Monday Memo No. 118
Cozy comforts and smart finds right this way…
Hanifa Cardigan Dress
Just a friendly reminder to you all that THIS gloriousness exists. It’s a jaw-dropping cardigan dress (hard to achieve with knit!) that can be worn as a cardigan or a dress. It’s such a chic layering piece with any-season capabilities, which makes for a truly smart investment. (Also check out how many colors it comes in!)
Original Baby Foot Exfoliation Foot Peel
I have it on good authority that these things are magic. If you’ve never done a foot peel mask before, essentially it’s a sheet mask-like product for your feet. You wear it for a little while, then go about your business. Four days later, your feet peel (a lot, it’s gross, but bear with me) revealing the softest, smoothest feet you’ve had since toddlerhood. Since I haven’t had a pedicure in 11 months, my feet basically look like horse hooves at this point and desperately need some tending to.
Cozy Soup Recipes
Look, winter is taking its job VERY SERIOUSLY this year. In Wisconsin, we’ve gotten record quantities of snow, and we all know how hard the rest of the country has been hit. It’s been a doozy, so if all you want to do is be in the kitchen making cozy soups, you go right ahead my friend. Here is a list of 17 stellar soup recipes to get you started.
Herb Scissors
Look, let’s stop pretending herbs aren’t a pain to chop. I think we can all agree on that. Personally, I’m not proud of the number of times I’ve reached for the jar of dried chives just to avoid chopping a stalk of them. If you can relate, allow me to introduce you to these genius kitchen scissors which cut your herb prepping time down to mere SECONDS, PEOPLE. (See what I did there?) This is the culinary level-up we need.
Black Varley Lounge Set
I am absolutely in love with this loungewear top and bottom set from Varley. I may or may not have worn it thrice last week and I may or may not be wearing it right now. Either way, Varley makes some of the most high quality, cozy-modern (it’s a thing) lounge and sportswear on the market right now. It would be wise to get familiar with the quality, comfort, and style of the brand, stat. Next on my shopping list is this gorgeous ivory duo.
Escape To The Chateau, on Peacock
If you’re not yet watching the show about the couple who purchase an abandoned French chateau and then fix it up you are MISSING OUT. Escape to the Chateau is definitely not a new show, but I recently started it and I’m telling you, it’s precisely the soothing, easy-watching, uplifting show we need during pandemic life. If you’ve run out of Great British Baking episodes and need something similar to fill the void, give this one a spin.
Amazon Cable Knit Sweater
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been really impressed with the affordable clothing finds on Amazon lately. As I’ve been navigating the last trimester of pregnancy cheap, cute finds on the site have been a godsend because I don’t have to stress about my stomach stretching out a beloved investment piece. (Learned that the hard way with baby number one when I ruined several things attempting to squeeze my colossal belly into various knits and dresses.) My latest favorite find is this gorgeous cable knit sweater. The detailing of the knit is absolutely stunning, and not at all what I’d expect for an item under $25!
Wooden Stacking Toy
Look, we need things that can keep our children occupied, and we need them now. This wooden stacking toy has delivered on that promise for months. It is Colette’s absolute favorite toy—she will sit and take the blocks on and off their pegs for hours. Okay, not hours. But, like, a LOT of minutes. Not only does this set have many pieces that keep little hands busy, but it is also a great toy for learning colors and developing little brains. Little brains that will quickly become VERY INVESTED in stacking these shapes.
Kate Spade Bow Lamps
I’m deep in nursery-decorating mode, and I cannot get these charming lamps out of my head. How sweet is that grosgrain bow detail? They also come in gorgeous sconce options if you’re short on surface space to place them. And, to be clear, these lighting options are not just for a nursery. They would be beautiful in so many rooms, especially since the sleek angular shade offsets the sweetness of the bow, making them a super sophisticated piece.
Free People Lounge Set
I recently bought this pullover and joggers set from Free People, and I could probably live in it, if forced. Okay, fine, even if not forced. It’s so comfy and cozy, and I love a jogger pant sometimes because they prevent my feet from getting tripped up on slippers, robe or cardigan hems, etc., especially since I’m at the point in the pregnancy where I can no longer see my feet. FYI, this set (top and bottom) also comes in oatmeal and charcoal!
Hatch For Target
Have you heard? Hatch, everyone’s favorite maternity label (though their clothes are specially designed to be worn pre-AND-post baby) has come to Target! Scoop up these colorful, affordable Hatch pieces asap. I can say from experience that you’ll ALWAYS be glad you have them in your closet. If you’ve been craving spring style but feel uninspired by *gestures wildly at pandemic* this might perk you right up.
Pink Jeans
I repeat, PINK! JEANS! Perhaps it’s the bland color palette of a wintery morning that’s got me craving color, but I’m really feeling this pink jeans situation. Colorful denim, once the backdrop to the 80s and 90s, might be able to find its place again in a post-pandemic, we-need-a-mood-lifter world. Also, I’m just thinking of all the fun shoes I could pair with these, so there’s that. I absolutely love the high-waisted, wed-leg fit.
Smart Hydration!
Naturally, it was only a matter of time before drinking water became a competition, and you know what? I’m here for it. This genius bottle not only pairs with an app to keep track of your water intake, but it also allows you to get competitive in your goals with friends and family! Or, you know, just encourage them to stay hydrated. That too. For those who have trouble just remembering to drink water, IT GLOWS TO REMIND YOU. This water bottle will NOT be ignored, thank you.
Cast Iron Grill Pans
When you love outdoor grilling, but hate frostbite, there are grill pans! Lodge makes shockingly affordable grill and griddle pans that fit on top of two stove burners and essentially turn your kitchen into a VERY RESPECTABLE backyard barbeque without you having to… you know, be in the backyard. Burgers, veggies, dare I even say a truly epic breakfast could all be waiting for you with one simple stovetop switcheroo. We got one of these a couple weeks ago and can’t figure out how we cooked without it.
Metropolitan Museum Of Art Sweatshirt
If you’re missing New York (and by you I mean me, I am missing New York, you is me, I am you), The Met Museum’s sweatshirt is a perfect, stylish reminder of one of NYC’s most beloved landmarks. I love a good outside-of-the-house sweatshirt that can be styled up with accessories and the right bottoms or a good straight-leg jean and chic flat or sneaker. Also, since beloved institutions like the Met have been hit so hard by the pandemic, now is a great time to show your socially-distant support by making purchases from their online stores. Did I mention how much I miss NYC?
Universal Standard Jumpsuit
Universal Standard really doesn’t miss when it comes to everyday essential clothing that’s size-inclusive, comfortable, and affordable. The brand can do no wrong. At the moment I have my eye on their Jemma V Neck Jumpsuit, a key basic for easy days at home as we move into spring and summer. Throw on a necklace and a blazer and no one on Zoom need be the wiser…
Colossal Knit Throws
There’s really no better Netflix companion than an oversized-knit throw. Except maybe snacks, obviously. These Colossal Handknit Throws from Pottery Barn come in so many gorgeous colors, and truly this is one of the best prices I’ve ever seen for a blanket of this style.
One response to “Monday Memo No. 118”
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Hi Mary,
I live in Melbourne Australia and have been following your Memo for years now and love it!!!
Yes, we have been through a horrendeous Lockdown period last year wherein most of our year was spent in the house and no venturing any further than 5 kms which was difficult and hard yet we got through and we are proud to say that we are the first City to have just hosted a Live with Crowd attendances our beloved Australian Open Tennis Tournament which was just wonderful.
I am loving Summer but it is fading fast now but I have to say you will love those pink jeans, culottes, linen pants etc. for your upcoming Summer as we wore them to death in my favourite shade and it was grand!!
Love you to one day come to Australia to see our beloved Fashion Retailers, Zimmerman, Scanlan etc as you would quite literally happily die in the midst of the designs.
On that note please keep publishing such wonderful memos and I look forward to continuing to enjoy!Cheers Claire
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