Jen's Weekend Drafts: The Impressions We Leave.

+THE IMPRESSIONS WE LEAVE: I was so moved by this sequence of reminders from Instagram account In a Relationship with Freedom. A few years ago, I told a very confident friend of Landon’s — like, the kind of woman who you assume is totally unflappable and solid to her core — that I admired the way she commanded presence, and could speak in front of a group. She looked at me in complete shock; “Really?! I don’t see myself that way at all — thank you.” How could that be?! It was a reminder to let people know their loveliness, to praise their strengths. Even — especially — when it feels like you’re stating the obvious. I have a hunch that a lot of the strongest people around us don’t in fact receive a lot of credit; we assume they don’t need it.

QUOTES VIA

+SIGN YOU’RE A 41 YEAR OLD WOMAN: One of my friends sent me this hilarious reel this week. I felt seen; she sent it right after I’d clipped out of mine. I shared it on Instagram and was bowled over by how many of us in our late 30s/early 40s are hyperfixated on the weighted vest right now. I made a joke that I was also worrying about my protein intake and inflammation levels — basically, a 41-year-old woman’s starter pack of physical concerns.

+A LITTLE TEASER: I couldn’t be more ecstatic to share that I will be launching a special collaboration with talented artist Riley Sheehey this fall. I cannot wait to share more details, but — eek! I’ve been buzzing with behind-the-scenes energy as we’ve brought this vision to life, and I couldn’t help but share…! Good things coming. (And in the meantime, check out her book prints! I had to have this Little Women one. I have a post-it note listing all the dates and deadlines related to my book — coming out in May 2026! — with the words: JO MARCH at the bottom, and now I also have this gorgeous little framed print in my line of sight. There is something about Jo that has always spoken to me. Just seeing her name gives me a little get-up-and-go, a little why-not-me?!)

+LA BIBLIOTHEQUE INTERIEURE: I learned a new French phrase this week: “la bibliotheque interieure,” or “the inner library,” the invisible bookshelf of stories that you carry with you, that give color to and create reference in your life. This is part of what we were talking about when we shared the first books or movies that really shook us, but really, our lives are a patchwork of allusions. The mangoes that draw to mind my mother; the sourpusses who bring to mind Miniver Cheevy. (I loved that one of you Magpies took the time to look up that name in response to this post!). I was thinking a lot about my bibliotheque interieure this week; even my BLT lunch on Wednesday was dressed in reference. I could think only of Joy Sullivan’s excellent summer poem, “Tomatoes.”

+A REALLY GOOD SALE: Sue Sartor is offering 30% off full-priced styles through Monday with code SUMMER30. I just wore this spectacular caftan to dinner with my parents this weekend. It’s made of the airiest, most breathable cotton and so dramatic IRL with the raised collar and over-long belt. Also comes in a version with sleeves. I think this strawberry-print variation is also adorable! Tres, tres chic!

ALL OUTFIT DETAILS HERE

+SMALL BUSINESS FAVORITES: I put this edit together because, this week, I passed 25,000 followers on Instagram. I can hardly believe it, and am so honored and proud of myself and this community. One of the great privileges and joys of my life: writing to find out what’s inside and then waiting to hear your thoughts. Anyhow, to celebrate the milestone, I ordered myself a couple of items from female-founded businesses. It just felt like the right moment and mood; I am so lifted by other women and so inspired by the entrepreneurs around me. I picked up a few hair clips from this sister-founded hair accessory business and this bubble bead necklace I’d been eyeing from Nicola Bathie, but I own almost everything below, too, including the chicest stationery from Dear Annabelle. Her paper quality is insane — it’s like 1/4″ thick, heavy cardstock — and the designs are fabulous. The cards come in these gorgeous green folios that make you feel like you’re opening a gift each time you hand-write a note. You can tell these women really care about the products they are releasing into the world.

UNDO HAIR CLIP // NICOLA BATHIE NECKLACE // SARAH NOOR BANGLE (CODE JEN15) // DEAR ANNABELLE STATIONERY (CODE JEN15) // FRP COLLECTION SYLVIA BAG // CHORD BASEBALL HAT // ASHA EARRINGS

+BESTSELLERS: The most joyful skirt! I adore mine. We were in a dress-buying mood this week — which I get. Any time I’m in the final third of a season, I need a little pick-me-up…