Weekend Window Shopping: Why Are Shorts So Hard?

Shorts are polarizing. You either love them or hate them, right? I mean, maybe you live somewhere where it doesn't get crazy hot in the summer or maybe you just wear dresses instead. That's totally fine and this isn't for you. But for those of us who're just about to step into swelter weather, they're a staple. Mysteriously (shush) a lot of my shorts from the past few summers no longer fit me so I've been scrambling to find replacements. It's hard! I have so many requirements. But, I did find a few pairs that I really like:

Outfit of the Day (and a review): Stripes Are The Best.

It's been a while since I bought a new striped shirt and I don't think I currently have one that's short-sleeved, so I was really excited to get my new Alex Mill Standard Boatneck:

First, I just want to say that having a cheerful new "nice" summer tee is such a moral booster. I've worn it to the only three places I go - the grocery store, to pick up take-out, and on a walk, but it just makes me feel cute and pulled-together, which is not really how I've been feeling in general lately. I'm really glad I bought it and I hope you guys took advantage of the sale as well. 

It's nicely oversized and a little boxy (but not too boxy) and it tucks beautifully. I love that it's thin without being see-through and has a bit of slub texture. It's a good tee, y'all. It also comes in solid colors, which are on sale! I'm definitely interested in some of the other Alex Mill tees many of which are also on sale. Yay for sales. My jeans are an older pair of Madewell skinnies, very similar to this pair. And ooh, this pair is also really cute. On to details: 

I dusted off my favorite Labradorite tassel necklace because I hadn't worn it in a while. The updated version is on sale! Still not exactly cheap, but I'm so glad I bought mine. It's really lovely, satisfying piece of jewelry.

I'm still carrying my Lo & Sons Pearl crossbody with the Madewell strap attached. It's honestly the only bag I've been using for the past few months. 

And finally, yeah. Those white Birkenstock Arizonas are my every damn day sandals lately, though sometimes I wear my silver pair for a little variety. I am so predictable.

BUY THIS: Quick Memorial Day Sale FYI...

I don't generally post on holidays but just wanted to give the head's up that Athleta is giving an extra 20% off sale items today only! No code needed. And they've added new stuff:

Oof, I know. So cute. And do I need the snakeprint bra? I might.

Weekend Window Shopping: Outdoor Voices Is Tempting Me.

Aw crap. By now you all should know I have a bit of an athletic wear...problem. I obviously love Athleta but I've recently been taking an online look at Outdoor Voices, which appeals to me by NOT  being so sporty, if that makes sense. Similar to Athleta, Outdoor Voices seems like clothing you can wear not just for exercise, but also to living your life. I like that it's minimal but the design is still definitely there. I haven't (yet) ordered anything but it's just a matter of time. If you're a first timer too, you can get 20% off your first order by using my link (full disclosure - I also get a credit.) Here's what I'd buy in a hot minute:

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): More Athleta On Sale.

Athleta has some new mark-downs, which is always exciting (if you're me) but first I wanted to report back on my Open Road Shell:

Since it's done nothing but rain all week I've had ample opportunity to test out my new rain jacket and I'm happy to report that it's the best. Cute, actually resists water, lots of pockets, quite comfortable. It's a winner. They still have it in a few sizes so grab one if you're tempted! Definitely worth the money. There's also the Forecast Rain Shell that looks like a longer version. Now, on to the sale:

Jumpsuits are everywhere right now! This looks like an easy entry into jumpsuit land.

This comes in a bunch of good colors and looks like a perfect WFH layer, right? 

I always forget about accessories! How fun is this cognac camo backpack? 

Even I am shocked I don't already own this snake print sports bra. It should be mine. 

I desperately need shorts and this pair looks breezy and has a 4" inseam. And pockets! 

A good, simple workout tank that comes in a bunch of colors. 

Only a few sizes left but listen. Get one if you can. Best hoodie ever. 

I love both of the leopard prints this suit comes in and it looks like a non-dowdy fit, right? 

Outfit of the Day: Summer For A Minute.

Last weekend was glorious - the sun came out and it was hot. HOT-hot, not just spring-hot and I was all, IT IS HERE and put on sandals and shorts and was good to go. GOOD TO GO. Hahaa. Just kidding. Now it's in the 50s and raining. Cool cool cool. But, I did take an outfit photo: 

Sigh. So, this is that Wilt tee that I paid too much for but really love. I posted about it last month and hope a few of you bought it before it sold out! There are a few floating around the internet - here's one in the black colorway and you can get the same cut in solid colors as well. There's also this similar dip-dyed Wilt tee but it's still full price. 

Now, for these shorts. They're Madewell high rise shorts that I bought in March when they had them half off or something. They are...fine. Sincerely, they fit, I like the longer inseam and they aren't offensive but you know what? I am just going to say that maybe high rise shorts aren't my thing. Here, I fake-tucked so you can get a better look:

Hm, yeah. That high rise isn't what I want from denim cut-offs. With that in mind, I crawled back to my old denim shorts standby and ordered this pair. Yep, I broke my fast fashion rule for a pair of cheap denim shorts, but Old Navy does it best and I have learned my lesson. I might also have to order this button-fly pair but we'll see what happens. Also, just for fun I checked out Target's offerings and found this pair, which is mid-rise, comes in two washes and is on sale! I am just not feeling like paying a lot for play clothes right now and I'm betting you feel the same. Now, details:

The last time I posted this top I had a couple of people request a view of the drop hem from the back, so here you go. Be careful what you wish for. Now, jewelry: 

I'm wearing a labradorite pendant from Target from a few years ago. Currently they have this one that I think is really cool and this one has a similar shape. My little silver wings necklace is by My Precious Studio. (She's not currently shipping, but check back! Tere's jewelry is great.) 

That's it for today. I hope it's sunny and warm where you are. 

Monday Mood: My WFH Uniform.

As I'm settling in to week 10 of working from home, my outfits have also settled into a sad kind of uniform. I still try to add in a bit of flair every day - earrings, perfume, mascara, something to make me feel like a real human person. But, my day-to-day outfit is pretty much always this:

Man, do I love a t-shirt. Most of my Everlane tees have become sleep/lounge wear at this point but my Madewell Whisper tees (or get 3 for $45 here) are generally what I'm wearing every day. They are comfy and come in a million colors and the v-neck is just right. I also love the split hem- they just fall better.

I still occasionally shoehorn my ass into a pair of jeans but mostly I'm wearing Athleta pants - my new pair of Brooklyn ankle pants or my Chelsea cargo. They're super lightweight, have pockets and they don't cut me in half while I'm sitting at my dining room table desk. My favs are not currently marked down but the similar Uptown Ankle Pant (which I haven't personally tried) is on sale!
Also, with summer weather coming soon, I'm considering Athleta shorts - I have my eye on Camo Farallon Short, specifically.

My shoes around the house are pretty much always Birkenstocks, though as the weather has warmed up, I've switched from my shearling clogs to my Arizonas. I sincerely can't recommend them enough. Classic, vaguely hideous, the absolute best.

Will I ever go back to wearing a real bra again? I mean, probably. But lately it's been all True & Co. no-wire stretchy action around here. The ugliest one is the absolute best but I also love this one with skinny adjustable straps. They're both on sale right now too!

Of course there's a hoodie involved, usually the older model of this one from Athleta. Its just the right amount of comfy and cute and pockets! Always pockets, because you just never know.

Weekend Window Shopping: Cheap 'n Cheerful Old Navy.

Right about now is when you realize you need some summer clothes but there's no point in spending real money on it, right?

I've always loved Old Navy for things like cut-off shorts and cute cotton tops and right now (I mean, kind of always?) they have some deep discounts. Today only, get 25% off your order, (no code needed) plus an extra 15% off if you have an Old Navy (or BR, Gap, etc) card with code EXTRA. Here's what I like: 

Stuff I Like: Summer Foot.

Hey y'all, Marianne here. Like most of us, I'm stuck at home, can't get a pedicure, and my feet were looking one step away from hooves. This is what found me browsing Amazon late at night, meticulously reading reviews (and borderline gagging at pics) for foot peels. Everyone knows Baby Foot at this point, right? I started there, but at the time shipping times were seriously delayed and I needed to shove my foot in a bag of goo ASAP. Enter Summer Foot.

It had good reviews and could be here in 3 days, so I one clicked that with a quickness. The box arrived and it was your typical bag full of goo that you tape around your feet. I took the advice of the reviews and soaked my feet in hot water before and they slid them in. Cold! Gooey! I was surprised that it said to leave them in for 1-2 hours, and cursed myself for starting so late. I made it 1.5 hours.

A lot of the reviews said to continue to soak your feet every other day and YOU GUYS. I am giving a HUGE TRIGGER WARNING for this next image. If you are grossed out by peeling skin, AVERT YOUR EYES. Also apologies for the quality, it's a screenshot from Marco Polo because this is how we are making our own fun.


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I know! That is the entire bottom of one of my feet! So gross and SO satisfying!

I was going to show you an "after" photo of my feet here, but last time I did that I feel like I ended up on a foot fetish website somewhere. You'll have to trust me that they are smooth, soft, and pink and look better than they EVER do after a manicure. I am ordering another peel just to keep on hand because this stuff is the business.

The End.

BUY THIS (Because I Just Might): Alex Mill.

I'm always looking for a clothing brand that feels like "me" because, while I like to mix it up, I'm also very much a creature of habit and I really wear the things that work for me. Over and over again. It's fair to say I have a uniform and if an item of clothing is too fussy, requires too much work, or is uncomfortable, it probably won't last long. I like simple clothing with interesting details so I'm always looking for a brand that does that.

Recently, a friend introduced me to Alex Mill and the more I look, the more it feels like a brand after my own heart. Alex Mill is a collaboration between Alex Drexler (Mickey Drexler's son) and Somsack, who designed for J.Crew and Madewell. I mean, how could I not love it? Anyway, they are having a big sale and I am losing my mind:

This popover is such a dreamy summer top and I particularly love the gray lilac color:

It reminds me of my blue J.Crew popover but the color is much more fashion-forward. There are a ton of t-shirts on sale and they looks amazing - lots of soft, drape-y slub cotton styles, which is my favorite. However, I am VERY into this striped slub boatneck tee:

Oops, I just bought it. It is going to look great with high waisted cut-off denim shorts and my white Birkenstocks, right? Maybe my fishhook necklace? Summer outfit: sorted. Speaking of summer wardrobe goals, these are exactly the kind of pants I could live in all spring and summer:

I also love this wide-leg style that comes in a couple of really pretty summer colors and also this cobalt denim which is, of course, what I'd get:

I am always looking for an elevated sweatshirt and this one looks like a perfect thing. That drop hem,  Are you kidding me! And comes in four colors, including a stripe but to me, the gray is perfection:

Now, we will eventually get to go out into the world again and basically all you need is this perfect wrap dress:

Sizing is really limited but I couldn't not include it. Wait! You also need this Tie Cuff Balmacaan Jacket:

Because those tie cuffs make it look high-end and you deserve some high-end details in your life. I also love the giant pockets because POCKETS!

Phew, I need a nap. Anyway, if you're tempted you can get 15% off your first order by joining their email list. The discount works on sale items and shipping is free!

Monday Mood: Subscription Box Joy.

Yes One thing I know is true: A good mail day never fails to cheer me up and I LOVE a subscription box for delivering maximum cheer and surprise. I've subscribed to a bunch of different boxes over the years and currently only get one but I'm always on the lookout for the next great thing.

ALSO, before I forget, I did order and receive the Herbivore Jewel Box (not a subscription box FYI) and it's SO good. I haven't had time to really try everything out but for the price, it's a good value and it's REALLY REALLY CUTE. I am just saying, if you're curious about Herbivore, this is a good place to start. I ordered directly from the site for the 20% off but it looks like they're sold out. However, Anthro still has it!

Now, back to subscription boxes. For beauty boxes I've tried Birchbox, Sephora Play (which has been discontinued) and the Allure Beauty Box. Of the three? Allure is the hands-down winner. It's so good  - for $15 per month you get decent brands and there's always at least one (sometimes two) full sized items in the box. Lately it seems to be more skincare than makeup, which is annoying, but I almost always feel like I get my money's worth. I haven't tried Ipsy or Boxycharm (both of which seem more makeup heavy) because I don't feel like I'm in their demographic but they seem like popular choices. Another one I haven't tried but that I'm curious about is Dermstore's BeautyFIX box. It's more expensive at $24.95 but seems to include a really nice selection of products, including some full-sized items.

For "nice stuff" boxes, I used to love the Rachel Zoe Box of Style - the first few seasons were so good
but then the quality seemed to go downhill. It's a luxury box so I expected a higher quality of items, you know? The current box actually looks promising, though I wish that canvas tote had leather trim. Still, it's got nice beauty products, cute earrings and a beautiful sarong. I always keep an eye on this box in case it's one I can't live without. (PS. code SUMMER25 will get you $25 off!)

Finally, my favorite "nice stuff" box is FabFitFun. I don't have a yearly subscription but I've bought maybe 4-5 boxes in the past few years. It's just always such a cool selection of products - beauty, fitness, household, jewelry, etc. It's also a good one to buy if you're the kind of together person who has a gift closet. (I am not that person.) The summer box looks like fun and I love that you can customize some of what you get. Also, there are always coupons floating around, so don't pay full price!

Weekend Window Shopping: Nordstrom Rack Finds.

It's so weird right now - I don't need anything but that doesn't stop me from wanting new things for summer, which is right around the corner. Or, maybe I'm just addicted to the rush of a good mail day? Anyway, I looked around at Nordstrom Rack and here's what looks good to me:

Outfit of the Day: Athleta Open Road Shell Review (and an Outfit.)

As was mentioned on Monday, I rage-purchased a rain jacket from Athleta last week because I wanted to go for a walk and it started to rain right as I was about to leave the house. It arrived and I am relieved to tell you that it was totally worth it. This is my review, but first, my outfit:

So nautical! I always forget about my striped J. Crew whale shirt and then find it in my closet and I'm happy all over again. It was made in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society and I'm so glad I bought it! Unfortunately it's sold out but there are tons available on Poshmark and the like. For a similar striped shirt, this one from J. Crew is the closest. 

My jeans are H&M - a gift from Marianne last year. They are super fun and have odd seams and shading? I cant really describe them properly but I dig them. This pair is probably the closest fit, but this pair at Anthro  really has the patchwork flair. My clog sandals are Lotta From Stockholm and this is the first time I've dusted them off this year. So cheerful! Now, the details: 

I'm wearing my Amano Studio earrings and an ancient J.Crew locket pendant. This one currently at J.Crew is pretty cool, if somewhat more...aggressive. Now, to the review! 

This is the Open Road Shell from Athleta and I'm wearing a medium and it fits slighty big but I wanted to be able to wear a sweater underneath. I really thought this was going to be a flimsy shell jacket so I was happy to discover when it arrived that this is a real GD rain jacket - it feels well-made and expensive. (As so it should - the retail was nearly $200.) 

This jacket has a lot of great details - four zip pockets, cinches to customize the fit, reflective details, and an inside strap so you can wear it crossbody instead of carrying it (which I find kind of weird.) It has a good, deep hood that's adjustable and can be removed:

 

It's also got a BRIGHT lime green lining which I assume is for visibility even though you really can't see it when worn. Maybe it's just for fun? 

See the weird strap? Do people really wear their jackets that way instead of carrying them? I might eventually remove it but for now, it stays. Here's a view from the side and, of course, from the back: 

I love the flared out layers from the side! So cute. I have the sleeves cuffed here because they're a bit long, but I prefer that when it's actually raining because I don't like getting my paws wet. Here it is from the back (and we're not going to talk about my shaggy hair): 

Hooray! This was a solid rage-purchase and I'm happy I bought it. Unfortunately it's only available right now in a few sizes but keep an eye on it for pop-backs. Athleta also has a bunch of new markdowns on some great stuff, like the excellent Hybrid Moto tights and what looks like a longer version of my new jacket, the Solar Wind & Rain Jacket. Go get em! 

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Anthro Sale Room

Ah, Anthropologie. I miss poking through your sale room, looking for that one perfect (and deeply discounted) treasure. Today I got an email from Anthro letting me know about new arrivals but, as usual, I was quietly horrified by the prices so I almost immediately started looking through the sale stuff instead. Right now you can get an extra 25% off sale items (discount in cart) which sweetens the deal. There's so much good stuff: 

This sueded jacket has adjustable waist ties for customizing the fit. Also, it looks really soft. 

Can we just have bootcut jeans be THE thing again? So flattering. 

This Dolan top has a lot going on but it's so pretty and the cut seems...forgiving, which I appreciate.

The best thing you can do for yourself is a really fucking excellent pair of earrings.

Or, just buy some cozy joggers. Limited sizing in these but don't they look good? 

Ugh. SO PRETTY. This is not really my style but I adore the retro-Liberty feel of it. 

Okay, these aren't on sale but I LOVE a funky charm necklace so I had to include them.

This shirt jacket has a party in the back! It's a great casual layer with really interesting details. 

OH MY GOD. THIS SNAKESKIN TRENCH. UGH UGH UGH. HELP.

ALSO THESE. Seriously, do I need metallic tiger sneakers? Yes, maybe I do. Hush.