Our Favorite Beauty Purchases of 2017

I feel like 2017 was the year where I just used a million sample sizes of everything and didn't actually buy much in the way of new, full-sized products. Despite that, I still have a few stand out favorites from 2017, starting with this one:

I bought the Pixi/Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse last March (review here) and despite thinking it wasn't necessarily a bargain for the amount you get, both cleansers are so freaking good that I just keep buying it again and again. Plus, I love that I can get it at Target. Easy! 

Dermaplaning is the best, y'all. I highly recommend getting it done professionally (so nice) but you can also totally do it yourself. I super love these Shiseido razors - they're dirt cheap and work really well. (Also, apparently they're super absorbent? I think the seller mixed up her copy.) ANYWAY, Marianne loves the Tinkle razors but I wasn't as crazy about them. Either way, you can totally do this. If you need help, watch this video. 

I have tried a lot of different skinny eyebrow pencils over the past year but I always come back to Anastasia Brow Wiz in caramel. It's just the right color - not too red, not too brown, not too ashy and it lasts ALL DAY. I don't know why I even bother with anything else. 

Allllll the Davines. Currently I’m using OI All in One Milk,  Volume Boosting Mousse, and Minu shampoo which keeps my color bright. Basically, I love every Davines product I've tried and want more. It's a problem. They just smell so good and they work well for my hair and I love the packaging. It doesn't hurt that my salon carries the full line. Ugh. 

And here are Marianne's favorites:

After trying several other eyebrow pencils I have come back to Benefit Ka-Brow and my brows have never looked better. When I bought it, it came with a full sized High Brow, which I have never tried for some reason, in spite of having received and given away multiple samples. And y'all! It's good stuff! Makes my brows look crisp and it works as a highlighter for the lazy (i.e. me). 

I switched from my prescription retinol to Differin and that stuff is legit and like $12 at Target, no prescription needed. (Agree! This stuff is the real deal and totally Mean British Lady approved. -A) 

I also decided I wanted to find a signature scent this year and after trying several (including the mystical desert scent I talked about before) I have settled on Tom Ford Noir Pour Femme. Santa (me) put a rollerball of it in my stocking and I'm addicted. On me it's this perfect mix of spicy and warm and a little bit sweet after a few hours and I'm totally going to ask (buy myself) for a full bottle for my birthday. 

That's it! But just in case you want more and have literally nothing better to do, my 2016 beauty favorites are here and Marianne’s are here. 

Outfit of the Day: Pulling It Together.

Oh my God I wore a dress, y'all. I did it! I wore an actual work-appropriate outfit to work even though it was really, really cold out. Here it is:

I'm wearing my Loft swing dress which is super boring but really good for layering and stuff. It's sold out but Loft currently has this version and also this swing dress in dark green both with cuter sleeves than mine. However, if you just want something basic, check out this one at the Gap. It looks cozy, right? Now, you're probably wondering if I'm doing that coy blogger looking-over-at-nothing pose up there. I AM NOT. I am looking at something! I am looking at this:

Say hi to Lucy, my new little photobomber. (Daniel is currently hiding in my closet listening to The Smiths because he didn't ask for a little sister and isn't into sharing his stuff. He'll come around.) Okay, back to this jank:

To prevent frostbite I'm wearing a pair of really thick grey sweater tights. They are threadbare so I'm looking at this pair at the Gap or maybe something nicer like this pair from Natori. My carnigan gin sweater is Eileen Fisher and it's the BEST THING. I got it at Off Fifth a few years ago and immediately had buyer's remorse but then worn it a ton and it still looks new. 

EF is not cheap but if you want a good drapey gin canigan for life, this is the way to go. This one at Nordstrom is 40% off and couldn't be more versatile. There's also this one that's slightly more but comes in four colors! Finally, I found this EF cardigan at Nordstrom Rack for even less dollars than the first one. Just consider it. On to the details:

Literally the best part of this outfit is the Soko Paddle pendant Marianne gave me! She saw me admiring hers the last time I visited and decided I needed one too. It's so good! Weighty and quite striking but also nice to play with. I am eyeing some of Soko's other pieces including these earrings and this talon cuff. (The best part? Soko is a woman-owned business that ethically employs marginalized artisans.)

Look at me wearing tall boots for a change. These are my Loeffler Randall Matilde boots that I've had for ages. I bought them on eBay which is what I recommend, especially the older version made in Italy. This pair looks like a really good deal! I know the low wedge boot is probably a bit dated but they're really damn comfortable and the leather is amazing. In other tall boot news, this pair at Madewell looks great and is on sale and so are these Frye Melissa boots. Tall boots are just taking a breather right now, but they'll be back.

I've talked about my bag a lot lately so I'll just say this: It's great, it's on eBay. Get one if you can. If you are just thinking you want a nice black satchel, the TJ Maxx clearance section is pretty great right now. This one (and this one) are both serious bargains! Also, someone buy this red doctor bag! I love those weird brand Italian bags.

We Discuss: Blog Resolutions

M: I really agree with all of this except I still love their t-shirts, twisted seams and all.

A: Yeah, I'm basically done with Everlane. Mostly. (But YAS TO THE COTTON V T-SHIRT WHICH IS THE BEST FOREVERRRRR.)

M: That last attempt, trying the wide leg pants, that was it for me. I do still like my almost 4 year old cropped trench. And the v-necks are perfect on me.

A:  I like my weird boots and I still wear the shit out of both my cashmere sweaters though the older one is definitely better.

M: I wish those had fit me but the sleeves are always too short.

A: I'm just tired of buying a vision that isn't built for my body type.

M: THIIIISSSSSSS.

A: But they always get me, Marianne. I fear they're not done with me yet.

M: The fit just isn't there, for me.

A: Oh, it's not there for me either but I still want to believe.

M: Other than the t-shirts I'm making this my new years resolution.

A: Oh shirtballs. Now I feel like I have to make this my blog resolution.

M: LET'S DO IT TOGETHER.

A: OKAY IF WE MUST.

A: We can still buy Everlane t-shirts, right??

M: ONLY the t-shirts, and no new or weird cuts.

A: Yes ma'am. Our blog resolution: No Everlane*

M: Deal. Ooh I want to make more.

A: Yes! MORE. Can you save me from myself? Give me one pls.

M: Let’s think. What’s your trap? What’s mine?

I did not buy these.

A: With makeup it's holding on to products longer than I should. With clothes - I don't even know anymore. Maybe wanting to "upgrade" things I have that are already fine? (See: Madewell Chelsea boots). Wearing current stuff too much and not rotating in my older clothes? Buying stuff because its a good deal rather than because I need it? All of that.

M: Maybe we resolve to do two no-buy months this year? And to clean out our makeup/skin care.

A: Okay! That works for me.

M: Or we could do one month of no-buy and one month where we don't buy anything new, only consignment or secondhand...I don't know.

A: Oh, I like that idea too

M: Okay but the no-buy doesn't apply if we're out of stuff, right? I am out of my face wash. I mean it's just Cerave so not some big deal but I don't want to get in trouble.

A: I think that's fine, I'll add it. Do we need more resolutions? We have:

• No Everlane*
• One No-Buy month (January)
• One secondhand-only month
• Clean out our makeup/skincare

M: What if....what if we did the no buy RIGHT NOW. I have GOT TO STOP LOOKING AT SALES OMFG.

A: ME TOO. PEE ESS there are earrings that match the Soko pendant:

M: Oh I know! But I already have some similar hoops that are sold out so I didn’t include them. I love them though.

A: Oooh, those Madewell hoops are great. And I’m still thinking about your shearling Birkenstocks. I don’t hate the mink color.

M: The mink color is cute!

A: The problem is that Birkenstock is excluded from all discounts and promotions. Also, are we starting the no-buy right now this second? I can't remember.

M: Oh right. Are we? We should. But you need warm feet too.

A: Okay, I do actually need something for my feet I am FREEZING.

M: Maybe we each get ONE get of of jail free card during the no-buy??

A: Please, yes! A no-buy in January with a ONE item allowance. Mine will be shearling clogs because just talking about yours makes me want to die with cold-foot envy.

M: I love it. I am keeping mine in my pocket because I can't think of anything right now.

A: Am I doing the right thing with the color? Apparently the "mink" is similar to the UGG chestnut and not so orange in real life:

M: I like it, I almost went that direction but obviously chose the black.

A: I am going to order them for science.

M: Yessssssss I am missing mine today. Wearing stupid boots instead.

A: Winter - still the worst.

Our 2017 Blog resolutions:

• No-Buy in January (see the rules above) 
• No more Everlane*
• A month** of only buying secondhand 
• Clean out our makeup and skincare*** 

January No-Buy! The rules:

• One Get Out of Jail Free purchase
• Replenishment of existing products is okay

*Except for the plain v-neck tees which are rad
**Month TBD
***Except my Chanel Rivoli lipstick which is, like, 7 years old but they discontinued the color and it’s the perfect red. Hush, Marianne.

Weekend Window Shopping: The Best of the Madewell Sale

Okay, that headline is a lie. There was some "best of" stuff on sale at Madewell with the extra 40% off code YESPLEASE but a lot of it sold out immediately. My favorite coated jeans? Sold out. The green suede Walker boots? Sold out. However, there's still some really great stuff available (lots of jewelry!) but it's going fast:

         

       

Stuff I Like: Doing, Watching, Listening, BOOK CLUB, Y'ALL.

Hello! Happy New Year! Like many folks on the east coast I'm currently snowed in and like an idiot I left my fancy work laptop at work. So, because I am a super-dedicated blogger person I dusted off (literally) my old brick of a not-fancy laptop and now I'm hoping is stays alive long enough to write this entry. Tally ho.

This Yoga Thing That Sounds Like a Bad Idea But is Awesome.

I am SO COLD y'all. It's been so cold and I'm a shivery poodle all the time. I mean, I freaking ordered those shearling Birkenstocks because how could I not? So, when my friend at work suggested we try hot yoga over the Xmas break I was like, sure. I have no money for such fancy things but have I mentioned how cold I am? So we signed up for a three week intro (that's how they get you) and oh my god I am like a lizard with a shiny new hot rock. I LOVE IT. If you've ever been tempted, try it. It's very hard and you sweat a lot and you question your sanity while you're doing it but then on the way home when you're steaming up the car you're already thinking about your next class, all dreamy-eyed. PS. This is just regular hot yoga, not Bikram yoga. Bikram is a creeper. 

Related: For my first class I borrowed one of their super-fancy Manduka yoga mats and man, it makes my bargain basement Gaiam mat seem pretty lame. Do I need the fancy mat? I don't, right? 

This Show I Can't Get Enough Of

We all watched The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, right? The Palladinos, man. I cannot get enough of their thing. The story is good and the acting is also good and Midge is really likeable despite being so annoyingly CHARMED in life but oh, the style! Her clothes and the apartments are just amazing. I can't wait for the second season. 

This Podcast That I Also Can't Get Enough Of

Okay, so I know I've talked about the Penguin Podcast before but in case you missed it I thought I'd mention it again. They interview writers and it's almost always very interesting and charming. My favorites are Kate Atkinson, Jo Nesbo and Neil Gaiman but more recently they interviewed guitarist Johnny Marr, who wrote a book. He's fascinating and quite unexpectedly humble. I recommend, even if you weren't a Smiths fan.  

LOOKS GOOD BOOK CLUB, Y'ALL

Marianne bought me a copy of We are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby and also bought herself a copy because she read this quote:

"I was trying to fill this gaping hole inside me with “stuff I couldn’t have when I was a little kid,” and I assumed that one day, when I had finally bought enough magazines and name- brand snack foods to feel caught up, the feeling would go away. But it hasn’t. And because I know the value of a dollar, when I get one, I want to buy the nicest thing I can with it. I’m still buying hardcover books and department-store mascara, still daydreaming about what I’m going to spend my 401(k) on when I withdraw that shit early,”
― Samantha Irby, We are Never Meeting in Real Life.

and was like wait did I write a book. And I was all WHOA and she was all RIGHT and then she was like BLOG BOOK CLUB which seemed like a brilliant idea. So here's how it works: get a copy and start reading it. The book is a series of essays so we'll post up discussions on our Facebook page to discuss the various essays as we read. If you're not on Facebook that's okay, we'll also be posting a few of our text convos about it and you can post in the comments. Who's in? 

Marianne: I am really trying to think of my favorite purchases...

...But it's sofa king coldddddddddd.

The MVP of the last month is definitely my shealing-lined Birkenstock clogs. I got these as a solution to my Uggs making my feet/back hurt when I stand in them for long periods, and I like to cook a lot on the weekends in winter. And they are PERFECT. So cozy, comfortable right out of the box, so supportive. Fair warning: I went from "I'll only wear these around the house" to "I'll only wear these" in about 48 hours. They are not exactly flattering but I don't CARE. 

I am digging into my brain and trying to remember the first 9 months of this year but I swear it's seven degrees and the cold has wiped it clean.

Oh! I remember something! This was the summer I fully embraced jumpsuits aka adult onesies. My absolute FAVE is still available on Amazon. Listen, it's really cute and several of my friends have it and we are all different heights, shapes, and sizes. Cute on it's own with birks or with a denim shirt tied at the waist and clogs. YOU CAN WEAR A ROMPER. It's okay.

My most adored accessory by a MILE is this Soko Paddle Pendant. I love it so much I bought one for Adrien (I love it tooooo! -A) because everyone needs one. It's weighty and a great length and good for fiddling with. I wear it so much...maybe too much. But I don't care. 

I am now looking at instagram to try and remember things I like. It is so cold.

Oh right! When it was NOT subzero outside I wore the HELL out of these Adidas. They are my perfect sneaker--comfortable, lightweight, supportive, and they don't require socks. Look how cute they are here:

I will warn you, they do stink after a while. Nothing a spin in the washing machine didn't solve, or maybe socks would help. But. No. (Just wear socks, it will be fine. -A)

And of course, the pants I haven't stopped wearing since I bought them, those damn olive green Mossimo jeggings. I have personally sold at least a dozen pairs of those damn things. 

Adrien: Favorite Style Purchases of 2017

Last January I posted about my favorite style purchases from the past year and because I haven't got a better idea, I thought I'd do it again. Of course, this involves the horrifying task of searching the blog to figure out what, exactly, I bought last year and luckily it's not too horrifying! (I didn't buy any of this crap, which...wow. Just wow. Except the bag which I wish I still had and the shoes which I do still have and wear.)

Overall, I was pretty happy with my purchases and also made a good effort to replace some worn-out staples, like my leopard flats and my tuxedo jacket (which definitely deserves a place on this list but y'all have heard me talk about it enough, I think.)

Mossimo Moto Jeggings (outfit here)
Look, I KNOW. I know we keep talking about these but I wear them at least twice a week and they are totally worth the freaking $29.99. I love them and I should probably buy a backup pair because they won't last forever. They do stretch out but I dug out my Beltaway (seriously! Don't judge.) and that keeps them from sliding down.

Marc Jacobs Paradise Rio Satchel (outfit here)
Maybe my best eBay rescue ever! I still can't believe what a deal I got on this bag. It retailed for over $1,000 (which is crazy) and I got it for peanuts because it's not a sought-after style. I love that it's not obviously a Marc bag - just a nice big leather bag with subtle stud detailing. It's easy to carry and holds a ton of stuff. A winner. There are a couple on eBay that are fairly priced: this one has a best offer option available and this newer version does too.

Argento Vivo labradorite necklace (outfit here)
I bought this little necklace at Nordstrom Rack and have worn is almost every day since I got it. I just love how it's a tiny bit of shine and fire but still delicate and easy to layer with pendants. Unfortunately it's sold out (though I'll bet you can still find one in-store) but this Argento Vivo necklace is a very cute labradorite option and this labradorite pendant is very similar. There are also lots of options on Etsy, like this one!

Copper Birkenstock Gizeh (outfit here)
Oh man, these sandals were the best thing by FAR that I bought last summer. I wore them constantly and they are shiny and cute and very, very comfortable. No regrets on the Birkenstock front and no apologies. My black hunter leather Arizona sandals have also been great they just aren't as cute so they didn't get worn quite as much. I don't even care, they are so good and crazy comfortable and I love the giant buckles. (outfit here)

Fan Floral Cap Sleeve Shirtdress (reviewed here)
This LOFT dress was easily my favorite item of summer clothing. It didn't require any kind of thought or fancy underpinnings, just throw it on and wear it with flat sandals or heels or whatever and it looked cute. I love the retro-ish print and bright summery colors and now I'm looking to see what Loft has in a long-sleeved shirt dress. I do think this dress looks like a flattering cut but I'm not sure about the print. Same with this one- love the cut, not sure about the plaid. Hmm.

Nike Juvenate Sneakers (review here)
Oh yeah. I am going to go ahead and say that these were a REALLY good purchase. They're perfectly minimal and stylish as well as being comfortable. I have worn them a ton and they're great airport/travel shoes -  I wore them all over Las Vegas, Chicago and San Francisco. I think it'll be time for a new pair soon (my big toes are starting to poke through the inner foam layer) but I have definitely gotten my money's worth out of them. Olive green is cute, maybe?