Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Adrien: Be Honest.

Okay, I know you guys will be honest with me (especially since there was no hesitation in telling me you don't like my hair. Hmph.) ANYWAY. These TOMS strappy wedge sandals. I don't know that the print is really me, but they're... kind of cute? Maybe? Yes? No?



Am I crazy? You can tell me. I might pout, but I can take it.

Adrien: Simple Things.

I am going to go ahead and admit I occasionally struggle with simple things. Like, a white t-shirt should be the easiest thing ever, right? Wrong. At least for me. I always feel a little washed out in white even when I have a tan in the summertime. It seems too plain, too blank-canvasy. The Ann Taylor top I'm wearing is one I bought last year and wore exactly one time, despite loving the trapeze cut. (This tank has a similar great cut.)  But, this morning I pulled it out and was all, WHITE T-SHIRT. I CAN DO THIS. I paired it with sky-high wedges (older Chie Mihara but check this pair on sale) and weighty accessories so I felt less like a giant white t-shirt parade float. Successful?




Who's gonna fall? Me, that's who.

t-shirt: Ann Taylor
cropped pants: Banana Republic (similar)
wedges: Chie Mihara 
tote: Juicy Couture (this zingy canvas print tote is way cooler)
necklace: Ann Taylor (similar tassel necklace)
bracelet:  a gift (this silver version is nearly identical)

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Adrien: Weekend Shopping Report

I did a little shopping this weekend but mostly it was window shopping with some inappropriate touching thrown in. On Friday I wandered through Saks on my lunch break (DO NOT DO THIS) and my eyes lighted upon this beauty:



It's the Alexander McQueen padlock small shopper. Right? It's perfect. Perfectly-perfect cobalt color and such nice leather and the little padlock is a TINY SKULL and it has a TINY KEY THAT OPENS IT AND OMG. There was a McQueen scarf tied to one of the straps and when I quietly checked the bag's price tag I almost fell over with joy until a second later when I realized I was looking at the scarf's price tag. Then I had a tiny internal tantrum and skulked out of there to go drown my sorrows in an over-priced iced tea.

On Saturday Kate and I went to Nordstrom so we could check out the Frye Veronica Back Zip Short boots that are part of the anniversary sale going on now:


Kate liked them (and they looked great on her!) but said the zippers were really stiff. I think they'd be good for someone who finds the traditional Veronica short too wide in the leg.

I stocked up on my favorite Hanky Panky underwear (even though spending a bunch of money on underwear is maybe the least exciting purchase ever) because they really are worth the money and last for a long time if you don't put them in the dryer. And they come in fun prints and colors:


I also bought one of my favorite bras, the Natori jacquard bra, because it was part of the sale. Whee. Ugh. On our way out we wandered by the clothing section where we both stopped dead in front of this Vince Camuto Echo Wave Print Dress:



It's one of those things that doesn't translate as well in photos but in person it's REALLY CUTE. I might have to go back and try it on.

So, what did you buy last weekend?

Monday, July 29, 2013

SHobbits In The Wild.

A: Hey, this blogger thought she saw the SHobbit on the train!

M: That guy looks normal-sized, I don't know.

A: He does look leggy. And what are the odds that he'd carry a Costco bag in public?

M: Negative thirteen. Also that dude's legs are too slender. Sorry, SHobbit.

A: But it does look like him. I think the important thing here is that if you even think you see the Shobbit, take a photo and send it to us.

M: Always. This goes double for handsome men.

A: #duh

Marianne: Joe Fresh.

If you've had a baby before, you probably know about how I'm feeling, 7 weeks post partum. Most of my clothes don't fit right (I only have about 10 pounds left to lose, but my hips and ribcage are still all stretched out), and I'm SO TIRED of what does fit. It can get depressing to hate your clothes when you like clothes as much as I do. And so, I decided to treat myself to a cheap new outfit. Enter Joe Fresh. I finally drug myself to JCPenny to check out this line and I have to say, there are some really cute pieces and the price is right. I picked up this t-shirt and y'all. This Joe Fresh Twist-Back Tee is a perfect t-shirt and it's less than $9. Click through to see the cute detail in the back. It's perfectly drapey and comfortable and I need about 10 more.



To go with the perfect t-shirt I picked up a pair of printed shorts for under $17. I sized up (in addition to the size larger I already am), to get a bit more length, but these are super comfortable thanks to the discreet elastic in the back of the waistband. They are also really lightweight in the heat of summer, and the print is adorable (it also comes in red!).



I haven't been posting many outfits because I'm mostly in comfy house clothes and honestly I'm not loving the way I look in photos right now. But here's an outfit shot with a cute baby for distraction:


Have you tried any of the Joe Fresh line? I want to go back to try on more once I've lost the baby weight.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Adrien: Oooh, Delicious Sale Bags.

I've been nosing around the Last Call by Neiman Marcus site lately and you guys. So many great handbag bargains! It's nearly the weekend and I know you're done and just want to look at shiny things until 5pm, right? Of course.

 Even though I have a lot of bags, I can always find a niche for something new and special, like this awesome shiny silver Cole Haan Haven Tote bag:


Sleek metallic pebbled leather for under $100? Holy shit, you guys.

And while this Kelsi Dagger Diagonal Zip Hobo bag isn't under $100, it's such an unusual color that I want to buy it immediately:



And the lining is really, really cool too. I'm a sucker for a pretty lining. I also like this Kooba Carmine Side-Bow Shoulder Bag:


You really can't beat a good slouchy leather hobo in an interesting color. I'm a fan. If you want something small and classically structured instead, this Pour la Victoire Provence Zip-Front Crossbody Bag is basically perfect:

I mean, assuming you don't carry a crap-load of stuff. You don't need all that stuff anyway. Get rid of it. Now, since you're traveling light you definitely want to carry what's left in this bright blue Foley + Corinna Tiny City Crossbody Bag. It is the damn cutest thing ever and so on sale:

Amazon also has it under $100 in a few colors as well. God, what are you waiting for? You don't really need to pay that electricity bill anyway.

Have a great weekend, you guys.

Our Favorite Color.

M: I was just looking at the latest guy to turn down the 50 Shades of Grey movie. He has some promise. Some pics are better than others.

A: Is he 12? 13?


A: I haven't read the books (GIRL) so I don't know what character he would've been playing.

M: I can't remember, I think he's supposed to be in his late 20's. At least the actor shows good judgement, turning it down.

A: Wait, this is pretty good:



A: And he's close to 30! He's practically to old for our lecherous eyes.

M: I don't discriminate. Remember Victor Garber's man friend?

A: OH OH OH YES I DO. RAINERRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr



M: I'll take 50 shades of THAT. I don't even know what that means but YES.

A: THIS IS MY FAVORITE COLOR:


M: Yesss.

A: A pop of color if you will. He is a pop. Of color.

M: He's in our top ten I think. Ooh we need to make a top ten sometime.

A: God, I can't believe we've never done that.

M: Put it on the bucket list next to "buy a pony".

A: Done.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Reader Question Part 2: Diaper Bags That Look Like Real Bags

Last week I showed you just a few regular bags that I thought would make great diaper bags, but it made me think, can I do the reverse? Can I find some cute diaper bags that you could carry once the kid was out of diapers? I love a good challenge.

For starters, our reader Carolyn ended up buying the Storksak Olivia Diaper Bag. She wasn't going to buy a traditional diaper bag, but loved this one in person. I like the solid color and luxe looking fabric (heavily patterned bags scream diapers to be), and the handles. This creamy champagne color would look great year round, and I think I'd use this as a work bag post baby. I also REALLY love the Storksak "Kate" Bag.



Continuing my search, I found this Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Eliz-A-Baby Diaper Bag. This is the diaper version of another Marc Jacobs bag, so I like it. It's really casual, but would make a good tote for the pool or playground, and it comes in loads of great colors and patterns (I love this one!).



I'm not usually a fan of faux leather, but it kind of makes sense for a bag that is going to potentially hold dirty diapers and leaking bottles. The sleek look of this Tim & Leslie "Charlie" Diaper Bag looks grown up and hides the potentially stinky contents in high style.



I think my favorite option is this Danzo Baby Retro Diaper Bag. I love the classic dome shape, absolutely nothing about this screams diaper bag to me. I kind of want it!



I have to say, even though I turned my nose up at diaper bags, there are a lot of really cute options out there that I would carry happily. What do you think? Would you carry one of these as a handbag, or am I kidding myself?

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Because I Know You're Dying to Know...

Hi! It's been about two months since I last went on and on and on about my hair so I thought, "Hey, maybe they've forgotten how much I whine about my hair and will be willing to read about it again! Or! Maybe they forgets I have hair altogether." I can't let that happen.

The last time I posted about it the comments got pretty excitable and the consensus was that I should chop it off again. My hair was at a really awkward length and I was struggling with it. But no! I decided to give it the summer to grow and, like everything in the summer, it's been growing like a weed. Check it:




Shut up, it looks totally different than two months ago.

I'm pretty happy with it! It's still at a weird length where it's too short for a ponytail but too long to hang in my face at the gym (headbands have proven useless. Maybe cute bobby pins?) but it's starting to look like a deliberate length, not a half grown out cut. Here's what I've been using:

I will clean your hairs

I'm still liking Aveda Color Conserve but recently I got a sample of the Beauty Protector shampoo and conditioner through my Birchbox. (That there is my referral link, full disclosure). It smells a bit like candy but it makes my hair very smooth and shiny.

Downside, it's expensive and I'm positive there's a sulfate-free protecting shampoo/conditioner that works just as well and won't cost a fortune, but hey, I will use up these tiny bottles first before fretting over that. I am a fan of Alterna products, so I might try the Bamboo Smooth Duo next. (Not that it's any cheaper, really, I'm just curious.)

Maybe I'm awesome?

One thing I've decided isn't working is my Bumble & bumble Thickening Spray. It's gives a little grip but I think the Aveda Volumizing Tonic is a lot nicer to my hair. Neither of these products do dick for volume, though, it's more just for control.

tonic-y goodness

Okay, now you. What's your summer hair routine? What products do you swear by to combat humidity-derp? Seriously, I can spend 20 minutes flat ironing my hair and after two minutes outside my hair is flipping every which way. Very annoying.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

We Had A Deal.


source: The Sartorialist


A: I thought we talked about these shoes. STOP TRYING TO MAKE FETCH HAPPEN.

M: I AM GOING TO WRITE A STERN LETTER. 

A: THIS IS AN OUTRAGE. AND THE SOCKS.

M: To Whom it May Concern:

STOP IT STOP. 

A: Also, are we really doing the cropped top thing again? If so, I would like to lodge a formal complaint.

M: If by "we" you mean "me", not for a million dollars and a ride on Prince Harry's pony. 

A: Wait, I would totally wear that for a ride on Prince Harry's pony. You are crazy.

M: No way. 

A: Well, and a million dollars. 

M: I just had a baby. No crop tops no no no. 

A: Well, more Prince Harry pony for me. 

M: This conversation has taken a strange turn. 

A: You're just jealous.

M: You're the one riding a horse in a crop top. 

A: No, I'm the one owning a crop top while riding a royal pony and fanning myself with a million dollars. There's a difference. 

M: Oh no, you have to wear that nonsense. 

A: That's what I mean, I am not just wearing it, I'm making it look awesome. 

M: I've made you try on a romper before. Don't think I won't send you crop tops. 

A: Dog house. Ticks. I know.

M: Just making sure we're on the same page. 

Monday, July 22, 2013

Adrien: No Help.

Oh my God, you guys. It's the Monday after my vacation and I almost got towed this morning (please don't mind me in my pajamas and flip flops running across the parking lot waving my keys! ALL GOOD NO REALLY.)  The humidity is making my hair all derpy and I didn't bother to tuck my shirt in and I JUST CANNOT WITH THIS DAY.

Anyway, I managed to clothe myself appropriately if not in a highly fashionable manner. Please be kind and behold:
Should I have tucked?
God, yes I should have.

But there's this.


Never mind, just enjoy the pretty bag.

Friday, July 19, 2013

FOR SCIENCE.

(We have a guest in today's email! Marianne's friend Lili sent us an email.)

Lili: I don't know who else to share this with, but! It's Hot Guy Friday and if you can't wonder about the great Hollywood hot man science underworld on a Friday, then when can you? CLEARLY they have cloned Brad Pitt's replacement and it's freaking me out, man!

M: You need to watch Sons of Anarchy. Charlie Hunnam is UNH. Good stuff.

L: Is that a television show? Because if it is, I will put it on my television then lick the screen.

A: It IS a television show. Hang on, I'm quitting my life right now so I can go home and just watch that show.

M: Yes! He was also on Undeclared as a young thing. I...am a fan.

A: THE BEARD.



L: SO HOT.

M: Not to treat him like a piece of meat but his BODY! Meat!


L: OK, all of this is true and he's so hot that I'm glad that I'm in an overly air conditioned office so my lady sweat is fought off before it's first glisten makes its way down my temple, BUT! But. How did the they do it? How did they much such a Pitt-a-like?

A: Cloning.

L: God bless you science.

M: Hot Guy Science! I want to go back for my PhD.

A: This is better than Jumpy Ball. Can we each clone a Cavill for our own personal Superman usage?

L: When I had my babies artificially created in a laboratory and unromantically placed inside of me, the man handling them was called Eric the Hot Embryologist (probably not his real name). I sometimes wished that he'd accidentally "switch" my husband's sample with his own. And that's how hot babies are made.

M: This is how you get more women interested in Science, see. Maybe David Gandy can teach a course on Advanced Smolder.

L: Advertise with this:



A: I LOVE SCIENCE THINGS.

M: Science!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Reader question: Non-Diaper Diaper Bags

Reader Carolyn writes:


I was wondering if you could suggest some stylish yet affordable (less than $250?) tote / hobo bags that could double as a diaper bag? I'm about to have my first baby and I prefer not to have to go all babiesrus and buy an "official" diaper bag. 

Ah, diaper bags. A topic I feel strongly about, especially right now. I am kind of against actual diaper bags, and much prefer my own set up, which is as follows:

Large waxed canvas tote (I am IN LOVE with this one for under $80), with a leather pouch inside for my stuff (mine is very similar to this one for under $40), and a Baggu backpack tucked in with the baby stuff. I love the Baggu bags because they add zero weight and I can pull it out and carry it on its own if I need to.

So, that said, here are three of my favorite affordable totes (in addition to the canvas one I linked to above) that I think would work well as diaper bags.



You can't beat a classic Longchamp Le Pliage, it's easy to clean nylon, and it zips closed.



This Charles Jourdan bag is sleek and sophisticated, and the perforations make the leather more lightweight. I also like that it has a long strap so you can wear it cross-body. Plus it's on major sale for under $140!



If your style is a bit more rugged or casual, I adore this Leibskind Palermo Canvas Tote. I'd carry this, diapers or not.

I'll be back next week with some more diaper bag/baby style talk, but what do you guys think about these?

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Adrien: Beachy.

By the time you read this I'll be at the beach. BEACH. I know! So excited. So I made up a packing list:

- bikini
- sunscreen
- vodka

That's it, right? That's all I need? Okay, maybe a few more things. Here's what I'd take with me if I didn't need to save my money for fried food and the hotel:

First, I need a towel. But I don't want any old towel, I want a fancy-ass beautiful Jonathan Adler beach towel:


And a HAT. I need a hat, right? I want this wide brim hat by Rag & Bone:



But I want it to be $8. So, maybe this one instead. And what else? Sunglasses! I definitely need these Ray-Ban Round Glam sunglasses real bad: 


Finally, I need a cover-up. Something subtle, understated. Or, hell, maybe this Gottex silk pareo:


I'm all set, right?