Weekend Reading 06.28.25
It promises to finally be a sunny weekend here, so we plan to get out on the water and check out the new sail my husband had made for our boat. I still haven’t decided if I will watch from the dock, or risk seasickness and go aboard. It’s the sort of decision I make in the moment. I’m not a brave sailor, I get violently seasick and frankly, I just dislike the water. My husband likes to joke that the only boats I like are the ones I can drive my car onto…and he’s not that far off.

We ambled over to the other side of town for dinner at Nightingales last night. It’s a casual place, but I was still disapppinted to see that a few men were wearing tee shirts. My husband thinks I’m a nut (I am), but a collarless cotton tee shirt doesn’t seem that different than an undershirt to me, which I consider a bit underdressed for dinner in the city on a Friday night. I am old fashioned, but come on people…stepping it up a notch is a nice thing to do,
On my radar:
- I’d really like to add an eyelet top to my summer wardrobe. Since I’m not sure I’ll feel like myself in it, I know I should only look at very affordable options. The problem with that is that if the quality is lousy, I won’t like it because of the shoddy fabric. I’m not the type to wear something that looks sweet, so the style needs to be very simple too. Many seem to have a puff at the top of the sleeve, which looks silly on me, so there is that, too. This sounds like a taller and taller order by the moment 🙄. I’ll keep you posted.
- Currently eyeing this pretty, ultralight cotton scarf. I miss wearing scarves in the hot weather, so the breezier the fabric, the better.
- I’m seeing more and more hair clips like this…right after I got my hair cut.
- It’s funny how a trend sneaks up on you. I began seeing fish pendants in the spring, and now they’re everywhere! They symbolize good luck and is associated with prosperity. I used to own a pair of silver fish earrings that I’ve long since lost, and wish I still had. I’m not prepared to invest much in this trend, but am toying with trying it. There are some amazing gorgous ones and the price reflects it. This Koi one actually has sapphire eyes!
- Listening to this book on Audible and thinking seriosuly about upping my probiotic game.
Bestsellers this week:
- These Talbots crops were a huge bestseller this week. They come in several colors and look like a great summer staple.
- Many of you loved and ordered this animal print bungee dress. I have it in black and love it.
- My Ecco Flowt sandals have been very popular and I know you’ll love them…my feet sure do!
- This J.Jill striped tee dress is on it’s way to many of you and I can see why.
Sale highlights:
TALBOTS – Tops & crops starting at $29.50, and 40% off the rest of your full-price purchase.
KOHLS – Earn $10 Kohl’s Cash on every $50 you spend, clothing specials starting at $6.99 and 50% off select beauty.
LANDS’ END – Up to 70% off clearance and up to 50% off everything else.
J.CREW FACTORY – 40%-70% off everything.
CHICO’S – 40% off 2 or more full-price items.
NORDSTROM – The Anniversary Sale is coming soon, and the preview has started so I rounded up some of my favorite picks so far.
In case you missed it:
- Best Comfy Shoes for Summer
- Summer try-on from Chicos.
- The best color shoes to wear with navy pants.
- How to Wear A Sleeveless Dress…Even when you don’t love your arms
Have a great weekend and be sure to do something nice for yourself.

I also have thin hair and decided to grow out the layers to one length. It does lay a bit flatter, however I have more versatility in my styles. When I want a fuller style I just have to add more product. I hope that you enjoy your new hair style.
I’m really enjoying your posts this season. So many great pointers and options. Love your new hair style- very becoming on you! I love eyelet and have many pieces. If you’re skeptical, try a partial eyelet pattern on the sleeves or yoke of a top or a tank you can wear under a blouse or sweater. Many manufacturers are offering more options this year. Land End has several styles and also offers a very cute swim coverup that is a maxi shirt dress.
That’s what I’m thinking and maybe in a deeper shade.
Love the hair! My sister in law turned me on to a hair appliance that I could now never live without. It’s called LeVolume, by L’ange. It is absolutely life changing for adding volume to simple straight haircuts. I totally agree with your assessment of dressing for a night out. It seems you can’t really go anywhere without seeing people in jeans and t-shirts.
I will check that out! Thanks
Hi Jennifer, I really enjoy your emails and find a lot of good advice in them. However, I apologize, but I must respectfully disagree with you being irritated because someone in the restaurant is “underdressed”. I want to put things into perspective hopefully. I lost my husband suddenly four months ago and we loved to go out for dinner and enjoy each other’s company over a shared meal. What I wouldn’t give to have him here, being in a restaurant, surrounded by people who are just enjoying their time out with loved ones. Please cherish the moments you are able to spend with your husband and family and don’t let what people are wearing bother you. Thank you for reading. Monica
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband Monica! Sending my condolences and prayers.
On second thought, since the sleeves in the Ann Taylor top are a little puffy, perhaps check out the Denim Eyelet Jacket in ivory via Loft. Not a puff in sight! 🙂
We met friends at a nice restaurant just last night. A young man in his 20s was just ahead of us, but he stepped aside and held the door open. Also, he was wearing a baseball cap and I was amazed to see him remove it the moment he went through the door. Cheers for good manners!
I’m so with you on no puffed sleeves. Perhaps have a look at the Eyelet Triple Tie Blouse on the Ann Taylor site… I’m thinking it might suit you.
I love to see young poeple with good manners.
Love your haircut and color! So agree about men in tee shirts unless mowing the lawn. A beach look belongs on the beach. I can’t wear red or black. I look like my blood was all just drained by a vampire. Not a boat person either. Even ferries with my car on it make me queasy. Good luck on your husband’s sailboat. I’m sure that you want to share this with him.
We’re so similar!
I wish I had ‘sea legs’ however having an inner ear disorder (Meniere’s Disease) I get seasick just floating around in a swimming pool device …. lol! As to an eyelet top, you may wish to check out Sézane or Zara who carry various styles that are reasonably priced and on the whole have an acceptable quality. Also on the subject of tops, agree with you about men and their t-shirts however do not mind them so much if they have a woven pattern and are of quality workmanship. Last but not least; regarding your all one length hair cut I think you will find it will not only prove to be easier to style but will give you more options. With that said; for ideas you may want to check out YouTube. i.e. : Change the postion or type of the part , use a selection of hair clips or fasteners, use of hair products for a different look. -Brenda-
Great ideas Brenda! Have a great weekend.
Hi Jennifer. Check out the embroidered eyelet button down top at Chico’s. It’s on the shorter side but not overly so, and it’s not a frilly top, which I don’t love either. It seems that eyelet is very big this summer!
It looks very nice! I will try it on
Are you in California or Canada? I do notice a difference in the degree of casual between the two.
I’m in Canada right now.
Hello Jennifer
We just got back from visiting friends in your California area( El Dorado Hills). Lovely but warm. My 2 linen dresses both as it happens from Chico’s came in very handy. They kept me cool and comfortable. They must be a blend because they stayed relatively wrinkle free. And the little linen sweater Chico’s has was the perfect wrap.
I am sorry you get seasick. I suffer from that affliction as well, thanks Dad. We use a scopolamine patch and have had good luck with it. I know it’s not for everyone. But if you haven’t tried it you might ask your physician about it.
Thanks for the tips. Have a great week.
I do use a scopolamine patch for when we cruise but I hate to use it for a 3 hour sail. Chico’s linen is terrific!