1. I’m a sucker for most things lace, and this lace top from Loft became an instant staple in my wardrobe the moment it showed up on my doorstep. It’s a perfect neutral piece for layering – the lace is beautiful, the cut is flattering, it is well lined and just generally well made. I LOVE this top. Dressed up for work or with jeans, boots and a cardigan for a more casual look, it works anywhere. Also, it’s on sale right now. Take advantage!
2. Also from Loft, these heels – so hot right now. I’ve been eyeing various pairs of ankle strap pumps for a while but none were quite what I was looking for. I am a huge fan of herringbone fabric, so these are finally the perfect pair for me. As with everything Loft, wait for a sale – I got them at a huge discount thanks to a sale and extra promo code which makes me love them even more :)
3. Oh, fall – the beloved time of leggings + tunic + cardigan. Modcloth and I have been on the rocks for a while after several purchases in a row that got sent right back for poor fit, quality or both. I’m glad I gave this plaid tunic top a chance because it is great. Love the print, it fits well and is comfy. The sleeveless version is currently out of stock but don’t despair – they restock favorites, especially when customers express interest. They also have a version with sleeves that is cute and warmer so, definitely a great back up option!
4. A good gold disc earring is a necessity for me. They instantly dress up any outfit. I bought a pair from Sole Society a few months ago and have been wearing them so often. Mine are slightly different than these but I actually think I prefer this oval pair even more. They are lightweight and I love the pretty filigree pattern. (If you need a Sole Society invite, here you go!)
5. I snagged this cute top recently on a whim while stocking up on fall clothes for the kids. Dressy shells for work are generally a dime a dozen but this one has really impressed me. The fabric is great quality and the overall cut and look are very nice. The contrasting fabric over the shoulders adds a nice little something. This has been a nice addition to my work wardrobe with some navy pants and heels. (Also currently on sale!)
6. Over the past three or four years, I’ve really been overhauling my skin care routine. Or rather, creating one because honestly I was never great about it before. Cleansers, moisturizers, foundation, etc. I’ve been trying all sorts of products and figuring out what works best for me. A few months ago sort of on a whim, I used some of my Sephora reward points to get a sampler pack of Origins products. I had read good things and thought it would be fun to try them out. Guys, I’m sold. I know different things work for different people but I have to say how much I adore this Night-a-mins Moisturizer. I like many of the products from the box (I may talk about more in the future) but this stuff is fabulous and you need to know about it. Before I never would have considered going without foundation or some sort of base makeup but now I feel fine if I opt out of it. I can’t believe what a huge difference it has made.
7. I have a love/hate relationship with Anthropologie. I love some of their stuff that is really cute/stylish. I hate the price (most of the time) and also the other half of the stuff where I just wonder – would anyone actually buy that? Really? Anyway, I bought this dress a few months ago for work and ended up loving it so much, I bought a second in the maroon dot fabric. And I’m contemplating the green as well. It’s comfy, well made and flattering. A little expensive (especially since their sales are hard to come by), but still worth it for such a versatile piece.
Near the end of summer, Caroline was asking me over and over again to knit her a pink sweater. I could resist no longer! I chose this cardigan because she is obsessed with buttoning up her own buttons on her clothes lately, and we both love the way this turned out. The pattern is also available for adults so I may make one for myself as well, though in a different color. Before I finished her sweater, Andrew started asking for his own sweater as well. I have been eyeing this pattern for a year or so and decided it was finally time to make it happen. This was a fun and easy knit, and I love the end result. Andrew especially likes the pockets on the front because “they are the perfect size for holding Hot Wheels.” Ha! (As always, if you want any info about the specifics of my projects such as size made, yarn, etc. feel free to ask.) Right now I’m working on a cardigan for myself that I am really excited about. Also hoping to break out the sewing machine again now that we are in the new house and I don’t have to worry about constantly putting it away for showings, etc. What are you crafting lately?
I guess with everything we have had going on lately, I have not had much time for reading. It also hasn’t helped that the book I’m currently reading/avoiding reading has completely failed to hook me even though I am more than halfway through. (Constellations of Vital Phenomena – has anyone read it? Is it worth sticking with? I’m ready to just give up.) Instead, I have been listening to This American Life like it’s my job on the way to and from my actual job. There have been some phenomenal episodes that I just had to point out. This recent episode, The Secret Recordings of Carmen Segarra, is fantastic. It takes a subject that may sound mind-numbingly boring (The Federal Reserve and the way they regulate large financial institutions) and makes it completely fascinating. This is important stuff to know. Listen! Other episodes I have loved recently: Perfect Evidence (alarming and sad, but important to hear), Ask an Expert (mostly the first act – also alarming and sad), and Naming Names.
Also, on a related note – the TAL spinoff Serial is now live. Are you guys listening? Are you completely hooked? I am. I cannot wait till the next episode is released each week and wish I could binge Netflix-style to find out what will happen in this compelling story!
I’m sure everyone and their brother (I hope!) has already seen the speech Emma Watson gave at a recent UN meeting about gender equality issues, but in case you have not, please watch it. It is a bit lengthy but this is important stuff. As a woman myself and as the mother of a son and a daughter who wants her kids to grow up without the society’s pre-determined gender rules, I adore her message. I fully acknowledge that males and females are different and we should embrace those differences, but I want to know that my son can express emotions or my daughter can be a leader or earn equal pay as compared to male counterparts without suffering repercussions. We have come far, but we still have a long way to go.
On a lighter note, I’ll leave you with this quote that sums up my life from Ted Alexandro. We were fortunate enough to see him live recently when he opened for Jim Gaffigan and he was hysterical. Coffee/wine forever!
Disclaimer: These posts are a way for me to share the things I love with you, simply because I love them! Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I will receive a small commission. This helps to offset the costs of running this site and allows me to continue providing you the content you enjoy.
