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 very, very, very belated birthday! As a new subscriber I am late to reply. I love a common theme with old mixed in, it creates so much more interest and character to a home. I have 100 year old brown salt crocks from my grandmother sitting in our rattan bar cart and I absolutely love how they look. I really like the canadian tuxedo because you did the unexpected and brought in the same tones of blue in the shirt and in the cute shoes. The jean jacket is a little bit long but I still like it!
Welcome Erin!
Enjoyed all the subjects addressed here, Jennifer. As far as the denim “tuxedo” goes, here are my thoughts. There are differing elements of casualness in the denim and outfit as a whole. The jacket is more tailored and the jeans appear to be more casual with the soft wrinkles. Your handbag is tailored and somewhat refined. The sneakers are very casual. The jersey should be white or off-white or a color that enhances. Change jeans or jacket to the same level of refinement, along with your footwear and shoulder bag. Your shoulder bag could tie in your footwear or jersey/blouse.
You had me howling about the muzzle and feeling like a schnauzer ! I’ve had the treatment and schnauzers! I’d switch the blue t shirt for a white button up shirt with cuffs folded up over the jacket cuffs and a different shoe.
Awwwww! I thought denim on denim was a “Texas tuxedo”! It’s a mainstay in my wardrobe.
I think it has lots of names 🥰
I love your daughter’s decorating, looks both elegant and comfortable!
I agree with everyone who said the shirt is what throws it off. I would have gone with a white top and also the bag doesn’t work to my eye. I would have gone with a more casual bag that is not 2 toned. The bag kind of competes with the shoes and clashes.
Hi Jennifer,
Here we are, thankfully in a new week. I broke my leg at the end of the week before and have been dealing with some complications and how to deal with this while living alone. It’s going to be a long 6-8 weeks in my little place. I appreciate the couple of friends who have gone out of their way to visit.
I like the mixture of carefully curated older and new furniture which give your daughter’s place personality. It looks clean yet interesting.
The blue-on-blue denim look isn’t bad. I would change the blue shirt for white or cream to pick up the light color on the sneakers.
Thanks as always for sharing your ideas and life with us. We are all in this together.
Oh Lisa, I’m so sorry about your leg. That’s painful. I hope you have some books and at the very least can binge watch some Netflix or other shows to pass the time. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Take care of yourself.
I do wear denim on denim also. My original thought was that the jacket could have been more fitted with that style of jeans. And maybe a necklace or scarf to add some interest? I know I can look in the mirror and think something looks great. And then I see a picture of myself in the outfit and wonder what I was thinking? (lol)
Happy belated birthday Jennifer! You always look so fashionable and hate to try and improve one of your curated outfits. I think what may be off is too much of all the same color. Monochromatic works well except with the denim. Maybe white sneakers or luggage brown shoes and purse and white tee would help. I think a shorter jacket would enhance your gorgeous figure. Key is that you feel good and confident. That is what matters! .
Thanks so much Cheryl
Happy Birthday, I’m glad it turned out ok in the end.
If it were me I would wear a white tee shirt and white tennis shoes, a long ish necklace and a broach on the jacket. BUT, that’s just me, I think you always look great. That’s just another option.
The other thing I would try is to not have everything the same color unless they were exactly the same or vastly different. 🤷♀️
Many thanks Beth
Jennifer,
I have never heard the all denim look referred as the Canadian Tuxedo, it’s always the Tennessee Tuxedo. Funny how these things get started.
Your daughter has good taste, love the chandelier with the table and chairs. I like a collected look for my house, I buy what I love, and it all works.
Love your blog.
Nancy T.
Those chairs are fabulous. I especially like them with the table in the same tone but different styles. I like your Canadian tuxedo. It might seem off because the loose blue tee and pants are too similar. A crisper top or shirt in another color or print would look better by giving it some contrast.
Hi Jennifer,
Happy birthday! Every birthday you have and every day you wake up is a good day, with or without chocolate, but mostly with!
I am wondering if the denim jacket might be too big for the look? Or if perhaps a less relaxed jean with the jacket would give the look a little more oomph?
Thanks Tessie
Happy Birthday and love your stories…..life.
I read some of the comments and I’m going to suggest a simple black tee (instead of white) to offset the blue denim and a pair of black sandles/flats (if you wanted really casual, then black sneaks), black purse and some silver jewelry and layer the jewelry on even for daytime.
I never heard the term Canadian tuxedo until I moved to California from NY 7 years ago; I think denim on denim is more of a north west thing. I agree that there is too much blue but I think the proportions are all off. The pants are too baggy and the jacket not fitted. Since you asked, I will comment on the sneakers. I just bought my 13 year old granddaughter the same style. My choice would be a neutral color in a comfy slip on. I’m 74 living in Southern California and never wear denim like this; one piece at a time is better.
A few thoughts on the denim tuxedo, I like a matching tone top with a jacket, so maybe white jeans would have given the outfit a bit more pop. And I love the shoulder bag, so my other thought was to cowboy(girl) up and add a small neck scarf, perhaps a different tee, maybe more of a bootcut jean, and leather belt and or shoes. Sounds more like a fall outfit! And if you needed a more casual sport or boating outfit, throw a striped sweater over your shoulders and bring the jacket if it cools down! Hmmm, I may have to try some of these lol!!
Happy Belated Birthday, sending healing thoughts your way!
Thank you Laura!
Outfit looks nice, but maybe a different color of tee. Also, love your daughters area rug.
I am really enjoying your emails! I found you wandering the interwebs. I have shared your newsletter with a friend, who really appreciates you featuring direct links to the fashion websites.
Your Canadian tuxedo jacket might be too long?
Good luck with the facial recovery!
Welcome Liz, and thanks!