Jen's Weekend Drafts: Barbara on Dolly.

+BARBARA KINGSOLVER HONORING DOLLY: We lost a legend and true force for good this week, and of the many tributes I read to Dolly Parton, I loved Barbara’s the most. She nailed exactly what I have been feeling — a bizarrely acute sense of loss for someone I didn’t know, and didn’t necessarily listen to on a regular basis:

“Here I sit, grieving with you all. I’ve never known this to happen before, that everybody all over creation, poets, doctors, politicians, churchgoers, revolutionaries, everyday grumbling skeptics, we are all mourning Dolly. I should be embarrassed for how personally I feel I’ve lost a friend, but I’m not, because she was. I never met her, did hear from her that she liked my books, well. I liked everything about her. Angel voice, fierce poetics, humor, acumen, truth to power, absolute claim of her full Appalachian self, the use of her success for unending generosity to others — for joy, medical care, validation of the nine to five grind, and the truth that love is love. Most of all: free books mailed every month to kids who wouldn’t otherwise have them, from birth to their first day of school.

Here in Appalachia, the first lesson we learn (especially girls) is “Don’t get above your raisings.” I value humility, and honoring our debts to those who made us. But that lesson can also feel like a scold, and a clamp on wishful dreams. On this tricky path, Dolly has been my guiding light for a lifetime. You may rise as high as you work and dream to go — just as long as you bring your people up with you.

I will always love you.

If you feel inclined, give to imaginationlibrary.com”

-Barbara Kingsolver

+ME THREE MINUTES BEFORE A MEETING: Does anyone else relate? Ha! I have in reality gotten much better about this in the past few years — I try to stop what I’m doing ten minutes before a meeting or call so I can clip into the correct headspace — but the concept of women doing all the things all at once and then showing up on time is so accurate.

+”THE QUESTION IS OF EXTREMELY BAD TASTE”: I loved Javier Bardem’s response to this gender-derogatory question for several reasons, but I think I might have to borrow the phrasing next time I hear a rude comment/inquiry! (The other one I’d love to use at some point: “I can’t believe you’d feel comfortable saying that / asking that.”). I’m just never quick enough on my feet!

+NISOLO HAURACHES: Are buy one get one free this weekend?! Go in on an order with a girlfriend! These are so chic and comfortable right out of the box. I’ve been seeing them all over the place in DC all of the sudden.

+GIR CASHMERE BANDANA RESTOCK: Run, the carmine red will sell through (sold out last year in an instant). It’s reversible and just the best accessory as we head into fall. Use code GIRWELCOME10 for 10% off. They also released a cowhide version that is just so cool — it’s in my cart — and a mini bandana too!

+ANOTHER EPIC RESTOCK: Leset Kyoto’s in such cool colors. Run TTS. These are my favorite of the pull-on poplin pants we’ve seen all over the place. The fit is amazing.

+TOUCHING SOME ROCKS JUST IN CASE: LOL.

+SATURDAY FINDS:

+A great knit dress for everything on your fall calendar, and it’s under $170. I like the idea of pairing it with this on-trend cowhide motif cashmere triangle scarf (use code GIRWELCOME10 — and maybe throw this mini bandana print one in the cart too!)

+J. Crew’s new tiny rollnecks are SO fab.

+Loving this cord connection bracelet (at time of writing, 25% off). Aurate also just launched the cutest petite studs with flat backs, including these moons (love love love — under $100) and these tennis racquets for my tennis ladies! (Cute gift for a tennis partner!!!)

+This collagen-boosting peptide serum is packed with amazing ingredients for maturing skin (and promises to treat facial volume loss / sagging if those are issues)!

+No one does a whimsical knit like The Great. This bear motif lodge cardi is PERFECT.

+Recently started using this moisturizer again and WOW. I’d forgotten how excellent it is. Skin looks glowy, bouncy, and most importantly: deeply hydrated. I love using this beneath Westman Atelier’s foundation stick, which can be drying on its own. Use code JENSHOOP.

+OBSESSED WITH THESE JEANS. The fringe! Fashion should be FUN!

+Calf-hair sneakers are majorly trending this fall. Love these with the contrasting green laces!