Adrien: Bowie Night Outfit.

Last Saturday night I went to a Bowie night with the symphony event with my sister, who'd bought tickets for my birthday. (Thanks, girl!) Since I already have the awesome gold boots, I thought I'd put together a Bowie-appropriate outfit. I had a really good time with this: 

I bought this Bowie tee a few years ago but I don't think I've ever worn it on the blog, which surprises me. I can't even remember what brand it is, but there are tons of cute Bowie tees available right now. This one at Zulily is very cool (and very inexpensive) and this one by MadeWorn is very cool (and very expensive.) I also like this Junk Food tank a whole lot and this one by Chaser! And I love this slightly odd and very literal tee by Daydreamer. I want all the Bowie tees, really. And ha, American Eagle has a Ramones shirt. Okay. That is a thing. 

Here's a better look. Awesome. I'm wearing my beloved and ancient Gap tuxedo jacket over it and I am forever looking for a decent replacement because it's on it's last legs. This BCBG Generation blazer comes close, but I want lapels. That's why I'm keeping an eye on this J.Crew version even though I worry it might be too cropped. Still, it fits the bill. So does this one by Veronica Beard (sans dickey.) My jeans are Madewell coated skinny skinny which I hope they bring back because I love them. 

I didn't get a decent photo of it but y'all have seen my MBMJ hobo eleventy million times, so I figured I'd skip it. But, if you're looking for one, this eBay auction is not a bad price for NWT. This blue version is also a good deal*! (If you have a Nordstrom Rack nearby, a reader recently pointed out that the deals on MBMJ are really good right now.) On to details:

When you have a giant picture of David Bowie on your chest, you don't need much else. I did wear my Alexis Bittar cocktail ring which falls somewhere between this one and this one for similarities. My little enamel Aladdin Sane lightning bolt pin is from DRPD Pin but is totally sold out. This Etsy shop has a nice looking version and oooh, a silver version. (I will make Bowie fans of you yet! Try to resist.) My silver wire earrings, which you can barely see in the second picture, are a pair I've had for years, a gift from Kate. They are basically identical to this pair. 

These boots. The best $45 I've spent this year. They are SO MUCH FUN and they'd look really cute on you. You should get a pair. Lucky for you 6pm has them for $74.99 which is totally still a fair price for awesome gold boots. Yay! Boots for everyone. 

* Not my auctions! Please proceed with caution, check the photos, ask the seller questions.

Review and Giveaway: Ministry of Supply Easier Than Silk Nehru.

Last week I posted about the Ministry of Supply pants I was sent and how much I like them. I like them so much! They also sent me an Easier Than Silk Nehru top which was so generous of them, but I had a really hard time picking a size for because, as often happens, I fall in between the sizes on the chart.

I tried their live chat service but got into the usual polite argument where the chat representative insisted the measurements on the size chart are body measurements and I point out they're actually garment measurements. (This happened with Grana too and I wish online retailers would just get it together already because I AM CONFUSED.) Anyway! It's a really nice blouse but I bought the wrong size (a medium) and I'm not sure the color is great on me either (but that's totally my fault):

It's a really nice blouse. The fabric is great - light, wrinkle-resistant and washable. I love the good details, like chest darts and a drop hem but it's just too big on me, especially in the shoulders and sleeves. The small probably would've been a better fit on top but I suspect too tight around my hips and the nehru style really needs to fall straight. 

The blush color is awfully pretty but doesn't do much for me, unfortunately. I just wanted the pretty spring color!  In conclusion: This is a really nice blouse (size medium) but it just doesn't work for me. Maybe it would look better on you? I'll bet it would. I only wore it for the photo shoot, so it's basically brand new. If you'd like the Easier Than Silk Nehru top  for your very own, leave a comment. I'll pick a random number and post it on Friday! This giveaway is open worldwide. One entry per person, please.

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): A Few TJ Maxx Finds!

Because I'm always trolling TJ Maxx for good stuff, I thought I'd point out that this little MBMJ Canteen bag is a pretty nice deal:

SO CUTE. And it gets really good reviews! It's listed as "almost gone" so move fast. And will someone PLEASE BUY THIS OCTOPUS RING OMG: 

It's not quite as amazing as this Kenneth Jay Lane octopus ring but it's still pretty amazing. Finally, I will give $10 American dollars to anyone who buys these Jeremy Scott sunglasses and wears them out in public. What? They're on clearance. Blog science something something. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Saks Off Fifth Clearance!

There's a surprising amount of good stuff on sale over at Saks Off Fifth right now and code THISISBIG will get you an extra 20% off of some of it! (I think it only works on the clothes.) Plus, go through eBates for 4% cash back.  There's a ton of great jewelry, including Miansai, Giles & Brother, House of Harlow, and Alexis Bittar and quite a lot of Joie in the clothing section. Here's what I particularly liked:

Review: Marc Jacobs Beauty Object Of Desire Palette (and some other stuff)

I have a beauty thing to talk about that's actually exciting and not boring and practical! In fact, it's pretty luxurious and definitely falls under, "Stuff You Don't Need But Still Want Anyway." The Marc Jacobs Beauty Object Of Desire Palette is that thing:

I KNOW RIGHT? Kate gave me this beauty for my birthday and I was super delighted because it has been FOR EVER since I had any fun makeup. I seem to lean pretty practical these days so getting a new palette was a lovely surprise. (The last palette I bought myself was this one and snore. It's really good but so so so basic and it's nearly empty anyway.)

The Object of Desire palette contains a bronzer, a blush, a luminizer and six beautiful eye shadows, both matte and shimmery. I haven't tried the bronzer yet (waiting for summer for that) but the blush is really wearable and pretty and the luminizer looks great on my browbone or wherever I need to be luminized. (LIKE EVERYWHERE.) The eyeshadows are well-pigmented and almost creamy in application and the colors are exactly the kind of thing that suits me. The only color I haven't tried is the deep brown shimmer but I think it would make a great liner color.

Finally, the packaging. Y'all know I'm a fan of good packaging and this thing is SO FANCY. It's a metallic zip clutch with a big fun tassel and while it's not the most practical it's so pretty that I don't even care. It looks really luxurious hanging out on my makeup shelf and I just love it as an object.

It looks like the price has been reduced to $49 which is a screaming deal! You get a lot of product for your money and Marc Jacobs Beauty products are really good quality. DEWIT.

Now, on to something way, way, way cheaper:

Do y'all shave your face? I know I've talked about dermaplaning before but I wasn't really confident to try it myself until I got these. I had some of the Tinkle razors (which Marianne loves!) but for some reason they just didn't work for me. So, I ordered these Shiseido razors and watched a few YouTube videos (this one was really helpful) and got down to business. 

It worked REALLY well. I got all the peach fuzz off and my skin is so smooth! I love that it helps my serum/treatments really sink in and makeup goes on smoother. I don't love that it somehow makes my hair stick to my face after I moisturize, but I guess that's because there's no fuzz to deflect it? A small price to pay. Give it a try! 

Finally, I bought this: 

I went to the new Blue Mercury store thinking they carried Anastasia Beverly Hills but alas, they do not. Since I couldn't have my Brow Wiz pencil I bought the Trish McEvoy Precision Brow Shaper instead and it's...fine. It's fine. I mean, I wish the pencil tip had a freaking CAP but whatever, Trish. No cap. $29 and no cap. It's decent though and stays put throughout my entire work day and through a sweaty workout after that so I shouldn't complain. I just can't help thinking that Brow Wiz is $8 cheaper and manages to have caps at both ends. Hell, the NYX version is $19 cheaper and has a freaking cap. I AM JUST SAYING. (Also, I'll be trying that NYX pencil next because damn. I'm an idiot.) 

That's it for beauty reviews! Have you tried anything new? Did it come with a cap? 

Adrien: Party In The Back!

Hey, remember that LOFT filigree top I raved about last week? I had a chance to wear it and I'm still ridiculously pleased with it:

I don't really know why I don't wear much white, it looks pretty nice on me. LOFT has some really cute white tops for spring - I especially like this lacy shell and this ruffle neck top. (The ruffles are small, I will allow it.) Banana also has a cute white ladder-lace top that I've got my eye on. FYI The top I'm wearing also comes in a navy colorway but I saw it in store and didn't think the back pattern was half as cute. Speaking of the back...

Yay, right? Party in the back. I just think it's so much fun. If you like the pattern but not the mix, they do have two other tops in similar "filigree" prints: a shell and a linen tee. I'm wearing the top with my Madewell coated skinny jeans which they unfortunately don't have in stock right now. The regular black skinny jeans at Madewell are great but if you want coated, this Level 99 pair looks like a good bet and there's always H&M for your cheap and cheerful option.  On to details:

I'm wearing my House of Harlow mini sunburst necklace on top and the beautiful Frost Necklace sent to me by Mima at InfinEight. My bracelet is a rose gold screw cuff from BIJOUONE.

Bag and shoes! My bag is my old Too Hot to Handle Hobo which is currently available on Gilt in a very springy pale peach color. It is the easiest bag to carry and I love both of mine. There are similar and very nice versions available from Frye and Cole Haan and I really love this sleek option from Liebeskind. All on sale, of course! My bargain pick is this nicely minimal option from Target. 

My red shoes are Chie Mihara and they always get compliments. While Chie always wins the overall Cutest Mary Janes award, I'm always keeping an eye out for another red pair and Miz Mooz is usually the winner! This pair has the contrast strap like mine and this pair has a very walkable low heel but this pair is my favorite because the detailing is so cute. Yay for Miz Mooz. 

PS. I tried my new boots on with this outfit for blog science! They make everything fun. (There's a size 9 still available!)

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Nordstrom Rack Clearance!

Right now Nordstrom Rack has marked all clearance an extra 25% off, plus get 2% cashback with eBates. I dug around to see if there was anything good you might need to know about. (I AM THE BEST ENABLER, RIGHT?) I'm always looking out for you. Always.

The very best thing I found was a really damn cute pair of brown VINCE booties that retail for nearly $400 and now can be yours for $97.48 which is pretty freaking good, you guys:

There are quite a few sizes left too! I also found these VINCE slip-ons in black linen that I liked quite a bit:

They also come in navy blue, but I like the black ones way better. There are some other VINCE shoe options, but I think the booties are the best deal by far. The clothing deals were a bit tougher because the sizing is really limited (lots of really cute one-offs, though) but there's some interesting stuff to be had. I especially liked this Diane von Furstenberg silk blend wrap skirt which is under $80:

And I thought this Current/Elliott plaid shirt was super cute for under $60:

And, this Madewell dress will make someone really happy for under $50:

I didn't see much in the clearance handbags that impressed me but the jewelry was a different story. How predictably me is this Vince Camuto tassel necklace?

I love that! I also loooooove these crazy Gorjana Curved Spike Earrings:

They also come in silver which would be a great summery option. Speaking of silver, I am really into this sleek silver Botkier bar cuff bracelet which retails for $88 but is down to $19.80:

Finally, I'm getting into the oddball stuff. Like, how much do I love these men's Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses? 

Under $100 for Ray-Bans that scream summer? Don't mind if I do. Summer is coming y'all and there are some really cute Mara Hoffman swimsuits in the clearance section that you should check out. Also, this cover-up which is SO FREAKING CUTE:

It's only available in XS and M but someone buy it! It's killing me. And this one too. Now I'm really mad that it's still February. I need a nap. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Madewell Sale!

Whee, an extra 30% off sale stuff at Madewell right now with code MOODLIFT. You can combine that with 1.5% cashback from eBates for a nice overall deal. Clothing sizing is limited but there's lots of jewelry, including my much-loved Asteroid Pavé Necklace which is now just $10.50! Here's what I think looks promising (especially those boots OMG):

How I Deal With Sick-Face.

Still sick, y'all, but needs must and I have to go back to work and join humanity. I feel terrible and look pretty terrible too, but I have a few tricks for improving the look part, if not the feel part. (Can we just talk for a second about how zinc doesn't work? It's a scam, right? IT NO WORK.)

Anyway! One thing I try to do when I have a cold is take extra good care of my skin. My face feels like it's under attack so I knock it off with treatments and just focus on keeping it really soothed and moisturized:

This Laneige Water Sleeping Mask? Is a really good place to start. You can get a big tub at Target oooorrrr you can get four mini tubs for half the price at Amazon. (Guess which one I did?) When I'm feeling all dry and sad I just slather this liberally on top of my usual bedtime moisturizer/treatment and in the morning my skin looks so much happier. It's not super fancy magic - just a whole lot of water-binding agents so make sure you apply it when your skin is still a bit damp. It is scented by I don't find it overpowering or irritating at all. And hey, Paula Begoun freaking hates it so you know it's good.

I've also been using my Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream under my Juno oil twice a day and it's just really nice stuff. No breakouts or bad reactions and I haven't had my usual problem with dry patchy spots this winter.

So, your skin is all moisturized but you still look like a gross sick person. Resist the temptation to slap on a lot of makeup. I've been loving Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer as an alternative to my regular foundation. It's got SPF 30 and is so nice and dewy. I don't know why it's called a primer - it's definitely a BB cream and quite pigmented but has a really sheer, natural finish. Slap some of this on your face and then bop it gently all over with a damp Beauty Blender if you have such a thing. There. You look way less dead already!

Now, concealer. Definitely go to town on those under-eye circles with something that's not messing around. I'm still very much in a relationship with It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye because it's so pigmented and waterproof. For the rest of your face, this is the time to break out that WTF-this-is-not-a-concealer highlighting pen you might regret buying. I have the Touche Eclat but the Maybelline version is good too. I also like the Givenchy version which is actually more of a concealer but still very sheer. Anyway! Take this and hit the inside corners of your eyes, the outside bits around your eyes, under your eyebrows, anywhere you need a little brightness. Blend blend blend.

Alas, your nose. It's all sad and sore and red so pat some good salve around it. I use this awesome comfrey salve my friend Ann makes but if you don't know her you're out of luck. Try something like this Burt's Bees ointment or this one by Milk looks okay. Something like this Motherlove cream would be perfect. Nothing that burns or has menthol in it, just protect your poor nose with a generous layer of salve. Now, very gently pat a little cream concealer (not the highlighter kind) on top. It won't last long but it's a good temporary fix.

To finish off your face, definitely add some color to your cheeks and fill your brows! Nothing makes me feel as instantly put-together as doing my brows. If you bother with eyeliner, avoid any color with any hint of red in it (bronze, violet, etc) because it'll just make your sad, bloodshot eyes look worse. Skip it and go for a mascara that'll stay put, like the Fairdrops stuff I like so much.

Finally, don't bother with lipstick, instead go for a tinted balm of some kind. I'm currently VERY into the new Dior Addict Lip Glow color - berry. It's stupid expensive but has a bit more color payoff than the original sheer pink and it feels like super-nice lip balm. Also, the packaging is so luxurious, which it should be for that price. I also really like the much more affordable Burt's Bees Tinted Balms lest you think I've lost my mind. (I need to find it in the Sweet Violet color everyone seems to love!)

So, there you go. You still feel like crap but at least you look like your can walk among the living without making babies cry. What did I miss? Any tips or tricks?

Review: Recent LOFT Order.

I'm home sick today with a really gross cold, so I've been conking out on cold meds at night instead of writing blog posts. This means instead of what I'd planned (a review post with real-life photos) you just get reviews with stock photos. Trust me, nobody needs to see my face right now anyway. 😷

LOFT generally has really good sales once or twice a month and I ordered a few things during the most recent 50% off sale (after missing the sale two days before that. Seriously. Never pay full price, you guys.)

Boatneck Swing Dress
I mentioned this dress in a previous entry because I'd tried in on in the store and really liked it. It wasn't on sale or I probably would've just bought it on the spot. It's pretty simple but it is one of those great basic dresses that you can throw on with any accessories and look pulled together. Bonus - no Spanx required since it's just a nice swingy cut. I hope they offer it in some interesting colors come spring because I'm just about over this winter crap. I went with a size small in this and it fits fine. It's on sale right now, though sizing is limited. LOFT also has some other swing style dresses including this long-sleeved striped version that's on sale. Tempting!

Filigree Mixed Media Top
This one was a nice surprise! I ordered the white version pictured (there's also a navy colorway) because I love the contrast, even though white isn't really my thing. It's so nice! The front is more structured and has textured stripes and the back is a flowy material that hangs really nicely. It's not on sale currently, but definitely one to keep an eye on. I think this will work great right now (it's a warm white) and then well into spring. There's also a shell top made from the patterned material that I think is really cute. I bought this in a small and it's a pretty generous fit.

Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Drawstring Tunic

I ordered this thinking I could wear it with leggings but it's just... okay. I got it in a small and it technically fits but it doesn't really do much for me and the cowl neck thingy is just kind of irritating. There's nothing actually wrong with it and I'm not sure what I was expecting from a glorified sweatshirt but it's just not for me. This is a return. Womp womp. In it's defense, it has glowing reviews and comes in a cute ombre version, I think it's just not my style. 

So, that's it! Two keepers and a return. Have you bought anything from LOFT recently that you loved or hated? Do tell. 

PS. For the regular readers I felt it worth mentioning that the last time I was in the store I tried on the tulip print utility blouse I loved so much. It's super cute in person, but that balsam green color does not work on me. So sad. 

Adrien: Gold Boots? Gold Boots.

I've worn my gold Steven boots a few times since I bought them but their first outing was a work outfit because, why not: 

Nobody said anything! I couldn't believe it. But hey, I like them a lot and they cheer up my otherwise rather monotone outfit. I'm wearing the boots with a fit and flare dress from Loft. It's is sold out but they have the same cut in black and this one is similar as well. If you want leopard flare, check out this Hilfiger dress! So freaking cute. 

I needed a little color so I included my blue MBMJ bag which never fails. I know it looks like my tights are black, but they're actually Spanx Tight End in charcoal, so vaguely less harsh than black. Exciting stuff, right? Okay, boots: 

I suspect the reason these boots were marked down on Shopbop is because the color was called "silver" and they are undeniably gold. They fit true-to-size, are reasonably comfortable and, while they're not Saint Laurent, for $45 I am totally happy. The only place I can find them online now is 6pm but Shopbop does have the leopard version, still. And if you missed out on them, check out these cute Seychelles booties or this crazy pair from Asos. On to details:

My chain pendant necklace is from Banana Republic from last year. I wish they'd make more stuff like this but they do have a fun big tassel pendant right now. I'm also wearing my Bijouone screw cuff  bracelet and my Lisa Freede cuff bracelet, which is similar to this one by Vita Fede

I keep talking about trying to replace this Gap tuxedo jacket and then I keep wearing it. H&M has a cute option but I want something better quality that will fit really well. Something like this Joe's jacket with leather lapels. But marked down further, please. Yes. 

I know my last two outfits included this blue MBMJ bag but I just love it so much. This MJ Trooper Hobo is probably your best best for a new MJ bag in a similar color but I'm all about eBay for older styles. Marc Jacobs does really good blues. Anyway, that's all I got for today! You'll definitely be seeing these boots again soon...

We Solve All Your Problems.

A: One of our awesome readers (thanks Katie!) emailed the following:

I feel you need to investigate the existence of a huge number of outrageously expensive dickies (Yes, DICKIES) being sold at Nordstrom, which are apparently meant to be worn under a blazer made by the same brand: Veronica Beard. E.g.: this gorgeous "quilted funnel neck dickey" specimen being sold for 250 American Dollars:

A: Heh. Dickey.

M: Ahahahahaha.

A: It would solve a lot of problems, actually.

M: ...you have problems that can be solved with a dickey?

A: Yes, absolutely. Like, I could just wear the same gin sack every day and switch out my dickey. Voila! Totally different outfit.

A: "Switch out my dickey" is the dirtiest thing I've ever written.

M: I don't really want to write or read the word dickey any more.

A: Also! Haven't you ever been like, "I sure wish I could fit this hoodie of mine under a blazer but it's too bulky." Because that problem HAS BEEN SOLVED:

A: I wonder if you get the rest of the hoodie if you pay another $150?

M: Well. I mean. Okay I actually am coming around on the ridiculous dickey. SUPER overpriced but kind of not a terrible idea? Help.

A: And here! All of the appearance of a cashmere sweater under a blazer without any of the actual warmth:

M: I LIKE IT OKAY.

A: For that kind of money I want a whole sweater.

M: Indeed. $800 if you want the blazer with it. Lordt.

A: I KNOW RIGHT. It makes the striped dickey alone seem like a bargain:

M: What I want to see is someone accidentally wearing a dickey alone.

M: But I don't think I can search for that.

A: Pinterest has you covered.

M: Okay, you win.

A: A dickey victory!

Boots, Culottes, Gin Sacks. The Usual.

A: Just got home, silver boots were waiting for me.

M: And

A: They look great, they fit, the heel is perfect. BUT.

A: They are gold.

A: I mean, they look gold online because they are gold.

M: Oooh see that's even better.

A: I'm happy, definitely keeping, but I'm guessing this is why they're on sale!

M: Can't wait

A: I think you'll be happy!

A: Right at home:

M: Yayyyyyyyy

A: Even the zipper pull is gold. Why are they called silver?

M: Hilarious

M: I ordered 3 pairs of sale cropped wide leg jeans from Madewell to try out.

M: They have left me unmoored.

A: Aw, dang.

M: I am really baffled

M: Like

M: I hated skinny jeans at first

M: Is this that?

A: Ha, you sound like me.

M: I need in person vetting.

A: The jeans I'm like, 💁

A: If they don't work, hold out for something better.

M: I don't don't even know.

M: The black ones are awful full stop.

A: The issue is that you have great legs and those jeans are stumpifying.

M: If I kept a pair it would be these:

M: There is something appealing.

A: I like those better.

M: But I don't know if I have the confidence to be this fashion forward at my own expense.

M: I may try a kick crop instead. I think the issue is my ass is big but legs are skinny so these are disproportionately wide.

A: Kick crop?

M: Just showed Chris and he said "well I've never seen anything like that before."

A: Ha! Chris Canada Fashion Quotes could be a fun Tumblr.

M: A crop with more of a fitted bell leg not this wide leg:

A: Oh, that's really cute.

M: I can't pull off a leg that wide with wide hips. Sigh.

A: Sorry about the jeans but I think they're a tough cut for most people.

M: They are.

M: I needed to see for myself.

A: Oh, of course!

M: I don't totally hate them but I'm not confident enough.

A: They're super advanced. My issue is that it would require a fitted top and I dress the exact opposite.

M: Super complex.

M:

M: I just guffawed.

A: Jesus

A: The socks

M: These feel advance but more doable:

A: Cute! I can't handle H&M in person though.

M: Oh no I order from H&M and just return.

M: WHO DID THIS GIRL OFFEND:

A: Haaaaa. GIN SACK.