Monday Memo No. 132
A few stylish finds and brilliant must-haves…
Collared Sweatshirts
Collared sweatshirts have seen a resurgence in recent years, and in my opinion there are two perfect versions: First, the classic Sloppy Joe style made famous by Princess Diana. I have the Collar 02 style in three colors and cannot live without it. However, they are ALWAYS sold out, so you’ll need to get on their mailing list and act FAST if you want one. Second, I just got this Alex Mill sweatshirt and it’s without a doubt one of my best recent purchases. The white buttons give it a little more polish than the Sloppy Joe option which makes it extra versatile.
New Balance x J.Crew 996 Sneakers
Meet my new favorite New Balance x J.Crew 996 sneakers. I got them in Sand/Ivory and couldn’t be more in love (so naturally I’m now eyeing the navy version as well). They’re both chic and comfortable, which I obviously appreciate because the value of a good go-to sneaker that’s not a visual nightmare cannot be understated. I bought them on backorder months ago but can confirm they were very much worth the wait. Both colors are now back in stock, so the time is now! Order your typical sneaker size, they ran perfectly true-to-size for me.
Embosser For Addresses + More!
In addition to lending itself to a certain level of elegance we simply cannot achieve with stickers, custom address embossers are so easy to use and are an inexpensive way to personalize all sorts of stationery! This embosser lets you imprint your initials or monogram on cards, letters, or literally anything that’s made of paper. I particularly love the convenience of a return address embosser, especially when I’m writing all of that post-holiday thank you notes! It also makes a lovely wedding, housewarming or hostess gift!
ChappyWrap Blankets
If you don’t already own five, let me tell you about ChappyWrap, the New England-born blanket brand focused on making blankets that become an essential part of your family’s daily life. They’re plush, super soft, amazingly durable, and somehow (magically) not too heavy. These heirloom-quality blankets make an incredible gift, and my friend Grace Atwood, (who introduced me to the brand!), has a collaboration with ChappyWrap launching on Wednesday! I just received the green “Cabana” stripe style in the mail as a little preview of the collection and am absolutely in love. These are likely to go FAST, so click here to get on the waitlist so you have the best chance of snagging the one you want on launch day.
Target Chelsea Rubber Rain and Snow Boots
I am currently divulging one of the internet’s best-kept secrets: These incredible rubber Chelsea boots. You’re welcome. I recently spotted them on a friend and had to know where she got them. People, they’re from Target, they’re under $25, and they look way (WAY) more expensive than they are. They’re the ideal “throw on and go” all-weather boot and according to my friend Carley, they are incredibly comfortable right from the first wear (no breaking-in necessary). I immediately ordered all three colors.
Bric’s Bellagio Luggage
Our family has tried LOTS of luggage over the years—some expensive designer pieces, some more affordable like Away bags—and what we’ve learned is that no matter what bag you carry, it’s (literally) all in the hands of luggage handlers. If your luggage gets carelessly tossed off a truck or thrown out of a cargo hold and falls 30 feet onto the tarmac (I have witnessed both of these things on more than one occasion), it’s going to get damaged (or potentially ruined), even if you have the priciest, most high-quality luggage. In those unfortunate instances, it’s really not the bag’s fault. Because of this, I’ve come to prefer brands like Bric’s (my personal favorite), which is a happy medium in terms of price point, quality and design. Specifically, we all own a set of their Bellagio luggage—Rich has a set in black, I opt for navy, and we recently bought a cream set for the girls. Their olive pieces are also gorgeous, but somewhat harder to find. Recently, I added the trunk size to our collection which is actually a full-sized (think checked luggage) suitcase that’s narrower and deeper than standard full-sized suitcases. I’m really excited about this size because I find the extra depth to be ideal—especially when packing a stack of jeans, sweaters or wanting to stand my toiletry bag upright instead of having to tip it over to lie flat. With a shallower suitcase, I find I have to split my jeans across both halves of the suitcase. With this much deeper “trunk” style suitcase, I can put things that don’t take up much space (like underwear) on the shallow side and things that are bulkier (like jackets) stacked together on the other side.
Upholstery Advice Article
Right now, we’re planning several decorating projects around the house, and anyone who’s done this before knows there’s almost TOO MUCH information out there. That’s why I appreciated finding this article from Frederic magazine. The upholstery advice contained therein is incredibly practical and helpful, particularly for those of us who love antiques. I’m planning to reupholster quite a few pieces in the future and the article’s advice on fabric choices, yardage, and how to do to a “spring test” was an excellent resource, one that made me feel excited rather than overwhelmed.
Spa Gloves
If your hands need a little wintertime TLC, explore the luxe world of spa gloves. These aren’t just your basic put-on-some-lotion-and-wear-gloves, gloves. These are actually lined with insulating gel which warms your hands, and allows your skincare products to really sink in and work effectively. And don’t worry, the gloves are touch-screen enabled so you won’t feel helpless while you restore your hands to their rightful softness.
Corduroy Pants
I’ve been searching for perfect corduroy pants for what seems like forever, and finally found a few pairs that fit (smirk) my requirements. I just ordered these from Gap, which have the high rise/jogger shape I’m looking for, and these from Banana Republic, with a high-rise, classic straight leg. Both pairs come in petite, regular and tall lengths and are ideal for when you cannot physically put on one more pair of jeans or leggings.
Can Colander
Yes, I said can colander. FRIENDS, this might be the kitchen gadget of 2022. Look at this! You use it (obviously) to strain cans with a device perfectly sized for such an activity, but there are so many other uses too. Use it to steep whole-leaf tea in a mug of hot water, to squeeze lemons without dropping seeds in your food, to strain cocktails, even poach eggs—I’m telling you, there are ENDLESS uses to this clever kitchen find.
Spanx V-Neck Bodysuit
While I won’t tell you precisely how many Spanx bodysuits I own (your imagination should be of some use here), I must tell you (yet again) that I really love these bodysuits, particularly for winter layering underneath my favorite sweaters. They’re also brilliant year-round and an absolute closet essential for me. FYI, my code MARYOXSPANX is still good for 10% off of your order!
Dyson Airwap For Bang Styling + Extra Long Barrels!
On Instagram Stories, I recently mentioned the notion of cutting bangs in order to mask my postpartum hairline. As many of you reminded me, bangs are WORK, and this audience has MANY thoughts about this follicular decision. However, might I direct your attention to my recent post on the Dyson Airwrap? This tool is apparently masterful for bang maintenance, and given how much I love mine, I think, I’d be okay? My postpartum hairline is currently characterized by Bridgerton bangs and I think I have no choice but to imminently cut some bangs while they grow out. ALSO, little known fact that has nothing to do with bangs but is very important: Dyson makes additional accessories to go with the Airwrap including extra-long barrels on their site!7 For All Mankind Faux Leather Joggers
In case you haven’t noticed, I am very into leather pants at the moment. They’re an incredibly versatile closet staple and add instant elevation to any look. Here’s why this particular pair of faux leather joggers are important: They have a cinched waist but a straight, non-cinched cuff at the bottom, which is precisely what I’ve been searching (and searching) for. Often, brands have a tough time getting the leg line of this particular trouser style just right, which is why it took me purchasing and returning approximately 4,982 pairs before uncovering this one. Nevertheless, it was worth the wait.
Replacement Earring Backs
Pulling at my earrings is one of my childrens’ favorite pastimes so my earring backs have increasingly disappeared into the ether. As a result, I’ve done that thing where you steal a back from one earring in order to wear it on another (that old chestnut) and my earring collection has been thrown into absolute chaos. Finally, I decided to stop this sad game of musical earring backs and just buy some replacement backs to keep around. Good grief. Why didn’t I do this two years ago?
Buxom Lip Stain
I’ve been waiting a few weeks to tell you about this one, as I’ve been testing this Buxom Plumping Lip Stain and trying to get a handle on this non-stain stain (more on that below). The verdict: I love it, and want to share the good news. I got shade “Make Out”— which is gorgeous and a very natural-looking “your natural lip color but better” color. Personally, I like to apply the stain after first outlining my lips with a pencil (I use shade “warm nude”) , but you can choose your own adventure here. While the lip stain is marketed as a “plumping” product, it offers more of a hydrating effect than anything particularly plumping (there’s no tingling involved). Also, I call it a “non-stain stain” because it has a much different finish when compared to other stains you’ve likely tried—especially those that feel like you’ve colored your lips with a marker. It’s more of a stain/gloss hybrid, with a thicker and slightly shinier finish at first than you’re probably expecting. After a while, the gloss does wear off and you’re left with a hydrated stain that lasts ages. I highly recommend giving this one a try.
Fashion Kind
Fashion Kind launched last year and I am so impressed with and excited by their mission. The site is a destination for luxury fashion that focuses on the environmental and social impact of each designer. It’s a way to have a much more firm understanding of where your fashion comes from, as well as the impact it has environmentally and socially. And, honestly, this is some of the best work I’ve ever seen by a buying team, ever. You NEED to explore this site, asap.
De Castro
I found this brand via Fashion Kind, and I don’t think I’ve ever fallen so in love with a brand so quickly. Every piece is made-to-order, which means right now is precisely the time to escape winter blues by ordering your dream dress for summer. My cart currently contains these pants, this dress, and…THIS DRESS. GOOD LORD JUST LOOK AT THAT STUNNER.
One response to “Monday Memo No. 132”
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I love all your picks! I recently have a plan to trek with my friends so I need to prepare some gear for it. I brought a toiletry from Bosidu and a backpack from Away. But I’m still hunting for a nice sneaker. I will definitely buy the sneaker you recommended! Thanks for your post.
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