and good luck finding an eyelet top!
I noticed when we went out to dinner last weekend, couples don’t even dress nice casual anymore. When we go to church , I see some shorts on men and women. People are really getting lazy these days.
My hair is silver white, all one length to my chin. I had it to my shoulders , and I didn’t like it as much. I found it flatter and thin looking. You will have to see how yours does. I like my hair for about 2 weeks after a cut, and then it changes. I am thinking about a light layer about midway down. I might try a hair clip. Let us know if you try the clip.
I will Sue
I’m with you about me wearing a collared shirt to a nice restaurant and on the golf course! I didn’t think I would like any type of fish jewelry but those are really pretty. I like you hair. I always thought a blunt cut made my hair look thicker.
The fish may not be for me either, but it did remind me of the earrings I used to have.
Years ago, my husband bought Sea-Bands and they have worked for us! They are comfortable stretchy wristbands with a little button that aligns with a particular pressure point on your wrist and works via acupressure. We’ve used them successfully on sailboats and larger whale watch boats. They are not expensive and can be found easily online. They’re worth a try! Especially if you can enjoy sailing on your beautiful new boat. Cheers!
Great idea…I just ordered some from Amazon to try.
Yes my husband and I both used them and they do wonders
I’m with you where eyelet is concerned. I’d like to try it, but I’m not sure where I’d find a style that would suit me at a price I’d be willing to pay. I wasn’t aware of the fish trend, but I’m pretty sure that’s one I’ll skip. The idea of hanging a fish around my neck really doesn’t appeal!
Lol, when you describe it that way, it’s probably not for me either. Maybe brooch
The whole concept of casual wear is interesting to me because we live in a town that is quirky and ultra-casual! There’s a government lab here, and it’s always possible to spot the visitors from D.C. because they’re wearing tailored suits instead of the standard uniform here affectionately labeled “geekwear”: vendor tees, jeans or shorts, definitely the rolled-out-of-bed look, shower optional.
I love that my husband decided a few years ago to switch his shirts to button-downs instead of tees. He likes fun patterns – bright paisleys or subtle flowers that look classy, not tacky. I appreciate his sense of style and he even does his own ironing! 🙂 I’ve been upping my game too, since I’ve been a long-time SAHM and have lived in casual/jeans. Now that we’re empty nesters (nearing our 60’s), I’m spending more effort on myself. I actually wore a cute sundress the other day here at home even with no plans to go anywhere – it’s just as easy to put on as jeans!
We’re going to visit our son and new daughter-in-law soon, and she suggested we go kayaking. I’m not a water lover, but I’m working on mustering up my courage to try it since I don’t want to be the party pooper of the group! They did say life jackets are required on the lakes, so at least I won’t be the only one wearing one.
Good luck kayaking. I have tried that a few times and it was a lot of work!
So glad I’m not the only person wondering about the “new” casual in men’s dinner attire. While we were at the beach recently, dinner out was not especially dressy, but at one nicer restaurant, I noticed a real juxtaposition between what the women were wearing (dresses, nice sandals, a “nice casual” look), while the men were wearing baggy cargo shorts and beach t-shirts with flip flops. The couples looked like they were attending two different events!
I’ve noticed that disconnect too
Happy Saturday, Jennifer. You have my sympathies about your seasickness. Have you found anything that mitigates it? Your new haircut is lovely. I hope that you find yourself happy with it.
You hit upon one of my pet peeves regarding the t shirts at dinner. I live in Florida and I get that it’s hot but come on- at least make an effort. If I am in a nicer restaurant for my anniversary or birthday and dropping more $$$ than normal and my husband and I have made an effort to dress for the occasion, I feel a tad bummed out when the folks at the next table have on shorts and tees. And not even nice tees! I know it sounds snobbish but I just had to vent. I am more than a little happy to know that others commenting feel the same way.
On a lighter note, your hair looks awesome in the bob style. Precision cuts make all the difference!
Your hair looks great! Your outfit is outstanding too. I love black and white combos.
I love your new hairstyle Jennifer. I have been wearing my hair in a blunt cut for many years and my hairdresser does very meticulous cuts too. The blunt cut she gives me adds volume and I have never had to do any touchups myself for the 20 years I’ve been going to her. I agree with your point about men wearing T-shirts out for a Friday evening. I get wanting to be casual but a nice polo shirt would do at the least. I don’t get the aversion to even trying to look nice. My husband will wear a nice polo shirt but rarely a jacket and if he doesn’t dress up this means I can’t either 😖. I’m also with you about going out on the water. I’m learning to kayak and that’s scary enough for me as I don’t swim nor particularly like the water.
Thank you. I’m so used to trying to get volume, it’s taking me time to get used to it. I agree, even a simple knit polo shirt is a huge improvement over a tee shirt…which is not far from an undershirt in my persnickety perception. 😂
Why can’t you dress up? Go for it.
Jennifer, Your posts are so informative and fun to read! I love how I feel like I know you. I look forward to reading that you share. Your hair looks great, b the way! Kathy
Happy Saturday Kathleen! Thank you. I think the silver color helps give it a “vibe”.
Oh, Jennifer, you are so right on! The casual attire, especially in nice places, just disturbs me so much. I can’t help but wonder how little regard these people have for themselves if they could care less how they look. I can’t even attribute it to a certain age, because I see young people who look very put together, and older people who look like they just fell out of bed! Check our J. McLaughlin for your eyelet. I have gotten several eyelet tops from them and they tend to be less “babydoll” in style. Finally, good luck with your sea sickness…I can’t even look at a boat without Dramamine. Happy weekend!
Truth!! This was a man in his 50s next to us in his t-shirt. It costs nothing to choose the next level up of formality in your wardrobe but so few people do it.
I will check them out. I just love the quality of their clothes, it’s top notch. Happy weekend Maria!
The Eyelet Camp Shirt from Everlane might check all the boxes for you. Is organic cotton, has a nice slightly oversized fit like EF, is a good price at $128 (coupons are easy to find online), and comes in nice, go with everything colors. I bought the Sky Blue and am very happy with my purchase! Used to do a lot of sailing around Madeline Island (WI) in my twenty and thirties, but at the same age as you, no longer have the stomach, strength, or agility to enjoy it. Perhaps hubby could find a sailing buddy through a local sailing club? Good luck!
That one looks great!!! I love the black. I am encouraging him to join one.
Good morning Jennifer! When I was a child and our family moved to our second home my mother made the cutest eyelet curtains for my bedroom. Sixty + years later I still recall them fondly! They were white with pink thread. She was quite resourceful and after another move and the curtains weren’t needed, she turned those curtains into a cute blouse for me. Cute was ok as a kid. I’m with you, cute or sweet doesn’t look ok on me anymore! The Chico’s collared shirt in your post is not “cute”. It’s extremely well made with French seams and has a tailored appearance. I just ordered the black one after trying the cafe aroma one on in the store. Cafe aroma is a lovely color and I wanted it, but black was the better option for me. I think the more geometric and linear eyelet pattern is what makes it not too sweet.
What a great story! I agree about the geometry of the eyelet, and that’s what I’m now looking for.
I bought a pair of the Talbot’s crops in Pink Rouge several weeks ago during one of the sales. They are so comfortable and I love the color. Finding a good hair stylist is like discovering gold. I’ve been letting mine grow out and my stylist has been shaping it as it gets longer. Not sure where I’ll stop; I’m just loving the feel of it on my shoulders.
Enjoy your weekend!!
Really enjoyed today’s post. I agree that a tee shirt is not a great out-to-dinner look on a man. How one dresses shows not just self-expression but I think conveys one’s respect for others. Thanks for all the great suggestions today. Talbots’ sale is terrific. I always love their items in the “red pop” color and picked up a couple of things there yesterday. Good luck on the water if you go – I get it!
Red is so popular! I wish it looked great on me