Shopping: Two Dresses.

I used to be a Dress Girl. I had a whole closet full of cute, inexpensive dresses that I’d wear every day and it was my thing, you know? My style started to shift away from that several years ago but I still love a dress. The problem is, I can’t fucking find a dress anymore. For the past few years it seems like everything is floofy and tiered or has giant sleeves or cut-outs or is a straight up prairie/cottagecore nightmare. Some of these dresses are very pretty and very tempting but they are very much not my style. It doesn’t stop me from trying though. Exhibit A: this Anthropologie dress that comes in some really fun patterns and is pretty universally loved, so I was like, I WILL TRY THIS. Okay, y’all? It’s so cute in theory but on me it looks like an oversized night gown:

I am…not pulling this off. I’m wearing the medium petite and it’s eating me alive. I know this style runs a bit big but it felt like A LOT of dress on me and just isn't quite my style. Did I learn from this? I did not. Instead I doubled down and bought this pretty dress from Apiece Apart on final sale. It arrived, I tried it on and immediately listed it for sale. The sleeves were enormous. So pretty, so not for me.

In the middle of all of this madness I found this Nic + Zoe dress which was more money than I wanted to spend on something that didn’t look particularly special. It arrived and I was like, "this is fine." Then I tried it on and upgraded “this is fine” to “this is good.” 

Then! I added accessories and loved it. This dress is not romantic or fancy but it is basically a perfect everyday thing. It hits just above the knee but is slightly longer in the back which gives it a caftan flutter when you walk. 

It’s got buttons halfway down the front so you don’t have to worry about gaping when you sit. It’s cut really nicely so it’s flattering even though it’s technically a sack. And it’s washable! I don’t know but this might be the perfect everyday dress. Great with my red Birkenstocks and Clare V bag, future-great with tights and boots. I’ve already worn it twice and I’ve only had it for two weeks, so even though it’s expensive, the cost-per-wear will hopefully end up being pretty low. (Also, I used the Neiman Marcus 15% off code you get when you sign up for emails and texts which helped.) Honestly, this is a great little dress and and Nic + Zoe is a new brand for me, so I will definitely be keeping an eye out for their fall/winter offerings. 

How about you? Any good dress finds lately?

Monday Mood: A Few Dumb Things I Bought Last Week.

I love it when I impulse purchase something from Amazon and then forget about it and when it arrives I'm like WTF. In this case, why would someone with my hair buy a set of large claw clips:

WHY. Now, in my defense, I though they were the small kind (which I can sort of use) but I still didn't need EIGHT OF THEM. The colors are really good? I don't know. I'm giving them to Marianne when I see her... this weekend! Which is why I also bought this:

It arrived and I haven't really tested it fully, but I'm dead set on my goal of actually sleeping on a redeye flight and this mask is very comfortable and block out all the light. Also, it looks like the world's worst ski mask, which is amusing. I will report back. I also ordered a new brand of dermaplaning razors:

And ooh, these are really good. I don't know that they're better than the Shiseido kind I'd been getting but I definitely accidentally shaved off a bit of my eyebrow without even trying (not actually happy about that) so you know they're wicked sharp. Luckily I just re-purchased my favorite eyebrow pencil, so I can draw it back on. *sob*

And finally, it appears that Grayson is shutting down, which sucks. (They are being super weird about it, though. They apparently sent out an email last week about closing and then posted about a closeout sale on IG and then edited the post, all, nothing to see here! They're no closeout sale or any mention of closing on the website, so maybe they announced it too early?) Anyway I had some credits to use, so I ordered another dress:

This is not going to be a "oh, that's so flattering on you dress!" but more of a "Oooh, I love a pretty sack" kind of dress. I can see wearing this with Birkenstocks now and boots and tights later in the fall, right? Right. My other favorite linen sack dress is also still available in pink, just FYI. Anyway, I'm sad they're closing, if indeed they are closing, but if this blouse gets marked down further, I'll probably buy it as well. The exhilaration of a final sale purchase! You can't beat it.

Shopping Report: EVEREVE for Summer.

I went to EVEREVE to try on cut-off shorts since they had several pairs on the website with longer inseams. I don't know about you, but my 2.5" inseam days? Completely over. I'm tired of pulling shorts out of my business, y'all. Anyway, I went on a slow day and what happens is, they get you in a dressing room and just keep bringing you stuff to try on. If I'm in the mood I love this because it means I try on things I might overlook and also sometimes it's hilarious. 

Okay! So the shorts I really wanted to try were the AGOLDE Parker Long Short which, naturally, they didn't have in my size. I sized up and was surprised that I loved them (except they were too big):

I'm wearing a 30 here and really need a 29, which is my normal jeans size. I do love that they're made of non-stretch denim and have a decently high rise so they don't hit me at the wrong place. Also, that 5" inseam is KEY. I wasn't expecting to like them but I really did. The top I'm wearing is the Cody Smocked blouse and it doesn't look particularly cute in that terrible photo but I really liked it. (I managed to get out of the store without buying it but it's still under consideration.)

I also tried on these shorts which are 7 For All Mankind Mid Roll Destroy and they look okay but were tighter on the leg than I care for and also too expensive. (Though, I'll be honest - if they'd been 100% perfect in every way? I'd pay it.)

The sales assistant brought me this Francine Ruffle Gauze top because she thought the color would look good on me and I do love the color, but those ruffles, you guys. I am allergic. (Francine: what say you?) These shorts are the AGOLDE Parker Long Short with Cuff and they were just okay. I really prefer an un-cuffed hem, I think. 

Am I overreacting about the ruffles? The color is gorgeous and I love the material but I felt like I had fins. Anyway, I didn't buy it. I did, however, order the AGOLDE Parker long shorts in my size and I'm impatiently waiting for them to arrive. 

To finish...

Remember up top when I said it's sometimes hilarious to have someone you don't know bring you things to try on?  Yeah, about that. They have this Pistola romper that I'd never have even looked at or considered but it does look really cute on the cover of their June catalog. It does not, however, look cute on me: 

Y'all. What even is this. Why do I feel like Mrs. Maisel's dad in the Catskills? Why is this thing so enormous? How does one pee? WHY IS THIS ON MY BODY.  The end. 

PS. Not shown - the grey tank and black shorts hanging in the first photo are both Vuori and both were good. (The shorts run big, the tank runs small, btw.) I didn't buy them, I just have a Vuori sickness and a desire to try on things I don't need.

Shopping Report: I'm Returning Everything.

I know I spend a lot of time on this blog enabling all of you to buy things but please know I also enable myself and I make mistakes. Lots of them. I've been home sick for what feels like a month now, so pair that with a ton of good sales and I've definitely made some online purchases. It's alllll going back. (But never fear, some of it hasn't yet arrived so there's a good chance I'll keep that stuff. Who knows? Anything can happen!) Let's start with The Dress:

Oh yeah, hi there cute little Madewell dress, thanks for following me around the internet until I caved and bought you. You arrived stuffed in a plastic envelope, a mess of wrinkles, poor thing. I steamed you and tried you on and hahahahaha:

This is not my dress. I know I should be able to wear whatever I want at 50, but y'all, not this. It's so cute but makes me feel like I'm wearing a floofy costume. It does have pockets? That's a bonus for sure but it's still not my dress. 

Also, not mine: those big buckle Birkenstock Arizona sandals I'm wearing. I bought them after much deliberation and I kept pulling them out and trying them on and putting them back in the box. If you do this with any pair of shoes for more than a couple of days, return them immediately. They are very pretty but the buckles make them HEAVY and the leather on this pair feels really stiff. They just aren't for me. I'm going to return them and have already ordered this pair in black/white to fill the Birkenstock-shaped hole in my heart. 

Also returning a pair of Birkenstock EVA sandals in red which I bought to wear at the beach and then realized I'd only be at the beach for a week and don't need an entire other pair of $50 sandals for a one week trip. (If I had regular access to a pool or other body of water, I'd probably keep them.)

And finally, I'm returning these Madewell cut-offs which I'd hoped would be long enough if I uncuffed them but they absolutely are not. (I also ordered this pair but they haven't shipped yet. I look forward to returning them next month, I guess.)

BUY THIS: A Few Stress-Purchases.

 It's been a rough week so far and when things get tough, I donate to Planned Parenthood first and then I fall down a shopping hole because anxiety can be tamped down by things, right? 

First: A person in a beauty products group I belong to (who should be in marketing) sang the praises of this tinted moisture balm product by Jones Road:

Apparently it just melts into your skin and it's especially great for dry skin AND it's called What the Foundation (WTF!) which pleases me. It gets rave reviews all around so I ordered it and will report back. (Also, code THANKS15 worked for 15% off!)

In other news, Madewell is offering 20% off "Summer Faves" with code WARMUP so I bought the two tops I tried on here. The Tie-Neck Tunic Top, which I went back to the store to try on again in my actual size, was a perfect fit - airy and loose but not over-sized:

And the Banded Muscle Tee which I bought in a size up because it's pretty cropped and I wanted a bit more length:

Yes, this is basically a sweatshirt but the banded hem makes it feel a bit more dressed up and is so great with high-waisted jeans. Yay for spring tops! I also tried on these jeans which are great (size down) but I can wait until they're on sale. I just love the demi-boot style. 

Finally, a few weeks ago I was in Bluemercury and the sales assistant made me a sample of R+Co Cactus Texturizing Shampoo, telling me that it's really popular:

So popular in fact, that when I decided I loved it and wanted to buy it, I could not. It was sold out EVERYWHERE, including the store where I got the sample. So rude. However, yesterday R+Co sent me an email that it was finally back in stock and I ordered it! I don't know what kind of magic they put in this stuff but it makes my hair feel....more. I don't even know how to describe it. Like, my fine hair feels thicker and fuller and looks even better the second day. Magic. 

Now, ignore all this stuff and go smash the patriarchy instead. (And donate!) 

Monday Mood: Marianne Needs a Beach Bag.

If you follow Marianne on IG you may have seen her call to action about needing a new extra-large beach bag. She currently has a Land's End canvas bag and wants to set it on fire. Here were her requirements:

She got a LOT of great responses and we thought it would be fun to make this into a blog post. So here are her top contenders: 

Contender #1: 

Marianne: The Patagonia Black Hole Gear Tote is one of my top contenders. Love everything Patagonia stands for and I know it'll hold up forever. $99, sustainably made, lifetime warranty. 

Contender #2:

Marianne: The Travel Cloud bag from Baggu. $78, super light, looks the most comfortable to carry. I do wish it had a bit more structure though. Either way, buying a set of cute Baggu pouches to corral sunscreen, goggles, etc.

Contender #3:

Marianne: The 3 Girls Tote from Scout. I like the structure (no tipping over!), the zipper and it's super light. And cheaper at $54. 

Honorable Mention:

Marianne: Also probably buying this Target bag that was recommended because it's $10, mesh, and seems like a great backup for second bag for sandy toys or wet towels. Also, this gingham swimsuit at Target is my current fav! 

PS. She's set on one of these options and isn't still looking but if you want to share your fav in the comments, feel free! 

A Shopping Story (IRL!)

Lately I've been dealing with the downfall of my pandemic weight gain - a good portion of my before-times spring wardrobe doesn't fit, which makes me feel shitty. There's nothing like looking at all of your clothes and knowing they ain't for you right now. It sucks, y'all. I decided since I had to go to the mall to return something, I might as well see if I can find some fun new things for my right-now-times body. Shopping in stores! IRL! 

I went to Madewell, tried a few things on that looked awful and left. I went to Anthro and walked around and around and around and nothing looked like ME. It all seemed too much, too frilly, too young. I went to LOFT and had a similar experience - most of the spring colors weren't for me and nothing I'd seen online seemed to be in the store. Nobody helped me, nobody approached me, nobody offered to take the items I was holding. I walked out. We've all had this experience, right? Worst. 

Then I saw a store called EVEREVE, which I'd never heard of, and went in to check it out. An hour later I'd tried on nearly everything in the store, helped by two employee stylists who were kind, attentive and listened to me. They don't work on commission - they're specifically trained to be in-store stylists so women don't feel adrift when shopping. 

Now, I get that sometimes you don't want to be bothered by the sales associates but if you're in the right mood and in the right store - give it a try. They'll bring you things you wouldn't have considered or that look better on a person than a hanger. It might be the best customer service experience I've ever had in a boutique and I walked away with several pieces that I love and that work with my life and body right now. I'm not going to tell you yet what I bought (that's a slow-rollout for outfit posts!) but here are some of the things I tried on:

The colors in this top is are brighter IRL and it's so floaty and easy to wear.

I can't find this Sanctuary dress on the Evereve site, but it's a perfect light, loose summer dress.

This little hoodie is by Chaser and it's soft as hell and lightweight but warm. I love the twilight colors! 

This linen blouse by Cloth & Stone fit just right with no button-gaping.

Y'all, this dress is not done justice by photos. It's so dramatic and pretty in person. Plus, tassels! 

I guess tie dye is the new camo? This is technically a sweatshirt but was super light and soft.

I loved this dress in theory but it's for a smaller chest than mine. I do love the color and the longer tiered style. Plus, it's washable! No dry cleaning for summer, thank you. 

One of the stylists was wearing this and I thought it was SO cute. I didn't actually try it on 

because I HAVE ENOUGH TEES ALREADY.

This dress print was pretty wild but has such a flattering, body skimming cut. I tried it on a few times. 

This crazy duster wrap was brought to me and I was like, no. Then she showed me the eight different ways you can throw it over whatever and make it fashion and I was like, maybe?

Just a disclaimer: while I do make commissions on click-through purchases, I was not paid for this review. It was just such a good experience I wanted to share it.

BUY THIS: A Little Bit of Stress-Shopping!

Hello! Hi! I am back in the world of the living, West Coast version. We are camping in our new house with a borrowed air mattress and almost nothing else, but I have internet so I'm good to go. (Our furniture won't arrive until this weekend.)

I packed my big suitcase for the drive out and for the week or so after and I am not sure what kind of alien being took over my body during that process but apparently I just assumed I'd be wearing pajamas for two weeks? It's a sad situation so when Madewell sent me an email all, "30% off sale" I was like YES PLEASE SEND ME CUTE CLOTHES BECAUSE THIS COLLECTION OF SAGGY TEES AIN'T IT.

I just ordered this:

Now, the sleeves are a lot lot lot but I feel like maybe I can pull it off? We'll see. I also ordered this:

Because yes, it's black, but it's floaty pretty springtime black. Heh. I also really wanted this one:

But I suspect it will not work with my DD chest. I always want stuff like this to look cute on me but it never really does. I might try it on when I'm returning whatever doesn't work.  I also thought this was really cute but maybe not quite my style:

It has potential though, right? Again, it's something I'd have to try on first, but it's awfully pretty. I'll report back when I get the first two tops! Hopefully I'll have a mirror by then too. Sob. 

We Discuss: Jackets, Everyone, Travel.

M: My friend Elizabeth convinced me to order her favorite faux leather jacket last night, what could go wrong

A: Hmm. I need to see, pls

M:  This one:

A: Oh, that is SO cute!

M: She and another friend both have it and it’s VERY cute on them

M: And I really want one but feel like they don’t look good on me because I have hangups about short jackets

M: But I’ll try for $100

M: It has very good reviews

A: Definitely give it a try

+++

M: The leather jacket—like, I want to be that person but I am not certain I am:

M: And the Madewell jacket that's a rental:

A: Honestly, I like the leather jacket better on you!

M: The Madewell jacket (current version) is cute but kind of unnecessary

A: It’s cute but the leather.

M: I think for $98 I will keep the leather and try to make myself wear it.

M: The Madewell one is cuter in person but I have zero real need for it. I do like the color.

A: It’s cute but you have better jackets

M: I did try the leather jacket over a kind of dramatic floral maxi dress and I think it’s my outfit for the VIP dinner at this flower festival

+++

M: You know what? I feel cute as shit:

M: But then I changed into a t-shirt because it’s going to be warm. The sweater was cuter but oh well

A: Adorable! That jacket is great on you

M: I still feel like I’m having to reprogram my brain to accept a short jacket

A: You just need to keep doing what you’re doing and try it on with everything

M: Yup

M: Making myself wear it

A: Its so good on you! Retrain your brain

+++

A: Everyone just let me know that the wait is over - bodysuits are back.

M: Oh lord

A: EVERLANE. Damn autocorrect.

A: We should just start calling it Everyone

M: Hahaha yes

A: Everyone is a bad boyfriend

A: Everyone is SO BOXY

M: It works

A: Everyone is trying to make me buy ugly pants

M: hahahahaha

M: Fuck I forgot I need to return those bad jeans

M: They don’t give you a return label so I keep forgetting

M: Because they are JERKS

A: EVERYONE IS JERKS

M: Their site is fucked up and I can't process the return

A: You might just need to email them or call. Ugh

M: I just emailed

M: NEVER AGAIN!

A: Everyone is stupid

M: Though I am wearing their turtleneck with my overalls today and I like it!

A: Yay for finding overalls you like!

M: For a million dollars!

A: I mean, that is the risk

M: I am just going to end up buying them aren’t I

M: I will give Everyone credit, they immediately responded with a return label to print

A: And yes, you should probably buy the overalls

M: RTR, such a money saver

A: heh

+++

M: MY HOTEL HAS LE LABO TOILETRIES THIS IS NOT A DRILL

A: HELLO, 911?

A: I hope you stole the entire set

M: I sure did and an extra lotion

A: Well done

A: Just FYI:

M: Ohhhhhh

A: I want to go to there

M: You should!

A: I AM GOING TO GO TO THERE.

(To be continued!)

We Discuss: Crossbody Bags I Do Not Need. (It Doesn't End Well.)

A: Per my blog post, I feel like I need a not-too-expensive crossbody that can get wet.

A: But it should be cute, of course

M: Hmmm, Dagne Dover?

A: Oh! I hadn’t thought of that

M: Seems like a situation for neoprene

A: This one looks okay but more than I want to spend on neoprene:

A: I was also considering that quilted MJ but I don't know:

M: I mean if you’re really talking getting wet yeah I wouldn’t do leather

A: I am always into leather but I feel like Scotland is gonna be wet

M: Or I would take your Cambridge satchel because I swear that leather is bombproof

A: Yes, but no zipper! Not that Scotland is known for it’s pickpockets

M: I’d like to see a pickpocket get a push lock flap open without you being like wtf

A: The Cambridge is def bombproof

M: That leather is so rigid

M: That’s what she said

A: Heh

A: I looooove this Madewell bag with the cool strap but I think it’s too small

M: I love that bag too but don’t you have a similar J.Crew one?

A: sold it

M: Ah rats

A: Eh, I assumed I’d find something slightly bigger to replace it

M: Oh! Get a cute strap on Etsy for your Cambridge bag!

M: That’s my jam

A: My Cambridge strap isn't removable

M: Well poop

M: I am trying to save you money for trip shopping haha

A: Madewell sells the straps separately and has a Salt collab but does me no good

M: That Madewell bag is adorable

A: It is

M: Now I want it so thanks

A: SORRY

M: Way to go

A: With the discount and the extra $10 off I can get that Madewell bag for $92 but I still think it’s probably tiny

M: I don’t know, really depends what you want to cram in it

M: (We’ve moved into to the enabling portion of the evening)

A: Hahha

A: Mostly just my phone, small wallet, bits and pieces

A: I can spend about the same amount and get the MJ bag but it bothers me that the strap isn’t leather

M: I like the Madewell one a lot more

A: I do to tbh

A: I am trying to figure out if the strap comes with it or if I have to pay separately for the camera strap

A: Oh! One of the reviews says it comes with two straps! And this:

“ I carry my phone, lip balm, pen, keys, and small bible as well as a few cards and cash.”

A: Um, totally same

M: Haaaaa

M: Bible room

A: Hahahha. It me.

A: I might have to get it

A: Forget what I said about wanting a bigger bag that is waterproof

M: I mean if you’re going to buy something I like that one

A: I do too

A: That strap is killing me

A: I could also use it on my red Longchamp, maybe?

A: Under $100 with expedited shipping

M: I would do it

M: And might THANKS

A: Haha

A: It is done

M: Ugh I won’t

M: Only because Kathleen wants to take me shopping in Seattle

A: There you go

A: Plus, will always be Madewell deals

M: Yup and I already bought jeans

A: I will see if it’s worth keeping when it arrives (Which is tonight! Keep an eye on our IG for an update.)

Feeling Wanty: Travel Edition.

Nothing makes me feel more wanty than when I have a trip coming up. Suddenly, I need A Perfect THING for this particular trip, despite not needing That Thing on the last trip. It's dumb but it happens every time. Here's what I mean:

I NEED BOOTS.
My Dr Martens did really well for my trip to Ireland  - they were comfortable and good for tromping around fields to look at ancient stones. I'll be doing some field tromping in Scotland next month but the thought of packing those boots again (so heavy and large) just bums me out. So, I bought Marianne's Sorel boots which arrived and they're great! Feather light and toasty warm. Problem solved. This time.

I NEED A CROSSBODY BAG.
This is so dumb but I sold my little J.Crew bag with the idea that I'd find a better, more magical, slightly larger crossbody. I, um, didn't. For Ireland I brought my leather MJ hobo which was fine - big enough to stash a scarf and small purchases and has a zipper for security. But it get heavy when worn crossbody so I am already wondering if there's a better, but still fashionable, option. Predictably, I've got my eye on this nylon MJ crossbody that would be a great, lightweight option. It's on sale at NR which is tempting, but I should probably save my money. Hmph.

I NEED NEW TRAVEL PANTS.
Okay, I don't, but in the comments on my recent Athleta post reader Jen D totally sold me on the Headlands Hybrid tights. Wouldn't they look cute with my new Sorel boots and a big sweater? YES PERHAPS THEY WOULD. I am very curious and will probably make a trip out to Athleta soon to try them on because I love the idea of a legging-type pant that travels well. We shall see.

PS. I also bought myself a small light-up travel mirror because trying to put on makeup in a hotel room is always the worst. I bought one just like this and it's fine. Do I want the SimpleHuman one? Of course I do. But I'm not gonna. I need that money for pants.