Adrien: Summer Shopping Wishlist.

It's that time of year when I pull out last year's summer clothes and my face looks like this:

Yeahhhh. Summer clothes are not known for their longevity but a lot of it is looking REAL sad or just plain doesn't fit me anymore. Oops. As always, I have a running mental list of things I'd like to purchase this summer so I am going to tell you allll about it.


I basically live in jean shorts and my last two pairs have come from Old Navy. I checked the site and these look decent:

However, I am learning that I love the fit and quality of the denim from Madewell so why not buy a nicer version of something I know I'm going to wear a ton? Something like these:

Every summer I try to buy one or two pretty, casual dresses that I can wear to work but also wear out for dinner or a party. Last year both came from Loft and luckily both still fit! I would like to buy another one though and this one is awfully pretty:

And I really like this one with the zebra print too:

I also love this striped t-shirt dress from the Lou & Grey collection because it looks comfy like pajamas. heh. PS. Everything at Loft is half off today plus free shipping. So freaking tempting.

I've pretty much given in to my love of Birkenstock sandals and this is the pair I'm considering buying this summer:

I loved my pair of coppery gold Gizehs last summer so I think these would get a lot of wear. Speaking of metallic sandals, I needed a dressy pair for an event coming up and got a great deal on these gold sandals: 

I will post an outfit soon but I dig the reasonable block heel. It's the only way. Also, they come in silver which are super on sale at Bloomingdales. 

I'm good with t-shirts (all Everlane, all the time) but I'd like one or two fun summer blouses. I'm still considering this one from Universal Thread (which I just noticed is clearance priced down to nothing):

And I've got my eye on this striped blouse from Madewell, which needs to go on sale:

There's more stuff I want (there's always more stuff) but I think this is a good start. What do you have your eye on for summer? 

Weekend Window Shopping: Graphic Tees.

I love a good t-shirt like any American kid does and lately graphic tees have been having a serious moment. I'll admit I've grown weary of the yoga/wine/gym wordplay variety so I've tried to avoid those and instead found a few that I really would love to wear:


         

       

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Nordstrom Rack Finds.

Listen, this post was supposed to be about TJ Maxx since they have free shipping today (there's still some Oribe left!) but the site kept crashing on me and I do not have time for that. Instead, I'm going to show you a few good under-$100 accessories from Nordstrom Rack and try not to be mad about my awesome silver shoes selling out before I could buy them. (Stolen right out of my shopping cart! What even.)

Here's what I like that's under $100:

This French Connection camera bag comes in three colors but I love this lavender version.

How could I not include a camera bag that looks like a camera? It's so cute! 

A saffiano leather bucket bag under $100? Yes pls. (There's also one in lilac.)

I can't stop checking out this under-$20 leather Lodis wallet. Such a good red. 

Camper is not for everyone but this sandal looks comfy and comes in a bunch interesting colors.

This is your grown lady sandal to wear for parties and weddings this summer. 

I'm including one bathing suit because it's pretty and flattering and well-priced. 

These amazing MCM sunglasses are under $60. I KNOW. 

This Urban Decay Smoky Eye Naked Palette is more than half off!

I love this Argento Vivo labradorite necklace a lot. Like, a lot lot. 

Oooh, SOKO is such a favorite. I adore this choker version of my pendant. 

These earrings are also SOKO and you will wear them with everything. 

We Discuss: New Beauty Product Recs.

M: Oh I have a new product rec!

A: Yay!

M: Wait but first is Goop involved with Supergoop?

M: Because if so, dammit.

A: Nope!

M: Whew

M: This stuff:

A: Oooh

M: I think this is even better than IT Cosmetics

A: Oh, awesome

M: It’s more matte which is nice when it gets hot

M: Not too thick

M: It’s spf 35 not 50 which is the only downside

M: But I think it holds up better

A: Oh, this sounds really promising

M: And THEN I heard about this:

A: Oh damn

M: Which you can spray right over your makeup later in the day

M: And it re-ups your sunscreen!

M: Without fucking up your makeup! What?!

A: This is the answer to my prayers because I ride after work and don’t have a way to reapply easily

M: I know!!

A: Genius

M: Their sunscreen oil is nice too

A: It’s allll about the sunscreen

M: Summerrrrrrrrr ILU

A: Yaaaasssss

M: Anyway I have only used the CC cream for three days but so far so good

M: I think it would be drying in winter possibly

A: I will definitely have to get a sample of this stuff

M: Not shiny, good coverage, A+

M: I use a Beauty Blender to apply

A: I have given up on the BB

M: I am suddenly into it

M: I use it for concealer and that cream blush too

A: I’m just old Fingers McGee over here

M: It makes the coverage so smooth and even

M: I smear it on with fingers and then blend

A: I’ve just never had much luck with it but maybe I’m doing it wrong

M: I use the Real Techniques one

M: And the coolness of the damp sponge feels nice? I don’t know. After years of using brushes suddenly I’m into it.

A: I’ll probably give it another try at some point

_____


M: 4 days in and this CC cream hasn’t made me break out so it’s a winner

M: And someone complimented my skin and said it was annoying that I don’t even need foundation so win win win

A: THAT IS GOLD.

A: I need to buy this stuff stat

M: I mean that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me

A: Awwww

M: Hahaha

A: I still remember the nicest compliment I ever got and it was 15 years ago

M: Not really but it’s basically my makeup goal

A: I mean, that IS the goal

A: I wish I’d known about this before I made my last Sephora order

M: I’m sorry

M: I bought it from Amazon because that was easiest

A: Oops, It’s sold out on Sephora anyway

M: Aha

M: I’m going to wait and get the setting spray for my birthday but that’s next for sure

A: Did you get the light/medium?

M: Yes and it’s a touch dark but I was accounting for one day getting enough sunlight to alter the tone of my skin which is a foolish notion.

A: Hmm. I don’t know which color to get

A: If the light/medium is a little dark on you, it’ll be too dark for me

M: Well I will say I thought it was a touch dark in the tube but on me it really matches.

M: So idk

A: I might try to get a couple of samples first. The internet is super conflicted about the colors.

A: Also, did I tell you I bought that dumb foot file thing that Kim France posted about?

M: No!

A: 

A: It takes some time but my sad lizard feet look way better. It’s good stuff.

M: Ooh nice.

A: How sad is my rec? So sad.

Outfit of the Day: The Whale Shirt.

You know that thing where you love something but don't buy it because even though you love it in theory you're not sure if it's actually something you can pull off? I finally just ordered the damn whale shirt I loved from J.Crew and then was worried that it would look dumb on me or be too crazy graphic or whatever. Then it arrived and I was like, I LOVE YOU MARRY ME. Okay, not really, but it is just real damn cute, right?

I know I know! I really love it and it's still on sale so definitely get one. Also, 50% of the retail price goes to the Wildlife Conservation Society, so that's awesome. I'm wearing a size small and it's fairly generous, so go with your normal size. I am generally a fan of graphic tees (this one cracks me up) and love the combo with my other favorite kind of tee: striped. J.Crew does a nice job with striped tops, this one especially. I'm also loving this dip-dye version. 

And man, these jeans. This is my second pair of Madewell Slim Boyjeans via Poshmark. I love my destructed pair so much I wanted a second pair that was a bit plainer so I could wear them to work occasionally. These totally fit the bill and if you haven't gotten on the boyfriend jean thing, give it a try. They're so comfy! (Def size down.)  Just a note: the pairs I have are not high-rise but most of the ones on the site are with the exception of the the raw hem edition. If Madewell denim is too pricey, maybe check out this great pair from Universal Thread or this pair from H&M. I also found a cute light wash pair from Joe Fresh.

I mean, duh. Of course I threw my Madewell leather jacket over this. I'm going to wear it every chance I get before it gets too hot out. And listen, if you're thinking about one for the fall maybe check out Nordstrom Rack right now This Kenneth Cole jacket is under $200 and this suede moto jacket is under $100! I also like the sleek style of this MK jacket. There are less expensive options, is what I'm saying. Details: 

I'm wearing a fairly minimal pendant necklace from BR that I keep forgetting about and then rediscovering. They currently have a short 'n tiny version but this one from Express is more similar to mine and of course I like this one from Madewell.

Sorry, same old Lucien boots (this pair is similar) and Too Hot To Handle hobo (this one is similar). I am a creature of habit, what can I say. But soon I'll be wearing my Birkenstocks too much and apologizing for that, so get ready! 

Help: I Have A Closet Hole That Needs Filling.

I have plenty of stuff that I like and wear (and what I don't wear ends up in my Poshmark closet) but for some reason I'm really, really slow to add shoes to my wardrobe. Right now is that weird in-between season where it's too warm for boots but not yet time for sandals. Ballet flats have always been my spring go-to but my two favorite pairs are pretty much dead and my Ugg leopard flats are fleece-lined. So, that means my only pair are my blue suede Madewell flats and I can't wear those with everything. (I can't, I tried.)

So, instead of going to boring route and buying black flats I decided on metallic because they'll go with nearly everything and not be the boring choice. Yay me. I really loved the pair of silver mules Marianne bought at Target recently and they do have a pair of super cute pointy gold flats but my luck with synthetic shoes has not been great so for this search, I'm going with leather.

My criteria are thus: Must be leather, no flimsy-foldy shoes, not crazy expensive. Here's what I'm considering:

These are Ugg (with no fleece insole) and they're good but I can't find them in my size.

These are Frye Carson and they're basically perfect and also sold out in my size. Woe.

These aren't technically ballet flats, but they are fresh and have a bit French girl chic.

These are not what I was looking for but I don't hate them? I'll bet they're comfortable. 

These would be the safe and slightly boring choice. I don't know if they spark joy.

HOWEVER, these do! They obviously aren't really flats but aren't they cute? 

EDITED TO ADD:

How could I forget the Bowie option? (These are a loafer and I'm not buying them but hee.) 

Weekend Window Shopping: Sephora Sale Picks.

Sephora is giving 15% off for VIB with code YAYVIB and 10% for Insiders with code YAYINSIDER. I was ready for it and mostly bought replenishment items. Mostly. A few of these picks are things I bought, a few are things I was considering. Did you make a Sephora sale order? Whadja get?


         

       
       

Stuff I Like: Wearing, Listening, Reading, Washing

This Lipgloss That's Quite Cheering.
I stopped by Sephora recently to pick up a sample of the new Sunday Riley foundation with no intention of buying anything. Not one thing was I going to buy. Except this damn adorable Marimekko x Clinique Pop Splash Lip Gloss because holy shit is it cute. The whole line is so cute! I got Fruity Pop (sheer red with just a little bit of shimmer) but most of the colors look wearable and I like it's chunky stature which makes it easy to root out of the bottom of my bag.

This Podcast Interview That's Worth A Listen.
I've grown a little weary of Pod Save America, partially because it's Just Too Much and partially because they get a little bro-y for my taste. But every now and then they have a really interesting guest and earlier this week they interviewed Adam Davidson who wrote, "Michael Cohen and the End Stage of the Trump Presidency" for the New Yorker. This article has been making the rounds and it's a fascinating read so I was really into hearing what he had to say. Check it out!

This Body Wash That's Tingly.
I bought Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle body wash on a whim because it smells like peppermint and it was inexpensive. I'm easy that way. You guys, I have found A GEM. This stuff is so refreshing! It has good ingredients and it's amazing after a hard workout because it really does have a cooling, tingly effect. And, it's really inexpensive (if you get it at Trader Joe's.) It's also available for more on Amazon and I would honestly pay that.


That's all I've got this week! I almost included my awesome new striped whale shirt but I think I'll save that for an outfit next week. (Spoiler: I freaking love it.)

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Madewell Extra 30% Off Sale.

Nooooooooo. That's the noise my brain made when I got the email. Madewell is giving an extra 30% off all sale items with code YAY30. There is a LOT of good stuff in this sale. Like, remember yesterday when I said you didn't want to buy boots right now? GOD DO NOT LISTEN TO ME. BUY THESE IMMEDIATELY. OR THESE. And here are some other things that I'm all grabby hands about:

         

       

Outfit of the Day: It's a Departure.

Ah yes, my satin cargo pants. I bought these online at Loft a few months ago on a sale-goggles whim and was so surprised when I didn't hate them. They're definitely a departure but they're also basically pajama pants I can wear to work: 

Right? Not terrible at all! They still exist at Loft in a few petite sizes and they also have non-satin cargo pants that look pretty cute. They also have skinny satin cargo pants but they don't even look good on the model which is...not a good sign. A safer choice might be these Lou & Grey Fluid Cargo Pants that look like the most comfortable thing ever. 

My ponte top is very old Ann Taylor and it has zippers on the side which is a nice detail. This Rachel Roy top has a similar zippy flair and this shell top from Ann Taylor has side zips! I'm also partial to this drawstring ponte top.

I am pretty much wearing my Madewell leather jacket every chance I get since the weather has been so fickle. I mean, what kind of dummy buys a leather jacket in March? Just me, but the weather has certainly allowed me to wear it a ton and I'll have it to look forward to this fall. Also, there is such a thing as a spring leather jacket! Don't think I'm not tempted by this stone color moto jacket and this blush Cole Haan jacket, which isn't my style but I still think it's really cute. And! This ocean blue leather jacket is killing me. Stop it. Details:

Not much jewelry today, just my awesome Soko Paddle Pendant that Marianne gave me. I wear this alllll the time. It's just so striking and satisfying as an object. 

I'm back to carrying my big old Marc Jacobs Paradise Rio satchel. It's a good one. There's a nice grey one on the RealReal but I also really like this similar leather Hobo satchel and this inexpensive Max Studio option. My boots are Madewell Lucien from last year. They can definitely still be found on eBay and the like but you don't want to buy boots right now anyway - get these cute flats instead. (I know, I'm the worst enabler.)

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Oribe at TJ Maxx!

Whenever something that's both nice and expensive hits TJ Maxx I feel like it's my duty to inform the blog masses. So, if you've given in to the wonder that is Oribe hair products I thought you should know there's a bunch of it on the TJ Maxx site (page down below the Mason Pearson brushes) right now. I am guessing it'll go fast, so snap it up!

We Discuss: Braws and Pannies.

M: I’m at Soma getting fitted for a bra because I’m about to burn everything I have.

A: I hit a bra wall recently but can't afford to do anything about it yet.

M: I need just one goddamn bra that fits and does what it’s supposed to do.

A: THIS

M: I wish we had a Nordstrom but we don’t and I think Soma is better than Victoria’s Secret.

A: Soma is decent. I have some of the vanishing edge pannies and they are still going strong.

M: Just ONE GODDAMN BRA.

A: I would like one goddamn bra that will stay on my sad sloped shoulders.

M: I’m in a big ole granny braw at the moment.

M: I will say it’s comfortable but god it’s ugly.

A: WHY IS THERE NO MIDDLE GROUND.

M: She’s bringing me more.

A: The last bra I bought was a 32DDD.

A: What even the fuck.

M: Mine was a 34DD.

A: They are Natori bras and pretty much all I wear. I loved them when I bought them and now I hate them.

M: She has me in a 36D, if you go down a letter you go up a number basically.

A: Right

M: Got two new bras that aren’t too granny.

M: This one was by far the winner, I was surprised:

M: Superflattering and makes me look thinner.

M: And they don’t make my already big boobs look bigger or pointy or anything.

A: Oh, that's pretty!

M: I am pleased! Enough to plop down $$ for two.

M: I will say the salesgirl was super helpful.

A: So nice that the straps can be crossed.

M: Yes

A: Helps keep the thing on my dumb shoulders.

M: Going home to destroy my bra drawer like I did my underwear drawer.

A: Sweet. I might have to check that one out. It's cheaper than my Natori bra.

M: I was very pleased with the whole experience and $58 is not bad at all.

M: And now I know my size so I can watch for sales and coupons online.

A: YAS

M: Apparently I am going through some stuff regarding my drawers

A: Ooh, i just remembered there's a Soma really close to work

M: Do it!

A: I have 4-5 bras that don't fit anymore but I just keep them?

A: Like, why? For a rainy/skinny day?

M: NO

M: Guess what I realized? If I get skinny I can buy new bras!

A: Yesssssssss

A: I am totally loving my Aerie underwear and having a drawer full of underwear that fits is really nice.

M: Me too!

A: And even though there were complaints that they don't hold up, I am happy. I mean, they're $3-4 each with the promotion.

M: Right!

A: They aren't FOREVER PANNIES

M: Nor should they be!

A: Anyway, in non-unders news I got a 4 pack of that Trader Joe's sparkling wine in a can and it's as delightful as I remember.

M: Aw yay