Stuff I Like: What's Making Me Happy.

I'm still getting adjusted to living in another place on another coast and y'all, it is an ADJUSTMENT. However, I always have stuff I like that's making me happy and here are a few of those things I've been meaning to tell you about:

This Chipotle Paste That You Need For These Tacos
I take Taco Tuesday very seriously around here and one of my favorites is this Al Pastor Pork Tacos recipe that originally came from a meal kit but I've adjusted and improved it over time and now it's my recipe. Suck it, Home Chef. One adjustment I made is to use this amazing Olo's Chipotle Paste instead of tomato paste. It isn't super spicy but gives a depth of flavor that you just can't get from a powder. It's good in basically any Mexican/Latin recipe that calls for chipotle powder (or tomato paste) and I was dismayed that I haven't yet been able find it in stores here. Until I do, I've been ordering it on Amazon and it's 100% worth paying for shipping. 

This Chunky Eye Pencil That I'm Surprised To Love
I got this Eyeko Double Act Shadow Stick in Dusk & Dawn in my Allure box a few months ago and threw it in my makeup bag all, whatever brown liner. But I keep using it and the more I do, the more I love it. I use the lighter color Dawn most of the time and it's great - subtle but has a bit of shimmer so it just brightens up your eyes. If I do a bit of the Dusk first and then Dawn over it, it's VERY drama in a really good way. I like to do up my eyes a bit more since I'm still wearing a mask everywhere and this pencil is great for that. (I want to try the purple one next!)

This Seamless Underwear That Is My New Fav
I'm boring about underwear (like, no matter what I buy, I always go back to hipster seamless) but I'm always willing to try a new brand, so when I stumbled across the current sale at Evelyn & Bobbie I figured, what the hell. Y'all. I am so into it! I bought a few pairs of the hipster and a pair of the retro high rise and I LOVE THEM. I love them enough to pay full price, but right now they're 65% off. This underwear is cute, comfortable, and completely disappear under clothes. The retro pair is a bit more coverage than I normally go for but they'll be perfect under high waisted jeans and dresses. The hipster is basically my perfect everyday choice and I love the cute digitally printed lace styles so much - because it's nice to have pretty lace without the actual itchy lace. If you're tempted, my link will get you $10 off your first order! (Full disclosure: I also get $10 credit which would be great because I want to try the bras too!) 

This Ridiculous Show That Makes Me Snort-Laugh
Are you watching Mythic Quest on Apple TV+? It's so freaking good, you guys. The second season just started so now it a good time to watch it. It's half an hour of nerdy goodness and it's funny as hell. I also love the bonus episodes they put out during the quarantine. If you're a fan of Always Sunny (or even if you're not, because I'm, like, medium on that show) it's some of the same people but much more palatable. It's also got some great women characters which I appreciate. Pro tip: look out for Carol in HR who is the funniest person on the show in the short scenes she's given.

Outfit of the Day: We Can All Maxi.

I'm pretty sure I spoiled this in the comments recently, but I did keep that maxi dress I talked about in my recent shopping trip post. I have never really considered a maxi dress because I'm not tall and I like my legs, so why hide them? But I'd started to really envy Marianne's closet full of floaty dresses - she always looks so nice and so comfortable! I can do that too, right? Of course. And truly, I bought this dress because it made me feel good. I haven't actually worn it yet (it feels like a going-out dress to me) but I tried it on to see if it still made me feel good (it does):

This is the Eden dress from Evereve. It's so floaty and light! I tried to get a photo of the back so you can see the tassels, but I failed. Anyway, there are tassels. I also love the intense colors - the blue is very cobalt and the brown bits are coppery. I am wearing a medium here though I also tried on the large because the waist feels slightly snug. Overall the medium was a much better fit, so go with your normal size. 

I love the side vents! I like to show a little leg and of course I'm wearing my Birkenstock Gizeh sandals (similar color.) For a similar dress vibe, this beachy dress looks like a great casual option and this tie-dye flutter sleeve dress brings all the drama. I also like this geo print midi dress from the Gap and oooh, this one too! That's so freaking pretty (and she's wearing Birks!) 

This giant face pic is to show you the colors of the dress and also to show you my new tiny necklace from Quince! They have the prettiest minimal jewelry. This is the White Sapphire Choker Necklace and before you think I've gone all high end, it's under $70. I love it by itself but it's also a great layering piece. Just a tiny bit of sparkle is all this dress needs. (If you're tempted, use my link for $10 off your first purchase at Quince! Full disclosure: I also get $10 credit.)

Finally, I think it's appropriate that I'm posting my long flowy dress today because it's Marianne's birthday! Happy Birthday, Marianne! We all wanna be in your day gown cult. 

Wanty: My Running Summer Wish List.

 I always have a running wishlist in my head of things I want to buy or need to buy (but mostly want to buy) for whatever season is upon us. Sometimes I'll actually write it down so I can look back later and see which things I actually ended up getting, but mostly I just post it here because why not. Let's start with the obvious:

When I first saw the Birkenstock Arizona Split I was pretty sure they were not for me but this pair kept following me around the internet and now I want them pretty badly. I really don't need another pair but I definitely WANT another pair.

I feel like I should have a few more non-tee options for summer and I am regretting that I didn't buy this linen blouse I talked about in my shopping story post. It fit well and looked good but I left it behind because... white linen. I might have to go back for it. 

I live in denim shorts during the summer and my pair of Joe's from last year (on sale in black!) are still hanging in there but I want another pair. I reeeeeally l like the pair above, though they are more than I want to spend. Maybe this pair of Levi's cutoffs? They have potential. And of course this pair from Old Navy looks promising but I'm not sure about the rise on me. 

Now, on the practical size I probably should buy another pair of my Athleta Brooklyn Ankle pants because I wear my black pair nearly every day. They're the perfect work-from-home pants - lightweight and comfortable but also they look like real pants! Plus, I love the stripe down the side. I'm thinking maybe I need a pair in olive green or maybe navy? (I dig the window pane navy but they're sold out of my size.)

Finally, something dumb. I still want this dumb overpriced tee at Anthro because the heart wants what it wants. I probably won't buy it but ugh. Maybe it'll go on sale. 

What do you want for summer? Do tell. 

Weekend Window Shopping: Don't Forget Old Navy!

Y'all, as always, Old Navy has some CUTE spring and summer options. Seriously, so good and inexpensive and today they're giving 30% off your order, no code needed. (There are exclusions.) Here's what I love:

Outfit of the Day: Little Black Summer Dress.

So listen, I keep getting asked if we've "settled in" to our new place and these photos should prove that we absolutely have not. I'm still trying to figure out the best place to take photos (we won't talk about the shelves of crap behind me) but for now this will do. Today I'm going to show you the first thing I bought from my recent shopping trip:

It's a little black summer dress, my favorite! This tiered black dress is by Sanctuary and it's just a floaty, easy summer option. Totally comfortable, machine washable, and despite claiming "bubble sleeves" I promise they're not aggressive. I'll mostly be wearing this dress with Birkenstocks (like I do) but I have these red clog peep toe sandals that I thought looked cute with it. My pair are Lotta from Stockholm but this Mia pair is similar with a lower heel.

For a similar dress, this one at Target looks like a good under-$30 option and this one at Madewell is great with the longer sleeves. I gotta say, though, my dress is under $100 and 20% off at Bloomingdales right now! I'm wearing a medium and it's generous without feeling overwhelming. 

I'm going a little more dressed up by pairing it with my MJ quilted shoulder bag. I've linked my exact bag on the RealReal but this one by Carvela is a dead ringer and naturally Target's got you covered with a cheap 'n cheerful version. 

Here's my big dumb face so I can show you my necklace - it's a Gorjana Parker Wrap necklace worn lariat-style with my own added charm. I've been really happy with the quality of this one, which should be obvious since I wear it, like, a lot. 

That's it for today! Off I go to organize shelves and whatnot.

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.

Madewell Review: Stress Shopping Tops!

A few weeks ago I mentioned that I'd stress-purchased a couple of Madewell tops and for once I've managed to photograph and review them before they're out of stock. Yay me. Big time blogger lady. (Also, please note I am still unpacking my life and trying to figure out where my big mirror is going to live, so these are not the best photos.) 

Anyway, the first top is the Balloon-Sleeve Button-Up Top in Painted Leopard which I was pretty sure wasn't for me, but I had to try:

It's so good in theory but it's just not...quite... me. I sized up in this one because it runs a bit narrow through the hip but that also means I got super extra puff in the sleeves and it was a bit overwhelming on top. I mean, check out these sleeves:

I do love the print and it's made of that crinkly light cotton that can be worn alone (light weight but not see-through) or over a camisole. Overall, I liked it but it's just not for me. 

Now, my second pick, the Daisy Eyelet Flutter-Sleeve Yoke Top, was a totally different story:

Y'all, I freaking love this top. It's made of regular cotton and the eyelet pattern is SO CUTE. It's not lined so you can see a bit of skin through the pattern but I really like the contrast. You can absolutely wear a camisole under this (I am team No Cami, just FYI) but you don't need to and that kind of takes away from the cuteness, right? This will look so great with shorts this summer - it's pretty without trying too hard and couldn't be easier to wear. I wish they'd make this in a fun color - I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. 

Outfit details: I'm wearing Madewell Cali Demi-Boot jeans and Birkenstock Gizeh sandals in copper.