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?
Happy Birthday!
You always look great. My favorite posts are the ones showing your daily outfits.
I like the matchy matchy Canadian tux on you. One thought — I always include black in the look… either black denim or a black T shirt and/or sneakers. Perhaps that might be enough of a change for you to like it more.
Happy Birthday!🎂
The above tee suggestions were my thoughts. Possibly a colorful scarf. Show a little more of your wrist with a trendy bracelet. Even a scarf on your handbag would be lovely.
A muzzle on my goodness…. I might have said woof woof to that comment just to be funny!
Hopefully your day will be much better. You still have the rest of the week to celebrate your birthday. I always call it a Birthday Month!
Love your blog!
I see what you mean about your Canadian tuxedo but it’s not a total fail in my book. As another mentioned, I’d switch to a white shirt. And, I’d have either the jacket or the pants closer fitting. I’d have more contrast in the wash also mentioned by another. I love wearing my Canadian tux but also feel like there’s something I could do better with the look. I really love my jean jacket but never know the best pants to wear with it. Tailored pants or leggings are not the answer so I just throw on jeans.Quick funny story: I recently flew from Toronto to Calgary wearing my Canadian tuxedo knowing I hadn’t quite nailed it. As I made my way to my seat, the flight attendant inside the cabin greeted me with a “Howdy”! Haha! I’m from an American east coast metropolis! I guess I’ve arrived!
Your daughter’s place looks fantastic. She nailed blending different style furniture. Elegant is the first word that comes to my mind.
Love your newsletter. Thanks for doing it.
I’m a Canadian and I love the Canadian Tuxedo look, so there’s that! 😊. With regard to your denim look, I think perhaps the washes are too similar. Try mixing a dark wash with a mid- or pale-wash and adding a pop of colour – or even just white – with the tee. Footwear? I’d go with brown or black in a classic loafer. Regardless of my suggestions, you always look fabulous, Jennifer. I do so love to read your blog each day!
I’m wearing almost exactly the same outfit today. Only difference, a classic white tee. I love denim. Where do these arbitrary rules come from? Why do we listen to them?
I agree with everyone who mentioned a lighter color t-shirt for the “tuxedo” outfit. White would be a nice little spark! It’s taken me awhile to not be matchy-matchy with my denims, so I thought the outfit looked great otherwise. Really like that jacket!
Happy Birthday!! I hope you have a wonderful year.
I love your daughter’s design. I also enjoy mixing things up. Elegant but comfortable and a reflection of personal style!
As for the monochromatic/column denim outfit, I think the jeans are too baggy and could be slimmer. I think I would feel a bit frumpy. More of a scoop neck T would break up the all blue and be more interesting. The blue shoes are optional.
Hi Jennifer
I think you always look wonderful.!I am Canadian and I think what may help your outfit is either changing the shades of the blues ( as the value of the three pieces are very close) or breaking it up with a
Different T-shirt, either patterned or just a different color. Hope that helps. Keep up the good work I enjoy your posts!
Happy Birthday 🎂 A different color tee or white shirt, I know you aren’t really into patterned tops but a small print with some color would be cute. My first thought was too much blue, different color and style shoes. The jeans appear a little too relaxed for my taste. Need a little more contrast in the colors.
Thanks Janice!
Happy, Happy Birthday!!
I hope you have a wonderful year filled with good health, laughter & love.
I would like to know what you do to not have 11 wrinkles between the eyebrows.
Soon to become a grandma.
Thank you! Botox. I’ve been testing those 11s every 6-8 months for years!
Your daughter has exquisite taste in decor. The mixture of vintage with new is always beautiful. The silhouette of her new dining chairs is gorgeous, particularly paired with the vintage dining table. Design over time is always successful compared to a space with all new items that mostly has a lack character. I would love to see additional photos as she continues her decor adventure. Thank you for sharing her beautiful space.
I think she does too. Thanks!
Maybe it’s too casual. Perhaps a dressier pair of jeans or a more tailored jacket.
Happy birthday! The denim on denim isn’t bad, just sort of blah for you. Definitely a different shirt / maybe a teal or burgundy for fall! In a perfect world, a cropped jacket would also give a more polished look. And perhaps a different purse, again something with color?
Thank you!
Jennifer, I love your articles! As for this outfit, I see you in a different top (perhaps white with a stand up collar), slim or skinny jeans and flats, not sneakers. You’re always stylish!
Jennifer, you are a treasure!
Denim washes are too close; and a different color, texture for the top, different shoe choice, perhaps. The jacket is a classic, of course!
Your daughter’s choices for her home are wonderful!
Thank you!
Hi Jennifer, Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing your week’s adventures with us. My skin is sun damaged also from my youthful days with hit or miss sunscreen, but I’m at the point where I’m trying to find a dermatologist who I want to work with – that “muzzle” comment is priceless 🙂 Your daughter’s home is very lovely and calm looking – I love the mix of old and new. As far as your outfit, I see that you have a lot of good comments, and I’ll just echo that I can’t wear a denim jacket with a round neck t-shirt unless the neckline is a bit lower – but I usually prefer a v-neck. But this is splitting hairs because the outfit is still very nice. Enjoy the last week of your birthday month!
Thank you Alexis
Hello Jennifer,
I actually wear a denim jacket with denim jeans. I didn’t know it had a name. I can see that you were going for a column of color. For me, the top was the piece that wasn’t working. I enjoy reading about how you put your outfits together.
First off, another “trip around the sun” is always something to celebrate! Sorry that a few things brought frustration into “your day”.
I don’t think your outfit is a “fail” but maybe (1) different color shoes (I was thinking red) and/or (2) a more prominent necklace, maybe in silver tone because of the buttons on the jacket? Or (3) a printed scarf to break up all the solid blue? Thank you for asking, it was a fun exercise in creativity!
Good luck with your laser treatment. A number of years ago I attended a family gathering and even from across the room I saw that a relative looked great! I thought maybe she had a make-up makeover (she liked to do that from time to time). I didn’t ask but she told me she had laser treatment on her face. She was (still is) an attractive woman and the treatment took years off her face.
Thank you!
Well Jennifer in my humble opinion it’s too much blue. Maybe a white shirt would do the trick. Try that and let us know
I love the denim on denim look on you,but I think the look needs to be broken up with a gold or silver necklace,or maybe a colorful neck scarf.
I would add a colorful bracelet and different colored tennis shoes. I agree with one of the first readers,to show the outfit again with suggested changes that you feel comfortable with! 🥰