Weekend Reading 07.19.25
This is what I wore to dinner one of the evenings we were in Bellevue to check out the Nsale. It must have been the second evening there, because I’m wearing sneakers I bought while I was shopping at Nordstrom.
The weather hadn’t warmed up yet, so this cardigan was perfect for the in-between temperature. I’ve spotted a lot of these open knits this summer in both pullovers and cardigans.
On my radar:
Style has never been a fixed thing for me, and lately, I feel it shifting again. I’m craving clothes that still feel classic but have something a little more creative going on. Not quirky or loud, just interesting and different. A well-placed detail, an unexpected shape, a little softness in the fabric.
Full-on classic can feel too buttoned-up for my taste. I admire it, but I get bored quickly. Right now, I’m looking for simple shapes with some flow or drape, in colors that flatter my complexion and give that soft, understated elegance I always come back to. It’s hard for me to put my finger on, but I’ll know it when I see it.
I’ve started with Eileen Fisher, who often nails that balance of clean lines, soft structure, and just enough creative edge. Madewell surprised me with a few pieces that feel more grown-up and thoughtfully designed than I expected. I’m also keeping tabs on smaller online retailers that lean into modern, interesting classics with a twist. Boutiques are usually where I find the most interesting options, but they’re few and far between where I live. I’m not leaning into boho, but there may be some subtle touches that speak to me. This is truly a work in progress, and if you’re interested, I’ll share what I find.
Bestsellers of the week:
- My yummy new hand cream, which I shared in my email, was a huge bestseller this week. If you haven’t signed up for our emails, you can join us here.
- This J. Jill’s gauze top is on its way to many readers as well. The color is just smashing.
- Many readers agreed that this Tuckernut dress is a winner for summer!
- These pull-on gauze shorts were the sleeper of the week and landed in many of your carts.
- The cardigan I’m wearing above was hands down the biggest seller of the week!
Weekend Sales:
CHICOS – Up to 70% off.
EILEEN FISHER – New items added to their sale section.
J.JILL – 30% off dresses, and new sale items added.
TALBOTS – 50% off tops, and 40% off markdowns.
TUCKERNUCK – They have some great new arrivals.
In case you missed it:
- My most popular Monday Musings in years!
- The most comfortable sandals I’ve tried this summer.
- More shorts and some favorite finds from the Talbots Red Door Sale.
- Makeup mistakes to avoid over 60.
- My Favorite Quince Finds I’m Wearing A Lot This Summer
Have a great weekend and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident and brings you delight.
Your blog has been part of my morning routine ever since I subscribed. I have learned so much from reading your posts and it has helped me define my style. A big thanks for all your hard work and dedication. You do a great job!
Thanks!
I have been following you for years and enjoy your refreshing take on everything. I am retired and like to look nice in a very casual community where the “norm” seems to tend toward sloppy. Even though I don’t go to work every day, I still wear makeup and jewelry even with shirts and a tee. I enjoy your blog so much.
Jennifer, I look forward to seeing your email in my inbox every morning. I appreciate the time and care you clearly take in creating your daily blog. I’m sure it is not easy. Like many others, I feel a connection with you. I know I don’t comment very often but you have helped me in more ways than you can know. Thank you Jennifer for your honesty and all you do. You are very special.
Thank you so much! I love connecting with this community. You ladies are the best.
I love reading everyone’s comments. I appreciate all that you do Jennifer.
Good morning, Jennifer.
I look forward to reading your emails with my coffee. You look great and have a wonderful sense of style. Your suggestions for skin care and makeup are the best. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re very appreciated!
Jennifer, thank you for such a sweet and honest post. The community you have curated is a genuine group of women of similar age that all deserve to be seen. In this world of true ageism, I take great comfort from the conversation and enjoy your topics. It feels safe and welcome here, so cheers to all you do! I know we would be friends and shop together if we lived close. I am in the Atlanta burbs but from the burbs of New York.
Jennifer,
Enjoy your blog so much more than any others I’ve tried. Love seeing what you actually wear! Have a great weekend!
Have a fabulous weekend!
Jennifer, I don’t comment often but read daily and appreciate your thoughts and the way you handle your blog. There are times when I’ve been “influenced” by some blogs to buy things I don’t really need or that are not right for me, but I’m trying to be more mindful of that. So, I’m glad for your approach!
By the way, I’m vacationing in Vancouver right now and enjoying it so much! The weather is such a treat (my home state is in the Southern US and currently dealing with temperatures in the high 90’s/lower 100’s with heat indexes of 110!). I wish I could stay here all next week as well. This is such a beautiful area with the water and the mountains; I’m loving it! Needless to say, I thought of you and can see why you love it here.
Have a fabulous time!!
Thank you for your beautiful email! I so appreciate your blog and the community you’ve built here. Your blog is a wonderful respite from a world that feels overwhelming at times. Thanks to you and all the commenters—you’re the best!
Ah, thanks Terry. I love this community and am so glad you’re part of it.
I’m so grateful you’re here Shari! I always love your insightful comments. I feel the same about EF…she always has options for my true summer palette. Whomever is choosing their colors each season is going a bang up job.
I broke down and decided to buy the ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint. I just hope I picked the right color for me. I decided to buy it after purchasing the mascara and the eye liner. They are quality products and work perfectly for me. Thank you for introducing them to me.
Hope they work. The coverage is very light
I have very fair dry skin.
I love your posts. I may not comment every time but you can know I definitely look forward to reading each of your posts. I also love reading the other ladies’ comments. Your style is right up my alley. I am casual and relaxed but must look put together when I head out. The times I make a quick run looking too casual, I seem to always run into someone I know.😂
That’s always the way with me too! Thanks for being here Janette.
Yes, please, would love to come with you on your style exploration. Do share!!! In these dog days of summer (hot, humid east coast), I am a little bored and so looking forward to a change.
I stopped by Nordstrom Rack on a whim and came home with a pair of James Perse shorts (and KutfromtheKloth cropped wide leg jeans). I would never have purchased the shorts based on the on-line image but in person they are beautifully made, fit perfectly, and have an interesting detail on the pockets. James Perse is now on my list!
I will and I’m glad you’re interested Dianne. I haven’t thought of James Perse for years! Great catch, I’ll keep an eye out too.
Thank you for all the work you do. I love your ideas about fashion,classy and not extreme. You go Girl !!!
cute sneakers. Were they part of the big Nordstrom sale?
They weren’t. I tried several from the sale but these won out. I’d bought the same pair several year ago and they’re so comfy I literally wore them ragged
“Classic with a Twist” is also how I describe my style. I find my “twist” usually from a splash of color with scarves, socks in winter or something g different with the collar.
At 5’2 125 lbs, I have found you as a kindred spirit in style & attitude. I’ve navigated retirement from a high stress corporate job for the past 7 of my 67 years and find enjoyment with a new lifestyle that is both slower and more active at the same time — and definitely more casual.
My only complaint in reviewing your site is that you buy too much. I’ve pared down and still find I can’t possibly wear all my clothes.
Given your email, I want to say thank you to you! Thank you for not pushing us to buy buy buy! Thank you for admitting that you try things on for us to see how it fits a real body but are not your style or colour. Thank you for telling us that your style is changing, you are struggling and you still like neutrals but want to experiment with colour! Thank you for showing us real life! Finally thank you for quietly asking for support! But above all else thank you for being real, I hear your voice, you make me feel like I do have a virtual friend. I have stopped following others but here I am.
I’m humbled and so touched by your comments Catherine. (I choked up) Thank you for being the best part of our community. I feel blessed to have you here.
Please keep sharing your finds with us, even if the items are from smaller brands. Your style journey mirrors what most women “of a certain age” experience.
I have stopped chasing every style trend. Most are way too young for me anyway. I turn to classic pieces that are not too preppy, with comfort being the key.
Accordingly, I am leaning into Eileen Fisher lately. Her pieces are timeless–I have some items in my closet that I bought over a decade ago and I still wear them frequently. Plus, I am trying to only buy sustainable brands or buy resale. I look forward to seeing what you discover!
I will Melissa. I wore Eileen fisher pants that must have been 15 years old yesterday! Modern, slightly unique, and classic EF. Her timeless designs just work for so many occasions.
Jennifer,
Thank you for being open and honest with all of your readers. I always enjoy your posts. I also enjoy reading the comments. We all seem to be like minded. Even though I doubt I will ever meet anyone from your blog posts, I somehow feel a warm connection. That is your doing!
AI can’t come close to real people sharing real thoughts, opinions, and feelings. Keep doing what you do. You do it well!
Jennifer are the pants from Talbots like Ponte fabric?
They are, with a side zip and lovely, elongating seam up the front of the leg. They feel great on.
Dear Jennifer
Appreciate your way of blogging so much – thank you for Inspiration and honest words! Have a wonderful weekend!
Yours Angela
I’m so glad you’re here with us Angela! Have a lovely weekend.