Weekend Window Shopping: Fall Classics at J.Crew.

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

J.Crew is one of my favorites for really classic pieces. If you can push pass all the ruffled cold shoulders and floof you can find some really nice things. They also have an adorable tiger thing going on which I nearly missed. I mean, hi there tiger loafers and who doesn't love a silk tiger print bandana? Bad people, that's who. (I mean, "stripes are always in fashion!" ARE YOU KIDDING ME I LOVE THIS.)

ANYWAY, code SHOPFAST will get you 30% off nearly everything (sale included) but it ends tonight so be quick about it!  Also, don't forget to go through eBates for 1.5% cash back. Here's what I really like for fall:

         

     

Stuff We Like: A Problematic Convo About Problematic Favorites.

A: I'm watching The Holiday and I love it except for one thing

M: I love that movie even though it is problematic

A: It's VERY problematic

A: Like, why does Cameron Diaz get Jude Law, but Kate Winslet gets Jack Black? How is that fair?

M: That is one of the problems

M: Also Cameron Diaz is a BAMF with an amazing career that requires being in LA but Jude Law is dreamy so whatever to that!

A: The English cottage is ❤️❤️

A: The houses are the best characters

M: Nancy Meyers, man. She's so good at that.

A: Cameron Diaz is punchable but I don't hate her? I guess that's her charm

M: I don't like her but it grates that she is at that height in her career but of course she's broken inside and horrible because that's how women have to be to be that successful

A: Ughhh

M: Not that I'm bitter

A: That is problematic and ridiculous, yes.

A: Kate Winslet is more my speed

M: She's broken too. But better.

A: But Jude Law. God, remember when he was hot?

M: Sooooo hot

M: So sparky

M: But Jack Black is a sad second leading man

A: Right? Unfair

M: His horrible singing

A: But Kate Winslet isn't a size 00 so that's what she gets I guess

M: Basically

A: Infuriating.

M: A sad black one piece swimsuit and Jack Black because fatty is a size 6

M: I still love that stupid movie

A: I love lots of problematic movies. Love, Actually is a feminist's nightmare.

M: That one I actually had to take a break from

A: The last time I watched it I was like, “…ohhh. No."

M: Yeaaaah

A: Jude Law. Charming af

M: It's the eyes. So sparky.

A: I could EAT HIM UP

M: Too bad what's her face stole his beauty

A: She DID.

M: Only explanation. Or a deal with the devil gone wrong.

A: That also seems very likely

M: 👹

A: Before:

A: Let that sink in

A: And after:

M: Yikes.

A: 😭😭😭

M: My favorite Jude Law:

A: Mr. Ripley! So beautiful.

M: Like staring at the sun.

A: Ridiculous. Nobody looks like that.

M: Goop too. Look at her

M: And baby Matt Damon

A: I like Matt Damon best in the Bourne era

A: Early Goop was great - Sliding Doors

M: Sigh, we’re old.

A: Shit, Sliding Doors was...NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO WHAT

M: Hi I'm an old dad

A: Hello!

M: I mean I'm an old mom, I'd hit it

A: My second favorite movie kiss:

M: Yessssss god I love that moooovie

A: Soooo much

M: His arrrmmmmms

A: Jack Black is NOT JUDE LAW

M: Jack Black is a scoodlydoo troll

A: Just FYI

M: Sienna Miller succubus!

A: Heh

M: Deal with the devil gone bad! What the fuck I am quoting myself!

A: Pretty much. I hate Jack Black in this.

M: Scoopdleydoooo

M: Hate

M: He's a turd

A: Hahaaa

A: Worst

Just a note: we are talking about the actors as related to the characters they're playing. We have no idea who's actually broken IRL. (Probably everyone.) 

Fine, You Were Right.

My favorite thing about writing this blog is the feedback and recommendations I get from those of you who are kind enough to read regularly. I know a few of you have been reading from the very beginning (and you deserve an award for not leaving after some of the outfits we've posted. Yikes.)

ANYWAY, last week I posted my fall wish list and how I'm, again, trying really hard to buy things that will last and that suit the direction my style is has been heading. My goal is to buy less and buy smarter. One of the things I posted about was a tuxedo jacket that I've had my eye on:

I've been wearing (and complaining about) the same sad Gap tuxedo jacket for the last seven years and keep talking about replacing it. For SEVEN YEARS. I mean, kudos to Gap for making something that lasted that long, right? Anyway, I complained about it yet again and a reader posted this:

Not to be an enabler, but I've been reading your blog for a long time (I think five years? At least? It's actually probably a bit longer than that!) and every time you wear your Gap tuxedo jacket, you mention that you need a replacement. So I think it would be a worthwhile investment, as you would probably wear it for another 5 years or more! :) It's a classic!

I know, right? I just need to shut up and order it. So I did. Then this:

A:  I have a terrible problem.

M: Hit me. 

A: I ordered that Halston tuxedo jacket from TJ Maxx, assuming it would be terrible and wouldn't fit.

M: Fatal mistake.

A: It's SO GOOD.

M: Duh.

A: Like, it's Kate Lanphear good.

M: Link pls

A: Here you go. 

M: That's so perfectly perfect.

A: I knooooowwwwww.

M: Here's the thing, you've talked about wanting a new one literally for years.

A: Oh, I'm keeping it.

M: You will wear it to death.

A: I better.

Anyway, here is a really quick photo of the jacket in which I forgot about smiling:

I took a medium (Sarah - I ordered both!) so I think it probably runs a tiny bit small (or I'm running a tiny bit big lately.) The original retail was $450 and it looks like it. This jacket is so beautiful and so nicely made and a total steal. If you're considering buying it, just do it. It's on available in small and medium on TJM, but Halston has it in large in black and in XL in cream (for more money, I'm sorry.) 

It's  Kate Lanphear cool, you guys. 

Adrien: I Wear This A Lot.

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

What makes an article of clothing a favorite? For me it's about how I feel when I wear it but also ease of use and comfort. This Loft dress is all of that:

It suits my style, never needs ironing and is comfortable and flattering without any fancy underpinings (though I do usually wear a slip. We've talked about that.) I am really hoping they bring this style back but in the meantime this Loft fit and flare dress sounds like a good bet, based on the reviews, and this Nine West dress has a very similar shape. If it's leopard you want I would go for this fun Jessica Howard dress or this one at Mango that's crazy in a good way. If you're just looking for a simple and reliable fit and flare dress, I would go for this dress at Boden. 

The weather has been freakishly warm so I'm still very into bare arms and legs but sadly it doesn't feel appropriate to wear Birkenstock sandals to work anymore. Hateful. Instead I'm wearing my favorite ankle boots (try eBay or Poshmark) which is cheering me up a bit. It's a weird time of year for clothes. Too warm for winter, too fall for summer. On to details:

I feel like a strong print needs a strong accessory so I'm wearing my old giant Ann Taylor tassel necklace. Go big or go home! Lulu Frost gets me but this tassel necklace from Loft is more reasonably priced. And whoa, check out this one with the big labradorite stone! So beautiful! I'm also wearing a handmade leather cuff from Fisticuffs. I've had it for years and still wear it a lot. 

My bag is a MBMJ Globetrotter Kirsten which is long sold out, but can be found on eBay under a variety of incorrect names. For something surprisingly similar, I'd recommend this Cole Haan bucket hobo or this one! Or... you could always just get this MBMJ. If you're making a sad face and want something similar that's under $50, check out this Liz Claiborne bag. 

 Finally, my boots. These are my Madewell Lucien boot from last year and I love them a ton. The new Madewell Walker and the Margot boot styles are the most similar for now, but I'm assuming there are more boots to come. Oh, also! Check out the Hadley boot at JCrew. Similar and beautiful. (Wait for a sale, though. I mean, always. That is always my advice.)

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Three Good Sales.

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


The deals are good this week! Here are three sale to get you started:

Gap currently has a F&F thing going on and code FAMILY will get you 40% off (at Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic) and it stacks with MORE for an extra 10% off at Gap. Go through eBates for 2% cash back! Here’s what I’d get:

Welp, this leopard coat is just amazing.

And, I really like these jeans. A lot. 

I'm sorry, did you just say you don't have a pair of red shoes? 

LOFT is nearly always having a sale but this one is good! 40% off everything for today only, online and in-store, no code needed. Go through eBates for 2% cash back! Despite the weird sleeve thing going on right now, I’m loving these:

Stripes on stripes! I love this dress even with the sleeve floof.

This cozy sweater comes in several colors. Olive wins.

Oh man, do I love a tassel necklace. 

ShopSpring has a good code right now: STOCKUP20 get you 20% off your next order, including sale! (There are some exclusions.) Plus get 5% cash back with eBates and free shipping and returns. If you haven’t shopped Spring before you can use my referral link for $20 off your first order of $75+. (I also get a $20 credit.) Here’s what I like from the sale section:

I love this cheerful tote from Kate Spade....

Aaaand this ridiculous porcupine coin purse. 

These beautiful Cole Haan ankle FTW.

How pretty and delicate are these earrings?

I love a leather jacket pretending to be a denim jacket. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Free Shipping at TJ Maxx!

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

Oooh, you guys! Free shipping on any order today at TJ Maxx and you know I have some stuff picked out for you. I am basically your best friend tbh. I mean, I have been saving this stuff JUST FOR YOU:

THIS IS ALL-CAPS BEAUTIFUL OMG.

A shirt by Soft Joie is that you'll want to wear every single day. 

These ankle boots are dressy, walkable and inexpensive. Basically perfect. 

Diane Von Furstenberg made the most beautiful coat just for you.

These Cole Haan flats are not available in my size and I'm taking it personally.

Hello, perfectly sized sleek black leather Marc Jacobs tote. 

I love keys and I love pendant necklaces so this is pretty great. 

This soft purple Barbour scarf is technically for men but we don't play by those rules. 

Yep, Vince cashmere. And striped. Basically heaven. 

There is also some good stuff in the makeup department and a ton of fancy sunglasses!  Happy hunting!

Review: Everlane High-Rise Skinny Denim.

I bought a pair of the new Everlane denim jeans and here's my review. Just a reminder that I paid for these myself and my review is all my own opinion.

I ordered the High-Rise Skinny and they are really quite nice!  They look and feel high-end and the Japanese denim is thick and not very stretchy. I loved the super dark wash a lot. My normal jeans size is 28, though sometimes I am more comfortable in a 29. I ordered these in a 29 because they aren't super stretchy and sometimes Everlane runs small.  I chose the high waisted style in the regular length. Here they are with flats: 

And with boots: 

They are not kidding about the high rise! I'm a bit short waisted and these were HIGH. I like a high rise but the denim was so stiff that it felt a little like I was wearing a denim corset:

They also started sliding down a bit which is what made me realize they're probably too big and I should've gone with my usual size. Oops. Here's a side view wearing flats so you can see the actual length:

The length was good for me but would be pretty short for anyone above 5'6". (I'm assuming this first rollout is a test and hopefully they'll add more sizes and lengths?) Here's the back view so you can see the pockets: 

 

Verdict:  They are really good quality jeans and I don't think they look bad but they weren't a great fit on me. I considered exchanging for a size 28 but the high rise on the 29 was already making me uncomfortable so I didn't think sizing down was going to fix that. I probably would'be been happier in the mid-rise version. Overall I wasn't so enamoured with them that I wanted to keep ordering and re-ordering to find the right fit, so I just sent them back. 

Stuff I Like: Watching, Eating, Listening

I'm back with Stuff I Like. If you have any suggestions for a category, please let me know!

This Show Which Is The Best Thing On TV.

The second season of Better Things just started last week on FX and I am SO excited. I believe the first season is available on Hulu and probably OnDemand if you need to catch up. (Also, Lenny Kravitz was in season 1!) It's just such a smart/funny/honest/depressing take on middle age and motherhood and I love Pamela Adlon so much. Just watch watch it. It's totally worth your time. 

This Recipe Which is A Lot of Work But Worth It.
Okay, so Orecchiette with Broccoli and Pecorino is a Giada recipe but if you hate her please don't let that keep you from making this. It's fucking delicious, okay? On the show she makes it in, like, 10 minutes all easy-peasy. In real life it takes an hour because ten minutes is not enough time to roast broccoli, but it's really satisfying, good leftover and perfect for fall. It's vegetarian and perfectly fine the way it is but you can also add the protein of your choice. PS. Don't leave out the golden raisins! I'm not even a fan of raisins but they add just the right amount of sweetness.

This Podcast About People Who Are... Not Like Me.
How I Built This is a pretty interesting podcast. Each episode is about a founder/entrepreneur of a company that's now successful, often against the odds. I've listened to three or four episodes and found the Sara Blakely/Spanx episode to be the most delightful and made me feel good about buying Spanx products. (The tights are so good!) The episode about Rent The Runway did not give me feels but it's certainly interesting from the perspective of what it takes to turn an idea into a multi-million dollar company. I'm not a big risk-taker so it's pretty fascinating to read about the crazy things successful people do to make their dreams a reality.

Wanty: Adrien's Fall Wish List.

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

I AM REALLY WANTY YOU GUYS. I want so much but also want stuff I can't seem to find. Like, I want things that either don't exist or that I can't afford. It's hard being me. I do have a wish list for fall and a vision! I have a vision. Sort of. Mostly my vision is leaning towards a more minimal look - skinny pants/jeans, short boots, a fair amount of black over crazy patterns. But, something about a minimal look apparently makes me want All The Things so clearly I'm doing this wrong. ANYWAY:

1. Flats

I think I mentioned this recently, but I have three pairs of flats and they're all nearly dead. I'd like to replace my leopard pair, possibly with these:

Or, maybe I move on from leopard and go for snakeskin instead:

Both are appealing but flats always come down to fit for me, so it's a lot of trial and error. I'd also like to get a pair of metallic flats and I love the color of this new pair at Madewell:

But I'm really not sure about the shape. They're maybe cut a bit too high? I like some toe cleavage. 

2. Boots

I DO NOT NEED BOOTS. But...I always want boots and I wear boots a lot in the winter. Possibilities:

Or...

I have a similar pair of black Madewell boots with the 2" heel and I love them, so another pair seems like a good possibility. (If I get metallic boots do I need metallic flats? Probably not.) 

3. Sneakers

I also don't need sneakers and still love the Nikes I bought last winter but this pair of olive suede Pumas keep calling my name:

I've tried them on a few times and just can't quite justify them since I need dress shoes more but it might eventually happen. (If I get olive suede boots do I need olive suede sneakers? I am losing my mind.) 

4. Sweaters

I have a couple of Everlane cashmere v-neck sweaters (light grey and charcoal) and wear them a ton. Another one in black seems like it might be a worthy purchase:

Too boring? Maybe. But really, a good cashmere sweater is basically the best thing on earth. 

5. A Satchel/Tote

I don't actually need a bag and probably won't buy one this fall but there are so many nice satchels up in my face and it's hard to not feel wanty about it. Like, hiiiii there:

It also comes in black and camel. Wah.  I'm basically torturing myself.

6. Tuxedo Jacket

Speaking of TJ Maxx, this tuxedo jacket popped up and I can't stop looking at it:

I have a really old one from Gap that I should probably replace but I'm so hesitant to pull the trigger for some reason. Would I wear it enough to justify the cost? 

Other things I want: dark wash skinny jeans, a casual blouse (sans ruffles or stupid sleeves), a leather jacket, the budget to buy all these things. Ha. Sob.