Weekend Window Shopping: Can't Stop With Barneys Warehouse.

Barneys Warehouse is killing me this week. They're having yet another sale with an extra 50% off select items AND an extra 60% off clearance! Most of it is final sale so I've concentrated on accessories. And just FYI, there's quite a bit of Miansai jewelry left...

       

       

Lazy Beauty Reviews: A Few Samples I'm Enjoying.

Today, a couple of quick beauty reviews! I recently got something in a Sephora box that I've never received before - a foundation sample in a color that actually perfectly matches my skin. I KNOW RIGHT? (Everything else in the box kinda sucked tbh but I'll take what I can get.)

MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation
This right here is really, really nice foundation. Medium coverage, very natural finish, wears well. I just can't complain about it. They sent me a little deluxe bottle so I've got several days worth left to test it out. It's a bit lighter weight than my Smashbox standby, so if it keeps being good, I might switch.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
This is a facial oil and I got a nice little sample vial a while back. I've been using it at night and it just feels so nice on my face and it smells wonderful. Is it doing anything magical? Not yet, but it's a really nice product full of things like Evening Primrose Oil and Squalane and my face seems to like it. Plus, the (full size) bottle is pretty. I am definitely going to purchase this one.

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil
Another tiny cute vial! This is an interesting product because it's an oil that contains salicylic acid. I was skeptical but I've noticed when I'm having a little breakout I can slap this on before bed (in place of my usual oil) and it really does help clear things up without being drying. It smells really odd, though. Very...natural.

That's it for now! I did also get a funny sample from Nordstrom of three fancy Giorgio Armani Ecstasy Balm lip balms that came with a little lip brush! I really love the darkest color but haven't fully tested them out yet.

Outfit of the Day: Summer Casual

I have been trying to mix in some of my really old stuff with my newer stuff to try and reacquaint myself with my sad, ignored closet orphans. Like this blouse: 

It's from Ann Taylor and I've had it for five years! Ridiculous! And OMG it looks terrible like that. Give me one sec. Okay:

So much better! This top has earned a long-term place in my wardrobe because I love the unusual print (it's moon shapes) and the neckline ruffle is cute but very minor. This top at AT is really similar and I love the oversized dotted print. Sans print, this shell top looks really nice as well.  Loft is also great for fun print tops! I love the ruffle neckline on this one and I'm still eyeing this star print top. (I really should just buy that.) Finally, who doesn't love a good flamingo print? I mean. 

I am SUCH a convert to the boyfriend/girlfriend jean. It takes a little adjustment with the tops (you gotta tuck with the blousy stuff) but it's so worth it. I'm wearing Madewell Slim Boyjeans in the regular rise and I highly recommend. I have two pairs and I wear them a ton. I am currently eyeing this Raw-Hem Edition but I think I'm probably good for now. If you want a starter pair these at Gap look really cute or you can try really well-priced Universal Thread version. Speaking of..

Yes, I bought it. I love my regular Universal Thread jacket so much I got the white one too! It fits exactly the same and is really comfortable and great for summer. It looks cuter over a dress but I like that I can wear it with jeans without looking like I'm all Texas Tuxedo. Anyway, two thumbs up for the white denim jacket. (Also, kudos to Target for carrying the whole line in plus sizes!) On to details: 

This pic is terrible but I wanted to show my two silver My Precious Studio necklaces. I've had the wings for years and added the lightning bolt heart earlier this year. Tere's work is really great and I'm happy to support her. 

I have been using my Aimee Kestenberg backpack a lot lately! It's so easy and still looks fashionable.  There's one with a gold zipper at NR (and a few other colors at Off 5th.) And now: 

Listen. If silver Birkenstock Arizonas are on your wishlist this summer I'm going to tell you this: BUY THEM NOW. I have gotten more joy and more compliments from these sandals than anything else I own. They are THE BEST. I wear the so often I'm afraid I'm going to ruin them but I just can't help it. Just go for it. 

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Barney's Warehouse Sale!

Quick and dirty - there's a great Barney’s Warehouse sale going on! Take an extra 40% off select marked down clothing (today only) AND an extra 60% off clearance! Now, a lot of what's at Barney's Warehouse is crazy expensive but there are tons of bargains to be had. Here are a few good finds:

This RAG & BONE Silk Blouse isn't inexpensive but it becomes a lot more reasonable with an extra 40% off the marked down price! There is also a lot of J Brand on sale, including these cute olive jeans:

They're now $77 and there are lots of sizes left. I also found a tons of Electric Yoga apparel:

These crazy mesh panel leggings are now $29 which is, like, Old Navy pricing. Y'all. Get you some fancy yoga clothes! Moving on to the clearance section where I always go for bags first. Check this out: 

This gorgeous Halston Heritage saddle bag is $99! The color is incredible. The shoes are all pretty challenging but these gold DVF heels are glorious:

Just so pretty and ridiculously well-priced. I also found a stash of Miansai jewelry on clearance! 

This cuff is now $79 which is a really good price. And you guys, a mini hook necklace for $35? Are you kidding me? 

I am in danger of being hoist by my own petard. It also comes in silver. Dammit. Go get it so I don't have to!

Adrien: My Hair Care Routine.

By request! I haven't blathered on about my hair for a while so maybe now is the time.

My hair is both easy and a huge pain in the ass. It's very straight and nearly impossible to grow out so I keep things short, which suits me fine. However, short hair is not really easy. I can't just throw it up in a ponytail and it absolutely does NOT look better if I don't wash it for a few days. I can never, ever just get up and go because my bedhead is... astounding. So, here are the products and techniques I use to keep my bob looking sharp:

First, I should mention that I get regular cuts/trims and I also get my hair professionally colored. I love my hair stylist and this is really my main beauty luxury - I rarely get facials or other spa treatments and never get manicures, so this is kind of my one big thing on which I spend many dollars. I really like having a nice hair cut!

Products:

I am on a Davines binge right now because they make SUCH nice products. They smell good, the packaging is cute and, most importantly, they work.

I love the Minu Shampoo and conditioner for colored hair - a little goes a long way and it doesn't strip my color. I've also tried the OI shampoo and conditioner and they're lovely as well.

Before styling I spritz OI All In One Milk all over. It softens, detangles, and protects from frizz but mostly I love how it smells and it also gives my hair a bit of heft and shine. Apparently the OI Oil is also magical but I cannot put oil on my hair, no way, so I will never know.

I also use a small dollop of the Davines Volume Boosting Mousse for some hold. It's very nice but not super special like the OI Milk.

One other thing I use to cleanse is the dpHue ACV Rinse which I think I mentioned a while back. It's meant to be used as a shampoo alternative for colored hair so I use it instead of shampoo a few times a week to keep my color fresh. It's quite good! Apple cider vinegar must be the new argan oil because R+Co has a rinse as well. Has anyone tried it?

Tools: 

I am a strong believer in good tools. Good tools in your tool box, in your kitchen, for your craft projects and definitely for your hair. Here's what I swear by:

How did I ever live without a Wet Brush? (And how did I not know it came in a leopard print version?) This brush is a tiny miracle and has really cut down on breakage for my fine hair. The Wet Brush is cheap and eventually all the bristles start to retreat into the pad but still worth it's weight in gold. Get one! Hair-life-changing.

After I brush through with my wet brush I use my Daily Concepts hair wrap thingy.  Even though I don't have long hair I still wrap it up in this microfiber turban every single time after washing. It sucks most of the water out without the damage from towel drying and cuts my dry time way down. Listen, I don't have a ton of hair so I have to do everything I can to keep breakage and damage at a minimum. They come in fancy versions but mine is pretty basic and I adore it. Get one! Hair-life-changing, part two.

My Hair Dryer. I've talked about my beloved Super Solano a few times on the blog (my review is here) and I am still very deeply in love with my fancy hair dryer four years later. It's not, like, Dyson dryer fancy but it was an investment and a very good one. So, after I get my hair damp-dry I finish with my hair dryer and just a regular vented brush. It takes all of two minutes.

My flat iron is a BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ionic and its been a solid purchase! I bought it three years ago and it's still going strong. It was the flat iron that my stylist was using on me (same with my hair dryer) so I pretty much trust her judgement. You might be wondering what the hell a straight-haired person like me even needs with a flat iron but I have a few weird cowlicks and curves and I like to use this after drying to get everything lying flat and correctly and also to get my edges sharp.

Now! I can't believe this but I also have a great travel set that I've never reviewed! I bought this Amika Mighty Mini set a few years back and it's really, really good. The dryer is teeny tiny but still way more powerful than your average shitty hotel dryer. The flat iron is also ridiculously small but gets very hot and is good for tweaks and bangs. If you have thick/long hair and need to flat iron your whole head, it won't be what you need, but for my purposes it's a great travel option.

That's it! I'm hoping I can convince Marianne to post about her hair to give the curly-hair people something about which to commiserate because we never get so many comments as when we talk about curly hair. Y'all are a little scary tbh. (In a good way.) And since we're talking about comments, please feel free to tell me what product or tool you swear by!

Weekend Window Shopping: Cute Summer Jackets!

Since I've apparently replaced cardigans with denim jackets I thought I'd come up with a quick list of some cute summer jackets. The first one is Universal Thread and I bought it this week!  It's just as great as it's blue denim sibling. Whee. Here's what I like:

     

Stuff I Like: Wearing, Carrying, Eating, Watching.

This Dumb Serum That Actually Works.
Okay, I know I mentioned Sunday Riley C.E.O Rapid Flash Brightening Serum earlier this week in the context that I think it actually does something but I felt like it needed a bit more explaning - this shit actually does something. It's a vitamin C serum with glycolic acid and I have used it every day for the past three or four months and I am here to tell you that my face looks better. Smoother, clearer, slightly glowy. It ain't cheap but it's actually working so I shall soldier on with it. Oh, also, it smells pleasantly like a creamsicle which is not unpleasant.

This Phone Accessory That I Already Told You About.
I mentioned the Love Handle phone grip in a tech stuff entry I wrote last year but I was new to it and didn't sound overly enthusiastic. It was something Marianne recommended and I didn't fully appreciate it's wonder until I got an iPhone 8+. For the big phones? It's 100% necessary and will change your life. My hands ain't big and now I don't have to worry about dropping my phone all over the place. It's basically just an elastic strap so it's got a low footprint, which I really like. And, it comes in a bunch of coordinating colors so it isn't some obnoxious thing ruining up your phone unless you get the American flag version but please don't do that.

This Chickpea Salad Recipe That Kate Recommended.
Kate sent me this recipe and I liked so much I've made it two weeks in a row and have been eating it for lunch every day. Other than adjusting the mustard (less and dijon) I made it as written and ate it stuffed in a toasted wheat pita with slices of cucumber, radish and some baby spinach. It would also be great as a dip with some pita chips or Nut Thins or whatever you like. It's simple, inexpensive and delicious. Definitely makes four solid servings!

Outfit of the Day: Stuff I Bought From Loft

As promised, I've made up an outfit from the things I bought at LOFT last weekend, all garanimals style, despite the fact that it's way, way too hot to wear jeans. The things I do for you guys: 

But seriously, these are great jeans. More about that in a minute, though, because I want to talk about this top first. Obviously I've never met a striped top I didn't like but this one has just the right amount of drape and it's super light-weight. Plus, check out the back detail:

I love it! And it's 50% off right now. Loft also has a tank with cute back twist detailing and this cotton "sweater" is really similar. Oh, there's also this blue striped raglan tee and this cute striped top with twisty sleeves. Slow down, there, LOFT. Pace yourself. Anyway, I'm super pleased with my cute new stripes. Now, the jeans:

They are the Modern Skinny in grey and I am already planning how I'm going to wear these into fall and winter. they're so good, so comfortable, mid-rise, and very soft. (If you're between sizes, size down, as they have a fair amount of stretch.) I have lately been very into my boyfriend jeans but these are a really solid skinny jean! There is also a cropped version that is on sale and available in literally every size but mine because I guess that's just how LOFT rolls these days. On to details: 

Not much jewelry today. I'm wearing Luna Norte earrings (similar to these) and my Giles and Brother hook pendant which is an old favorite. On to bags and shoes: 

Old and new. My old blue MBMJ bag which I still love to carry. This MJ hobo is probably the closest in color but this Cole Haan bag has a very similar shape and a great price. My shoes are Kenneth Cole Hannon and they're on sale! Whee. They're really cute and have a very walkable heel. I bought them for a special occasion and Marianne was like, "they'll be cute with jeans." She was right about that, no surprise.

LOFT Report: Not As Expected.

LOFT is a brand that really works for me unless it doesn't. It's complicated. I struggle with their sizing so it's always better for me to go to the store rather than shop online which is kind of a drag. Nevertheless, spurred on by the 40% off sale, Kate and I went to LOFT last weekend. Here's what happened:

I really went looking for this dress which I was totally going to buy but they didn't have it in store. Boo. Then I decided that these fringe cropped jeans looked promising and they come in all kinds of fun colors and guess what? Literally not one pair in my size in any color. I tried on the yellow in the next size up:

If you're looking for a cute pair of yellow summer jeans these are ADORABLE if they actually have your size. (I forgot to take a picture because I'm a terrible blogger.) I did take a picture of this blouse which looked pretty on the hanger but the sleeve length was challenging:

I also took a picture of this crazy floral dress that I posted not too long ago because I really love it in theory. IN THEORY. On me it looks completely ridiculous:

I mean, it's very much not my style already but I told Kate I thought it made me look like someone's crazy hippie aunt and she said, "No, it looks like you're wearing a crazy hippie aunt costume." She's right. It's a great dress for whoever can pull it off but I am not that person. (Also, I think it's too big.) 

The salesperson, trying to be helpful in finding me the fringe cropped jeans in my size, gave me a totally different pair of grey jeans that she claimed was the same cut. That's adorable. The fabric content wasn't even the same but I obediently tried them on anyway because good grey jeans are hard to find and I don't have a pair. Oops. Guess what? They're really great:

This is the pair. Anyway, they were 40% off and who doesn't need jeans in the middle of summer? 😬 Plus! They go really well with this top that I tried on and, dang, it's great too:

Look at that back detail:

IT IS SO CUTE (and 50% off right now!) so I bought it too. So to recap: went shopping for a dress and bought jeans and a top, both of which I forgot to photograph but I'll post an outfit tomorrow. Yay.

PS. Kate bought this lovely soft t-shirt dress which looks totally cute on her and looked like a sad sack of blah on me because I have no shoulders. The end. 

We Discuss: Santal 33, Olive Garden, and Hipster Mind Control

M: I just read this and have literal tears of laughter.

A: Dude. Santal 33.

M: You like??

A: Wait, what did you read?

M: Sorry, forgot the link.

A: Um, of course I like it. OF COURSE.

M: Hahahahaha

M: I bet money that Fred is like YOU SMELL AMAZING.

M: Men are reaaallly into it.

M: Men other than my husband.

A: It actually smells a bit like my Diptyque fig candle which makes zero sense.

M: That’s funny.

A: But yeah, it’s fucking dreamy dammit.

A: It dries down to this really subtle thing where it just smells like a better version of you.

M: Dude I know.

A: Lasagna wings with extra Italy!

M: There’s more Italy than necessary.

M: Secret soup!

A: I’m bad at pulling out individual notes, it just smells good.

A: Not the lasagna wings, the Santal 33.

M: Hahaha

A: Gluten Classico!

A: I’m mad that I like this perfume.

M: I told you!

A: I really wanted to not get the fuss.

M: Seven million hipsters can’t be wrong.

A: Yes, yes they CAN BE WRONG.

M: Unless it’s about Coachella.

A: EXACTLY

A: But they’re right about this perfume.

M: Yup.

They are right about:
This perfume
Donuts
Madewell

They are wrong about:
Men wearing tank tops
Coachella
Tinder

A: Man buns.

M: I don’t mind a man bun.

A: I meant it for the first column.

M: Oh okay then yes they are right about man buns. And some beards BUT NOT ALL BEARDS.

A: Not neck beards!

A: They are wrong about Arcade Fire.

M: Sure.

A: Just trust.

M: They are right about jumpsuits and rompers. But they are wrong about denim underwear.

A: Wut.

M: Coochie cutters.

A: They are generally right about denim but yeah. No to that.

M: One way ticket to yeast infection town.

A: Dude.

M: Just saying.

A: On the fence re. rompers.

M: Your Britney needs to breathe.

M: I am fulllllly on board but more with jumpsuits than rompers only because they tend to be too short for me.

A: 

M: That’s us right there.

A: Me, anyway.

M: My mouth is full of secret soup.

A: Friend 4 says nothing.

M: 

A: But I paid $10 for a thimble of Santal and I’m not sure when I can afford my next fix.

M: I’m sorry man.

M: I tried to warn you.

A: I hope you’re happy, Ms. Canada.

M: Just one more person who smells like me! Eventually the mind control will kick in. I can only assume this perfume is actually made not by the French but the Russians.

A: Well, this is all starting to make sense.

M: I mean, it’s called THE LAB.

A: This is a Black Mirror episode.

M: That said did you know if you buy it in their shop they will put your name on the label???

M: 😍

A: 

M: So. Mind control schmind control.

A: 

M:

A: There it is

Weekend Window Shopping: Nordstrom Rack Sale!

Ooooh, Nordstrom Rack is having their “clear the rack” sale - an extra 25% off all clearance items! There are a bunch of great bags on clearance so definitely start there! Here’s what I dig:


               

       

Outfit of the Day: Let's Wear Black in the Summer.

Still shopping my closet with a vengeance! I am all about wearing black in the summer and I do already  have a couple of black summer dresses. This is one of them, which I bought last year at Loft:

Isn't it cute? Loft has some great black dresses this summer! Like this Loft tie waist dress which looks like your perfect dress up/dress down kinda thing. I also loooove this strappy cami dress which appears to be both chic and summery. Finally, this crochet trim dress is pretty similar to mine and very, very cute but there are only a few sizes left. Boo. (PS. 40% off everything at Loft!)

I look so coy for no reason at all. If Loft doesn't work for you, there are lots of great options. This ABS dress at TJ Maxx looks really promising and this black fit and flare dress from BR looks like a great pulled-together work option. Even the land of the neverending ruffle has managed to stock a super pretty black summer dress. Love that.

Annnnd, of course I threw my Universal Thread denim jacket over it all because that's how I roll these days.  (And OMG they have a white version? You guys. I might need that.) Details:

I'm wearing a fun little lariat necklace I got in a subscription box - I think it's Luv AJ. I found this one by the same brand that's quite similar but I really like this layered version better. My bracelet is Giles and Brother and I've had it forever! BR carries the silver version. 

Look, I know I carry this bag a lot but what can I say? It really works well for me and the color kinda goes with everything. Nordstrom Rack has the black version and I can't recommend it enough. That said, I really stress my, "go for the more interesting color" philosophy so there's also this taupe MJ hobo as a great price and this blue one that is REAL NICE. 

Aw, blue suede shoes! Always a favorite of mine. These are Kenneth Cole Harriet sandals from last year. They have a really manageable heel and tassels! They have tassels. They're hard to find but my first link goes to the blue pair in size 8 and there are several other colors at shoes.com. And, because I want you all to have blue suede sandals, check out this Sam Edelman pair! Perfection. The end.