Weekend Reads for How Is It Already The Middle of August?

I'm home from Rehoboth Beach, and even though I slathered on SPF 30 and 50, I'm a sun worshipper and I came back brown. I know it's not healthy, and it's not cool with my fellow Gen Xers to be tan these days, but gosh I love it. I rarely drink, I don't smoke, my sun is my vice.

That being said, it doesn't play nice with one of my I'm 50 and Owning It plans: laser hair removal. This is something I have considered for decades but always had an excuse why I shouldn't/couldn't. It's expensive, it's superficial, it will grow back, I don't have time, it's patriarchy pressure… but I've been shaving since I was in middle school, and I don't want to anymore.

It's not sponsored, I'm paying with my own money so if it goes bad I can honestly critique the experience. I did research, and considering I want a “nose to toes” experience, I went with Milan Laser. It's not a franchise, the techs are all NPs and RNs, the place has been in business over a decade, and has locations across the country so if I move or travel my plan travels with me. And I went with the lifetime plan because perimenopause can wreak havoc on hormones and hair and I want this stuff gone for good without having to pay more.

This week I had my first session for armpits and bikini area. I was in and out in less than a half hour and it didn't hurt and there was no reaction. You can immediately after lotion, deodorize, and continue to shave. Exfoliation is highly recommended (they praised me using this. in plae of a washcloth). With my tan, I can't start on the other parts of the body until October but that's all good; I'll be smooth and hairfree way before Memorial Day 2026!

Weekend Reads

The influencer driving Nantucket crazy this summer. (Wall Street Journal – gift link)

Fashion’s Gossip Girl has a name. It’s Lauren Sherman. (Bustle)

I love this ring, and it goes up to size 11.

This high schooler invented an A.I.-powered trap that zaps invasive lanternflies. (Smithsonian Magazine)

Paramount Plus will soon become the exclusive home to the UFC. (The Verge)

Costco says it won't sell mifepristone abortion pill. (CBS News)

How the right-wing network PragerU could fill the void left by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s defunding. (Vox)

I thought we’d entered the age of body positivity. Then came ‘shrinking girl summer’ – is everyone getting smaller except me? (The Guardian)

Earlybirds, a roving dance party that ends as most nightclubs are opening, caters to women who have things to do in the morning — and need dancing more than ever. (New York Times – gift link)

Earlybirds Club is bringing its 6-10 PM dance parties to venues across the US. (Pollstar)

I love this shirt for my grown-ass friends who love seafood and lifting heavy weights.

Is it perimenopause … or something else? A new wearable is helping women demystify symptoms like hot flashes and brain fog. (Yahoo Life)

How the secret algorithms behind social media actually work. (Time)

I've been using Neutrogena Body Oil alone and with Nivea for decades. I recently tried this… and I am a convert. At least for the Nivea (I can't quit the smell of Neutrogena Body Oil)! I didn't know my 50-year-old legs could feel and look so soft!

Ultrafast fashion brand Princess Polly has been certified as ‘sustainable’. Is that an oxymoron? (The Conversation)

Percentage of Americans who say they drink alcohol hits record low, Gallup says. (NPR)

Is the outrage economy a gold mine? (All Left Turns on Substack)

Sale Alert & Style Inspo

Macy's is hosting its 10 Days of Glam, a promotion similar to Ulta's annual event, where various beauty products and brands are featured on sale each day. I'm not sure what this weekend will bring, but as of Friday, MAC Cosmetics, FRE Skincare, Drybar tools, and some Too Faced compacts were 50% off, while cult favorites like Lancôme Définicils mascara were 30% off. It's worth checking it out!

The Soma Bra Sale is on where bras are just $30. Whether it's for you or your kid, this is a fantastic deal and a great way to stock up for the remainder of the year. I just stocked up for my teen:

• For those little strappy tops kids wear, this bra is excellent. It's delicate but if they have a bust, it still supports and holds it in. And the straps aren't “embarassing” if they wear a bigger size.
• For those who hate wires, or hate the look of bras but don't want to wear something bulky, this is a great option. It is smooth, gives shape and support, but doesn't look like a traditional bra in the front and is comfortable.
• If they'd rather have someething that looks like a sports bra, but need the support, this is the GOAT. This is a great sleepover with pajama pants bra for those uncomfortable in the trendy camis.
• This wireless strapless bra gives good shape and lift with more comfort; a good buy before Homecoming dress shopping.

As for my grown-ass self:

• This continues to be my favorite wireless bra. It's a good WFH bra and in black it's not “bra” looking.
• This bra doesn't lift me to my chin, but it's a great option in the summer when I want lightweight and want my bra to hide under my sundress straps.
• And this bra is a summer favorite because it also is lightweight and disappears under light colors and fabrics.

When I wrote about the return of the ankle jean, a few of you said you didn't realize they ever went out. It's hard because retailers don't always use the right terminology. We've had cropped jeans, which are anything from “floods” to almost capris, but the classic straight ankle jean hasn't been a “thing” for several years, which is why I was excited to share. And I was so excited, the only ankle jeans I recommended were in the collages. So here are a few ankle jeans I think look pretty fab:

I am forever an NYDJ fan. The jeans are well made, they're comfortable, they aren't too trendy but not frumpy. The “Marilyn” I've been wearing for decades, and the ankle length is perfect. This is the version in Cool Embrace® Denim, which is a big lighter weight that keeps you cool as the temps rise, while still looking like “normal” denim. Sizes 00-18, 00P-14P, and 14W-28W.

A classic is the Levi's Wedgie, which has a high but not ribcage-high rise, an ankle length, and comes in a range of washes. With only 1% Lycra, these are a good choice for those who prefer a more rigid jean but still with some give. This link offers sizes 23-34 with three inseam options, and this link offers sizes 14W-24W with a 26″ inseam.

You can always rely on Old Navy to have the current denim trends at a nice price, and the High-Waisted Wow Straight Ankle Jean is a nice choice for less than $35 (but often on sale for less). The size range is also great: Regular 00-30 with three inseam lengths, Tall 2-18, and Petite 0-18.

If you're looking for luxe and the latest trend but still a good fit, check out AGOLDE. The 90's Crop Mid Rise Straight jean strikes a great balance between narrow and wide, and comes in very cool washes. This jean is supposed to have a relaxed, slouchy fit, so size down if you want a trimmer silhouette. Sizes 23-24 with a 26″ inseam.

Honorable mentions to the Banana Republic Straight High Rise Jean (says it runs small, sizes 24-35 in two inseams and petite 24-32), the Chico's Girlfriend Slim Ankle (awaiting other washes, this one is kinda summery, and I'd like to see a non-slim option), and the Talbots Slim Ankle Jean (I prefer the fit of the Modern Ankle, but they don't seem to currently have it and I fear this may run too skinny to look contemporary; sizes 2-18 w/ some long options, petite 0-16, plus 14W-24W, and petite plus 14WP-22WP).

Hear/See/Read

Okay folks, let's chat AJLT. It has been canceled, and I don't think any of us are surprised. This season felt like they were daring HBO to cancel them by making it as incredibly awful as possible.

Lisette was scared to live alone… yet she used to live alone before she got Carrie's apartment. Lisa's dad died… twice. Carrie can't walk without heels, yet we see her barefoot in her house many times. Miranda is horrified that her neighbor is naked, then wanders around Carrie's house in the buff and can't understand why Carrie is horrified.

Duncan never leaves his apartment but chooses to live in a depressing studio in the basement of a Gramercy building, though it would be cheaper and more interesting to have a similar studio elsewhere in the city, and why come to NYC in the summer when it's so hot?

Charlotte became a caricature of herself. Her voice got higher, her expressions more cartoonishly animated, her relationship with Harry like something from I Love Lucy. There were moments when she was human (at the glamping spa, looking at the photo of Rock, talking to the online psychic person), but often she was just a bumbling/vertigo punchline.

As the season progressed, Seema's style diminished. It was as though she had an undisclosed paid partnership with a luxury frump brand and had to wear these random looks with even more random proportions. Let's not even discuss how she had enough money for X but not Y, is so good in business yet somehow got screwed out of the business with her name on the wall, and has sexual chemistry with absolutely every single person on the screen except her boyfriend.

And LTW's fashion? I am all down for statement jewelry and unexpected fashion that is more a work of art, but some of her looks were downright clowning and utterly inappropriate for the setting. LTW would know better than to wear a hat to the theater, even if it's a high school performance.

Aidan was so incredibly unappealing: corny and thoughtless and whiny and useless as a boyfriend, ex-husband, parent, friend, or handyman. The whole relationship was ridiculous. I feel for Wyatt the most, then Kathy.

And The Gilded Age! Wow, that season finale was chock-full of goodness to have me anxious for Season 4. Babies and weddings and defying societal rules and drug addiction, oh my!