Valentine’s Day Weekend Reads

What does one wear to a cocktail party designed to fight fascism? For me, it was my navy satin Ann Taylor pantsuit with a lime green shell and sneakers. I was invited Thursday to an event for creators hosted by Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg of Indivisible as they're looking to use us non-politics creators to help get the message out.

I was by far the oldest person in the room. So much older than them, I think I could have been the parent to every single other creator there. I met two who are younger than this blog! But that's a good thing, it's a good mix of ages, niches, and methods of content creation. I'll have more soon, but put March 28th on your calendar; it's the date of the next No Kings event and like past ones, will be peaceful, inspiring, and the biggest one yet. Find the No Kings event closest to where you live at this link. (Mobilize)
Weekend Reads
How Trinity Rodman's deal changed the business of women’s soccer. (USA Today)
Sock Rugs and Pants Curtains: When Clothes Become Décor. (New York Times – gift link)
How the use of AI and ‘deepfakes' plays a role in the search for Nancy Guthrie. (NPR)
Why is there a shortage of menopause hormone therapy? (The Vagenda on Substack)
How to deal with loneliness, according to a therapist. (The Good Trade)
I just got this bracelet in gold. I love it, but is anyone surprised considering the designer? I've been a fan for years!
Reese Witherspoon Built a $900 Million Focus Group. Her Audience Doesn’t Know They’re In It. (Camille Moore on Substack)
Why personal websites are replacing social media. (Angela Benton on Substack)
Meet the Mastermind Behind the Administration's Definition of “Woman” (Mother Jones)
Welcome to Desocialized Media. (Intelligencer)
Have any of you tried Pvolve fitness? They're interested in working with me, and I don't know if it's something I'd like (or you'd like me to review). I don't know anyone IRL who has used it.
And for those who are disappointed by the current iteration of Universal Standard, this is why: Everything is private equity <3 (Your Brain on Money on Substack)
Style Inspo & Sale Alert
Today only, MERSEA is offering a free travel scarf with each purchase, and free shipping. I have a MERSEA top that I bought PrePan and still love; I think these jeans look super cute and like this yellow jacket for spring.
Banana Republic has up to 50% Off Sale Styles + An Extra 20% Off Sale through 2/16. I own this sweater and it's great quality (if in doubt size up), and these are pretty great pants.
The Levi's Almost Spring Sale is now through February 17th. Get 25-30% off sitewide and an extra 50% off sale. My friend has the dad barrel jeans and they're not too barrel but look cool. And I own this shirt, it's a classic.
Ruti has 20% off sitewide through February 16th. As I type this, I am wearing these jeans from Ruti; love the pockets and the interesting but not weird and comfy shape. You can see them on me here.
The QVC President's Day Sale is worth checking out for deals on beauty like K18, RMS (I love and use this), Tarte Shape Tape, and more; all deals at this link.
The Ruggable President's Day Sale is through February 22nd, with up to 20% off sitewide. I have a one-piece Ruggable rug in my living room, a Ruggable at my front door, and one as a kitchen runner. The one in my kitchen is at least three years old, washed once a month, and still looks and performs great.
I am a Hairstory fan (and paying customer) and have been using New Wash exclusively for four months now. Right now Hairstory is offering 20% off refill sets, which is what I have.
M.M.LaFleur has up to 20% off almost everything on site through Monday. Just Thursday I wore this shell under my navy satin suit; it's so lightweight but high quality Merino, I now want the matching cardigan.
Zappos is offering an extra 20% off markdowns with promo code EXTRA20 through Monday; you can find all markdowns at this link and in the sidebar you can narrow down by gender, category, and more.
Brooklinen is offering 20% off sitewide and 50% off select bundles through Tuesday.
J. Crew Factory has 40-70% off sitewide with all jeans under $70 and free shipping on orders $99+.
See/Hear/Read

The latest book I finished is Julie Chan Is Dead: A Novel. And I did not like it. I had to finish it, I needed to know how it finished, but boy was this a weird and ridiculous ride of a book.
Julie and Chloe are twins. Their parents die. One is adopted by a wealthy white family, one goes to live with her aunt. One becomes a famous influencer (reason I read the book) and dies, and the other twin takes over her life.
This was feeling very Yellowface (a book I liked), until it began to feel like Blink Twice (a movie that was pretty scary and awful). This book went all over the place, and I was along for the ride, but rolling my eyes the whole time.

Mary Kay Andrews recently followed me on Instagram, sharing she and I have similar political beliefs. And so, I had to read one of her books next! I haven't read one in a very long while; they are the kind of books that aren't too heavy, and are a bit of a balm considering all the horrors happening right now. The first one Libby offered me was The High Tide Club and I am halfway through. My sister has also begun to read it, so if you'd like to join us, we can discuss it in a future Weekend Reads!
For Your Entertainment

I love CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso, a Bueno Aires musical duo. Pop, hip-hop, experimental, electronica, and plenty of performance art; these two make Lady Gaga look basic and always make me laugh. But the lyrics are vulnerable, honest, sometimes funny, sometimes serious.

These two came to the GRAMMYs dressed like wealthy West Coast middle-aged GOOP-ers (Paco was even carrying a Erewhon Market reusable tote) and I knew knew KNEW something was coming. And here it is; a song with the legendary Sting.



I’ve been doing Pvolve for 5 years and love it. As a longtime cardio-only exerciser and former runner, I started Pvolve at age 58 when my hips were hurting from working from home during the pandemic. I really like their focus on functional movement, mobility, strength, and balance. Their emphasis on progressive weight training and cardio has also increased over time, which is fine with me. I use their on-demand and live virtual classes but have never been to any of their physical locations. I have seen huge benefits in my overall strength and balance and would be curious to hear your take on it.
Oh my god, Leah and Ezra are such stars and so very smart. Indivisible is doing such great work. I would love to see your blog support them and their work! Anyone of any age can fight fascism – we need all kinds!
Good post. Did you know that Zappos is owned by Jeff Bezos?
Alison, so glad to hear folks from Indivisible are reaching out to influencers & especially happy that they connected with you! The maga bunch has certainly used influencers & social media platforms to promote their horrible causes so I want to see progressive voices using these strategies too—but for good causes, of course! And thanks for continuing to share about the No Kings rallies! Let’s all get out there on March 28!