Adrien: But Do They Spark Joy?

Hey gang! I am out of town this week so this is an outfit from last week. (I promise my next outfit post will feature the new gold boots because I can't stop wearing them.) This was a weekend outfit: 

I really need to tuck a little more often, right? It's just a better proportion on me. My blouse is Olive + Oak (via TJ Maxx a few years back) and it's a favorite of mine. A split neck print top is just such an easy thing to wear. This Loft blouse has a very similar feel to mine and this Gap option in navy (and ooh, this one in black) is also really appealing. And of course, there's Joie for perfect, dreamy options.

I'm wearing my favorite top with my favorite Fidelity jeans. They're getting hard to find but the similar "Ace" fit is on sale here and I also think this Madewell pair is pretty close (and slightly cooler.) I'm also wearing my Grana cashmere cardigan which is sold out, but this one at JCrew looks pretty cozy! On to details: 

The tiny necklace on top is the Madewell asteroid pavé necklace (it's on sale!) and my beaded pendant is from BR. I'm also wearing the usual suspects: my CLUSE watch and Lisa Freede cuff. 

Oh, these boots. They're the Ugg Lynnea and I loved them so much when I bought them back in 2011 but now they feel a little dated. That said, they're comfortable and fun to clomp around in and...eff it. They still spark joy. There are some updated versions that are pretty cute - the Ugg Brea (more sizes here) and the Ugg Cam II (here in black) which are probably a bit easier to style. But, for a straight-up black clog boot, I'd go for this Hasbeens pair. Yep.

I literally just talked about my MJ Kirsten Globetrotter bag last week so I'll leave it for now, except to mention that there's a NWT satchel version (same style family and color) on eBay* right now! 

*Not my auction! Please proceed carefully. 

So Many Culottes, Too Much Time.

M: Not to body shame but girl. Ouch.

A: Girl, britches too small.

M: It hurts to look at her.

A: I’m feeling short of breath on her behalf.

M: Poor thing.

M: I can't imagine it's a ton of fun to be her.

A: Culottes should never involve tight lacing.

M: She wore that getup exactly once for the time it took to be photographed.

A: She looks pissed.

M: I'd say she's thinking I don't live on cigarettes and Pellegrino to not fit into this burgundy monstrosity.

M: Anyway she makes me sad.

A: Yeah, not a positive culottes experience.

M: 

A: Not bad!

M: Pretty cute!

A: I like the idea of denim culottes. In theory.

M: Same.

A: 

M: Right!

A: I'm not sure they're "me" but I like.

M: Saaaame.

Weekend Window Shopping: Breton Stripes

There's nothing I like more than a Breton Stripe shirt. And anything else with a Breton stripe. Put a stripe on it, is what I'm saying.

Review: POPSUGAR January Must Have Box!

POPSUGAR sent me the January Must Have Box to try which is always a good time. POPSUGAR boxes are always a fun mix of products and I love getting a little box full of surprises in the mail. The January box is no exception:

The theme for this month's box was "A Fresh Start" and here's a list of what's in it:

GOLDFADEN MD Fresh A Peel Multi Acid Resurfacing Peel (retail $85)
MANDUKA eQua Mat Towel in Playa (retail $38)
DAILY CONCEPTS Your Hair Wrap Towel (retail $18)
DEAN & DELUCA Peppermint Loose Leaf Tea (retail $10.75)
MAY DESIGNS Desk Calendar (retail $12.50)
Sourcebooks, Inc. Instant Happy Notes (retail $8.99)
Bonus item:  GLADE Atmosphere Collection N°3 Free Coconut and Beach Woods Candle

This box costs $39.95 and has a retail value of more than $175!

I was most excited about the Manduka yoga mat towel because my old one is starting to look a little ratty. I don't do hot yoga very often but they're still nice if you find yourself sliding on your mat, which I do. Pro tip: these towels are excellent for pool-side lounge chairs because they're extra long and super absorbent.

I've also been using the Daily Concepts hair wrap a lot! I initially didn't think I'd get much use from this since my hair is so short, but if I twist my hair up in it right out of the shower it's nearly-but-not-quite dry when I'm ready to blow-dry. It's definitely a time-saver and looks very spa-fancy.

Finally, I'm really into the Goldfaden MD peel because that jank retails for $85 and my face likes lactic acid peels. I'll report back after I've given it a fair run but so far, so good.

If you've never tried POPSUGAR Must Have and you're tempted, code SHOP5 will give you $5 off your FIRST Must Have Box!

Online Shopping 101: Price Adjustments.

A quick lesson in online shopping! Marianne and I both bought these Steven booties last Friday, which were on sale, and yesterday I checked the site and OMG they'd been marked down another $30 and now they're $44.70. PRICE ADJUSTMENT TIME.

Most reputable sites will honor a one-time price adjustment so we both emailed Shopbop and got credited the difference almost immediately. So now the $74.50 silver* boots are $44.70 silver boots and all's right with the world.

*Hey, you know how the picture makes the boots look gold? That's because they are most definitely gold. Do not be fooled by the product color descriptor of "silver." Also, they are true to size if anyone is thinking about taking a final sale risk!

Adrien: I Do Like A Striped Dress.

If there's one thing I love, it's a striped dress. This one in particular from Banana Republic has been a favorite because of the full skirt, the structured material and just overall cuteness. It's a bummer that it shrunk:

I mean, I love it. I love the shape and I keep wearing it in spite of the fact that it's just a little too small. I've been keeping an eye out for a worthy replacement and I think this cute fit and flare dress at BR has a lot of potential (or will once it's on sale.) It's cute right? I also like this more casual option at LOFT and this Boden dress is just crazy enough to work. Everlane also has some new offerings with a very nice Breton stripe sweater dress and a comfy striped sack for those of us drinking ditch gin. 

You absolutely can't tell in these pictures but I'm wearing Spanx faux leather leggings instead of tights. I bought them during an post-holiday sale because Marianne has them and loves them but so far I'm still struggling a bit. Like, I want to believe. We shall see. (Hey, I barely wore my coated Madewell jeans last winter but this winter? They're a staple. Sometimes it just take a bit of time.)

I'm apparently gleeful about the addition of an old Gap scarf that's getting a lot of blog time lately! It's just such a good color and it plays nice with my bag. I love a bright, inexpensive scarf to bump up an outfit. This little star print scarf is pretty charming and I love this cobalt leopard print by Oasis. And here's another good leopard print for under $12!  On to details: 

I'm wearing a Lulu Frost for J.Crew tassel necklace from a few years back but there are tons of good options right now. This layered stone tassel at Loft is awfully pretty and this one at Ann Taylor would be a good dressy statement option. And I really love this more delicate version from Rebecca Minkoff. I'm also wearing my CLUSE La Boheme watch and my Lisa Freede cuff bracelet. 

Finally, bag and shoes! My bag is a Marc by Marc Globetrotter Kirsten in the best damn blue he ever made. I'd say this blue MJ hobo probably comes closest but there are other options, like this Cole Haan tassel hobo or this Blugirl Blumarine bag that's super on sale. Just saying. My boots are Vince Camuto Hadley, which aren't available anymore, but the Vince Camuto Franell would be a nice update! That's all I've got today, kids. Thanks for reading.

We Talk About Shopping, What a Surprise.

A: Should I buy this blouse. Y/N. (Seller will accept a Best Offer of $55.)

M: Hm. I mean it's nice and the color is pretty but it's not like YES WHAT A BARGAIN.

A: I've been watching it on eBay for a while but it's silk and I'm not wearing my silk stuff as much because I'm too lazy to hand wash and iron and eh. So lazy.

M: That sounds like the answer then. No more silk! I'm thinking about getting this blouse (from I Want to Be Her) in both colors:

A: Ooooh, I like it.

M: Oh:

A: OH MY GOD THE RUFFLES. TYRANNY. 

A: I LIKE CATS BUT WHAT EVEN.

M: But seriously this is cute:

A: Much better! I like that a lot. I'm also eyeing this Lou & Grey tunic on LOFT with my Spanx leggings in mind:

A: But, full price still.

M: Pajama clothes.

A: It’s a Chico’s kind of day, Marianne. Also! I tried on this great dress at LOFT this weekend:

A: I decided to buy it online and forgot and now the sale is over. Whomp.

M: I want that.

A: It’s so good. Everything I want is full price. I WILL WAIT. RIGHT. HERE.