Weekend Reading 01.17.2026

This is me, Matcha tasting before starting my 14-day calcipotriol and 5-fluorouracil cream combination therapy to treat the actinic keratosis on my face. AKs are a prevalent precursor to squamous cell carcinoma…which I do not want! I was mostly concerned with the end of my nose, but since I was at it, I decided to retreat my left cheek and upper lip, which had tiny spots last time. Wowza! They really blossomed, so I’m glad I did it, but my face is not picture material just yet. I’ll share more later.
Bestsellers this Week: What Readers Loved Most:
- This navy blanket stitch cardigan from Chico’s was a huge best seller this week. I tried it on, and it’s lovely. I also spotted this blanket stitch cardigan at Talbots, and then this one at Nordstrom, then this one at Nordstrom Rack, and this one at TJ Maxx,…so clearly, blanket stitching seems to be popular this year. Hmm…
- This Vionic shearling mule was also super popular, so I must not be the only one here with feet that love a bit of pampering. You know I’m a huge fan of my shearling-lined Birks, but these are a much better price andare well known for their arch support.
- My favorite clean deodorant is on its way to many of AWSL readers this week, and I’m so happy you’re trying it. I use the No Green fragrance, and am slightly obsessed with the scent, but they make 6 others. It’s an Allure award winner that uses “live enzymes derived from vegetable fermentation and sustainably-sourced plant and mineral actives work to destroy odor-causing bacteria.”
- My fabulously comfy, Hoka Clifton 10 Sneakers are also bestsellers this week and my podiatrist was thrilled to see me walk in wearing them. I bought the Cosmic Grey / Stardust because my feet are already large enough and I don’t need a neon color highlighting them 🙂
- My stretch straight leg jeans from Eileen Fisher were a bestseller again this week. The petites are selling out fast (I prefer the regular inseam for myself), and they’re available in sizes up to 3X in 3 washes.
Highlights From The Weekend Sales:
- TALBOTS has a slew of new arrivals, plus their sale is still going strong. Here are a few new pieces that caught my eye:
- EILEEN FISHER end of season sale is on with up to 70% off. Their cashmere silk bliss sweaters are out of this world… and also very expensive, so scoring one on sale is a win/win. My long wool vest is marked way down, so I’m considering a second color. It’s surprisingly versatile and a great three-season outfit completer piece. This silk crepe blouse is amazing, and yes, I machine wash mine! I could go on and on… but you might want to have a peek because you can’t beat these prices for EF.
- CHICO’S has 25% off any full priced style plus up to 70% off markdowns and free shipping over $125.
- U BEAUTY is now at Sephora which is very convenient, but you can save 20% here with my code AWSL20 on their own site 🙂
In case you missed it:
- Monday Musings: Is The Algorithm Destroying Personal Style?
- Trying On New Spring Arrivals From Nordstrom
- Where to Shop Now: Best Places For Stylish Clothing
- How to Get the Lagos Jewelry Look For Less
- Best Clean Beauty Brands For Mature Skin
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.

I have loved that EF long vest since I tried it on last fall. Just couldn’t justify the price. But now, the price is great & I just ordered 2 colors!!
End of season sales are the best!
Hi Jennifer,
I don’t shop at Macy’s often but your comment about Donna Karen caught my eye. I noticed some of her clothing online and was impressed with the collection. The items looked classic and updated. I am going to make it a point to see what Macy’s carries in her line of clothing on my next shopping trip.
Sorry, I mean Mohs! The computer auto- corrects!
I like Macy’s for their Charter Club basics and Style and Co. A plus is free shipping with $25.00 minimum purchase. Very convenient for grandchildren gifts! I am in their Star Rewards Program. As for AK and Mona procedures, I am using Aquaphor for the healing process. Also like Aveenos Positively Radiant facial lotion with sunscreen. There is an equivalent at Wal-Mart.
Thanks for sharing your health treatments. Gives us all assurance that it’s best to get things taken care of and not be passive.
Your recommendations are great. I have the Talbots black zip cotton cardigan and like wearing it with ivory pants for a crisp look. The Talbots blue and white striped roll neck – I got it in 2 colors. My teen granddaughter put it on today and I had to ask her not to take it home! I haven’t even worn it yet, so I will get one for her in today’s sale. (It’s a compliment when your teen granddaughter covets your clothes!☺️)
It sure is! She has great taste.
Good luck with you treatment for AK on your face. It is so hard when we have to go somewhere with a bright red spot on our noses. I remember coming back from skiing many years ago with a bad sunburn on my nose. It even oozed! I’ve been keeping an eye on my nose ever since watching for signs of cancer. I’m 81 now and so far so good. I’m very fair like you are and believe me I protected my face after that experience. But even then I would come back with that telltale white raccoon eyes from my googles. The sun up here at altitude is very intense especially when you ski all day on reflective snow.
I have purchased a few things online from Macys. My DIL loves Macys and shops there all the time down in Tucson. I’m not aware of a store in Colorado Springs which is 50 miles away and the closest to me for in store shopping.
I was wondering. Every single pair of jeans I buy fit perfect when I first put them on but after wearing them for under an hour the waist seems to stretch out so much I have to pull them up constantly otherwise they fall down. I try wearing a belt but I find belts extremely uncomfortable especially when I need to go to the bathroom in a hurry. Perhaps it is the stretch fabric that the jeans are now made of, not really sure. HELP!!!!
Try 100% cotton jeans, and you may have beter luck. I wear this invisible belt which i hide under my tops.
Thank you very much and I just ordered the belt!!!
You’ll love it
It is interesting that everyone has some variation of the blanket stitch jacket, plus your vintage find also was dark outlined with white. For the not very adventurous shopper who buys most clothes from either the local Chicos or orders from Talbots, I’d be curious to see the differences in fits, etc. I see that the Chico’s version is an inch shorter, but I also thought it was kind of boxy. I’m thinking of ordering the Chico’s jacket and the striped blouse Talbots shows it with. Thank you, as usual, for making me slightly more adventurous!
I purchased one of the items in your choices from Talbots. I bought the tipped zip up cardigan in navy and white. It is just gorgeous! I love it. Now they are showing it in black and white. I think the navy and white is sold out.
I love Macy’s. One of the few places left with s petite section. It’s small but still there. I think the slippers and Hokas look great. Good luck with your treatment.
Our Nordstrom now has a petite section!
I’ll check Macys out further.
Happy weekend!
Same to you Pat!