Adrien: Review: Banana Republic Chambray Shirtdress.

This was originally going to be another "should I keep or return this item" post but once I got a look at the pictures I was pretty confident it wasn't a keeper. I'd had my eye on this Banana Republic chambray dress for a while - it looked like the perfect winter-to-spring transition dress (and it could be) but it's just not meant for me. See if you agree:

It's not a terrible dress, it's just not doing me any favors and makes me look more high waisted than I actually am. I even tried it with a belt instead of the tie and that didn't work either. I'm not sure why the tie is sitting so high, but that's where it ended up after a lot of fussing and this is the kind of dress that should be easy. On a different body type, it totally would be. 

Another negative: it has pockets which I find infuriating. Pockets are great in a dress with a full skirt, but for something like this they just add bulk where you don't want bulk. I love this dress so much in theory! Just not on me. And not so much from the back either: 

All that said, it seemed well-made and the fabric and color is fantastic. I'm not giving up on the idea of an easy denim shirt dress - Boden has one that looks very similar (but has cuter detailing) and I'm tempted to try it out for science. This one at J Jill has that art-teacher-casual-cool look that appeals. There are options!

On to details. I'm wearing it with my vintage LV red satchel (this DKNY version is so good) and Frye boots (similar to the Frye Jane):

This House of Harlow necklace gets me so many compliments and you can just see the edge of my encrusted Giles & Brother bracelet:

What do you think? Is it a bust or am I being too critical? 

(PS. Despite the tag, I should explain that this wasn't my actual outfit of the day! I just wore the dress long enough to take pictures. I'm not that kind of jerk.)

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

This is a pretty big code if you're a Shopbop customer. I love this site for it's many pretty things and good customer service even if I can't generally afford to shop there. Here's the deal:

15% Off Orders of $250+
20% Off Orders of $500+
25% Off Orders of $1000+.

Use code BIGEVENT15 at checkout plus get 3.0% cash back with eBates. (My referral link.)

So, if I were considering a big purchase this would be a good way to go about it. My beloved Hillier Hobo is finally, after five years, showing it's age and I'd love to replace it. If I weren't on a tight budget, I'd be very tempted by the sleeker version:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot to Handle Hobo

Also, the updated style of Hillier Hobo is on sale in a really gorgeous blue and the code would give you an extra 15% off the sale price. Just saying:

Marc by Marc Jacobs New Q Hillier Hobo Bag

Finally, if I were going all crazy and buying myself a fancy bag I'd probably throw these Kate Spade earrings in my shopping cart because HOW COULD I NOT:

We are adorable!

Mischief managed. You are welcome.

A Few Review Updates.

So, I often review products when I'm still in the honeymoon phase, which seems a bit unfair. I'm fickle and my opinion changes like the wind. Like the wind! So, I thought I'd post a few review updates.

Solano Supersolano hair dryer

I've had a few people ask me about this recently and I'm happy to say that I still absolutely love my Supersolano. Totally worth every penny and my hair is much less damaged than it was the last time it got to this length. Recently I used a hotel-provided hair dryer (Conair, I think?) and WHAT A PIECE OF GARBAGE. I was very stompy and Veruca Salt about it. Priorities. (But seriously, stop wasting your time with the cheap dryers, especially if you have a lot of hair. This is one of those "you get what you pay for" items.) The amazing deal I got appears to be gone, but this is a really decent price and the ultralite version (which I don't have) is under $100 on Amazon.

Urban Decay Brow Box

I bought this back in November and it's become a solid staple. It has drawbacks (tiny useless brushes, slightly clunky for carrying around) but on the whole I really like the powder/wax combo and it lasts ALL day. I do need a new brush, though, as mine is ancient and looking pretty awful. Any recs? I was thinking maybe this Laura Mercier number? 

Frye Emma Hammered Stud Flats

I hate to even review these because they're pretty much gone from the earth (unless you're a size 9 and want them in grey) but man, these are so, so good. Thank you Frye, for making durable, comfortable, interesting ballet flats. I wear these a ton and they just get more comfortable. Even though the studded Emma isn't available anymore, Frye still makes lots of cute flat styles and you can get some good bargains on 6pm. I am thinking about the Carson Stitch Ballet or maybe the Perf Ballet style in blue? 

#GoHugo Update.

From Marianne:

NO EVIDENCE OF DISEASE! Clear scans! We are overwhelmed and thankful.

Best day ever. 

Winter Budget: February.

Ugh, budget. So, I did okay for my first month of budget shopping, though I'm afraid my purchases are a little on the dull side. I've spent quite a bit on skincare (though really, does sunscreen count as a "beauty" purchase? Hmph.)  and bought a few things, like the Banana sweater, that have been returned. The budget has been a good way to curb the impulse purchases (like that Boden dress I haven't bought even though I waaaaant it.) Okay, here's what I did buy:

Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 -   $34

This is... sunscreen. I wish I could be blown away by it's magic but I'm really not. 

Marc by Marc Jacobs bag (via eBay) - $58

Marianne has this bag too, in case you were wondering. Mine came without the cross-body strap which is still pissing me off. 

Hada Labo Skin Plumping Gel Cream -  $19

This actually does plump your skin a bit, but it's SUPER sticky so only good for nighttime. The jury is still out but initial use has been positive.

Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist - $15

One of Ampersand's recommendations! I've been using it pretty regularly and definitely notice my skin is more moisturized but one of my new products is breaking me out. Is it this one? Is it the sunscreen? Why do I do this to myself?  

Everlane cotton v-neck tee - $15

I mostly bought this to get free shipping and because I don't actually own a white t-shirt. Who the hell doesn't own a white t-shirt? Me, that's who. And now I do and it's a good one.


Everlane Heavyweight striped tee - $45

Yoo guse. Strupes.

I'll do a full review on this when it arrives! *Taps fingers impatiently*


Craft base layer - $19

This is an amazing deal, by the way. Prices vary but the white one is under $20! If you're an sporty outdoor kind of person, definitely check it out.

Total for February: $205

So, $5 over, which isn’t too terrible! I am starting to think about spring shopping and I'm good on skincare for a while, so hopefully March's list will be a bit more fun.

Boring full disclosure details nobody really cares about:

I did not include the (reasonably priced) Japanese sunscreen I purchased but did include the fancy Skinceuticals sunscreen because it was expensive and seemed like a luxury purchase. The Everlane Heavyweight striped tee is backordered (I haven’t been charged for it yet) but I still ordered in in February, so it got included. And who knows, it might get returned if it’s not perfect.

Also, for some reason I can’t even explain, I thought last Saturday was March 1st and I bought a couple of things at Banana Republic. Rather than be all hairshirty about it I’m just going to include them in with March. I mean really, what’s a day? And everyone was COMPLETELY OVER February anyway, right? Right.

Weekend Window Shopping: Down With Winter.

21 days until spring. Three weeks and counting. Just saying. Just putting this list of spring-like things cheered me up quite a bit:

Friday #GoHugo

By request, I give you Chalmanzo Tater (or as Marianne called him, Cholenzo Tater, which doesn't even make sense? But fine.) May I present Cholenzo Tater: