Monday Memo No. 134
Style for the current climate plus a few of my around-the-house favorites.
MM LaFleur Jardigan
A friend recently asked me for workwear recommendations with a focus on versatility as she re-enters her office for the first time in two years, and of course, MM LaFleur instantly came to mind. I’ve loved the brand for years because every chic piece they create is thoughtfully designed and impeccably executed for busy, multi-tasking women. Perhaps that’s no surprise since the brand is run by women in that exact position. There are too many great items to mention here (including their “Better Than Denim” pants), but the first piece I recommended to my friend was this MM LaFleur Jardigan. It is a true unicorn garment. An incredibly comfortable, movable, packable knit that is somehow also structured enough to look polished and professional across a boardroom table from a suit. Wear it atop a pencil skirt and heels for the office or over your favorite t-shirt and sneakers for Saturday morning at the park. This is a wardrobe staple and you’ll undoubtedly want more than one color.
Brock Collection x Minnow
The Brock x Minnow second collaboration between two sartorial stars has (obviously) generated pieces beyond our comprehension of preciousness. You’re going to be drawn to the florals, naturally, but I also really recommend this dress. It’s very similar to another one that I own, and while I plan to wear it as much as I can forever, I wore it particularly often in the first months after having Liza because the cut is universally flattering and it’s so comfortable and versatile to style. You will never regret having a go-to piece like this in your closet.
Wick Trimmer
We’re all trimming our wicks properly, yes? Well, let’s start. Hotel Lobby Candle makes outstanding candles in elevated scents you’ll want in every room, but thankfully they also make an amazingly chic wick trimmer so that we can keep our candles in good condition as they burn. It really does make a difference, this is one of those purchases you’re always so happy to have around, and because it’s gorgeous, you’ll never mind leaving it out where it’s handy.
Ceramic Auto-Retracting Box Cutter
Why, WHY did it take me so long to buy a proper box cutter? Specifically THIS ONE? These change everything. In addition to, you know, cutting boxes effortlessly, they also have an auto-retracting ceramic blade that gives me so much more peace of mind with little ones in the house. I stash these ceramic box cutters out of reach in a top drawer next to my front and back doors for convenience.
Sarah Flint Sacchetto Ballet Flat
BREAKING NEWS, there’s a new Sacchetto ballet flat colorway! Obviously, I was going to tell you about it, have I ever let you down before? They’re even more stunning in person than online (if that’s possible), and although Sarah Flint flats are known the world over for their comfort, this pair is just on a whole new level. They are simple the most unfathomably soft, comfortable flats I’ve ever had on my feet and feel like a dream straight out of the box. ALSO: my promo code SARAHFLINTxMARY is still active, offering $50 off for new customers so if you haven’t dipped your toe (lol) into the magic that is Sarah Flint footwear, there’s no time like the present.
Shearling-Lined Touchscreen Leather Gloves In Multiple Sizes
They’re leather. They’re lined in shearling. They WORK WITH TOUCHSCREENS. They’re $36. These leather touchscreen gloves come in multiple colors, and mercifully they also come in four sizes. I have very long fingers and most gloves are always slightly too short for me. But these gloves? They fit like… well… you know.
ELEMIS Discount Code
You really can’t put a price tag on quality couples counseling, you know? So… this video happened, and if you, too, are tired of sharing your skincare with your partner who you specifically asked not to use your skincare like 5000 times (but who’s counting), I have a brand new promo code for 25% off at ELEMIS! Use MARY25 and restore peace to your bathroom.
My Favorite Levi’s Ribcage Jeans
My Favorite Levi’s: This is it, this is the pair. The “ribcage” style is my favorite gloriously high-rise pair of Levi’s and you know what? They don’t even look that great on the model. In real life, the high-waist fit is perfect with no gapping at the waist. I prefer mine ankle-length, so use scissors to cut the bottom (don’t tell my tailor) to hit right at my ankle bone. These jeans are absolutely perfect, completely comfortable, and under $100.
Kilte Collection Knitwear (Discount Code!)
Kilte’s dreamlike knitwear is very quickly becoming the only knitwear I care about these days. After professing my love for the brand ad nauseum on instagram, they were kind enough to offer a discount code for me to share with my followers (and use repeatedly myself). Check out their beautiful pieces including their washable options (!) and use MARY15 for 15% off. You may have seen me wear this sweater (which is without question my favorite of theirs) on Instagram here with a matching bow. Honestly, the quality of these pieces is on par with luxury knitwear that’s many multiples of their price points. I just got this beauty in navy but now I think I need the cream too.
Rodial Banana Lowlighter
I have a new favorite multi-tasking makeup product. Does it have something to do with the fact that I’m now dealing with a constant state of sleep deprivation and its accompanying undereye circles? MAYBE, WHAT OF IT. I dot a bit of the Rodial Banana Lowlighter on top of my concealer in the areas under the eye that are the darkest, and it instantly brightens them right up. There’s no creasing to worry about, and there’s a glowy lift that isn’t at all like a highlighter or shimmer. Some days I’ll even use this lowlighter in place of concealer when I’m going makeup-free. The tube is much larger than you might expect from product photos online and a little bit goes a LONG way so I expect one tube to last me until approximately 2053.
Ballard Designs Gallery Art Easel
There’s no better time to grab this gorgeous easel from Ballard Designs than right now when the site is 20% off! I recently bought the large option in bronze to fill a particularly difficult-to-decorate nook in our sunroom where the art is better displayed in front of the wall rather than hanging directly on it (I’ll share photos when the room is finished). They also have smaller versions of these easels which work really well for holding art atop credenzas or consoles (creating that gorgeous layered look) or for when you just can’t hang art on the wall for any reason. These come in brass or bronze and I opted for bronze because the painting I’m displaying on the easel has a gold frame and this creates the perfect bit of contrast.
Athleta New Arrivals
We’re not going to get into the details on exactly HOW MANY pieces of Athleta I just bought because you know what? Some things are private. What is public information, however, is the fact that Athleta has SO MANY stunning new arrivals in a full size range including tall, petite, and extended sizing. I am having trouble picking favorites, but I’m really excited about this zip-up and jogger set, which I bought in both electric fuschia (!) and white.
Fresh Salmon Cakes Recipe
Looking for something versatile and scrumptious that the whole family can enjoy? This salmon cake recipe is gluten-free, super flavorful, and DELICIOUS. We leave out the fresno peppers so that the little ones can have them without too much spice, but even without that element, the flavor is incredible. You can serve them countless ways—over rice, on a brioche bun—I also like to serve one on a bed of spinach with grape tomatoes, avocadoes, and a drizzle of champagne vinaigrette. Trust me, this recipe is about to be in your regular rotation.
Brass Mister & Pruning Shears
If you love having plants and fresh flowers in the house, this brass mister and pruning sheers set is essential. Misting and pruning cut flowers every day really extends their lifespan. You can also use it to take care of plants throughout the house. I can’t really remember how I took care of my plants before I had this set. Oh wait, no I remember… yeah, I just watched them all die in slow motion.
Gingham Apron
Why, pray tell, did aprons stop being a thing? Yes, I know chefs are still wearing them, but I’m talking about you and me. Average Janes who don’t always have time to change out of our work clothes before it’s time to whip something up for hangry children. We’re bringing them back into the mainstream fold. I declare it. They’re so necessary! Not just for cooking but also for just… being around toddlers who are often covered in… all the things. I love this gingham apron as well as the entire apron section at Anthropologie. Super functional and super cute. Let’s bring ‘em back.
Infinity Pillow
I’ve lost count of how many rave reviews I’ve heard for this Infinity Pillow, so it was time for me to order a couple for the next time we travel. They’re made of soft, breathable bamboo fabric, and these pillows are wildly adjustable to help you find a comfortable way to sleep no matter what part of the journey you’re on. The cloud-like microfiber bounces back and the ways to use it are endless: wrapped around your neck to support your head, wound around your lower back for lumbar support, or even arranged as a make-shift nest for a snoozing little one. They’re machine washable, too!
2 responses to “Monday Memo No. 134”
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Thank You…
Soup to nuts, you do not miss! I am pretty sure you do not sleep. When I review your posts, I chuckle … your sense of humour is taking on a life of its own. The therapy session .. too much!
Thank you..
Your “to do lists” have to be off the charts..and it’s coming out in your writing!
I am still laughing as you are a beautiful, smart, up-to-the-minute fashionable new mom who works and oh yes can still notice when her regimented skin care products (her lifeline ) are messed with and … nobody NOBODY should ever go there. lol 😤
(love the therapy pic) lol -
Yes to aprons! They keep splatters off your clothes when chopping, actively cooking or doing dishes. I swap mine out once a week or as needed.
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