When Harry Met Sally, Google Didn't Exist
And I'm gonna be 50. Someday.
Gen x Taste is a lifestyle blog and newsletter for those who still don’t know what they want to be when they grow up (even if they’re over the age of 40).
Sally: And I’m gonna be 40.
Harry: When?
Sally: Someday.
Harry: In 8 years.
- When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Hello! I am guessing you’re here because you either know me personally, have read my words before, or seen me eating/acting on a screen. Welcome to my new lifestyle blog. I’m going to be talking fashion. I’m going to be talking beauty. I’m going to be talking (gulp) getting older. I’m very nervous about the latter, because I’m pretty sure that my age has cost me jobs. But any quick google search will reveal that I am, indeed, Gen X. Maybe late Gen X, perhaps Xennial. Definitely a lot older than “Sally.”
Whatever reason you’re here, please know that I’m excited about this new endeavor. I feel a responsibility to let you know: I am not an expert in style or skincare. I’m not at peace with my graying hair or wrinkling neck. I am not a doctor (though I once played one on TV) and I don’t have a clue as to what’s trending. I don’t read fashion or beauty news regularly and I don’t intend to. Only recently have I achieved middle tier status with Sephora’s Beauty Insider program.
But still — so excited.
You see, my once-burgeoning career with food came to an abrupt halt when I was diagnosed with a gluten allergy. When the pandemic hit, I shifted my decade-long obsession from what I put into my body to what I put on it. Before I bought any new serum or outfit, I would do my research online. Then, I noticed something: there are very few people my age discussing these topics. Or, if they are over 40, they seem to be nothing like me — they have children and hectic homes that they own, big kitchens with tons of closet space. They have other parents to bond with and children’s parties to plan. They wear high heels to get drinks after a long day at the office. They feel like grown-ups.
Now I know I’m definitely a grown-up, but I still find myself gravitating a lot more towards Gen Z and Millennial influencers for answers. Maybe it’s because that’s what’s popular. But my algorithm seems to understand that I’ve never had a “real job,” that I rent my apartment, and I don’t have kids. Maybe it’s because I’m still shopping like I did when I was a teenager — impulsively and cheaply. I feel ashamed, but I still yearn for my youth.
This is a casual exploration of whether my tastes have actually evolved since the 90’s. I picture myself posting here bi-monthly. Or weekly — at least in the beginning, while I’m kicking this all off. I have so much to share — but I don’t want to overwhelm your inbox, or my own schedule. Please hang out with me as I figure it all out. And for those of you who are able to support my writing with a paid subscription (thank you!) there will definitely be some stuff that’s just for you.
The End of Sweater Weather
Lately in Los Angeles it’s been raining, but we definitely have sunny 70-degree weather too. This is the perfect time to rock Meg Ryan’s winter-into-spring seasonal transitional look:
A chunky burgundy cable-knit sweater - this one from H&M is currently on sale for $17.
Black bermuda shorts - Yes I know it looks like a skirt — “Harry” even says to her in this scene: “You look really good in skirts.” But they are, in fact, SHORTS.
Textured black tights - I’ve never tried them, but Sheertex are supposedly indestructible.
Pointy black shoes - I own several Nisolo shoes and I’m willing to bet their Everyday Ankle Bootie is also comfortable.
Stanley 40 oz tumbler - In lieu of a plastic water bottle. My husband Abe and I are obsessed with ours (which I talk about at length on The Actor’s Diet podcast).
My favorite layering shirt - Not pictured, but this thermal from Uniqlo is my go-to shirt under sweaters. It’s very soft and warm (but not TOO hot).
That’s it for today. Hope to see you back here soon!
Images from When Harry Met Sally (currently streaming on HBO Max). Director: Rob Reiner. DP: Barry Sonnenfeld.
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