Weekend Window Shopping: Aerie OFFLINE.

I haven't checked out Aerie in a while but they have a really cute new activewear line called OFFLINE and right now all the leggings and bras are 30% off. I took a look and was pleasantly surprised - it's all really damn cute and the price points are excellent. I also checked out the regular Aerie stuff so there's a few non-athletic bits mixed in. Here's what I liked:

Outfit of the Day: So Fresh, So Clean.

Hello! I haven't been able to take outfit photos for the last week because I broke my tripod. (Like, broken so thoroughly that even I was impressed. It was busted.) I finally got it's replacement in the mail so I decided to build an outfit around my fresh new Madewell sneakers: 

Look at me, wearing a dress! This is a Madewell t-shirt dress from last year and I'm happy to tell you that it's available on NR for less than $25. It's a good one! Just pretty basic and comfy and I'd say TTS. It also comes in black for a few more bucks but why not stripes? I also like this slightly odd oversized t-shirt dress. For something similar, this striped dress is really cute and it has pockets! 

I decided to pretend I was going somewhere and added some color with my red Longchamp Le Pliage Cuir bag. It's lightweight but holds a ton. It's on sale in the all-red nylon version which is pretty appealing and I also love this version with the wide strap. 

 If I were going somewhere (I'm not) I'd bring along my J Crew chambray shirt as a cardigan layer. It really brings home the basic level of this outfit. Heh. But seriously, I do love a chambray shirt in the summer to throw over just about anything. The J Crew version is great but Old Navy also does a good job and it's even available in plus sizes. On to details:

My earrings are by Amano Studio - a purchase I made last year at a boutique in Sacramento. Really beautiful and inexpensive! I'm also wearing my old Giles & Brother fishhook pendant which is long sold out but this horn pendant has a similar vibe and I love this layered pendant as well. 

One last look at my clean new Madewell Sidewalk sneakers! They're so fun with the metallic and snakeskin detailing. I gave you some other options earlier this week but a reader commented that BR has a good version and aren't they cute? I especially love the pair with the red heart, which are nearly sold out! So many cute sneakers, so few places to wear them. Sigh. 

We Discuss: Watermelon Sugar and Shoes of Our Youth.

M: I have a problem to discuss

M: It’s terribly Basic

A: Shoot

M: Well, it’s about Harry Styles

A: oh no

M: Listen

M: It was bound to happen

A: You know who loves Harry Styles?

M: Me?

A: My older sister

M: Haaaa

M: He is genetically engineered to make middle aged ladies feel something

A: Agree, he’s cute as hell

M: I mean I watched that Watermelon Sugar video and literally laughed out loud but

M: I guess it worked

A: I have no knowledge of this video

M: He is just extremely my type 20 years ago

M: Oh girl

M: I’ll wait

M: I insist

M: Go

M: Watch



A: Fine, okay

M: It’s really something

A: Harry Styles is 26 years old which I would like to unknow

M: I mean at least he’s not 19

M: I’m reading a book that is thinly veiled smutty One Direction fanfic so that’s the real problem

A: Hahahaha

M: Anyway it’s called The Idea of You so tell your sister it’s right up her alley

A: So far I’m unmoved by this video

M: Haha it’s just so RIDICULOUS

M: It’s just here you go horn dog old ladies

A: Hahahaa

M: Like, just hang out on the beach, Harry

A: He’s REAL CUTE tho

M: He really is

A: But he knows it

M: Just eat some watermelon

M: Oh for sure

M: But it works

A: I mean, he’s genetically so cute it’s annoying

M: With his pearls and chipped painted nails and FUCKING Peter Pan collars good Christ

A: I would be insane for him if I was 15

A: He gives me Young Johnny Depp feels

M: I can see that

M: He gives me Mick Jagger vibes

M: But like nicer and more charming

A: Definitely less gross

+++

A: What was the white Nike sneaker you we’re talking about?

M: Air Force 1s

M: Why do I like them? I do not know

A: They’re retro! I like them

M: They are unisex and would def be too wide on me

M: I like the idea of them I think

M: Lately I have also been thinking about Tretorns

M: And Tevas

M: So it’s full on high school again

A: Ha! Yep

A: I def had a pair of Tretorns in middle school

M: I saw these in the yellow and was like OH:

M: But I am pretty sure my feet are too narrow to be able to do a toe strap that you can’t adjust

A: I am Not On Board with those Tevas

M: haha

A: I was wearing Doc Martens in high school, you hippie.

+++

A: 

A: 😭

M: Saaaaaad

A: I miss summer with you

M: Me too

M: I miss everything

A: Yeah

Real Quick: Rando Target Picks.

I have been keeping my Target trips to a minimum but it's still a joy to discover new things and they make it easy by throwing crap in the middle of the main aisle so I don't even have to go looking, I just run right into stuff and it falls into my cart. Here are some rando things I bought this week:

These face masks are great! Super light weight, nose wire, filter pocket, $4 for two! I got the pale plaid set but they have some cute florals too. I just got them so I'm not sure how they hold up, but for the price I was really pleased.

I have been obsessively trying all the different flavored sparkly waters this summer (mostly Bubly FTW) but my current favorite is this weird lemon tea version from Spindrift. It's not sweetened at all and tastes just like the ghost of an Arnold Palmer. So refreshing!

Y'all, I got heavy into the Archer Farms snax back in the early pandemic days which was not great for fitting into my pants but whatever, it's quarantimes. Anyway, I've scaled back to just this one, which I only eat when driving home from a really long mountain bike ride. (Or sometimes after a particularly harrowing Zoom meeting. Who's even looking, right?)

Okay, listen. I did not buy this Chateau hand soap but it's going to happen soon because are you kidding me with that tassel and the glass bottle? I NEED THAT BOUGIE SOAP IN MY LIFE. It's just slightly more expensive than I usually allow for an impulse purchase so when my current hand soap runs out, I will snap it up.

Monday Mood: Fresh White Sneakers.

Lately I've been obsessing about one of my closet holes - the fresh white sneaker. There's just something so fashion-y and cool-French-girl about this trend and even though I'm not a big wearer of sneakers, I do love it when something casual and relatively inexpensive is suddenly cool. Well, inexpensive as long as the fresh white sneaker of your dreams isn't Golden Goose. But there's no need for that. There are some really great and affordable options. I posted recently about this pair  of Sidewalk Sneakers from Madewell that I bought when they were 50% off:

Madewell said they run big but most of the reviews say they run TTS so I got my usual size. They showed up and man, they are CUTE. I love the metallic accent on the back and the snakeskin detailing:

But, they felt a tiny bit big. But not...too big? (I feel like a half size down might be too small.) It tried them on briefly, wasn't sure and then later I tried them on again with my favorite Bombas no-show socks* and wore them around the house a for a while. I really think it helps to walk around in shoes before deciding on fit because feet sometimes need time to think it over, you know? (At this point Marianne would accuse me of talking myself into them.)

The more I wore them, the more I liked them! They are a lot of shoe, like fashion sneakers are, and visually takes some getting used to but I think they might be keepers. Madewell is low on sizes and snakeskin might not be for you, so here are some other options because we all need options, right?

Marianne wants this classic pair of Nikes even though she knows they'll be too wide. 

(She just hasn't talked herself into them properly.) 

This Topshop pair is super inexpensive and I love the gold grommets! 

Another classic. You can't go wrong with a badass pair of Stan Smiths.

You knew this was coming, right? One day I'm gonna do it. 

*Marianne thinks fashion sneakers only looks good worn without socks and I don't disagree but I also hate not wearing socks with sneakers so I get around it with these no-shows from Bombas that actually stay on my heels. Love them.

Weekend Window Shopping: Beauty at Nordstrom.

I definitely miss browsing the Nordstrom beauty section - so much action and so many products! Even though it's not quite the same, I also love shopping the website and they have some really great products right now - some are old favorites, some I'd love to try out. Here's what I'm tempted by:

Outfit of the Day: I Wish I Had Better News.

Honestly, I would love to give y'all an outfit that's innovative and fresh and doesn't involve t-shirts and shorts. I would love that! But today's post is...not that. I wish I had better news:

Hey, look! T-shirt and shorts. Now, the shorts are Athleta (via Poshmark) and they're last year's version of the Tribeca 9" Bermuda shorts. They aren't quite my usual thing but I really love them. They're super light weight, have lots of pockets and are definitely a step up from my usual distressed denim cut-offs. They have a 9" inseam but the leg is tapers which somehow saves them from looking too frumpy. My t-shirt is a Madewell whisper tee and I have it in several colors. It's currently my favorite everyday tee. 

My Tribeca shorts have a sleek tuxedo stripe down the side which basically makes them formal wear. Right? Totally. Details:  

I'm sorry, did you not want a closeup of my rumpled t-shirt? TOO BAD. I am wearing my tiny compass necklace (very similar to this one by Gorjana) and my favorite Dean Davidson labradorite tassel (which is sold out but oooh, these earrings.) Now, wanna see another good thing I bought recently? 

Oh yeah! Aladdin Sane Bowie tee. Now, I know I have a Bowie tee PROBLEM. But this one is totally different from the others and it is just so good, I couldn't help myself. It's a men's cut and I'm wearing a medium if you're tempted. (It looks really cute if you roll the sleeves which I forgot to do because who wants to look cute on a personal style blog? Apparently not me.) Anyway, let's get real. This is how I'm actually wearing this:

What, you thought you wouldn't be seeing my favorite pair of Joe's denim cutoffs this week? Ha! 

You would be wrong! I am a mess. These shorts are still my #1 favorite and will be until they die, which might be soon, judging from how often I'm wearing them. They're nearly gone but there's also this pair of Joe's that just showed up on NR and look quite similarly wrecked. Anyway, I'm also wearing my metallic Birkenstock Gizeh sandals so that's something fancy I guess. Until next week!

BUY THIS: Real Quick Like.

I am swamped today but I felt it was my duty to let you know that the sale at Madewell ends tomorrow! Code GIANT will get you 40% off sale items and 50% off select sale items. I basically just couldn't not get these:

They scratch the itch for white cool French girl sneakers with the added bonus of snakeskin. I will review when they arrive! 

Monday Mood: Product Updates!

You know how I'll post about some beauty product and then say, "I'll report back" and don't? It's not usually because I hated it, but mostly because I, um, forgot.  Today I'm going to try to update y'all on a few things I promised I'd report back on, and a few that I didn't, because why not.

GrandeLash (original post here) 
Marianne convinced me to get GrandeLash-MD eyelash serum despite my conviction that it would make me go blind. I've been using it for nearly a month now and I still have my sight! It's very exciting. It's also working - I am starting to notice that my stubby eyelashes are slightly less stubby. It's takes 4-6 weeks to see "visible improvement" so I might be jumping the gun, but I swear this stuff actually works. (Give me another month and I'll let you know for sure.)

Avene Skin Recovery Cream (original post here) 
I started using this moisturizer last winter when my skin was flaring up and it was the only thing that seemed to calm my face (or at least not make the reaction worse.) It's super gentle and very soothing. I'm on my second tube (I get the rich version but there's also a regular version) and will keep using it as long as my face keeps liking it.

Differin Gel (original post here)
I've been using Differin Gel nightly for about two months and I'm still getting really good results. I don't know that it's doing much for fine lines but my skin is still much clearer and I realized recently that I hadn't had any allergic flushing reactions since I started using it, which makes sense, since it helps calm inflammation. (Or maybe it's a coincidence? Who knows? I'm not a doctor.) Anyway, I'm going to keep on with it since it's working so well and not causing any irritation. Plus, so inexpensive!

It Cosmetics CC Cream (original post here) 
My original post about this CC cream was very positive - I loved the finish and a little product went a long way. Sadly, after using it daily for a little while I started getting crazy breakouts - tiny little pimples that usually indicate a bad product reaction. I looked at the ingredients list and...where to even start? It's so long that there's no way to know what might be causing the issue. Anyway, I returned it and now I'm back to looking for a new tinted moisturizer/sheer foundation type product.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (original post here) 
I initially had really good (and immediate) results with this serum and then my skin kinda went back to it's regularly scheduled program of bullshit. However, I think it's because I kept trying too many products instead of being cool and giving things time to work. I stopped using it (and almost everything else) when I started up with Differin, but now I've been adding it back into my routine. So far, so good! I really think this is one that nearly everyone can use with decent results.

Weekend Window Shopping: Athleta Is On Sale.

Y'all knew this was coming right? There are only a few more days left for the big Athleta sale, so I checked out at every single thing (EVERY. SINGLE. THING.) and found some cool items that I think are worth checking out:

Stuff I Like: More Fitness Stuff.

Back in the spring I wrote a post about fitness stuff I liked- apps, equipment, etc., and today I'm going to mention some clothes I like for workouts (or for life because, let's face it, the lines between fitness wear and real clothes has gotten quite blurry over here.) Here we go:

First up - this tank, y'all:

Lululemon has definitely gone disappointing in the past few years but I bought two of these Brunswick Muscle Tanks last year (worn here: one black, one striped) and they are still going strong. I wear them as everyday tanks but also they're great for workouts. I love the little gather detail at the shoulder and they are just really well-designed. Also, the logo is tonal so you can be stealthy with your LL.

Now, if you're an outdoor activity person, this jersey is a good investment:

It's the Yeti Hayden jersey and I love it. It comes in three colors and is perfect for those days when I don't want to wear a full bike kit. If I'm just going for a quick mountain bike ride and want to be comfortable I throw this on with baggy shorts. It does run a bit small, so I sized up and was happy with the fit. It's got one back pocket that exactly fits my phone and could be a really good shirt for hiking or running too - it's got some great features (hidden sunglasses wipe, actively cooling material) and doesn't look like a cycling shirt. Also, if you put it in your shopping cart Backcountry will give you an automatic 15% off.

And, hey, these are running shorts:

Do you know how hard it is to find running shorts with a longer inseam? (And to be clear, I am not a runner but I do like to have fitness shorts for walking, etc.) These Stoic shorts are great because they have a 5" inseam and a built-in liner. They also have one zip pocket up front but are otherwise pretty simple. I got my usual size and was happy but I'd say they run a tiny bit big. Did I mention they are on sale? Like, really on sale.

Finally, if you're still scrambling to find some weights:

These Ignite dumbbells at Target are surprisingly good quality. They're exactly like the ones my gym has and I have been haunting the depleted fitness aisle at my store, trying to find what I need. So far I've scored  a set of 8lb and 10lb but I want more! They sell out fast so keep your eyes on the website and in store.

Outfit of the Day: Black and White.

I've already tried to sell you on this damn Madewell tee a few times so I thought maybe I'd wear it in an outfit:

Don't you love that I waited until it was nearly sold out? (It's super on sale, though.) I just love the dropped sleeve and that its got a curved hem, which makes it perfect for half-tucking. Plus, it's soft and light and basically my favorite striped tee ever. (Well, except for my Alex Mill tee. I mean, really I love ALL my striped tees equally. Mama loves you all, striped babies.) Now, if your size is sold out, this version is also very cute and so is this one. For other options, I like this one from the Gap or this navy striped Madewell tee at Nordstrom! (Ugh, I love them all. Truly.) 

I'm wearing my old faithful Athleta Chelsea cargo pants which I originally bought for travel and then decided were good for everything. They're comfortable and light and I can't praise them enough. The newest version is the Chelsea Jogger, which are still on sale, and I'm really curious about them. Did anyone buy them? What do you think? And, while we're on the subject of Athleta pants, I am also a fan of the Brooklyn Ankle pants which are on sale in one of the odder colors. On to details:

I've been wearing this pendant (made by my friend Maryellen of Twiststyle) a lot lately. It's sparkly and interesting and seems to work with nearly everything. Her stuff is so versatile and easy to wear. Now, a few other accessories:

I'm still carrying my Lo & Sons Pearl crossbody (still on sale!) almost exclusively and the Madewell strap makes this very classic bag really interesting. I really love the mix of patterns when I wear it with a striped tee. 

I'm also still very much into my Ray Bans from last year. They're the Meteor Wayfair style and I still wear them pretty much daily. (Um, when I go outside. I don't generally wear them in my house except for pics.) Finally, I'm, as per, wearing a pair of Birkenstock Arizona in silver.  Listen, if you're wanting to try a pair but worried that they're too hippie or clunky or whatever? Go for the metallic version. They are just very cool and interesting and you'll get compliments, I promise. The End.

Monday Mood: Deep Summer

This is my favorite time of year - the height of summer when I can confidently stroll outside any time of day wearing shorts and a t-shirt, when all the best produce is local and in-season and when everything is green and lush. It's humid here, which means my skin is happy and my hair has a little oomph. (I know some people think I'm crazy, it's okay.) With summer in mind, here are some summery things I've been into lately:

This Recipe That Solves Too Much Zucchini
The zucchini is coming in fast and furious right now and this recipe is one I have been making for years. It's out of a very, very old copy of Rachel Ray's magazine and is so delicious. I believe it was part of a feature that included this chicken curry recipe, which I think I've also made, but the zucchini and squash side dish? It is just delicious and easy and if you throw in some chickpeas and serve it over rice it's a nice vegetarian main course. 

This Podcast That Makes Me Want to Surf
I have always wanted to learn how to surf, despite never having skied or skateboarded or anything like that. I'm not even a strong swimmer but damn, surfing looks like a transcendent experience. So, I was really excited by the latest episode of Everything Is Fine which features Diane Cardwell. She talks about her new book, Rockaway: Surfing Headlong into a New Life, a memoir about how she took up surfing in her 40s. I just love the idea of taking up a challenging new sport in middle age and really just going all in on it. This is the kind of story I want to read! The interview is great and so far her book is too.

This Body Oil That Smells Like Summer
Years ago I was given a small bottle of this shimmery body oil as a gift and I just loved it. So French! Such a gorgeous summer scent! It's a dry oil that's a nice way to get a little glow on your arms and legs without having to deal with tanning products. I bought a bottle of the non-shimmer version when I was in Paris and I love it even more than the shimmer one. However, it's hard to find here and I know the smell isn't for everyone so I will also suggest an old favorite - Neutrogena body oil. The scent is straight nostalgic and it's a long-time best seller for a reason! Plus, it's really inexpensive.

This Sunscreen That I Just Mentioned
I posted recently about Elta MD Clear sunscreen and since it was on sale at the time, I went ahead and bought it. Y'all, it's good! It doesn't smell like sunscreen and it goes on like moisturizer. It's meant for skin prone to breakouts and contains niacinamide and lactic acid. It does make my face shiny, but I do a little sheer foundation on top (these makeup sponges are the best, thanks Marianne!) and I'm good to go. I do also want to try the tinted version because of Marlo's comment on that post. I mean, how can I not want to try your holy grail product?

Weekend Window Shopping: Giving In To Target.

I got out of the habit of browsing and buying clothes at Target but I recently started taking a peek to see what was new and was pleasantly surprised. They always do a nice job with summer style, so I'm not sure why I was surprised! Anyway, here's what I liked:

Outfit of the Day: Business on Top!

I wish this was more exciting but I know y'all get it - when you're at home every day it's really easy to just keep wearing the same things over and over again. But, every now and then I try to make my video-meeting half look nice and while digging around in my closet I found this Athleta top that I'd bought back in April:

So cute! Unfortunately this print is sold out but it's still available in solid colors. It's part of the Zephyr line, which I really love. I also own the Zephyr tee and there's a new version of the tank that's not as cropped. I tried that on in-store in the before times and it runs big, btw. I'm going to take a moment to let you know that Athleta is having a good sale right now and several of my favorites are included: The Chelsea cargo pants (worn here) and the Pure Luxe leopard print sweatshirt (worn here) are both staples in my wardrobe and totally worth snapping up! The cropped version of the Zephyr tee is also included in an interesting clay color but I haven't personally tried it.

Yep, it's my Joe's bermuda shorts again. My cost-per-wear on these has made them a worthwhile purchase (I legit get mad when they're in the wash) and, while they're nearly sold out, this deeply discounted pair in a darker wash is still available on NR! Go get 'em. For an alternative, this pair at Old Navy looks great but keeps selling out. On to details: 

I'm wearing my horn necklace set from Madewell, which look great together though I often just wear the horn part. It's easy and lightweight and makes me feel like I have my shit together. Look at me, wearing jewelry around the house like a damn adult! I'm also obviously wearing my white Birkenstock Arizona sandals but I decided to spare you the closeup up my feet. You're welcome.