We Discuss: Rage Shopping.

M: I stress shopped at H&M and I need a shopping ban.

A: I’ve been stress shopping for my trip and now I’m convinced I need a raincoat. I def need a shopping ban.

M: Your Madewell jacket will be FINE! And a small umbrella!

A: What did you buy?

M: Oh just two dumb dresses and some definitely stupid pants.

A: It’s not like they don’t sell raincoats in London, right?

M: I was like WTF immediately after.

A: Ha. It’s the dopamine hit.

M: Wait, only one stupid dress and definitely stupid pants and probably mistake jeans.

M: I didn’t even REMEMBER.

A: Ha! I had two Amazon boxes show up last week and I was like...I have no idea what I ordered.

M: Probably too short and unflattering:

A: That’s a cute shirt.

A: H&M never works for me.

M: It works fine on me but THESE WON’T:

A: They call them "ankle length."  Do they not know where ankles are located?

M: I don’t know about you but my ankles are right below my knees. I’m a medical marvel!

A: You really are.

M: And I just don’t need these except my other black jeans are unwearable tight:

A: The jeans look good!

A: I did buy a great new toiletries kit because mine was on it’s last legs:

A: So exciting.

M: Oh damn I need that.

M: I travel so much and my toiletry sitch is sad.

A: It’s really good - I got the medium sized bag.

M: Oh! I also bought a travel backpack in a fit of rage.

A: Ha! Me too!

M: What did you get? I got something basic and simple because I was mad about the Lo & Sons one that’s TWO HUNDRED STUPID DOLLARS FOR A NYLON BACKPACK. Instead, this:

A: I got this one:

A: And haaaa, I was mad at the Dagne Dover $175 backpack which I want. Badly.

M: Oh I am mad about that one TOO.

M: Yours is cuter than mine but I needed something bigger. Basically big enough for my actual purse, laptop, chargers, giant headphones, etc.

A: Mine is small but perfect for a carry-on since I don’t need room for a laptop.

M: It’s cute though! I just have to schlep so much for work or kids.

M: Mine is Not Cute and I’m mad about that too but it was $30.

M: And has a luggage strap.

A: Nice! Fuck $200 backpacks.

M: It literally does all the same shit and has like 2000 positive reviews.

A: Yup

A: I love that we both went on the same backpack rage journey.

M: So much rage.

M: I’m also pretty mad at those Away suitcases.

M: FYI

A: OMG DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON THOSE.

M: 

A: I WANT ONE BUT GODDSDMNTTT.

M: Do you know that one time the only reason I made a connecting flight was because a girl was sitting on the jetbridge with three flight attendants and a tool box because the battery was stuck and you have to remove it to check the bag? They had to take her dumbass Away bag apart.

M: But also it was lilac and sooooo cute.

A: UGH

M: Also I know people that have them and guess what it’s just a suitcase.

A: WELL, FUCK YOU TOO, AWAY BAG.

A: It’s the suitcase version of those clear vitamins.

M: OH MY GOD THOSE VITAMINSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

M: maybe I need an Instagram break.

A: THEY HAUNT ME

A: 💊💊💊

M: I blame goddamn Goop.

A: Every single day.

Review: Athleta Soho Jogger and Midtown Ankle Pants.

I mentioned in one of my previous entries that I'd ordered the Athleta Soho Jogger in the olive green color. Well, it arrived and the color was...very odd. Neither green nor grey nor brown. I returned them and reordered in black and also ordered the Athleta Midtown Ankle pants. Both are made from the same lightweight material and both have interesting qualities, so I thought I'd review. 

First up, the Soho Jogger: 

This is probably how I'd wear them if I was trying to pass them off as normal pants. The waistband and ankle cuff are made of super-soft knit material which makes them very comfortable and ideal for wearing on a long flight. I am wearing my usual size 6 in these, by the way. 

That waistband ain't winning any awards for attractiveness but it's soft and doesn't cut in at all. The rise on these is just a hair higher than I'd like but I'm short waisted so that's just the way it goes sometimes. The Soho jogger also has front zip pockets which lay completely flat, no gaping. 

I like the length of the Soho - they come all the way too my ankle but don't bunch up. I am not bringing Birkenstocks on my trip but I think they work nicely with the joggers! Comfortable but not sloppy.

Now, the Midtown Ankle Pant: 

These are cute and could pass as your basic black cropped pants. I sized up to an 8 for this pair after reading the reviews and I'm glad I did. They fit perfectly. The waistband is elastic around the back and has a flat front with a drawstring so it's a bit more finished than the Soho. 

These have side slash pockets which didn't gape too much but I think I prefer the zip pockets on the Soho. I'm wearing them here with my new Nike Free RN sneakers which I TOTALLY LOVE.

The Midtown Ankle hit a bit above my ankle and have a strip of reflective material inside the cuff so if you flip them up, you can be seen at night while walking or riding a bike. It's a fun detail but not really something I was looking for:

If I was a bike commuter I would be ALL over these but since I am mostly looking for comfy travel pants I've decided to stick with the Soho jogger. I almost kept both pairs but I didn't need both so back they went. And dang, I cannot recommend these Nikes enough. Cute and really comfortable. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Madewell Sale

Ad I mentioned yesterday, Madewell is giving an extra 40% off sale stuff with code SHORETHING. Go on, treat yo' self:

         

        

     

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): I Love A Good Sale.

Okay, first of all, I feel like it's my duty to let you know that Madewell is giving an extra 40% off sale stuff with code SHORETHING. The sale just started and stuff goes fast, so, uh, if you want some $54 Slim Boyjeans (high rise style here) I would go do that right now and then come back to read the rest of this entry. I'll wait.
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You back? Got your jeans? Maybe that cute embroidered top that I am TOTALLY pretending isn't on sale? Good, good. Now, my actual intention was to talk about Anthropologie house stuff because I recently bought a few housewarming gifts and was delighted to find that some really nice stuff is an extra 40% off right now. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I bought clothes at Anthro but when I want a nice little house gift, I can usually find something great.  Check it:

Uh, did you know that Liberty has a line at Anthro? THESE LIBERTY MUGS ARE SO CUTE AND ARE ON SALE. I also love this Liberty table runner which I first thought was a scarf because they put it with accessories. Really, I don't see why it couldn't also be a scarf:

I am kind of mad that I didn't buy that table runner because new house! I could use it. (If I do buy it I promise I won't wear it as a scarf. Probably.) I also was quite taken with these little critter mugs:

Put a zebra on it and I will probably want it. Then spent quite a lot of time trying to talk myself out of needing a creamer with some kind of slinky dog creature on it: 

But! We are talking about housewarming gifts, right? Right. You can't go wrong with a fun dishtowel:

Or a set of pretty cloth napkins which is the kind of thing that is nice to have but you don't think to buy for yourself:

I also love stuff like these cheerful melamine plates which are great for parties and such:

It is so nice to have a few really pretty bowls for dips or nuts or just for eating your cereal in style: 

This bowl is $1.77 and I am not even kidding. I also think a little vase would be a fun gift:

And finally, because I'm not a monster I checked out the beauty stuff on sale and look what I found:

Hooray! This Supergoop set is under $10 and a low-commitment way to try out Marianne's favorite sunscreen brand.  It might be in my cart, is all I'm saying. 

Outfit of the Day: Running Out of Options

Please continue to bear with me as I continue to take not-great photos. It always takes a while to get a new set-up just right! Note to self: Move over six inches, dummy.

I've reached that part of the summer where I am tired of my clothes and feel like I've shown you everything I have that's even remotely cute. I started digging in my closet and found these LOFT pants that I bought last summer (worn here) and then totally forgot about. They're super easy and comfortable but require tucking in which is not really in my comfort zone. However, I get tired of always wearing the same silhouette so I put them on:

And hey! Pretty cute. Obviously they aren't available anymore but these Lou & Grey pants are really similar (and really on sale!) This pair of slim drawstring pants is also quite similar and come in three colors. Yay, Loft. If you don't yet have a pair of loose pants, just give it a try! I promise it's good times (though you probably will have to tuck your shirt in.) Oh! And I just found this pair of Lou & Grey pants which is the exact color of mine. I swear that olive green is basically a neutral. 

I'm wearing my pants with another one of my favorite LOFT purchases, my Striped Cutout Twist Tee. It's marked way, way down but is final sale now, sorry. I wear mine a lot and I definitely think it's worth a $17.44 risk! If not, this Striped Tie-Back top is awfully cute too or maybe this Striped Side-Tie tee? 

I threw on my Universal Thread denim jacket because I basically wear it every day now. It's a sickness. And, um, they have a really cool black version now which I want but won't be buying because two is enough. Don't even talk to me about this one over at Madewell because I am not even thinking about it, no matter how amazing it is. Nope. Details: 

Pretty low key. This necklace is from Banana and it's old! It's hard to find anything really similar, but this spike pendant is pretty fun and this one by Gorjana is way prettier than mine. My earrings came from TJ Maxx earlier this spring and I can't find them online but holy shit buy these Argento Vivo instead! So pretty! There is a bunch of good Labradorite jewelry on TJM right now. (LE SIGH.)

 My bag is Marc Jacobs via eBay - it's the Paradise Rio and I got it for a steal. It's a big bag and the leather is really nice! This one on eBay looks promising but if eBay isn't your thing there's this MJ bag on Nordstrom Rack which is very similar. I'm just saying. And, of course I'm wearing Birkenstock Gizehs because it's summer and that's how it goes.

Once More, with Feeling: That Anniversary Sale I'm Ignoring.

Look, I am ABSOLUTELY not shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale but I'm also not made of stone so I keep peeking and seeing cute things that are not the usual suspects. And, of course I'm making up cute outfits in my head from what I find so here's one made up of stuff I like that I'm ABSOLUTELY not buying:

       

       

Travel Shopping Update: I Am Really Overthinking This.

I am definitely overthinking every aspect of packing for my upcoming trip and today I'm going to talk about shoes. Three pairs doesn't seem unreasonable for a week, right?

#1: Sneakers
I am so, so thankful for all your helpful travel comments because for every article I read that says fashionable sneakers are having a moment in Paris there's another one claiming sneakers will instantly brand you a tourist. (Now, I get that not all sneakers are created equal but still.) I went and tried on a bunch of different styles and decided on this pair:

Then almost immediately wished I'd gotten them in the all-black version instead. (I might still. Thoughts?) Anyway, they remind me of my beloved Nike Juvenate but are a bit more structured and comfortable.

 #2 Ballet Flats
Marianne just talked me down from buying overpriced flats by reminding me that I already freaking own flats. Now, there is no such thing as a truly comfortable all-day flat but I do want to have a cute shoe to wear for dinners out. Mostly I am planning on wearing jeans/pants and tops, but I would like to bring one nice outfit. So I am NOT buying new flats, no matter how wicked cute they are. I am not. Instead I am going to bring my Madewell blue suede skimmers or my Sam Edelman gold flats. 100% bad for walking all day, but easy to pack and perfect for an evening out.

#3 Chelsea Boots
I wanted a walkable non-sneaker option and y'all know I love my boots, so I'm bringing my Cole Haan Landsman boots as well. They'll be especially great if it rains and I always feel like myself in boots. I wish I could bring my favorite Madewell boots but they have too much heel for all-day walking.

Anyway! That is settled, more or less, and now I'm going to move on to overthinking outerwear. Madewell olive jacket with a hood? Probably. Lightweight camel classic trench coat? Maybe. Awesome leather motorcycle jacket? Probably not but it would be fun...

Weekend Window Shopping: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

So, listen. I know everyone freaks out about this sale and most fashion bloggers have been posting about it since last week. I am not that blogger. I mean, I get it. They do have a great price on Marianne's favorite Spanx faux leather leggings and YES this is a really good price on the sneakers I just bought for my trip (spoiler alert) except I bought mine in black so it's irrelevant. And fine, this handbag is really, really pretty and YES there is a whole lot of cute Madewell stuff in the sale.

I GET IT, NORDSTROM. But right now I have some saving-for-my-trip goals so I am just going to ignore allllll that stuff. (Not to say that you should! You do you.) What I'm not ignoring is some of the super-fun beauty specials that are part of the sale. SO GOOD, Y'ALL. Here's what I'd love:
         

     

Stuff I Like: Reading, Watching, Organizing

This Book That Is Charming AF.
One of my online friends (I can't remember who! If it was you, speak up) posted on FB about reading 84 Charing Cross Road which I'd remembered reading back in college and enjoying. I ordered a used copy from the UK because I am definitely that nerd and it came in a version that includes the follow-up story, The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street. This is the true correspondence between NY writer Helene Hanff and a London bookshop and her subsequent visit and both are FLAT OUT DELIGHTFUL. There's also a movie version with Ann Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins but I haven't seen it. I'm sure it's delightful if you are able to separate Anthony Hopkins from Silence of the Lambs. (I still have a hard time with this.) Anyway, get the book and make sure it includes both stories. (The version I linked does!)

GLOW Season Two
OMG PLEASE TELL ME YOU'RE WATCHING THIS. Some shows fizzle in the second season but GLOW just keeps getting better. The music! The montages! The outfits! It's all so good. I won't spoil it for you but if you haven't watched either season, GET ON IT. You will thank me. I never had any interest in pro wrestling but it's a pretty fascinating world. Also, Marc Maron is funny as hell.

This Makeup Organizer That is Actually Good.
After nearly 6 years of having a sizable apartment (mostly) all to myself I am struggling to become a more minimal, organized person in the new house. The bathrooms lack medicine cabinets so I trotted off to Target to see what I could find, which ended up being this Madesmart Tote. This thing is worth it's weight in Target gold. I bought two - one for my makeup and one for my skincare stuff. It's good quality, portable and the little organization squares are removable if you just want to throw everything in all willy nilly. Also, the bottom has rubber grippers so it doesn't slide all over the place. I mean, sure, it's no Caboodles but it's very good and fits neatly on a shelf.  I also bought this woven bin to put in the cabinet under the sink where it holds my hair wrap and brushes and whatnot. Any good suggestions for further organization? I'm open.

We Discuss: Beauty We Do Not Need.

M: So I needed to replace my ka-BROW and I had no idea they made a mini version for $12! That is brilliant. I have never gotten through half of the container before it dries out or I lose the brush or in this case, both.

A: I know! I was mad at myself for buying it full size

A: There’s nothing better, though

M: And I got some of that caramel lip balm to give as part of a birthday gift to a friend

M: It’s the best

A: It’s so good. I need to buy a full size version - my mini is done

M: I’m also trying Sephora’s knockoff of Clinique take the day off

A: whaaaaat

M: mmhmmm

A: I didn’t know they had one!

A: I’m still buying the Pixi Double Cleanse

M: It's this:



A: Interesting! Let me know what you think.

M: Yeah the reviews are mostly positive

A: I haven’t bought any new makeup lately but I still love my RMS palette

A: It’s definitely going on my trip

M: It’s summer so I am just not wearing as much makeup

A: I have definitely pared it down for summer

M: And I did a huge purge last night and I’m going to use what I have

A: Oh, good for you

M: So I just replaced cleanser and ka-BROW and that’s it

A: I still want the RMS Un Cover-Up stuff but I have managed to not buy it

M: I liked it when I used it but I see pictures of myself during that time my skin looked greasy so idk

A: That makes me want it less but I still want it

M: It’s a very dewy look

A: I do like my current foundation - it doesn’t budge and I don’t have to use much

M: I have been experimenting with the THREE cc creams I have right now to figure out which is really my favorite and I honestly don’t know any more

A: So, It Cosmetics, Supergoop and…?

M: Clinique cc cream

A: Right on. I mean, they all get great reviews, I don’t think you can lose

M: Yeah I am mostly just making myself use all of them up before replacing

M: I am just torturing myself

A: I have SO MUCH makeup I never wear anymore. It’s embarrassing.

M: I threw so much away

A: I love that I just sent you more crap. Heh

M: Oh but I use that!

M: Seriously

A: I try to only send you stuff I think you’d like!

M: I now have a nice little stash of good lipsticks and dry shampoo and texture stuff

M: I kept alllll of that

A: I am mostly ignoring the Nordstrom Anniversary sale but this stuff is supposed to be good:

A: And, um…

M: argh

A: I’m sorry

M: I have successfully avoided all sales

M: And will continue

A: I’m basically ignoring the Nordstrom sale because I need NOTHING

M: same

M: I already have that setting powder and it’s good

M: But I don’t need more

A: I need nothing!

A: NOTHING

A: Nothing. I’m just going to keep repeating it in my head.

Outfit of the Day: New Location, Same Old Excuses.

Hi all! Thanks SO MUCH for the amazing comments, advice and recommendations on my travel post yesterday. I will definitely be doing an update closer to the trip and maybe also a packing post. Eep! Now, I have to apologize in advance because my outfit photos are a bit rough today. I didn't intend on taking any originally, I was just messing around and trying to figure out my setup in the new house and then figured I'd go ahead and do some test shots:

Hey, it's the LOFT star print top! I really love this top, you guys. It's 50% off right now and I think that's a really fair price for a cute, washable top you can dress up or down. I especially like that it has a little bit of sleeve to hide my bra straps. LOFT is so good at making fun, easy blouses. This dotted print top is very similar with cute details and I also love the neckline on this little floral top. Also! This striped top is super-cute and looks like it's from Anthro. Someone get that! 

Here it is tucked into my grey jeans from LOFT which have become the white jeans I never got around to buying. I wear them A LOT and they are ridiculously comfortable. They do stretch out a bit, I won't lie, but I still love them. They are also on sale right now too! I am obsessed with grey jeans right now.  This AG pair looks really good and I keep looking at this Frame pair even though I know better. 

I am basically 100% denim jacket all the time this summer. I'm wearing my white Universal Thread jacket which has been such a good purchase. It isn't quite as soft as the regular denim version but still not bad for $30. I mean, yeah, the Madewell denim jacket is amazing and I want it, but I've been pretty satisfied with my Target jackets. Details:

Tiny stars! Tiny ruffles! I love this top. Anyway, I am wearing my Soko Paddle Pendant which is also available (on sale!) in a petite version. Highly recommend! It's such a satisfying piece of jewelry.

Same old damn MBMJ bag (this one is similar.) I am pretty basic with the bags these days. However, I am putting away my Birkenstocks for a day and wearing my Lotta from Stockholm clog sandals because red shoes are fun! They are. Get some red shoes (maybe these) if you don't have any and get back to me.

Travel Related Things I Feel Compelled To Purchase.

YOU GUYS. Now that I have my move behind me (well, mostly. Does anyone want to buy a shitty stack washer/dryer or help me unpack 20 boxes full of books?) I can focus on the Big Exciting International Trip I have planned with my boyfriend in September. This is a first for both of us so we're basically losing our minds.

Instead of doing useful things like figuring out exchange rates and learning how to say, "A bottle of wine and all of your cheese, please" in French I'm obsessing about what to bring. I really want to be one of those people who packs light but I don't travel a lot so I am REALLY BAD at packing light. Really, really bad. I always get mad at all the stuff I pack but never wear or use. I mean, how could I have known I wouldn't need eight pairs of shoes in NYC? They're all different!

Heh. So here's what I definitely need: a pair of magical pants that are comfortable like sweatpants for the flight, but also fashionable, wrinkle-free and pack really small. I think I've found them:

These are the Athleta Soho Jogger which I just bought on sale in the olive green color. I'd intended on buying them in black but the green was on sale and this picture made them look good:

They haven't arrived yet so we'll see about the color. I did try them on in the store along with this pair which was a strong runner-up:

In the end, I thought the Soho Jogger fit me better but I'd tried on nearly ever pair in the store by then and was basically snow blind. As previously reported, I also bought the Modern Sweatshirt which is even more on sale than when I bought it (dammit) and which will be a nice airplane layer.

Now, my other concern is sneakers. I want comfortable sneakers for walking around PARIS AND LONDON (OMG OMG) but I also don't want to look like an asshole. I do love my Nike Junvenate sneakers which are showing their age:

I am maybe just going to buy another pair but then I wondered if there wasn't something better and more interesting. I originally found my Nikes via Need Supply Co which has sneakers so cool they haven't been invented yet. Like these:

Or, I could get something like these Pumas which I've tried on, like, three different times but never purchased because I hate buying sneakers:

I could also get the newer Nike version of my Juvenate sneaker which is the Roshe One:

The benefit of the Nikes is that they weigh nothing and pack completely flat. However, in the rain they kind of suck. I figured I'd bring: One pair of sneakers, one pair of chelsea boots, and my silver Birkenstocks. That should cover a week, right? 

Now, luggage. Duh, of COUSE I want a new suitcase but that will depend on if I check my luggage or attempt to downsize my shit enough to carry on. I suspect carry-on is probably the thing to do, so my existing small suitcase is probably fine. I got it at TJ Maxx and it's this one but in white. TJ Maxx also has a similar case by BRICS which I've heard good things about:

My little suitcase is fine but I can't help wondering if there's a better option out there. Suggestions? (I'm not sure I'm ready to invest in an Away case or anything crazy expensive.) PS. free shipping today at TJ Maxx and how cute is this Aimee Kestenberg suitcase which I am definitely not buying? 

Okay, that was boring. NOW, one thing I do really need is a tote bag that's lightweight and zips at the top. I could go with my old standard LeSportSac but the totes are not inexpensive. Maybe something fun like this instead:

I looooove the color and the striped handles. It comes with a shoulder strap and it's on sale! It might have to be mine. Unless you tell me not to. Seriously, if you're an experienced traveler, lay it on me. Like, packing cubes: Yay or Nay? (Marianne says NAY.)