Monday Musings: Barrels, Roses, and Books
I’ve been thinking about how much fashion we’re all expected to absorb now. Open your inbox or scroll for five minutes, and suddenly a pair of pants you never wanted is following you around the internet like a bad penny.
In my job as a blogger, I’m exposed to more of it than most. That’s part of the work, of course, but it also explains why my eye occasionally starts to go a little numb.
Barrel jeans are my current example.
The first few times I saw them, I knew they weren’t right for me. Too rounded for my proportions, too casual for the direction my style has been moving. Then I kept seeing them everywhere, and after a while, they didn’t look wrong anymore. They just looked familiar. And familiar can be persuasive.
There’s a real difference between genuine interest and visual fatigue, and it’s worth knowing which one is doing the talking. A small pause helps. Would I want this if I hadn’t seen it everywhere? Does it work with the shoes I actually wear, not the ones in the inspiration photo? Does the silhouette support the proportions I know work for me? Is this the style direction I’m choosing, or just the loudest thing in the room right now?
Which, for the record, is exactly where I should have landed on barrel jeans. Instead, I bought a pair, wore them once, and confirmed everything I’d already figured out. The fit was exactly what it was supposed to be. That was the problem. Turns out ignoring your own questions is a very efficient way to end up with pants you don’t wear. Luckily I bought an inexpensive pair to try. And no, I’m not sharing a photo 🙂
I did also pick up a lantern jean, which is a much better fit for where my style is right now. It’s in the same general shape family, but it’s more subtle, and that difference matters more than I expected.
A New… Art TV
We recently bought our first TV in over a decade. Yes, a decade. We went with the Samsung Frame TV, which displays artwork when it’s not in use, so instead of a large black hole on the wall, you get a rotating gallery. We’ve been cycling through Monet and Van Gogh, and I can’t quite decide what I love most. I tend to prefer watercolors and the classics over modern art, but the jury is still out. Now to choose a frame!
Since we don’t watch much TV anyway, it suits us perfectly. On the actual watching front, we’re slowly making our way through Suits and loving every minute. We’re going to need something next, so please send suggestions. There’s a very good chance we haven’t seen anything you’ve watched and loved in the last decade or so.
A Little Tour of Chantecaille
Last week, my daughter and I went cosmetic shopping, which is how I came home with a small collection of Chantecaille. We went in just to look, and then we started swatching. I’ve been wearing their tinted moisturizer and Lip Chic Lipstick or years. It’s cruelty-free, and each sale supports animal conservation partnerships around the world, which makes the spending feel slightly more virtuous.
EYE SHADOW TRIO IN PURPLE
The surprise favorite was the Flamingo Eye Shade Palette, which we both bought. I don’t usually wear shimmer because too many formulas migrate south by lunchtime, leaving a festive stripe of glitter under my eyes and making me look a little more disco than I’m aiming for. This one somehow works. The tones run cool, and the shimmer reads polished rather than sparkly chaos.
I also picked up the Sheer Glow Rose Face Tint, which I’ve been mixing into my Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer. I never thought I’d voluntarily add shine to my face, but it doesn’t look glittery or greasy, just fresh in a very convincing way. And I repurchased the Rose de Mai Face Mist because I go through it happily. It’s the most hydrating spray I use, and it’s especially good when my skin is dry and the scent is heavenly, so it sits on my bedside table and I happily spritz away.
We also sampled the fragrances, which was dangerous. As you know, I’ve been looking for a new Rose fragrance this spring, so I was drawn to Darby Rose. It’s a fresh, feminine floral with a little warmth underneath. They gave us tiny samples to try, and I liked it so much, I ended up ordering it.
My daughter went straight for Frangipane, the sweeter, softer one, which suits her completely, but it seems to be selling out most places. On the lipstick front, she practically lives in Anemone, and I added Plum Blossom, a soft, muted berry-plum with enough depth to add some life to the face without feeling dark or dramatic.
Vanessa’s Latest Book Recommendation
Vanessa is a voracious reader, and her latest recommendation is 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand, which she gave five stars. She said it was heartbreaking and completely page-turning, and since it was her first Elin Hilderbrand novel, she wasn’t quite prepared to get pulled in that fast. She finished it in a weekend and spent part of that weekend googling vacation properties in Nantucket, which tells you everything.
The novel was inspired by the film Same Time, Next Year and follows Mallory and Jake, who begin a yearly Labor Day weekend tradition after meeting in Nantucket in 1993. What starts as a romantic escape becomes a decades-long relationship that unfolds one weekend at a time, even as their real lives continue on separate tracks. It’s a story about timing, longing, and the kind of love that leaves a mark, whether or not it fits neatly into a conventional life.
Meanwhile, I’m racing through Still Life. It’s book #1 of Louise Penny’s Inspector Armand Gamache series. I finished How The Light Gets In (number 9), and realized I wanted to work through them from the beginning so I could appreciate the character development.
Are there any Elin Hilderbrand fans here? We’d love to know which of her books are your favorites.
I like Elin’s books. She’s a graduate of the famous Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa.
I’ve read 8 of Elin Hilderbrand’s books. I loved Hotel Nantucket. Also The Perfect Couple that was made into a movie. The Five Star Weekend was also very good. She’s a great writer.
I’m have to read her. Thanks
I basically designed my kitchen around a frame tv. I love it. Although I let my art subscription expire and you have inspired me to renew it
I love Elin Hildebrand. I discovered her a few years ago and have read them all. The last thing I read is the companion short story to 28 Summers-I think it’s called The Last Wedding. Some of her books are parts of a trilogy (same characters) so that’s always fun. Characters do pop up from book to book, too. Just start reading-they are all so good!
Jennifer, I am laughing at myself and this post! After reading post I decided I needed a frame TV. We have 4 TV’s! Told my husband we needed to go and look at the new framed TV’s, he asked what I was reading. Guess its kinda like the bucket pants:).
Lol!!
Do you love the dresses in Suits? I adored the fashion and some pieces just took my breath away! I was so sad when I reached the end of the show 😢 Hope you are enjoying it!
The dresses are so creative. Yes I love the fashion.
I love Elin Hilderbrand! She’s one of those authors that when you see she has a new book, you get it without looking at the plot, cause you just know you will enjoy it! Love your post on visual fatigue. I never thought about this but you are so right.
I’m glad I’m not the only one.
My favourite Elin Hilderbrand novel is Silver Girl, followed closely by 28 Summers. I read them on the beach every summer!
Sounds perfect.
Repetition is so insidious – in fashion as you point out and in ads, politics, and social media. It sounds as if you are past this point, but cleaning a grill will help it last for years. And it’s therapeutic. I used to clean the cooktop burners when I was stuck with my studies b/c I could see tangible progress. Thanks for the cosmetics reminder. Elin Hildebrand is good beach reading, and, yes, she does make you want to go to Nantucket. Christmas there is supposed to be really special, but I’ve yet to get there then. Maybe next year?
We’ve scrubbed and scrubbed but it’s just a disaster. The grease is what gets me.
I was so glad to read this post and your reply — it is so true that repetition starts to become “truth” (not just in fashion) but it is only due to its prevalence and exposure. It is so easy to suspend careful thinking, to our detriment…from barrel pants to measles! Thanks to both of you for your gentle reminders!
One of our favorite shows is on the regular U Tube (the free one like you have on your phone). It is called The Mineful Narrowboater. It follows a lady and her yellow lab as she travels the canals in England and Wales. She loves nature so you see alot of scenery, birds , and flowers plus the towns she stops at. Think you will enjoy it.
That sounds so fun! They showed us how to watch You Tube on the frame TV. Thank you.
Jennifer – thanks for the recommendation (and sale info) on Opalex shampoo and conditioner at ULTA. I have a lot of grey throughout my brown locks. Although evenly distributed, my hair looks rather dull. I have tried other “blue/purple” products with no discernible difference.
I’ll be happy to report back on whether I see a difference!
It’s pretty intense on my hair! Please let me know.
I am reading the Shetland Series by Ann Cleeves. And Watching Murdoch Mysteries, set in Toronto during Victorian and Edwardian times. I agree with you about how tempting it is to follow certain trends despite listening to the inner voice of good sense in terms of of our own personal style!
How lucky to be just discovering Elin Hildebrandt! My favorites are Summer of 69 and the Winter Series, probably because I relate to the time period. I recommend reading her books in chronological order as so many background characters like the police chief and the owner of the organic farm and many of the families are background in many of the books and age as the books unfold. The one book I do not recommend is The Academy, the start of a new series written with her daughter. Too many reasons to list why I didn’t like. But the Nantucket books, I loved them all!
Great tip, thank you!
I didn’t realize there was an area to send a reply so I just sent you another email which I’ll repeat here:
I’d love to see your opinion about leggings, the ones we still have in our closet from a few years ago. I know newer yoga style pants are in style, but what about the older ones that we wear with tunics? I’m about to get rid of all of mine. Should I?
And, read all of the Louise Penny novels in order. They are wonderful. I also just finished an excellent historical fiction called Finding Margaret Fuller who is an unknown, but considered the mother of the feminist movement. Excellent novel.
Great tip Carol, thanks. Leggings are definitely past their prime. Narrow leg stretch pants have replaced them.
Jennifer, I so enjoy your writing and your wonderful sense of humor! In addition to everything else, the book recommendations are a terrific feature too. Vanessa’s choice of Elin Hilderbrand’s book 28 Summers has me intrigued. I’m a fan of Hilderbrand, and have read several, but I’d missed this one. Having lived a “Same Time, Next Year” type of experience myself for 9 years, (also beginning in the Summer of ’93!), I ordered the book just to see what happens. I eventually married my special person, so that was my “happy ending” for the past 45 years. I’m thinking this book might stir some interesting memories for me. Thank you!
That’s amazing!
I, too, love Louise Penny! And have been through all of her Gamache books in order. You’re correct, her character development is superb, and they’re well worth a re-read.
I’m really enjoying them.
If you are considering a BBQ I encourage you to look at the Weber Q series (1200 or 2800 depending on size you need). They come in cute colors. They are portable and you can buy a folding stand if necessary. They never go on sale but they work well and I think are attractive, functional and they last. We finally gave up on the mega size aluminum (?) ones as they were larger than we typically needed and the heat was uneven at best (so even if you had more grilling “space”, it wasn’t functional). We have been really pleased with these Weber models.
Great tip! What is it about men and gargantuan BBQs?
The lantern Jean look you posted was so good on you! High Style!
Thanks! I like lanterns. Eileen Fisher has been making them for years.
Enjoy the entire Gamache series, as I did!
You and your daughter are both beautiful! Glad that you share so much joy.
Marketing definitely affects our FOMO nerve. Perhaps there is a glimmer of hope that it works in favor for women over 50. I’ve read two articles that could be early indications that the fashion industry might finally recognize our purchasing power. One from Vogue highlighting that the over 55 crowd has a higher level of disposable income for clothes yet is a market largely ignored (duh!). The second a feature on Eileen Fisher’s new fall line that features a 60 y.o. model (along with LONGER tops and jackets. Hallelujah!!) Woudn’t it be wonderful to be bombarded with fashionable, graceful
mature women?
Yes it would. I’ve read several articles about this new trend of using older models. Finally!!
The Hotel Nantucket is probably my favorite of Elin Hilderbrand’s books!
Yay!