Weekend Reads for the Middle of September

I wrote some of this recently and wanted to share it here as well:

I have never been quiet about my political stance, and I think it fits with my niche here at Wardrobe Oxygen as fashion IS political. 

White after Labor Day. Flour sack dresses. Hemlines. Lipstick index. How sneakers became more fashionable after 9/11. Why there was a push for synthetic fabrics, why greenwashing has taken a backseat, why thrifting has gained popularity, why “vintage” designer is now more popular than new. The return of pencil skirts and pussy bow blouses along with the return of 90s grunge and Y2K Indie Sleaze. All of this is tied to the political environment. 

In 2026, it is not smart business to be a content creator who speaks up about her beliefs. It is no longer “fashionable.” But I believe grown women not only deserve to live the lives they wish but they NEED to. By wearing what we want, living how we deserve, and speaking up about what matters to us, it keeps us visible and keeps our power.

Repealing Row vs. Wade was  just one step towards trying to remove our power as women. If you haven't read Project 2025, at least find a reputable source that shares the highlights (or at least the Wikipedia entry). If that doesn't scare you into speaking up and acting out, I don't know what will. Because while many of us may be comfortable right now in our bubbles, many of our fellow Americans are having their rights stripped every day. And every day, it's getting closer and closer to the bubbles. 

Helping battleground states helps gain strength and sanity in our state and federal government. It's not about left or right, it's now about right or wrong. That is why I started a Giving Circle to fund them. And every dollar can make a major impact towards bringing our country back.

Even in my state and county, I saw how money determined who won the primaries this spring. Individuals who didn't have our best interests in mind, who weren't as qualified, they won because they had money backing them. Our future, at least in my opinion, is far better an investment than any sweater or shoe.

I had several unsubscriptions from my email earlier this week about the Giving Circle. And I am okay with that. Those who wish to believe fashion and politics don't mix are not those I wish to serve. I don't need to you believe like me, I don't need you to be the same political party, but I do wish to serve those who care beyond their closets. Thank you to those who have donated, and those who have not or can't but keep their minds and hearts open.

Weekend Reads

Eleanor Roosevelt by Hillary Rodham Clinton. (In Pursuit via Substack)

Why the right is so afraid of the Girl Scouts. (Salon)

Highly rated waterproof hiking boots that come in wide widths… I ordered a pair.

Apple Just Changed To Leasing. (Camille Moore via Substack)

What I learned when I started golfing. (Gloria)

We've been into NA and non-THC beverages, finding interesting and enjoyable drinks. Recently got the variety pack from oHHo and it's in the running for a personal favorite for energy without jitters, no Stevia, and lovely flavors. My personal favorite is Blood Orange & Pomegranate.

Speaking of which, I often share our NA drink journey on Instagram; let me know if you want me to write about this here in depth!

Jackie Collins Wrote Her Own Revolution. (The Atlantic – gift link)

The Women of Yesteryear. (More to Hate via Substack)

My tall friends, these barrel jeans look stellar!

Why every college student is catching the influencer bug. (Washington Square News)

The open houses at the edge of disaster. (Heated via Substack)

New maps reveal massive gaps in access to affordable birth control across the U.S. (NPR)

Do you want to be better or do you want to feel better than? (The Good Journey via Substack)

Corduroy is back this season and these are the pants I am thinking of adding to my wardrobe.

Pranks, Privilege, and Penn State. (The Politics Chicks via Substack)

Chanel-inspired jackets are big this season; I like this one as it feels timeless, not like a dupe, can dress up with trousers or a dress but look great with a white tee and jeans.

10-Year-Old Children Predict the Future. (New York Times – gift link)

What Exactly Do We Want a 60-Year-Old Female Movie Star to Look Like? (Charlotte's Book via Substack)

Style Inspo & Sale Alert

Style Inspo

Universal Standard just launched a collection in collaboration with multi-hyphenate Abisola Omole and I am a fan. Omole isn't one to hide herself in clothing; she appreciates quality, tailoring, and color and this collection shows it while being very wearable and coordinating with this fall's trends and the rest of the US collection.

Sale Alert

Ruti has this amazing sale through 9/21 where you can get $55 off with code FW26. No minimum purchase, no sale only, just $55 off. This includes the washable silk top and matching pants in my fall capsule wardrobe and for those thinking now about what to wear to holiday and special occasions this fall and winter… may I suggest this jacket and matching pants?

The Madewell Insiders Event is here with 25% off sitewide and an extra 40% off sale. It's worth it to sign up to be an Insider; I've been one for years and Madewell isn't spammy with email, it's free, and you get good perks like this sale. You can sign up and immediately shop the sale. You know me, I was inspired and made some mini capsules from what is in the sale:

See/Hear/Read

Hear

Not exactly something I heard, but something you can be hearing next week! Perry: The Menopause Community has been around for several years. It's a place for those experiencing peri and menopause to connect and get resources, but also for clinicians who help us through perimenopause get support and training. Perry has a podcast called Seen & Heard where a person experiencing perimenopause has a discussion with a medical expert… and this Monday yours truly will be a guest!

I will be in discussion with Dr. Harita Raja, a board-certified psychiatrist who is also certified by the Menopause Society. I will be sharing my experience over the past couple of years with perimenopause and she will be sharing her expertise.

The podcast will be a live taping at 9am ET Monday, but you can listen to the Perry podcast at you leisure on Apple and Spotify!

See

We just finished Season 1 of MobLand (Paramount+). Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Hardy… how could we resist? And it is engaging and entertaining, though nothing feels terribly fresh or new. It's like The Gentlemen means Succession meets The Sopranos. Not surprising, as it is a Guy Ritchie production and he directs a few episodes.

Brosnan plays Conrad Harrigan, the head of a crime family, Mirren is his wife, Maeve. They have two sons, a half-daughter, and a crew of in-laws, grandkids, and longtime friends/employees. Hardy plays Harry, a fixer for the family and almost like a son to Conrad. This family wars against another crime family, folks try to be relatively normal and manage families and relationships amongst a lot of violence, strategy, and bravado.

What makes the show isn't Brosnan or Mirren (who are both very fun to watch), but Tom Hardy. I was already a fan; I think he is stellar in all he does but the role of Harry… it's not an easy role and he does it so well. He can go from concerned dad to apologetic husband to murderer to rational planner within minutes and all of it feels believable. I don't think before I have felt bad for a fixer!