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, Jennifer! I love those earrings, and they look terrific on you. They may become my Christmas present . . . .
I agree about the Canadian tuxedo. I think perhaps it’s a little too much blue, all in the same intensity. Perhaps a lighter-toned, grey-blue t-shirt with three-quarter sleeves that don’t show below the jacket cuffs for a cleaner look, and contrasting shoes would break it up a little? I like the medium washes and I love the color of the t-shirt and shoes, but they are all so similar.
I love a mix of new and old pieces for home decor, but I don’t know if I can pull it off myself. Your daughter’s furniture looks great!
Thanks Ruth!
Both are great denim pieces.
I would try a white T tucked in break up the column look.
I like all the blue because it makes your eyes pop, perhaps if you wore a large necklace that had other colors mixed with the blue.
I love mixing old & new furniture & accessories- I feel like it makes for a more interesting home. Your daughter’s chairs, table chandelier is chefs kiss in my opinion!
I enjoy your blog so much – great fashion, thoughtful commentary & I enjoy your spunkiness. I am not a big fan of the Canadian tuxedo look but as an amateur, I’d like to see a boot cut Jean in a little darker wash, booties, a white top, a belt & the sleeves of the jacket pushed or rolled to more of a 3/4 length so that some skin shows. White top – tee with a necklace, or button up with enough buttons undone to show skin.
You always look terrific & I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on this!
The colors are great in the tuxedo look but too plaIn for you, normally you have a chain to breakup the center line. I am thinking of moving my birthday because every year for the last couple of years I have gotten sick. Mine is also in August. I am excited waiting for my earrings to arrive.
I love the idea of moving your birthday Janice! Smart lady
A few years ago I went to the dermatologist because I had a rash around my mouth and the sides of my nose. The diagnosis? Muzzle mouth! My sister found it funnier than I did, but after we finished our wine I could laugh about it. Although it was annoying that my husband would bark whenever I came in the room. I hope your face will be feeling better soon, and that the results are what you hoped for.
I mix old and new furniture pieces. I think the Canadian tuxedo look would have worked better with a different color shirt and shoes. Maybe a white or red shirt and white sneakers or tan loafers. It was just too blue.
I love the idea of the outfit, perhaps if the jacket is slouchy, the jeans shouldn’t be or vice versa. White or navy leather sneakers would finish the look .
Sandra
Happy Belated Birthday! Im sorry about the mishaps, but thank goodness for family and chocolate! Thank you for sharing your treatment process and hope you are happy with the final results. I wear denim on denim but I usually like two items, one light wash with a darker wash. Sometimes with a blue purse but different shoes. You look cute as always but I think a different t-shirt color or print would be more interesting. I love your daughter’s room! I like minimalist but I like the eclectic look of adding different pieces. And houseplants! Also love the shoes she got that you shared-I got them too and think they are great. Have a better week!
Thanks Deby
Jennifer
Your daughter’s apartment is looking darling! As you know I have had fraxel as well but should have done more treatments!
I was inspired by you!
Happy Birthday !! I had a big one last week also,,which included chocolate mouse pie,,, your daughters home is gorgeous….as for the denim, I like your look..when I go full out denim, I try to wear a white t-shirt, or tank, just to break it up, I know that negates the idea, but white softens the look, or maybe your t-shirt should be in a lighter blue tone. Still you look great…
Have a wonderful week. It’s beautiful in the Bay Area……
Thank you!
I like the jeans and jacket – but I think some colour change in the t-shirt and sneakers would be a better choice! Give it a little punch of colour!
Happy belated birthday! Chocolate makes everything a little easier to take. I hope your face is less painful and muzzle should never be used when talking about a human face. It is offensive! I love you daughter’s interior design esthetic. I do love old and new mixed. As for the denim on denim look it took me a few minutes but I agree with other readers that a white shirt or a different colored shirt and different shoes would have made you happier with your look. It is very casual and comfortable looking and blue is a beautiful color on you. Try some small fixes and snap a photo for us. I actually love and wear denim on denim a lot in cooler weather. It arrived today! Only 67 degrees when we did our dog walk today! Yay!
Thanks Sydney. That’s a lovely temperature
I agree with most that the outfit has too much blue. I’d change the tee out for a pop of color. Someone suggested a white tee, and that would work too. Maybe a necklace would add some interest. The rest of the outfit is fine for everyday casual. I do think you look comfortable and youthful. Happy Birthday! Wishing you a year of adventure and less stress.
Thank you so much! Less stress would be lovely 🙂
Happy Birthday!!! Each year brings different unexpected challenges!!!
You look great as is in this denim outfit. Some great tips offered but not necessarily for you, it’s for themselves!!!
Thank you!
Your daughters decorating style is beautiful. I’m a fan of the collected look, so warm and welcoming.
I’m also a fan of the Canadian tuxedo, but many times mine comes off as a little too matchy-matchy. That might be the issue here, possibly change it up with the shirt and shoes not all being so close in color. But, I’ve got to say you still look put together and attractive.
My decor is truly eclectic, things I love no matter the style as long as they blend together. A always there piece is a vintage oak drop leaf side table I snagged at a yard sale for $75. I am not in tune with you today on clothing styles. Maybe the kaftan needs to be seen to appreciate. I think your blue on blue might work with as little a tween as a brightly colored scarf at the neck
Happy birthday! Hope you’re improving from fraxel. I’d like to hear more about it.
As to the tuxedo…..maybe start with changing the top. White shirt? Collar popped? Different shoe color? Maybe even consider cuffing the jean. Perhaps that might help offset the longer, relaxed jacket.
And I like the suggestion that you show/post versions of the outfit as you work through various iterations. I’m curious to see what you like and feel works for you. It would be a good learning experience, imo!
Thanks Linda, great idea
Happy Birthday Jennifer and cheers to many, many more. I love the mix of antique with modern and your daughter certainly has a flair for it.
Wishing you speedy healing from your treatment. Have a great week.
Thanks so much Yvonne!
Happy Belated Birthday, Jennifer!