Have a Lovely Weekend.

Anna, I’m so sorry you and your family went through such a tragedy. I can’t imagine. Thank you for reminding us of others who are suffering now. Sending love and healing xo

Just saying, I was born and raised in NYC w/ some roots from a tropical island and I think pineapple on pizza is perfectly fine. Pretty good, even! My family’s go to order is pineapple w/ chicken plus a mushroom-pepperoni. I think it’s great that pizza is versatile that way.

Thank for sharing! This is so cool!

DC resident here who loves and agrees with everything in this comment!!!

I have family there and was just distance visiting in DC. We walked away feeling so moved by the district community. Despite “the swamp” dominating the news the community there is strong, vibrant, and so resilient. I was so glad to feel the determined and passionate energy from the locals and to see all the signs of solidarity for racial justice all over the city. I came away yet again wishing for an end to the no representation nonsense for you all. DC citizens deserve voting rights!!! Your community’s voice matters just like any other.

Well, there’s a swamp. Evidence is coming out everyday that the previous administration tried to remove a duly-elected president in the days before and after the election. The swamp *is* real whether or not you’re a part of it.

I’m sure Washington is full of wonderful people, but it’s also knee-deep in corruption.

Lol @ Chloe’s swamp theory. Cool story!

Clara, we love DC and y’all deserve full representation.

Yes! I don’t live there anymore but the lack of representation frustrated me so much when I did! And even thought I live in another great city now I do miss some of the DC-specific energy!

My first job was at a pizza place 30+ years ago and pineapple was a popular ingredient even then. Especially with pepperoni! And as my mom would say, don’t yuck someone’s yum! :-)

I grew up in Germany, and “Pizza Hawaii” with lots of cheese, pineapple and ham was a thing back then and still is. It’s yummy.

Hurricanes, wildfires, layoffs from pandemic…
This blog tends to draw very aware, knowledgeable, and sensitive readers. We can not expect Jo to cover every single current event, no matter how devastating,
This blog offers a variety of references/insights/links/articles; some light and others heavy.
It is why I come here!
But yes…I certainly have much empathy for anyone displaced by recent events.

Yes Joaquina, I so agree!

I don’t want to sound snarky (but I probably do): I live between two huge wildfires in California and it’s been catastrophic. People lost homes, 1 million acres of beautiful nature and redwood forrest down to the ocean were lost, we all were glued to the daily CalFire updates to see whether the evacuation zones were extended to where we live or where we know friends live, the air is terrible and my eyes are burning, it’s climate change right here and now – nobody really appears to care outside of CA, as there are so many disasters going on at the same time (plus Covid and the upcoming elections). I am terribly sorry for folks that lost homes etc. in the recent hurricane, I think we all have a limit, however, and CoJ is not a news organization.

???

Louder for the people in the back!!

I love Jerry Seinfeld. He’s hilarious. I once saw him in Central Park, and he was so nice to a fan talking to him! But according to his wife’s Instagram, his kitchen is bigger than most NYC apartments….so….

I love NY and I mean LOVE NY… I grew up in that beautiful city through the worst of times.. back in the 70’s when Pres. Ford told NY to “drop dead” when the city needed a bailout after it went bankrupt, and my son lives there now. I thought the city Giuliani brought back to life was safe enough for my son to live there… no problem. I visited back in May and it was so sad to see it and this was before the protests, riots and looting. I thought then how will this city get back to normal? And not getting political but diblasio and Cuomo have placed nails on the coffin here. Seinfeld says what he says because he’s one of the elites. He can live in the hamptons and commute wherever he wants. He’s got loads of money. But not the mom and pop shops- they don’t have Seinfeld kinda money.. nor do the restaurants, I mean look at fifth ave! It’s boarded up. The 70’s Nyc with the fiscal crises and graffiti and crime was not boarded up! Not closed for business! It was gritty but it thrived! People are leaving the city in droves. Uhaul rental trucks have lines circling blocks of waiting people for trucks to move out. And the crime! It’s quadrupled ! Defund the police they say – it’s insane. My heart breaks and my mind is not at peace knowing my son lives there. You see I moved to Florida back in the mid 90’s and it’s good here .. businesses, restaurants and gyms give some sort of “normal” life during Covid pandemic. No protesters, rioters, looters to have harmed the local economies. NYC has always had a part of my heart… but it’s going to take years for it to be back to “normal”. The elites always downplay life because their lives are “easier “ compared to those who have to really work to eke out a living. The working man and woman have no 2nd home in the hamptons, private teachers/schooling.. and heck plain old hard disposable cash money for every day expenditures and then some. Again not to get political but the city that never sleeps is hibernating… until November.

Even so, I don’t think his wealth and privilege negate the point entirely. In some ways I think its really important for high-profile people to publicly express their confidence and intention to stay when we hear so much of the opposite. I don’t think the point is that the bad things aren’t happening or that no one should leave, it’s more a criticism of the people that are leaving because it’s not “fun” anymore.

Calla, why should residents be criticized for leaving “if it’s not fun anymore”? I’m not a New Yorker so maybe I’m missing something. What’s wrong with pointing out that the city is no longer a hospitable place for many people?

Calla — Native nyers live in NY because that’s their homes. People move to NY because that’s where their community is. NY is magical (not “fun”) because of the great many and resilient communities. I think before this happened, almost everyone I know who lives NYC would agree that living in NY is and has for many decades been hard, not “fun”. As a native-NYer, I would venture to say that those who are no longer interested in living in the city because in the midst of a global crisis they no longer find it “fun” were never real NYers and would have left eventually anyway. But I also agree with the sentiment in Jerry’s piece that they are also very short sighted.

Trish, certainly everyone is entitled to do what is best for them. I think for some city-dwellers such as myself, there are a lot of factors at play. One is that I feel invested in the city and its people and sometimes the complaints about it being “dead” or not fun anymore come across as though the city is there to serve someone, whereas I feel it goes both ways. I believe that investing in the people, culture and businesses where you live is how you create community, and leaving when some activities close runs counter to that effort.

And I also think that it’s possible to choose to move somewhere else without insulting the place you are leaving. Maybe people feel the pull of rural areas or suburbs and that is great. But making a point about how “dead” a place on the way out can be a slap in the face to those who stay. When you are working to keep your city going in the face of adversity, it is demoralizing to have people imply that without some of the restaurants and museums there is no point to it anymore.

What about the neighborhood standbys that are trying to hang in there? Or the elderly who have lived their whole lives here and now need help accessing the necessities? Or the people keeping local traditions alive and spirits up? Behind the trendy restaurants, the concerts, and the museums are real people, not faceless business that exist only to keep us constantly entertained, and I feel these people are well worth staying for.

So to the people who find that life here is not worth living, I sincerely hope they find what they are looking for wherever they are headed but would appreciate it if they let the rest of us support and rebuild our cities in peace.

Also, try red grapes. Yum!

Omg you sick sick sickos! Pizza with sickly-sweet fruit toppings? What next, chocolate sauce? Toffee? Whipped cream? It’s official, the human race is done for. (I am only about 80% joking.)

Agree with Sonia! Though my wedding was a decade ago, I was committed to a dress under $200 and found a gem at Nordstrom online.

Yes! Pineapple and fresh green bell pepper has been my choice for 20+ years! Also acceptable with fresh red bell pepper, but the more widely available green is the most perfect sweet/crunchy combo imaginable :)

I was going to comment that this is our family’s favorite pizza! Pineapple, jalapeño, chicken. ???

Hmm, do you know ASOS? They have a lot of good dressy dresses!

Hi Amy,

I’ve paid close attention to those wedding posts (as a recent covid bride myself) and I think one cup of jo reader got her beautiful colorful non white wedding gown on Asos. I personally would look at vintage stores, poshmark, rent the runway. In LA, I like Shareen Vintage and Wasteland, both sell beautiful, unique dresses.

The brand needle and thread fits your description. Shopbop is another place to look.

Amy,

I’m in the same boat! I’ve been on the lookout for something not too frilly and right in the same price range. I’m hoping you get some other answers, because this will be helpful for me as well!

If it’s helpful, I’ve been eyeing the Dill High Collar Silk Dress from Kaarem (www.kaarem.com)…maybe something in their collection might work for you?

And congratulations!

hi Amy, I saw this dress linked on a Girl of a certain age post this week and I find it beautiful: https://www.stories.com/en/clothing/dresses/midi-dresses/product.belted-midi-print-dress-blue.0885459002.html?utm_source=rewardStyle&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1&utm_content=15&utm_term=678955&ranMID=41994&ranEAID=QFGLnEolOWg&ranSiteID=QFGLnEolOWg-NQvxwc8iG_gETjt6dR1PKg
I was invited to a friend’s wedding this year that has been postponed to not sure when, it’s an international couple with parents and friends flying from all over the world, so it has been postponed indefinitely. Anyway i would have gotten this dress but I’m not sure in which season (and which country) the celebration will be happening.

Otherwise, do you have any local designer in your area that have a style you like?

I was you last year!! But I caved and got a Big White Dress in the end because It was important to my partner.

Some designers I considered: Marchesa Notte, they go on pretty great sales fairly often; Tadashi Shoji; Chi Chi London (though perhaps frillier than what you’re after); Jenny Packham, though even on sale these are pricey.

I eloped in December and wore this in white. I also looked everywhere including BHDN but didn’t want to spend a lot. It was perfect for my beach wedding and very inexpensive.

https://www.lulus.com/products/heavenly-hues-white-maxi-dress/506092.html

It doesn’t cover your arms but you might find something else that you like! Congratulations on your wedding.

What about Sezane? I got a gorgeous white dress for my rehearsal dinner from there! This is it: https://www.sezane.com/en/product/archives-all-17-06/apolline-dress/ecru

I dressed it up with some pretty hair clips and a bright red lip.

Their vaguely bridal dresses come and go with each season, right now I love the Megan dress: https://www.sezane.com/en/product/spring-collection/megan-dress/ecru

Hi Amy!!
I also did not want the whole bridal gown look for an intimate wedding nor did I want to spend a small fortune! Check out the Marchesa Notte Cape gown – I wore the white/ivory! There is some arm coverage due to the cape style. Its simple but classic. Im sure you could bring it shorter if you liked it! My advice would be to search for evening gowns they tend to be less “bridal” and more reasonable cost wise! Hope this helps :)
Just some ideas……
https://www.shopbop.com/cape-gown-marchesa-notte/vp/v=1/1591037639.htm
https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-ca/shop/product/marchesa-notte/cape-effect-embellished-tulle-and-crepe-gown/1200983

This made me think of Needle & Thread, Amy! Such special dresses. Hope you find what you’re looking for!

Check ModCloth! I see nice midi dresses on there all the time!

Hi Amy! I am getting married (hopefully!) around the same time as you and was experiencing many of the same thoughts. After buying a second hand reformation dress that was beautiful but not quite *the one* I got in touch with a talented local designer in my city to ask if she would be willing to adapt one of her existing wrap dress designs to be my wedding dress. She said yes, and I am so, so excited to be working with her and create the simple dress of my dreams, and the price point is honestly so reasonable once you remove yourself from the the wildly overpriced wedding industry. So, all that to say don’t be afraid to reach out to local designers you love! And in case anyone wanted to have a look at the site of the amazing woman, Julie, that I am working with, here it is: https://hijulez.com/

Seconding Modcloth! Also I’m not sure what their shipping policies are right now with covid but eShakti does tons of affordable custom stuff! Plus I think every dress always has pockets :)

Amy, do you know the Australian brand Zimmerman? They have a gorgeous range of dresses that are perfect for getting married in. And the US/AUS exchange rate make it very affordable! https://www.zimmermannwear.com/ready-to-wear/clothing/dresses?p=2&product_list_limit=all

If you want to go with a pre-owned dress (especially if it’s from a designer you can see in person/try on first), check out preownedweddingdress.com. I bought a used, fairly casual and gorgeous Amy Kuschel dress (after trying it at a bridal salon) for about $700 (new it was like 3.5K), but then sold it again after my wedding for the same price. (Admittedly we just spent the cash in Maui on poke, but it was such a fun purchase/sale). Good luck!

AMSALE’s little white dresses are gorgeous! Although most are sleeveless but you might find one you like: https://amsale.com/collections/little-white-dresses

Have you considered Rent the Runway? They have LOTS of dresses and, since you’re renting rather than buying, you’ll end up paying quite a bit less. Of course, you don’t get to keep it, but I’m thinking about my wedding dress sadly collecting dust in the back of my closet…

Amy, I would also suggest The Real Real. I bought my (amazing, yellow Etro gown) wedding dress there and not only was it economical, it was SO much cooler than anything I found in traditional shops.

I’m not sure what your aesthetic is, but I’d recommend checking out https://www.rennes.us/.

The shop’s customer service is excellent. And, you’d be supporting a small business that supports other small businesses.

And, congratulations! ?

Hi Amy! I looked for the same type of dress for my wedding. Check out Natayadresses.com. They have pretty dresses that aren’t necessarily wedding dresses, but are special occasion and not revealing. Prices are reasonable too.

Congrats!
A long time ago, I got married in a white dress by Nicowa.
Their stuff is special, but not too much so, and different in a good way, even though not every style is for me.
Maybe you’d like to check them out, you can find them here:
https://www.nicowa.com/online-shop/dresses?lang=en

It is an Italian brand, so I am not sure if you can get them everywhere, but if you can, they are worth checking out and very detail-oriented, which makes them feel special.

Hi Amy,
Consider jjshouse.com .

Congratulations, Amy! I didn’t have any specific dresses in mind, but it was fun to go online shopping for you. haha. I found four options in your price range, and with the characteristics you were looking for. I’m not sure what your style is, but maybe one of these is close? I’d love to see what you end up picking! Good luck! and Cheers!
https://www.shopbop.com/wrap-dress-moon-river/vp/v=1/1557779595.htm?folderID=13362&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&os=false&colorId=12397&ref_=SB_PLP_NB_89
https://www.shopbop.com/bettina-dress-ulla-johnson/vp/v=1/1575685429.htm?folderID=13362&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&os=false&colorId=13E7B&ref_=SB_PLP_NB_89
https://www.shopbop.com/savannah-midi-dress-rebecca-vallance/vp/v=1/1529957728.htm?folderID=13362&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&os=false&colorId=13149&ref_=SB_PLP_NB_17
https://www.shopbop.com/short-sleeve-textured-ikat-dress/vp/v=1/1542294037.htm?folderID=13362&fm=other-shopbysize-viewall&os=false&colorId=10117&ref_=SB_PLP_NB_24

Hi Amy!
You’ve already gotten lots of great ideas, but I couldn’t resist trying for you as well! It’s hard not knowing what kind of style you like, but I’m a fan of Nordstrom too. Here are some options I thought were interesting. Best of luck, and let us know what you wear please!

https://www.astrthelabel.com/collections/sale-dresses
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/vince-camuto-angled-ruffle-sheath-dress-regular-petite/5150756?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=ivory
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/harper-rose-bell-sleeve-bateau-neck-sheath-dress/5137872?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=ivory
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/adelyn-rae-abbi-mixed-floral-wrap-dress/5554881?origin=category-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FWomen%2FClothing%2FDresses&color=pink%20mist%20multi
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/astr-the-label-floral-print-dress/5333860?origin=coordinating-5333860-0-6-FTR-recbot-recently_viewed_snowplow_mvp&recs_placement=FTR&recs_strategy=recently_viewed_snowplow_mvp&recs_source=recbot&recs_page_type=category&recs_seed=0&color=PINK%20GARDEN%20FLORAL

Can I just say, I love how everyone is banding together to help Amy <3 I really do love this community. And I especially like Vivian's choices. Congratulations Amy, and good luck finding the perfect dress!

Amy – how did you make out with this? did you find a dress?