BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): What's Up, TJ Maxx?

 I haven't trolled the TJ Maxx website for bargains in such a long time! I started looking and then remembered why - there's SO MUCH STUFF and you can't search by brand. Ugh. But I powered through and found some really good things for really good prices and I basically want all of it. Oops. Anyway, take a look:

I immediately clicked on this balloon sleeved cuteness and was not at all surprised it was by French Connection, maker of my favorite red sweater from last year. 

This necklace is by Shashi and I just thought it was really cute. Something about little clusters of charms has always appealed to me. 

I think we're all going to be spending a lot of time this winter in our gin cardigans so it might as well be Vince and a cashmere blend, right? 

These Frame jeans are such a nice skinny-jean-alternative! They look very current and are perfect to

wear with booties. 

I am historically Not Into Overalls but Marianne looks so cute in her pair and this pair (also Frame) Is really similar in cut. 

I've been dying for a paperclip chain and this one also has a labradorite pendant! All my favorites! 

I'm not going to stop until everyone has a leather jacket. I like that this one isn't super cropped. 

This also appeals to me in that paperclip way and it's from Allsaints! 

Oh, hey, just a cute af Minkoff crossbody that's under $60. It comes in tan as well for even less.

Now I'm going to be practical for a second with this well-priced The North Face rain jacket. It's not fashion, but it'll keep you dry. 

On the other hand, with this adorable Chelsea rain boot you can be dry AND fashion! How cute are the  little gold buckles?

If you're weary of carrying your little crossbody all the time, maybe what you need is a bright red leather satchel? I'm just saying. Like, maybe what we all need right now is a cheerful, structured red bag. I'll bet you could fit a whole bottle of gin in that thing...

Outfit of the Day: The Joy of a Gin Cardigan.

What's with the face? Don't I look sad? Or irritated? Or like I'm missing something? Maybe I'm cold? Definitely that. Winter: Still The Worst. 

Thankfully I now have a gin cardigan of my very own so I won't freeze to death! It's the Juliette collarless sweater-blazer from J.Crew, which bought this during the post-Christmas sale craziness and I looooove it. It's basically a comfy bathrobe in work-appropriate, sleek cardigan form:

 

It's so great! Warm and drape-y and you can throw it over anything to look more pulled together. Mine is "heather charcoal" but it comes in a bunch of great colors, including a rugby stripe. It's a generous fit (I'm wearing a small) so if you're between sizes, size down. 

I'm wearing it over an ancient LOFT Utility blouse that I should probably retire, but the print is so pretty! They don't currently seem to have any right now in a print but they do have it in a very nice stripe and some other pretty solids in the henley style. 

My black jeans are Madewell mid-rise skinny and I am wearing them too much. It's legit become a problem. They also make them in an 11" rise which I am not sure about. I have a pair of 11" rise jeans (this pair) and I love the look but I have to unbutton them after lunch. On to details:

I was trying to take a pic of my earrings (you can see them better in this entry) but kind of failed. They're by Amano studio and they're so fun and light. My necklace is my Argento Vivo labradorite pendant, which is sold out, but how pretty is this labradorite necklace? I also love this one by Gorjana. 

My boots are an older style by Cole Haan but I would say this newer style of Chelsea boot is probably very similar. And I'm carrying my Longchamp le pliage cuir for a little bit of color. Here's the smaller size in a different shade of red and here's mine in the bigger size. The medium is still available in a very fun dark pink, as well! 

Shopping Report/Convos: Want, Don't Need.

Why is it when I am in a wanty lull and declare that I am NOT SHOPPING that suddenly my brain wants everything? Even things I already kind of have? WHY IS THIS. I blame the Internet. Here are the things I want lately, but don't need:

These Madewell Boots I Do Not Need. 
When I went to Madewell recently to try on jeans the sales assistant gave me a pair of boots to try on with the jeans, since that's what I often wear. Unfortunately, I really liked those boots. More unfortunately, they're currently on sale with an extra 30% off. My brain: OH MY GOD YOU HAVE BOOTS. Also my brain: But these have a slightly higher heel and the leopard version is prettier than the leopard boots I already own and I don't even have brown boots. I asked Marianne:

A: I should definitely not buy the Madewell leopard boots that are on sale, right?

M: Nope

A: Rude

M: 😂

✺✺✺

These Sneakers That I Can't Not Like.
I am not a big sneaker person but for some reason the Comme des Garçons Play Converse stole my heart from the first time I saw them and I keep seeing them out in the wild! I basically attacked some poor fashionable man I saw wearing them recently. I don't feel like I need them RIGHT NOW but they're definitely on my wishlist for spring.

A: I accosted a young man at Saks who was Fashion yesterday because he was wearing Comme de Garçon Play sneakers.

M: Ha

A: I had just been talking to Kate about wanting a pair and he walked by and I was like I LOVE YOUR SNEAKERS I WAS JUST SAYING I WANT A PAIR LETS BE FRIENDS.

A: We did not end up being friends. 🤷🏻‍♀️

✺✺✺

Why Do I Want More Docs. 

Marianne recently got an awesome pair of Dr. Martens and I love them on her and I also want to love them on me. WHAT IS MY PROBLEM. I already have DM Chelsea Boots that I really like! I don't need another freaking pair of boots I can't wear to work. Or at all, really. (See above.)

A: STOP MAKING ME WANT YOUR BOOTS

M: I CAN’T HELP IT

A: Like, I want to sell my Chelsea pair and get a classic pair

M: Ha! Do you not like the Chelseas? I dig those too

A: No, I like them! I just want all of the docs but I feel like I have to suffer for it

M: haaaa you weirdo

✺✺✺

Goddammit, Everlane, With This Alpaca Sweater.
Listen, I don't even know if I can wear Alpaca but this new Everlane sweater looks like my dream gin carnigan and I wanted it before I even clicked through the email. It just looks so cozy and like I could throw it over anything! That's how they get you.

Everlane: Make Your Other Cardigans Jealous

A: Ugh, I like this.

M: Ugh me too. Ugh.

A: Fucking Everlane.


THE END.


PS. There's also a bag I really want but it's discontinued and only two exist in the online selling platform world so I am not ready to talk about it until a) one of them is mine or b) I have changed my mind about it.

We Discuss: Fancy Gin Carnigans

M: Well that Anthropologie kimono sweater thing only had two left in stock so I panic ordered it

A: Ooh! Remind me what it looks like?

M: I had a $25 gift card and I had it shipped to store to save shipping so I am pretending it was on sale:

M: I mean, I needed it

A: Ah! Right. Yes, that is Very Marianne

A: And you have been rocking the beret of late

M: I need that turtleneck TOO

A: AGREE

M: But yes, it’s such a “me” outfit that I’m surprised it’s not already in my closet

A: I really love this cardigan:

A: But I am not willing to spend full price dollars on it

M: Now THAT is an animal print

A: Yup

A: But, I am trying not to shop except when necessary

A: Related: two of the three Uniqlo base layer tops I bought work, which is nice

A: I stupidly bought one that’s a ballet neck

M: Heh

M: I love a ballet neck in theory but WHITHER BRA STRAPS

A: Oh, it’s worse than that

A: I forgot a ballet neckline requires actual shoulders

M: ah

A: It just slides right down off my narrow shoulder nubs

M: Very flashdance

M: Not really the look I’m going for

A: But the other two are great and work perfectly under sweaters

M: Your vacation is so soon!

A: I know! I am excited and really glad I bought that HH coat. Phew.

A: Does your new cardigan qualify as a gin carnigan?

M: A fancy gin carnigan

A: yoo guys

M: I still have this:

A: icannntevin! 😭

M: My queen

A: 

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Nordstrom Rack Fall Shopping.

Nordstrom Rack is a favorite of mine and I'm really glad there isn't a store nearby because I would be IN TROUBLE. It requires some digging, but the website always has some great stuff. I went in looking for some good fall-to-winter options and here's what I found:

Oooh, cashmere cardigan. Basically the gin cardigan of our dreams. Wear this to work if you must, but really we recommend wearing it on the couch all cozy while drinking gin and watching your favorite trash television. Ain't you fancy. 

Here's my pitch for coated black denim jeans- they're like those faux leather leggings you kinda want but aren't sure you can pull off. These? You can definitely pull off and they look like leather jeans which is badass. 

These Blondo booties are adorable, come in three colors and they are WATERPROOF. I KNOW. 

Speaking of waterproof, I am still on the fence about my recent raincoat purchase and might also buy this insulted version to compare and contrast. For science. 

This is a leather Botkier tote that also comes in olive green but I audibly gasped when I clicked on this color. Beautiful. 

I have lots of scarves but I really want a big plaid scarf this fall. Like this one. Maybe exactly this one.

Marianne loves J.Crew pajamas and this cheerful flannel set is basically the best. I mean. 

Listen, these Ugg slippers are the last slippers you'll ever need. Just don't wear them out of the house because it's a slippery slope. 

Weekend Window Shopping: The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

If I don't talk about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, am I even a blogger? I was trying to avoid the temptation of looking, even knowing my very favorite underwear is included in the sale, but, as it turns out, a lot of the stuff I really loved (uh, hello beautiful) has already sold out anyway, which is fine. Never fear, I still have a fantasy shopping cart filled with the things I'd desperately like to buy. This stuff right here:
                 
       

         
       
     
     

Review: J. Crew Sophie Open-Front Sweater Blazer

Hey y'all, Marianne again.

My very stylish friend Natalie has a sweater blazer from J. Crew that, in spite of me never really finding success with a blazer, I very much coveted it. Hers was from last year but she sent me a link to the Sophie Open-Front Sweater Blazer and said she was pretty sure it was the same:

I wanted to order it IMMEDIATELY, but Adrien scolded me and told me to never pay full price at J. Crew, so I sat on my hands and waited for a code. Luckily the friends and family sale started the next day, so I didn't have to sweat it for too long. [Hi! Use code TOGETHER to get 40% off at J.Crew! Do not pay full price. -A] It was hard times, y'all. I placed my order (I went with a size large, more on that later), and I was pleased that it arrived two days later. On that note--J. Crew gets serious points for fast shipping, WHY can't more retailers do the same. I'm looking at you Gap.

When it arrived I was concerned at first because it looked really big, especially in the arms. But it's just a boxier, oversized cut. While I do think I could have sized down to the medium and it might have fit slightly better in the shoulders, it wouldn't have hung as nicely around my hips. It's VERY warm and cozy with a nice heft to the knit, and it holds its own in chilly weather. I got it 4 days ago and I've already worn it twice, if that tells you anything.

Of course now I want more colors, and there are some alternate cuts at J. Crew I have my eye on as well. This collarless, longer version in black (or that pretty pink!) is calling my name:

There's a less-expensive version on J. Crew Factory that has more of a traditional blazer cut (which I admit looks terrible on me, and yet I keep trying):

I also really like the inverted lapel on this J. Crew Factory version...I really may buy this, like right now:

If J. Crew isn't your thing, Banana Republic Factory has a near-copy:

My friend Danielle is wearing this in the gorgeous emerald color RIGHT NOW and I am about to steal it:

And of course Madewell has a perfect-looking sweater blazer in my kryptonite color, olive green:

That escalated quickly from "I don't like blazers on me" to "I now own 7 sweater blazers."

A: So, sweater blazers are for drinking gin martinis instead of straight gin?

M: Yes they are UPSCALE gin drinking cardigans.

We Discuss: Socks and Birks. (That's How They Get You.)

M: I want these so baaaaad whhhyyyyy.

A: Ooooohhhh fuzzy Birks.

A: I should examine my winter Birk options.

M: I mean I know exactly why, it’s because this picture that might as well BE ME.

M: It me.

M: Cozy sweater, dark hair, olive pants, IT ME.

A: That you.

M: Zappos is trolling me.

A: I pulled my Boston clogs out a few days ago and already had to resist wearing them out.

M: The only problem with the Arizona is they require pedicure and I don’t do that come fall.

A: I finally took off my polish today and my toenails are WRECKED.

M: My feet look terrible.

M: And the Birks are already staining them 🤦🏻‍♀️

A: Eep

M: 😬

A: I love the new suede Boston colors:

M: Pretty!

M: I just want to be comfy.

A: I still want a shearling-lined pair.

M: They are the best.

M: I don’t need a second pair but I’d take them.

A: sigh

M: But the Arizona’s are DIFFERENT.

A: They are!

***

M: I kind of want some cute cable knit socks to go with my weird new clogs WHO EVEN AM I.

A: YOU WANT SOCKS

M: Is this a cry for help?

A: HAVE YOU BEEN ABDUCTED

M: You know who I like? That Daniel Craig fellow.

A: BLINK TWICE IF YOU CAN HEAR ME

M: ...

A: MARIANNE

A: SOCKS

A: I hate Santal 33.

A: And candles.

A: And the color olive green.

A: Shit

A: WHO IS THIS

M: 

A: Oh, totally normal. Cool cool.

M: It me

A: 

A: That is literally you wearing socks

M: Hahaha

M: But seriously today I found myself wanting both socks and a BLAZER so I am a little concerned.

A: Oh, I bought a blazer! Now I just need to, like, wear the blazer.

M: Historically blazers just don’t work on me and I divorced them like 10 years ago.

A: I’m just soft from years of wearing cardigans.

A: Wanna go drink gin in a ditch wearing cardigans and fuzzy Birks?

M: Dude I’m already there where r u

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Nordstrom Rack Clearance digging.

True story: during a recent trip back from DC I asked my boyfriend if we could stop at Nordstrom Rack for, like, 20 minutes. I was trying to track down this Madewell tote which is being sold on eBay and the like for $125-$150. I found a bunch of them in the clearance rack for $79! Score! I totally missed it online but there were lots of them in the store.

If you don't live near a NR there are always some decent deals on their website. Here's what I found digging around in the clearance section. First up, bags:

This Minkoff tote also comes in black, but I thought this olive color was really cool and different. 

I am crazy about the punk rock flair of this studded canvas MJ tote and it comes in three colors. 

Something about this little Orla Kiely bag really appeals to my modern art minimalist side. 

Okay, so this. This is a pink velvet version of the Minkoff Julien backback but it's only $49?

Now for clothes. I honestly wasn't finding much that I thought worth posting about but then I saw a bunch of Madewell stuff including these: 

Madewell Slim Boyjean in Walton wash! They have a fair range of sizes available, which is amazing.

I also thought this Madewell hoodie looked like a solid choice. Definitely a gin hoodie.

It feels inevitable that I'll eventually be wearing Eileen Fisher. This silk dress is a good gateway. 

I also don't hate this EF weird high-low dress? I don't know. It just looks comfy. 

Final stop, the accessories department: 

Even on clearance this stabby Rag & Bone scarf isn't inexpensive but I SO love it. 

Super pretty dangly Botkier earrings for $12.

More Madewell! This tassel necklace is so pretty and it's under $10! 

That's it for today! I feel like my enabling work here is done.