JULY ROUNDUP + links
Previously, on Gen x Taste...
July Posts
Woops… Substack has a new dashboard, and I accidentally published two posts last week, two days in a row. Sorry for crowding your inboxes/enjoy the additional blog.
Jean → Shorts ✂️
Since last summer, I have been looking for some Bermuda-length jean shorts. I have tried on, bought, and returned several, mostly because they just didn’t sit/feel right, or they seemed too polished,…
Eye Saw the Sign
The last couple of months, my worst perimenopause symptoms were dry eye and insomnia. I wouldn’t seek medical help, even though these two conditions greatly affected my day-to-day-life...
I Used to Avoid Audiobooks
I’ve narrated two books. The first was Crazy, Rich, Asians, not a typical example for a complete novice. At the time, I had never listened to a single audiobook, which became painfully evident on my…
Summer Pix
Back when I used to blog daily (a practice I kinda miss) I would post pictures of every single thing I ate, with very few words or just captions in between. I miss those photo-heavy posts so I thought I’d do one this month...
The Only Sale I Care About
*The Seconds Sale ended on Sunday, July 6th but you can use my discount code LYNN15 on all items for future purchases. East Fork is gifting me with store credit for this post, but I genuinely love an…
Random Links
🖼️ Jeffrey Gibson: the space in which to place me — This is at The Broad until September 28th. If you go on a Thursday night, it’s free!
“… a kaleidoscopic special exhibition filled with vibrant colors, intricate beadwork, towering sculptures, and powerful storytelling, all reflecting the artist’s radical vision for a future in which all people are seen, accepted, and loved.”
📚 What a Time to Be Alive by Jade Chang — This doesn’t come out until September 30th but I snagged an advanced copy from the author. We became friends after Abe and I geeked out over her debut, The Wangs vs. the World. Abe’s reading this one first, but we’re both enjoying our new socks!
“A deeply moving and often hilarious novel following a woman who becomes an internet folk hero in the most unexpected way, catapulting her into fame and influence just as she’s finally beginning to reckon with her complicated past.”
🎥 Oh, Hi! — I went to see Sophie Brooks’ seconds feature in the theaters, knowing nothing about it. It was some good, silly fun, and the acting was great. The next day, I read this in the NYT and found it to be a good companion piece to the film (gifted link): The Trouble With Wanting Men.
🎹 Billy Joel: And So It Goes — I only saw Billy Joel once, at Madison Square Garden, in October 1993 (The River of Dreams tour). But I still remember it vividly — probably because I played the piano and he was the only artist I listened to who also tickled the ivories (I wouldn’t discover Fiona/Tori until the following year, at college). To this day his music is deeply embedded in my soul (Summer Highland Falls is one of my Top 10 favorite songs, ever) but still, I didn’t know anything about him. That’s why I cleared my schedule to watch the 2-part documentary series on HBO. I felt like, in 5 hours, I finally got to know someone whose friendship I deeply cherished.
🌋 Speaking of Tori Amos, Pitchfork recently did deep dive into Boys for Pele — an album, I admittedly didn’t love in 1996 but have come to appreciate a lot more now that I’m older; even more so after reading the article.
🪻 I went to two shows of two singer/songwriters I love, two days in a row! Noah Cyrus played at The Ford and Madi Diaz at The Getty Museum. Noah was promoting I Want My Loved Ones to Go With Me, while Madi’s latest album, Fatal Optimist, comes out October 10th. I was blown away not only by both performers (neither of them I’m actually on a first-name basis with) but also both venues. I love a chill show in a chill environment — where you can bring your own food, and enjoy the summer evening.
🌹 Rouje x J. Crew collection — When we were in Paris I became obsessed with Jeanne Damas, her clothing label, Rouje and I’m absolutely ❤️ing the pieces in this collaboration.
📰 Sandra Oh Knows What’s Great About Middle Age (gifted link) — I had the pleasure of interviewing Sandra (who I am actually on a first name basis with) back in 2014 for The Actor’s Diet podcast and always love what she has to say about, well… anything! I recommend listening to the audio interview (embedded in the piece) because she reads from her old journals.
🎧 I really enjoyed listening to Jason Schwartzman talk about the Rushmore soundtrack on Song Exploder while driving out to the La Canada High to see my goddaughter’s performance at acting camp. Watching kids performing very adult scenes from movies like The Social Network and Castaway was very Max Fischer-esque.
🪧 say it with your chest — I enjoyed this post about political T-shirts over at
’s Substack Rabbit Fur Coat.🙏 How to Ask for Help Without Burning Bridges — Fellow Wes alum Candace Nelson (founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes) has a great Substack (and an entire book) giving business advice called
. I thought this latest post was especially useful.🦟 I’ve shared this before, but I’m totally obsessed with this mosquito bite itch reliever that’s less than $20. I still have the same one I bought in this 2023 video (the first time I used it) and it’s really held up! I cannot live without it in the summer months.
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Thanks, Lynn!