Stuff I Like: Reading, Watching, Liking, WTF.

This Account of Life on the Road
I've been a fan of musician Tift Merritt for years and have seen her live several times. It always surprises me that she's not a household name because she's incredibly talented. Lately she's had her first child, released a new album, and been touring with said child. She wrote a column for Oxford American about life on the road as a musician who is also a first-time mother and it's so beautifully written that I had to share. If you've never heard of Tift, here's a song I really like.

This Show That Made Me Yell At The TV A Lot
Did anyone watch the most recent season of Grantchester? SO INFURIATING! And yet, the finale mostly redeemed itself and set things back on a good course. I am mostly in it for Leonard and Mrs. M (C!!) at this point but there's talk that James Norton might not return for season 4. I enjoy him but I'd still watch if they came up with a suitably hot replacement.

This Nail Polish Color That Feels Like Fall
I am a big fan of Essie nail color because every pedicure I've gotten with an Essie polish has lasted WAY longer than it should. I don't know what they put in that stuff but I love it. I just got my last pedicure of the season and took my own bottle of Essie Bahama Mama polish to the salon and my toes look SO GOOD. This color feels like a seasonal change even though it's still technically summer for a few more weeks. I love summer but change feels good too.


This Video Which Makes Me Snort-Laugh. 
You guys. This is so terrible and so incredibly funny I can't even.

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Outlet Store Roundup!

Disclosure: I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post. 

This week I'm going to give TJ Maxx a break and see what's good at all the big outlet stores. I chose the top three (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks) and picked out the items I thought were really good deals. Here's what I found: 

Nordstrom Rack
(1% cash back with eBates)
Free Shipping on Orders Over $100

I've already talked about the good MBMJ bag deals over at Nordstrom Rack so instead I'll mention that they have my favorite House of Harlow necklace way marked down! I have it in two different colors and always get compliments. They have a lot of other House of Harlow jewelry, too. I also love Shashi jewelry and there is only one pair of these pretty ear climbers left in stock. Git em. 


Neiman Marcus Last Call 
(3% cash back with eBates)
Extra 30%-70% off everything! Join their free InCircle program and use INCIRCLE for free shipping.

There are more exciting things on LC than this Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. tote but you know what? This is a leather tote you can carry for years. It's a total classic and under $150. 

For a little fun, this Michael Stars snake print scarf is $13.50! Ugh, so cute. There are SO MANY good deals with this discount! Definitely sign up for the InCircle program to get free shipping. I most likely did not buy this ridiculous cropped Bowie Tee for Teenz. Shut up. 

Saks Off Fifth
(4% cash back with eBates)
Free Shipping On $99+ with code SHIP99 

Finally, Off Fifth. Lots of good deals on Joie clothing, including this pretty pink silk Joie top is under $40! (It's final sale but thems the breaks.) I also saw some good deals on Rebecca Minkoff jewelry. 

That's it for today! Happy shopping. 

Adrien: That Thing You Forget About.

Disclosure: I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post. 

A quick bit of housekeeping: FTC guidelines are a thing and in an effort to be upfront and compliant I'll now be putting this disclosure at the top of every post. I've also updated the "disclosure" tab at the top if you want to know what services I use for the links. 

Now! Outfit time. I bought a tie-back Loft top earlier this summer, wore it once and then completely forgot about it because I hung it up in the back of my closet. Then a few weeks ago I remembered I had it and was like, RIGHT. I LIKE THIS THING! And now I wear it basically every week. Check it out:

This top is a big old slouchy mess in the best possible way. My color is sold out but it's still in stock (and on sale) in red and grey, size medium. And, being Loft there are a bunch of other similar things -this dolman top is a great color for fall and this tie-neck top has slouchy-mess possibilities. Looking towards cooler weather, this mixed media sweater thing is awfully cute and, here you go, world's collide with a tie back mixed media sweater because why not. 

So, my dumb pants. They are too tight tbh. Like, I really need to admit they don't really fit anymore and invest in a new pair of black pants, because, you know what? I documented the buying of these pants and LOOK THEY USED TO BE LOOSE. UGH. ANYWAY. I am seriously very interested in these Madewell track trousers because they look f'ing comfortable, right? Also these black jeans that aren't supposed to fade intrigue me because I can usually get away with wearing black jeans to work. I'm also dying to try on these these grey utility pants at Loft because cargo pockets and becasue I don't have grey pants. MOAR PANTS PLS. Now, details:

Okay, really not very many details but I'm wearing a crescent moon pendant by Alex and Ani which I can't find, but this one by Ashley Schenkein is a more delicate version and this one at Nordstrom Rack is pretty cool. I'm also wearing my Apple Watch which I love but I want a new band for it. Unfortunately I really like this one which is too freaking many dollars so I just keep on with the sport band. Bag and shoes: 

My bag is the same old super awesome MBMJ Too Hot To Handle Hobo which I carry an embarrassing amount. Several colors still available at NR and there's also this little nugget that's the same color as the bag I'm carrying.

Finally, my shoes! Oh, my shoes. They're Chie Mihara and I've had them forever. There are a few cute pairs of red Chie heels out right now but they're definitely not inexpensive. If I were to buy a pair of red heels right now I'd probably go for something like this pair on Yoox or this pair by Everlane, though these Miz Mooz are very similar to mine! I think red shoes just make everything better. Give it a try if you haven't already.

We Discuss: Fall Things That Torture.

A: Goddamn you, Everlane.

M:  NOPE I ALREADY HAVE A TRANSPORT TOTE GET AWAY SATAN

A: aajkshdgkuwhgeiugBKJSDBFVKLIRW:L

M: NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

A: SHHHHHHHH.

M: But seriously, I got a burgundy Transport Tote off eBay a year or two back for $100 and it is great.

A: I really love this one:

M: Yeah I like that but I think I prefer no zipper. BUT ALSO IT IS OKAY IF YOU DON'T HAVE A LEATHER TOTE BAG.

A: It's not a priority! Honestly, I have three of the same damn hobo and I love them. I'm just going to repeat that over and over.

M: There you go. I keep thinking about selling my transport tote but it's very handy for business travel.

A: Keep it! You’ll be sorry if you sell it.

M: WELL FUCK:

A: OH COME ON, MADEWELL.

M: Me: No one actually needs a leather tote.  Also Me: I will sell half of my belongings to own that pink leather tote.

A: I saw the blush color and it seriously has your name all over it.

M: I haven't been too enthused about fall clothes but Madewell just tapped into my frontal lobe.

A: Heh.

M: HALP:

A: I was made of stone until I got to those trousers. I want more loose pants!

A: Wait, I love the jeans too.

M: I want that whole damn outfit, but I also want the figure to wear it.

A: Stop that! You'd look adorable in all of that.

M: I hate yet to find a denim jacket that looks good on me.

A: Denim jackets are HARD. I have a coated version and struggle with it.

M: Maybe this will be the fall that I find one that works for me. I TRY EVERY FALL.

A: My issue with denim jackets is similar to your issue with olive boots. If I'm wearing jeans, I can't wear the jacket or I feel like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in full Texas Tuxedo.

M: Gaaaaaaah:

A: Madewell is torturing you. This is deeply unfair.

M: It hurts me.

A: Those earrings will go on sale. You can have those, honey.

M: I wants allllll of it.

Weekend Window Shopping: Stuff I Want That's On Sale.

Uggh, I hate being all wanty for stuff especially when most of it is on sale and torturing me. My coping mechanism is always to foist my wanty-ness off on you so I'm going to continue to do that even though it doesn't really make me want stuff less. I'm just mean. Here's what I want:

This beautiful cloud grey MBMJ tote that is literally hurting my feelings on a daily basis. Rude. 

This beautiful Ulla Johnson top that isn't even my style and is still too expensive but I totally love it.

These silver pointy-toed skimmers that would change my life, I'm sure of it.

(FYI, use my Spring link for $20 off your first Spring purchase of $75+, plus 15% back via eBates!!)

These glamorous Ray Bans that could actually break my aviator addiction.

This eyeshadow palette that I need like a hole in the head but it's now $27! I know! 

These pretty, minimal 14K rose gold earrings. TJ Maxx! Seriously!

This J.Crew Signet bag that isn't technically big enough but I love the snakeskin detailing. A lot.

THIS LEATHER JACKET THAT I WANT SO BAD. I want it so much I wasn't going share it in case you buy it out from under me. Seriously, I am not even sure I'll include it. Please stop looking at it. 

Stop it. 

Why are you still looking at it. 

Stuff I Like: Watching, Reading, Liking, Listening.

Another week of this-and-that! I suspect when the season starts to change I'll get back in the groove with having more in-depth things to write about but right now it feels like I've shared literally every single thing I've ever liked with you guys. So, a little of everything:

This Movie With Daniel Craig Which OMG
Remember this post? I am ridiculous. Anyway, I got over my horror and went to see Lucky Logan last weekend and it was SO good. Fun and clever and it had a lot of good cameo appearances. I love a heist movie and Steven Soderbergh is dependably good at them. And, while it was really amusing to see Daniel Craig in a humorous role, I thought Adam Driver's more subtle performance completely upstaged everyone. Anyway, it's not THE MOST AMAZING movie I've ever seen, but it was a really good time.

This Podcast That Makes Me Glad I'm Not Dating
I did the online dating thing for quite a while and (somewhat) regret that I didn't blog about it. Shit be crazy. I have a boyfriend now (hooray!) but I'm still really enjoying the Why Oh Why Podcast which is about dating (and also relationships.) It skews younger than ancient old me, but I still find the subject interesting and it's a good podcast for when you need a break from current events.

These Striped Capris That Are Mysteriously Flattering
During the last Athleta sale I blacked out and ordered a pair of super-on-sale striped capri pants. I was planning on returning them before they even arrived because why the hell would I put horizontal stripes on my thighs, but they're really good! Something about the way the pattern is cut is surprisingly flattering and I wear them a lot. I especially love that they don't have a back zip pocket so you don't hurt your spine when you roll around during yoga things. My pair is the black/grey colorway (very few sizes left) but they also have a blue/white and black/white version.

This Book WHICH I AM STILL READING
Update: I am still reading 1Q84. This is what happens when you download a book instead of getting a paper version because you don't realize that it's 1,300 freaking pages long. It's good but I feel like I've been reading it my entire adult life and I might need to take a short break and read something fluffy because my Kindle informs me that I'm 52% of the way through and I am about to cry.

PS. This Dumb Thing That Pleases Me
I follow National Geographic on Instagram and nearly every single time they post a photo Cypress Hill (yes, the hip hop band) leaves an emoji comment. I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS IS SO CHARMING IT JUST IS.

Adrien: Weekend Dirtbag.

I mostly post work outfits but if I had my way I'd probably dress more like this every day in the summer. It's not particularly exciting or fashionable (I mean, literally t-shirt and jean shorts) but the key to super-casual is to make sure your details are interesting. So:

After bashing Everlane yesterday I felt like I should defend their amazing Cotton V tee shirts because no matter how far I stray, I always come back to the Cotton V. I bought this one pretty recently along with another black one because I get mad when I run out of Everlane tees. They are the softest and the most comfortable and they fit me really well. Plus, $15 each doesn't seem like too much, right?

Really, every time I think about ordering something odd from Everlane I should just look at the t-shirts instead. This Open Neck Tee looks like fun and the striped Cotton Muscle Tank looks like me, doesn't it? My denim shorts are Old Navy and they've gotten a lot of wear this summer. My pair is sold out but these are basically the same ones. Every year I contemplate buying pricier denim shorts and every year Old Navy delivers a good alternative. I'll save that money for jeans! This fall I'd like to buy a pair of jeans that's outside my comfort zone - something like these wide-leg crops from Madewell or this pair of high-rise slim boyjeans. Something that isn't skinny is the goal. 

Daniel came by to say hi. He only has one outfit but it's a really cute one. Details:

The trick (I've decided) with going super casual is to make sure your accessories are sharp and look deliberate. I'm wearing a Madewell necklace that's pretty subtle, but always gets compliments. This pendant definitely works in that capacity and I absolutely love this Minkoff spike pendant, which would look really striking against a plain tee. And ugh, Marianne has this beautiful Paddle Pendant and I looooove it. I'm also wearing my Lisa Freede bracelet that's similar to this one.

I'm wearing my most aggressively comfortable Birkenstocks - the Arizona in Hunter leather. I love them even though they're a lot of sandal...or maybe because they're a lot of sandal. I'm also carrying my favorite of my MBMJ hobos! It's available in a slightly different version on TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack has my exact bag in a few colors.  I love being all monochromatic with the dark greys. I do what I want! Or I'm just lazy! Heh.

We Discuss Everlane Stockholm Syndrome.

A: Everlane's new cotton sweaters look like something from Old Navy that I accidentally put in the dryer.



M: Cotton sweaters are kind of bullshit. Those cotton sweaters are extra bullshit.

A: Right? They make me sad.

M: But kudos to Everlane for convincing people that already faded and shrunk sweaters are something they want.

A: Boxy, faded and shrunk is the new chic.

M: I mean, bravo. That said I really am going to have to try the wide leg crops so I can know that they are awful for sure. What is my problem.



A: I want to believe. Do it for science.

M: I 100% promise you they will be godawful on me but apparently I can't rest until I see for myself.

A: Now I want them too. I'm so suggestible.

M: Even better--I kind of want the ochre/baby poop color.

A: Marianne.

M: You don't know mah life.

M: But seriously, color aside, reading the reviews and seeing so many people that wear my size loving them just makes me want them more. All the pictures only show size twos so I was suspect.

A: Hey, I have Everlane Stockholm Syndrome because I still want these boots even though I know better:

M: I am a Wearer of Weird Shoes and those bum me out.

A: Ugh, thank you. I don't know why I can't quit them.

M: They would be a big departure for you! Maybe we both need to try and review. This is how a no buy works right?

A: Oh. Huh. Yeah, we're doing that right?

M: Riiiiight.

A: I mean, we talked about it.

M: Talking counts, right? Also effff yoouuuuuu:

Nice pants but too big

I like these pants but I wish they had a smaller size. The 00 is a 26' waist. Usually 00 is a 24' waist. Also, I'd prefer them without the stretch, but maybe that's just me.

A: FAKE NEWS.

M: Like, I am all for body positivity and whatever but WAH MY 00 PANTS ARE TOO BIG just stfu.

A: WON'T SOMEONE THINK OF THE SUPER DUPER TINY LADIES?

A: And because I have the attention span of a gnat, I've already moved on to wanting these:

M: No judgement.

A: I love both pairs of Madewell boots that I own. I rarely love anything Everlane sends me except for the v-neck tees. I am trying to learn from mistakes, here.

M: Ah those are pretty. I never consider olive shoes because I wear olive jackets so much and that seems too matchy? I'm complicated.

A: That's a good point, but wouldn't stop me.  I also want a leather jacket but le sigh.

M: All this talking about fall is making me sad.

A: It's inevitable. We should just eat our cilantro corn salad and try not to cry.

M: I'm just not ready.

A: Summer forever.

M: I'm 30 pages into the Everlane Pants reviews and ready to buy two pairs in two different sizes and colors.

A: Which two colors?

M: The black and the ochre shut up.

A: The ochre is growing on me.

M: Okay, two pair of pants, two colors, two sizes, ordered for science.

A: Yay for science! PLEASE REPORTS BACK.

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Two Things Real Quick. Maybe Three.

Hey! So listen. Remember how I wasn't really excited by the Frye boot offerings on TJ Maxx? Well, I take it back. They just added a pair of the very classic Frye Veronica Slouch boots in a very un-classic burnt red color:

Available in many sizes! At $199 they aren't suuuuuper cheap but it's still a really good price for this style. I have a black pair and they're the most comfortable walking boots I own and they look great with skinny jeans. I just kinda wish I'd gone for a more interesting color.

Oh, and speaking of skinny jeans, there's also this pair of legit Jeanz for Teenz that is a good bargain:

J Brand jeans for $60? That's not half bad and they have a fair range of sizes available, which is nice. If you prefer your jeans to not look like you were dragged under a car first (which I personally love but I get is not for everyone), might I suggest these Joie moto jeans?

(In a surprise twist, it looks like they're slightly cheaper on Nordstrom Rack.) Those zip pockets, though, right? Sigh. It's happening, ya'll. Suddenly I want fall things.

PS. Please be advised that print placement is important. Thank you.

Weekend Window Shopping: Total Eclipse of the Cart.

LOOK, I KNOW. I know. I'm a total nerd and I just made a pun IN THE TITLE so you're probably already mad at me. But I'm pretty excited about the eclipse on Monday so why not go full nerd and make it the theme this week? Just be glad I didn't include stuff like this incredibly on-the-nose Givenchy clutch, this insane Maison Margiela dress or this beautiful necklace that caused involuntary grabby hands. That would just be mean.

         

       

Stuff I Like: The Food Edition + Watching, Listening.

Rough week, right? Since my Whole30 is now a distant memory I can get back to stress eating with gusto. Thus, a food-themed entry, mostly.

image: Pinch of Yum

This Spring Roll Bowl That Is Amazing. 
My friend Malissa recently recommended this Spring Roll Bowl recipe and it was a revelation. Super fresh and full of good ingredients! And yes, there is sugar in there! That's what makes it delicious! I made it with shrimp but I think it would be great with any protein of your choice or with zucchini noodles in place of the rice noodles if that's how you roll. And definitely don't smell the fish sauce, just add it in and trust. I pretty much followed the recipe and thought that 7oz of rice noodles wasn't enough for the amount of sauce, but I ended up using the extra sauce to marinate the shrimp so that all worked out.

This Knife, By The Way.
If you're an adult who cooks and you don't have a good knife it's time to fix that. Last year for my birthday I bought myself a Wusthof Classic Ikon 7-Inch Santoku and I am SO IN LOVE STILL. I use it more than any other knife in my kitchen and it's worth every single penny. This set of two Ikon knives on Amazon seems like a good deal if you want a paring knife as well. Also, you need these tongs if you don't have a set. You'll wonder how you ever cooked without them. And get this spatula while you're at it. I'll stop now.

This Old Highball Which I Love.
Remember when I was comfort-reading Rosamunde Pilcher books? People drink a lot in those books and they especially like to drink whisky and soda. I am a fan of bourbon on the rocks but it's a winter thing for me, so I thought maybe I would try a bourbon and soda as a summer thing. And you know what? It's delightful. So simple and refreshing but still bracing. Add a twist if you desire, but it's not necessary. You don't need a recipe but this is still useful.

This Season of Bake. 
Y'all know that Marianne and I are big fans of The Great British Baking Show and the most recent season was seriously delightful. Delightful! Marianne hasn't watched it yet but I told her in a non-spoilery way that I actually really liked all of the final four contestants and that never happens. I don't know WTF this is all about but I am pretty sure I'm just going to not watch that. I mean, just stupid Paul? No Mary, Mel or Sue? Yeah, no thank you. (Seriously, look at that photo. They don't like him either.)

Finally, I am going off-theme to recommend a really timely listen:

This Podcast Episode That You Shouldn't Avoid. 
I am a native Virginian and the past week has been beyond horrifying and infuriating. Is this the tipping point? It has to be, right? Anyway, I highly recommend this episode of Pod Save the People for some really insightful interviews regarding the events in Charlottesville.

Adrien: I Can't Be Complicated.

The doldrums of August are when my outfits start going...real simple. I just can't get excited about any of my summer clothes anymore and it's too hot to really think about buying fall clothes yet, so I tend to go kind of boring. However, even though it's simple, I thought this outfit turned out fairly cute:

I'm wearing a simple swing dress from Loft (surprise!) that is slightly too tight in the arms but I keep wearing it anyway because it's so easy. They currently have a sleeveless version (more colors here) but I'm partial to this Lou & Grey dress which looks really comfortable. Old Navy also has something similar and this one at the Gap is fine, but I'm partial to this French terry dress. I'd wear the hell out of that. 

A plain dress needs a strong accessory and what's better than a red bag? Nothing, that's what. Mine is a vintage LV epi leather speedy but a great red bag doesn't have to be fancy. This red Frye bag is a glorious color and this adorable red Cambridge satchel is on sale! For a super-bargain, this MJ satchel at TheRealReal is a total steal. For your under-$50 option, this red Merona tote is pretty handsome. More details: 

I can't wear my giant Ann Taylor tassel with just anything - it demands a blank canvas. I can't find anything quite as enormous but this multi-tassel necklace will definitely make a statement! You also can't go wrong with a Lulu Frost tassel, that is just the truth. For something slightly less gigantic, I'd go with this pretty option from Ann Taylor! Oh, and my bracelet is a Bijouone Screw Cuff (a blatant knockoff of the Miansai modern screw cuff.)  

Finally, my sandal of the summer of 2017, my copper Birkenstock Gizehs. I know, I know, I'm sorry. They're just so comfortable and cute that I don't want to wear anything else. I also love them in silver but they're getting hard to find. Ooh, but there are a couple of sizes of the Madrid sandals in copper at Yoox and they're on sale! Go get em.