We Discuss: Need. What Is This Word?

M: When I say Loft is giving away clothes I mean Loft is GIVING AWAY CLOTHES

A: Aw crap. Did you buy anything?

M: I wasn’t going to and then I did because I found a hole in one of my favorite sweaters

A: Show meee

M: K hang on

M: This for $14

A: Oh, that’s so cute!

M: This for $16

A: That is very up my alley

M: This for $8

A: You found some good stuff

M: This for $11

A: Ugh, stop making me want stuff

M: This for $16 to try and replace my holey one

M: This for $16 because it will be good on zoom

A: That is VERY you

M: And this for $22 because I don’t have many things I can wear with leggings and cover my butt

M: 7 things for $100 but did I NEED THEM? No

A: What is “need”

M: Exactly

M: I’m bummed about this sweater though. I’m wearing it here. Just a cheap H&M v-neck but it fit perfectly

A: Aww, that sucks. And look how cute you are in that hotel

M: 😭😭😭

A: I remember hotels

A: Last night I had to talk myself down from an AllSaints leather jacket that wasn’t even really my size but they're having a great sale.

M: Hahahaha

M: Link obviously

A: I think it’s sold out, hang on

M: I bought that faux leather jacket (which is honestly great), wore several times in Seattle, and it’s hung in my closet ever since because of covid

A: Here, this one:

A: Please note, I HAVE a grey leather moto jacket

A: I also have a black one

A: But I was still like…maybe

M: I am saying nothing

A: It’s gone. The moment has passed.

M: 😂

A: Honestly, my favorite things that I already own right now are my new Quince sweaters and my reflective leopard leggings.

A: Not necessarily worn together (though I might, who knows)

M: Heheh

A: The Quarantimes have completely changed how I dress

M: Other than almost never wearing real shoes I feel like I wear the same old shit

A: Here's to a Happy New Year in which we can, like, wear real shoes again! 

Outfit of the Day: Tonal Dressing.

One thing I learned from Jenna Lyons's new show (which we are definitely going to talk about) is that the thing I've been trying to avoid doing is actually TOTALLY OKAY TO DO. It was like someone suddenly gave me permission to wear all my favorite things without worrying about it being three shades of olive green, or in this case, black/grey: 

Yesss. It feels a little goth, which I am enjoying quite a lot. The cardigan is really the star here - it was a Christmas gift from Nina! It's the Barefoot Dreams Calypso Wrap Cardigan which is sold out, though there is a newer version available in solid colors. For something similar, I love this cashmere dip dyed version and this one is more expensive but so pretty. There's also this one which has a bit more shape. I do love a drape-y cardigan!

My boots are of course my Dr Marten Leonore (reviewed here) which have been a lot of fun and are very, very warm. These sell out every winter but there are more sizes available in the Serena style. 

My pants are my MVP Athleta Headlands Hybrid cargo tights which are on sale right now in the non-cargo style. I wear them an embarrassing amount. I'm also wearing this Madewell tee which I initially loved but it stretches out to infinity so I'm still looking for the perfect long-sleeved cotton layering tee! (Suggestions?) My bag is my old MBMJ hobo, vaguely similar to this style. 

I keep wearing my Dean Davidson tassel necklace even though there's nothing even remotely similar online right now! Maybe something like this layered tassel or this beaded version? Sorry, I'm no help at all. 

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Madewell Sale on Sale.

 UGH YOU GUYS. This is the sale that always breaks me a little bit - Madewell is offering an extra 30% off sale with code GIGANTIC. There is some really, really good stuff on sale right now and it's so tempting! Here's what I truly, desperately like:

How cute is this? It's got a really interesting shape that sets it apart from the usual utility jacket.

You can't go wrong with Madewell boots, especially when they're $70. I mean.

This textured jacquard scarf is so perfect for winter and a cool take on an animal print.

Full disclosure: I got this for Christmas and it's really beautiful and smartly designed inside.

The cute puffed sleeves on this tee elevates it to a really cute top.

Madewell Tencel jeans are basically the best - they do not lose their shape.

Well, this just looks cozy af, right? And the color! So pretty.

Eeeee. So classic in the black and white but FUN with the animal print details.

This is a really cute layered set with the wishbone, right? 

This woven tote, you guys. I think it's the most interesting bag they've made in a long time. 

Tis The Season For Weird Pop Culture.

Once again, Marianne has failed to force me to watch a terrible Christmas movie, but please won't you revisit our previous holiday movie posts? There's nothing quite like the bizarre plot holes of The Spirit of Christmas. What a wonderfully weird movie. But, probably my favorite is our discussion of the Last Christmas video by Wham! Please to re-enjoy:

The Joy That Is "Last Christmas"

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Review: Quince $50 Cashmere Crew

My go-to for affordable cashmere sweaters has always been Everlane but I quit them so I needed to find a new brand. All I wanted was a decent, slouchy black cashmere sweater that I could wear the hell out of and that wouldn't cost the world. I went searching and stumbled across Quince, who sells a $50 Mongolian cashmere crew! It's 100% Grade A cashmere and it sounded too good to be true but... they have free shipping and 365 days to return, so what the hell, I ordered one:

Look how happy I am! I am truly, truly delighted with this sweater. I got a size medium and it's a perfect fit - slouchy and long-ish but not oversized. The shoulder seam hits exactly right and the sleeves are the perfect length. It's a good medium weight and it's very soft! It's not high-end cashmere but I'd say it feels as good if not better than what I got from Everlane last year. I pretty much immediately ordered another one in gray because why not. If you're tempted, you can use my referral link for $20 off your first order! (Full disclosure: I also get $20 credit.) 

It's really hard to take pictures of fuzzy black things (my cat Lucy, for one, this sweater for two) but trust me when I tell you this sweater is a good one. Obviously I haven't had it long enough to know how it holds up but in my experience all cashmere pills to some extent. Just hand-wash and get a pill shaver and you're good to go. I'm pretty excited about Quince in general - I already want these gold earrings (and maybe some fleece joggers, if we're being honest.)

Oh, and in case you're dying to know, I'm wearing my Athleta headlands hybrid tights in an older moto style similar to these and my Madewell leopard boots which are nearly sold out but this taller pair is really cool.  My necklace is Dean Davidson. That's it for today! 

Outfit of the Day: How Much Is Too Much?

 Something about this leopard jacket just makes me so happy. It's a LOT all by itself but that's the best part - you wear the jacket and keep everything else pretty simple:

First, this Avec Les Filles wool leopard jacket is currently $65! It's an oversized style and I'm wearing a medium, if that helps. It's really soft and I love the longer length, which is unusual for a moto style.

I started pretty simple with Madewell skinny jeans and an older style of Madewell boots, similar to these beauties. I'm also wearing a thrifted black cashmere sweater similar to this one but it's slightly too small and ain't a keeper. (Related: Stay tuned for my upcoming Quince cashmere review!) I'm carrying my usual Lo & Sons Pearl crossbody with a Madewell strap similar to this one. 

How ridiculous is this pic? BUT, I have to tell you guys I am still wearing and loving my Ray Ban Meteor Wayfair sunglasses - they're pretty much all I wear. They are not subtle but that's why I love them! I'm also wearing a necklace by Twist Style. Now, I'm all set to go to the grocery store... or somewhere else equally mundane. What can you do?

Weekend Window Shopping: Stocking Stuffer Nonsense.

 Hello Hi! Hi Hi Hi! We (and by we I mean me) are down to the holiday shopping wire and trying not to obsessively track packages, right? RIGHT. So, with that in mind I am giving you a whole bunch of fun little stocking-stuffer nonsense from Amazon because it might make it your house in a timely manner. Maybe? We see. PS. I have purchased every single one of these things and can promise they will not ruin your life. Here we go:

BUY THIS (Because I Already Did): Dumb Things I Bought Lately.

Listen, I'm not made of stone. Every holiday season when I shop for other people I somehow manage to buy myself one. more. little. thing. Here's what I bought lately that I am pretty happy about:

I've been taking brisk morning walks a few times a week to try to keep that alive feeling going and decided that I needed convertible mittens for these walks so my hands don't fall off. I found a pair I love at Target! Yup. They're cute and have little magnets to hold the convertible flap (and also to keep them stuck together so you don't lose just one.) They won't be warm enough if you live in the arctic, but they're fine for normal winter temps. 

I keep meaning to review this J.Crew cotton terry turtleneck top I bought but it's not exactly the most glamorous and flattering piece of clothing I own. It is, however, cozy af and easy to layer and I like it quite a lot. It's also REALLY on sale right now. I also ordered this sweatshirt in raw indigo and, while the color was beautiful, the fit was really weird. (I returned it.) 

I might have just yesterday bought this leopard print strap from Madewell because with the discount code it is TWELVE AMERICAN DOLLARS and change. Crazy! I would spend that on a sandwich! But, since I'm making my own sandwiches these days, I bought a strap instead. In related news this very cool snakeskin strap is only $14 with the discount code AND my favorite little paperclip chain necklace is under $23 right now, just saying. Madewell is having A SALE. 

One last thing. I posted back in October about how much I love this Wander mascara I got in an Allure box and was curious about the rest of the line. I recently got a sample of the Wander Nude Illusion foundation and liked it so much I bought the full size. It's so nice! I use a small amount applied with a sponge and it feels super light on my face. The finish is lovely, that your-skin-but-better appearance. Really nice stuff. The only thing I don't like is the applicator - whhhhy the giant doe foot? It's so pointless and it splatters if you pull it out too fast. Other than that, I'm really happy with this foundation. 

Winter Beauty: Products To Keep Your Face From Falling Off.

 Before I started writing this I went back and read some of my old beauty regime posts and dang, I have really tightened things up! It took me a long time to learn that, for my face, less is better and consistency is key. 

Today (34 degrees and raining. yay.) I thought I'd tell y'all about the products I've been using to keep my face from falling off in the cold months. My skin gets dry and scaly in the winter which confirms my suspicion that I'm part lizard. I have a nice arsenal of products that I use to try to stave this off. First:

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask - This is an old favorite and I still use it once a week after I moisturize with my Avene moisturizer. I leave it on overnight and yes, it's a bit sticky but it's WORTH IT. I wake up the next morning with dewy skin every time. If only it would stay like that, you know?

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads - Another old favorite of mine and they're harder to find than they used to be (I guess they want you to buy these instead which I'll have to try) but I use this one night a week as well. A few minutes on my face (and on the backs of my hands) and then rinse well, moisturizer/face oil and I'm good to go. I try not to over-exfoliate so one night a week of this plus Differin every other night is all I need. 

Pixi Rose Oil Blend - I didn't actually buy this, I received it in an Allure Beauty box a few months back. When I ran out of my The Ordinary rose hip seed oil I dug around to see what else I had and lo! There it was waiting for me. I had low expectations but I have to say, this oil is quite nice and it smells wonderful. I use this at night as my last layer, to seal everything in. So far it's been great. 

And for the rest of your body:

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil - This is a bit splurgy but it's 100% worth it! TOTALLY WORTH IT. It's a liquid shower oil soap that cleanses and leaves you feeling all soft and moisturized afterwards. It also smells really, really good. (So far, has not made me slip and fall in my shower but there's still time.) 

Korean Exfoliating Mitt - YOU GUYS. I repurchased these recently and I'm back to realizing that the best body (not for your face!) exfoliation tool is to scrub the crap out of yourself with this weird mitt. The towel version is great too and makes it easier to scrub your back. You will emerge from your bath or shower feeling like a dollop of whipped cream, guaranteed. 

That's all I got today! Feel free to tell me about some amazing product that has kept your face from falling off in the comments! I'm always looking. 

Outfit of the Day: Trust Your Instincts.

Remember when I bought a bunch of utility jackets and couldn't quite decide if I should keep two? (I only needed one but oh, that J.Crew jacket!) Anyway, against quite a bit of advice, I kept it anyway and I wear it all. the. time. I wear and love my Gap jacket too (half off right now!)  but they are toooootally different:

The Lightweight Utility jacket is an oversized huggy anorak type thing that feels like urban armor (soft, cotton armor) if you know what I mean. It layers beautifully, covers my butt and has pockets for days. It's on clearance now and I'm wearing a medium if it helps. I probably could've gone with a small but I like being able to layer it. 

My beloved scarf is a men's Barbour scarf and it's long sold out but I linked a few good options below. Same ole Lo & Sons bag I've been carrying all year.  Exact and "similar" links below:

BUY THIS: Books Make Great Gifts.

 Nearly every year I post a gift guide that's all books because I am old fashioned and I think books make great gifts. I tend to read (and gift) mostly novels, because that's what I like the most - a good story. I've talked about most of these on the blog already, but here is a selection of my favorite books from the past year or so:

Longbourn by Jo Baker
This is one for Jane Austen fans! Longbourn is a servant's retelling of Pride and Prejudice though, really, Longbourn is just the setting for a totally separate story while the action from Pride and Prejudice is happening in the background. It's really quite satisfying and I loved the writing.

News of the World by Paulette Jiles
I read this last year and was floored by how GOOD it is.  It's a post-civil war novel about an elderly widow who's tasked with returning a young orphan to her family after she was "rescued" from the Indian tribe who kidnapped her. The writing is beautiful and the characters are compelling. It's an adventure tale, suspenseful but also touching.  (PS. I know that the movie version just came out and while I love the casting of Tom Hanks, I can tell from the trailer that they've changed the story. Please read the book first. 

Paris for One and Other Stories by Jojo Moyes 
Jojo Moyes is one of my go-to writers for when I need a comforting, easy read. This is a book of short stories, though the main story, Paris for One, is length and the rest are easy to dip in and out of. If you miss traveling like I do, check this one out. 

The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
This is not a book for everyone but it was, by far, the best thing I read this year. It's in parts a love story, a fantasy novel and a mystery, with several different narratives. It's also a book for people who love books! It's weird and sometimes goes to places that you're not sure you'll come back from, but somehow all makes sense in the end. This is a great story to really fall into and I didn't want it to end. 

The Ocean and the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Another fantasy novel, surprise! I read this a few years ago on my friend Kate's suggestion because she thought I'd like it. And really, you can trust Neil Gaiman for a really good story. This one is a dark fairy tale that focuses on memory and the powerlessness of childhood. 

I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith
A classic! Definitely read this if you haven't already. My mother gave me for my birthday years ago and I re-read it every so often because it's just fantastic. It's the adventures the Mortmains, and eccentric family living in genteel poverty in a decaying castle during the 1930s. Hijinks ensue and there's a really good dog as well. 

That's all I've got for today! Some of my other favorite books can be found here and here.

Weekend Window Shopping: Cheap 'N Cheerful Old Navy.

 Back in September I posted a bunch of sweaters included a cute striped sweater from Old Navy that reminded me a little of Marianne's awesome AllSaints sweater. (The AllSaints sweater that I love but could never wear because the idea of wool up around my neck makes me want to die a little.) Anyway, I just wanted the look so I took advantage of the Black Friday sale and bought the Old Navy sweater:

It's so good! It's not, like, super WARM or anything useful like that but it's nice and drape-y and long enough to wear with leggings and it comes in a bunch of colors. It got me going back to the Old Navy website to see what else might be promising:

Outfit of the Day: One Special Thing.

Often my outfits revolve around one specific item that I've decided to wear, in this case my awesome Madewell leopard boots that I don't wear nearly enough. I build my outfit around them with the idea that the boots are star and the rest should work with them without competing. And truth: I literally only wore this for a quick trip to the drugstore but I still felt real cute for those five minutes. 

A few details! My sweatshirt is from Daydreamer and it's old but there are some other cute options out there that I linked below. Also, my bag is the Lo & Sons Pearl (with a snake charm!) which has been an absolute workhorse. It's very on sale and the silver version is under $100 right now! 

My gold horn necklace is Madewell (part of one of their cute layered sets) and it's sold out but I linked a similar option below. 

A closer look at my Madewell boots which I love because they are just crazy enough that everything else I wear can be pretty simple.  Shop the whole look below - the links are my usual combo of actual items and things that are similar!