Weekend Notes from the Dunwoody apartment
Happy Friday, Grit & Glammers! I’m smack in the middle of my reunion glow-up routine this week — and also smack in the middle of BeBe duty. My son and daughter-in-law are off for a well-earned weekend away before baby number two arrives at the end of September, so KiKi (that’s Chelsea’s mom) and I have officially formed The Ninny Nannies. Two grandmothers, one very opinionated toddler, and not a nap schedule between us that we can agree on. Send coffee.
Quick takeaways: My 50th high school reunion is two weeks out, and my glow-up routine right now is built around a hydrating facial system, weekly microneedling, and a dermaplaning tool my aesthetician swears by. I’m narrowing down reunion dresses at Tuckernuck, the Atlanta apartment’s guest room is nearly ready for its reveal, and I’ve rounded up what’s actually worth buying on sale this week — before it disappears. Scroll to the bottom for that.
My Reunion Glow-Up Routine, Two Weeks Out
If you caught where this whole countdown started, you know the plan was never a crash-course transformation — it was showing up for myself, one small habit at a time, which is the same philosophy behind the strength-over-scale approach I’ve been writing about lately. This week, that meant doubling down on skin.
I had a much-needed facial with my beloved aesthetician this week, and my skin is glowing — she’s an absolute miracle worker. Microneedling is on the calendar for next week because when it comes to skincare, I have never met a treatment I didn’t want to try at least once.
Scarlett recommended a mask the night before the event.
At home, I’ve become a genuine convert to the Shark Ninja Facial Pro. It’s a four-step system that pairs hydro-powered technology, proprietary skincare, and contrast therapy to gently exfoliate, clear pores, and deeply hydrate — it’s clinically tested, developed with dermatologists, and it delivers a real glow in about ten minutes flat. My aesthetician also has me sold on the benefits of sloughing off dead skin between appointments, so I picked up the DERMAFLASH LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning Tool on her recommendation, and it’s become a weekly habit.
Between treatments, I’ve been testing the All Bright Vitamin C Serum, and my evening ritual has turned into a genuine soak-in-the-tub situation — this Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Honey Bath smells like dessert, and I follow it with the Salt & Stone Body Oil and Body Cream. And because a good lipstick fixes almost everything, I’m still reaching for Clinique’s best-selling shade more days than not.
I also swapped in a new vacuum for the apartment — the Shark PowerDetect Speed Cordless Vacuum Clean & Empty System instead of a Dyson, and it genuinely impressed me — plus the Shark WandVac Cordless Handheld Vacuum in Slate for quick cleanups at the Athens house, which has been an absolute godsend.
The Look I’m Living In
I’ve been living in this striped maxi dress all week — it’s an easy, organic soft-slub knit that I’ve belted, dressed up with a woven espadrille sandal, and finished off with my go-to black-and-gold wrap earrings and a wavy bangle — the kind of effortless-but-pulled-together look I want to master before I walk into that reunion in two weeks.
Dress Contenders for the Big Day
I’m still zeroing in on The Dress, and Tuckernuck always delivers options — I love this midi dress and this blue-and-green combination, though neither is quite right for the reunion itself. Looking a little further ahead, I have a black-tie wedding this fall with an additional night that calls for cocktail attire, and this silk skirt in my signature color paired with this silk top is very much in the running — along with these earrings to finish it off. This cuff probably isn’t the move with the skirt and top, if I’m honest, but I love it too much not to mention it (and it keeps ending up in my cart…).
This dress and these earrings are contenders for Friday night cocktails. I already own the metallic sandals and wear them on repeat.
Atlanta Apartment Update: The Guest Room Wins
The apartment is headed toward the finish line — yes, still no couch, we don’t talk about the couch — but the guest room might genuinely be my favorite room in the place, and I’ve already had several guests test-drive it with glowing reports. The pillows, which are always the trickiest part to get right, are a hit: the Helix Dream Pillow Set (use code BETHD for 22% off) has been a consistent favorite. I also picked up the Helix ComfortAdjust Cooling Pillow for my own bedroom, and it’s a two-thumbs-up situation.
I was recently — gently — informed by a friend that I can no longer call it the “master bedroom.” Apparently, in 2026, it’s the primary bedroom now. Duly noted. I’ll have a full room-by-room reveal of the apartment coming in the next few weeks, but in the meantime, you can shop the guest room here and the primary bedroom here.
The little styling details are where “Palm Beach meets Paris” really comes together — that’s the aesthetic I’ve claimed for this apartment, and I’m not budging. That bird-print lumbar pillow on the bar stools has become one of my favorite accents in the whole apartment — soft, unexpected, and just enough color against all that neutral linen. My stack of Assouline coffee table books — Hamptons Private, Amalfi Coast, and Palm Beach — lives on the console and doubles as a color story for the whole room. And in the kitchen, I finally upgraded from builder-grade bottles to the Preston Lane Mayfair dish soap, hand wash, and tray set — small thing, but it makes the sink area feel finished instead of like an afterthought. Nearby, a trio of ceramic candlesticks is doing a lot of quiet work on the console — it’s the first thing guests comment on, every single time. Over on ShopMy, every room is featured and categorized item by item. Thanks, Team!
By the window, my camel leather accent chair has quietly become the best seat in the apartment — it’s the one everyone gravitates to with a coffee or a book, and I keep this wool cashmere Avalon throw draped over the back for anyone who wants to curl up with the skyline view. It’s a small vignette, but it’s the one I photograph the most.
What’s on Sale This Week
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is in its final days — it wraps up August 9, and after that, everything goes back to full price. A few categories worth a look before it ends:
- Beauty exclusives — value sets and jumbo sizes are up to 33% off, with gift-with-purchase offers from Lancôme, Estée Lauder, and La Mer.
- Women’s fashion — new fall arrivals at Anniversary pricing before they go back to full price on August 10.
- The full Anniversary Sale shop — worth a browse for shoes, accessories, and home before the party ends.
If you’re building out your closet for the season rather than just your bathroom counter, I already pulled ten fall essentials worth grabbing before the sale ends — coats, sweaters, and jeans included. Otherwise, this weekend is genuinely the last call.
FAQ: Reunion Glow-Up Routine
What’s a good skincare routine before a big event like a reunion?
Start four to six weeks out with a professional facial and, if your skin tolerates it, microneedling to boost collagen. In between appointments, a hydrating at-home facial device, a gentle dermaplaning tool, and a Vitamin C serum keep things glowing.
What is dermaplaning and is it safe for mature skin?
Dermaplaning is a gentle exfoliation method that removes dead skin and peach fuzz with a fine blade. It’s generally considered safe for mature skin and is often recommended by aestheticians as part of a regular routine, though it’s worth asking your own skincare professional first.
How do I choose an outfit for a milestone high school reunion?
Look for something that feels like you — comfortable, well-fitted, and in colors you already know work for you. A relaxed knit dress or a well-tailored separate with the right accessories almost always beats anything trendy or fussy.
When does the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale end in 2026?
The 2026 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale runs through August 9, after which prices return to full retail.
Shop This Post
- Shark Ninja Facial Pro
- DERMAFLASH LUXE+ Dermaplaning Tool
- All Bright Vitamin C Serum
- Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Honey Bath
- Salt & Stone Body Oil + Body Cream
- Clinique Best-Seller Lipstick
- Shark PowerDetect Cordless Vacuum
- Shark WandVac Handheld
- Striped Maxi Dress | Espadrille Sandals | Wrap Earrings | Wavy Bangle
- Tuckernuck Midi Dress | Blue & Green Dress
- Silk Skirt | Silk Top | Earrings | Cuff
- Helix Dream Pillow Set (code BETHD for 22% off) | Helix ComfortAdjust Cooling Pillow
- Shop the Guest Room | Shop the Primary Bedroom
- Bird-Print Lumbar Pillow | Assouline Coffee Table Books | Preston Lane Mayfair Set | Cherry Blossom Branch | Ceramic Candlesticks
- Leather Accent Chair | Cream-and-Tan Throw
What’s your reunion glow-up secret? Tell me in the comments — and if you’re not already in the Grit & Glam Club, sign up for the newsletter for daily style, beauty, and lifestyle inspiration you won’t find anywhere else.
Style has no expiration date — and neither do you.
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Beth, you look nice and cool in that dress. Comfortable and stylish.
I’m sure once you get to your reunion you will relax and enjoy yourself. But having clothes you feel comfortable in also helps.
I love what you are doing to your apartment you have motivated me to do something with mine but I don’t know where to start. I’ve lived here for 3 years and have done nothing. So I’m looking forward to seeing more of what you do.
Thank you so much — comfort really does do half the work when it comes to feeling confident, and you’re so right that once I’m actually there with old friends, the nerves will melt away fast. Having pieces I feel like myself in just makes it easier to relax into the moment.
And this makes me so happy to hear about your apartment! Three years of “someday” is so normal — most of us need a nudge, not a deadline. My best advice for where to start: pick just ONE room, and within that room, start with the piece that makes you happiest to look at (a rug, a chair, anything) and build around it. Trying to tackle everything at once is what keeps most people stuck. I’ll keep sharing the process — hopefully it gives you the push and the roadmap you need! 🏡
I really appreciate all the time and effort you put in to these emails. Most everything you have posted about style has helped in different ways. Thank you for encouraging having style even after a “certain age”!
Side note, you can call your bedroom whatever you like. Who cares what other people think.
Thank you so much — this means more than you know. Knowing the time and effort actually helps someone, in real and different ways, is exactly why I keep doing this. That’s the whole point.
And ha — noted on the bedroom! 😂 You’re so right, and honestly that’s kind of the whole philosophy in miniature, isn’t it? Call it what you want, wear what you want, live how you want — who cares what anyone else thinks. Thank you for that reminder, and for being here. 💛
Beautiful As Always Beth Thank You For You Great Advise Blessings
Thank you so much — and right back at you! Blessings to you too, and thank you for always being here. 💛
All of your possible dresses are gorgeous! But, I have to say my favorite is the blue and green sheath dress by Tuckernuck. It is Grace Kelly elegant. Whatever you wear will be perfect.
Enjoy that beautiful little girl.
Have a wonderful high school reunion!
Suzanne
Suzanne, “Grace Kelly elegant” might be my favorite way that dress has been described yet — thank you! That Tuckernuck really does have that timeless quality to it, doesn’t it? And thank you for the sweet words about the reunion and my sweet girl — I’m soaking up every bit of both. 💙
Hi Beth. So exciting to see your apartment coming together !
Consider drapes on your windows… Softness, color, pattern, texture. Just a suggestion.
Hi! Thank you — it really is exciting watching it all come together. And I appreciate the suggestion on drapes — you’re so right that they add a layer of softness and texture that’s hard to get any other way. I’ll definitely be thinking about window treatments as the apartment progresses. Thank you for following along and for the thoughtful input! 🏡
Beth, Your resemblance to your father is undeniable. 🙂
I take it as a huge compliment. Thank you for noticing! 😊
Love the red dress on you, but that slinky brown number? What a dress!
Ha, that brown dress is getting some love! It’s got a bit of a different energy than my usual picks, and I love that it’s catching eyes. Glad the red one is landing too! 🤎❤️