An Important Health Update

Hi friend,
Last month, the FDA issued a new rule requiring mammography facilities nationwide to alert patients if they are found to have dense breasts.

The communication will read, in part: “Your breast tissue is dense. In some people with dense tissue, other imaging tests in addition to a mammogram may help find cancers.”

Experts still disagree over what sort of additional screenings should be recommended, and not all are covered by insurance. However, it is important to know this information, as dense breast tissue is linked to a higher risk of cancer.

Having dense breast tissue is extremely common, with “nearly half of all women” 40 and older found to have it via mammogram. This was the case for The Office star Jenna Fischer, who was told after a routine mammogram that she had dense tissue. She was advised to do another mammogram and then to follow up with a breast ultrasound. Her screenings, which included a biopsy, eventually led to a diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. She shared her story yesterday on The Today Show with Hoda Kotb.

Listen, we know that The Today Show is basically built in a lab to evoke emotion in women ages 25 to 54, but seeing Fischer, her hair still super-short from chemo, talk about her experience, including how her friends and husband supported her, was moving. It’s a feel-good moment, in case you need one.

For more recommendations for your week, plus a fall trend we’re enjoying, simply keep scrolling. See you on Friday.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

Suede is finicky — you need to treat it properly and protect it — but its soft, supple nap is appealingly luxurious. We’ve always gravitated towards it when it comes to shoes and bags, but this season, we’re seeing it everywhere. As Vogue explains, the material’s having a bit of a moment, popping up on shirts, blazers, and more unexpected places. There are so many good suede pieces right now (our favorites are below), but yes, they can be pricey. If you want to try the look for less, know that resale sites are full of scores, like this vintage overshirt.

• Really into the dramatic snake buckle on this skinny leather belt. Herbert Frere Soeur La Grande Keller Velours Belt, $88.

• This pitch-perfect, drapey shirt-jacket style is selling out fast. Sézane Will Jacket, $305. Size XXS to XXL.

• When you like the look of a moc, but want something a bit more sturdy. G.H.Bass Hampton Suede Boater, $145.

• This simple overshirt is also selling out, but you can sign up to be alerted when they restock. Quince Suede Overshirt, $150. Size XS to XL.

• These are so cute – we wish our size was left! H&M Fringed Suede Loafers, $99.

• A very versatile layer. Universal Standard Greenwich Suede Shirt Jacket, $398. Size XS (10-12) to 4XL (38-40).

• Considering that this Saint Laurent popover was originally over $5k, this feels like a bargain. Saint Laurent Kaftan Suede Top, $293. Size XS, S, M.

• Ridiculous, but we want it anyway. Mary Al Terna Sway Bag, $320.

• A fall spin on our favorite sneakers. Asics GEL-NYC Leather and Suede-Trimmed Sneakers, $155.

• Just perfect (but pricey :/). Mansur Gavriel Mini Everyday Cabas Bag, $545.

• The squared-off toe on these boots is nice and sophisticated. Banana Republic Italian Suede Ankle Boot, $300.

• Love the color contrast. Ann Mashburn Cita Tote, $495.

• An extremely comfortable flat. Everlane The Day Glove Shoe, $138.

• A just-right suede blazer. Pixie Market Suede Blazer, $398. Size S, M.

• The blue suede is very appealing. Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat, $98.

• This jacket feels of-the-moment without being too trendy. Schott NYC Trucker Jacket, $415. Size XS to XL.

• We’re keeping an eye on this one in case the price drops for Black Friday. Coach Suede Fringe Jacket, $600. Size XS to XL.

Shop the Story

It’s time to start thinking seriously about outerwear. Before you know it, it’s going to be freezing outside, and you’re going to want a truly warm coat. We’re shopping for ours at Bernardo, which has been making classic women’s outerwear for 45 years – so they know what they’re doing. The timeless styles include really good raincoats (we want this one) as well as cute puffers for winter (we want this sporty one, or this serious sleeping-bag style).

You can take advantage of their early access sale, offering 25 percent off one coat with code GLORIA25, or 30 percent off two or more, with the code GLORIA30 (applies to full-priced items only). #partner

TO RENT Genius costume designer Patricia Field, of Sex and the City, Emily in Paris, and The Devil Wears Prada fame, is profiled in the new documentary Happy Clothes. The film, which is available to rent on Apple TV, features interviews with the women she dressed (including Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker) and is uplifting and fizzy.

TO REST ON It’s genuinely surprising how much a good mattress impacts our sleep. We swear by the experts at Naturepedic for ours; they offer EWG verified, GOTS certified organic mattresses (made without polyurethane foam, flame retardants, or fiberglass) that are so high-quality and comfortable. You can browse their offerings here, and use code GLORIA20 for 20 percent off the entire site. #partner

TO LISTEN If you’re a Jenny Slate fan, you can listen to her (along with her comedy-world friends Will Forte, Vanessa Bayer, and George Saunders) narrate her new book of essays about partnership, pregnancy, and parenting, Lifeform. As you’d expect, it’s quirky, absurd, and funny.

TO STREAM The new HBO docuseries Breath of Fire (streaming tomorrow) explores the rise and fall of Kundalini yoga scam artist Katie Griggs, who renamed herself Guru Jagat and built a multi-million dollar empire off her Los Angeles followers.

TO READ Speaking of cults: In Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While in an Actual Cult!), One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz details her experience in a weird little cult based out of Idaho – one that stole money from her and worked to cut off access to her friends and family.

Life advice from Rita Moreno: “Hydrate, you old crone.” • Remember The Vagina Monologues? Prepare for The Midlife Monologues. • Black Seniors for Harris is driving early voter turnout in Georgia. • Some thoughts on Lizzo’s retreat from the spotlight. • More programs like this, please.

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