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?
First, happy belated birthday!
I love denim on denim and thought you looked okay. I might have subbed a white button down shirt, tucked, with a bandanna tied at my neck, and my jacket would not have been oversized. I also remember wearing my bell bottoms with my denim work shirt back in the day, so I’ve been doing denim on denim forever.
As for mixing antiques with modern- I like it if it’s done right, but that is very subjective isn’t it? I look forward to reading your posts- thanks for doing them and please continue.
Thank you!
I, too, had a sort of “meh” birthday last week…..didn’t have quite as many pitfalls as you, but it was uneventful even though friends and family rallied around to make it tolerable. Do you think perhaps a print top, or differently colored top might have changed up the “tuxedo” look? Or maybe, just maybe, your joy was running on dim that day? You looked wonderful, btw, and as I also learned last week….we need to give ourselves a little grace. Enjoy your next trip around the sun!
Happy Birthday Lynn!
I love the Canadian tuxedo look!!!!!
As I scrolled down looking at your denim outfit, I thought this looks really nice and beautiful shades of blue……until I scrolled to your feet. I think I’d rather see a pair of Cole Haan loafers.
Maybe everything blended too much? Only the purse seems different & then it just feels off? I constantly struggle to put outfits together, more often I feel just dressed
I think the double denim look you put together looks beautiful on you. The shades of blue you picked are very flattering. I’m wondering if you might like the look more if you added some contrast with a bolder long pendant necklace or a pretty patterned scarf?
re the Canadian tuxedo, I think it may look better with a different shirt underneath. I saw a woman yesterday wearing a similar “tux” but she wore a pretty blue floral button up shirt underneath and I think it made all the difference.
re your daughter’s home, I love mixing styles, and I love the sofa, rug, and lamp.
Love antique with modern. I think it’s eclectic for sure. I agree with you. I think your washes were too close in color. I didn’t look bad but maybe a darker jacket or darker jeans?
A belated Happy Birthday to you, Jennifer!
About the denim pairing: I think the look would feel more refined with a shorter, slightly more tailored jacket in a lighter blue wash layered over a white V-neck jersey. Adding a lightweight beige scarf and a delicate necklace would soften the overall effect and add polish. I’d also recommend swapping the straight-leg jeans for slim-fit ones to enhance the silhouette.
The photo you shared features a jacket that falls to the top of your thighs and jeans with a relaxed fit. While your style is never sloppy, the looser proportions and deep blue tones together can unintentionally give off that impression. That said, there’s no denying your photo gives off a very relaxed and comfy vibe.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and wisdom. Your blog is the only one I follow now, and the only one that still feels like a conversation.
Thank you Lynn! I’m so glad you’re here with us.
Good Morning Jennifer, and happy belated birthday and that chandelier is amazing! I’ve always been afraid to wear denim on denim, but getting braver about trying. I like a monochrome look, but maybe a black t-shirt to break things up a bit and tie together the purse? And maybe the washes are too similar. I dunno … It all looks pretty darn good, but will be anxious to hear what you and others think.
Thank you!
I would say a pop of color is needed , with your tee or maybe different colorful sneakers. but overall I like the look !
I’ve never done denim with denim but might try –
It can be a fun look and is often my favorite.
Hi Jen,
I’ll give my $.02 on your tuxedo. I would do a “normal” jean jacket rather than an oversized one. I think the proportions are a little off with the relaxed jeans. Also, I would try a white or maybe a black tee rather than the blue.
Hope you are recovering nicely – hang in there! Oh, and I love your daughter’s place! I’m impressed with her patience and planning.
I’m looking less like a cartoon character this AM but still swollen and headed towards the peeling stage.
Hi, Jennifer, a belated happy birthday! Your daughter’s rooms look gorgeous. I love mixing old and new to give a room character. I agree that your denim on denim look is just a wee bit off. Maybe it was the denim jacket worn over the blue tshirt? You always look great in the denim/chambray shirt and jeans outfits that you post.
Thank you!
I don’t believe I’m even saying this…I love blue everything but at first glance, I thought maybe too much blue. If you changed the tee color to rosy pink, burgundy, light teal green or turquoise, that might make a difference. I do like the denim on denim look. I have worn it in matching denim colors or break it up a little with a light denim jacket or vest and darker bottom or vice versa. Or maybe adding a scarf with some other colors would do the trick.
Good morning, Jennifer-Your daughter’s home looks wonderful! I love the delicate yet modern chandelier-very feminine. It pairs well with the antique mirror, table/chairs and the contemporary sofa & rug. Our home is a blend of old & some more modern things collected with love! We are not wealthy but we know what we like and enjoy the hunt.
To me, your outfit could use jeans with a wider leg to balance your shoulders. You look thicker than you are in the photo. Maybe a Vneck tee in a darker shade of blue or a belt?
Love your blog!
Pat S.
If you changed the tee to black or white or wore a white shirt with cuffs up, I think the tuxedo would work better.
Your daughter’s space is looking lovely; a blend is always more interesting!
I too like denim on denim. I think white tennis shoes would have made the difference. Still, you look great!
First, happy birthday! I love your daughter‘s apartment, the table and chairs are gorgeous. I also love double denim. You are right, there is something about this outfit that does not land. I almost think is the total monochrome look. If the shirt had been white and the sneakers a little different, it might have been better. The denim washes are very similar, but that is not necessarily an issue. Hope your recovery continues!
Thank you Susan!
Please tell your daughter that her home looks perfect to me. Great choice on the chairs for her table. Just lovely.
About your outfit…my favorite colors…but too much, perhaps. I think some jewelry to break up the look, or scarf, or different color shoes?
I will tell her! Thanks Susan
Denim tuxedo thought: may be the proportions. Both the jacket and jeans are a little of the oversized look, so maybe a more cropped/tighter fitting jacket or slimmer jeans? Also, there’s a lot of similar blue – maybe a white tee?
Happy birthday and many more!
Thanks Shari!