The pressure is off

My thoughts on bathings suits at 61, early spring looks & yes we can shop there

Mar 01, 2026

Me with my fresh spray tan! You all LOVED this dress. If you missed it? Its Walmart! Crazy good quality. Shop the dress, bag and sandals

Heading home from the beach as I write this. We hadn’t been down to the beach together for 3 years. My goodness. Dougie said, let’s put this on our calendar for next year! Overall we had great weather. I prefer cooler beach days anyway!

I’m going to put together a Substack with a full roundup of our weekend, where we stayed, where to eat, my 2 cents worth on the area, and what I wore! Be looking out for that this week, probably Thursday!

Nanette

Sweetfringebenefit of the week

Each week I find the good, the sweet in a moment or season that is hard, challenging, nasty or difficult.

When was the last time you were in a bathing suit?

I’m not a big pool lounger anymore. I used to spend several days a week at the pool with my kids. Well, they grew up, and I got a job.

And it lost its appeal. I don’t really love baking in the sun anymore. It’s not good for us…and, it doesn’t feel good! Let me clarify, it doesn’t feel good when it’s 90 degrees out. This week? 70 on the beach. Perfect.

Unless I’m on vacation, I really don’t have a need for a bathing suit.

Yet, when you do, its a serious effort to “find the one”.

The last few years, it’s been a lot easier to find a suit. Because I realized, the suit doesn’t matter! Ain’t no bathing suit that’s gonna hide that I’m 61 years old!

What a relief. The pressure is OFF!

This weekend’s Sweetfringebenefit of being 61 years old is that no one, not even myself, expects me to look great in a bathing suit. And I’ve come to believe, that no one is really looking.

For me? I just want one that I think is cute. And a cover-up too. It doesn’t need to look that great. Because I’m 61. I just have to feel good. Next time you get in a bathing suit, remember…

The pressure is off!

What I wore this week

A few outfits from this week. Tap on the photo and you’ll be directed to my LTK with links to the entire outfit. I’ve added a few direct links under each photo as well.

Left: The viral Ruti barrel pants. They’re spendy, but anyone who has bought them has told me they LOVE them. Sweater is a nice price point…it balances out.

Center: Floral jeans with the prettiest print. No stretch, but if that doesn’t bother you, they’re a go! Pair with a cashmere sweater and boots and you can wear them right now.

Right: I loved this outfit. Navy blazer that I highly recommend, an oversized oxford shirt and some fun pants that can be worn right now and in to summer months.

A few sales and newness worth mentioning…

I provide links to sales that I’m shopping and think you’ll want to as well. I do make a small commission (called affiliate commission) if you make a purchase through my links at no additional cost. The brand pays for it, think of it as coming out of their marketing budget.

Thought I’d drop a few links to what I’m excited about and loving…

Abercrombie (yes we can shop there) and I’m loving several pieces there right now. And some 25% off! This striped cardigan is just what I’ve been looking for, this light yellow short sleeve cardigan, and these olive wide leg jeans (its a great silhouette, not too wide IMO)
Allie & Bess select necklaces 43% off through Sunday Night for the founders birthday! Shop here with code BESS. This turquoise one is gorgeous!
Boden 20% off code with code SHOPMY20 I always keep an eye out on their dresses and tops. The jersey knit dresses (I tend to size up in the jersey knit) are my favorite as they’re so comfortable and a bit more casual. I love this jersey knit navy midi (I’d order the 10 petite), I have this one from last year and they brought it back in more colors! (10 regular fit me). But if you want a statement dress? It’s this one.
Democracy Clothing I have a 25% off code good for one use NANETTE25. The jeans have the absolution waistband that creates the perfect fit. And the denim is so comfortable, well under $100 with my code!
Loft 40% off plus extra 25% off. I love this bathing suit and matching linen pants, this dress is top seller, and I love all the soft lilac, including this lightweight barn jacket.
Talbots 25% off entire purchase! I love this denim popover, these straight leg pants, this twill jacket…I could keep going! Great time to shop if Talbots is your brand. This denim shirt dress sells out early every spring.
Quince I’m waiting on the arrival of several new spring styles. This navy/white striped sweater is going to be a classic, and this linen top is the prettiest color! I’m also trying their white jeans! Will keep you posted. Sizes are already selling out.
Target shoes are a great option especially for more elevated styles that you’re not going to wear everyday. I have these (a great neutral dressy option), a spring summer woven slingback, I’m ordering these platform raffia heels, and these look like an everyday sandal whether with dresses, jeans or shorts.

Wrapping up

Just as a reminder, LTK is the best way for you to browse my outfits with shoppable links. Get the free app and follow me here.

Have a great week!