Stuff I Like: This One Major Thing.

This Engagement That Has Us Charmed AF

M: I AM VERY CHARMED



A: HAPPY TEARS

M: 😭😭😭

A: I KNOW I KNOW

M: I love it so much

A: I'm very invested in his happiness

M: Diana would be so proud

A: YAS

A: She totally would

M: Both her boys picked the girl that made them happy

M: 😭😭😭

A: 😭😭😭

M: She’s so preeeettttty

A: Hey, we watched those boys grow up!

A: She's gorgeous. And older than him! And American!

A: SHE IS LIVING THE DREAM

M: So good. So so good

M: All of us are like see it could have been me!

A: I might have thought that

M: And it wasn’t us but it’s okay because it could have been us

A: It totally could have been us. I mean, I love gingers and polo ponies.

M: You’re a princess now!

A: Obvs

This Book That Is a Palate Cleanser
I have to admit that sometimes I just stall out on books, even ones I'm enjoying, because my brain is full and can't process more serious-and-dark things. I have abandoned my re-read of It and instead I'm reading a totally fluffy book full of things I like: books, Scotland, awkward protagonists and twinkly-eyed men. I'm not sorry and so far The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan is giving me exactly what I need - comforting escapist reading.

This Podcast That's Freaking Me Out
I am about four episodes into the first season of Someone Knows Something and even though I don't really love the narrator I'm still pretty invested. It's also creepy AS HELL that the missing boy shares my name and they spend a lot of time shouting, "ADRIEN! ADRIEN!" and I'm like please stop holy shit. It's good though.

This Show That Is Terrible But Entertaining
Have I whined enough yet about being sick? I'm feeling better now but during my confinement I watched nearly the entire season of Girlboss and enjoyed it thoroughly even though I thought the book was garbage and Sophia Amoruso is just awful. I am not proud! The character based on her is also pretty awful but I love a lot of the supporting actors (Ru Paul! Jim Rash!) and I'm always into stories about clothes. Also, the soundtrack is on point. So, if you need to binge-watch something that will probably irritate you but is also entertaining, this is it.

Adrien: Me In A Nutshell.

Hi! I like this one! I dressed myself in a manner that felt very "me" and also kind of basic, but I'm okay with that. I'm just trying always to come back to my usual favorite ascetic of, "simple things with interesting details." This ponte top I'm wearing definitely qualifies:

It's from Ann Taylor and I've had it for years. A very simple, structured shape with the added cool detail of zippers on either side of the bottom hem which of course I totally forgot to photograph. The Crazy Sleeve Plague of '17 is making it hard to find something similar, but I think this Ann Taylor top is pretty and you can always count on Everlane for a top with simple lines and this one even has a zipper detail. For something similar without crazy sleeves or a zipper, this one at NR fits the bill.

My jeans are of course my new Madewell high-rise slim boyjean and I like them so much I'm already scheming on my next pair of boyfriend jeans. This pair with a midrise might be mine when they go on sale and I love Fidelity jeans, so I'm keeping my eye on their girlfriend style jeans. Also, this pair of destroyed Old Navy jeans gets great reviews, so maybe?  Details:

I'm wearing a Madewell necklace that Marianne gave me a couple of years ago. They do the best simple jewelry!  This pendant set is pretty similar and this curvelink pendant is cool too. I'm also really into all the stars this fall - this necklace and these earrings in particular. 

I'm wearing my olive Madewell et Sezane jacket which is long sold out, though there's an XS on Poshmark right now that someone should rescue. The Fleet Jacket is very similar but there are also good options at JCrew Factory, Lou & Grey and Nordstrom Rack. (I love that last one a lot. More sizes here.) My print scarf is Barbour and I love it.

I'm carrying my vintage red LV speedy which is such a cheerful bag! Talbots has a great red doctor bag that's on sale and this red Italian leather satchel at TJ Maxx is ridiculously nice looking. Get a red bag. It's always a winner. My shoes are UGG "Blyss" leopard loafers which I bought to replace my old leopard flats. They're suuuuper cozy. These Ugg leopard flats are pretty similar and cute but you could also go with something like these Sam Edelman. Love.

Adrien: Fall Purchases Revisited.

Edited to add: I am taking a lot of cold medicine and had this post all written before remembering that I'd written this post less than a month ago. I am literally losing my mind, y'all. Lets agree to just politely pretend like some of this is brand new information, shall we?

Most of the time when I review a new purchase it's just that - brand new. I haven't really had a chance to test it out, wash it, wear it multiple times. Sometimes that perfect thing ends up being seriously perfect and sometimes it ends up being a regrettable disappointment. (My apologies if I ever recommended something that ended up in that second category for you! I don't always get it right.)

With that in mind, I thought I'd revisit my fall purchases and let you know how they're working out:

Madewell high-rise slim boyjean (reviewed here):
These are currently my favorite jeans because I love the silhouette! However, I will agree with a recent commenter that, as a short waisted person, the high waist does cut in but only when I'm sitting for too long. I generally just unbutton them because I'm classy like that. Going forward I'll probably stick to mid-rise styles like this one from Madewell because I think I'll be more comfortable.

Rivet and Thread bell sleeve tee (reviewed here):
I returned this top and now I see it's on sale and I have regret! It was just a little too big on me and too expensive for what it was. I might have to re-purchase on sale if I can track down an XS! Ugh, regret. There's also still this one at Madewell that's similar (but not in my size.)

Daydreamer sweatshirt (reviewed here):
I cannot believe this sweatshirt retails for $75! I think I paid $22 for mine and that's about what it's worth. I love it in a lot of ways - it's super soft, it's cool, it has a great drape. It's also made of freaking dryer lint. The hem and cuffs are made of the reverse fluffy fabric and they are not wearing well at all. This sweatshirt also gets grey lint ON EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE. So annoying.

Mossimo camo jeggings (and moto jeggings! Reviewed here and here):
Love. Love love love. What a fun, inexpensive way to throw some trends into a wardrobe. They fit surprisingly well, I like that they're kinda short so I can wear them with ankle boots, and so inexpensive! The camo pair are wearing well but my olive moto pair are definitely looking a bit faded, probably because I throw them in the dryer to re-shrink them. No regrets.

Everlane Street Ankle boots (reviewed here):
I bought these with the expectation that I'd be returning them but I just couldn't. They were just so weird and cool and different from anything else I owned. I'll admit though, the first few times I wore them I was worried I'd made an expensive mistake. They're narrow and slipped on my heels and were not super comfortable out of the box. But, I've persevered and they get more comfortable each time I wear them. Definitely a pair of boots that require breaking in.

Halston Heritage Tuxedo jacket (reviewed here):
Perfection. Love. I have worn it with dresses and with jeans and I leave it hanging on the outside of my closet door so I can admire it when I'm not wearing it. I'm a little freak.

Cyber Monday: I Can't Not.

You guyyyys. I am overwhelmed. I've got a bit of a cold and I'm feeling foggy and the SALES ARE SMACKING ME IN THE FACE. It's rude. Like, YES MADEWELL. I know the boots I want are on sale but I can't buy everything! I'm supposed to be shopping for other people. But ugh:

 J.Crew has 40% off, plus an extra 10% off your purchase and free shipping with code SHOPFAST but only until noon! Eep. Nordstrom is giving an extra 20% off super specific sale items, many of which are very good. Boden has 30% off with code CY8H. Target is giving an extra 15% off which stacks with current promotions. Even Athleta is giving 20% off with code REFRESH and they never have codes. It's too much! I can't handle it!

So today let's talk about Anthropologie. They currently have a relatively sedate 20% off full-priced items which isn't even that amazing but I loooove their holiday stuff. Let's ponder:

Do I need sequined slippers? No. Will my cat eat the sequins off my slippers? Probably. Do I still want them? Absolutely.

llama plates? Are you kidding me? I know llamas are the new owls or whatever but I am 100% down with this:

The most beautiful candle in a holiday scent that may or may not give me a headache. I’m willing to risk it:

Do you have a fake fur throw? You need one, trust me. Mine is from Restoration Hardware (which I recommend) but these colors are so pretty:

Every year with the weird-ass and wonderful ornaments.  Three Pawn Kings, y’all. Lobster mistletoe. I'm dead.

Okay, this sequined hoodie is more money than I want to spend but it’s festive, right?

I'm still thinking about this blouse, especially since I didn't buy the star print one from J.Crew. Hmm:

Behold, the only pair of Anthro earrings I clicked on that weren't eleventy million dollars:

Okay, I'm tired now. Bye bye.

The Pot Calling The Kettle Black Friday.

Okay, so here's the thing. I like shopping but I do NOT do Black Friday. I just don't need bargains badly enough to get up at 3am and camp out in front of some store. No way, no how. I'm very much into REI's #OptOutside campaign and usually just go for a long bike ride on Black Friday.

EXCEPT, I really love Black Friday online shopping. Shopping from my cozy bed? Hells yes. That I can get behind. So with that in mind, here are some of the better sales:

Anthropologie — 30% off everything for a limited time.

Shopbop — Take up to 75% off sale items and 30% off full-priced styles with code MORE17. Valid through 11/27.

LOFT — 50% off everything with code FRIYAY. Valid 11/24-11/15.

J. Crew — Take 40% off everything. Valid through 11/26.

Madewell — Take 25% off everything with code DONTSTRESS. Valid through 11/26.

Banana Republic — 50% off full price items, no exclusions, no code needed. (BRCARD for an extra 10% off for card holders.) Valid through 11/25.

Old Navy  — 50% off everything, no exclusions, no code needed. Valid through 11/24.

TJ Maxx — Free shipping all day, free reusable tote with online order.

Farfetch — Take 50% off. Valid 11/23 for a limited time.

REVOLVE — Take up to 50% off sale styles starting 11/23.

Macy's — Take 20% off Black Friday with code HURRY. Valid 11/22 - 11/25.

Neiman Marcus — $50 off a $200 purchase with code THANKFUL. Valid 11/24 - 11/25.

YOOX — Take an extra 60% off. Valid 11/24 - 11/26.

Nordstrom — Take an extra 20% off select sale items. Valid 11/24–11/27.

Nordstrom Rack — Take an extra 30% off clearance plus free shipping site-wide.

Saks — Get up to 60% off at the Thanksgiving Sale. Valid 11/22 -11/24.

Topshop — Get up to 50% off and free shipping. Valid through 11/27.

Asos — Take 20% off everything with code WIN20. Valid 11/23 - 11/28.


I'll add more if I find any good deals! Obviously Amazon has some BF promotions and I wrote about Gap deals in my last post.

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Gap Is Giving Away Clothes.

I am sorry to Black Friday you on Wednesday but the Gap sale is pretty freaking good, you guys. 50% off every single thing with code BLKFRIDAY plus 8% cash back with eBates! (Also, code JUST4YOU should give you an extra 10% off on top of all that.) This is good stuff and now might be the time to pick up a pair of those french terry joggers I won't shut up about. Also, Gap fitness leggings are damn good, if you're looking for such things. I poked through the site to see what's what and there's some really cute stuff! Here's what I especially liked:

         

       

Adrien: How I Did Monday.

Yesterday was rough, y'all. I had a great weekend and then...Monday. It was cold out and I couldn't handle dressing up for work so I, um, didn't. I wore this instead:

Are Target moto jeggings appropriate for the office? Probably not but that never stopped me. I have been wearing these jeggings A TON lately because they're just so easy and comfortable. They do stretch out and I don't expect them to last forever but for now they're a staple. And, they're on sale for $20! When they die I might consider getting an upgraded version. I mean, this pair by Joie is the ultimate but this pair by J Brand is on sale and, ooh I also like this "suede" version which isn't expensive at all. 

I'm wearing last year's Everlane cashmere slouchy v-neck sweater which is a favorite. $100 for a decent cashmere sweater? That's a solid deal. (And now they have a cashmere hoodie that I'm trying to ignore and I still want the striped sweater even though Marianne talked me out of it.) My sweater does pill a little bit but I use one of these and it works like a charm. I'm wearing an old purple long sleeved tee underneath because I'm a sensitive itchy flower. (And y'all, why doesn't Everlane make a long sleeve version of their Cotton V? I would buy a million of them.) 

Daniel stopped by to make a cat hair deposit. He loves me but I really think he enjoys the sabotage. Here are some details: 

Still digging my two new bargain necklaces. The little labradorite necklace can be found at Nordstrom Rack and dang it, I also love these Shashi labradorite threader earrings. So pretty. My gold bar pendant necklace is from Banana Republic but this one is really similar and definitely better quality. Also! This Rebecca Minkoff necklace is on clearance for under $20 and it's SO PRETTY. 

I don't super love taking close-ups of my face (HAHAHA *SOB*) but I really wanted to show y'all my new bargain earrings which I bought as a holiday gift and then kept for myself like a jerk. They're House of Harlow 1960 Warrior Ear Jackets which I found on Amazon. (Marianne also has them so I am basically a jerk and a copycat.) They went OOS the minute I bought them but hopefully they'll be back. In the meantime, these sparkly little HH studs are $8.64 and these ear jackets are under $20. Also, this Bling pair is really similar and how fun is this Minkoff pair? 

Do I really need to talk about the same MBMJ bag and Madewell boots I wear too much?  Probably not. I will say that right now Madewell has a 25% off with code DONTSTRESS which you could certainly use to buy a pair of great boots or a very beautiful grey-violet tote or crossbody bag. 

We Discuss: Party Looks and IRL Shopping.

M: I like this:

M: It makes me want velvet tuxedo pants and a Christmas party.

A: Staaaaars! I love it.

A: I want one really pretty blouse I can wear with my coated black jeans and boots and maybe my tuxedo jacket and that will be my holiday party outfit. Only, I cannot find a blouse. Stores are dumb.

M: Try the JCrew one! It sounds perfect for that.

A: You won’t be mad if I order it?

M: Nah. If that doesn’t work I like a lace top for the holidays. Like this:

A: Oh, pretty!

M: I've had good luck with lace tops there in the past.

A: It was such a crowded nightmare in the Loft store last weekend that I don't feel like I actually saw anything.

M: Yeah we have entered into the time when I Do Not Go To Stores.

A: I thought I was still within the safe zone, but nope. I got all snow-blind and panicky.

M: NOPE. And it’s always hot and there’s NO AIR.

A: It was SO hot. The sale racks were JAM PACKED and you couldn't actually see what you were browsing. I finally hit the ground and stomach-crawled out of there.

A: Ooh, check out this one from Anthro:

M: That’s pretty. I might like that one even more (for me)

A: It’s more dollars, but super pretty.

M: I really do have a couple of holiday parties to go to and I LOVE the idea of this over simple black but I feel like we are supposed to hate Zara?

A: Wait, why do we hate Zara*?

M: I can’t remember.

M: And I don’t feel like googling because I’m watching Japanese game shows.

A: That is quality television.

M: I also love this:



M: I hope your turkey is dry as shit, Susan

A: *whispers* Pocahontas was kidnapped...


*This is why.

Weekend Window Shopping: Do You Have A Red Bag Yet?

Look, you need a red bag. You really, really do. Nothing is more cheerful or fashionable! Here are eight great options under $200:

         

         

        

     

Stuff I Like: Listening, Reading, Carrying, Wearing

I'm back with a few more recommendations. Also! We've added a bunch of new stuff to the blog shop so check it out! Buy our stuff! 

This Podcast That Seems Very Us.
Marianne texted me recently all, YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO THIRST AID KIT. So I did and it's basically like our cute boy entries in podcast form. Nichole and Bim have excellent taste in men and it's one of those podcasts where I agree with them out loud like they can hear me, like, "John Cho? Andre Benjamin?? HELL YES PLEASE." Anyway, it's extremely relevant to my interests and I highly recommend.

This Stephen King Book I'm Re-reading. 

I read It when it came out in the 80s and remember really loving it. I saw the recent movie and realized that a) I am too old for horror movies and cannot handle them at all, and b) I really wanted to give it a re-read and see if it held up. It does! It's much better and deeper as a novel and is really all about the characters and their bond. And it's scary as hell. I won't lie. 

This Laptop Cover That Sparks Joy.
I get very annoyed at how ugly office things tend to be so when I needed a new laptop case I was happy to discover that Cynthia Rowley had fixed the glitch. I bought the cosmic black floral neoprene laptop case and it makes me happy over and over again. It's just so fucking cute! Now I want the matching mousepad and the gold stapler and the rest of it. Upgrade your desk! Some of it is available on Amazon, but mostly at Staples.

This Hat That Surprised Me.
I really wish the Box of Style hadn't gone downhill because there are items from past boxes that still surprise and delight me. Last year's box (such a good one) contained a Soia and Kyo beanie that I totally forgot about until it got super cold last weekend. I wore that hat all weekend and it's crazy cute and warm! I am not a hat person! But I like this one! I have the mulberry color but it also came in black and white. You could buy a version that has a cute floof ball ooorrrrr go to eBay and pick up one from last year's box.

Adrien: I Do Not Hate Socks (A Bombas Review)

Marianne hates socks, y'all. She calls them foot prisons. I agreed with her until I found my magic socks. I have magic socks! The magic is: Bombas. This is not really new information, I've written about my love of Bombas quite a lot but I bought some new styles and I have a lot to say, apparently.

All my gym socks are Bombas Ankle because once I started wearing them, I couldn't imagine wearing anything else. I get legit mad when I run out. They are super cushy, they fit really well and, best of all, there is no hard seam over your toes. I hate the seam. Hate it so much. Bombas hand-links the seam so you don't feel it. Magic. Bombas is also awesome because for every pair they sell, they donate a pair to someone in need.

So, initially they were just gym socks but then ankle boots became a thing. I struggled because the best ankle boots/pants look involves a little bit of ankle showing and socks are not part of this look. I discovered by trial and error that the Bombas ankle is actually really great for wearing with ankle boots because the blister tab keeps them from slipping under your heel. I also LOVE the No Shows - I wear them with sneakers and boots and they absolutely stay put.

Anyway! They kept sending me emails about cute new styles and patterns so I gave in and ordered some damn socks (with my own money! This isn't a sponsored post):

I got some of the new styles - the Cushioned No Show, the Knee-High, and the Quarters. I also bought a pair of ankle socks because, um, they come in leopard print now. Look how cute:

(Daniel says stripes are better than spots and leopards aren't all that.)  

I really love my leopard ankle socks! I'm also really happy with the other new socks I bought. The Cushioned No-Show are especially great with my Chelsea boots - they give a little more padding but still stay out of sight. The ankle socks are a little bit high for some of my ankle boots, but they work with taller pairs and also work great as cycling socks because they're snug at the ankle. The knee-highs are amazing with tall boots. They so much more comfortable around the toes (no pointy seam edges!) and they stayed up all day. Yay for good socks.

If you've never tried Bombas here's a little incentive: purchase through my link and get 25% off your first order. Yay! Socks for everyone. 

Adrien: Madewell Purchases - Review and Outfit.

As I mentioned last week, I did a little buy-first-ask-questions-later shopping on my recent trip to Chicago. I bought the following outfit:

The top is the Rivet and Thread bell sleeve tee and the jeans are the high-rise slim boyjean. Let's talk about these jeans first. I mean, they're really good. The high rise takes a bit of getting used to but they stay put and hold you in nicely. I've worn them several times since I bought them and I am really into the looser fit - it's just refreshing after years of skinny jeans. (I still love you, skinny jeans, but I need something else in my life!) Here's a better look at the rise:

They're definitely a slouchy boyfriend fit and I did size down because my usual size gaped in the waist. I also tried on the Slim Straight style which fit well but was an odd length on me. I normally would try to link to some other brands with similar styles but I'm such a fan of Madewell denim that it doesn't seem necessary. Madewell denim isn't inexpensive but the fit is so good and they do have sales. My boyfriend jeans are on sale in the Painter Edition and oooh, my favorite coated skinny jeans are back! 

Now, the top. I love it in theory but after looking at the photos I think maybe it's too big and maybe I have enough striped shirts? I don't know. I haven't taken the tags off yet, so I might return it. Also, eagle-eyed reader Tonia pointed out that Madewell has a VERY similar style top on sale right now and I was like, "heeeeeeeyyyy, now." So I may check that one out because dang. Also, this cross-back sweater which I just now noticed. Anyway. On to details:

That small necklace I'm wearing is my little labradorite pendant I talked about last week. It's great and would make lovely gift if you're already on the hunt. There's also a chalcedony version which is awfully pretty. Also! These Chan Luu labradorite earrings look like something I need in my life. My other necklace is BR and it's an old favorite. I recommend this Minkoff spike pendant instead, not because it's terribly similar but because it's cooler than mine. Heh.

Those sleeves! It's a lot but I'm not mad at it. I'm carrying my usual MBMJ Too Hot hobo because it's perfect and I'm wearing my Madewell Lucien boots from last year. Okay, so listen. Madewell is KILLING IT with the boots this year. I love these new chelsea boots and the olive green suede pair is on sale and OMG now there are metallic wingtip chelsea boots and I just fainted. Good bye. 

We Discuss: Elevator Fashions and Overalls.

A: I saw an insane outfit on the hotel elevator. This woman about my age, very groomed, wearing a fur coat, YSL bag, and sneakers with big fur floofs on them. I had to shut my jawwwww.

A: Also! In the airport I saw a girl wearing cut-off denim short-shorts and carrying an Hermès Kelly bag.

M: Ughhhh

A: Craziness

M: Was that maybe Rhianna in the elevator.

A: No, it was just your standard middle-aged lady.

A: To my credit I did not pet her.

M: I want sneaker floof.

A: Right?

A: They were something.

A: Boom:

M: Ooooooooooh

A: Flooftastic!

M: 😍😍😍

A: I don't dig fur but was like, ooOOOOOOOooooOOoohhh FLOOF.

M: I want those dang Spanx Moto leggings.

A: I need to start wearing my starter leggings.

M: BTW, the overalls came and are MASSIVE.

A: Which pair?

M: The first pair. ASOS.

M: This does not do it justice. Enormous:

A: WOW

A: And dude, get them leggings.

M: I am laughing so hard in that picture.

M: Seriously that picture makes them look GOOD.

M: I mean they are just too big but sizing down won’t help how wide the legs are.

A: Haaaaa

M: They are super heavy too.

M: I’m like Lurvy the farmhand.

M: Look at my little feet!

M: 

A: 

A: 

M: Basically me.

A: I keep looking at your feet and laughing.

M: It’s like an optical illusion.

A: I mean, the overalls look too big but not terrible and then your tiny feet.

M: I am laughing again.

A: Dance, little poodle!