Defend Ukraine: Resources To Support
The majority of today’s post was prepared before the harrowing events of the last several days in Ukraine. Like many of you, we have watched on in horror, sickened by the unprovoked Russian aggression and inspired by the strength of the Ukrainian people in equal measure. Please consider joining us in donating to organizations instrumental in the battle to defend Ukraine here or consider contributing to humanitarian efforts at the borders here.
Fanm Mon Pouchettes
Talk about an instant obsession. Fanm Mon’s embroidered pouchettes are the most charming, special warm weather bag I’ve seen in a long time. I bought the pink one but I’m also thinking the blue one needs to be mine, because they are even more beautiful in person than photos can capture. If you snag one, make sure to watch the brand’s Instagram video on exactly how to style the bag using the chain and bow accessories it comes with. (Yes, the bag comes with its own jewelry.) The bow shape is meant to curve downwards (which isn’t shown very well on the Shopbop product page), so defer to the designer herself on how to achieve the perfect shape.
Clip-On Ring Light For Laptops and Phones
I don’t know about you, but I’ve grown weary of my setup for work zoom calls—specifically, the early-pandemic ring light apparatus that perches next to my computer and loves to fall over, get tangled in my other cords, etc. At the same time, I am keenly interested in not appearing like a murderous gremlin in a cave when speaking with colleagues or clients, so a lighting solution is necessary. Personally, I’m hoping that Apple’s computers will come with built-in lighting situations at some point but for now, I’ve found this clip-on ring light. It is completely cordless and clips to the top of your laptop or phone so it feels like it’s a part of the unit rather than a separate piece of unwieldy equipment that you have to manage. It is rechargeable and has an amazingly long battery life so consider this is a smart buy for anyone working remotely and spending a lot of their day on zoom.
La DoubleJ Swing Dress
This classic, incredibly wearable swing dress by La DoubleJ is stunning and eminently wearable for casual and dressy occasions alike, so it makes sense that the designer decided to offer it in countless prints. The dress is an effortless wear for so many body types, and it’s exactly the kind of fuss-free item I know I’ll reach for over and over again during the spring and summer months. This is the print I ordered, but I also love this version, too!
Perfect Ivory Wide-Leg Jeans
The quest is over, here they are. We all know that jeans in the ivory or white category require a whole different approach. I am happy to report that the fit of these by DL1961 Premium Denim is high-waisted, wide-leg perfection. But, please note: If you’re under 5’8”, you’ll want to get the shorter inseam here at Saks, and if you’re over 5’8”, opt for the longer inseam via Shopbop. I’m 5’10” and this longer inseam option hits right at my ankle bone.
Caroline Constas Beck Flats
Believe me when I tell you that I’m watching the temperature with bated breath so that I can wear these Caroline Constas Beck Flats the second it climbs above 65. Have you ever seen a cuter shoe? You haven’t. I know you haven’t. I have seen all the shoes and these are the cutest so we will not be taking arguments at this time. I am making a literal spreadsheet of all the spring and summer looks that I’ll be pairing with these polka dot beauts but I also might just sleep in them.
Olivia Rubin Pippa Baseball Hat
While this is the official name, I’ve taken to calling it the Happy Hat. Feel free to join me. This community is well aware of my love for baseball caps, but you may not know that this love has developed into a full-on dependency. And, I don’t foresee this changing until my children allow me to wash my hair more than once a week. I’m in negotiations for two, but until then, this Olivia Rubin Pippa Baseball Hat is joy in accessory form, so why not embrace it? P.S. The hat is on major sale.
LoveShackFancy Cardigan
Look, if I have to still wear knitwear for another month or two, I insist that it all be as cute as this cardigan. LoveShackFancy never fails to delight with wearable styles that magically pair classic pieces with just the right touch of whimsy. If you’re looking for a charming break from your cardigans, look no further.
Florence Eiseman New Arrivals
If your kiddos need a few special outfits for the spring and summer, you’ll want to quickly head to Florence Eiseman’s new arrivals section before they sell out. (And they will sell out.) I pre-ordered the following for my girls: this Seersucker Cherry Gingham Dress, this Seersucker Check Dress (are you dying), and this Strawberry & Floral Seersucker Dress. You know when the dress is so good it demands you make plans befitting it? It’s like that, but for tiny clothes.
Bow Barrettes
Look, I know my affinity for bow barrettes isn’t always subtle (See Exhibit A). And, not everyone wants to dive as deeply into the bow deep-end as I have. (Though, do consider it, I’m having a blast in here.) If you want something a bit more restrained, these bows are absolutely gorgeous and come in countless colors. They aren’t quite as large and scene-stealing as some of my oversized floppy versions, but they’re still an adorable addition to any outfit.
Amazon Sweater Vest
I promise I will stop talking about this vest eventually but indulge my obsession for one more day, please. After consulting with some followers in warmer climates, I started to wonder if this vest had sleeveless top capabilities, or if the armholes were too large for solo wear. I’m happy to report that this vest works beautifully as a sleeveless top, so no matter where you live you can wear it year-round. The fabric is mostly cotton, so we’re talking lightweight and breathable, as opposed to itchy or overly warm wool. I think the vest would also look chic layered under a blazer the way you’d use a knit shell on days when it’s far too hot for full sleeves. The options are endless. (And so is the color selection.)
List of Great Children’s Books
A recent Instagram rant about children’s books (and how terrible many of them are) led to a comments section FULL of favorites. Be sure to bookmark this Instagram post as a smart resource for the next time you need a great gift, or for when you simply cannot read THAT book one more time without losing your actual mind.
Waterworks Sanitizing Spray Bottle
I found this bottle via @cocoincashmere on Instagram and it was an immediate purchase for me. This Waterworks Sanitizing Spray Bottle, when filled with water, produces “aqueous ozone,” which is 99.9% effective at eliminating common bacteria including e-coli, salmonella, and staphylococcus. The bottle lasts up to three years/600 refills (whichever comes first) and the reviews for this product don’t lie. Here’s my basic understanding of the science: the bottle bubbles oxygen and water through a proprietary diamond electrolytic cell which (thanks to an electric charge) separates the O2 molecules into O-atoms which re-form into O3 molecules. These O3 molecules then oxidize and destroy harmful microorganisms before reverting back to form pure 02 molecules. The shorter way to say it? You won’t find an easier, more effective cleaning solution anywhere that is as simple as filling a spray bottle with tap water. Sold.
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Is Back
After two excruciating years, SHE’S BACK! I am so, so excited to see television’s favorite gal return to the screen (and don’t get me started on the fashion). The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is trying a different approach this time with its release, a sort of hybrid strategy where two episodes are released every Friday. Something similar was done with the show Hacks on HBO, and it was a well-received format that gives you more than one episode to enjoy, but not so much that you binge it all in one weekend.
Refrigerator Egg Holder
Is it the world’s most exciting find? No. Should you give it as a gift? Absolutely not. But can we go ahead and file this refrigerator egg holder under quite mundane things that actually make life better and more streamlined? Yes. A thousand times yes.
2 responses to “Monday Memo No. 136”
-
Mary – a long time ago (possibly several years) you posted large (plaid) totes/carryn all’s that you could get embroidered – are you able to bring these back in time for mothers day? The one you modeled was an updated plaid…. thanks for consideration.
-
Several years ago you featured a large plaid tote/carry all….is it possible to bring this back in time for Mother’s Day? I don’t believe the body was leather. But had numerous options for plaids/solid colors and I think you could have it monogramed and it was not mark and graham.
Shop The Look +
Leave a Reply