Weekend Reading 01.24.26
Happy Saturday, ladies. I’m officially tired of wearing the same pair of sneakers every day, but right now I’m more focused on letting my feet recover than forcing the issue.
I had a cortisone shot at my podiatry appointment this week. It hasn’t kicked in yet, so shoes with stiff soles and a roomy toe box are still the order of the day.
The appointment raised a few questions, so I’ve lined up a second opinion. In the meantime, I’m making a few smart adjustments, protecting what needs it, and keeping things feeling pulled together. I’ve ordered some new stiff sneakers with roomy toe boxes to give myself a little variety. I’ve also ordered some longer, wide-leg pants which are an easy way to balance a chunkier shoe.
Bestsellers of the week: What you loved most
- This four-leaf clover doormat, which is on its way to brightening the door to my back patio.
- This special French Coin replica pendant necklace. It makes a beautiful statement on even a simple tee.
- This Talbots cardigan was very popular again this week. It’s a great basic staple for spring.
- I was delighted to see so many readers loved and ordered this pretty little ring. I’m a big fan of Monica Vinader and have a few of her pieces. I just added these to my cart. Their delicate color and organic shape are so pretty. The rack is a dangerous and favorite place for me to peruse 🙂
- This is a geniously designed, anti-button-gap shirt. I have it in white and love its design.
- My Eileen Fisher vest is selling out fast because it’s heavily discounted. Sizes are still available in all colors.
Picks from the weekend sales:
EILEEN FISHER’s End of Season Sale is heavily discounting past-season styles before the entire new collections arrive. While going through end-of-season sales, I always think ahead to next season and the year after. That’s how I snag great deals!
- I had my eye on these amazing booties, but they sold out in my size…that’s the hazard of waiting for a sale.
- This organic cotton and alpaca poncho looks fabulous for milder winters and spring ahead…as well as next fall.
- I have this organic linen/cotton cardigan, and it’s perfect for the upcoming summer.
NORDSTROM’S new markdowns are a smart place to shop. Their great customer service, free shipping, and returns remove any worry that something won’t work for you.
- My Frame Le Sleek straight-leg jeans are heavily discounted across several washes. These are a great, classic pair of jeans. Dark wash is trending for spring, so the Tribute wash is a great look.
- This Caslon ruffle top I tried during my last try-on is also marked down.
- They also have some amazing deals on cashmere, which is wearable now and next year.
SOMA has all bras on sale- 3 for $99 plus buy one get one 50% off shapewear, and panties at 5 for $39.
TALBOTS Red Door Sale is still going strong. If you love Talbots, and many in this community do, this is your sale!
- The flare-leg corduroy pants are a very flattering fit and come back each fall, so they’re a smart buy.
- My ribbed turtleneck is also part of the sale and a basic I wear year after year. I have black, and it comes in 8 other colors. The color-matched buttons on the sleeve give it a sense of elevation and intention.
- This embroidered denim shirt jacket will be great for spring.
In case you missed it:
- Monday musings on comfort and clarity
- Dressing for your current weight
- The best petite clothing brands to shop
- Elevated classics try-on at Chico’s
Have a wonderful weekend and do something special for yourself…we all deserve it.
I really like the outfit in your photo. The jacket, scarf, over the top and pants look so pulled together. You give such helpful advice and inspiration to us all.
Thank you
Jennifer you look stunning in the photo you posted today! Really gorgeous in those gray’s.
Thank you Kate!
Hi
I also have foot problems. I am currently trying laser treatment on my heel and my neuroma. Hopeful! My Dr. wants me to try Brooks ghost max. I currently wear the ghost and glycerin which have wide toe boxes. Work pretty well with custom orthotics.
I love your outfit today & your hair looks fabulous! Those EF vests are such a great price, I ordered 2! Can’t wait for them to get here.
I have kind of a silly question. How do you go about getting a 2nd opinion? If no one has given you a recommendation, do you ask your doc? Just pick someone at random? You’d think I’d know by my 75th year. I know I’m fortunate to never have needed a 2nd opinion before.
I ask my primary for a referral.
I’m all about foot comfort, even if it means wearing a certain pair of shoes on repeat. Wonderful suggestions from your readers in the comments section too. Next week if it’s warmer, I’m going to a local athletic specialty shoe store (Dick Pond Athletics) that carry a few styles mentioned.
This community has the best recommendations!
Have had foot issues since my 20’s. Orthotics, bunion surgery, some years great, some not so. I love to see great outfits and struggle trying to get my Brooks sneakers with orthotics to conform to my ideas of great outfits, but in the end, I want to walk, move without pain, and be in my life. Coming to terms with giving up the perfect shoes with an outfit idea and accepting being 74. Our feet, just like our faces, show a life well-lived!
Always enjoy your weekend posts. Thanks for the roundup.
Happy Saturday Audrey
Your specialist should order X-rays and possibly an MRI to make sure of what your problem is in your foot. You mentioned that even the sheets hurt you. I put a pillow at the foot of the bed under the covers to keep my feet flat and keep pressure off my toes. Maybe that would help.
Great idea!!
I have a Lagos bracelet and pair of earrings and love both. I liked your posting on less expensive jewelry similar to Lagos. I bought the Le Calla silver rectangular earrings on Amazon and love them. Thank you.
Jennifer, your hair looks amazing. So full now! What do you think made the difference? I know one of our biggest fears is thinning hair. I always had above shoulder hair. I now wear beyond shoulder length hair that looking at pictures, makes me look younger. Seeing more hair in my brush and hoping only a cycle that will pass.
I’ve let the layers grow in a bit and have gone back to my Velcro rollers each morning.
After having an ankle fusion and a mid foot fusion from injuries from car accident, I wore Propet shoes, their TravelActive line. They were really comfortable, especially the Mary Jane styles. They started as an orthopedic line so some styles are pretty ortho looking. You can get them at Nordstrom, Amazon and at their site.
Thanks Jan
Hi Jennifer, a second opinion is best. I suffered from plantar fasciitis for years. A relative suggested I see the specialist after I continued to have issues despite my treatments with the podiatrist. I finally sought a second opinion with a foot and ankle specialist to learn through MRI imaging that the plantar tendon had ruptured. It was the best thing I could have done. After I had surgery and recovered, I was back to my regular activities with continued safeguards the surgeon’s treatment team provided. Best wishes on a full resolution.
Wow, so glad you had the MRI. I’m going to ask for one. Thank you.
Jennifer, Not the same, but just a thought. For me it is my knee. Cortisone shot didn’t work, so I had one gel followed by three PRP (platelet rich plasma) procedures. That has helped significantly. As for my feet….well, I have now resorted to buying shoes a full size larger now that I’m in my 60s! 🙁
Jennifer, I hope you get some relief! Some other wide toe box sneakers that I love are NB 574 (all day walking), Gola (low profile), Saucony (Ride for walking, Jazz for fashion/old school like the Rag and Bone), Adidas Stan Smith (look @ Euro sizing on Adidas to get it right, sime are unisex), Adidas Gazelle (note they have a longer tongue; I have to wear mine with taller socks). There is an Adidas SL-72 that people love, haven’t tried. There is no shame in wearing the same shoes if you’re comfortable, to a point…after my mom passed we found 20+pairs of her favorite shoes in every color combo imaginable! 😌
Thank you Shari! Your mom sounds cool.
I must have missed it, Jennifer, but what foot ailment are you dealing with? Did it have anything to do with your return to ballet class?
I put off surgery for Hallus Rigidus for too long and the arthritis has seriously deformed my joint.
Hang in there, Jennifer. Second opinions are always a great bet for sure.
You Are a great example for dressing yourself and your body the way things are today.
My mother had a saying of ‘just adjust’.
You certainly do and are a great inspiration to us.
I have had the same issue you have with my toe and right foot. I had injections until they no longer worked, wore orthotics at times and various other contraptions. At 78 I realize I probably should have had surgery years ago. Fortunately it has not gotten worse but it rarely stops hurting. The best thing for me is to use Vitality balm/Aches and Pains. It really does help! I hope you can find something which will help you. Would love to hear!
I will keep you posted. At this point even the sheets hurt it.
My orthopedic foot specialist recommends wide toe box shoes with a zero drop…Altra sneakers and LEMS shoes. LEMS shoes have to be ordered online but they have lots of different styles and great customer service. They even recommend ordering multiple sizes and returning what doesnt work. I ended up sizing 1/2 size up. I have slippers, slip on casual shoes, and hiker/sneakers and love them all!
Thank you. I’ll check them out online. I am ordering 1/2 size up these days in almost all my shoes. Ugh
Loved your outfit and your blog !!