Before anything else, a pause. Today marks twenty-five years since September 11, 2001. If you’re reading this, you remember exactly where you were that morning — I do. A quarter century later, I’m thinking of the families who lost someone, the first responders who ran toward it, and everyone who still carries that Tuesday. We remember.
And now, gently, on to the weekend. Another Friday has arrived, and with it another weekend! Even though Labor Day made this a short week, it felt like it took forever. TGIF, gang! I’m headed to book club Sunday afternoon, so what to wear to book club when the weather is still hot and hotter is on my mind — and today I’m sharing my kitchen reveal, too. Pour a cup of something and settle in.
Key Takeaways
- A denim dress and white sneakers are the easy answer for a hot-weather book club — polished, comfortable, done.
- The Dunwoody kitchen is finished, and every piece is linked below.
- Brooches are back (they never really left) — stack them to a lapel or use one to cinch a waist.
What to Wear to Book Club When It’s Still Hot Outside
We’re reading The Measure this month, and I’m looking forward to the conversation — though Theo of Golden is sitting on my TBR list, waving at me. And because I can’t resist a book about writing, I’ve just added Harlan Coben’s Plot Twist: Life, Craft, and the Messy First Draft to the stack. A memoir on writing from the man who’s sold more thrillers than most of us have read? Yes, please.
For an afternoon like this one, a Denim Dress with a pair of White Sneakers does the trick every time. It reads put-together without looking like you fussed, and it’s cool enough for a September that hasn’t gotten the memo about fall.
The Outfit I Keep Wearing (and Its Fall Version)
Tuesday night is Mahjong, and I’ll probably slip into the outfit that’s been on style repeat: the Tasha Polo Top, the Indigo Stretch Denim (pull-on pants that don’t look like pull-on pants — I love that), and my Leopard Buckle Shoes from Ann Mashburn. The shoes are the piece I’d point you to first: they’ve held up beautifully, they go with everything in this palette, and they’re the kind of thing you buy once and wear for years.
I love this outfit so much I’ve already worked out the fall version: the Conner Sweater in Sage, the Camo Stretch Twill pants, and Leopard Calf Hair Mules. Same formula, warmer fabrics.
- Now: polo + pull-on denim + leopard buckle shoes
- Fall: sage sweater + camo twill + leopard calf-hair mules
I’m also making a quick trip to Chicago next weekend, and any or all of these would be perfect to take along — which is the whole point of an outfit on repeat.
The Kitchen Reveal
Today’s the day: the Dunwoody kitchen is done, and I’m sharing the whole thing. It’s a small space that had to work hard, so every piece earned its spot — the Preston Lane Mayfair Kitchen Set is practical and beautiful, the Ruggable Flutterby Rug softens the floor, and the trio of Comic Birds Art prints brings a little humor to the wall.
At the bar, the Barstools got a pair of Viven Floral Pillows, and a Small Olive Tree in a Blue & White Cachepot gives the counter a little life without needing water. Beside it, a Footed Serving Bowl filled with Faux Green Apples and Faux Red Apples, and place settings of Piper Woven Chargers and Marseille Linen Napkins.
On the counters: the Le Creuset French Press, the Stagg Electric Kettle, a Paddle Cutting Board and on the opposite countertop a second Cutting Board leaned against the backsplash, a Wooden Paper Towel Holder, and on an Acacia Wood Lazy Susan, the Le Creuset Stoneware Oil Cruet with the Nara Salt Cellar and Pepper Mill beside it.
Now that the room is finished, I’m eyeing the cooking side of things. A Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet is at the top of the list — designed to last for generations, it needs no seasoning, minimizes sticking, and is dishwasher-safe. I also like the Square Cast Iron Grill for the nights I want grill marks without going outside.
Shop the entire kitchen here — every piece is also listed in Shop the Post below.
Skincare I’m Putting to the Test
Skincare is always a top priority, so I’m putting Rodan + Fields to the test with the REDEFINE Regimen, which has great reviews. And y’all know I love Elemis — the new Pro-Collagen Future Restore Eye Serum just joined my routine. I never skip eye cream, and I’ve recently started using it at night as well as in the morning.
Brooch Season Is Here
Lately I’ve been singing the praises of Lizzie Fortunato Jewelry, but the “trend” I’ve noticed everywhere this year isn’t really a trend at all: brooches. The more the merrier! Go high with Jennifer Behr or low with a Crystal Brooch from J.Crew. Stack a few on a blazer lapel, or use one to cinch your waist when wearing a sweater. So many options.
It’s Scarf Season, Ladies
With a few more trips on the calendar, I’m loving this Cashmere Wrap for the plane — it’s the one thing that makes a long flight feel civilized. This Bandana goes with multitudes of fall outfits, but I have my eye on a Cashmere Bandana that’s much smaller and, I suspect, much more wearable.
What’s Good? Your Turn
Has anyone watched Widow’s Bay? I’ve heard great things, so it’s on my fall binge-watching list. How about you — got any recs? Books, shows, movies, music, plays, podcasts, art shows, travel destinations, restaurants, remedies. What’s good? Tell me in the comments, and I’ll share the best of them in a future Notes.
Amazon Goodies
Don’t forget I’m sharing Amazon goodies every week — catch up on Fall Amazon Home Finds: 10 Small-Space Upgrades and Fall Amazon Decor Finds: 10 Finishing Touches. And y’all loved the Faux Cypress Trees as much as I do! I tend to gravitate toward home decor on Amazon, so let me know if you’d like me to share Amazon clothes, too.
Your Top Five This Month
And now for a little fun. Here are the five products you’ve added to your carts most this month — no names, no hints. Click and see if you’re in good company.
Five · Four · Three · Two · One
Closing Thoughts
Funny how the weeks that feel longest are the ones with the least in them — and how a Sunday with a good book and good company can set the whole next week right. On a day like today, that ordinary stuff feels less ordinary: a finished kitchen, a Mahjong night, a book club that shows up. Whether you’re out this weekend or at home with people you love, wear what makes you feel like yourself, and hold your people a little closer. That’s the only rule I’ve ever really followed.
Style has no expiration date — and neither do you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep it simple and comfortable: a denim dress with white sneakers, or a knit polo with pull-on denim and a flat. You’ll be sitting and talking for a couple of hours, so ease matters more than anything.
Keep the formula and swap the fabrics. A cotton polo becomes a fine-gauge sweater, stretch denim becomes stretch twill, and a leather buckle shoe becomes a calf-hair mule. Same silhouette, warmer materials.
Wear it with intention. Stack two or three on one blazer lapel, pin one at the neck of a crisp shirt, or use a larger brooch to cinch a cardigan at the waist. Modern styling is what keeps it current.
If you cook regularly, yes. The enameled interior needs no seasoning, resists sticking, is dishwasher-safe, and the pan will outlast most of what’s in your kitchen. It’s a buy-once piece.
A generously sized cashmere wrap. It works as a scarf on the ground and a blanket in the air, and it takes up almost no room in a carry-on.
Shop the Post
Browse my full ShopMy storefront for outfits, home, and more.
Books
Book Club Outfit
The Outfit on Repeat
- Tasha Polo Top
- Indigo Stretch Denim
- Leopard Buckle Shoes (Ann Mashburn)
- Conner Sweater in Sage
- Camo Stretch Twill
- Leopard Calf Hair Mules
The Kitchen — shop the full collection
- Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet
- Square Cast Iron Grill
- Viven Floral Pillow
- Dayna Stool
- Piper Woven Chargers
- Marseille Linen Napkins
- Footed Serving Bowl
- Faux Green Apples
- Faux Red Apples
- Blue & White Cachepot
- Small Olive Tree
- Preston Lane Mayfair Kitchen Set
- Le Creuset French Press
- Stagg Electric Kettle
- Paddle Cutting Board
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Paper Towel Holder
- Le Creuset Stoneware Oil Cruet
- Nara Salt Cellar
- Pepper Mill
- Acacia Wood Lazy Susan
- Ruggable Flutterby Rug
- Comic Birds Art – Bluebird
- Comic Birds Art – Brown Bird
- Comic Birds Art – Orange Bird
Skincare
Jewelry & Brooches
Scarves
Amazon
Your Top Five
Before You Go
What’s good in your world right now — a book, a show, a restaurant, a remedy? Drop it in the comments. I read every one.
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- 🛍 Shop: ShopMy storefront
let’s see brooches worn by you in everyday life
Well, I have quite a few photos from the archive, but stay tuned for Sunday’s post, where I share how I’m wearing them on a blazer!
You’re in for a treat reading Theo of Golden excellent
book.
Planning to go through books that have been waiting for me to make time. I’m doing it !
Susan
Susan, you’re the second reader to vouch for Theo of Golden today, so it’s moving straight to the top of the stack! And good for you — a pile of books that’s been patiently waiting is the best kind of to-do list. Tell me what you read; I’m always looking for the next one.
Love your kitchen and the colors you have chosen for it!! You will enjoy Theo of Golden!! It was our first book club book this summer and it was wonderful. Enjoy and have fun in Chicago!!
Thank you! I was going for Palm Beach meets Paris in the apartment and kitchen, so it’s lovely to hear the colors are speaking to you. And now I’m even more excited to start Theo of Golden — a book club stamp of approval is high praise. Chicago, here I come!
Nice Kitchen, Beth!
The rug is beautiful.
Brooches: Talbots always has a great selection (from someone with quite a collection):)
Okay, Carolina Girl, I have to ask — do you have a part-time job at Talbots? Because you never miss a chance to bring them up! I’ll admit Talbots gets more than its fair share of my closet. But I love to mix things up — J.Crew, Frank & Eileen, Ann Mashburn, and I’ve been on an Evereve kick lately — and I love those brands just as much.
No! Ha-ha. I’m chained to my computer writing. BUT, memories with mom and classics/sizing I know. Trust me, I have other brands in my wardrobe as well: Brands from Anthropologie, J. Crew, Orvis, Chico’s, Soft Surroundings, Coach. You’re observant, like a novelist. 🙂
Beth, I’m curious to see what you think of Rodan and Fields. I have used it years ago and I do like but stopped because of the price. Funny though I have probably wasted a lot of money trying different skin care.
Looking forward to your results. I did buy the lash serum and the eye cream and so far I like it.
Love your kitchen. So neat and orderly.
Hi Beth, I highly recommend watching everything Leanne Morgan on Netflix. Her comedy specials and her series are hilarious. She’s a 60 year old woman whose world gets turned upside down which we can both relate to. I’m also a 60+ widow who’s back in the dating pool for the first time in 35 years. It’s not for the faint of heart! I would love to hear more on that topic in your posts.
I enjoy following you. Keep up the good work!
Lisanne from Minneapolis
I watched three episodes of Widow’s Bay on my last plane ride. I’m intrigued!!
Yay for brooches!! Love them and so glad they are “back.”
Your bird prints in the kitchen are delightful!
And I want a jean dress!! Waiting to lose some more weight though. Maybe before Christmas??
What happened to Kelly? Miss her petite outfits.
I LOVE the orange jacket, its perfect.
I look for brooches at estate sales and have found several vintage styles that I love. I wear several on my denim jacket for an updated splash! Everyone loves my “new” idea.
Your apartment is just gorgeous!