Take an extra 40% off winter sale styles with code STYLE2015. (Plus 2.0% cash back with eBates!) Here's a sample:
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Crazy Good J.Crew Sale.
I've been taking a bit of a blogging break over the holidays but I'd feel bad if I didn't mention this J.Crew sale. A perfect time to pick up some cashmere or boots or that tote you've had your eye on! I'm not enabling, I'm helping. Ahem. Here's the deal:
Friday, December 26, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): BR Is Giving Away Clothes.
Hey, Banana Republic is giving away clothes! Right now get an extra 50% off permanent markdowns with code BRWINTER! Plus, 7.0% cash back with eBates. Whee.
You already know about the Gemma wrap dress so might I suggest the Striped Ponte Fit-and-Flare Dress instead? I love mine. Or go ahead and get the Drapey Utility Shirt already. It's good, I promise. If you don't want a dress, please consider this amazing quilted crossbody bag because I want it pretty badly:
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| Striped Ponte Fit-and-Flare Dress |
You already know about the Gemma wrap dress so might I suggest the Striped Ponte Fit-and-Flare Dress instead? I love mine. Or go ahead and get the Drapey Utility Shirt already. It's good, I promise. If you don't want a dress, please consider this amazing quilted crossbody bag because I want it pretty badly:
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| Candice Crossbody |
Okay, I'm done. Wait, this is really pretty. Now I'm done.
Chalmanzo Tater and Puppies.
A: I don't know what your feeling are when it comes to Channing Tatum but this email was basically the best.
L: THAT. Is. Amazing.
A: It's so immature and yet so adorable.
L: Completely. I mean, I don't know - he might be dumb as a bag of rocks, but maybe not! - however he does remind me of a puppy. So sweet to look at.
A: Not to interrupt your mediation on Channing and puppies, but Marianne just sent me this:
A: IT IS BLOWING MY MIND.
L: I just had to google who that was. And then I fell down a historical hottie rabbit hole!
A: Oh, that is outstanding! HELLO STALIN. But wait, you don't know who Almanzo Wilder is?
L: I didn't! It has been been a long time since Little House on the Prairie!
A: I think I just assume that all girls were obsessed with the books (or show) at some point. Funny, I don't actually think Channing Tatum is all that attractive but Alamazo! Yup.
L: That was my sister's jam. Me? I was more of a Bo Duke kinda girl. (Who now looks like a baby in this photo!)
A: My goodness his trousers are tight.
L: Yes they are. Yes. They. Are.
A: What? Shh. Looking.
L: THAT. Is. Amazing.
A: It's so immature and yet so adorable.
L: Completely. I mean, I don't know - he might be dumb as a bag of rocks, but maybe not! - however he does remind me of a puppy. So sweet to look at.
A: Not to interrupt your mediation on Channing and puppies, but Marianne just sent me this:
A: IT IS BLOWING MY MIND.
L: I just had to google who that was. And then I fell down a historical hottie rabbit hole!
A: Oh, that is outstanding! HELLO STALIN. But wait, you don't know who Almanzo Wilder is?
L: I didn't! It has been been a long time since Little House on the Prairie!
A: I think I just assume that all girls were obsessed with the books (or show) at some point. Funny, I don't actually think Channing Tatum is all that attractive but Alamazo! Yup.
L: That was my sister's jam. Me? I was more of a Bo Duke kinda girl. (Who now looks like a baby in this photo!)
A: My goodness his trousers are tight.
L: Yes they are. Yes. They. Are.
A: What? Shh. Looking.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Adrien: Favorite Beauty Purchases of 2014.
Last week I did a post about my favorite style purchases of 2014 and now I'm going to tell you which beauty purchases have ended up being favorites. I buy a crazy lot of makeup and stuff but hey, it's for blog science. Here's the list:
L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes
I really think this is my favorite mascara of 2014 and I tried a lot of them. The Shiseido Integrate Gracy Mascara is a close second. They both take a bit of work but it’s worth it for the results I get. The best part of Beauty Tubes is that it holds a curl all day and doesn’t budge. The worst part is the little tube bits that stick to my face after I wash it off. This stuff is tenacious.
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
My friend Ashley recommended this to me and I have to admit, I like it better than my Naked2 palette. It's not as much fun but sometimes practical wins out over fun. This palette is mostly matte, wearable colors and the size is smaller and less unwieldy than the Naked palette. Plus, the price is pretty reasonable. Can't ask for more than that.
Super Solano hair dryer (Original review here.)
I reviewed this pretty recently and I'm happy to report I still absolutely love it. Definitely on the list. Maybe forever. Love love love.
Jojoba oil
Straight up. My skin looked great for weeks after the spa facial but last week it was back to it’s normal winter sadness - both dry and also breaking out. Yay. I stopped using the CE Ferulic serum (not sure if it was part of the problem?) and bought some Jojoba oil which I know my skin likes. And wow, two days of just jojoba and my usual Cerave moisturizer and things are SO much better. Love this stuff.
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer (originally reviewed here.)
I wasn’t sure if I should include this on the list because I will straight up admit that I probably won't buy it again. It was way too much money to spend on concealer but man, it’s good concealer. Nothing super fancy or illuminating or whatever, it just covers like a boss. I bought my stick back in July and it’s still going strong, so definitely cost-per-wear and all, but yeah. I don’t regret purchasing it but I’m always looking for the next best thing that doesn’t cost a trillion dollars.
'
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
I am so mad that I like this line so much because it’s obscenely expensive. I bought a couple of the (sadly sold out) $10 travel kits Sephora had as a special deal because I just can't wrap my head around spending $30 on a bottle of shampoo. My hair looks good, though. Really good. Ugh.
Now I want to hear about YOUR favorite beauty purchases of 2014 because half of this list is stuff you guys recommended. More! More!
 |
| Tubezzz |
I really think this is my favorite mascara of 2014 and I tried a lot of them. The Shiseido Integrate Gracy Mascara is a close second. They both take a bit of work but it’s worth it for the results I get. The best part of Beauty Tubes is that it holds a curl all day and doesn’t budge. The worst part is the little tube bits that stick to my face after I wash it off. This stuff is tenacious.
 |
| So practical |
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette
My friend Ashley recommended this to me and I have to admit, I like it better than my Naked2 palette. It's not as much fun but sometimes practical wins out over fun. This palette is mostly matte, wearable colors and the size is smaller and less unwieldy than the Naked palette. Plus, the price is pretty reasonable. Can't ask for more than that.
 |
| I am fantastic |
Super Solano hair dryer (Original review here.)
I reviewed this pretty recently and I'm happy to report I still absolutely love it. Definitely on the list. Maybe forever. Love love love.
 |
| Hippie goodness |
Jojoba oil
Straight up. My skin looked great for weeks after the spa facial but last week it was back to it’s normal winter sadness - both dry and also breaking out. Yay. I stopped using the CE Ferulic serum (not sure if it was part of the problem?) and bought some Jojoba oil which I know my skin likes. And wow, two days of just jojoba and my usual Cerave moisturizer and things are SO much better. Love this stuff.
 |
| I am too expensive |
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer (originally reviewed here.)
I wasn’t sure if I should include this on the list because I will straight up admit that I probably won't buy it again. It was way too much money to spend on concealer but man, it’s good concealer. Nothing super fancy or illuminating or whatever, it just covers like a boss. I bought my stick back in July and it’s still going strong, so definitely cost-per-wear and all, but yeah. I don’t regret purchasing it but I’m always looking for the next best thing that doesn’t cost a trillion dollars.
'
 |
| We are also too expensive |
Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
I am so mad that I like this line so much because it’s obscenely expensive. I bought a couple of the (sadly sold out) $10 travel kits Sephora had as a special deal because I just can't wrap my head around spending $30 on a bottle of shampoo. My hair looks good, though. Really good. Ugh.
Now I want to hear about YOUR favorite beauty purchases of 2014 because half of this list is stuff you guys recommended. More! More!
Friday, December 19, 2014
Weekend Window Shopping: But It's On Sale.
I don't know what it is about this time a year that makes me want to buy myself something extravagant. I haven't done it but I keep getting that urge. The sales are pretty fantastic, I have to say. Right now Piperlime is offering 30% off select "NYE Party Styles" with code CHEERS which includes a lot of great stuff. Plus, get 7.0% cash back with eBates! (my referral link.) Here is what I'm tempted by:
Thursday, December 18, 2014
BUY THIS: More Awesome Frye Boot Deals!
Ooh! A reader on my recent 6pm.com Frye post commented that Yoox.com also has some crazy good deals on Frye boots. She’s right! I had no idea! Sizing is very limited, but it's definitely worth a look. Plus, you get 3.0% cash back with eBates and an extra 20% off with code JUSTINTIME.
These are $178, come in two colors and there are a fair amount of sizes in stock:
These are $178, come in two colors and there are a fair amount of sizes in stock:
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| Vera Boots |
These are $130! Only one size left:
These are $140 in two colors:
These are $190 and nearly gone...
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| Frye shorties |
These are $140 in two colors:
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| Short Vera |
These are $190 and nearly gone...
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| Frye Buckle Something |
Review: Cyclebox by Runnerbox
So, those of you that follow my Instagram account or personal Twitter account probably know that my main hobby is cycling, specifically mountain biking and cyclocross. I compete in both but also just love to ride my bikes. So, when RunnerBox asked if I'd be interested in being a CycleBox Ambassador, I jumped at the chance. BOX O' BIKE STUFF? YES PLS. (For full disclosure, this means they give me the box to review.)
I know some of the Looks Good readers are cyclists and/or runners so hopefully this will be a welcome review. It also gives me a chance to make a small announcement: I'll be starting up a new blog next month that focuses on women's cycling and fitness style, so in the future this kind of review will appear on that blog. I'm excited about my new project and I'll let you know when it's launched!
Okay! So, on with the review.
It's no secret that I love box subscriptions and I was pretty excited to try CycleBox because I buy a lot of this kind of stuff already and I'm always interested in what's new. RunnerBoxes are available in three varieties - Runner, Tri and Cycle. They come every other month and cost $20 plus shipping. Aside from the bimonthly subscription they also offer one-time gift boxes and limited edition holiday gift boxes. Very cool.
My first box arrived last week and, while it looked small, I couldn't believe how much was packed in there. Check it:
YOU GUYS. That is a lot of stuff! Here's a list, with my thoughts:
Runnerbox Buff- I was really excited about this because I don't own a buff and I am tired of my face freezing off when I cross the Nickel Bridge in the winter. Bonus that the color matches my team kit!
Honey Stinger Organic Gingersnap Waffle - I inhaled this right after my final cyclocross race of the season last weekend. It was delicious. I already like the regular flavor so the gingersnap was a nice seasonal touch.
Salted Caramel Gu - This made me super happy because I buy this flavor all the time! It actually tastes like salted caramel so I don't have to gag it down the way I do other gels. Highly recommend.
Innergy Sports Performance Towel - I’m quite intrigued by this product, it sounds like magic. Apply to sore muscles and it makes them better! I am not sure if it’s reusable, it doesn’t say.
InstaBOOST - This is an energy supplement. I like that it doesn’t have artificial sweetener in it, but I’m not sure when I’d use this. Before a ride or race?
Cognitea - This is tea for mental clarity & focus. The magical ingredients appear to caffeine and L-Theanine. I like tea, I love caffeine, I’ll definitely drink this.
Arctic Ease - This cold compression wrap sounds fantastic because there’s nothing more annoying that strapping a drippy bag of ice to your body. I'm sure this'll come in handy.
Detour Smart Bar - Le sigh. This whole grain oatmeal bar sounded great until I got to the blueberry part. I’m not a big fan of blueberry but I have a cyclist friend who is, so I’ll give it to him. Or maybe I'll just eat it anyway. I like having ride snacks on me.
PickleAde - Okay, this one. It’s a little bottle of pickle juice. I get it, I do. The salt and vinegar in pickle juice makes it a great electrolyte replacement during sweaty summer rides and races but I just can’t imagine chugging a shot of pickle juice. I will try it, though, for science.
Skout Organic Trail Bar - Mine is apple and cinnamon and I’m eating is right this second. It’s chewy and very tasty in a healthy natural bar kind of way. There are definitely little bits of dried apple in it, which is nice.
Nuun All Day - These are hydration tablets with vitamins and minerals. Definitely something I’d chug if I was feeling a cold coming on, though I don’t particularly like Sorbitol as a sweetener.
Beljum Budder Chamois Creme - Oh yeah, I’ll always try a new chamois cream! I never used to use it but last year I discovered what the term “saddle sore” really means and I’ve seen the light.
Heavenly Organics Honey Pattie - This is chocolate mint flavor and it’s the perfect size to stick in a Camelbak or jersey pocket for a quick mid-ride treat.
That's the box! I'm really delighted with it overall. The products are high quality and it's definitely a fantastic value.
I know some of the Looks Good readers are cyclists and/or runners so hopefully this will be a welcome review. It also gives me a chance to make a small announcement: I'll be starting up a new blog next month that focuses on women's cycling and fitness style, so in the future this kind of review will appear on that blog. I'm excited about my new project and I'll let you know when it's launched!
Okay! So, on with the review.
It's no secret that I love box subscriptions and I was pretty excited to try CycleBox because I buy a lot of this kind of stuff already and I'm always interested in what's new. RunnerBoxes are available in three varieties - Runner, Tri and Cycle. They come every other month and cost $20 plus shipping. Aside from the bimonthly subscription they also offer one-time gift boxes and limited edition holiday gift boxes. Very cool.
My first box arrived last week and, while it looked small, I couldn't believe how much was packed in there. Check it:
 |
| Actual size |
 |
| Unboxing |
 |
| This is only the first side of the card. |
 |
| So. Much. Stuff. |
 |
| Many things! |
YOU GUYS. That is a lot of stuff! Here's a list, with my thoughts:
Runnerbox Buff- I was really excited about this because I don't own a buff and I am tired of my face freezing off when I cross the Nickel Bridge in the winter. Bonus that the color matches my team kit!
Honey Stinger Organic Gingersnap Waffle - I inhaled this right after my final cyclocross race of the season last weekend. It was delicious. I already like the regular flavor so the gingersnap was a nice seasonal touch.
Salted Caramel Gu - This made me super happy because I buy this flavor all the time! It actually tastes like salted caramel so I don't have to gag it down the way I do other gels. Highly recommend.
Innergy Sports Performance Towel - I’m quite intrigued by this product, it sounds like magic. Apply to sore muscles and it makes them better! I am not sure if it’s reusable, it doesn’t say.
InstaBOOST - This is an energy supplement. I like that it doesn’t have artificial sweetener in it, but I’m not sure when I’d use this. Before a ride or race?
Cognitea - This is tea for mental clarity & focus. The magical ingredients appear to caffeine and L-Theanine. I like tea, I love caffeine, I’ll definitely drink this.
Arctic Ease - This cold compression wrap sounds fantastic because there’s nothing more annoying that strapping a drippy bag of ice to your body. I'm sure this'll come in handy.
Detour Smart Bar - Le sigh. This whole grain oatmeal bar sounded great until I got to the blueberry part. I’m not a big fan of blueberry but I have a cyclist friend who is, so I’ll give it to him. Or maybe I'll just eat it anyway. I like having ride snacks on me.
PickleAde - Okay, this one. It’s a little bottle of pickle juice. I get it, I do. The salt and vinegar in pickle juice makes it a great electrolyte replacement during sweaty summer rides and races but I just can’t imagine chugging a shot of pickle juice. I will try it, though, for science.
Skout Organic Trail Bar - Mine is apple and cinnamon and I’m eating is right this second. It’s chewy and very tasty in a healthy natural bar kind of way. There are definitely little bits of dried apple in it, which is nice.
Nuun All Day - These are hydration tablets with vitamins and minerals. Definitely something I’d chug if I was feeling a cold coming on, though I don’t particularly like Sorbitol as a sweetener.
Beljum Budder Chamois Creme - Oh yeah, I’ll always try a new chamois cream! I never used to use it but last year I discovered what the term “saddle sore” really means and I’ve seen the light.
Heavenly Organics Honey Pattie - This is chocolate mint flavor and it’s the perfect size to stick in a Camelbak or jersey pocket for a quick mid-ride treat.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Adrien: Questionable.
I don't know, you guys. I wore some clothes and I'm not sure any of it is really working, especially the bright red Anthropologie cords. I like them in theory but I'm not sure I nailed it. Anyway, behold:
My bag is a MBMJ Baby Groovee and it seems to go with nothing and everything at the same time. I've been enjoying it despite it's smallness. Such nice leather.
That's the outfit! Not my best effort but at this time a year I'm lucky if I manage to leave the house fully clothed.
Is it the boots throwing this off? Those are my beloved Frye Veronica boots but I think maybe my brown Fryes would've worked better. My sweater is a J.Crew Tippi sweater and my only real complaint is that it's tough to find the right t-shirt to wear under it, which is why I was delighted to find the perfect 3/4 sleeve James Perse tee at Marshalls marked way, way down. Yes! EXCEPT, the retail price was $125. I will just let that sink in while you get a peek at a $125 t-shirt:
ARE YOU KIDDING ME. It's just a little striped t-shirt! $125! I like James Perse but that just seems beyond ridiculous. Nothing about this tee is worth that kind of money. Ahem. I am also wearing a little bit of leopard in belt form:
My bag is a MBMJ Baby Groovee and it seems to go with nothing and everything at the same time. I've been enjoying it despite it's smallness. Such nice leather.
My fringe necklace is J.Crew and it still pleases me despite shedding stones like crazy. If you're in the market for a long fringe necklace, I think this one would be a great option. Or this!
That's the outfit! Not my best effort but at this time a year I'm lucky if I manage to leave the house fully clothed.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Frye Boots on Sale!
I regularly stalk 6pm.com for deals on Frye because they always have them. Often the sizing is limited and sometimes it'll be last year's stock or a weird color, but still, Frye. Boots. Under $200. (Of course they also have a bunch of cute Frye shoes too.)
Today only there's a 15% off code: 6PMEU1216201415114. Whee. And just in case that's not enough enabling, here's what I found just for you under $200!
The Dorado are just a beautiful classic Frye boot. I don't see how you can go wrong here:
This pair of Jackie boots is so cool - a manageable heel and interesting detail:
Oh! I am so tempted by these Jane boots. (Edited: Crap, they WERE under $150 but the price changed. Still a good deal with the code above.) I think they're beautiful and I love a pull-on style with no weird center seam:
These are a cute short version of the Melissa back zip. Limited sizes, but awfully cute:
These look really wearable and they come in three colors:
Here's a short motorcycle style boot with a bit more of a heel. Stompy and cool:
Ugh, I love boots so much. Please take advantage of these deals so I don't have to.
Today only there's a 15% off code: 6PMEU1216201415114. Whee. And just in case that's not enough enabling, here's what I found just for you under $200!
The Dorado are just a beautiful classic Frye boot. I don't see how you can go wrong here:
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| Frye Dorado Lug Riding |
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| Frye Jackie Tall Riding |
Oh! I am so tempted by these Jane boots. (Edited: Crap, they WERE under $150 but the price changed. Still a good deal with the code above.) I think they're beautiful and I love a pull-on style with no weird center seam:
 |
| Frye Jane Stitch |
These are a cute short version of the Melissa back zip. Limited sizes, but awfully cute:
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| Frye Melissa Lug Back Zip Short |
These look really wearable and they come in three colors:
 |
| Frye Reina Belt Bootie |
Here's a short motorcycle style boot with a bit more of a heel. Stompy and cool:
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| Frye Vera Short |
Ugh, I love boots so much. Please take advantage of these deals so I don't have to.
The Poor Are So Decorative!
A: What the what?
A: The Shobbit fills me with rage.
L: Yeah, I'm pretty sure the SHobbit should steer clear of poverty tourism as fashion.
A: But he has a really cute corner for his adorable poors photo.
L: I feel like maybe we need to give him a "Most Wildly Out-of-Touch Man of the Year, 2014" award for this. He can put it in his corner.
A: In his cute corner. He has a lot of corners, Lili.
L: Oh look! I found just such an award! (Note: not to be placed in a non-cute corner!)
A: Nice! Maybe Camilla will put it on the tippy top shelf in his asshole corner.
A: (That made sense in my head.)
A: The Shobbit fills me with rage.
L: Yeah, I'm pretty sure the SHobbit should steer clear of poverty tourism as fashion.
A: But he has a really cute corner for his adorable poors photo.
L: I feel like maybe we need to give him a "Most Wildly Out-of-Touch Man of the Year, 2014" award for this. He can put it in his corner.
A: In his cute corner. He has a lot of corners, Lili.
L: Oh look! I found just such an award! (Note: not to be placed in a non-cute corner!)
A: Nice! Maybe Camilla will put it on the tippy top shelf in his asshole corner.
A: (That made sense in my head.)
Monday, December 15, 2014
Holiday Stages of Grief Gift Guide: Bargaining.
I've slid right past the anger stage and now I'm bargaining like a crazy person. I've bought myself a few Christmas gifts and now I'm struggling with what to buy for other people. One of my favorite things to give is a much-beloved book, so I thought I'd write a post about it. I know this is a style blog and all, but y'all are my people which means there's a chance you're a nerdy reader-type like me. Here are a few favorites that I recommend as well as a few that just look like they might be great:
For your mom (or a friend or sister or lady in your life):
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This is a book my mother gave me for my birthday ten years ago and I re-read it every couple of years because it's never not fantastic. It's just fantastic. I believe there was an oddly-cast movie version but it's basically impossible to find. Just buy a copy, read it really careful-like and give it to someone you love.
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I'm re-reading this right this very second and I'd forgotten how good it is. It's a very character-driven mystery that takes place in post-WWII England and it's such a good read. Just trust me on this one.
For your daughter or niece or other young lady in your life:
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Oh man, this book. Changed my life. I first read it in 6th grade and I've been keeping a journal and then blogging ever since. It's a lesson in originality and not letting the man keep you down. A classic. (Ignore the movie, please. Thank you.)
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This is the first book in the Wolves series and my favorite of the series even though Dido isn't in it. It has everything: love, orphans, poverty, riches, bad guys and good guys, wolves and geese. Trust. I love that it's little dark, that most of the heroes are women, and the Edward Gorey cover art cannot be beat.
For your son or nephew or young man in your life (also good for girls, duh):
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I'm sure there are lots of great new series out there for boys but this one was a favorite of mine when I was a young tomboy. It's about a wicked smart boy who spends all his time trying to swindle his friends, but it also delves into more serious issues. The versions I read were illustrated by Mercer Mayer which is definitely what you want.
For anyone who likes beautiful things:
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I went to the David Bowie Is exhibit in October and I bought the giant book. It's beautiful and full of photos of David Bowie and his things. You can't go wrong with this one.
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Marianne bought this for me a couple of years ago and it's AMAZING. Just a completely satisfying giant fashion picture book experience. And you guys know I love McQueen.
For the cyclist in your life:
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I don't own this but I'd sure like to. I'm a fan of Bike Snob's blog and I'm sure the book is just as entertaining. If you like this kind of thing. Which I do.
For style-loving people:
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I don't have this but Tim Gunn is a just a perfectly lovely person and I'm sure his book would not disappoint. Make it work.
For fans of cool art:
 |
| Skully! |
Skull-A-Day by Noah Scalin
My friend Noah spent an entire year making skulls out of all kinds of materials - one for every day of the year. He recently had a book published that includes every single skull he made! It's really damn cool and I'm not just saying that because I've known him since kindergarten.
For...avid readers who also like fancy literary-inspired cocktails? (Dude, I don't know, it just looks cool):
 |
| drinky! |
I don't have this book but this description sold it for me: “It’s a mixologist’s dream of literature-inspired drinks (and bar snacks) …Handsomely illustrated, full of literary trivia, summaries and snappy patter.” —Mystery Scene Magazine. I mean, you want it now, right?
Perfect! DONE. Books for everyone.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Weekend Window Shopping: Party Dresses.
It's that time of year - you've been invited to parties and have nothing appropriately festive to wear because all your clothing purchases are practical. I feel you. So here is a collection of really pretty dresses, all of which are under $150 (and my favorite of these is $59 right now!) Go crazy:
Friday, December 12, 2014
Friday #GoHugo and an Update.
Here is Marianne's most recent update (Dec 9th) on everyone's favorite trooper:
This is Hugo on his first birthday, June 5th of this year. Today marks six months since a tumor was found on his kidney, and I thought I would give an overview of his diagnosis and treatment to date, to answer some questions I've gotten. It's a long post!
On June 9th, four days after his first birthday, doctors found a mass on Hugo's left kidney. In the days that followed he was diagnosed with stage 4 atypical teratoid Rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) of the left kidney, with severe metastases to the lymph nodes and lungs. Surgery was not an option because the tumor wrapped completely around the aorta adjacent to the kidney. ATRT is typically a brain and central nervous system cancer, cases of this tumor in the kidney are very rare, around 25 cases a year worldwide.
The prognosis for stage 4 ATRT is very poor (but as Hugo's doctor said, it's not zero), so we jumped right into finding the best treatment possible. We were very fortunate to be contacted by Dr. James Geller at Cincinnati Children's Medical Center, one of two oncologists in the US studying rhabdoid kidney tumors, and he agreed to treat Hugo in tandem with Dr. Ray Pais, Hugo's oncologist at East Tennessee Children's Hospital. I can't stress enough how wonderful it has been to be able to undergo the bulk of Hugo's treatment here in Knoxville at ETCH.
A week following Hugo's biopsy and diagnosis, he underwent surgery to have a dual lumen Broviac power port placed in his chest, and then the chemo regimen prescribed by Dr. Geller began. Hugo gets two different combinations of chemo every three weeks (though there have been delays as we have gotten further along): VDC (vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclofosfamide) and ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, etopicide). This is a very tough regimen for anyone, much less a one year old baby. The first round of VDC left him with mouth sores and he lost over 10% of his body weight.
At the end of Hugo's first round of chemo we traveled to Cincinnati to meet with Dr. Geller. While there Dr. Geller decided to go ahead and order scans. Waiting for the scans we were gently reminded that this was a very aggressive, very challenging cancer, and Hugo's was very advanced. We were told that some doctors would not even treat stage 4 ATRT, moving straight to palliative care. Thankfully we do not have those doctors.
And then a miracle happened. The results came back and Hugo's tumors had shrunk by an estimated 80%. His lungs, once so filled with tumors they looked like they were stuffed with cotton candy, were virtually resolved. Suddenly our boy had a chance.
Hugo's second round of chemo yielded continued shrinkage of the tumors on the kidney and adjoining lymph nodes. After four rounds of chemo (in the middle of which we dealt with a central line infection and surgery to place a new broviac) we were scheduled to go back to Cincinnati for stem cell harvesting and surgery to remove the kidney, tumor, and all compromised lymph nodes.
Back in Cincinnati for two weeks, Hugo underwent surgery to place an apheresis line, stem cell harvesting (yielding 4 times the number needed, these are on ice should we ever need high dose chemo), a nuclear GFR to test kidney function, and surgery to remove the kidney and cancerous tissue. Surgery was successful, and now we had to wait two weeks for pathology reports to come back. In the mean time, once Hugo had recovered from surgery, we headed back home to Tennessee to begin round 5 of chemo.
Waiting for the pathology report was painful. We were hoping for completely dead tumor tissue but at the very least good margins of dead tissue if there was live tumor. On September 17th we got the news--there was no viable tumor! Everything removed was dead! Because ATRT is so aggressive, there is a high risk of microscopic tumors undetected by scans, so it was quickly decided that Hugo should finish his entire 10 courses of chemo.
Another scan before round six showed continued "NED" (no evidence of disease). Which brings us to now, about to start round 8 of chemo (VDC, which means mouth sores) We will continue to update this page as we learn more and thank each and every one of you for your support!
Here are a couple of fundraising efforts currently underway:
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Adrien: Favorite Style Purchases of 2014.
I really liked Alison's Best of 2014 Style Purchases entry so I decided to shamelessly rip it off for my own blog fodder. Hope she doesn't mind! We even share a favorite item but it wouldn't be the first time. I got addicted to the excellent Old Navy vintage tees because of her recommendation.
So, here are the items I bought in 2014 that ended up being really solid, versatile staples for me:
Giles & Brother Hook Necklace
This is a relatively recent purchase but I wear it an obnoxious amount. It's pretty much replaced that tired J.Crew locket I wore all the time. It's well made, has a very cute horse shoe clasp and is weighty enough to hang just right. I love Giles & Brother, they never disappoint.
Frye Emma Hammered Flats
These have broken in beautifully (they're on my feet right now) and have become a staple for me. I've been wearing flats a lot more and it's nice to have an option that goes with nearly everything and doesn't wreck my feet. These are getting harder to find (if you wear a 6.5, here they are in purple!) but Frye makes great flats in general, so you have options.
Gap Real Straight Jeans
I was so frustrated with trying to find an actual straight leg jean and none of the high-end pairs I tried on were any good. I ordered the Real Straight jeans from Gap and they are PERFECT. The length works with flats, they don't stretch out or slide down my ass and they come in a plain dark wash. Yay for staple jeans that don't cost the world.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Globetrotter Kirsten
This bag has been such a good one. I love that it zips securely across the top, the color is fun (and surprisingly versatile) and it holds a lot without being too heavy. It also doesn't look awful worn with the crossbody strap, which is a rarity. This one is hard to find (seriously, Zappos has literally one left) but they pop up on eBay too.
Oakley Restless Aviators
This was a serious splurge-y purchase for me but it's one I haven't regretted at all. I LOVE these sunglasses. They're well-made, look great and fit my small face perfectly. I wear them pretty much every day and I'm super protective of them.
Banana Republic Drapey Utility Blouse
I own two of these and wear them weekly. They are so easy! Washable, non-wrinkly, comfortable, drapey as all get out. Trust me on this one. It's the best thing Banana Republic has done in a while.
There are a few other things I consider really solid purchases (this blouse, these shorts) but this list is absolutely the top hits of the year, the things I reach for again and again. In searching through the blog to figure out what the hell I bought this year I'm happy to discover that I didn't make as many missteps as I have in previous years. Maybe I'm learning?
(Hmm...)
So, here are the items I bought in 2014 that ended up being really solid, versatile staples for me:
Giles & Brother Hook Necklace
This is a relatively recent purchase but I wear it an obnoxious amount. It's pretty much replaced that tired J.Crew locket I wore all the time. It's well made, has a very cute horse shoe clasp and is weighty enough to hang just right. I love Giles & Brother, they never disappoint.
Frye Emma Hammered Flats
These have broken in beautifully (they're on my feet right now) and have become a staple for me. I've been wearing flats a lot more and it's nice to have an option that goes with nearly everything and doesn't wreck my feet. These are getting harder to find (if you wear a 6.5, here they are in purple!) but Frye makes great flats in general, so you have options.
Gap Real Straight Jeans
I was so frustrated with trying to find an actual straight leg jean and none of the high-end pairs I tried on were any good. I ordered the Real Straight jeans from Gap and they are PERFECT. The length works with flats, they don't stretch out or slide down my ass and they come in a plain dark wash. Yay for staple jeans that don't cost the world.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Globetrotter Kirsten
This bag has been such a good one. I love that it zips securely across the top, the color is fun (and surprisingly versatile) and it holds a lot without being too heavy. It also doesn't look awful worn with the crossbody strap, which is a rarity. This one is hard to find (seriously, Zappos has literally one left) but they pop up on eBay too.
Oakley Restless Aviators
This was a serious splurge-y purchase for me but it's one I haven't regretted at all. I LOVE these sunglasses. They're well-made, look great and fit my small face perfectly. I wear them pretty much every day and I'm super protective of them.
Banana Republic Drapey Utility Blouse
I own two of these and wear them weekly. They are so easy! Washable, non-wrinkly, comfortable, drapey as all get out. Trust me on this one. It's the best thing Banana Republic has done in a while.
There are a few other things I consider really solid purchases (this blouse, these shorts) but this list is absolutely the top hits of the year, the things I reach for again and again. In searching through the blog to figure out what the hell I bought this year I'm happy to discover that I didn't make as many missteps as I have in previous years. Maybe I'm learning?
(Hmm...)
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