We had been half a block away from the door when Raines stopped. Gave me a glance. “OK, Mother,” he mentioned. “I’m going to do this teenager factor.”

I stared at him, clean. What teenager factor?

He gestured down the block. “I’m getting into there on my own,” he mentioned, smiling down at me, kindly. Oh, god — his smile was nearly pitying. This was my first tip off. I braced for what was coming: “Let’s simply hug right here…after which I’m going to stroll to the door with out you. OK, Mother?”

Oh.

We’re a very affectionate household. And my boys have by no means — not as soon as — shied away from giving me a kiss and hug goodbye on the varsity playground. In entrance of their associates. I’ve by no means insisted on this (perhaps joking round a couple of times?), however the entire hug goodbye has all the time been…simply…a given? A lot in order that it’s not unusual for his or her associates to swoop in for hugs too. Clearly joking round, however nonetheless.

Besides this was his first day of high-school orientation, so I smiled a vibrant smile, “Of COURSE, Raines!!!” and gave him a fast hug. Certainly one of his buddies walked up, and I watched them do this hand-slap/back-pat factor males do and stroll away.

We’ve reached a stage of independence that’s making my head spin. He’s such his personal individual now, and I discover myself endlessly fascinated by this tall, good-looking stranger along with his personal ideas and opinions and experiences that I (apparently) know so little about.

I’m beginning to perceive what my mother tried to elucidate years in the past, after Raines’ first birthday, once I was sobbing about “how outdated” he was getting. Once I was feeling panicked by the considered our little world increasing, seeing only a downward spiral of my very own self, one the place this valuable little creature — one who was so related, he felt extra like an additional appendage, like my very own arm or leg or coronary heart — would want me much less and fewer.

“They do want you much less and fewer,” my mother mentioned. “However, Shana, it’s fantastic too. Simply being round them — simply speaking and laughing as adults. It’s fantastic,” she gushed once more, laughing at my stony face. “Honey, I promise.”

I walked again dwelling after dropping Raines off, feeling each proud and unhappy. His little brother, Pax, was ready for me. “How did it go??” he requested. “Did you go inside?” “Nah,” I mentioned, explaining what occurred.

“WHAT???” Pax was indignant. “HE DIDN’T WANT TO HUG YOU IN FRONT OF HIS FRIENDS? HOW COOL DOES HE THINK HE IS? ‘CAUSE, MOM, HE IS NOT THAT COOL!!!!”

After which Pax wrapped me up in a big hug and whispered in my ear that he would by no means, ever do this to me — by no means ever (!!). And whereas I undoubtedly know his time will come, it dawns on me that that is perhaps why you’ve multiple child.

Thank God for little brothers.

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HOLD THE PHONE. My beloved GANNI boots are on sale???!! Nearly offered out, however…dangle on…YESSS: Saks really has a couple of actually strong choices within the sale part, as soon as I dig a bit of deeper. Strive my exact GANNI boots in a lighter color, a similar GANNI pair in my exact color (however with a shorter shaft) or, for a really comparable look, these Philip Lim boots, that are additionally on sale.

Two Nice Baggage, On Sale: This Nanushka pleated-leather (vegan leather) clutch is the sexiest factor I’ve seen shortly. I’ve an identical piece from Clare V., and it’s each wildly sensible AND outfit-making — one in every of my favourite purchases ever. And whereas my Staud bag that appears like some type of cool flowerpot (see it here) is lengthy gone, J.Crew just came out with a very similar piece. Such an important form — folks cross the road to ask me about it.

Which Ugly Shoe? I can’t resolve between the UGG Ultra Minis in Burnt Cedar and Birkenstock Boston clogs (shearling-lined, obvi) in Stone Coin. And in the event you say each, you might be NO HELP. (However hmmmm….I’ll prob get each.)

Beautiful. This washable silk cropped cami from Everlane is jaw-droppingly beautiful on. It utterly aces the understated-but-chic vibe. I’ve the scale 2, for reference. It pairs completely with Everlane’s Way-High straight-leg jeans (in the event you care, Tumbled Indigo is MUCH softer than Salty Water).

French-Lady Lips: I’ve been a longtime fan of Saie Beauty’s lip balm (your lips however higher), and it lately got here out with a product called Lip Blur that appears like a type of almost-lipstick. I can’t resolve on the colour, although, so I would really splurge on the two-pack. I undoubtedly need Trendy Rosy Nude and both Nouveau Midtone Brown OR Surreal Raspberry.

I don’t curler skate, however…if I did, this pretty pair. I’ll wager they’d make a very candy reward too.

Ahhhhhhh… I first fell in love with Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria scents in Paris again in 2003. Fortunately, one of many duty-free retailers we had been wandering round between flights had the complete line, together with the most recent one, Mandarine Basilic. It’s very citrus-forward however actually heat too and smells like a summer time day. This actual scent has been round for years in a lighter model. The replace is a bit stronger (facet be aware: None of those are “sturdy” — the entire line is flirty, as in a make-you-want-more sort of method) and is bringing me SO a lot pleasure throughout these end-of-summer days. Nordstrom has a decent selection, if you wish to see different choices, however Macy’s is the only one that’s at the moment carrying my favourite stateside.

Inform Me No. As a result of I’m actually, actually tempted by these wild pants.

Not *Precisely* For Children… We picked up the game Ransom Notes, and it’s HYSTERICAL. Just a few of the prompts are decidedly NOT kid-friendly, however our guys are principally youngsters now, so, no matter. Anyway, it was a laugh-so-hard-you-cry sort of sport.

A Week’s Price Of Outfits: In our particular Tuesday e-newsletter, I’m on deck for this coming week’s My On a regular basis Edit. For those who haven’t but joined, effectively…we’re fairly darn enjoyable. Subscribe here, in the event you’d like.

I’ve been putting out on books these days. Any suggestions???

Completely happy weekend, gang. Take pleasure in these previous couple of days of August.

xo,
S