Weekend Edition #3
Name that movie: "Describe your perfect date." "I'd have to say April 25th because it's not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket."
Hello, and happy upcoming “Perfect Date” day to all who celebrate!
The quote in the heading is from the classic Sandra Bullock movie: Miss Congeniality. I just looked up when it was released, and it came out in 2000. I can’t believe that movie is almost a quarter of a century old.
Time is a wacky thing. Understatement of the century, right? We took our children back to the University of Virginia last weekend for a reunion of sorts, and I couldn’t stop thinking: where does the time go? We’d walk by our favorite restaurant on the Corner, or the art building, or a room on the Lawn, and it felt like traveling in a time machine right back to 2004. Except I have three boys, a husband, a career, and a whole life that didn’t exist when I first arrived on Grounds twenty years ago. The weekend made me feel old, young, and proud of myself for the journey I’ve been on since I graduated. But mostly I felt stunned by how quickly two decades were absorbed by the sands of time and grateful for every second.
I’d have to agree with Miss Congeniality that April 25th really is the perfect date. Well, spring in general. Especially in New York City. Yes, the weather can still be bleak, but I actually think those days make the sunny ones all that much better. That hint of warmth on my cheeks, wearing and then shedding my lovely light jacket (more on that below), getting that first ice cream cone from the truck on the corner (and the second one when my kid knocks his scoop onto the sidewalk). The Kwanzan Cherry Trees are in bloom right now in Central Park, and I walk around in disbelief that I get to live amongst the pink trees. I feel like a character in a Dr. Seuss story.
From there to here, here to there, funny things are everywhere!
Pink trees! Rainbow sprinkles! Menus that don’t change! Landscapes that outlast generations! The adorable little boys who are snuggling with me and look just like their dad who used to be my college boyfriend and now is my husband! Time! Funny things are everywhere.
Ok, back to those light jackets. Here are some recommendations for what to wear when it’s not too hot and not too cold. When it’s just right.
Enjoy!
x Lindsay
The light jacket I recently bought and love:
Perfect for a light drizzle or a cool-to-warmish day. I love all the features: a spacious hood, a double-zip front, easy snap closures, a high-low hem, a hidden drawcord at the waist (although I prefer to wear it loose), plus it’s made from 100% recycled materials derived from 14 plastic water bottles. But mostly I love how easy it feels to throw on over whatever I’m wearing. Unfortunately, a lot of other people love it too and sizes are very limited right now. If you’re an XS or XXS snag it now! (P.S. Everlane is looking GOOD lately. Their denim is *chef’s kiss* - try the fun shapes…they’re spot on, and not too pricey!)
The light jackets I have on my wishlists (if you buy any of them, let me know what you think!):
Um, I might have to get this one. Stripes (which may as well be a neutral in my book) and Florals (groundbreaking for spring - name that movie!)?? Two jackets for the price of one? Quilted? Multiple pockets? Sign me up!!
The Abercrombie & Fitch Trench
I started my career at A&F and may still have a soft spot in my heart for them. Especially right now, when they’ve done the work to overhaul their collection, and it’s good. This coat is wind and water resistant, with super authentic details, in three great colors. I love the dark grey.
This brand is the one to watch, if you don’t know it. The new J.Crew, with a French twist. This jacket is 100% organic cotton, with the kind of pockets that speak to my mom-schlepping soul.
This Barbour and This One
Barbour jackets are the OG of functional outerwear, and these ones are CUTE, to boot! A neutral colorblocked trench coat and a denim-and-waxed cotton jacket with gingham trim. Preppy, with a twist.