Adrien: On Stalking and a Madewell Coated Denim Review.

I am a stalker, y'all. I will wait out a sale and creep for a code like nobody else. I will vent my impatience by sending daily texts to Marianne all, WTF MADEWELL GIVE ME A CODDDDE. After weeks of refusing to buy the Madewell high riser skinny skinny coated jeans full price they finally gave me a code I could use and I pounced:

This is the first pair of coated jeans that I've actually liked on my body so they've been getting a lot of wear lately. I have even managed to wear them to work without any weird looks. They are true to size, truly black and not too shiny and I love the high rise. I never thought I'd be so happy to have the high rise back! They work like Spanx and no more jeans sliding down my ass. It's lovely. 

These hit me right at the ankle (I have them folded up one turn here) which works great with my Lotta From Stockholm t-straps and also with my Chelsea boots which are sold out but these are sweet. These Madewell coated jeans are versatile is what I'm saying. If you’re tempted, code SHOPATWORK will get you 25% off at Madewell and eBates is offering 4.0% cash back. Get going. Wait, come back here. I'm not finished. 

I'm wearing them with my Everlane v-neck cashmere sweater (reviewed here) and an old Gap scarf that is not quite as cute as this one from CK. I also think this one at Urban Outfitters is beautiful. And this little feather number. All the scarves! 

Do I look disapproving here? I have no idea. Daniel totally approves: 

I'm carrying my old MBMJ Hillier Hobo and oops, this is what was lurking under the scarf: 

It's my compliment-generating Banana Republic necklace that I hope you bought on sale when I told you to because it's all gone. Do not despair, BR has lots of cool jewelry right now which is great because the clothes are WEIRD. I love this Fringe ID Pendant necklace and I'm still crazy about the Semi-Precious Tassel necklace. Also, if you're a size 6 in rings please buy this beautiful Labradorite ring so it stops hurting my feelings. Thank you. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Anthropologie Dresses.

I have been looking high and low for an excellent new dress to break me from wanting to wear jeans or pants every day. Anthropologie has lots of pretty options and they're all hurting my feelings:

Cute Boy Friday: Let's Talk Hiddleston

Okay, so here's the thing. Tom Hiddleston has never really done much for me mostly because Loki is not hot especially if he's standing anywhere (and I mean ANYWHERE) near Thor. Because, damn:

But more recently I've started giving old Hiddly a second glance:

I stand corrected. Happy Friday, all! 

Adrien: Sweater Dress Season.

Yep, it's that time again. I bought my Boden Milano dress at the end of spring so I've only really been able to wear it a few times. It's a good one though:

Cozy without being overwhelming or heavy or stretching out all to hell. Boden got this one right. Unfortunately the Milano Dress is now only available in a few colors and sizes but there are some other good options from Boden. The Julietta Dress is the same shape and the Panel Patsy Dress has the same color panel feel but with short sleeves. I also think the Annabel Dress does a nice job of bridging the gap. Same general shape and winter weight with a few interesting patterns. 

If Boden is not in the budget but you still want a color block sweater dress, I strongly suggest checking out this adorable Nine West dress or this Isaac Mizrahi option. This one by Danny & Nicole also has potential and is under $40!  Instead of my usual sad cardigan I'm wearing a little cropped jacket from Banana Republic. It's a million years old but I think this weird little thing would be an interesting update. Maybe? It's crazy but I'm not mad at it.

Same old Cluse watch and my Lulu Frost for J.Crew tassel necklace. Lulu Frost is my kind of lunatic and this tassel necklace appears to be beautiful and life-changing. Sigh. For those of us who need to pay rent, this one will do the trick.

Best boots ever, Loeffler Randall Matilde and best bag ever, a vintage LV Speedy. I know I'm always going on about having a red bag, but you really should have a red bag. Cute Merona option or nice little CH gift for yourself?  Up to you. 

Vintage Banana Republic. Better and Better.

A: $46 for saggy cotton sweatpants? IN THE 80s? Lululemon could take a few lessons from this.

M: Wait, is this Normcore?

A: Super plain white cotton t-shirt? $32! Did I mention it's cotton? Did I also mention it's 1988 and we're going on safari?

M: These sweatpants are just the thing for outrunning lions!

A: Nothing says authentic like a safari cap and elastic waisted gym shorts.

M: Watch it, that's the official team headgear. Something tells me these people are not the sporty type.

A: Maybe you don't have your elastic waist hitched up high enough?

M: Go team! Hit a touchdown!

A: Play with panache! dunk a home run!

M: I'M GOING TO DISNEYWORLD! Good thing I held on to my sweatpants.

A: Well, and thank god they're "not immobilizingly bulky." That's some faint praise right there.

M: If your sweatpants are keeping you from moving I think you're doing something wrong.

A: No, no, Marianne. They're NOT immobilizing. They don't claim they aren't bulky, just that you'll still be able to walk.

M: I'm talking about all those other sweatpants.

A: Oh, you mean non-safari sweatpants? We don't talk about that.

M: WHY CANT I MOVE?

A: It's not like you weren't warned.

Adrien: Everlane Slouchy Cashmere V-Neck Sweater Review.

Hi! Let us travel back in time to last weekend before I got my hair changed up. I have an Everlane review! I really want to tell you about this Everlane sweater because it's super good:

This is the Everlane Slouchy Cashmere V-Neck in XS. I'd originally ordered the small (which is what I got last year) but this is an updated version and apparently it got way slouchier. I have narrow shoulders so super-slouchy isn't really cute on me, it just looked way too big. This looks like the appropriate amount of slouch:

As has been my experience with Everlane cashmere, it's really dang soft and quite lightweight. The neckline is a bit more finished in this updated version and I think I prefer it because it's slightly more refined. For the price this is a bargain! Good cashmere should cost something but it doesn't have to cost the world. I'd originally been planning on the cashmere cardigan instead but I wore my charcoal v-neck last winter more than any other sweater I own so I went for another one. Highly recommend, just size down. 

I am of course wearing my new Old Navy patchwork jeans which are still freaking fantastic. I'm so glad Marianne recommended them and I've worn them several times already. Just get them. Cheap and cheerful at it's best. I'm also wearing a House of Harlow mini sunburst necklace and my CLUSE La Bohème Rose Gold watch which tells time and everything. Oh, also, a Giles and Brother skinny railroad cuff bracelet. I'm also eyeing this rose gold pavé version and I love this hoofy bracelet! I want all the G&B up on my wrist. 

I'm carrying my Cambridge oxblood satchel and have Madewell Chelsea boots on my feet. I should also point out that the fancier Nico Boot is on sale at Madewell and it's killing me. The end. 

Cute Boy Friday: Oh...That Guy!

Luke Evans is one of those guys I've seen here or there in a movie or TV show but have never quite paid my full attention to and now I'm all, WHY HAVEN'T YOU. Because you guys:

You're welcome. Happy Friday!

Adrien: Everything Is A Little Dark.

So, I got my hair rejigged which is always a little intense at first and it's a dark, rainy morning making everything feel a bit goth, so I just went with it.

I'm wearing one of my favorite things, my silk snakeskin print Rebecca Taylor blouse. It was a Saks sale rack splurge for me and still feels special every time I wear it. Rebecca Taylor does the most glorious prints. This blouse in particular is making me a little crazy and this sequined top is insane but I really love it.  Snakeskin/python prints can be tough to get right but I think this DVF blouse is damn pretty and how gorgeous is this Soft Joie blouse? My bargain pick is this cute number..  

I'm wearing seriously high waisted black skinny jeans from Banana Republic and they're really good. I've been very happy overall with BR denim. My scarab necklace is also a Banana purchase. It's sold out but this Marble Circle Pendant is really sleek and the Semi-Precious Tassel Necklace is much prettier IRL. (Also, both are on sale and there's an additional 40% off code. Just saying.)

Ah, ye olde MBMJ Mag Bag. It's a great rainy day bag because it gives my outfit a little bit of glow to offset the dark. Not all metallic bags are blingy. This DVF satchel, which I think I've linked before, is just the perfect pewtery balance and this Liz Claiborne dome satchel is a total steal at $42! It comes in a great pewter metallic and a really cool snakeprint and a very current wine colorway. Dang. You are welcome. 

My aubergine Lotta clogs are not very goth but I sure do love the color and they're great for weirdly warm fall days. I'm not complaining. 

We Talk About Pants.

M: Thanks to Garance Dore I reaaaaally want these:

Topshop Unique 'Maida' pants

A: Those might be good! They are more than leggings but not quite jeans.

M: Right! I need some skinny black pants. DO NOT LET ME BUY ANY MORE BLACK JEANS unless my current ones get too big okay okay

A: Like, those could be work-appropriate for me. I'm worried about that super high waist, though. I mean there's high waist and then there's hitching it up to your boob line.

M: I am allllll for it.

A: So, back when I was riding horses I bought breeches that came in a very traditional rise. It was...unflattering to say the least.

M: If done right they are like Spanx.

A: Yeah, those breeches had the opposite effect.

A: I want these maybe:

Zara Powerstretch Biker Jeans

I don't know what "Powerstretch" is but I like the sound of it.

M: FUPA City, population: You?

A: Dammit.

M: Power Stretch sounds like a Tracy Anderson DVD.

A: I hate her so much. SO MUCH.

M: Hee.

BUY THIS: MBMJ On Clearance.

I know I just did this but Barneys Warehouse stepped things up again. They're giving an automatic extra 50% off clearance and there are some great MBMJ bags included! Don't forget to go through eBates for 2.5% cash back as well. (That is a  referral link.) They're going to go fast so check em out quick-like:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Lucy Tote

Marc by Marc Jacobs The Big Bind Stevie Satchel

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Totally Turnlock Shifty Duffel

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Preppy Hobo

MARC BY MARC JACOBS Bob's Memphis Trip Shoulder Bag

Marc by Marc Jacobs Stargazer Tech Tablet

Adrien: Patchwork Denim Reviews.

Yes, reviews plural. See, Marianne found these great patchwork denim jeans at LOFT and I waffled too long and they sold out. (They're still available in petite sizes.) Then she found a similar pair at Old Navy which I was sceptical about because Old Navy jeans do not fit me. But I trust her so I ordered them. Then, the LOFT pair popped back in my size so I ordered those too. FOR BLOG SCIENCE. So here are both pairs with my thoughts.

First, the LOFT pair:

LOFT Relaxed Skinny Jeans in Patched Dark Indigo Wash

They run big. I bought my usual size and I know they're a "relaxed" skinny fit (whatever that means) but they're just too big on me. Still, I really liked the patches and they're good quality denim. 

I do like the slouchy cuff but not the slouchy everything else. I kept having to hoist them up because the waist was gaping. 

Wah. They look better from this angle, more of a boyfriend fit, but not for me. Great on Marianne though. I will be returning them and normally I'd be hoping for a pop-back for the next size down, except...

The Old Navy pair:

Women's Mid-Rise Rockstar Patchwork Jeans

THEY ARE SO GOOD, YOU GUYS. I was shocked. I texted Marianne all, !!!! because I couldn't believe how good they are. The fit is perfect - snug but not uncomfortable or pulling and a nice higher rise that hits me at the perfect place. The wash is a little lighter in the middle than I generally care for but the patches totally make up for it.

This side view shows the fit - they're definitely a skinny jean but in the most flattering way. 

I took my normal size in these and despite the reviews saying to size down, I wouldn't. The patches are sewn on under the denim so the edges are raw and will fray a bit more. Old Navy also has a darker raw edge patched pair that looks good too. Also! Code RUSH will get you 40% off, so they couldn't be any cheaper. I liked them so much I pretty much pulled the tags off and wore them immediately:

I'm wearing them with a Slubbed High/Low Tee from Banana that I highly recommend. I might have to buy it in another color, I like it so much. I'm also wearing my crazy Lulu Frost for J.Crew tassel necklace. Lulu Frost makes insanely good tassel necklaces. I shouldn't even look. This one at Nordstrom is pretty splashy for under $20. I'm carrying my Too Hot To Handle MBMJ hobo and wearing my Cluse La Boheme watch. My ankle boots are Vince Camuto Hadley (a knockoff of the Rag and Bone Newbury) from a few years ago. This boot is what I'd replace them with.

I just love these jeans.  I can't wear them to work so they aren't a staple worth spending a lot of money on so it's great to find an inexpensive alternative. Hope y'all like them! 

Weekend Window Shopping: Banana Republic Sale.

Things have been a little...odd over at Banana Republic lately but that doesn't mean the most recent sale is a bust, it just means you have to dig a bit more for the good stuff. Right now they're giving an extra 40% off sale items with code BRSALE plus you can get 6.0% cash back with eBates.  Here are my picks:

Adrien: Wrap Dress Talk.

You know those horrible, "Ten Items Every Woman Should Have In Her Closet" articles? I hate them. I mean, duh. White t-shirt, classic trench coat, tall black boots, whatever. Not everyone wears white or digs a tailored fit or feels comfortable in boots. (Okay, the last one is crazy talk. What is wrong with you?) Meaning, there is no formula that fits everyone.

THAT SAID, if you are at all into fashion and you are a grown-ass person, there should be a DVF dress in your life. I mean:

Yasss. This particular DVF came via a contest on Blue Collar Red Lipstick and I love it a lot. There's something about a Von Furstenberg pattern that is unlike anything else. Seriously. This gorgeous dress is just amazing and this one will make you feel cheerful every time you wear it. (Limited sizing so make sure you check out this colorway too.) All on sale!

At least one of you is grumbling, "I look shitty in wrap dresses." And yeah, I don't think they're universally flattering but not all wrap dresses are made equal. Try on a few, is all I'm saying. What makes them truly great is that they're forgiving and allow for a few pounds up or down. If you're really not on board with the wrap, DVF still has you covered. I promise. Ooh, for reals.

The necklace I'm wearing was given to me by my mother and it's very disco 70s so I love wearing it with this dress. It doesn't lay flat so I don't wear it that often. This one from House of Harlow would probably be a better choice and check out this crazy DVF option! Wow. For the bargain shoppers, this Max and Chloe looks like a great choice.

My favorite thing about this pattern is how electric the blue is and I can't not get matchy with my awesome blue MBMJ bag. Mine is sold out (but can be found on eBay) but this Badgley Mischka would be a great substitute and this French Connection hobo is my bargain pick.

My boots are Loeffler Randall Matildes via eBay and my tights are chocolate brown Spanx (though they look much darker in these photos which I'm not very happy about. Maybe better with navy? Or no tights? Ugh.)

PS. Here is a secret. If dry cleaning costs are holding you back from buying a silk jersey dress? Guess what: YOU CAN WASH IT. Yes you can, I promise. Delicate cycle in a mesh bag (or hand wash), cold water, very little detergent, hang to dry. Your mileage may vary but I've had no issues. There are great tips here in the comments too.

Lazy Beauty Reviews: Leonor Greyl, Babyliss, Mascara, Touche Eclat

Hey there! I haven't done any half-assed beauty reviews lately, so here are a few things I'm trying out right now:


Leonor Greyl Sample Set:

I've been working my way through the samples from Leonor Greyl and I'm relieved to discover that, while they are very nice products, they are mostly not magical. I can't afford to love $50 shampoo but I was curious! I had to know. I do like that all the products are silicone, SLS and paraben free and they smell really nice, like wealthy English ladies (I assume.) My hair looks pretty good, but not magically good enough to completely invest. I might, however, buy the Serum de Soie Sublimateur. This is really the star product and it works well and smells like heaven, if heaven smells like jasmine and rich English ladies. Which hey, who knows.

Update: I tried the volumizing shampoo this morning and *$%#&@$ MY HAIR LOOKS AMAZING. DAMMIT.

BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Flat Iron:

This is the flat iron my stylist uses on me and my hair always looks amazing after she's done. I'd been using my Solia iron for the past three years and the cord was starting to go, so I did my thing where I stalked the Babyliss online and compared deals and coupon codes and finally got it from JCPenney for under $100. (Folica.com, as linked above, has the best deal right now. It's marked down and code LOVEYOURHAIR brings it down to $99 with free shipping and 7.0% cash back with eBates. JCP is still a good deal too: It’s on sale and code 4RVETS takes off another 10% bringing it down to $100. Plus 6.0% back with eBates and free shipping. Shop your sales, is what I'm saying.)

This is a really good flat iron. The plates don't catch and tug my hair and it heats up really quickly. Straightens like a boss!  My only complaint is that the plates go all the way to the edge and if you grab the handle too high you will burn the ever living crap out of your thumb which clearly I have already done. I also maybe burned my ear but that's just incompetence on my part.

Touche Éclat and Mini Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Gift Set:

I was having a vulnerable day recently and made the mistake of wandering past the Saks makeup counters apparently looking like a human cry for help. A scary French makeup artist hooked me in and did things to my face all, "Zis eye cream 'as crushéd pairls een eet!" I managed to escape the crushed pairls but did end up buying the Touche Éclat which I've flirted with in the past. It's not the holy grail that some people swear it is, but you know what? It's decent. It just very gently lightens up your dark corners without being shimmery or obvious. I've been using it quite a lot because I have a lot of dark corners. It came in this little set with a free mini mascara which is kind of a dud. Not the worst, just a pretty average black mascara. (If I'd paid $32 for the full size I'd be kinda pissed.) Related: I've rediscovered Benefit They're Real mascara which is a MILLION times better. It seriously kicks Yves ass.

That's what I have for now! The Sephora VIB sale is this weekend, though, so I'll be trying some more new stuff I absolutely don't need soon.