Monday Memo No. 129
Swiftly we step into sweater season. Say that five times fast.
The Sephora Sale (Discount Code)
IT IS TIME. Both for us to start listening to Celine Dion’s Christmas album on repeat but ALSO to get some amazing deals on the beauty items we’ve had on our minds, and likely in our carts, for quite some time, from Sephora. Right now, using code YAYHOLIDAY, Sephora Rouge members can take 20% off their entire purchase. Starting tomorrow, 11/9, VIBs can take 15% off their order and on 11/11 Beauty Insiders get 10% off their order—all with the same code. The discounts end on 11/15, and who knows what’s going to sell out, so don’t wait.
La Coqueta Kids
If you have an affection for classic kids coats, you need to get familiar with La Coqueta. With vintage nods and modern quality, it’s really hard to get cuter than these coats for kids. I don’t know who’s luckier, Coco because she gets to wear them first, or Liza because she gets to wear them twice.
Velvet Ribbon in Every Size and Color
I was on a perpetual hunt last holiday season for quality velvet ribbon in various sizes and colors and was shocked by how difficult it was to find. This year, Amazon has yielded strong and prime-eligible results in the form of this product: velvet ribbon that’s great quality and comes in every possible color and size you could imagine. Wrap it around your tree, tie it in a bow around dinner napkins, use it for gift wrapping—the opportunities are endless!
Honest Lavender Truly Calming Collection (Discount Code)
Stressed around the holidays? Take a bath. This lavender calming collection from Honest helps me and the littles return to mellow mode (which is quite a feat when dealing with a two-year-old). It contains a shampoo, conditioner, face and body lotion, and my favorite: bubble bath. (I mean really, is it a bath without bubbles?) And while yes, these formulas are made with kids in mind, there’s nothing that says you can’t “borrow” the products for yourself, too. The scent is heaven, the products are tear-free and the ingredients are clean so I don’t have to worry. Make sure to use code MARYO25 for 25% off on honest.com!
Rixo Black “Midaxi” Dress
I am absolutely in love with everything from Rixo right now and recently picked up this fun black “midaxi” dress to have on hand for holiday gatherings this year (and many years into the future). The length and bottom feather details make it so unique when compared to any other black dress I own and I find it rare to see a dress that’s long sleeve and comfortable, while also having a “fun factor.” Obviously, I can’t wait to accessorize this. And, speaking of unique when compared to your existing options, I also got this leather jacket which is very Thanksgiving-pilgrim-joins-biker-gang chic. My ideal aesthetic.
Favorite Fair Isle Sweaters
Tis the season, etc. etc., but really—I’ve been looking forward to Fair Isle season for so long. There is no faster route to stylish coziness in winter, and no more classic sweater style out there. I recently rounded up my favorites here, and while the one I’m wearing in this photo is sold out, you can rent it via Rent The Runway here if you’d like! I also can’t stop thinking about this beauty by LoveShackFancy.
Hanna Andersson Holiday Pajamas (Discount Code)
Pajamas by Hanna Andersson are always our favorite, but at the holidays they really do go above and beyond with the cute, playful prints. They of course have precious PJs for kiddos, but make sure you check out the section for adult sleepwear situations too, and quickly—the cuter they are, the faster they’ll sell out! These pajamas have been mainstays in our house since before my children were born and I’m amazed by how well they’ve held up—even the pairs that Coco wore like crazy that have now been passed down to Liza. Also, it wasn’t until this year that I snagged one of the adult versions and I have to say that it’s made me even more in love with the brand. They are such great quality and I really love that the fabric is thick and substantial. A matching moment with the kids is fun, but I’m wearing these to bed even when I’m not trying to match the girls. Highly recommend and remember to use my code ORTON10 at checkout for 10% off which is only valid for the next two days!
Florex Carpet Cleaner
If you have kids or pets (or both, good heavens) you need this magical Florex carpet cleaner in your life. It has been wildly effective for us, but once I shared it on my Instagram Stories yesterday, I was absolutely inundated with messages from people saying it is ALSO their saving grace. I even got a message from a follower whose father owns a professional carpet cleaning company and he swears by it! It’s the real deal.
COS Wear-Everywhere Sweater Dress
Well, COS has done it. They’ve officially created the most wearable sweater dress of all time. Seriously, it is the most high-style, comfortable, easy, throw-on-and-go sweater dress that I have ever seen and I can’t decided between the gorgeous camel and black so I’m investing in both with no regrets. It’s the kind of closet staple that will make you look like you put way more effort into your outfit than you actually did. Grab yours and you’re basically a chic boot away from ready to go anywhere this fall and winter.
Exfoliating Mitt
I’ve used exfoliating shower mitts for years and there’s a reason I’m committed to the practice. They’re incredible for stimulating collagen production, cell turnover, and improving texture throughout the year, but you should also get familiar with using one if you’re a fan of self-tanner. Exfoliating mitts work well before you apply for an even application, and then afterward for removal. I’ve typically used this option that you can find in drugstores, but I recently switched to the Korean-style mitt and I think they work even better.
Sweater Pill Remover
Oh yes friends, it’s that time once again. Time for sweater rehabilitation! As you unearth your beloved sweaters only to discover that last year made them look a little too… loved, this pill remover is my favorite for saving your sweaters from a shabby appearance. I’ve used many, and since my sister-in-law texted me yesterday asking me for my current favorite, I thought I’d share it with everyone. It’s this guy.
Foot Measuring Device for Adults and Children
Yes, this is a special ruler for your feet. The kind you probably haven’t seen since you were a little kid. Why on earth aren’t more people talking about how useful these are? They’re great when you’re trying to figure out your own size in an international size range, but this is also SUCH a help when sizing kids’ feet. My children grow like weeds and I’ve had to return an absurd amount of shoes because I hadn’t sized teeny toes correctly. This is the tool that will help you get it right and save headaches (and return shipping costs) later.
The Cheeseboard Deck by Meg Quinn
Ever seen a stunning cheeseboard on Instagram and wondered why you can’t seem to assemble one yourself? That’s because neither you nor I are actual food stylists like Meg Quinn. But, the good news is that Meg is willing to spill her secrets and teach us her ways. You may know Meg from her Instagram @ainttooproudtomeg where she shares the most beautiful food boards imaginable. Last week, she published The Cheeseboard Deck which is packed with tips and ideas for your own entertaining. I love that she put her ideas into a fun deck instead of a traditional cookbook, because the cards are actually so much more convenient to have next to you on the counter while you build your board. They’re also incredibly easy to toss in your bag on your way to the grocery store to cheese-shop, inarguably one of the very best reasons to ever leave the house.
Kirkland Herb Garlic Almonds
ATTENTION COSTCO SHOPPERS. We have identified the best snack of all time. Run, do not walk, to your nearest Costco and buy these in bulk. Not only do I keep one of these Herb Garlic Almonds on hand at all times for my own snacking purposes, but there’s also a backup back in the back of my pantry just in case people drop by last-minute and I need to set out nibbles. Most of the time though it’s just me and handfuls of these scrumptious almonds, and that works out just fine for me.
Best Taper Candles
I love the height and ambiance that tapered candles provide a dinner table, at the holidays and really anytime we’re entertaining. They’re such an effortless way to add elegance and a cozy factor to the experience. I was recently asked what candles I recommend, so thought I’d share here that I’ve loved using both Root and Hyoola from Amazon. They’re unscented (because you don’t want something fragrant around the table) and come in every color you can imagine, so let your tablescaping imagination run away with you.
Large Vintage Pearl Studs
I know how frustrating it is to hear that something you’d love to buy is vintage and therefore unpurchasable. Such is the case with this pair and some similar vintage pearl Chanel studs that I’m asked about all the time. I’ve been searching for a duplicate to share with you for so long, but it’s been a tough search. I think the option I’m the most in love with is this one with added gold details that I might like even more than the pair I own. If you like them, you should also definitely check out this twisted rope necklace made by the same brand. It’s nearly identical to the necklace I wear a lot that’s also sold out. How dare these brands refuse to remake our favorites year after year?
Penny Loafers
I love the look of a penny loafer, and have been on the hunt for the ideal pair. Recently, I bought a pair that was, unfortunately, the single most uncomfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever let touch my feet. After sharing this struggle on Instagram Stories, I got messages from many of you who recommended these penny loafers from Mango and these classic Weejuns from GH Bass. Thank you, friends, for saving my feet.
Listerine Whitening Mouth Rinse
Attention everyone whose tooth enamel is screaming after the obscene amounts of sugar you consumed yesterday! While nothing beats professional services, I recently visited my dentist who told me the method she swears is ideal for maintaining healthy white teeth between visits: (1) floss your teeth, (2) use Listerine Whitening Wash for 1-3 minutes, (3) brush your teeth (she said this Crest toothpaste is great) and (4) finish with a classic Listerine Antiseptic. I was surprised to hear her suggest the two different types of Listerine, but she had the perfect, ultra-white teeth to show for it and she said she hasn’t used any whitening product in ten years because this process is so effective in keeping teeth white and enamel strong. I’m sold.
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