Weekend Reading 07.19.25
This is what I wore to dinner one of the evenings we were in Bellevue to check out the Nsale. It must have been the second evening there, because I’m wearing sneakers I bought while I was shopping at Nordstrom.
The weather hadn’t warmed up yet, so this cardigan was perfect for the in-between temperature. I’ve spotted a lot of these open knits this summer in both pullovers and cardigans.
On my radar:
Style has never been a fixed thing for me, and lately, I feel it shifting again. I’m craving clothes that still feel classic but have something a little more creative going on. Not quirky or loud, just interesting and different. A well-placed detail, an unexpected shape, a little softness in the fabric.
Full-on classic can feel too buttoned-up for my taste. I admire it, but I get bored quickly. Right now, I’m looking for simple shapes with some flow or drape, in colors that flatter my complexion and give that soft, understated elegance I always come back to. It’s hard for me to put my finger on, but I’ll know it when I see it.
I’ve started with Eileen Fisher, who often nails that balance of clean lines, soft structure, and just enough creative edge. Madewell surprised me with a few pieces that feel more grown-up and thoughtfully designed than I expected. I’m also keeping tabs on smaller online retailers that lean into modern, interesting classics with a twist. Boutiques are usually where I find the most interesting options, but they’re few and far between where I live. I’m not leaning into boho, but there may be some subtle touches that speak to me. This is truly a work in progress, and if you’re interested, I’ll share what I find.
Bestsellers of the week:
- My yummy new hand cream, which I shared in my email, was a huge bestseller this week. If you haven’t signed up for our emails, you can join us here.
- This J. Jill’s gauze top is on its way to many readers as well. The color is just smashing.
- Many readers agreed that this Tuckernut dress is a winner for summer!
- These pull-on gauze shorts were the sleeper of the week and landed in many of your carts.
- The cardigan I’m wearing above was hands down the biggest seller of the week!
Weekend Sales:
CHICOS – Up to 70% off.
EILEEN FISHER – New items added to their sale section.
J.JILL – 30% off dresses, and new sale items added.
TALBOTS – 50% off tops, and 40% off markdowns.
TUCKERNUCK – They have some great new arrivals.
In case you missed it:
- My most popular Monday Musings in years!
- The most comfortable sandals I’ve tried this summer.
- More shorts and some favorite finds from the Talbots Red Door Sale.
- Makeup mistakes to avoid over 60.
- My Favorite Quince Finds I’m Wearing A Lot This Summer
Have a great weekend and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident and brings you delight.
Hi Jennifer,
I live in New Zealand, and it is winter here. My style is casual, I have worn a uniform all my working life. I don’t buy online, but I do enjoy your blog posts. Thank you for having the time and energy in this busy world, to share your knowledge. Kind regards, Colleen
Just want to say thank you for your insight and honest comments. As I’m in Canada, not able to purchase the majority of the items right now, but really appreciate the ideas and all your comments.
Love your blog. So relatable. What you wore for dinner is great. Gives me good ideas. Thank you
As always thank you. Several years ago I went through a change of what I wanted to wear, mostly because I stopped caring what I thought other people were thinking about me or what I was wearing. Very freeing! And, I started to get more compliments on my clothing.
I have two questions: 1. What do you do with the clothing that you no longer wear? Where I live there are no resell (consignment or just donating the clothing) for what I consider my middle of the road clothes – Talbots, JJill, JCrew Factory etc. A church thrift shop returned quite a few items I had dropped off saying that these are not the type of clothes that women look for when they come to their shop. I prefer not to drop of clothes at Goodwill or Salvation Army as they are piled outside and too often just put on pallets and sold to other countries. Thank you
I try to donate mine to a battered women shelter and you could also try Dress For Success.
Hi Jennifer,
I completely understand how AI is taking over everything we see and hear these days. AI can’t tell how fabrics feel or how they drape across the body. I enjoy all the information and your personal experience with the various products.
Love what you wrote today. You are so articulate and obviously it comes from a place of caring and integrity. Your social media presence and your email/blog are always so authentic and filled with such insightful, realistic and inspiring suggestions and info. Thanks for all you do!
I for one am always interested in you sharing your fashion exploration and finds with us! My style may not dovetail perfectly every time with yours, but that’s individuality, right? I have to say that you’ve turned me on to some great finds! As several of the other readers have said, I look forward to your blog every morning, and if I don’t have time to peruse it first thing, I always leave it in my inbox until I have a moment. I also have stopped following several other blogs as they didn’t speak to me, but you, Jennifer, are here to stay with me! I’ve also passed your blog along to friends who are also enjoying it very much. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you so much for sharing my blog! I really appreciate it.
Catherine summed up my feelings exactly! I start the day with my coffee and your post. I love your sense of humor….I’ve laughed out loud which is a good way to start the day.
I’m searching for a new style or maybe I’m just trying to revamp. I really don’t know but I do know I’ll find help, inspiration and ideas here…from you and this community.
Thanks so much, Jennifer.
It’s a richer experience when we share the journey!
I have been following you for about a year. I would have described my style profile as similar to yours and in the past year have used your suggestions to edit and define myself BUT you have also given me the courage to try some new things I would never have chosen. My favorite item of the whole summer has been a J Crew horizontal striped midi dress I purchased after seeing you in a similar striped dress. Not to elaborate but I am not a size S and thought head to toe stripes were a never wear.
I am also really looking forward to your classics with a twist.
Catherine said it best. My thoughts exactly. You are my inspiration every time I look in my closet to dress for the day. I have a modest budget but like clothes that last. I’m fortunate that I live in a rural mountain town in Colorado so casual rules the day. I’m still in a gauze top and knit pull on shorts as it seems to be staying in the 90s here. You are much younger than I am but I love your style. I can’t wear black or red, blue is my favorite color. My hair has more white in my blonde now so denim is my friend once it cools down in October. I have a favorite chambray button down shirt that I throw on over my thin top to keep my arms warm in the ac. You have gotten me into wearing these shirts as a top layer. Your influence has several linen pull on pants in my closet now. I like to switch into them in the hot afternoon when the sun is baking our house and the ac is roaring. I sure hope you are feeling better from your nasty summer cold. You are a dear virtual but real friend. I’m here every day and I love the community of commenters as well.
I’m so glad you’re part of our community!
Thanks for putting together such a thoughtful blog. I look forward to reading it everyday, wouldn’t miss it. 🌸