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! 

Review: All The Madewell Pants!

Hey friends, Marianne here, trying on all of the pants at Madewell. Okay maybe not ALL of them, but after our fall wanty post I decided to just do the thing—just order 4 pairs of pants and see if I can find the elusive non-denim, non-skinny fall pant. Spoiler alert: I was successful! Giddy up.

The ones that are for someone, just not for me:

The Drapey Track Trousers. I am not sure why these are called “track" trousers? Is it the elastic waist? Anyway, the good: I like the color and the fabric. But this cut just isn’t for me, I think it would be cuter on someone shorter. They are too short and kind of boxy on me. Pass.

The ones I am pretty sure I’ll love when I get the right size:

The Griff Tapered Fatigue pants. These are SO GOOD. At least I think they will be. In spite of reviews saying to size (way) down, I ordered my usual jeans size in these and they are huge. But they are so great: the fabric is super soft but thick enough to be flattering, they have the perfect taper, perfect shade of fatigue green, and they have button tabs at the waist so you can adjust them if they stretch a little. I can’t wait to get these in the right size and wear them to death.

The ones that I’m torn on:

The Slim Emmett Tapered pants. Every time I try these on I change my mind. Do I like them? Are they flattering? Are they going to stretch out (these are my regular size, I tried a size down and they were TIGHT). Right now I’m leaning towards returning but possibly reordering if they go on sale. Only problem is, they are already starting to sell out in some sizes. I feel like these are the pants a ton of women are going to be wearing this fall. Should I be one of them???

The dark horse winner:

The Dunaway Paperbag pants! Who freaking knew? These give me all the vintage vibes I love but can’t usually pull off. This isn’t really the right shirt for these pants, but I wanted to be consistent. These are so soft and lightweight, have a great drape, and I love the color. I just have to figure out the best top to wear with them, but these went straight into my closet.

So what do you guys think? The Paperbag pants and (fingers crossed) Griff fatigue pants are obvious winners, but I keep coming back to those Emmett pants. They keep selling out in my size, am I going to regret returning them? Should I wear them around my house a bit before deciding? Has anyone else tried them and if so, did they stretch out on you? Help!

PS. My clogs are Sangren and my blouse is Vince, but isn't available anymore. This one has a similar pattern and this one is Vince perfection. 

Weekend Window Shopping: I Hope You Like Snakes.

I am lately obsessed will all things snakeskin, which is an obsession that comes and goes for me. Lately, IT IS ON. Here's what I love:

We Discuss: Fall Wanty.

A: I can't stop thinking about that Hammitt bag AND I want a Clare V snakeskin bag. Why am I like this?

M: You are just Fall Wanty

M: I think the only bag I’m keeping an eye out for this fall is the Grande Fanny either in the perforated black or caramel color:

A: I love that. Grande fanny! 

M: I am making my fall shopping list though! I want some straight or wide leg pants (my white whale tbh, they never look right on me), a Veronica Beard dickey blazer, and probably a new wool winter coat. I haven’t bought a new dressier coat in years, just puffers haha. I also want some buttery soft loafers (I mean the dream is Gucci but yeah)

M: Also, two of my friends are currently obsessed with this shirt (with bike shorts and Birks of course) so I have my eye out for a sale or code:

A: That is SO GOOD

M: I know, it's like perfect

A: I rarely ever do button up shirts but that one looks soft and comfortable

M: The cut is just right too. Like where the buttons hit are just right and the butt covering in the back.

A: Perfection

M: Not exactly wide leg but I want to try these:

A: Well thanks a lot, now I want both those too

M: Haha

A: I mostly just want All The Bags right now

A: Wait, I also want this necklace set but it needs to be on sale:

A: It’s not even expensive, just the principle of the thing

M: Haha

A: I saw it in store and it’s really pretty with the freshwater pearl

+++

M: Me: Definitely not shopping any more for a while.

M: Also me: 👀

A: Back Away

M: I am going to need some new furry Birks probably but it’s AUGUST MARIANNE

A: Same BUT IT IS AUGUST (though it was 45 degrees here yesterday morning. WTF, PNW.)

M: Anyway! Right now I'm focused on non-denim pants. I have my eye on these, though they are Advanced:

A: Those are so cute but involve a full tuck, for sure

M: I can do a full tuck IF I have a cute jacket or cardigan

A: Right, yes

M: These are what I would wear in a heartbeat if I were built differently:

A: Dreamy retro pants

M: I also like these possibly:

A: That elastic waistband tho

M: The kids love an elastic waist it seems

A: Oh, kids today

M: These would definitely make me cry but I like them anyway:

A: I love those in theory

M: These had potential until I saw that yoke detail that looks like a c-section scar:

A: Ha! No thank you.

M: No yoke version:

A: MUCH better

M: Ooh you know what this should be my fall experiment like the denim shirt!

A: Yessssss

M: So that’s the fatigue pants, the track trousers, the slim Emmett, and the paperboy pants.

A: YES. MAKE IT HAPPEN CANADA.

M: Everything will be here on or before August 24th! Damn I hope I like at least one pair (but damn I hope I don’t like all of them)

A: Its Madewell - half of them will fit REAL weird

M: Maybe even ALL of them

(Stay tuned!) 

Weekend Window Shopping: Living Dangerously At Anthropologie.

 It's that time of year again when I start trolling the new arrivals section of all my favorite retailers. Who am I? I am a sale room girl to the core but sometimes you miss the good stuff if you don't jump on it right away. Here's what's new at Anthropologie that I just love:

Stuff We Like: Average Girl Summer Edition.

 Okay, so I don't know that I've had a Hot Girl Summer but it sure as shit has beat last summer which mostly sucked a lot. For me this summer has been one of exploration but also of lightening up a little bit. Like, read the fun book even if it's dumb, skip the workout and go for a walk instead, buy the purple sunglasses, try the bike shorts. Why not? Anyway, here's what we like for our Average Girl Summer: 

Adrien's picks:

This Amazing Podcast That Marianne Created.
When I'm feeling a bit homesick, I'll fire up the HGTV Obsessed podcast and spend an hour with my best friend. Y'all it totally works to combat homesickness. (That, and walking around Target.) Anyway, this podcast also happens to be great. It's truly informative and entertaining and Marianne interviews the BEST people, like Daniel Kanter! And Rajiv Surendra (from Mean Girls!!1) New episodes drop every Thursday, which is today, so how can you not immediately want to subscribe and listen? 

These Sunglasses That Are For Fun Times.
I have (and love) some nice pairs of sunglasses but sometimes I want a fun pair that I don't have to baby. I found the Tifosi Optics Swank at a local bike shop and was delighted that they only cost $25 and come in a huge array of fun colors. They're lightweight but don't feel cheap and they have grippy little nose pads so they're perfect for hiking or biking. I wear them on on IG a lot if you want to see them on an actual human face. I love them so much I'm already planning purchasing a different color because that's how I roll. 

This Book That Was My Perfect Summer Read.
I wasn't really sure what to expect from Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (I didn't finish Daisy Jones and the Six) but what I got was pretty freaking good - California surfing culture, 80s goodness, beautiful rich people behaving badly, lots of (somewhat familiar) family disfunction. All of this made for a really compelling and well-written story. It's a NYT Bestseller so hardly an unknown pick, but I really enjoyed reading it and found the ending quite satisfying, which is all I really ask from a summer read. 

Marianne's Picks:

These Bike Shorts That Are Pretty Okay.

This week I am really into bike shorts. Suddenly I’m seeing a lot of fashionable ladies in some combination of oversized button down, bike shorts, and Birkenstocks. As someone with 2/3 of these items already in her closet, I was like okay I’ll try this. And hey, this look is not going to win any awards for being flattering, but it’s comfortable as hell. These bike shorts have pockets, are a comfortable rise, come in a bunch of colors, and are thick and nice. I love their leggings too. 

And, This Dumb Visor.

Now…this visor, she is not cute. However, it’s very lightweight, stays on even when it’s windy, is packable and cooling and doesn’t give you hat head. Oh, I’m sorry, is this a fashion blog? Because this is who I am now. Well, it’s 50% who I am, the other 50% is fancy, floaty dresses. I CONTAIN MULTITUDES.

Review: Beyond Yoga Leggings & Pullover.

 Hello! This is a sponsored post. By that I mean I was gifted some Beyond Yoga items to review without restrictions. All opinions are my own. 

Now that that's out of the way I can assure you that I don't do very many sponsored posts because I don't want to have to pretend to like something I don't. In this case, I was offered some Beyond Yoga clothing, a brand I've been dying to try. WHY WOULD I SAY NO? I wouldn't. 

Because the summer here in Oregon has been so unexpectedly delightful I'm guessing the fall/winter season is going to hit me hard. With that in mind, I picked a couple of super-cozy items I can wear once the weather turns. Here's what I got:

This is the Printed Favorite Raglan Crew Pullover in Dark Olive Woodgrain which is basically a tiger stripe and how could I not get this? It's everything I love - a fancy sweatshirt, animal print, olive and black colorway. Yes, please.

I also got the Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging which broke my "no leggings without pockets" rule but the crossover waistband really intrigued me. So, here we go:

I don't mean to look smug but I am SO HAPPY in this fancy athleisure, y'all. Obviously I will wear this outfit to a yoga class when that is a thing again, but for right now? These are my best lounge/home workout clothes. First these leggings. I wasn't sure what size to get but based on reviews, I went with a medium and they fit perfectly. They are crazy soft and substantial without being heavy. I don't think I've ever owned anything like them. The color I got is called "darkest night" which I assumed was black but up close they're a black/navy space dye:

So good! And, the crossover waist I was interested in? It delivers. It's super flattering and doesn't roll down the way high-waisted styles always do on ole short-waisted me. I mean, look at this:

Truly, this is the most flattering angle I could conceive of but that crossover waist is really doing all the work. Honestly, if I'd spent my own money on these I'd very much be saying they're worth every penny. One last thing about these leggings;

IN CASE YOU ARE WONDERING, YES. They look good from the back. These are very, very good butt-flattering leggings. PS. My sneakers are Allbirds that I reviewed here. Now, the pullover:

First, it's pretty lightweight and looks like something I'd wear with jeans so I am wearing it with my Madewell Cali bootcut jeans. It's very drape-y and soft and I love the color. I bought a medium and it absolutely fits but I sorta wish I'd sized up so I could have a bit more slouchyness. (So, regular size: regular fit, size up for slouchy.) My red flats are the Everlane Day Glove flat. 

Here's a close-up for true tiger stripe goodness. I know they are calling this woodgrain but I just see tiger. My necklaces are a couple of new favorites - a Gorjana Parker in opalite (love the smaller version too) and a little bird skull necklace I bought at Paxton Gate. 

That's the review! I'm truly delighted with both the pullover and the leggings and highly recommend checking out for Beyond Yoga for the best comfy workout/lounge clothing.