Then and Now.

We’ve come a long way, baby.

Whether it’s the pungent scent of chlorine wafting through my house, the longer days of concentrated sunlight or J.Crew (once again) flawlessly showcasing summer imagery from decade’s past, I am feeling reminiscent.  And can’t help but wonder —à la Carrie Bradshaw — how our go-to’s have changed over time.  Have we moved on or, like J. Crew — who resurrected the 1989 scoopback one-piece — is summer all about reveling in the past? Let’s explore.

THEN

Bain De Soleil SPF 2: After decades of sun worshipping, Bain De Soleil was discontinued in 2019 due to demand for actual sun protection — and the rise in melanoma cases nearly doubling since 2009.

NOW

Anything Dr. Ellen Gendler approves, including Kinfield Daily Dew SPF 35 and Isdin Eryfotona Actinica, Daily Mineral SPF 50+.

THEN

L.L Bean tote: Perfection since 1944.

NOW

L.L. Bean Ironic Boat and Tote: …but nothing beats a statement bag. The possibilities for originality and sarcasm are endless, but the space is not. 10 characters maximum.

@graciewiener

THEN

Fashion magazines: Subscriptions of W, Vogue, Allure, Mademoiselle, Elle, Harper's Bazaar and  Glamour were carted around — on planes, trains, Jitneys and beaches — to read cover to cover.

NOW

The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts

Menopause has finally hit the zeitgeist after being a taboo topic for, well, forever.  With its prominence among our text chains — as 6,000 women enter menopause daily — we’re demanding answers.  Enter, Dr. Mary Claire Haver and her latest book; making appearances in every handbag this summer.

THEN

Jelly sandals: Worn daily. Band-aids forever on standby.

NOW

Jelly sandals: Be grateful that The Row has sold out of these trendy shoes— which are nearly the cost of a roundtrip flight to Paris, the city where “Jelly Shoes” were founded in 1980 — as you can nab a pair for far less thanks to Clare V, Ancient Greek Sandals or Melissa.

@Melissajellyshoes

THEN

BBC’s: Banana Bailey Coconut. With a floater if you dared. Made infamous by Cyril’s (RIP), this summer milkshake was not PG.

NOW

Erewhon Smoothies: Whether you dig Mrs. Bieber’s or the new Vacation sunscreen version — coined a “nostalgic blend” given five coconut-based ingredients; liquid form of the brand DNA — plan to take out a second mortgage for this frosty vice.

THEN

Cynthia Rowley Swimwear: A frequent brand collaborator (Band-aids, Roller skates), I wore this Tide bikini (circa 2003) with pride.  CR was — and continues to be — a designer, surfer and woman I admire.

NOW

Cynthia Rowley Neoprene Swimsuit: While I love the green technology and limited production to conserve water resources and reduce carbon footprint, it’s the SPF 50+ fabric and neoprene compression (perfect for a menopausal body) that makes me feel summer ready.

THEN

Summer Breeze: Seals & Crofts have been playing this tune since 1972. From transistors to Walkman to Sirius XM, it remains a staple of the season.

NOW

Yacht Rock: No ageism here.  The smooth songs of Christopher Cross, Gerry Rafferty, Michael McDonald, Boz Scaggs, Seals & Crofts (natch) and more is multigenerational.

THEN

Bucket Hats: Britney wore it best. Stars, they’re just like us.

NOW

Straw Hats: Whether you lean toward Janessa Leone, Toteme or J. Crew, the styles are universally appealing and offer broad SPF coverage.

@JanessaLeone

Prada, among others, are steadfast about keeping bucket hats in circulation. There are just some looks you shouldn’t revisit.

THEN

Juicy Tubes

While lip gloss was created nearly 100 years ago (thanks, Max Factor) Lancome’s launch in 2000 was wildly popular; 20 Juicy tubes sold every minute. GWP included.

NOW

Lip Gloss: While Juicy tubes returned — after a two year hiatus — in 2020 with ten new shades, it’s Mrs. Bieber’s Tinted Lip Layer and iphone case that is in our hands this season. Another reminiscent relaunch, Glossier’s Balm Dotcalm, proves lip gloss is here to stay.

THEN

Peace of mind: That comes from knowing you have your whole life ahead of you — mistakes to be made, risks to be taken.

NOW

Peace of mind: That comes from having acquired wisdom from success (and failures), risks taken, love and loss — knowing that while you may be in your second act, this is just the beginning in many ways. You have your whole life ahead of you.

substack cover image: J. Crew, Spring 1998.