Weekend Reads #268

There are a bunch of Black Friday sales starting early for products and brands I really love. I am not going to do the whole hog Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion this year, so wanted to share a few here for you:

I love Printfresh. I have pajamas and robes that are years old and the organic cotton just gets softer with time. I also have their quilted bags and a quilted robe and find them stellar. I love their size inclusivity, their sustainability methods, that it's a woman-founded company, and they're my choice for quality family or friends group matching pajamas and robes that will last more than one season. Well, Printfresh is 30% off sitewide! You can read my Printfresh review at this link, and I often feature Printfresh on my Instagram.

Ann Taylor is 40% off sitewide, use promo code FESTIVE. And spoiler alert, I saw a LOT I liked at Ann Taylor and the retailer was kind enough to gift some to me and it just arrived today. So I'll be sure to review fit etc. on Instagram and here after the holiday weekend.

• This dress is sold out in a lot of sizes, but if you are a size left, get it so I can live vicariously through you. Go with gold shoes and bag, or do a pop of color like pink, purple, or emerald green.
• I love my Ann Taylor satin suit, so you can believe I got this blazer and this pair of pants. But you can also add to this mix this top or this top and this sweater for a range of outfits for a range of situations. And the color isn't holiday specific… you could totally wear most of these separates year-round with a change of shoes and accessories.
• This bag. I mean, come ON how cute is it?!?!
• This blouse and this skirt. And then wear the blouse with brown or gray or olive or dark green or ivory trousers to work and the skirt with a gray cashmere sweater and sneakers or knee-high boots. And come spring wear the skirt with a denim jacket and come summer wear it with a silky cami in orange or hot pink or copper.
• This coat because I got a brightly colored fuschia coat from Ann Taylor last winter and I am still rocking it and getting compliments each time. It goes with dresses in a range of lengths, pants in an array of styles and formality, and your favorite jeans and UGGs for the weekend.
• These shoes because your pinky toes won't fall out and they look good with dresses and pants of every length.
• This skirt and these shoes or these shoes with this blouse or this sweater half-tucked or instead of the skirt you can do these pants.
• This sweater and this skirt with knee-high boots (black, brown, even oxblood or camel. Suede or leather or croc. Flat or heeled).
• This top with dark jeans or wide-leg trousers (color or neutral) with a metallic belt or this dress with this bag.

Talbots has 40% off sweaters. I am a big fan of the Talbots Cashmere Turtleneck and Cashmere Audrey Sweater. I have ones years old I still love wearing. These are a slightly relaxed fit; no need to size down for a casual weekend fit.

If you're thinking of a fun piece for a single wear, Rent the Runway has 30% off one-time rentals. If you have a Rent the Runway subscription, you can get an extra spot for 30% off. With both deals, use code BFCM23.

Flyte.70 is one of my favorite makeup brands. Designed specifically for us grown women, the brand is sustainable, ethical, not tested on animals, and made from quality ingredients. A woman-owned and run company, Elena and Carolyn are O.G.s in the beauty biz and it shows with easy to use and great looking makeup. Through November 28th, Flyte.70 is 30% off sitewide! My picks:

• I mix the GlowBack.Global Prep with my foundation or CC cream for a bit of luminosity that makes me look natural, but super hydrated and like earlier I had a great workout or great sex. It also looks great on its own without other makeup. No glitter, no shimmer, no sweaty effect, just great happy skin.
• If you want one product to be your eyecolor, your cheek color, and have it super easy, get the HazyCheek.Crème in Look of Love. Not quite a bronzer, not quite a blush, and a cream formula that doesn't disappear, migrate, or emphasize skin texture and lines, I love this stuff. Apply with your fingers or I use this blush brush which hits the cheek bones and the contour area for lids perfectly.
• My daughter and I fight over the Chiseled.Lip in Sabotage. It's the 2023 version of MAC's Spice, a color that works with everything (or alone with lip balm or gloss), a formula that is kind to grown woman lips, and refills available to reduce plastic waste!
• I love all the formulas of lipcolors; my go-tos are S+S.LipSheer in Oh L'Amour (a sheer cool red that looks great in winter), L+L.LipLacquer in Relax (a gorgeous shiny red perfect for the holidays) and Fast Car (a modern-day Coffee Bean or Toast of New York from the '90s), and B+B.LipBlot in Cherry Pie when I want a cheery color that won't budge and doesn't look too much for everyday.

I've been using LUS for my curls since 2020. I keep trying other products folks recommend, but for my hair that I didn't really know was curly, and is so thin and fine that most products weigh it down, this stuff is what I keep coming back to. Shampoo, conditioner, and all-in-one styler (I use wavy because it's the lightest). No need for fancy methods, stripping, chelating, detoxing. You can even do other shampoos and conditioners every so often (I occasionally use New Wash and Oribe). Finally, a product that makes curly hair simple. Much of the LUS site is on sale up to 35% off and if you use promo code wardrobeoxygen at checkout you'll get an additional 10% off. You can click here to read my LUS brands review for fine curly hair.

If you're looking for holiday dresses, this weekend Macy's has all dresses 30% off at this link. Some recommendations:

• I will be seeing my ex/old classmates and I want them to eat their hearts out: this long-sleeved metallic magenta sheath (Plus), this gold sequined sheath (Misses), this sheer sleeve midi dress (Misses), this halter neck maxi (Plus)
• I have no idea if folks will be in sequins or coming straight from work: this wrap dress (Misses), this long-sleeved sheath (Plus), this red floral midi (Plus), this tuxedo dress (Misses), this red floral dress (Plus)
• I want to be the disco ball fierce fabulousness: this pink sequined slip dress (Misses), this gold sequin wrap dress (Plus), this satin cocktail dress (Plus), this hot pink sequined dress (Plus)
• I want to be formal yet festive: this swingy feather-trimmed number (Plus), this mini dress with awesome sleeves (Misses), this column gown (Misses to 18), this sequined high neck sheath (Misses)

My sister reviewed Big Fig Mattress and loved it… and this weekend she was again raving about how comfortable and supportive she finds it! Use promo code BIGFRIDAY for $450 off a mattress!

Soma has buy one get one 50% off bras, sleepwear, and clothing. You can mix and match and discount will show up in your cart.

Madewell brought Black Friday early with 40% off your purchase. Use promo code LETSGO and shop soon because things sell out at Madewell.

• If you're buying a closed-toe dressy shoe for the season, get a pair of square-toe silver Mary Janes or flats with a strap or two across the vamp. This is the shoe that is absolutely everywhere, isn't a sky high heel (or any heel at all), and is found at a range of pricepoints. Wear with dresses and pants; Madewell has this pair with a low block heel that looks cool, elegant, and will work with jeans or a sequined cocktail dress.
• I love the Harlow pant, it has been a closet workhorse since spring. I loved the chino, and also dug the linen. Now I'm extra psyched to see Madewell came out with the Harlow pant in satin. An instant way to dress up tops and sweaters already in your closet for a holiday occasion.
• Turn it into a suit with the matching satin blazer. You can see me wear a similar tan satin suit in this post.
• A chic silhouette of a not-too-high heeled leather ankle boot you can wear with jeans, to work, and with tights and a dress.
• If you prefer a low-to-no heel style, this elegant ankle boot is equally as chic and versatile.
• I am crushing on these flare jeans. Just check the reviews as regular Madewell denim customers say these run really small (in general, rinse and black denim will run smaller than a stonewash or faded pair).

Weekend Reads

With all going on, I forgot to share that I was interviewed by Business Insider! I was asked about my thoughts on Martha Stewart's style and how she feels about “dressing your age.” I think you can guess my thoughts. This was fun, but honestly, it's great when bloggers are linked to, especially by by bigger websites like this. It helps our sites look more credible in Google's eyes and Google will be more likely to suggest your site when someone has a query and your site may have the answer.

Adult children discuss the trials of caring for their aging parents: unreliable agencies, a lack of help and dwindling financial resources. (New York Times – gift article)

The sandwich generation much care for themselves. (That's Not My Age)

Chaka Khan: Funking it up as she celebrates 50 years of fabulosity. (The Gentlewoman)

The lie of “deinfluencing.” (Vox)

This is 54: Style icon Stacy London responds to the Oldster questionnaire. (Oldster)

The Burnt Toast guide to eating with other people. (Burnt Toast)

It’s been years since André 3000 released new music. Now, on his own creative terms, he’s unveiling his first solo project—and talking candidly about where he’s been, how he’s changed, and why he made a record that nobody could have expected. (GQ)

Growing in the gray. (How to Not F*ck Up Your Face)

Did I buy a satin-lined beanie to protect my curls this winter? You betcha, and it's cute too. I did two folds of the brim to have it fit tighter to the head and may wear it almost every day.

How are fashion schools address size inclusivity? (Fashionista)

Hear/See/Read

Okay, as I shared last week, I listened to the audiobook Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn. And I loved it. I am still not able to read for long periods of time and my KIndle is on like 500 pt font. I have ben walking a lot more and driving around a lot more so I have time to listen to books. And this audiobook was fantastic.

The story is about four women who were in their early 20's and recruited to become assassins for an organization that started to kill any remaining Nazis in hiding. It continued to focus on offing the “bad guys” of the world. Well, these four women are retiring 40 years later… that is if they can stay alive. There's a hit on them, and they need to figure out who and why and how to out-pro killer the pro killers on their tail

There is one voice for the chapters that take place 40 years ago from the chapters that focus on the here and now. The bouncing from time periods helps fill holes and add a bit of personality and backstory to the four women. And the entire time I listened to this book I thought, this better be made into a film. Because the bigwigs think we want 80 for Brady but I think what we really want is Killers of a Certain Age.

When folks discuss this book, the idea of a film and who would be cast is often brought up. And so many times I see folks recommend Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Helen Mirren. But these characters are 60, or in their early 60's. We're talking Jamie Lee Curtis, Gina Gershon, Angela Bassett, Tilda Swinton, Catherine Keener, ing Na Wen, Allison Janey, Michelle Yeoh, Emma Thompson, Jane Lynch, Julianne Moore, and Jennifer Aniston to name a few. Because it is awesome to see how many well-known and talented actresses are in their 60s.

Time went by quickly listening to Killers of a Certain Age. I found myself sitting out on the patio after a walk, staring into space just to hear the rest of the chapter. I'd play it while putting on my makeup. If you're looking for a fun listen for a flight or road trip this coming holiday weekend, I recommend this highly. And come back and tell me who you would cast!

On Instagram Stories, I asked for recommendations for my next audiobook. I thought I wanted something fun and fast-paced like this last novel. But then my friend Deb, someone I met through blogging and I like her style, said because I live in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) I should listen to Dave Grohl's memoir. He narrates The Storyteller, and I am just at the point where Nirvana makes it big. It just makes me love Grohl even more. Even if you don't know much about the musician, you may enjoy his story.

The Storyteller is an enjoyable listen and if you have a long car ride with an audience that can handle discussions about drugs and dropping out, it would be fun to enjoy as a group. I should be finished by next Weekend Reads (which will be after the holiday weekend) and would love to discuss in the comments!

I saw a meme on Instagram that said good friends share what they learned in therapy for their friends who don't have a therapist… it was something like that but far more catchy. Anyway, at my last therapy session I shared how I was all over the place. I felt pulled in a million ways, had so much to do, no attention span, just feeling a mess. And she suggested bilateral music.

You know the music that goes from one ear to the other, the kind that sounds best with earbuds? Bilateral music is used as a part of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. The sound alternates between the left and right sides of the head in a steady, rhythmic pattern. There are artists like Buffy St. Marie, The Cars, and Glass Animals that make music that goes from left to right, but there are also playlists on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music that have playlists and long tracks of bilateral or EMDR music that sounds more like meditation or yoga music than a BIllboard hit.

I was game and one night after riding the Peloton and doing a stretch, I lay down on my yoga mat and put on some Bilateral music on Spotify and closed my eyes. I remembered a while ago I saw a TikTok about this kind of music and the person said it was like dental floss for the brain. And I understood what they meant. Because I was constantly noticing the different ear, but it being pretty rhythmic, I was able to clear my mind more easily and relax.

The next morning my fitness tracker said I had the best night's sleep in weeks. That could be completely coincidental, but I continued trying these bilateral tracks for morning walks, for evening meditations, and it does provide me with a sense of calm.

We saw the movie The Killer on Netflix. Starring Michael Fassbender who often reminded me of Jon Hamm, this movie is inspired by a French comic book series and looks it with the cinematography and use of shadow. You're in the mind of Fassbender, a killer for hire. But unlike the assassins in Killers of a Certain Age, this killer doesn't slay for good, he slays for pay. And when his assignment hits a snag a domino effect of issues arise.

This movie was cool to look at, and I have caught myself thinking about it a week later, but it didn't grip me, nor did it grip my husband. We kept waiting for something to happen to make us… well to make us care. The cast is great, the cinematologry feels very retro with parts of the film feeling like it could be 2023 or 1973. But all in all, as my daughter would say, it was mid.

For Your Entertainment

Just like I am pretty confident admitting Dave Grohl was in Nirvana wasn't a spoiler for his memoir, I am pretty sure you've heard of Olivia Rodrigo, and if not, heard one of her songs. The 20-year-old child actress turned music megastar, her 2021 album Sour won three Grammy Awards and released the heard everywhere song, “Drivers License.”

Rodrigo released a new album this year, and was also tapped to have a song on the Hunger Games prequel soundtrack. Unlike Billie Eilish's contribution to the Barbie movie that is now associated with very sad and bittersweet occasions, Rodrigo's soundtrack ballad, “Can't Catch Me Now” is of a person who left and won't let the other person forget it. It's beautiful and timeless enough that you can imagine someone in the past 60 years record something similar. The video is typical movie soundtrack content (scenes from the film interspersed with the artist singing somewhere in nature) but it still offers a bit of ambiance for the song.