Weekend Reading 07.26.25
Happy Saturday, ladies. It’s been a quiet week on the blog with fewer posts than usual, but I still wanted to update you with what’s on my radar.
For our flight back to Vancouver yesterday, I bought a stack of new fashion magazines and thoroughly enjoyed them! It’s been years since I bought one, so it was fun to rediscover that some are actually pretty interesting.
I always carry AirPods to drown out the mostly obnoxious chatter aboard, eye drops for dry eyes, and hand cream for my dry hands. This body butter hand cream smells so yummy that the lady sitting next to me asked if she could take a photo of the tube to order some. I did her one better… and gave her a dab to try.
On my radar:
*Sinus update – The doctor I saw a few weeks ago was incorrect when he said TMJ was causing my ear and upper teeth pain. My dentist at home ruled that out, and then my primary care doctor discovered I have a blocked Eustachian tube. It’s not anything dangerous, but it’s uncomfortable, so she’s got me on several nose sprays, decongestant, and allergy meds.
She also thinks I have a deviated septum! I asked if that meant I would need a nose job, which she howled at and confirmed could be fixed with minor surgery without altering the appearance of my face.
*Polished-looking travel outfits- I wore a ponte knit blazer with a leopard print blouse tucked into dark, unfaded black jeans, a belt, and ballet flats yesterday. All of a sudden, I loved the feel of being slightly more elevated than sneakers and faded jeans. Our flights back and forth are less than 2 hours, and most people are dressed way down. I’ve noticed myself slipping into more casual looks with each trip, so the knit blazer and real shoes were enough to elevate my appearance, but more importantly, how I felt.
Bestsellers with AWSL readers:
- These cool spiral earrings were a big hit this week.
- This cropped linen cardigan was very popular with you ladies this week. I’t a fabulous shape and so useful for summer.
- Many of you also added this great quilted bag to your wardrobe. I love mine, and you can’t beat the price!
- This essential summer tee was the sleeper of the week and such a great buy. It comes in over 30 colors.
- This Liquid Powder Eye Tint landed in many of your carts. I love mine!
Weekend Sales:
Talbots still has an extra 60% off sale, so if you’ve just spilled iced coffee on your white jeans or need to freshen up your tee collection, it’s well worth a look
J.Jill has an extra 40% off all sale styles. They also have a new collection with some beautiful pieces. If you love prints, this dress is a beauty. Here are a few more finds from the new collection, which has a fall vibe:
Nordstrom Anniversary sale is still on! Is it just me, or does it seem to get longer every year? Here are are few things that caught my eye,
J. Crew end-of-season sale is on with up to 70% off sale.
In case you missed it:
- Monday Musings on The Quiet Shifts That Stay With You
- My Favorite Lightweight Summer Sweaters
- Summer Finds At Kohl’s
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel fabulous!
Thank you so much for the J Jill sale alert! I was able to find the Botanical print poncho that I’d fallen hard for, but reluctantly walked away from, at the new amazing price of $42 instead of the original $100. It was a big score indeed, and my local store even had it in stock for me. It’s hanging out in my closet now, making new friends. 🙂 Also, after today’s second mention of the body butter hand cream, I jumped on board; can’t wait for it to arrive.
Fantastic Mary! Enjoy
Hi! I may have posted this before, but sometimes my comments don’t seem to show up(?). User error, no doubt! At the risk of repeating myself: One of my doctors assured me that the bacteria/virus removal efficiency rate of the HEPA filters used on airplanes is superb, at 99.993%. I believe that’s why most people no longer wear masks during flights, except for those with immunodeficiencies. However, it’s all the common touch surfaces in the airport that could be a concern. As long as you are aware of that and either wash hands and/or use sanitizer, you’re doing all you can.
My husband had surgery for a deviated septum many years ago. He slept much better afterward and snored much less which was a bonus for me!
Hi Jennifer – I love that ponte blazer and am considering it in black (on sale). How’s the fit? Your normal size with room for a light shirt underneath?
Tks for all your work on the blog – you are lucky to be able to move between the US and Canada! My husband is a dual citizen, and for now, we are not visiting our friends/family in California but sure hoping they will take advantage and come here!
It fits true to size for me.
I so enjoy reading your blog-
I appreciate that you mask on flights, I do the same as I’d like to stay healthy!
My daughter lives in S Korea. They have stores specializing in fashionable masks which have a huge range in all colors and prints. They are the only ones I wear.
I took a look to see if they are available in the US, no quick hits but I will let you know what I find out.
Please do!
I love ballet flats for a comfortable polished look. I do put orthotic inserts in the ones that have no support. We try to wear masks when flying though keeping them on can be tricky, Especially on longer flights where one needs to eat and drink. Just like you we make sure to have every vaccine available and up to date. Here Safeway pharmacy is easy to walk in, no appointment needed and you get %
10 discount coupon to use anytime. So convenient. FYI Kaiser patients cannot use this service unfortunately.
I hope your sinus/ear infection clears up they can be very painful.
I’m sure my comment will not be a popular one, but before Covid no one would have ever considered wearing a mask because she or he had a cold. I have no problem if someone wants to wear a mask to protect themselves, but don’t expect me to wear one. Besides that, a cloth mask provides very little protection against cold germs; only a KN95 mask does that.
Of course it is up to our personal preference. Prior to Covid I recall seeing many Asian passengers wearing masks both through the airport and on flights.
Actually, masks have been commonplace in many countries for many years to prevent the spread of illness. Why wouldn’t people do all they can to protect themselves and others – everyone I know who is getting sick gets ill after flying (flu, colds, covid).Such a small gesture/sacrifice to do everything we can to keep people healthy.
I agree. I wear mine when I know I’m ill, plus I know wearing one reminds me not to touch my nose and mouth.
My dental hygienist was wearing a mask even out at the desk. That was to protect both of us I guess. I ordered a large box of black masks from Amazon. They have lasted three years! My husband wears a mask while grocery shopping. You do want them to fit your face. Otherwise, those pesky pathogens can get out or into your face area. I told you that I purchased five tees to replace old ones and got a pair of Skechers slip ins for my husband in navy. He loves his grey ones and wears all the time in the house. He wears his Brooks sneakers when going out of the house. As keeping the floors clean is my chore to do, I appreciate him not bringing in outside dirt. We have a little dog who has a power doggie door to go into our backyard, so it is a moot point. Thank you again for the links to the Kohls sale.
In regard to the blocked eustachian tube, I have had similar symptoms. When my Doc ruled out infection and any other poss problems–it took a bit of trial and error, but what we found worked really well was very simple. Take a q-tip and put a small amount of OTC steroid cream on it and VERY carefully and gently place it in the ear canal. It worked fairly quickly for me. Just an FYI.
Wow! I’ll try it
I always enjoy your posts! Thanks for all the tidbits today. That cashmere scarf looks like it might be great for travel! And I still love reading fashion magazines (and my favorite Real Simple) … especially on road trips. Your travel outfit sounds lovely. Be well and keep having fun!
We just flew to & from Maui. Very few folks wore masks. The only times I’ve gotten Covid were in crowded Hawaiian airports. So I wore my mask when people were crowded in the boarding lines. What would it hurt? I took it off during the flight, but would have worn it if I’d heard any coughing.
The Talbots sale is fantastic. I scored on a window pane checked sweater set that I have had my eye on for some time. Full price was over $200. But with all the promotions I paid $38. They are heavy, so won’t be wearing until fall through early spring here in the PNW. The Chanel style will be perfect with denim and classic trousers and skirts. I am quite thrilled, even if I have to wait for the cooler weather!
I feel your pain! My ears don’t pop when I fly, so even though I use ear plugs on the plane I often have ear pressure for weeks when I land. I use Sudafed continuously until they clear, but it’s annoying to have limited hearing. Like you, I was diagnosed with a deviated septum and had surgery. It helped quite a bit, so I hope it will be successful for you! Interestingly, I’ve seen a new doctor who corrects nose related problems with a balloon procedure instead of the usual surgery. It was very successful on my daughter’s sinus problems without the need for all of the packing, etc. good luck!
Interesting! I can ask about that.
My surgery for my deviated septum changed my quality of life 1000%, and I would recommend it to anyone who has one. I suppose it differs for everyone’s situation, but I wouldn’t say it is ‘minor’ surgery- full anesthesia and pretty gory, and a rough recovery. Also, it definitely changed the shape of my nose and hence, the appearance of my face- and mine wasn’t severe. But still, it was worth it- just keep fact-gathering, and good luck!
Oh wow. I’ll do more reading about it.
Since I am a sports fanatic and attended many college basketball games during the “after” Covid period. i saw many coaches wearing these masks. I got a couple and I was amazed. They were not nearly as stifling as many other masks but did the job. They come in black, white pink and also come in an opaque version if required by your airlines. They also come in 4 different sizes to help with the fit. https://store.helmetfitting.com/product/active-mask/
Thanks Andrea
Hopefully your doc gets you on the long term path to feeling great! Sinus/ear/tooth pain is just awful. Wish you well. Your outfit for the plane had to look so elevated. Nicely done!
Thanks so much for creating this blog- it’s helped me find my way with fashion as I inevitably age.
Thank you for today’s post, you inspired me to log onto my local library s e-magazine site and read a few magazines myself!
Enjoy!
Thanks for all your thoughtful and inspiring content. I too wear a mask when flying and don’t think I will ever stop. I have been on so many flights with people coughing and sneezing and do not want to arrive on vacations or family visits sick with anything. If only the people who are sick would have the courtesy to mask up!!!
Personal choice allows us to all do our thing. I’m sticking with masks too.
Bon weekend! I’m still team mask on planes! I don’t care what anyone thinks. (Gen X translation: IDGAF). Between that and regular hand washing at the gym after workouts, I haven’t been sick since 2023! As for traveling with a more elevated look, I do think you get better service. I wish ballet flats were comfy enough for me to wear in an airport situation. Loafers are. But I’m usually in sneakers because they are the bulkiest shoe I’m bringing.
Happy Weekend Shari! I’m with you and the hand sanitizer. I use it all the time. If I wasn’t going back and forth between my own closets I’d always be in my bulkiest shoes too which are often sneakers or boots.