Stuff I Like: Watching, Reading, Liking, Listening.

Another week of this-and-that! I suspect when the season starts to change I'll get back in the groove with having more in-depth things to write about but right now it feels like I've shared literally every single thing I've ever liked with you guys. So, a little of everything:

This Movie With Daniel Craig Which OMG
Remember this post? I am ridiculous. Anyway, I got over my horror and went to see Lucky Logan last weekend and it was SO good. Fun and clever and it had a lot of good cameo appearances. I love a heist movie and Steven Soderbergh is dependably good at them. And, while it was really amusing to see Daniel Craig in a humorous role, I thought Adam Driver's more subtle performance completely upstaged everyone. Anyway, it's not THE MOST AMAZING movie I've ever seen, but it was a really good time.

This Podcast That Makes Me Glad I'm Not Dating
I did the online dating thing for quite a while and (somewhat) regret that I didn't blog about it. Shit be crazy. I have a boyfriend now (hooray!) but I'm still really enjoying the Why Oh Why Podcast which is about dating (and also relationships.) It skews younger than ancient old me, but I still find the subject interesting and it's a good podcast for when you need a break from current events.

These Striped Capris That Are Mysteriously Flattering
During the last Athleta sale I blacked out and ordered a pair of super-on-sale striped capri pants. I was planning on returning them before they even arrived because why the hell would I put horizontal stripes on my thighs, but they're really good! Something about the way the pattern is cut is surprisingly flattering and I wear them a lot. I especially love that they don't have a back zip pocket so you don't hurt your spine when you roll around during yoga things. My pair is the black/grey colorway (very few sizes left) but they also have a blue/white and black/white version.

This Book WHICH I AM STILL READING
Update: I am still reading 1Q84. This is what happens when you download a book instead of getting a paper version because you don't realize that it's 1,300 freaking pages long. It's good but I feel like I've been reading it my entire adult life and I might need to take a short break and read something fluffy because my Kindle informs me that I'm 52% of the way through and I am about to cry.

PS. This Dumb Thing That Pleases Me
I follow National Geographic on Instagram and nearly every single time they post a photo Cypress Hill (yes, the hip hop band) leaves an emoji comment. I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS IS SO CHARMING IT JUST IS.

Adrien: Weekend Dirtbag.

I mostly post work outfits but if I had my way I'd probably dress more like this every day in the summer. It's not particularly exciting or fashionable (I mean, literally t-shirt and jean shorts) but the key to super-casual is to make sure your details are interesting. So:

After bashing Everlane yesterday I felt like I should defend their amazing Cotton V tee shirts because no matter how far I stray, I always come back to the Cotton V. I bought this one pretty recently along with another black one because I get mad when I run out of Everlane tees. They are the softest and the most comfortable and they fit me really well. Plus, $15 each doesn't seem like too much, right?

Really, every time I think about ordering something odd from Everlane I should just look at the t-shirts instead. This Open Neck Tee looks like fun and the striped Cotton Muscle Tank looks like me, doesn't it? My denim shorts are Old Navy and they've gotten a lot of wear this summer. My pair is sold out but these are basically the same ones. Every year I contemplate buying pricier denim shorts and every year Old Navy delivers a good alternative. I'll save that money for jeans! This fall I'd like to buy a pair of jeans that's outside my comfort zone - something like these wide-leg crops from Madewell or this pair of high-rise slim boyjeans. Something that isn't skinny is the goal. 

Daniel came by to say hi. He only has one outfit but it's a really cute one. Details:

The trick (I've decided) with going super casual is to make sure your accessories are sharp and look deliberate. I'm wearing a Madewell necklace that's pretty subtle, but always gets compliments. This pendant definitely works in that capacity and I absolutely love this Minkoff spike pendant, which would look really striking against a plain tee. And ugh, Marianne has this beautiful Paddle Pendant and I looooove it. I'm also wearing my Lisa Freede bracelet that's similar to this one.

I'm wearing my most aggressively comfortable Birkenstocks - the Arizona in Hunter leather. I love them even though they're a lot of sandal...or maybe because they're a lot of sandal. I'm also carrying my favorite of my MBMJ hobos! It's available in a slightly different version on TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack has my exact bag in a few colors.  I love being all monochromatic with the dark greys. I do what I want! Or I'm just lazy! Heh.

We Discuss Everlane Stockholm Syndrome.

A: Everlane's new cotton sweaters look like something from Old Navy that I accidentally put in the dryer.



M: Cotton sweaters are kind of bullshit. Those cotton sweaters are extra bullshit.

A: Right? They make me sad.

M: But kudos to Everlane for convincing people that already faded and shrunk sweaters are something they want.

A: Boxy, faded and shrunk is the new chic.

M: I mean, bravo. That said I really am going to have to try the wide leg crops so I can know that they are awful for sure. What is my problem.



A: I want to believe. Do it for science.

M: I 100% promise you they will be godawful on me but apparently I can't rest until I see for myself.

A: Now I want them too. I'm so suggestible.

M: Even better--I kind of want the ochre/baby poop color.

A: Marianne.

M: You don't know mah life.

M: But seriously, color aside, reading the reviews and seeing so many people that wear my size loving them just makes me want them more. All the pictures only show size twos so I was suspect.

A: Hey, I have Everlane Stockholm Syndrome because I still want these boots even though I know better:

M: I am a Wearer of Weird Shoes and those bum me out.

A: Ugh, thank you. I don't know why I can't quit them.

M: They would be a big departure for you! Maybe we both need to try and review. This is how a no buy works right?

A: Oh. Huh. Yeah, we're doing that right?

M: Riiiiight.

A: I mean, we talked about it.

M: Talking counts, right? Also effff yoouuuuuu:

Nice pants but too big

I like these pants but I wish they had a smaller size. The 00 is a 26' waist. Usually 00 is a 24' waist. Also, I'd prefer them without the stretch, but maybe that's just me.

A: FAKE NEWS.

M: Like, I am all for body positivity and whatever but WAH MY 00 PANTS ARE TOO BIG just stfu.

A: WON'T SOMEONE THINK OF THE SUPER DUPER TINY LADIES?

A: And because I have the attention span of a gnat, I've already moved on to wanting these:

M: No judgement.

A: I love both pairs of Madewell boots that I own. I rarely love anything Everlane sends me except for the v-neck tees. I am trying to learn from mistakes, here.

M: Ah those are pretty. I never consider olive shoes because I wear olive jackets so much and that seems too matchy? I'm complicated.

A: That's a good point, but wouldn't stop me.  I also want a leather jacket but le sigh.

M: All this talking about fall is making me sad.

A: It's inevitable. We should just eat our cilantro corn salad and try not to cry.

M: I'm just not ready.

A: Summer forever.

M: I'm 30 pages into the Everlane Pants reviews and ready to buy two pairs in two different sizes and colors.

A: Which two colors?

M: The black and the ochre shut up.

A: The ochre is growing on me.

M: Okay, two pair of pants, two colors, two sizes, ordered for science.

A: Yay for science! PLEASE REPORTS BACK.

BUY THIS (So We Don't Have To): Two Things Real Quick. Maybe Three.

Hey! So listen. Remember how I wasn't really excited by the Frye boot offerings on TJ Maxx? Well, I take it back. They just added a pair of the very classic Frye Veronica Slouch boots in a very un-classic burnt red color:

Available in many sizes! At $199 they aren't suuuuuper cheap but it's still a really good price for this style. I have a black pair and they're the most comfortable walking boots I own and they look great with skinny jeans. I just kinda wish I'd gone for a more interesting color.

Oh, and speaking of skinny jeans, there's also this pair of legit Jeanz for Teenz that is a good bargain:

J Brand jeans for $60? That's not half bad and they have a fair range of sizes available, which is nice. If you prefer your jeans to not look like you were dragged under a car first (which I personally love but I get is not for everyone), might I suggest these Joie moto jeans?

(In a surprise twist, it looks like they're slightly cheaper on Nordstrom Rack.) Those zip pockets, though, right? Sigh. It's happening, ya'll. Suddenly I want fall things.

PS. Please be advised that print placement is important. Thank you.

Weekend Window Shopping: Total Eclipse of the Cart.

LOOK, I KNOW. I know. I'm a total nerd and I just made a pun IN THE TITLE so you're probably already mad at me. But I'm pretty excited about the eclipse on Monday so why not go full nerd and make it the theme this week? Just be glad I didn't include stuff like this incredibly on-the-nose Givenchy clutch, this insane Maison Margiela dress or this beautiful necklace that caused involuntary grabby hands. That would just be mean.

         

       

Stuff I Like: The Food Edition + Watching, Listening.

Rough week, right? Since my Whole30 is now a distant memory I can get back to stress eating with gusto. Thus, a food-themed entry, mostly.

image: Pinch of Yum

This Spring Roll Bowl That Is Amazing. 
My friend Malissa recently recommended this Spring Roll Bowl recipe and it was a revelation. Super fresh and full of good ingredients! And yes, there is sugar in there! That's what makes it delicious! I made it with shrimp but I think it would be great with any protein of your choice or with zucchini noodles in place of the rice noodles if that's how you roll. And definitely don't smell the fish sauce, just add it in and trust. I pretty much followed the recipe and thought that 7oz of rice noodles wasn't enough for the amount of sauce, but I ended up using the extra sauce to marinate the shrimp so that all worked out.

This Knife, By The Way.
If you're an adult who cooks and you don't have a good knife it's time to fix that. Last year for my birthday I bought myself a Wusthof Classic Ikon 7-Inch Santoku and I am SO IN LOVE STILL. I use it more than any other knife in my kitchen and it's worth every single penny. This set of two Ikon knives on Amazon seems like a good deal if you want a paring knife as well. Also, you need these tongs if you don't have a set. You'll wonder how you ever cooked without them. And get this spatula while you're at it. I'll stop now.

This Old Highball Which I Love.
Remember when I was comfort-reading Rosamunde Pilcher books? People drink a lot in those books and they especially like to drink whisky and soda. I am a fan of bourbon on the rocks but it's a winter thing for me, so I thought maybe I would try a bourbon and soda as a summer thing. And you know what? It's delightful. So simple and refreshing but still bracing. Add a twist if you desire, but it's not necessary. You don't need a recipe but this is still useful.

This Season of Bake. 
Y'all know that Marianne and I are big fans of The Great British Baking Show and the most recent season was seriously delightful. Delightful! Marianne hasn't watched it yet but I told her in a non-spoilery way that I actually really liked all of the final four contestants and that never happens. I don't know WTF this is all about but I am pretty sure I'm just going to not watch that. I mean, just stupid Paul? No Mary, Mel or Sue? Yeah, no thank you. (Seriously, look at that photo. They don't like him either.)

Finally, I am going off-theme to recommend a really timely listen:

This Podcast Episode That You Shouldn't Avoid. 
I am a native Virginian and the past week has been beyond horrifying and infuriating. Is this the tipping point? It has to be, right? Anyway, I highly recommend this episode of Pod Save the People for some really insightful interviews regarding the events in Charlottesville.

Adrien: I Can't Be Complicated.

The doldrums of August are when my outfits start going...real simple. I just can't get excited about any of my summer clothes anymore and it's too hot to really think about buying fall clothes yet, so I tend to go kind of boring. However, even though it's simple, I thought this outfit turned out fairly cute:

I'm wearing a simple swing dress from Loft (surprise!) that is slightly too tight in the arms but I keep wearing it anyway because it's so easy. They currently have a sleeveless version (more colors here) but I'm partial to this Lou & Grey dress which looks really comfortable. Old Navy also has something similar and this one at the Gap is fine, but I'm partial to this French terry dress. I'd wear the hell out of that. 

A plain dress needs a strong accessory and what's better than a red bag? Nothing, that's what. Mine is a vintage LV epi leather speedy but a great red bag doesn't have to be fancy. This red Frye bag is a glorious color and this adorable red Cambridge satchel is on sale! For a super-bargain, this MJ satchel at TheRealReal is a total steal. For your under-$50 option, this red Merona tote is pretty handsome. More details: 

I can't wear my giant Ann Taylor tassel with just anything - it demands a blank canvas. I can't find anything quite as enormous but this multi-tassel necklace will definitely make a statement! You also can't go wrong with a Lulu Frost tassel, that is just the truth. For something slightly less gigantic, I'd go with this pretty option from Ann Taylor! Oh, and my bracelet is a Bijouone Screw Cuff (a blatant knockoff of the Miansai modern screw cuff.)  

Finally, my sandal of the summer of 2017, my copper Birkenstock Gizehs. I know, I know, I'm sorry. They're just so comfortable and cute that I don't want to wear anything else. I also love them in silver but they're getting hard to find. Ooh, but there are a couple of sizes of the Madrid sandals in copper at Yoox and they're on sale! Go get em.