Weekend Reads for Maryland Day Weekend
This Saturday is Maryland Day at the University of Maryland; a fun event I recommend all who live in the area attend at least once. It is also my daughter's piano recital, and the day that almost every college my daughter is interested in has scheduled its open house or local meet and greet event. My husband, being oh so helpful, booked my dentist appointment for me… also on this day.
Needless to say, I will be spending this day having a teeth cleaning and then listening to my kid play the same song in a big room with a grand piano that I have been hearing her play in our living room every single day for the past three months.
And really, I'm okay with it. In fact, I love it. I love that my husband took the initiative to book my dentist appointment when he went for his; he knew I kept forgetting to do it. And he used our family calendar, finding a time that was free. Take that, patriarchal weaponized incompetence!
And I know this is one of our daughter's last piano recitals. She will have a senior recital next May, but we're heading towards the end of a 12-year tradition, and over six years with this teacher. We go as a family (which includes my sister and used to include my mom) and after go out for a meal together. It all feels very bittersweet.
Weekend Reads
Cookies, deodorant, socks. Iran war puts military packages in limbo. (USA Today)
Older Women Are in Demand by Younger Men. (New York Times – gift link)
The Seedy World of Modeling That Exploited Gen X Girls. (GenXcellent via Substack)
OMG a denim shirt designed for big busts? Need!
Hampshire College, which counts filmmaker Ken Burns among its alumni, is closing later this year. (AP)
When “Pro-Aging” Still Means Staying Thin. (Unapologetic Aging on Substack)
The Banal Horror of Jimmy Fallon. (Current Affairs)
Far-right troll account followed by JD Vance on X unmasked. (Decoherence Media)
If you love Lands' End and are doing a closet cleanout, check this out.
I want to be alone. (Things Worth Knowing with Farrah Storr via Substack)
Leaving America. (The Bitter Southerner)
FYI, I find these comfy and wide foot friendly.
The Warehouse, In Plain Sight. (Places Journal)
What I Learned About Billionaires at Jeff Bezos’s Private Retreat. (The Atlantic – gift link)
My friend just got these in the cognac nappa and they look even cooler and more expensive IRL (and wide foot friendly!)
The truth about starting over in midlife. (Happy on Purpose on Substack)
Have you seen the Jonathan Adler collection at Michael's? So fun!
Who killed the Florida Orange? (Slate)
My Wife Is 85. She Takes My Breath Away. (New York Times – gift link)
Style Inspo & Sale Alert
I'm really into the weird green colors this spring, and how they make a gorgeous contrast against classics like white, blue, cognac, and cream. This mini capsule for spring are all pieces that will work for years from now but also feel very current.
Shop the capsule: shirt (I own) | shorts (I ordered, heading my way) | necklace (I own) | tote | crossbody | sandals (I own) | skirt (ALISON15 for 15% off) | belt | sweater | sunglasses | earrings | tank | sneakers | pants
Sale Alert
Lo & Sons is a company started by a woman and her sons (hence the name), and the popular bag company is having it's Mother's Day sale through May 10th with up to 40% off bestselling purses, laptop bags, totes, wallets, and weekenders. My picks:
- One of the bestselling work bags at Wardrobe Oxygen
- A stylish and professional looking laptop backpack with a shoe compartment for you city commuters
- A cuter, smarter, and better version of that IKEA tote you love
- It's chic, it's sleek, and the adjustable strap is oh-so smart
CALPAK also started its Mother's Day sale, but when it comes to this brand, I think it's also a smart choice for grad gifts. From the Luka Laptop Tote (perfect for campus), to the cult favorite cosmetics case, and also the popular Stevyn Duffle, all are 15% off and would be a well-appreciated present.
LOFT has its Friends & Family sale starting today with 50% off your entire purchase + free shipping. LOFT is a great place for summer dresses; I am digging this dress, this dress, and this dress.
Banana Republic has 30% off your full-price purchase and an additional 40% off sale. This includes that “weird green” tank in the above collage which also comes in navy, black, and a fun multicolored stripe. I have a previous year version of this dress and highly recommend it. This dress is stunning, looks comfortable, and looks as though it will work with a traditional bra. And I am loving the stripe options in this top!
See/Hear/Read
Wowie zowie, we sort of dropped the ball on Imperfect Women (Apple TV) and caught up this week and what drama! It's like a soap opera with award-winning big-time actors. I don't want to say much, but now I need to know the finale. Don't go on Reddit to read about this show until you've watched it; no spoiler alerts and now I know whodunit though I still can't wait to see how it is portrayed. I try to share photos that don't give anything away.
Also, I read some interesting opinions about the fashion of the three women and it makes sense: they're all dressing for perception, not personal style. Mary wears clothes to appear sweet and motherly and safe. Eleanor wears clothes to show that she's artistic and rich and quirky and to stand out in a crowd. Nancy wears the clothes of a wealthy woman twice her age with tightly-pulled back hair in a desperate attempt to fit in.
For Your Entertainment
The hottest trend in 2026 is our lives when we were teens. And it's blatantly clear in Olivia Rodrigo's video for her single, “Drop Dead.” Looking as though it was filmed with a VHS Camcorder, Rodrigo dances around the actual Versailles wearing Walkman-esque headphones. The song is timeless pop about a tale as old as time: feeling giddy after spending time with your crush.
There has been some drama regarding Rodrigo's outfit in this video; interpretation is one of the coolest things about any art form, including music videos. Some see it as a reference to Marie Antoinette, some see it as a designer version of sleepwear, some think it's a bit Lolita. I think it's a lot of fun and she looks adorable. Olivia Rodrigo's third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love will be released this June.
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Kudos to your husband for scheduling your dental appointment. I have been married for 52 years. Never happened at my house. Brava to your daughter for sticking with piano into her high school years. I am a piano teacher and have always had a special place in my heart for those students who stick with their lessons for the long haul. Not very many kids have long-term commitment to any extra-curricular. I hope your daughter will be a life-long music maker. If you don’t mind telling, what piece will she perform today?
FitFlop has a confusing (and possibly deceptive) privacy opt in / opt out. Too bad because those sandals looked interesting.
“ Take that, patriarchal weaponized incompetence!” LOL. You made my morning with this eloquent statement. I so love reading your posts, and not just for the awesome style and living information. Hope your day with your daughter and family is beautiful and fun!