Monday Memo No. 117
Spring? Wherefore art thou, Spring?
Genius: Aretha
CLEAR YOUR CALENDARS, PEOPLE. It has recently come to my attention that the OTHERWORLDLY talent that is Cynthia Erivo is starring in a new anthology series about Aretha Franklin and she’s PLAYING ARETHA. My brain is melting just thinking about how insanely good this is going to be. It premieres March 21st on Hulu and thank goodness that’s a Sunday because I’d have to cancel my workday otherwise.
Chic Sweater Clips
How cute are these sweater clips? (Yes, I said sweater clips.) If you’re unfamiliar, these jewelry-adjacent accessories debuted in the 50s as a way to keep open cardigans in place and/or to casually drape a cardigan or jacket across your shoulders without it falling off. AND IT’S HIGH TIME WE BROUGHT THEM BACK. Brinker & Eliza has taken this chic retro accessory, modernized it and made it wearable right this minute. I love a new accessory moment, or in this case an old accessory moment, made new. Did I mention they’re unbelievably cute? I think I did.
Workday Stretches
Anyone else’s body turning into a cross between a pretzel and a crazy straw? COOL ME TOO. I recently found this list of deskercise stretching options (just go with it) and in addition to being a great way to break up the day and give yourself a reminder that life exists off of a screen, they’re actually really beneficial for your body.
Lululemon Beanie
The thing about a long, frosty winter? It’s really easy to get sick of (if not lose) your wintertime accessories. I spotted this thick, woven pom beanie on Lululemon and honestly, I can’t fathom being cold in this. It’s a merino wool fleece-lined, criss-cross knit masterpiece which means business but is also stylish enough for me to not scream at my outfit in the mirror, you know?
Veronica Beard Sale
Veronica Beard is currently 70% (!!!) off at Nordstrom Rack, and I think there are actually several laws in place against skipping a sale this spectacular. I’m starting with a suit jacket and matching pleated wide-leg pants which I’ve been drooling over for months because you know how I feel about a well-tailored suit moment. But, there really are so many wardrobe essentials included in this sale that you need to see.
Naghedi Tote Bags
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, Naghedi makes woven totes that are basically brilliant for a pandemic and beyond because they are made of neoprene and supremely comfortable to carry. The casual vibe makes them perfect for whatever safe comings and goings you’ve got on the calendar, but they’re also fashun, so you don’t feel like life is all free canvas grocery totes, you know? Several of these bags also have strong vacay vibes happening for the future, too. Just sayin’.
Oma The Label Jewelry
Oma The Label is a jewelry brand focused on intentional choices in our accessories. With a dedication to quality pieces that are affordable and also highly wearable, there are some genuine classics on offer. My personal favorite is a necklace I’ve shared with you before, The Caroline Chain. It’s ideal for adding to your daily workwear to complete an outfit while adding to its professionalism. Also, don’t skip the bracelet and earring sections—trust me!
Family Photo Baby Board Book
Okay, wait. You’re telling me I can read my kid(s) a bedtime story where I AM THE STAR? I’ll take three. (Kidding.) Honestly, how sweet would it be to create a board book that has family members featured throughout—especially family members that we haven’t been able to see much in the past year? This would also make for such a special baby shower, new baby or children’s birthday gift. I’m not crying, you’re crying. We’re all crying. Oh no Colette’s actually crying BRB.
Shopbop Sale
Shopbop’s sale section is always pretty epic, but honestly, right now, the 70% offerings are kind of insane, especially when it comes to SHOES. Seriously if you have an afternoon to spare (and if you don’t, FIND ONE) take a gander through these markdowns, paying special attention to footwear, like these beauties. The steals are rare, perhaps because people haven’t been buying shoes with the same frequency during the pandemic? Whatever the reason, it’s really silly to skip this. Dig your heels in, literally. How dreamy are THESE?!
Sweater Vests
I’m loving a sweater vest vibe right now. No, not the substitute teacher from a 90s sitcom sweater vest, a much more chic version, preferably with a luxe collar and long silhouette, or some gorgeous cable knitting. A little bold color never hurt a gray, dreary winter season, either.
Snap Pullover
Don’t you love a good Amazon find? This is my latest, a snap collar pullover in a heathered fabric that looks SO cozy but not overly loungewear-esque. I have the black heather and I love it so much I’m going back for the pale pink—which shocks exactly none of you. The cut is long and narrow and I found it runs slightly small, so I took one size up.
Aveda Hand Relief
The dryness is apparently really getting to me, because I am OBSESSED with hand creams at the moment. I’d prefer to have luxe handcream in my eyeline at all times please and thank you, preferably one that smells as good as it works. This one from Aveda has been a favorite of mine for years, and I just restocked my stash. The scent is divine (I mean hello, it’s Aveda) and it works SO well to soothe my skin. Check out those ratings!
Maternity Jeans
I think I can confidently say now that my favorite maternity jeans are this pair from Paige. I’m need something incredibly comfortable and classic at the same time, and these fit the bill perfectly. They’re soft, stretchy, and while everyone is different, I love the under-belly stretch panels as opposed to those with a stretchy panel that fits over the bump. This also makes them more wearable in the weeks and months postpartum, too. FYI, they also come in black!
Birdie’s Phoebe Slides
In case you were concerned that the perfect WFH shoe doesn’t exist, Birdies is happy to prove you wrong with their luxuriously gorgeous Phoebe Slide. Part slipper, part shoe, all chic. I mean, just look at that fluffy faux fur lining! With several pairs priced under $100, these are the shoes your bare feet on hardwood floors have been begging you to buy. They’re so cute I almost wish you could see feet on Zooms. Almost.
Cauliflowerr and Chickpea Tikka Masala
In our house, we can’t stop making this Cauliflower Chickpea Tikka Masala. It is beyond delicious and while the recipe is vegan, it is completely customizable to any veggies or even proteins you’d like to use. It’s easy and such a nutritious, cozy dinner on a cold night. (Leftovers for the win!)
Jo Malone Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense
We have a new scent! I repeat, we have a new scent! Jo Malone’s new Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense is a transportive fragrance that’s pretty much all I want to smell like right now. With notes of Iris and Ambrette, plus base notes of Tonka Bean, I need this signed, spritzed, delivered. Truly, I can’t stop sniffing my wrist all day.
Outlet With USB Plugs
Hello, how was I today years old when I found out about wall outlets that have extra sockets PLUS USB SOCKETS? Was everyone just like… using these behind my back? Things are about to get SO MUCH EASIER around here. Shoutout to my sweet friend Meghan Donovan for bringing these to my attention. (They’re really affordable, too!)
2 responses to “Monday Memo No. 117”
-
Thanks for the tikka masala recipe! We love Indian food and it’s nice to eat a meatless dish once in a while. Will be trying this soon! 😘
-
My sister made a “My Favorite People” book via artifact uprising for my 15 month-old son and he LOVES it. So cute to see him point at me and say “Ma-Ma” and his dad and say “Da-Da.” That’s all he has so far as far as people identification and it’s fine by me 😉 p.s. I’m due with my second 19 months after my first so looking to you for inspiration! Good luck with your pregnancy! xo.
Shop The Look +
Leave a Reply