Reviews: Madewell Perfect Fatigue Shorts, AYR Tees and Deep End Shirt.

Almost all the clothing I’ve bought this summer has been easy and comfortable because I'm just not going to wear uncomfortable clothes anymore. I've mostly been looking for elevated basics, including some nicely cut t-shirts and at least one pair of casual-but-not-sporty shorts. I struggle with shorts - denim cut-offs are classic and fun (this is my favorite pair) but not always appropriate and definitely not comfortable for all day sitting. Also need at least a 4’-5” inseam or get the fuck out of here, you know? My thighs will chew up and spit out your sad little 3” inseam. I’m old! Give me some inseam! But not too much inseam! Anyway, I stumbled across this pair at Madewell and was like, these would be perfect if they had one and a half more inches of inseam and lo, Madewell has given me ONE AND A HALF MORE INCHES:

This is the Madewell Perfect Fatigue mid-length short! Listen, I know I’ve worn more flattering things in my life but I love a good pair of shorts in the summer and these have a satisfyingly high waist, a nice a-line flair to the leg, big pockets (the rear pocket fits my phone!) and just enough stretch to keep things comfortable. Plus, they come in two really good colors. I obviously bought the green and I am waiting for a sale before I buy the purple. (Update: code SUNDAZE works for 25% off!)

I’m wearing the shorts with my AYR The French Fry tee which is probably my most-worn striped shirt of all time. Yes, it’s too expensive but... I think it’s worth it based on how often I’ve worn it. I also bought a couple of the Sno Cone tees which are fantastic if you want a slightly cropped tee to wear with your high-waisted things. Here it is untucked so you can see where it falls on me:

Not so cropped that skin is showing, but cropped enough to give you a clean line, if that makes sense, and you can still tuck the front. I have it in a medium (which I’m wearing in that photo) and a large in the blue stripe for a bit more slouch. I also tried the All U tee but returned it because it wasn’t super special and was a little low cut for my prudish ways. So far, my AYR tees have stayed soft and the necklines have held their shape, so I am sold on paying up a bit for really nice tees that don’t lose the will to live after one season (looking at you, Madewell Whisper tee.)

Finally, I decided that I had to try the shirt with the cult following - the Deep End oversized cotton button up. Here it is right out of the packaging:

I am not generally a button up shirt kinda person but something about the crisp-yet-casual nature of this shirt really appealed and I wanted a few tailored pieces for work. I got a medium in white cotton (it also comes in linen and in a stripe) and it fits perfectly in an oversized way, meaning, I can button it up over a tank without any kind of gaping and it falls nicely without catching on my hips. I could definitely size down to a small, but then it wouldn’t be oversized. I’m still figuring it out but I do like it as an airy cardigan alternative:

Not bad, right? I'm wearing it with my excellent Madewell Emmett wide-leg crop pants! I posted about these on IG and they're currently sold out in the green but come in a few other colors. They're good! True to size and great for summer. 

What have you bought this summer that you really like? Do tell. 

Stuff I Like: Long List Version.

Stuff I like! I've been keeping a list of things to include in this entry and it's gotten kind of long, so I'm doing it in a condensed version. Here we go: 

Wearing - This is not a surprise.
I’ve talked a lot recently about my AYR tees and now I have Marianne hooked. We both have and love this striped Sno Cone t-shirt because it’s the perfect not-too-short cropped tee to wear with higher waisted pants and shorts. Just so cute. (Note: I might have an AYR order out for delivery for today! Who wants a review?) Also, REI sent me a 20% off code a while back and I used it on this Vuori hoodie which is THE BEST THING EVERRRRR. I'm sorry, but it’s really the absolute best. It's light but warm and so so soft. It fits TTS but I sized up so I could be more of a slouchy slob around the house. I wear it every day. I’m wearing it right now. I should probably not write a blog about style because I’m an oversized hoodie girl now. 

Watching - All the endings.
The series finales of  The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Ted Lasso (both of which I loved) left me feeling a bit bummed. Two of my favorite shows are over forever! But, there's so much good TV right now that I am recovering nicely. I recently finished and loved season two of Somebody Somewhere (I talked about season 1 here) and was so happy to hear they’ve been renewed for season three. Now I’m re-watching season 1 of The Bear so I can jump into season two fully stressed out. Ha. I’m also excited about the upcoming season of True Detective with Jodie Foster, and the third season of The Other Two on HBO (fine, on Max. Why.) 

Reading - Y’all. Ugh.
I have been so underwhelmed by everything I’ve read lately and I seem to be DNFing books left and right. Do you ever get stuck in a reading rut? I’ve DNFed three books and just forced myself to finish one that wasn’t that great. When this happens I tend to fall back on authors I know I love, like the very reliable Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine. If you’ve never read any of her books you’re in for a treat. I recently re-read The Blood Doctor which is excellent and also love Anna’s Book (both written under Barbara Vine.) But, I’m ready for something new. I do have The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry on hold at the library and it sounds right up my alley but I’m open to suggestions if you’ve read anything great lately! 

Obsessing - This stylist on Instagram.
Marianne introduced me to Anna Cascarina on Instagram and she is just AMAZING. Just so chic and wears exactly what she loves. Her styling posts are incredibly helpful because she has this knack for putting normal items together in a really polished way. She also feels like One of Us - in her 40s with a relatable body and she talks a lot about age representation and size-inclusivity in fashion. Her tutorial reels are especially good. I really love watching her layer an outfit - this post in particular is what drew me in and I also really dig her capsule wardrobe reels (and her white Loewe bag! Woof, I love it.) 

Buying - Cheap-ass beauty.
Today I’m not talking about the Westman Atelier foundation stick I love because, duh. Of course I bought them. So boring. I’m way more excited to tell you about the inexpensive beauty items I’ve purchased recently because who doesn’t love a bargain? The first is a Jones Road Miracle Balm knockoff that I think is quite good! I do want to try the Miracle Balm but the reviews are pretty uneven. Anyway, I stumbled across this dupe by Bayfree on Amazon and bought it with very low expectations but y’all, I love it. Unscented, very sheer and not super sticky. It just gives a bit of color and glow. The packaging feels cheap but it’s a $12 product, so I’m not complaining about that. I got Nude Gardenia and it’s just really pretty. I can’t say how it stacks up to Jones Road Miracle Balm but if any of you have tried it, let me know if it’s worth it! 

I also I stopped by Target recently and bought some makeup because why not. My favorite thing by far is this NYX Butter Gloss in Rocky Road (a wine color.) It feels great on and is really nicely pigmented for a lipgloss. Plus, it’s only $5! I will definitely be trying some more colors. 

Finally, I picked up a tube of Acure Seriously Soothing cleansing cream at the local fancy natural grocery store. It’s perfect for dry/sensitive skin - completely gentle and non-foaming - perfect for a second cleanse. I love that it’s unscented and only $11 for a nice sized tube! I’m happy with it and now want to try the matching moisturizer. 

That's it for me. Please tell me what you've been liking lately! 

Quince Linen Review: Short Sleeve Shirt, Swing Dress, and Linen Blazer.

I recently bought three items from Quince’s linen collection and thought I’d tell y’all about them. Just a note about sizing: I’m usually a size 8 and I'm wearing a medium for all of these items. I’m 5’5” so some of this is not great for the talls, though I believe extended, tall and petite sizing is coming. 

First up, this is the Linen Short Sleeve Shirt ($34.90):

I like this shirt! The color is very on-trend and I don't own anything like it. The fit isn't cropped, exactly, but it is on the short side and has a slightly boxy fit. This is what you wear when you really just want to wear a t-shirt but feel like you should make more of an effort. My only complaint is that I would like a fourth button. Seriously, why only three buttons? 

It's linen. Linen wrinkles. It's just what it does so don't fight it. (Honestly, the reviews complaining about this!)

I like how it looks tucked but it definitely requires a higher rise to successfully pull it off. My jeans are Mother The Weekender and I reviewed them here. 

Next up is this linen Short Sleeve Swing Dress ($59.90.) They also have a sleeveless version and both are Faherty knock-offs I believe. It’s made from the same nice European linen and the pintuck details are quite good. 

Unpopular opinion: It has pockets and I wish it didn’t because I don’t actually need extra bulk at the hips.

I’m wearing a medium and it fits fine but I’d love another inch of length. It’s also probably see-through in the lighter colors, so just be aware of that. Overall it’s a cute summer sack dress that I'll wear a lot. It's easy to wear, casual, and comfy. Just a note: I don't have Photoshop anymore so I can't correct the color! The navy blue color is not as saturated as it looks, this is more accurate: 

Finally, I bought the Linen Blazer ($69.90) which fits me pretty well in the medium. It’s oversized but I don’t think I could get the small around my hips, so the medium was definitely the way to go. 

I should've taken a picture with the sleeves unrolled, I guess, but I have short arms so sleeves are often too long for me. I like the sleeves rolled because Y'ALL I AM MIAMI VICE CASUAL. THAT'S RIGHT, I SAID IT. 

It doesn’t have a lining which is slightly irritating only because the underside flaps of the lapel keep popping out. A little stitch witchery should fix that though. Overall I think it’ll be nice for a summer layer - slouchy and elegant but still comfy.

My striped tee is the Sno Cone from AYR! I still think AYR tees are too expensive but I keep buying and wearing the hell out of them so I'm beginning to think they're worth the money.

If you've never shopped Quince before and want $20 off your first purchase, please use my link. (full disclosure: for each purchase I get $20 in Quince credit.) 

Outfit of the Day: New Stuff

Hello! I’m working on a "stuff I like" post but wanted to wait until I finish the book I'm reading because, while I love it so far, I want to make sure the ending doesn’t disappoint.. Anyway, I bought a couple of things recently that I'm super happy with and I thought I’d show you:

Okay, the giant Vans tote arrived and it’s PERFECT. It’s just a big-ass sturdy canvas tote and it fits all of my work things (and yes, it’s heavy as shit when it’s full but I don’t have to take it very far.) I just got tired of juggling three bags so being able to toss everything into one big bag is working for now. Plus, it’s really cute. 

I’m wearing it with my not-really-flattering Grayson dress (review here) which you can’t get anymore except secondhand. I like it because it’s a floaty sack but I’m sure there are better versions - this one is promising, COS always delivers, and I like this one for a cheap-and-cheerful option. 

Because (almost) all my shoes finally fit again, I’m wearing my fun CdG Play Converse high-tops and even though they look kind of odd with this dress, I don’t care. This outfit is about me enjoying my stuff, not about being flattering. Who cares about flattering? Enjoy your things! 

One of the few good things I'll say about Rent the Runway its that it introduced me to a few brands I might  not have known about otherwise. Apiece Apart is one of those brands! Now, its not inexpensive, but because it's a lesser known brand you can pick it up secondhand for a steal. I'm always checking The RealReal for deals and of course Poshmark and eBay. Recently, I found this Apiece Apart Galleta top on eBay for a straight steal:

NWOT! And it’s still on the website! The eBay seller also has a small and extra small listed, so go get em! I’m wearing a medium. It's just such a fun, unusual top. The sleeves are very dramatic without a hint of prairie sister wife and I like that I can wear the neck open or buttoned up for more coverage.

My jeans are a recent purchase - the Pop from AYR. They're great, if a little too big. (I sized up but but shouldn’t have.) Are they better than Madewell denim? Not really, but I do wear them a lot. (Currently AYR is offering 15% off with code VACATION.)

I’m also FINALLY wearing my bright red Birkenstocks! My bad foot isn’t 100% into them but for low movement days, they’re fine and they cheer me up to no end. If you’re a red shoe person, these are the Birks for you. They are just so ridiculously bright and I love them. I also love my weird Clare V Grande Fanny - the red zipper detail works so nicely with my obnoxious Birkenstocks, right? It’s how I do. 

Take A Shopping Math Journey With Me.

You might think I'm just trying to influence you with my "stuff I want" picks but I'll have you know, I influence myself ALL THE TIME. Probably more than you know. Like, I was poking through the blog looking for something and scrolled down this post and was like, OH. I forgot about this KULE bag and now I might need it immediately:

It's got a cool-casual Vans summery thing going on, right? I dig it. Except I linked it back in January and now here we are in May and haha that stupid cute bag is completely sold out. It's also kind of small and expensive. Oh, they have a bigger tote:

I actually do need a big tote for the days I go into the office because currently I'm all strung about with a lunch bag, a small computer backpack, and a purse like some kind of office building pack mule. Anyway, I like it but it doesn't fit on the shoulder, it's $198 and it's striped, not checked. The heart wants what it wants, you know? The heart also wants it to cost less money. So I go a-searching. I find this:

Woof. I love this. It's leather and real cute but I'm not sure it can handle the level of crap I need to hoist up to my office and also, it is...not cheaper. No, it is not. It is actually, like, a lot more. It's $287 more than the KULE tote. Good God. So I keep looking:

Oh! This is so cute and it's got leather handles and a crossbody strap and it's $150, so I'm saving $48 if I get this one. Plus, it's handmade by women in Kenya, which is so cool. My only worry is that it's not structured enough but I like that it's got that Vans checkered thing going on, but slightly different. Huh. Hm. I wonder...

HaHA. And now we come full circle. This one is, you guessed it, by Vans and it costs $55 so I am basically getting it for $7 when you use shopping math. (What do you mean, that's not how math works? Shopping math is is different from regular math. It's easier and more fun.) Anyway, I bought this one because it's big and cheap and really cute. It'll also probably weight 800lbs when I put all my crap in it and I'll end up mad all over again but what can you do. 

Outfit of the Day: I Got One Pair of Shoes.

Hello! I'm back wearing real shoes which is great. What's not great is that I have, like, one pair of work-appropriate shoes because I have to wear very supportive, stiff sneakers and I refuse to wear my stupid Hokas to work. So, my Birkenstock Bend Low sneakers are my only option right now. I like them but only having one pair of shoes to work with is really limiting. I spent some time trying on all my clothes to see what worked and came up with a few options:

Here I'm wearing my Lululemon On the Fly On the Fly pants (discontinued but the Athleta Brooklyn ankle are similar), a Madewell tee and my Quince sweater blazer. It's a pretty comfy look but still feels vaguely work-appropriate. 

I bought this crazy Veronica Beard Empire blazer on The RealReal  (available on Poshmark and a good deal here on TRR if you're a 12!) and I love it but it's kind of a lot, right? Heh. I am wearing it with a black COS tee, dark denim Madewell jeans and my new Anthro necklace which is such a fun way to un-boring a black tee. 

Okay, I only have one pair of skinny jeans these days but I still like them and wear them! I don't care what the youths say, they're still good. (This pair is older Madewell, of course.) I'm doing a sorta monochrome thing and wearing them with a navy silk Quince top, my Everlane oversize jacket, and my new Clare V Grande Fanny. It's a weird bag, but I'm enjoying it. 

Finally, I'm wearing my Birk sneakers with the dreamiest dream of a dress by  Veronica Beard. Unfortunately this dress belongs to Rent The Runway who is now dead to me because they freaking suck. When you do the monthly rental subscription you can buy items at a discount and they were offering this dress for 40%. For weeks it was 40% off but when I decided to buy it, they'd dropped it to only 20%. Yes, 20% off for a used dress that had been in the rental rotation for nearly three years. They refused to honor the previous price and I had a tantrum, cancelled my membership and sent them back all their shit. I am still mad about it. I wanted that damn dress. Ugh.  

This was not a story with a happy ending but I'm hoping I can find it on Poshmark or The RealReal and seriously please slap me if I ever try to join RTR again. The End.

Stuff I Like: Overdue List!

Hello! I've had a fairly crazy month so far but my foot is healing to the point that I can actually hobble around in Plastic Clogs That Shall Not Be Named. I also have an ugly pair of Hokas that I can wear for a limited amount of time. It's progress. Anyway, I've been keeping notes about some of the things I've been liking lately so here you go:

This Sunscreen That Is Just Right
I wrote here about my chemical sunscreen allergy and made the switch to mineral-only formulas with varying degrees of success. I still really love my Tatcha sunscreen but it's painfully expensive so I was hoping to find something similar and cheaper. I got a deluxe sample of this CoTz Flawless Complexion SPF 50 in last month's Allure box and it's SO GOOD. Its lightly tinted and feels good on the skin - not super greasy or heavy. And, while it's not cheap, it's also not super expensive. It's also on sale at Ulta right now, so I bought a tube. Yay.

These Sneakers That I Swear Aren't That Ugly
Okay, listen. I am very, very limited on what shoes I can wear right now so I finally caved and ordered a pair of Birkenstock Bend Low sneakers. I love Birk sandals but always thought the shoes were too Hobbity for my taste. Well, I stand corrected. I ordered a 39 (my normal Birkenstock size) and a 40 because some reviews said they run a bit short. They both fit, but my toes were just about hitting the front in the 39s, so I am keeping the 40s. They are slightly Hobbity but they're reasonably cute and my sad foot has enough room and arch support, which is the important thing. 

This Sequel I Couldn't Put Down
I really thought I'd written about The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell on the blog but I guess I didn't? It's great - a creepy thriller about a family living in a mansion in London. It's got murder, multiple storylines, an unreliable narrator and a satisfying-but-not-quite ending. So, she wrote a sequel! It's called The Family Remains and y'all, I couldn't put it down. It's really satisfying and well-written and the characters are weird and flawed but (mostly) you really like them.

This Blush That's Very Satisfying.
I've been a big fan of all the Merit Beauty items I've purchased, even if the foundation stick broke almost immediately (I just shoved it back in the tube and kept using it.) it's great though - I just use it where I need it for a minimal foundation look and the highlighter is also nice - glowy without being glittery. But the Flush Balm blush! I just bought the new color Apres and it's so pretty - that perfect flushed look that I used to get from Benetint and it lasts all day. Plus, the weird little dome applicator is so satisfying and fun to use. I'm a fan. 

A Bonus Book That I Absolutely Loved
I finally got around to reading Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn and it's great! Like, it's not the best thing I've ever read but it's such fun. This is the book to take to the beach or on a plane because it moves fast and is deeply entertaining (if not actually deep.) I think it would make a great movie or limited series and was casting it in my head the whole time I was reading it. (I mean, Jamie Lee Curtis would FOR SURE be in my version.) It's really fun and I enjoy reading about older women who are literal assassins but also worry about hot flashes. 

This Show You've Probably Already Watched
Have you watched Shrinking on Apple TV+? It's so freaking good, even if I struggle a bit with elderly Harrison Ford (only because it makes me feel old.) But he's funny! I love his curmudgeonly self. And Jason Segel is always reliably great as That Guy. I've loved him since Freaks and Geeks when he played the teen version of That Guy. And Jessica Williams is great! Her outfits, y'all. I should also mention that Brett Goldstein is one of the creators/writers and it really shows. It's so funny and relatable and has that brand of Ted Lasso kindness woven in that I really love. But... you've probably already watched it.