Weekend Reads for Girls’ Weekend

I type this from Ocean City, Maryland, where I am with some of my closest gal pals for a weekend getaway. No big plans other than being together. But because of this, Weekend Reads today is a bit truncated.

Weekend Reads

Honored to be invited to share 5 Things I Always Put in My Suitcase. (The Souvenierist via Substack)

What Should Have Happened in ‘Devil Wears Prada 2'. (Ministry of Pop Culture via Substack)

So chic, and that design will corral my wayward pinky toe!

Why is being a mother so expensive in the United States? (Al Jazeera)

How Bobbi Brown beat Bobbi Brown. (Puck)

So many concealers are terrible in midlife; I am a big fan of this one.

Why '80s Coming-of-Age Songs Are Suddenly Everywhere on TV. (Whatever, Nevermind on Substack)

Love this robe and it's currently 25% off.

Matt Dillon’s Lesser-Known Life as a Visual Artist. (New York Times – gift link)

While I wouldn't take this onto the beach, I'd take it for shopping and packing and so much more!

Would You Pass The Vogue Cultural Literacy Test? (Sim City via Substack)

One of my best buys over the years is a belt like this. Goes with all shoes, and almost all colors.

I Am Apparently a “Spring”. My Entire Wardrobe and Psyche Disagrees. (Tracey Cleantis-Dwyer via Substack)

I'm a search for new frames; what do you think of these? BTW code ALISON20 gets you 20% off sitewide!

A Perfume With a Whiff of MAGA. (The Atlantic – gift link)

Style Inspo & Sale Alert

I am a big fan of J. Crew Factory for closet basics that aren't boring and hold up quite well. Lots of natural fibers and trend-resistant looks. Dressing with polish in summer can be tough; whether for work or for other activities when you want a bit of an elevated effect, this capsule will keep you cool and chic

Shop the Collage: sunglasses | sweater shell | belt | trousers | button-front shirt | striped tank | necklace | cardigan | blazer | earrings | chinos | loafers

I have been seeing so many interesting purses this summer. Raffia and straw of course, but fringe, beading, quirky shapes, jewelry-inspired straps, and more. These bags are so interesting they become trend-resistant and a favorite to pull back out year after year. A few that have caught my eye:

Shop the Collage:

See/Hear/Read

Last night was cloudy and chilly at the beach so we headed to the Gold Coast Mall theater to see The Devil Wears Prada 2. No, this film won't win an Oscar, but I enjoyed myself. That being said, it's not nearly as enjoyable as the first one.

The fashion montages had each look for a second or two too little, lighting and angles making it hard to even know what was worn. Crowds were swiped over too fast to capture cameos, or else sat far too long on one random face. And as many said, the fashion didn't always feel personal: Miranda's tassel jacket and Andy's look when she took the boat to Como are the first two that come to mind.

I have more thoughts about this film, the magazine industry, and how quick technology is changing and shifting our lives. But I plan to work them out and likely share a whole piece about it on my Substack.

I borrowed the audiobook for Sea Wife by Amity Gaige and finally got around to starting it this week. I got about 50% of the way through and had to return it. The line was too long to renew, and I am 9th in line to get it back. I really want to know how it ends, but gosh if I have to wait months to finish it, I don't know if I'll still remember the first half!

But this is an interesting story about a married couple navigating depression, opposing political views, parenthood, and living on a boat. I was really getting invested in these characters. I went on the waitlist for this book after enjoying Gaige's novel, Heartwood. Have you read either of these books?