Stuff I Like: Early Autumn Edition!

It's decorative gourd season! Yay! Okay, it's fine I guess. I am grudgingly giving in to fall like I do every year even though it's not my favorite season. Things are getting very autumnal in Oregon and I am trying my best to lean into it and appreciate sweater weather. I AM TRYING OKAY. Here are a few things that have made the transition easier:

This Happy Light That Is Standard PNW Issue.

I bought this Verilux Happy Light back in June because I knew I was going to need it the minute the weather started to turn. That happened this past week so I've got it set up next to my desk and it's definitely making the gloomy, dark mornings a bit easier. It's early days, but I'm hoping it'll stave off the seasonal depression I've been told to expect. PS. It is extremely bright and you're not supposed to look  directly at it which I found out by looking directly at it. Learn from me! Don't do that. 

This Atmospheric Read That Is Just Right For Fall.

When fall weather hits I tend to want to read moody/spooky books and Tana French is the absolute best when it comes to that. The Searcher came out last year and I'm so ready to re-read it. This is a stand-alone story but, unlike her previous book, The Witch Elm, this one doesn't have quite the same "unreliable narrator" feel and is much more introspective and unhurried. French's writing is, as always, atmospheric and beautiful, and the story is unsettling more than creepy and ultimately quite satisfying. Highly recommend.

This Candle That Is Perfectly Autumnal.

I returned something at the mall recently and almost immediately spent the return money at BlueMercury on this fancy LAFCO candle. It's like I was in a trance (why is the BlueMercury store so close to Madewell??) and when I got home I was like, oh no why didn't I buy the candle I already know I love? But, turns out I didn't make a mistake at all because the Amber candle is everything I was looking for - warm, spicy, soft, rich. It's not floral or too sharp or too sweet, it's just perfect and cozy. 10/10 would purchase again. 

I Know This Isn't Autumnal, Hear Me Out.

I work from home in the top floor loft space of a corner townhouse. It's lovely! So full of windows which is great until Wednesday when the lawn crew arrives and spends seven hours blowing around leaves and crap on both sides of the building. The dueling leaf blowers drive me insane and the last time I whined about it Marianne suggested I get a set of noise cancelling AirPods Pro. And y'all, they are truly amazing. I put them in and my shoulders drop - I'm instantly less murderous. I don't even have to listen to music! They just bring everything down a few notches. Also, they're on sale right now at Target and Amazon so if you've thought about it, now is probably the time. 

This Podcast I Already Talked About.
I'm pretty sure I posted about this last fall but The Great British Baking Show is back and so is my very favorite companion podcast, On Your Marks, Get Set, Bake! I already love Joy and Claire from their other podcasts and I'd been hoping they'd revive this one with the new season. It's basically just a delightful half hour of GBBO recap and comments, though I especially love that Claire tries out the technical challenge every week and reports back. Get going with that malt loaf! 

Outfit of the Day: Also, There's This.

The great thing about working fully remote is that I can wear jeans and a band tee all day. The bad thing about working fully remote is that I wear jeans and a band tee all day. But it feels pretty "me" don't you think? 

I bought this amazing metallic Bowie tee on Poshmark not realizing it was slightly cropped, but it works great with my high-rise jeans! It's by Chaser, who I love for fun tees, and I've been wearing it A LOT BECAUSE I AM A CHILD AND I WORK FRoM hOmE. I have a lot of Bowie tees, but this is my current favorite. It's basically sold out online, but there are a bunch on eBay and Posh. I also LOVE this Bowie tee by Lucky and there's no end to fun band tees and sweatshirts. 

My jeans are Madewell Perfect Vintage which are a great non-skinny cut. This is probably the most similar current style (with some excellent distressing) but I love this blue wash. ALSO, they come in a mid-rise style! Be still my heart. I'm obviously wearing my silver Birkenstocks because they go with my t-shirt. Duh. And oh, hey, there's this: 

Listen, I know. I have been on a bag tear lately but I stalked this secondhand forEVER and was finally made an offer I couldn't refuse. This is the Hammitt VIP bag in large. I had been eyeing the gold hardware version in medium for a long time  but in the end I got the large with gunmetal hardware and I adore it. The size is perfect for an everyday crossbody and the leather! It's mooshy and luxe and the bag is lined in the softest red suede! My only quibble is that the strap feels pretty thin. It's not a big deal, but I'll probably replace it with wider version at some point.

Final detail, I'm wearing my Gorjana Parker necklace with a labradorite charm and I love how it looks worn a little off-center. I mean, of course I do. 

Monday Mood: I Want All These Things.

Hi, it's Monday. My Madewell leather jacket, stuff of dreams, has a status of "waitlisted" (whatever the hell that means) so I am pouting and cheating on Madewell with EVEREVE, because they have CUTE DAMN STUFF and it's fall and I want these things:

Ugh, come on. Like, please. Why is this not already in my closet. 

Wouldn't this dress be really cute with faux leather leggings and ankle boots? 

I feel like this soft af plaid jacket would complete my PNW assimilation. 

Ugh, this is so pretty. Nobody on Zoom would know I'm wearing it with sweatpants.

Okay, these pants and have button tabs to convert to them to a tapered style. Stupid or brilliant?

More plaid! I don't know who I am anymore but isn't this cute? 

Actually digging this Veronica Beard dickey jacket knockoff in theory. 

Sherpa sneakers! These are cute as hell and look cozy, right? 

But, I can't lie, I want a new pair of these way more. The heart wants what it wants. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Athleta for Fall

 I have and wear a lot of stuff from Athleta and I especially love their cozy fall and winter options. You really can't go wrong with an Athleta hoodie, is what I'm saying. I looked through some of the new arrivals and also discovered that they've finally added the sherpa-lined raincoat that was pictured in the catalog last year but never actually made it to the website. (Does anyone have it? It looks good!)  Here's what's on my list:

Review: Madewell Griff Tapered Fatigue Pants.

These Madewell Griff pants, I swear. Marianne loves them and I do too: 

The Madewell Griff Tapered Fatigue Pants are the perfect color, the perfect weight, the perfect taper. The length works with clogs, flats or ankle boots! These are your perfect fall jeans-alternative. The issue: they run huge. All of the online reviews back this up so I ordered down a size and then the next size down from that. The down-a-size definitely fit, but they were comfortably loose and I worried that they'd stretch out and be falling off me. It's hard to tell the difference but here they are:

They're meant to be slouchy, so this is probably how they're meant to fit, but I ended up keeping the two-sizes-down pair I'm wearing in the first pic (Marianne did too) because they felt more flattering. They're 100% cotton (and have a linen-like texture) so I definitely won't be putting them in the dryer. If these are not quite for you, I have it on good authority that the Slim Utility pants at BR are really good and they don't have a 11"+ rise, I'm pretty sure. 

Speaking of, the rise on these pants could best be described as "aggresive" but they're perfect to wear with that short, boxy sweater you probably have but don't know what to wear with. Mine is a Lululemon sweater that I thrifted with the intention of selling on Poshmark but then I tried it on and was like, YOU ARE MINE NOW. (This happens a lot.) For a similar sweater, this Lululemon style is close and this Free People sweater looks like a stylish alternative. I also found this option at NR which is cute as hell and under $20! On to details:

I'm wearing my Madewell paperclip chain and my Dean Davidson labradorite tassel pendant. There's nothing else quite similar but this tassel necklace is pretty and I'm keeping an eye on the labradorite jewelry collection at BR right now. Still love these earrings! 

You guys! I found my Clare V Midi Sac for sale online! I'm not familiar with the site but it seems legit. There aren't any other snake styles available but I really love this leopard version at Anthro. I really want one of the fun straps from Clare V., and will probably get one eventually, but in the meantime I bought this cheapy version from Amazon that is quite good. (The hardware is a bit bigger than CV, but it's working out fine for now.) My clogs are Sanita, another secondhand purchase. They aren't fashion but they are really comfortable and satisfyingly clompy. 

PS. The Madewell Insider Event was supposed to end on the 20th but apparently it's been extended to the 27th, so get you some pants! 

Monday Mood: Weekend Purchases.

Prologue:

M: Ordered a bunch of stuff from Madewell. And fucking Birkenstocks, not from Madewell, but I am ridiculous

A: Which Birkenstocks??

M: Docs! Not Birks. My brain only thinks in Birkenstocks

A: Hahahahaaa

A: I was so excited there for a second

A: Kate sent me a link yesterday to some gorgeous fancy boots that are following her around the internet and this morning they sent me an email. How did they do it?

M: That’s something else

A: Like, sorry, I will not be buying your $500 boots. UNSUBSCRIBE

M: Not today, Satan

A: They are very nice boots but NO tHaNk YoU

M: I don’t even want to see

A: No worries, you're already subscribed just by talking about them 

***

Welp, this weekend was a doozy. We both fell into that Madewell sale pretty hard (it ends tonight!) and online purchases were made. Here's what Marianne got:

This cozy henley sweater that looks great with the Griff pants...

This beautiful, soft turtleneck that I kinda want even though I don't do turtlenecks...

These Perfect Vintage jeans I most definitely want. Also those Birks...

And this shirt jacket that we keep calling a "shacket" and then cringing because that's not a word.  I will have her report back on these purchases! Now, here's what I got:

The Griff pants, but y'all already know that. And...

(Roberta, I blame you.) The green washed leather jacket Listen, I don't need this jacket at all but I've been eyeing it for ages and it's never in the store, so I ordered it with the idea that I'll most likely be returning it. I just have to KNOW you know? It might be great but I fear it'll be too cropped for my butt. We shall see! I'll do a full review. 

Weekend Window Shopping: LOFT new arrivals.

 I'm really into all the new fall arrivals and LOFT, which I find really uneven, has some excellent options mixed amongst the truly weird. Here's what I like:

BUY THIS (Because We Totally Did): Madewell Insider Event.

 FINALLY.  It only happens a few times a year but Madewell is offering 25% off everything to Star and Icon level Insiders (and 20% off for Insiders.) This applies to pretty much everything, including denim and leather jackets. It also applies to all the pants Marianne reviewed! I had the Griff Tapered Fatigue Pants waiting in my cart ready to go:

If I had my way, I'd also have added in this beautiful olive leather jacket that makes me want to weep:

And this very cool bag in a beautiful color and the cool strap:

And a pair of these excellent lug soled boots:

And maybe this oversized gauze blouse in a very autumnal color:

But I just got the pants, okay? I am A PILLAR OF RESTRAINT. 

Outfit of the Day: This Feels Like Me.

I'm heartily sick of everything I've been wearing all summer so I've started playing around with a few things I set aside for fall. Back in August when Marianne and I were in Austin, we went thrifting and she found me this incredible Mara Hoffman shirtdress:

 

This dress is SO ME. It's 100% not the trendy thing right now but I don't care - it's so fun and I love the colors. It's obviously long sold out but there are a few on Poshmark and eBay (search: Mara Hoffman compass dress if you love it too.) I can't really find anything even remotely similar, but Anthro is always good for a crazy dress. This one from Maeve is so fun in the purple print and this one is just a good time. For something good in the shirtdress/tunic style, I love this star print dress from Equipment and ooh, check out this one from Boden! They're always good for a cute shirtdress. 

When I bought the dress Marianne was like, "all you need is leather leggings and some boots and you're good to go." I wasn't ready to drop money on Spanx faux leather leggings yet but I'm pretty happy with my $18 pair from Target.  (Though, If I wear them a lot I'll probably upgrade.) Spanx are a solid bet but I'm also curious about this Blank NYC pair. They seem more like pants, which could be just the thing to wear with big sweaters. We'll see. Now, details: 

I'm wearing my Madewell paperclip necklace and my little bird skull pendant I bought from Paxton Gate in Portland. The dress is pretty low cut so I like that it's juuuust visible. 

My little quilted MJ bag was such a good purchase. I bought it for next to nothing on Poshmark and it's just reliably good at dressing up a look. For something similar, this Kate Spade looks really nice and I also love this Minkoff bag. For a cheap-n-cheerful option, ASOS has a cute version! My chelsea boots are a super old version of this Cole Haan style but check out this version from Frye - I love that they're lower cut because it's easier to wear with jeans. I also adore the new lug sole style from Madewell! I DO NOT NEED THOSE. I just love boots, you guys, I can't help but want them all. 

Stuff I Want: Fall Beauty.

 I feel like I always have a running mental list of clothes/shoes/bags/beauty items that I want to purchase and sometimes I make an actual list but usually I just write a blog post about it. I recently went through all my makeup and skincare and threw away a LOT of old stuff so now I have room for new stuff for fall! Here's what's on my list:

Did you just say, oooh? Because that was my reaction when I saw this double-sided cream eyeshadow stick which is part of the Bobbi Brown + Ulla Johnson collection. I want it, badly. Yes, I know I'm a sucker but I don't care - this collection is so pretty and who doesn't want some pretty in their makeup bag?

I also want this water bronzer stick that Marianne told me about. She has it in Amber and when she wears it she looks just the right amount of glowy and sun-kissed. Me too! Me too! And the best part? It's only $10! 

Ever since we both bought the June's candle Marianne and I have been obsessed with Boy Smells candles. This little votive set of wood-based scents seems like it would be perfect for fall, right? 

Back in August my face exploded - I get these weird allergic reactions where my face is red and swollen and blistered for a full week. It's really great. When this happens I'm extremely careful about what I put on my face and one of the only things that truly seemed to help was this soothing Skinceuticals serum. I had a deluxe sample and used it daily until it was gone. Now I'm left with a tiny empty vial and want to spend all my money on more fancy green serum. Wahhh.

I got a mini of this gloss-balm hybrid in a neutral color (rosewood, I think?) and I absolutely love it. It's really pretty and definitely feels like a balm - it's not sticky at all. Now I want it in a good fall color - like this burgundy shade. This is lipstick for me now, I guess. 

Finally, I got a sample of this in a color that perfectly matches my skin and even though it smells... interesting it looks amazing on - such a nice glow! And the coverage is about what I'm looking for. I will probably buy this. I mean, I will probably buy most of what's on this list (for blog science!) but this one is at the top of my list. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Banana Republic's New Old Look.

 Banana Republic has come out with a new fall collection they're calling The New BR Look which is hilarious because it's actually Ye Olde BR Look. But, you know what? Some of it is really nice despite a few items with eye-watering prices and I have my eye on a few things:

Outfit of the Day: Casual to a fault.

 Hi! So, it turns out working remotely is just confirming I'm secretly a garbage person, as I will wear my favorite joggers for as long as possible before leaving the house. For exciting trips out the world I do make an effort, but it's usually some variation of this:

I've got on my Beyond Yoga pullover which I'm wearing too much but I love the print and it's so soft. For something similar, this one is awfully cute and you know I love an Athleta sweatshirt, though it's not a tiger stripe. And hey, there's always this camo/leopard hybrid print if you want both. What a time to be alive. 

My jeans are Madewell - an older version of the very excellent Boyjean. The most current wash looks great and I also really like the look of this pair. Such a nice change from skinny jeans, aren't they? I know that picture is all about my bag which is an older Cambridge Satchel Co crossbody they don't make anymore. (I reviewed it here back in 2015.) They're still making great bags, though!  This style is pretty similar and this one is a more traditional satchel shape and comes in three sizes. There's also this a newer style with the same color and similar hardware. On to details:

I'm keeping it simple today with my Twist Style labradorite pendant, which is a favorite of mine. 

Another look at my bag! I'm not usually a monogram person but I love the gold embossing and it basically means this bag is mine forever. FOREVER. My sneakers are Allbirds Tree Runners (reviewed here) and they've been a good purchase - comfy right out of the box. I might eventually get a pair of the water resistant version, but we'll see. 

That's it for today! I'm going to go put my joggers back on. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Underwhelmed by Sales.

 So, listen. I had this plan that I was going to pick some really amazing Labor Day sale items for this post and then the sales, they did not wow me. Like, Anthro? NO SALE AT ALL. I am disappointed but I did manage to find some good stuff on sale from a few of my favorites:

Outfit of the Day: New Bag Day!

Hello! I'm here with this look on my face because I got the cutest bag ever and it's the last one like it in the entire world (which is very rude, I know.) 

I loved Marianne's little green Clare V Midi Sac so much when we were in Austin that I started looking for one of my own. I found this Clare V "garden snake" version on Poshmark and basically threw myself at it, abandoning all plans for a Hammitt VIP bag (for now). It arrived and it's been true tiny crossbody love ever since. The Midi Sac is definitely a small bag but it holds the basics - phone, small  wallet (I use this card holder), mask, keys, sunglasses. Now, my bag is from a previous season but this bright green snake version is also great and I love this more subtle pattern too. For something similar but less expensive, this Madewell bag is a great choice and how cute is this little Olivia Miller bag? 

Does it really matter what I'm wearing? Not really, but I'll tell you anyway: Madewell. My top is my Madewell eyelet top which I've really loved for summer. Easy and (literally) breezy. I guess I could wear a cami under it but I don't. It's still available at Zappos but I also love the poppy red version they have right now. My jeans are Madewell Cali Demi-Boot, a shape I can't believe I was on the fence about. They're great! I love them worn with my Birkenstock Gizeh here but also with flats.  Details:

I'm layering two Gorjana necklaces - my Parker wrap (with a stone I added) and my Parker gem Opalite. Here's an obnoxious closeup of my Clare V Midi Sac:

I added a little leather tassel I bought from Etsy (handmade and really nice!) and now I'm thinking about a wider camera-style strap. Maybe this one? Or this one from Madewell? We'll see. 

Have you bought anything good lately? Tell me about it!