Feeling Firthy.

A: Maybe it's just the rainy weather, but I'm feeling Firthy today:

M: He has such nice eyes.

A: He likes you very much. Just as you are.

M: Colin Firth doesn't make my blood boil but I do find him comfortingly charming. Or charmingly comforting?

A: Right. I don't want to climb him like a tree, but I do want him to hug me and kiss the top of my head.

A: Also, I feel like the world needs to see this:

M: DAT HAIR.

A: It is INCREDIBLE.

M: Oh bless it.

A: Firthday! The best.

Marianne: Close, but...not quite.

First off, go ahead and go to anthropologie and pick up a couple of these shirts. I bought them in both colors--they are already under $30, and with my birthday discount I paid $24 apiece. They are the softest, gauziest, most dreamy lightweight cotton, honestly more comfortable than a t-shirt in hot weather (SO cute with shorts!), and adorable patterns--plus it is SO good with that Miz Mooz green. Go get you one. I'll wait.

And now, lets move on to the jeans. These are the Pilcro crops that I bought off of eBay and I am just so TORN on them. On the one hand, super comfortable, flattering (I think?), and the denim is not see-through at all. But the loose crop cut...I don't know. Sometimes I think it's along these lines, very modern, and others I feel a bit Suburban Mom (not that there's anything wrong with that). What do you guys think?

Either way, this shirt. It's good, just run along and buy a couple and you can thank me later.

BUY THIS (Because I Can't): Shopbop Sale.

There's so much good designer stuff on sale over at Shopbop that it's physically painful for me to troll it for you. I mean, Marianne's House of Harlow locket is on sale. And the colorblock MBMJ Hillier Hobo! And the mouse flats! It's killing me, you guys. And! 3.0% cash back if you go through eBates. (My referral link.) Here are some items included in the sale that I think are especially want-making:

Rebecca Minkoff Marlowe Mini Cross Body Bag

Frye Carson T Strap Sandals

7 For All Mankind Mid Rise Crop Skinny Jeans

Swedish Hasbeens Fredrica Sandals

Marc by Marc Jacobs Stacking the Deck Delicate Necklace

Tutorial: How to Remove the Tag From Your TOMS.

You know that hang tag that comes on a Coach bag? It's the first thing I remove after I cut the price tags. The huge blingy metal tag on a Michael Kors bag? Same thing. I just hate feeling like a walking advertisement for the things I buy, which is why when I bought my TOMS wedges, the ugly blue labels on the back had to go. HAD. TO. GO.

I talked about it a bit here and there was some concern in the comments that an X-Acto knife would be too dangerous. To that I say: I went to art school! I know my way around a tiny, lethally sharp knife and have the scars to prove it. A seam-ripper would also work, but I really wanted to slice through the stitching rather than rip them out and potentially damage the material underneath. There was also concern that the labels might be glued down, but thankfully they were not. So, here's what I did:

Step 1: You need a TOMS shoe and a super-sharp little pointy knife tool. Check.

Step 2: Start cutting the individual stitches carefully with the pointy point of your sharp knife tool. 

Step 3: Get impatient and start tugging on the label to loosen up the stitching.

Step 4: Sit back and appreciate that you've completely removed the stupid label. Ponder how to deal with the aftermath. Grab some tweezers and get to plucking. (Not shown.)

Step 5: Admire your clean-plucked and label-free TOMS shoe! Worry that TOMS will send you a cease-and-desist. 

I know,  you could have figured this out all on your own but I already took the photos so I figured I'd go ahead and post them. It's so easy! Get to it, kids. It's like a fun craft project only not really fun or crafty!

The Hottening.

M: What is happening:

If anyone is looking for a tailor then look no further than @Michelsberg. Best in the business. #mytailor pic.twitter.com/6q9XMg8PSl
— Matthew Lewis (@Mattdavelewis) May 4, 2014

A: Where have you been? The Hottening of Longbottom has been an internet sensation.

M: I mean I knew he was coming along nicely but this. This is another level.

A: It's like what happened with Ryan Reynolds or the other one. Jerry O'Connell.

A: Related: I'm old.

M: Aw, remember pudgy Jerry in Stand By Me?

A: Of course! I saw that movie four times. In the theater! (Did I mention I'm old?)

*Moment of silence for River Phoenix*

M: …

A: …

M: Ha, this website is called Wet Men:

A: I don't even know what I've been doing with my time and I follow a Tumblr called Hot British Men.

M: God bless the G-D internet.

A: Yes. Yes indeed.

Banana Republic Does Marimekko. A Review of sorts.

A: Banana Republic and…Marimekko. Go.

M: Ack. ACK.

A: Right?

M: I like exactly one thing.

A: The shift dress?

M: No! The maxi. I wouldn't wear it but I like it. I would not spend money on any of it and that makes me happy/sad. You?

I'm reasonably cute.

A: I like the shift dress. The maxi is cute but I'm not a maxi girl.

Power pockets! 

M: That shift dress looks good on the model but wide horizontal stripes plus what is basically a kangaroo pouch? #NOPE

A: Pouch? What? Hold pls.

A: You mean the pockets? Yeah, no to pockets.

M: TERRIBLE pocket placement.

A: This one says, "My governess made my play clothes out of drapes!"

Austrian Play Suit

A: Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti NO.

M: Overall I find it a DISAPPOINTMENT.

A: Yeah, I like some of the prints, but for, like, PILLOWS.

M: Riiiiight. I mean why not something like an actual Marimekko dress?

A: Well, that would just make logical sense, Marianne.

M: Banana Republic chaps my ass.

A: I haven't forgiven them for the mess they made of the Issa collection.

M: MISSED OPPORTUNITY.

A: Jerks.

Marianne: The Holy Grail.

Drop everything, because I have found the most perfect t-shirt I've ever put on. A t-shirt worth its steep (for a t-shirt, but not crazy) price. This holy grail t-shirt? The Elementary V-Neck from anthropologie.

Here is why it's perfect: the weight is substantial enough that it's not see-through and it has this lovely drape to it. The sleeves are the perfect length, the v-neck juuust deep enough, the side vents are cute and add interest, and the seam down the center is VERY flattering. I (no lie) have never been complimented on my "sudden" (not sudden) weight loss as much as I have wearing this exact shirt. It got kind of weird.

I was given this striped version for my birthday, and (armed with my birthday discount), I've already bought it in two more colors (mint and orange). I will probably get a couple more because seriously. Perfect, perfect t-shirt. I'm wearing it with some Dolce Vita sandals (on CRAZY sale in some sizes), my new favorite necklace, my old favorite bag, and of course my perfect most favorite jeans. Boom, the best early summer casual outfit. I feel happy in this.

Our Faces Are Exhausting.

M: I had a weak moment at Sephora and bought a Beauty Blender. Meh.

beautyblender Pro Beauty Blender

A: I don't use mine anymore, but maybe you will love it? I don't know.

M: I used it this morning and I think I was expecting to look airbrushed, but I just look like I have makeup on. And my coverage isn't as good as it is with my favorite brush. Oh well. I may try using it for cream blush or something.

A: I just felt like it sucked all my makeup into it and I had to use way more product. I just use my fingers now.

M: I definitely had to use a little more product. I usually use 1.5 pumps of foundation and I had to use 2 and still felt like I needed more.

A: I never found it the least bit magical but I was probably doing it wrong.

M: I'll keep trying. I don't feel like I get a good finish with my fingers, at least not with the Smashbox foundation. This brush is the bessst.

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation

A: Oooh. I have to get a decent foundation brush one of these days. I will say, with the 17 step face washing and StriVectin, my skin has been looking MUCH better.

StriVectin® StriVectin-SD® Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles

M: Mine too! Ha, I originally wrote Wine, too! Now I want wine. But my skin is SO MUCH BETTER. I just still have old dark spots to cover up.

A: I still have some dark spots but apparently washing my face like it's a Pinterest craft project is the way to go. Did you ever get the Avene water?

Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray, 150ml

M: I did not. Apparently I will do Anything For My Face, But I Won't Do That. But! I have a hot tip!

A: Snort. PLS WITH HOT TIP. IS IT WINE?

M: Okay! My friend A'Dell told me she bought these generic Clarisonic heads of Amazon and they are EXCELLENT and $6 a pop.

A: Whoa, I didn't even know there was such a thing as generic Clarisonic heads. Maybe I'd actually use the damn thing again.

M: I use it every night as part of my own ridiculous skin care routine, those sensitive heads are really soft.

A: I've just been using a washcloth like the bossy British lady told me to.

M: HERE IS WHAT I DO:

• Apply DHC cleansing oil (thank you AGAIN, I love it and the tiny bottle goes a long way), rub all over face and eyelids.
• Dampen my hands with warm water and work into the oil.
• Wet a washcloth in very warm water, wring out, and place on my face to steam off all the crap.
• Apply cream cleanser (I ran out of my Image Vital C Cleanserand I've just been using Cerave, it's fine).
• Clean with Clarisonic.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Pat dry for god's sake. 

Don't get me started on moisturizers.

DHC Deep cleansing oil 200ml

A: Isn’t the DHC stuff great? That's about what I've been doing except without the Clarisonic. I also spray some fancy canned water on my face, dry AGAIN and then put on a million layers of stuff. I got a deluxe sample of this Caudalie Serum and ooooh, I like it.

Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Defense Serum

M: I am using zero serums because I am paralyzed by all the choices. I did buy some new eye cream and it's good, and on sale.

A: I’m still digging my Boots No7 eye cream. As for the serums, I just slap it all on and hope for the best. I don't even care what the hell it does as long as it makes things better. Related: I'm tired.

M: Exhausted.

BUY THIS (Because I Can't and It Hurts My Feelings.)

Not shopping has been hurting my soul, so here’s a list of things that I’ve run across in the last week that I want but can’t have:

Puella Striped Duet Dress 

Anthropologie Finn Tank 

Madewell Slingback Sightseer Sandals

Eileen Fisher Stand Collar Shaped Jacket

Benefit Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm

Adrien: Pay It Forward.

I don't actually read many of the "big" style/fashion blogs because I prefer to see real outfits on people who I might be friends with. One of my very favorites is Blue Collar Red Lipstick because she's consistently adorable and relatable and her bag collection is kind of amazing. A little while ago she posted this Pay It Forward entry and I was lucky enough to be the winner! So freaking nice, you guys. This is a great dress:

(Sorry about the face, the sun was in my eyes.) This dress immediately seemed to just go with my wardrobe and it was a lovely treat, especially considering my new austerity measures. The close-ups show the pattern and colors better:

Just beautiful. Thank you, Adina! I liked this idea of hers so much that I've decided to do something similar here, I just haven't decided what the item will be yet. Stay tuned!

JUST LOOK AT HIM.

M: LOOK.

A: I really need to watch Friday Night Lights.

M: LOOK AT HIM IN THOSE SWEATPANTS

A: OH I AM LOOKING

M: HOW ARE THEY EVEN STAYING UUUUUPPPPP

A: WHY ARE THEY EVEN STAYING UUUUUPPPPP

M: WHYYYYYY

A: LIFE IS UNFAIR

M: You have to watch it. Have to. Dewit.

A: NEW HOBBY.

M: Now you’re thinking.

A: I’m pretty smart.

A: (Unrelated story in which I tell M about accidentally seeing my loathed ex.)

M: Go look at Tim RIGGINS again.

A: Wheeee!

M: Ha RIGGINS. My phone.

A: Hahaaaa. Beer, beet.

M: Whatever.

A: Same diff.

Marianne: Stripes and Tassels.

I forgot to reset my camera today and the settings are weird and these pictures look strange. But hey, lookie there! A baby!

Stripes have reached critical mass in popularity, don't you think? And yet, don't CURRRRR. I love stripes and I am so happy to be wearing my favorite old French Connection striped t-shirt dress. It's held up so well! The elbow-length sleeves are my favorite (this one is really cute too). I'm wearing it with red Swedish Hasbeens, but Adrien has this Lotta of Stockholm pair and they are identical and a lot less money (though you can find Swedish Hasbeens on sale, like I did).

Monday was my birthday and my sister-in-law gave me this anthropologie tassel swing necklace and I just love it. It's suede with tassels and gold and it reminds me of the ocean.

Speaking of birthdays, Adrien gave me Dior Addict Lip Glow and man. I almost didn't want to love it but you see my lips up there? They are the perfectly perfect glossy pink. It's witchcraft, this stuff.