Monday Memo No. 148
Packing cubes, pajamas and the perfect pair of fall loafers.
My Favorite Belt Bags For Fall
Adweek named fanny packs “Product of the Year” in 1988. Nearly 35 years later, we might be rebranding them as “belt bags,” “hip packs,” or “waist purses,” but without question, these hands-free handbags have risen again to the forefront of streetwear and high fashion. Don’t get me wrong, I love a purse, but the ability to have all of my appendages unencumbered is an undeniably convenient element of the belt bag. If you’re looking for guidance, I’ve compiled all of my favorite fanny packs for fall here in one place. Personally, I’m obsessed with this gorgeous suede option and I added this corduroy version in green to my cart faster than you can say, “The fanny pack is back!” Wear them at your waist, or sling it cross-body over your favorite fall blazer.
Peanuts Stamps
Let me be the first to tell you about the hottest fall drop… STAMPS. On the centennial of Charles M. Shulz’s birthday, the US Postal Service issued a sheet of twenty stamps celebrating the famed cartoonist’s hit comic strip, Peanuts. The stamps include ten designs that showcase Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and all our other pals who made Peanuts one of the most successful comic strips ever. Adorable AND practical!
Floral Sweater Vest
Puffer, suiting, sweater… we’re entering VEST season, people. This Coastal Grandmother is embracing her inner grandfather and just added this gorgeous red floral sweater vest to my collection. I’ll be wearing it over t-shirts, turtlenecks, button downs, and even layering it under blazers — because if I have my way, I essentially won’t be taking this vest off.
Hanna Andersson Family Pajama Builder
Our girls have been in Hanna Andersson pajamas since the day they were born. They didn’t come out wearing them, but they may as well have. These ultra-durable, organic cotton knit pajamas have a cult-following thanks to their endless selection of colorful prints and the fact that kids are as comfortable playing in them as they are sleeping in them. The brand has just added this brilliant shopping tool called the Family Pajama Builder which makes selecting the perfect jammies for the whole family (or just multiple kids) streamlined and simple.
Diane Von Furstenberg Cashmere Wrap Dress
I love a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress. I also love cashmere. Camel-colored clothing for fall is my go-to. So, I guess it should come as no surprise that this camel-colored, cashmere wrap dress from DVF is my whole personality right now. Its midi-length, stretchy, flattering silhouette makes it a truly classic piece that can be worn everywhere from the boardroom to Thanksgiving dinner.
Mini Bobby Pins
Bobby pins have been a mainstay in hair care since the 1920s. However, I only recently discovered these mini bobby pins and I’m so glad I did. These shrunken-down bobby pins are just like their grown-up counterpart, but are perfect for tiny flyaways on adults (or toddlers) with fine hair.
Evening Skincare Routine + Proven Discount Code
I recently posted my go-to evening skincare trio here. It includes the cleansing balm from Elemis, the Sigma lip mask, and my holy-grail personalized night cream from Proven Skincare. That’s right, I’m only using three products most nights because Proven Skincare is a personalized system that puts all of the active ingredients your skin needs into one nighttime product. I’ve been using this custom skincare system for nearly two years and my skin has never been better. And, I’m sure part of the reason for that is the extra sleep I get by paring my down my nightly skincare routine from 47 steps to three. If you haven’t tried Proven Skincare yet, click here to fill out the two-minute skin quiz (it covers everything a dermatologist covers in their office) and Stanford dermatologists will formulate your entire three-step system for only $99 if you use code MARY99.
Perfect Cropped Shacket For Fall
The shacket trend is barreling full steam into another fall season and I am here for it. In particular, I can’t get over this perfect, cropped plaid shacket from Rails. In addition to the Ivory Camel buffalo check, I found it — with a little sleuthing — in Tan Pacific plaid, Mauve Ivory sepia and Ivory Rain so you can wear a different one every day of the week. I also discovered this similar plaid cutie that’s a very similar style at a fraction of the cost.
Stokke Jetkid Bedbox
The popular Norwegian children’s company Stokke has perfected countless baby products we own including this Jetkid BedBox. This shock-absorbent suitcase transforms into a bed so your child can sleep on the go. The suitcase comes with an adjustable strap, two sheets of decorative stickers and a mattress extension that makes it a miracle for both everyday use and longer trips alike. This bundle (which also includes Stokke’s Crew BackPack) is crazy popular and is perpetually sold out, so snag one now if you anticipate traveling anytime in the next… 2-7 years.
Lele Sadoughi Tortoise Eyeglass Chains
True to my reputation as a Coastal Grandmother, I’m about to rave about a pair of eyeglass chains. Lele Sadoughi has updated the granny accessory with modern styles like this pearl chain (you didn’t think you’d get through this list without a pearl shout out, did you?) and my personal favorite for fall, these chunky tortoise options! Not only can you affix them to your sunglasses, eyeglasses or mask, but they can also be worn as necklaces. Grannies love a multi-tasker.
WiFi Password Sign
This wooden chalkboard sign is the cutest way to answer the perennial question: “What’s your WIFI password?” It comes as a free-standing sign or as a fridge magnet, both with erasable white pens. What a cute, convenient way to share your WIFI information with visitors (especially babysitters).
Tassel Loafers
The hardest part about finding structured leather loafers like these is the comfort factor. I bought a few similar pairs last year and the leather was so rigid, my feet were bleeding before they even touched leather. Needless to say, I was thrilled to discover these black tassel loafers from Talbots. They run true to size and between the soft leather and their memory foam footbed, these loafers were super comfortable on the very first wear.
Frances Valentine Woven Belts
These beautiful belts from Frances Valentine are handwoven in Guatemala and feature intricate, colorful threads finished with leather trim. They’re an amazing way to add a pop of color and interest to your fall wardrobe and come in three colorways. Personally, I’m ordering the orange!
Towel Warmer (For More Than Your Towels!)
As temperatures begin to drop outside, I’m thinking of ways to stay warm inside (beyond my beloved sweater vests). I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner, but my favorite towel warmer is genius for more than just towels! It has an ultra-large insulated bucket that can warm towels, robes, socks, pajamas, sweaters or your entire outfit for the day. The possibilities are endless. With four timer settings, you can add your items of choice, hop in the shower, and by the time you’re done, you have deliciously toasty items to put on your shivering limbs. Take that, cold winter mornings.
New Arrivals at J. Crew
Thanks to J. Crew’s ultra-talented new Creative Director Olympia Gayot, I watch for the brand’s new arrivals like a dog waiting for scraps to fall from the dinner table. In case you missed it last week, I put together an edit of some of my drool-worthy favorites HERE. The first few items that were promptly added to my cart were this wrap jacket and this perfect checked shirt!
Silicone Bento Box Organizers
These silicone bento box organizers from Pottery Barn Kids are an extremely useful (and adorable) addition to school lunches. They’re made from BPA-free silicone and come in packs of four navy star or pink heart-shaped designs. They’re safe in the dishwasher, microwave or freezer, and are a great way to portion snacks, add some dip or infuse a little fun to at-home meals for diners of any age.
Cotton-Muslin Cleaning Cloths
These cotton-muslin cleaning cloths from Eve Lom are not your average washcloth. They’re specially woven to gently exfoliate and help improve blood circulation, open pores, cleanse and tone. They come in packs of three and basically act as a power boost for the cleanser, toner or exfoliator you already own. They’re sulfate-free, paraben-free, reusable and machine washable!
Paravel Travel Toiletry Set and Packing Cubes
Paravel makes top-quality travel goods with an eye on sustainability. In addition to their bestselling luggage, they have adorable travel accessories like this Cabana See-All toiletry set. I got it in the Paloma stripe with the Stephanie Fishwick Crest monogram option, because of course I did. What can I say, your girl loves a monogram! While I was on the Paravel website, I also went ahead and upgraded my packing cubes with this set and this set. We have a lot of travels coming up this fall and staying organized is something I’m… working on.
Michael Stars Matching Sets
Many have moved on from loungewear post peak-pandemic, but when a matching set looks THIS good and feels THIS comfortable, it’s a must-have. Michael Stars makes these lightweight, gauze-y button downs and wide leg pants in over a dozen coordinating colors. Need more options? They also make a TON of other pieces in the same material. I’m talking dresses, blazers, shorts, skirts, TONS.
Family Game Night Set
This Family Game Night box contains three different games: General Knowledge Trivia, Kazoo That Tune, and Who Am I? Enclosed are six plastic kazoos, six pairs of glasses and hours of fun for the whole family. The colorful game set is also available here on Amazon and makes for a wonderful hostess gift or gift for yourself to have on hand for family game nights, snowy vacations or dinner time fun.
Kate McLeod Daily Stone Solid Body Moisturizer
“Solid” beauty products are super hot right now and this Daily Stone Solid Body Moisturizer from Kate McLeod is not only addicting, it works. Packed with cocoa butter, almond oil and apricot kernel oil, the solid body moisturizer glides on like silk (it’s activated by your body heat) and leaves your skin soft, supple and glowing. Nourish your dry summer skin with this powerful concentration of natural ingredients that smells amazing and leaves your skin feeling baby soft.
Mother Woven Red Bucket Bag
I know the brand Mother for its exceptional jeans, but recently realized they were hiding this breathtaking woven bucket bag from me under all that denim. This red beauty is made from shiny vegetable-tanned leather, has a drawstring closure and braided shoulder strap so it can be worn over the shoulder or cross-body. Add a pop of color to your fall outfits with this one.
Mawa Scarf And Accessory Hangers
These scarf and accessory hangers from Mawa are game changers. The wide opening makes them perfect for scarves, belts, ties, chunky necklaces or even air-drying lingerie. These hangers are made from cold-rolled steel for durability and have a non-slip coating to keep everything in place. Get a pack in black, red, silver or white and start maximizing your closet space.
Zara Statement Belts
I love jewelry as much as the next gal, but sometimes an outfit needs a different kind of accessory, namely STATEMENT BELTS. Zara always has a killer selection, perfect for wearing over a dress, on top of blazers or with your favorite oversized knit. Right now, I have this colorful resin stone belt in my cart which is basically a necklace for your waist.
Colorful Magnet Set
Between children’s paintings, announcements and invitations, my refrigerator is looking messier than my desk. I’ve been in search of magnets strong enough to hold it all together, but ones that look… chic. These gorgeous glass refrigerator magnets are just what I needed. They’re super strong and the 48-pack includes twelve bright, beautiful colors that make my fridge look more like an art gallery than a giant pile of scrap paper.
2 responses to “Monday Memo No. 148”
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So…I ordered the Kate McLeod bar a long while back. Then I started getting emails about using it in a more “personal” manner.😳 I thought I had ordered regular, everyday moisturizer in a new medium and was so proud of how hip I was until the “personal” emails started…then I thought maybe I somehow ordered from a site that was..shall we say racy.
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love the X ring. Where can I find it?
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