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 think the blues in the jacket/jeans are a little too similiar. The shoes could have used a white sneaker pop, IMO. Her apt. is adorable and SO very interesting. She just needs to f7rnish with the things that she loves and wants to be surrounded by. That is what makes a home ‘her home’. Enjoy the process and take great care of yourself.❤️
Yes! I told her to buy the individual pieces she loves and it will all come together…and it is.
The jeans should be narrower, or the jacket should be shorter. And I don’t think the sneakers work, regardless.
That dining set is gorgeous. I love mixing vintage with contemporary, traditional or even country. I really like your denim on denim look except maybe just too much blue. A white tee would have made all the difference. I really like your trainers!
Dear Jennifer,
Happy Belated Birthday. I love the mix of antiques and new furnniture in your daughter’s home. It’s lovely.
I hope you’ll be pleased with your Fraxel results.
Thank you Janice!
Happy Birthday! Lovely shades of blue on you. I think different shoe color and i would roll/push up sleeves to give little break of color. I can’t do denim on denim due to memories of a guy i worked with…..lol. But i love it on others.
Thank you Jan
Hi Jennifer,
I really enjoy reading your blog. You truly give me inspiration! As a fellow Canadian, I love a Canadian Tuxedo look as well. Perhaps a white coloured top and a darker coloured denim pant would be worth a try – you never know!! Your daughter’s apartment is beautiful and stylish!
Happy birthday anyway! I too have been liking the double denim on others, which shocks me since I hated it back in the day. While I don’t think you look bad in the outfit, I feel as if a darker wash in either the jeans or the jacket, and perhaps a slimmer fit in the jeans, would elevate the look and make it sleeker. As is, it’s got more of a going apple-picking or light hiking style than street style, if that makes sense? You could also try loafers instead of the sneakers, though the tone on tone is nice in itself.
It makes total sense 😉
Happy Belated Birthday, Jennifer🎉 Your daughter has a good eye for mixing old with new. I think it all works beautifully. The denim tuxedo…I think you put it together very well. If it felt off to you, maybe it was the blue tee. I think it would really pop with a white tee and your classy Paul Green white sneakers.
Thanks Janette. Her condo is looking so pretty.
I love those blue sneakers, but I think maybe a cropped denim jacket would have worked better with you outfit? Happy belated Birthday!
So sorry about washer. I always worry about that happening so never leave with it running. It did happen to good friend. I like your outfit.
Hi Jennifer, I agree with the others that a contrasting T-shirt would be better with the Canadian Tuxedo and perhaps a scoop neck would soften the Tom-boyish look and why not add a light chain necklace too. My other comment is the jean jacket, to me, looks too masculine because it’s boxy. Just my opinion. I have a pet peave with the “classic” jean jacket design, because they all draw attention to the bust line with the breast pockets. I don’t know about you but I don’t want more attention on my larger bust! 😂
Jennifer, first, belated Happy Birthday !🎂
Your column and musings are a great way to start my day, like touching base with a friend, and very refreshing that you post unfiltered photos!
With regard to the Canadian tux, I think the shoes bring the look down and would like to see something like a neutral loafer or a white leather tennis shoe. I also think a white top would be better than the blue, and add that cute paper clip necklace!
Cheers!
Thank you Paula!
Happy Birthday Jennifer!
I agree with Jennifer H. In WA., the outfit is casually cute but the shoes make it a bit too casual!
Thanks for sharing your style!
Thank you!
Happy Belated Birthday! Sounds like you had an eventful week! I am loving your daughter’s decorating adventures. I love to mix old with new. I think maybe your Jean washes are too close & maybe a different color tee too. I hope this week is better for you.
Thank you Darlene. Happy Monday.
Tuxedo outfit: my suggestion would be a darker wash jacket, white or cream shirt and either white or cream sneakers.
I don’t do double denim as I can never get it to look right. Your daughter’s chandelier and rattan chairs are beautiful and the chairs look made for the antique table. My house is styled with a mix of vintage pieces. We are a gathering place here so I have three tables – a vintage small center drop leaf table that has been refinished to sit edged to my modern kitchen island, a round handmade wooden table from the 1920’s in a light tone and a Mediterranean trestle table in walnut in the dining room. I then pull it together with modern accents such as lighting, lamps, chairs sometimes. I like storied pieces and it makes for a comfy home. I read your blog everyday and enjoy all the topics you include. Thanks for all your hard work and sharing with us!
Your place sounds wonderful!
I think it’s the t-shirt, Jennifer
To me the Canadian denim tuxedo did not click and after while I realized that It needed a white T-shirt Love your mail
A young 80 from Montréal
Hi Jennifer,
I really like the blending of all the blue hues including your top. I would so do this look. The only thing I would change would be the shoes. I would do a dressier shoe to make it less casual looking. Oh and a cool brooch on the jacket. It still looks great on you. Thank you for all of your advice and tips. I look forward to my coffee time in the morning reading your blog. Jennifer Holcomb Port Angeles, WA.
I think your assessment is right on – perhaps the denim washes were too close. I can see this look with a dark wash denim jean on the bottom. Then perhaps ditch the blue sneakers and checkered bag. White sneakers and light tan suede bag instead? You always look great, Jennifer, but with a few tweaks, I think you could make this outfit work better for you. Now to analyze some of my outfits!