Weekend Reading 08.16.25
We’re in for a rainy, misty weekend. It’s not cold, but it definitely feels like fall is in the air, so I’ll be heading to the yarn store today.
I’ve been running our cheesy electric fireplace for atmosphere, and I’m currently reading this. I knew it would take forever to wait to get it at the library, so I just sprang for it. Amy Odel writes a great biography.
On my radar:
- A new tote for the fall. I’ve been having a lot of trouble with my shoulder lately, and my physical therapist thinks my heavy tote bags could be to blame. To be fair, the bags aren’t heavy…I just fill them with too many essentials. I may need to go back to a handheld tote, which will take some getting used to. I know me, and if it has a shoulder strap, I will use it. So I need to either remove it or buy one without a shoulder strap. All ideas welcome!
- Trouser jeans. I’m seeing a lot of this shape for fall and find them very appealing. Most have finished hems and a polished appearance, which appeals to me now.
- Here’s another pair on my radar in petite. These are also in petite and look lovely. This one by Veronica Beard is marked way down at Nordstrom Rack! This pair has a fabulous wash (yes, in petite too). They look best when they’re fitted through the seat and hips, then widening to the leg. I can picture these with a nice blouse or cashmere sweater and booties for fall…maybe with a knit blazer. Hmmm…my wheels are turning.
- Soft shades of silver and blue are very appealing to me these days…like this amazing pearl necklace. Fall clothes usually lean heavily into warm-toned shades, which tend to suck the life out of my complexion, so it’s always a challenge.
- Ponte knit. It’s always been a favorite fabric, and this fall I plan to lean into it more. I love the stretch, soft structure, and drape of ponte. These trousers are in my cart in chalk, and so is this jacket in black, because I’ve worn my blue one repeatedly.
- A reader mentioned that she ordered this coat in Rye for an upcoming trip, and I realized it’s a perfect coat for me, so I ordered it. Thanks for the nudge. While I was at it, I spotted some amazing new colors that have just been released so I’ll be heading back to the store for a try-on next week.
Highlights from the Weekend Sale:
CHICOS – 40% off select items.
SOMA has all their bras for $30, 25% off sleep and apparel, up to 50% off dresses, 50% off swim, BOGO 50% sleepshirts. It’s all basically marked down so it’s a good time to update your sleepwear and lingerie drawer.
ANN TAYLOR has 25% off tops and sweaters, an extra 40% off the summer edit, and an extra 50% off sale items. If you love lace, this is the prettiest skirt.
EILEEN FISHER end of season sale is on, and it’s a great one!
TALBOTS – 30% off T by Talbots, pants and shorts starting at $24.99
In case you missed it:
- What I Wore Last Week- My Outfits in the Wild
- Early Fall Try-On From Loft
- U Beauty Review For Mature Skin
- J.Jill Dressing Room Try-On For Fall
Have a wonderful weekend and do something nice for yourself!
I have bursitis in my shoulder and have essential tremor in my hands so my answer, like others have said, is crossbody bags. I have a few sizes which makes it possible to carry what is needed for that day. But I must admit, I mostly use my smallest one. My normal daily needs are a small wallet, phone, keys and lipstick. And if I’m only out a couple hours, I don’t even need the lipstick!
Also, I look like I have the flu when I wear fall colors, so I know that this is a time of year I just don’t shop.
I had corrective surgery for scoliosis in 1980 and really have never been able to schlep ‘essentials’ in a tote bag…plus, I have narrow shoulders and they always slip off. A clutch for night and crossbody in the day keeps me outfitted enough. The boot of my car is hyper-organized with ‘just in case’ items…a rain coat and shoes, umbrella, snack, water bottles, first aid kit, sunscreen…It seems as though I’ll never get rid of the “diaper bag” 🙂 — ALSO – I now know my PERFECT size is the size of a piece of notebook paper, so when I’m shopping, I’m not distracted from my quest! Love your musings!
This is such a helpful post. I’ve ruin my right hand by carrying too heavy totes (not my shoulder)…so I don’t know what the answer is. Love the coat you bought…I think I need it!
It does come in petite 🙂
Yes, thanks for the tip on the Gwyneth bio. I love biographies done well and I hope it is on Audible! I wear Chicos trouser styled jeans jeans. I need a 28” inseam and they had it last year. Most of these jeans are 2-4 inches too long and I can’t shorten that type of hem. Good luck on all of your choices.
I’ve been through physical therapy once to correct a chronically bent forward right shoulder and I quit carrying shoulder bags at that point. Now I am weightlifting and my strong back muscles are keeping my shoulders back with much less effort. Most of the time I carry the small Longchamps Le Pliage as a satchel, but I don’t load it up too much! It’s fantastic if you need to load it up- kind of a Mary Poppins bag! Otherwise I use a crossbody bag.
I love all Longchamp bags. I’ve just starting doing some light weights so hopefully it will help.
Same issue here with a painful shoulder. Finally decided to give up the large bags and totes for a smaller crossbody bag and I love it. I do keep a tote in the car for “essentials “ that I no longer want to lug around, but want to have “just in case” (no, it’s never happened). You might checkout Rothy’s for great, lightweight bags. I wore their shoes for years and they’re made from recycled water bottles which is a win-win in my book.
Brilliant! I use to leave my tote in the car but gradually began carrying it, just in case. And as you say, I never need most of those things.
I have several small crossbody Baggalini bags that I love. They are small but big enough for my wallet, glasses/sunglasses, keys, phone, kleenex and lipstick.
I prefer crossbody because I like being hands-free, but also for the security. Even in good areas, things can happen and I just feel safer. I could not just hold a bag in my hand, I would feel so vulnerable.
I like the Lug bags, lightweight, various sizes with lots of organizational pockets.
I’ve never heard of that brand. I’ll have a look.
I meant crossbody not tote.
I have neck issues, so I carry a small /medium size tote with lipstick, phone, keys, Kleenex. pen, small sanitizer.
I like the wider leg pants more and more. I think they give balance to the body.
Love all the jeans. I had rotator cuff surgery a year ago and I have to use a hand held handbag. Finding the right size can be challenging but it’s so much easier on your shoulder.
I agree Rosemary. I used to always carry a handheld satchel because I hated the way shoulder straps affected my clothes.
Really I have been using a backpack bag which works well for me. I love having two hands free for shopping. While its not a stylish as a tote it works for me. I am 77 and have had rotator cuff issues.
I’m having shoulder issues, as well. I went to a smaller purse, carrying only the essentials and crossbody. This way there is no stress on my right shoulder.
Hi Jennifer!
I feel your shoulder pain! After having cancer (surgery, chem, radiation) I was told to always use a cross-body bag on the good shoulder. It works!! I hope this helps you and others.
That’s so smart! Cross body bags are so easy.
I hear you on the shoulder. Mine is “leash” shoulder caused by my dog giving me a shlep! I don’t like short handled totes. I like my hands to be free. My options: good old Longchamps Le Pliage (shoulder tote but it’s much lighter than leather and waterproof), Naghedi Nomad hobo bag (again light weight) and a combo cross body/shoulder nag like Quince/Clare V (Moyen Messenger I think). It helps to be able to switch the load around. My Leatherology totes are also light weight. But in the end, we just have to carry less!
I loved my nylon Longchamp that was stolen, and agree, it weighs next to nothing! I should replace it. It does help to switch things around. Happy Saturday!
Ponte knit trousers links to a skirt????
Sorry, I fixed it.
I now finding a bag made of cork. It’s lightweight and has many different colors. My girlfriend is a master craftsman and designs them made to order. I asked for one that has credit card slots so that I don’t have to carry a heavy wallet. Perfect. I wish she had a website, but she keeps busy with friends and relatives. Perhaps you can find one on Etsy.
Wow that sounds great!
Here’s my idea for your tote bag. Stop carrying it altogether and switch to a small crossbody or a small purse with a wrist strap. All you really need is a lipstick, key fob and phone with Apple Pay. Leave the tote in your car. I did this several years ago and it’s helped my back immensely.
I know! I find I seldom use my smaller bags these days. I have to break my packrat habits.
I’m also liking trouser jeans for fall. I just got Talbots’ flare leg pull on travel jeans – very comfortable, the right wash color for fall, and the petite small fit me just right. Eileen Fisher’s pull on ponte wide leg pants are also my go-to lately. Thanks for the tip on the Gwyneth book. I love biographies of current notable people.