Weekend Window Shopping: Inception.

M: I'm not missing some FINAL SALE small print am I?

A: It doesn't look like final sale at all! And it's cute but...a romper? I don't understand how it works.

M: I'll keep you posted. it's either going to be amazing or make me want to actually die. Adventure!

A: Live dangerously! With romper things!

A: I have been so wanty lately. Like something clicked over and I'm thinking about fall? It's still effing July.

M: I know, we are wrapping up our Christmas content plan so suddenly I'm like oooh booties. NO. IT IS 100 DEGREES.

A: The heat index is 104° and I'm already trying to figure out which chelsea boots to buy for fall. I mean.

M: But...you have Chelsea boots.

A: I'm sorry, are you a dude? I want different Chelsea boots. My Madewell boots are casual. I want something sharper like these:

Or maybe these in burgundy? I don't have burgundy boots:

Or these which are beautiful:

OR! These except I think they might be Advanced:

A: I haven't been thinking about this at all.

M: Haha. I like the last ones best for me, but they are 1. Casual and 2. Prob more me than you? Also I bought booties yesterday shutup.

A: What did you get? And yeah, I think the last pair is probably more your style but I love them in theory. And YES THEY ARE CASUAL BUT ALSO TOTES DIFFERENT FROM MINE.

M: I'm just SAYING. I have actually dramatically reduced my shoe wardrobe.

A: Uh.

M: I know. As for the booties, they are Dolce Vita by way of TJ Maxx and apparently exist no where in the world. They are taupe perforated suede.

A: There was a woman at the airport who was wearing this perfect outfit: skinny jeans, this beautiful orangy-pink blouse, the Liberty tote I love, and boots that very much match your description but they were grey. So cute.

M: Yes they are a taupey-grey! With little slits on each side. They are real cute WHY CAN'T I FIND A PICTURE.

A: YES. Those sound like her boots. I couldn't stop staring.

M: I also found these (for under $40!) at TJ Maxx and let me tell you they are the best, most comfortable heeled sandal around:

A: Oooohh. STOPPIT.

M: I've worn them three days in a row.

A: Are they on your feet right now?

M: No, I wore them yesterday though I promise.

A: Oh, it was more that I wanted to see a RL pic.

M: Haha. I'll take one later, and of the boots that I'm starting to think I hallucinated. Inception boots.

A: You just bought the idea of boots.

M: They are still in my car and you have no idea how close I am to leaving my desk and walking all the way out there.

A: There are no actual boots, just an idea.

M: 

A: 

M:

M: So now you've seen them. I pride myself on google stalking products. WHERE ARE THEY.

A: Really weird. They must just be an older style?

M: For whatever reason this is really irritating me. They can't be that old, they are too on trend!

A: I've been looking for them and now I'm irritated too. Is there a style name written inside? Why don't you walk back to your car and look?

M:

A: 

M: I think we found a glitch in the Matrix.

A: Everything is cancelled until I find them.

(Readers: Can you find these boots?  dolce vita inside zipper, no straps or seaming, perforated taupe leather. Anyone who finds them will win...well, nothing. but we will be impressed.)

M: My search is over.

A: ...

M: that's the sartorial equivalent to being Rick Rolled.

A: I am taking this personally.

Adrien: Tacky is as Tacky Does.

Here's what I like about summer clothes: they can be cheap and that's okay. While I am generally trying to be more thoughtful about my purchases these days, I still have quite a bit of cheap summer filler in my wardrobe and this Ross top is the cheapest. But you know what? It looks so cute! 

I'm sure there are plenty of people who think snakeskin is tacky but I think it's fun. And hey, this amazing wallet ain't tacky, right? I totally dig this The Kooples python top and how beautiful is this Ramy Brook tank?  And if we're getting fancy with the blue snakeskin check out this Michael Michael Kors blouse. 

 I'm wearing my snakeskin top with white Modern Skinny LOFT jeans which are super comfortable and not see-though, though I wish I'd sized down. My pair isn't currently on sale (wait 10 minutes!) but the skinny crop style is half off. Also, Anthro has an extra 30% off sale stuff and there are several pairs of white jeans included.  Details:

I'm wearing a giant Lulu Frost for J.Crew tassel necklace of the type that you know I love. This one by Baublebar is the best kind of crazy and I love this more delicate double tassel from Rebecca Minkoff.  And oooh, these earrings. My bracelet is an encrusted version of the Giles and Brother skinny cortina bracelet and my big ole ring is Alexis Bittar from last year's Box of Style. This one is a less blingy version and OMG that boy is nuts. I love it. 

I don't usually bother to show off my ear flair (GIANT EAR PIC WUT) but today I'm wearing my adorable Shashi Noa ear climbers (another Box of Style win) and a pair of Kate Spade square drop earrings in turquoise. I can't find the drop style in this color but these Kate Spade studs are similar. Or, hey, glitter studs! 

I just talked about my MBMJ Too Hot To Handle Hobo but isn't it good? I can't recommend a nice Marc Jacobs hobo enough. I'm also wearing my much-loved Chie Mihara sandals! This lovely pair is probably the closest in style (and also come in grey) and if you're a size 11 please buy this beautiful pair because they're under $100 and that never happens. That is all. 

Nordstrom and Braws and Stuff.

M: I have a $10 Nordstrom Note and I feel like I must order SOMETHING but what.

A: How am I the only one that didn't get one of those?

M: I buy too much from Nordstrom*.

A: Some of the beauty deals are really good.

M: I don't really need any beauty stuff. However my Treasure & Bond flares fit me SO perfectly that I'm looking at these:

A: Oh, those are so cute! They're similar to my JCrew pair I love so much.

M: I might just get them. I bought some from Loft that I like but they are definitely summer-only, I can wear these all fall. It's nice to have something non-denim.

M: I should buy a bra or something but meh.

A:  I bought underwear and nothing else.

M: I love Nordstrom so much though. Their rewards program + 6% on ebates.

A: YES TO 6% BACK ON EBATES RITE.

M: I order so much from them now. Stuff I used to go to Sephora/Zappos/whatever.

A: They really are pretty great - free shipping, great return policy, etc. I bought that Natori Feathers bra everyone freaks out over but I'm worried about sizing.

M: That's my fave!

A: See? Everyone loves it but I'm such a weird fit and it runs small and woe. I'm worried.

M: Yeah I just go up a cup size.

M: This looks like it might actually work for people with boobs?

A: Oh, pretty! The back is so cute. I'd love something like that but they never seem to work on me.

M: I know, I want one.

A: Me too. And, like, how cute is this Zella bra?

A: I’d fall right out of it, probably.

M: So cute!

A: Low-impact support; best for: lying quietly on your back while watching Gilmore Girls.

M: My kind of exercise really. The problem with that Free People one is band-wise I would need an XS/S and nope. Never going to work.

A: Yep, that is my problem too. I mean, I ordered a 32DDD in that Natori bra? Is that even a real size? Who am I?

M: I'm wearing a 32DDD right now, so.

A: *high five*


*NOT SPONSORED BY NORDSTROM BUT SHOULD BE CALL ME

Adrien: Heat Index Outfit.

I love summer weather even when the heat index is above 100° which I know sounds crazy. I just like being warm, you know? But, it makes dressing for work a bit challenging because what if I want to wear my favorite little sleeveless casual dress to work? Eh, I just do it anyway:

I bought this dress at Marshalls last summer and it's a weekend favorite. I can't find it online (the brand is Thyme and Honey) but this adorable Joe Fresh dress is super cute and very similar. (In purple, right?) I also recently linked to this space dye version at Eddie Bauer which looks super easy to wear. This Top Shop skater dress option is seriously cute or, hey, get fancy with M Missoni.

And, I added a bag! I sold a few of my collection (including my beloved old Hillier Hobo) and bought a new-to-me Too Hot To Handle hobo in black. I love my cement version so much that it just made sense to replace my Hillier with the newer version that already works so well for me. I dig it:

If eBay isn't your thing (and I totally understand that) definitely keep an eye out for good sales.  This Marc Jacobs Pike Place hobo is on sale and it also comes in cement! This black Kate Spade hobo also looks very similar with nice pebbly leather. Ugh, Nordstrom. Stoppit. For the bargain shopper, I think this Last Call hobo looks pretty nice. 

Details! I'm wearing my fringy pendant from Banana which is long gone, but this version has it's appeal. It's a bit disco! I also loooove this fringe bracelet. I know I make fun of BR a lot, but the jewelry is solid. My watch is my trusty Cluse La Bohème in rose gold. 

I'm wearing my TOMS Strappy wedges which are a great comfortable option for summertime. Mine are a metallic denim material like this Clarissa version but the Strappy wedge also comes in black canvas, cute prints and metallic suede. 

Yep, ruined it all with a cardigan because my office is like the Arctic circle. What can you do?

What's In My Bag?

I think did a post about like this once upon a time, but it's been years and my bag is kind of heavy so I thought I'd dump it all out and take pictures. Exciting, right? Totally.

Here is everything in my bag minus a few linty tissues and a handful of loose change. First, my bag:

It's a Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot To Handle hobo and it's my most-carried bag. This particular bag in this color (cement) is only available on eBay at this point but MBMJ has a few other really nice hobo bags. The Recruit bag in mink is the most similar to mine!  Here's what's in it:

My cellphone with cute GoCustomized personalized iPhone 6 case, Elegant anti-static hairbrush, Jonathan Adler coin purse (keep an eye on eBay), and a pen. Now, about my personalized phone case, which was sent to me by GoCustomized to review:

GoCustomized offers personalised phone cases in all manner of finishes. I uploaded my favorite photo from the blog and chose a wood finish, though I think the new cork case is really cool and very current. So many options! I dithered a lot but eventually settled on this combo and they shipped it to me super fast. It's a good quality, minimal case and the wood texture is really cool. Thanks, GoCustomized! 

My overstuffed MBMJ wallet was a lucky eBay purchase a few years ago. It's not super exciting and I should admit I'm keeping my eye on this gorgeous snakeskin nugget because holy crap is that beautiful. I also really like this cobalt blue MBMJ wallet because, you know, cobalt blue. My sunglasses are Oakley Restless which I can't find online anymore but they make great aviators for women.  My sunglasses case is some weird thing I picked up at Old Navy years ago. I love it and will use it until it's dead.

I saved my makeup bag for last! I'm using a little LeSportSac pouch that Kate gave me and it's the perfect size if you want a smaller bag that doesn't overwhelm your space. It comes in cute patterns and solid colors and is light and indestructible. I also love this dome top cosmetic bag, though it doesn't have the separate zip pockets for band aids and whatnot. In my bag I have:

• Givenchy Mister Light concealer
• Bite Beauty Agave lip mask 
• Dior Addict Lip Glow
• Marc Jacobs Beauty Rebel Rebel gloss
• Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
• Aveeno lotion (the BEST) 
• Sonia Kashuk Undetectable pressed powder

 I also have something of a Chapstick addiction but we don't need to talk about that. Everything is fine and four sticks is a perfectly reasonable amount to have in your bag. I also usually have a little brow pencil in my makeup bag but it got mixed back in with my makeup stash.

Weekend Window Shopping: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

That which cannot be ignored, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, has begun. I'm already kind of tired of hearing about it but the deals are real. Personally, I have a hard time wrapping my head around boots and sweaters when the heat index is over 100° but needs must.

Mostly I think this sale is great time to stock up on basic things that don't often go on sale - Natori bras and Hanky Panky thongs are definitely on that list. Plus, the beauty deals are pretty nice! Here's what I think looks good:

Cute Boy Friday: Idris Is Entertaining AF.

I know I'm all IDRIS ALL THE TIME around here but have you seen him on Fallon? Singing and dancing? I'm pretty sure Jimmy Fallon has a crush.

Also, while I'd happily watch a show that's just Idris sitting in a chair, I'm not sure how I feel about this:

He also flipped a car in King of Speed, which was pretty scary. Like, baby, please stop crashing in cars? But, he did break the land speed record in the UK, so that's pretty good. #IdrisforBond

I'm Worried About Banana Republic, You Guys.

*** More new stuff in the blog shop and price drops on the old stuff! ***

A: I thought things might get better. Things are not getting better:

M: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

A: I MEAN. WHAT IS THAT FOR.

M: It's obviously for a Ruffle Party.

A: What happens at a Ruffle Party?

M: Everyone wears ruffles and eats Ruffles, duh.

M: I don't know.

A: Could I wear this sad-maker to a ruffle party?

M: I think could vs. should is the situation here.

A: I believe you called that particular dress "a war crime" and then sent me this:

M: I stand by this.

A: They can't even give that dress away. They should pay you $100 if you try to buy it.

A: PS. Send help.

M: Sorry kid, you're on your own.

Adrien: Old Magic.

This is one of my "magic" dresses from Target. It's, um, really old but I still wear it because it doesn't get much more comfortable than this and it's such a good base for fun accessories:

Of course this dress is long gone but the Merona line usually has a few really simple summer dresses, like this A-line easy waist dress and this simple v-neck dress (which is only in-store.) This Asos dress is a similar shape and a bit more sophisticated and this Kohl's dress is really close and comes in a bunch of colorways! My favorites are this Soma colorblock dress that looks like it would be flattering on almost everyone and this draped dress is my favorite kind of simple. 

I love pairing a dark navy with leopard print because why not? Leopard goes with everything. My belt is this one from Target but this one at Buckle is basically identical and even less expensive. More details: 

I'm wearing my LUV AJ lariat necklace from my Box of Style and I love how delicate it is! This one is pretty similar (and a bit fancier.) I also LOVE this one from Madewell that's on sale! On my wrist is a La Mer wrap watch that I brought out of retirement. 

I'm carrying my most-loved MBMJ Too Hot To Handle Hobo in cement which is long sold out, but this MBMJ hobo is the same color and on sale to boot. This Vince Camuto bag is a great neutral and has a similar slouch. It's the Hermès Cape Cod I'll never own. 

My favorite Chie Miharas for summer! This pair has a similar cute buckle on top and this pair of Chies is probably the most similar in style to mine. There is just nothing else like them. 

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Barneys Warehouse Because Whoa.

I know I just posted about this last week but YOU GUYS. Barneys Warehouse is giving an extra 70% off clearance and some of the handbag deals are KILLING ME. Seriously:


This Rebecca Minkoff Bowery Satchel is $80!!

$80!! I can't even. This blue leather Milly Ludlow Hobo is $78, you guys:

That is a beautiful bag! Someone needs that! It's such a good color. The MBMJ deals are also very good. This Totally Turnlock Lucy Tote is now $122 which is hurting my feelings: 

It also comes in red because of course it does:

I linked the Totally Turnlock Shifty Duffel last week but it's also available in blue and red at $117! There's also a cute leather MBMJ backpack in red, blue and tan for $105. 

Finally, this Derek Lam 10 Crosby Lafayette Satchel, which retails for $695, is $114:

Are you already planning outfits around it? I know I am. Ugh, I'm sorry/not sorry. Don't forget to go through eBates for 3% cash back on your order! 

Adrien: That HG Item.

A few days before I left for Knoxville I spent a lunch break fruitlessly searching for one of my Holy Grail items. I wanted a Bowie tee, but not just any tee. Basically, I wanted this one but not so expensive and not cashmere blend (wut) and not quite so distressed. I wanted it to look worn in and the graphics had to be well done, not like this $160 crap. (How did that happen?) I also wanted it to be cut for a woman and either black or grey. DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD THIS IS. It's hard. Then two days later Marianne plucked it off a rack at TJ Maxx and handed it to me all casual-like: 

It's now my favorite t-shirt. It's really, really thin and I have to be careful because I think it's made from tissue paper, but man, I love this shirt. The brand is Daydreamer and they make all kinds of cool drapey graphic tees. I personally love this Ramones tee and, heh, I wouldn't mind having this Nope tee either. They also do a decent T. Rex. I approve. 

I get a little obsessed with making it the perfect amount of careless-slouchy which was captured here:

WTF am I doing with my face? I don't even know. I'm wearing my HG tee with distressed cut off shorts from Old Navy. My particular pair has sold out but these are pretty cute and this pair at Madewell is basically perfect. And ooh, how cute is this denim skirt?  Let us carry on to details:

My awesome little silver wings necklace was made by my friend Tere of My Precious Studio. Highly recommend. I'm also wearing my Cluse La Bohème watch and a Giles and Brother skinny railroad spike bracelet. The fancier encrusted version is on sale! 

This little snakeskin crossbody bag from Old Navy has been great this summer. It's inexpensive, lightweight and cute as hell. If snakeskin isn't for you it also comes in a few neutral colors and in silver! Damn, the silver version is really cute. My shoes are Lotta From Stockholm peep toes and I love the having a little red to echo the Bowie graphic on my t-shirt. These shoes also come in silver in case you were wondering. Aren't I helpful? 

So tell me, what's your Holy Grail item? What have you been searching for forever and not finding?