Coffee Break: Lolli Coat
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It is hot as Hades outside, which means: it's a great time for sales on wool coats, like this lovely Soia & Kyo coat.
This pretty gray number is pretty classic, but I do like one thoughtful detail: so many shawl collar coats like this look like they'll leave your neck and chest totally freezing unless you wrap yourself in an extremely long scarf — so most of the time, these coats are a pass for me. But not only does this one have a high neckline (and the shawl actually looks like it adds warmth!) but there's a removable leather bib as well that adds warmth and a bit of a tough edge.
The coat is 60% off at Nordstrom — it was $595, but is now $238. You can also find the coat at Soia & Kyo, but on less of a markdown (and final sale) at $416. If you don't like the leather bib feature, check out their Abbi coat (also on sale for $316 but with a packable down bib). Speaking of their packable down, Soia & Kyo also has some of their sleek lighterweight coats with packable down on sale.
(I was very close to keeping the Brandy coat last fall but I wanted a hood and something warmer — but it's a darling coat. It is not on sale, of course, and still full price at $295.)
Sales of note for 6/24/25:
- Nordstrom – Designer clearance up to 60% off
- Ann Taylor – 30% off tops & sweaters + extra 30% off sale
- Banana Republic Factory – 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – Sale up to 50% off
- Eloquii – Semi-annual clearance, up to 80% off
- J.Crew – Big Summer Event: Up to 50% off almost everything (ends 6/26) + extra 50% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – Up to 60% off + extra 60% off clearance
- M.M.LaFleur – Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off
- Rothy's – Semi-annual event, up to 50% off seasonal faves
- Spanx – End-of-season sale
- Talbots – Extra 30% off markdowns (ends 6/24) + $24.50+ summer favorites
Ugh I think I’ve got my second heat rash in two weeks — is this just a fun part of getting older? my stomach/breasts/back are so itchy.
Not really… anything change lately in your health? Or a new product you are using (laundry detergent, soap etc..)?
That sounds like a reason to talk to a doctor to me.
I used to get itchy and red after exercising. I started taking allergy meds (Zyrtec) and that helped.
well, drat. seeing my dermatologist tomorrow morning.
Yeah, this was a reaction to “bio” (with enzymes I think?) laundry detergent for me. It stopped when I switched to sensitive skin non-bio detergent
I’m 39, with medium-long hair. I occasionally like to wear headbands (especially on days when I just can’t get the front of my hair to look right, or the volume at the crown isn’t great). Nothing embellished or large, just simple headbands with some slight visual interest (think the lele sadoughi natural canvas bessette style). Give it to me straight – do I look ridiculous? Do we age out of headbands after age 30ish?
I doubt you look ridiculous! But you might look out of touch, unless your general style (and hairstyle) makes headbands a very natural look for you.
But something is making you doubt yourself enough to ask. What is it?
I think headbands go with my style (classic, feminine but not overly girly) and I’ve worn them for a long time. I think what’s going on is that my age is hitting me hard right now and I’m second guessing everything.
If you generally have a classic/preppy style, a sleek headband is classic. Neither trendy nor off trend. I wouldn’t worry about it being ridiculous.
Not ridiculous at all.
Yes, slightly ridiculous, but everyone knows it’s a trick to deal with hair so I’d still do it if it suits you.
i feel like the headband is on trend for the millenial you are — i can think of several influencers around your age who look far cuter than i could ever be if i tried to wear a headband. it maybe was peak a few years ago but i still think it’s an acceptable look. it’s all about confidence, women my age (50) and older only see hilary in the 90s with her horrible headbands.
If you are my coworker, every time I see you in that headband I think you look so chic and put together.
I don’t think there’s an age limit on headbands at 30ish.
Either you think that headbands are for kids, in which the age limit would be maybe 11? (I do not think this!) or you lean into a preppy look.
I would expect a headband at 39 to be paired with quite conservative or preppy clothing. Could be pearl studs, loafers and maybe even a Peter Pan collar. If not, very much a deliberated and individual style choice (which could then go in any direction). The preppy look could be any age, including 80+ filthy rich society lady.
My 44-year-old friend whose aesthetic skews Evereve wears a lot of headbands and looks great in them.
Oh, I just saw the loveliest dress there.
https://evereve.com/products/zoey-maxi-dress-scrollfloral
Might ask again tomorrow but has anyone ever had an abnormal breast MRI (for high-risk screening) after breastfeeding? An area of “non-mass enhancement” was found and I’m still waiting to hear from the doctor, but the radiology report recommends a biopsy. I had stopped breastfeeding less than a month before and I’m wondering if it could have an impact.
I had one earlier this year about six months after I stopped breastfeeding. The area on mine was a small mass (<5mm) and I had an MRI-guided biopsy. Testing came back benign. I don't know if the mass was related to breastfeeding or not. My oncologist warned me in advance that MRIs are very sensitive and benign findings are common. I know it's very stressful, best wishes to you!
I have a lactational adenoma. It’s still there and not dangerous. My daughter is early 20s now and it happened after weaning her around 13 months.
does anyone have any favorite books or resources for floral bouquet design? i love growing flowers but haven’t really focused on bouquets.
I follow Blossom and Branch Farm on IG. She does reels showing how she puts together some lovely bouquets.
Best advice I received is buy some floral chicken wire (easy to find on amazon), throw it in the bottom of the vase, section off the vase opening with string, then just experiment. The chicken wire will hold stuff in place, and is way easier to manage than foam.
I love to watch J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom on my local PBS affiliate. It’s definitely aimed at learning through osmosis rather than a step by step instructional show, but it’s also just a joyful way to spend a half hour.
We have the same local PBS. Hi neighbor!!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1423601033?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details
Help me find my style! I mostly wear jeans and black tees. I buy other blouses and they feel like they don’t fit well or need to be tucked. (Apple shape, 14P). I buy patterns and they feel like they’re too busy. I have trousers but they seem too fancy and also even more boring to wear black with black trousers. What are small changes or challenges I can make?
more dark solids — navy tee, olive tee, burgundy tee
First, get concrete about what’s going on: Do the blouses truly not fit, or do they just “feel” off? If they truly don’t fit, what exact fit issues are you dealing with? Do you need to buy petite sizes? Do you need to buy different shapes? Do you need to have them altered?
Second, sort out whether the patterns are truly busy, and the trousers are truly fancy, or if they’re just outside your comfort zone. Jeans and black tees are a narrow comfort zone, so you’re likely going to need to endure some emotional discomfort as you push your own edges.
Challenge: Wear those trousers and a blouse to work on a quiet day, or to the grocery store. Prepare yourself to endure “oh, you’re so dressed up!” comments and “you’re not wearing a t-shirt!” comments. Prepare yourself to feel “fancy.” Finding your personal style takes experimentation, time, and a willingness to make some mistakes.
What’s wrong with tucking in blouses? I think as pants/jeans have become less skinny and higher waisted, tucking in tends to look way better.
As far as other strategies, try picking a couple of solid colors to adf to your wardrobe. It’s become easier for me once the color scheme was less random.
I’ve of the opinion that having a signature look that you love is a good thing! But easy ways to mix it up would be:
1. Accessories: jewelry, hair accessories, watches, rings, belts!
2. SHOES: With jean/tee being fairly simple, you can go ham on fun shoes – I’d try sneakers, loafers, flats…
3. 3rd piece/jackets: Something to layer over your tee. Maybe a fun bomber? like this: https://www.thekit.com/collections/jackets/products/bomber-cardigan-spring-bouquet
Have fun!
Oh I want !!!
I am a jeans and tee person who doesn’t wear a lot of accessories. Nice shoes and a third piece add a lot of polish and sophistication. I think a really nice plain tee, well-fitting jeans in a current cut, good shoes, and a simple third piece are much more polished than an outfit with prints and bows and collars and other frou-frou.
Blouses don’t look good on everyone! On me they are too fussy and girly. I look best, and most feminine, in simple lines like a tee or a plain pullover sweater.
Easy swap for summer, try a pair of breezy linen pants with a tee in a different color. Like olive linen and a navy tee.
Can you try black tops other than tees? Like a black linen popover, a black cowl neck tank, a black v-neck blouse?
Find a cut or style you like, then try either a different color or a pattern. Personally, i am a larger person and prefer large scale prints rather than tiny patterns. If the pattern is too small it feels like any detail gets lost in the sheer quantity of fabric, even if it’s a pretty design up close.