Happy Friday from sunny Atlanta! It’s been a whirlwind week of back-and-forth between Athens and Atlanta for furniture deliveries — and a little Junebug babysitting duty while her parents zipped off to an ultrasound appointment. Somewhere between all of that, I hired a personal trainer, started my closet’s slow slide from linen into fall, and found a firming skincare line that’s actually earning its keep.
If you’re four weeks out from a big event too — reunion, wedding, milestone birthday, whatever it is — consider this your permission slip to start now instead of waiting for “someday.”
Key Takeaways
I finally hired a personal trainer for my reunion glow-up, and strength training is officially my number-one priority for aging well. This week I’m also easing my closet from summer linen into fall layers, testing a firming skincare line built for hormonally changing skin, and sharing the apartment pieces, jewelry, and home finds on rotation right now.
The Dunwoody Apartment, One Room at a Time
The apartment is coming together nicely with the arrival of the dresser and nightstand in my room. But where, oh where, is my couch?
I’m putting the rooms together one at a time, and I’ll start revealing each one week by week on the blog — shop my bedroom here if you want the individual pieces now. You can always get a behind-the-scenes look on Instagram in the meantime.
Fall Transition Style: Linen Now, Layers Later
The weather has been hot and hotter, so summer dresses have never looked so good. But you honestly can’t beat pull-on linen pants and a short-sleeve linen shirt for easy, elevated basics.
For dresses, I keep reaching for this shirtdress from Maggy London — if you need styling ideas for it beyond summer, I have a whole post on how to wear a shirtdress in fall. These raffia kitten heels have been my go-to sandal all summer long, and y’all know I’m a sucker for a straw handbag — I break down my full save-vs-splurge philosophy on those in this handbag post.
I’m also branching out to new-to-me brands, and Duffield Lane is the find of the week. This gingham seersucker dress will transition easily into cooler weather with a cotton poplin shirt or denim shirt tied at the waist — that’s the transitional-style trick in a nutshell: layer a shirt over your summer dress instead of retiring it. Today I wore espadrille wedges and carried a straw market tote. A heart pendant and trusty chunky gold hoop earrings are just the finishing touches.
A few more transitional favorites this week:
- Ann Mashburn is having a terrific summer sale — I picked up this skirt and a chambray shirt (not on sale, but worth every penny).
- Gap is having a major comeback with Zac Posen at the helm — more outfits from there coming soon.
The Reunion Glow-Up: Hiring My Trainer
I did it. I finally hired a personal trainer. This has been on my radar for a while — my weight has crept up, and strength training is my number-one priority for aging well.
I had a complete scan and fitness evaluation with my new trainer. My markers are all well within the acceptable range, but I have real goals in mind: getting leaner, adding muscle, and finally being consistent with strength work in a way I haven’t managed solo. Now I have a coach to keep me accountable.
He’s also guiding my nutrition. I already know plenty, but the two big shifts are more protein and less fat — and yes, that includes cutting back on red wine. I’ll keep you posted as the reunion countdown continues. I do believe supplements help, and Biologica Postmenopause Essentials has been part of my routine.
Skincare & Makeup: Small Steps, Real Results
Skincare matters more to me every year, and Natura Bissé’s Essential Shock (R)evolution Collagen Matrix is genuinely good stuff. It’s pricey — I won’t sugarcoat that — but the Essential Shock line is a firming solution designed specifically for hormonally changing skin, and that specificity makes all the difference.
I’m loving this Vitamin C mask for a quick face pick-me-up, and my lips have needed some TLC too, which is why I reach for this lip mask. I also recently started using this at-home facial system.
On the makeup side, this sunscreen-and-primer hybrid is genius — it protects and primes in one product, which is exactly the kind of shortcut I want in my routine these days.
Jewelry I’m Reaching For Right Now
I love, love, love anything bamboo, including these bamboo earrings, this bamboo bracelet, and even a bamboo cuff — though you can never go wrong with a statement cuff either way.
For the reunion specifically, I’ve been going through my jewelry box with a fine-tooth comb, and I think I’ll stick mostly with fine jewelry, like my horseshoe bangle. I recently discovered it has a matching necklace, which might just be the easiest “instantly polished” trick I’ve found all year.
Home Finds Worth a Look
Since I’ve been doing so much home shopping lately, a few pieces are worth flagging: this whimsical table decor, a genuinely practical turntable for kitchen storage, and Lola blankets — I have one for Athens and one for Atlanta, and they’re offering my readers 35% off with code styleatacertainage.
I’m also on the hunt for a floor-length mirror and storage solutions for both my bathroom and closet — more on those once I’ve made my final picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best transitional pieces to wear from summer into fall?
Layer a lightweight shirt — cotton poplin or chambray works well — over a sleeveless summer dress and tie it at the waist. Swap strappy sandals for espadrilles or kitten heels, and keep a straw bag in rotation through early fall for texture without adding weight.
How do I start strength training after 50?
Start with a fitness evaluation to establish a baseline, then work with a trainer or program that prioritizes consistency over intensity. Two to three sessions a week focused on progressive resistance is enough to build meaningful strength, and pairing it with adequate protein supports the results.
What skincare helps with hormonally changing skin?
Look for firming, collagen-supporting formulas designed specifically for hormonal skin changes, like Natura Bissé’s Essential Shock line. Vitamin C masks and consistent hydration also help maintain elasticity between deeper treatments.
How can I look polished for a big event without overspending?
Lean on fine jewelry pieces that double up — a bangle with a matching necklace, for example — rather than buying multiple new statement pieces. A few well-chosen accessories do more for a polished look than an entirely new wardrobe.
Shop the Post
Maggy London
Duffield Lane
What’s carrying you from summer into fall this year? Tell me in the comments below.
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Follow along on Instagram @styleatacertainage for daily behind-the-scenes on the apartment, the glow-up, and everything in between.
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