Monday Musings: Fraxel, Floods, and the Canadian Tuxedo Debate
Happy Monday, ladies. I hope the weekend treated you gently and gave you at least one good laugh—or at the very least, a piece of chocolate.
My own birthday last week was… let’s just say, memorable. It began with my physical therapist working me over (they call it “manual therapy,” I call it sanctioned face-pummeling). I’m still faithfully scraping away with my gua sha in the hopes of loosening what feels like a jaw carved from granite. Add in a washing machine that decided to flood the apartment, plus a couple of unexpected family health curveballs, and the day felt a little less “Happy Birthday” and a little more “Are you kidding me?”
But my family rallied. They took me out, made me feel celebrated, and yes—chocolate was involved. That part made everything a bit softer around the edges.
Fraxel and the “Muzzle”
I also had a Fraxel laser treatment last week. My dermatologist casually referred to the area we’re treating as “my muzzle.” I nearly snorted tea across the room. Technically, she’s not wrong—it’s the space around the mouth—but still. Nothing like being compared to a schnauzer while lying under a laser.
We’re targeting solar elastosis, the sun damage from my carefree younger years when sunscreen was optional. The saving grace has been my daughter’s ice roller, which she keeps tucked in the freezer. I’ve borrowed it so often it’s basically mine now. Honestly, it’s the only thing keeping my face from looking like I spent the weekend in a boxing ring. Puffy? Absolutely. Close-up ready? Not yet.
Home Decorating Adventures
Meanwhile, decorating continues for my daughter’s home. She finally chose a beautiful chandelier she loves and a set of handwoven rattan arm chairs with a European cafe vibe… to pair with the antique table she found months ago. These chairs are gorgeous– a Danish/Japanese design from Sika that she has been keeping an eye on for a while. They go very well with this gorgeous French vintage-inspired mirror she has had for several years. We’ve been musing a lot about how to mix antique and modern pieces so her home feels elegant, modern, and just eclectic enough to be interesting. I’d love your take—do you enjoy blending old with new, or do you prefer a single style carried throughout a space?
The Canadian Tuxedo Debate
And finally—outfit controversy. I wore denim on denim the other day. The full Canadian tuxedo. Now, I actually like the look. Done well, I think it feels polished and modern. But something about my version just didn’t land, and I can’t quite put my finger on why.
Maybe the washes were too close, maybe the proportions were off—who knows. I have my suspicions, but I’d love to hear yours. Do you wear double denim? And if you do, what makes it work for you?
Be honest, but please—be kind.
What about you—did your week hold any surprises, big or small? And where do you land on mixing antique with modern—or the Canadian tuxedo?
I mix old and new furniture. At this age, buying only new doesn’t work for me. I enjoy the resale hunt too much.
I think the denim on denim looks works when the washes are different (dark & light or blue with white). The contrast makes it more interesting and less of a uniform.
I think a crisp white tee shirt and different shoes. Too much blue….that would be my suggestion
The jacket is the wrong length. I think a long denim coat would look great!
A white T-shirt instead of the blue is my suggestion- but you look lovely as always!
Hi Jennifer,
Regardless of her terminology using the term, “muzzle”, lol, I remain inspired & appreciative of your sharing details of the journey through the Fraxel treatment! I hope you continue to rest & stay away from the sunshine so you heal quickly!
I was not familiar with the term, Canadian tuxedo, so looked it up! Since you asked, I wonder if the straight cut jeans might be too full cut and a tiny bit too long overwhelming your petite frame?
I’m taking a few photos to share later.
My last week brought me conjunctivitis which I believe is viral or environmental (Everglades fires) but not bacterial as on Day 4-5 they are itchier than ever. And, there is no cure but time.
As far as your tuxedo outfit ( I’ve never heard of that.) I think the jeans are too relaxed. The jacket is very nice.
Good luck with your recovery. (And, good luck with mine.) Happy Birthday!
Oh no Carol! I’m so sorry, that’s miserable.
Good Monday morning to you ! We just returned from a wonderful week spent with my son and his family in Northern Maine so thankfully no surprises. We did have some plumbing issues before we left but they were repaired upon our return.
As for decorating I am now going more towards minimalist but like random antiques also.
And the “ Tux “ …… I would have done a different color for the tee – would definitely wear denim on denim !
It could be that the washes are too similar or it could be that the outfit needs more color. I love your bag so I would probably go with a cream shirt and black shoes. Or, choose another color bag and repeat the color in your outfit even if its a scarf or bolder jewelry.
i think the denim washes may have been to close color. the jacket could have been darker. also in my opinion, too much blue going on. but everyone has their own spin on the canadian tuxedo.do what works for you..
It’s the blue T shirt. It’s too close in color to the jacket and pants and makes the outfit look something like an industrial uniform.
I think you hit it on the head with the denim look. The washes are too close, the jacket is too boxy, and a V-neck tee in a different color (not blue) would have been more interesting, perhaps?
Monochromatic looks are great, most of the time. With your denim outfit there is too much blue. Perhaps a different color shirt would be better for a little contrast. Can’t go wrong with white. With the jacket and jeans you would still have the monochromatic slimming look. Also a larger necklace In silver to bring attention to the outfit. The outfit, as is, comes off very bland. JMO. Have a great day. Interested in seeing the results of your Fraxel procedure. When I look back on the photos of my CO2 laser treatment and even my BBL therapy treatment I cringe. I looked like a nightmare! However it was worth the swelling, peeling and discomfort. My skin looks so much better. I am having another BBL treatment after my vacation in a few weeks.
I’m looking pretty scary today so I’m anxious to move past this stage and have the swelling go down.
First, Happy Birthday. It sounds like it was quite the time.
I’m looking forward to seeing the results of your laser treatment on your “muzzle” 😆. I would like to look into that as well. I love all of the different topics you discuss in your blog. I’ve looked at and bought many of the cruelty free products you’ve reviewed and recommended. Thank you for that!
Thanks Jane!
Jennifer! Happy belated birthday! Glad to see chocolate was involved!
I’m dying to hear ( and see) how your Fraxel experience turned out. I have similar sun damage from years at the Jersey shore with baby oil and iodine by my side. Never did tan! Please share if you are willing and I may take the plunge!
I liked your denim look and don’t claim to be a fashionista, but in view of the fact that you felt it didn’t work: add color around your face? Does the bag throw you off?
Thank you for all you do! I look forward to your weekly “visit.”
Thank you Sandy! I was a baby oil and iodine victim too. The damage I did! Im taking photos and hope to share them. Fingers crossed.
I would have chosen a different shirt—something more fitted. The shirt in a contrasting color might have provided a pop of color against the jacket.
Your daughter’s home looks lovely. I like to mix old and new pieces together. For the jean outfit, I would have rolled the sleeves up one more time and wore a different color shirt. I think there’s too much blue.
I think you didn’t like the outfit because it has too much blue too near the same color. (The outfit reminds me of myself, because I tend to be too matchy- matchy also). I suggest using a different color for your top, handbag and possibly shoes.
A belated Happy Birthday! I hope you are recovering well from the Fraxel, physio and the flood!
I’m a fan of the Canadian Tuxedo too 🇨🇦 but agree this version is a little off. Too much blue? More variation in the denim colour? The jacket proportion? I’d like to hear your view and see another version.
Love your daughter’s decorating style. Especially those chairs!
Maybe a shorter denim jacket that hit above your hips, waist length? Also maybe a different tone of blue for the tee. Not as bad though as you seemed to think.
Jennifer – personally, the “tuxedo” look is not my style of choice. I think a white or print tee to break it up between jacket & jeans would make the look better, give it more creativity/style. Happy Birthday!
I mix furniture and decor styles. I love the juxtaposition of old and new.
As to the outfit. I don’t care for the two washes together but I think the problem might be too much blue. The shirt and shoes add more similar blues. I think it’s just too much of a good thing.
Jennifer, my thought that the outfit would benefit very much from a V neck tee shirt. Just a thought…
Hey j I too love that all over denim look, but in my opinion, the reason that that did not work is the cut of the jeans. For that particular look I believe a Boot cut would’ve been more flattering. And a pretty generous Boot cut at that… By that I mean really fitted around the upper knee, knee and directly below the knee flaring out at the bottom boot cut. Another idea that might have made a difference is a cropped jean look. I’m 73 myself and struggle with getting just the right youthful look sometimes. I love your blog and wouldn’t miss it for anything.
I’m with Peggy. I think a boot cut jean would work better. Also, booties rather than sneakers, and a white T or button down shirt.
I think that would look good and more elevated. However, if you are running out for errands and that’s what is clean and comfortable, wear it!
And …. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Take care of yourself!
Thanks Nancy!