Monday Memo No. 150
Textured blazers, wide leg jeans and other September standouts.
Sleeveless Turtlenecks for Layering
This video was no joke, I absolutely LIVE for a layered turtleneck look under sweaters, vests, sweater vests, you name it. But sometimes all of those layers can look bulky, which is why I’ve started “faking it” with a sleeveless turtleneck. You achieve the same chic look without dislocating a finger trying to fish your turtleneck sleeve out from the arm of your sweatshirt. A few of my top picks are this turteneck top from Theory, this one from Athleta, and this turtleneck from Banana Republic Factory. If you want to go the bodysuit route — which I recommend for ultimate smoothness — check out this one from Elie Tahari or this Spanx one which is 10% with the code MARYOXSPANX.
Aveda Volumizing Duo
Batman and Robin. Thelma and Louise. Jobs and Wozniak. They’re all iconic duos, but they all pale in comparison to the Phomollient Styling Foam and Volumizing Tonic from Aveda. Both products are formulated to boost volume and shine and they do not disappoint. I work them through the roots of my hair when it’s wet, blow dry and they give me volume for DAYS.
Adidas Gazelle Sneaker
Adidas has reissued their ’91 Gazelle shoes, which have been a cool-girl go-to since, well, 1991. I love this muted off-white suede colorway, which is an elevated take on a neutral that I can confidently say, goes with everything in everyone’s closet.
Color Muse Colorimeter
Our house was painted by the previous owner, so when it needs any paint touch ups, we are clueless as to what color they actually used. Enter: this shockingly accurate color matching tool from Color Muse. All you have to do is scan any flat surface and the accompanying Color Muse app will offer a match that’s over 90% accurate! Save yourself the discussion of whether the walls are Coconut or Irish Cream and buy this now.
Heel Protectors
Okay, so I was today-years-old when I discovered these heel stoppers were a thing. These little rubber stoppers go on the heel of your shoe and keep you from sinking into grass. I have a wedding this weekend and instead of reassessing my whole outfit in favor of a block heel for the grass, I’ll just throw these stoppers in my purse, pop them on for the portion of the festivities that occur on grass and then whip them off when I’m back on solid ground. They’re an instant wedding season must-have. In fact, I wish I had known about them before my own wedding.
Ermanno Firenze Coat
Please don’t tell my beloved turtlenecks, but one of my all-time favorite cold-weather items is coats. And, this houndstooth hooded jacket from Ermanno Firenze is my new favorite, favorite. The enlarged white houndstooth pattern is a contemporary classic that matches everything, even my pajamas. But I don’t need to sleep in it because even in waking hours, it’s the coat of my dreams.
Textured Zara Blazers
I don’t have a ton in common with the Princess of Wales, but we do share a love of Zara’s textured blazers. And, for good reason — season after season, Zara knocks these jackets out of the park. My current Zara blazer obsessions are this double breasted cream dream and — release the hounds(tooth) — this black houndstooth and this navy houndstooth version. Talk about a look for less.
Gap’s CashSoft Matching Sweater Sets
Have you ever wanted the look and feel of cashmere without the price (and dry cleaning bill) of cashmere? Same. Gap has answered our collective prayers with CashSoft. Their mix-and-match styles have the perfect cashmere-soft look for cooler days. I love these knit pants that, bonus, come in petite, regular and tall. I’m pairing them with the rib turtleneck sweater in cozy brown, but check out Gap’s full collection of CashSoft options here.
Diptyque La Droguerie Odor-Removing Candle
Diptyque launched a collection of household care products this past summer and it’s as good as you can imagine. They brought their signature scents to surface spray, dish soap, leather and woodcare lotion, but what impressed me most is the La Droguerie Odor-Removing Candle. It was developed to target and eliminate the molecules responsible for bad odors like diapers or leftover fish that SOMEONE decided to reheat in the microwave… hypothetically. Trust me, it’s a candle-shaped miracle.
Stuart Weitzman Loafers
I learned recently (thank you, Jeopardy) that the name for loafers was inspired by the term loafers, or lazy people, who may prefer to wear slip-on shoes without laces. But, this fall, designers seem to be working overtime — loafers are everywhere. Personally, I’m swooning over these Palmer Highshine Loafers from Stuart Weitzman. They’re a smooth calfskin with a classic almond toe finished off with a glitzy braided detailing that’s anything but lazy.
Mango’s Wideleg Jeans
Slouchy, wide-leg jeans are all I’ve been wearing lately. They can be as flattering as they are comfortable when you find the right pair. Personally, I have found Mango’s selection to be superb and have recently added these and these to my collection. Take a hike, skinny jeans!
Tabletop Fireplace
It’s that time of year when the weather cools off and we say goodbye to roasting marshmallows over the firepit in the backyard. But s’mores season doesn’t have to end. Thanks to this little tabletop fireplace, we can just move the party indoors. It’s not as substantial as an actual fireplace, but it’s powered by rubbing alcohol and can burn up to an hour, so this tabletop fireplace is perfect for anytime you want to set a cozy mood. Personally, I recommend curling up in your comfiest chair with tea and a good book and lighting this beauty next to you.
Tommy John Loungewear + Discount Code Early Access!
As a thank you for being a Monday Memo reader, you are getting early access to my Tommy John Discount code MARYORTON25. If you spend $150, you’ll not only get 25% off, but you’ll also earn a $50 gift card towards your next purchase. Tommy John is the ultimate in super soft, perfectly-fitting loungewear that looks good as new, even after the 100th wash. I recently bought this waffle-knit hoodie, tee, and jogger set and they are DIVINE. Also, these pajamas are my absolute favorite. Also (last also, I promise), this underwear is quite possibly the most comfortable I’ve ever owned. It’s easy to spend $150 at Tommy John, but don’t wait, the discount code expires this Friday (9/30).
Alex Mill Cashmere Polo Sweater
If you browsed my Instagram post on the damage I did at Nordstrom Rack earlier this month, you know I have a hard time saying “no” to an Alex Mill knit. So, let’s be real, I never stood a chance facing off against this perfect cashmere polo sweater. This cashmere is washed for an extra soft feel, features real shell buttons, and comes in the happiest shade of pink. And who am I to say no to a #barbiecore moment?
Drake’s Geometric Scarf
Drake’s is a heritage menswear brand, but scarves like this geometric one were the first things they produced back in the seventies. Thankfully, they continue to make them to this day. This multi-colored geometric pattern scarf is the epitome of fall chic which makes borrowing from the boys easy. I intend to wear it with absolutely everything.
Sugar-Free Gummy Bears
Mary Ruth, the queen of family-friendly nutrition, now has sugar-free gummies with electrolytes and fiber. These guilt-free snacks are not just sugar-free, they are low in calories and come in four fruity flavors. Trust me, you’re going to want to buy them in the Family Size because between adults and kids, they’re gonna go fast!
Martha by Martha Stewart Tote Bag
I trust Martha Stewart with any and everything that has to do with my kitchen. If she told me to cook a boot in white wine, I would probably do it. While it’s not as tough a sell as Boots Lyonnaise, this large tote bag is Martha-endorsed and I’m sold. It’s perfectly oversized, 100% organic cotton and durable enough for laundry, groceries, weekend travel, you name it. This tote features two handle lengths (for easy toting and over the shoulder), comes in three classic colors, and is machine-washable. You can never have too many tote bags.
Fun Eyeglasses Cases
I recently got new glasses and was on the hunt for a fun case for them when I stumbled across these vegan leather glasses cases. They’re lined in soft suede to protect your glasses and feature such fun patterns, colors and sayings. I’m currently deciding between the gingham “Finders Peepers” case and the “Fancy Seeing You Here” case.
Rodial Eye Masks + Discount Code
You probably already know that I’m obsessed with the banana lowlighter and the glass powder from Rodial, but I always keep their face masks on hand for special occasions. I put it on right out of the shower when getting ready and these plumping masks (which are loaded with hyaluronic acid) give me an amazing boost of hydration. Use the code MARY15 for 15% off sitewide!
Shearling Lined Birkenstock Sandals
Just because summer is over, doesn’t mean we have to say goodbye to sandals. Birkenstock is transitioning us to fall with plush shearling-lined styles like this and these, which I especially love for their big, gold buckles. The shearling is moisture-wicking and these cold-weather styles have the same cushioned footbed that make Birkenstocks so comfortable. I don’t think there’s a cuter way to show off a fall pedicure.
Ann Taylor Faux Suede Seamed Flare Skirt
The Faux Suede Seamed Flare Skirt from Ann Taylor is such a fun, unexpected piece for fall. Not only does it have the perfect flared, midi silhouette (like something Joan would wear on Mad Men), but it’s also a super soft faux suede, and comes in the color of the moment: Barbie pink. Or, according to the Ann Taylor website, Bright Rose Petal. Pair it with flats or sneakers for everyday or your favorite pumps for the office — you know I love infusing my work wardrobe with some fun COLOR.
Sweet Laurel Vegan Caramel
Sweet Laurel Bakery makes some of the best, organic, grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free baked goods without being taste-free. They have paleo, keto, and vegan options, like their best-selling vegan caramel. No, you didn’t miss a post in which I announced I was going vegan. I am not the least bit vegan. But, this caramel is so good, you’ll enjoy it either way. It’s delicious on toast or drizzled over a scoop of ice cream and is officially my favorite fall condiment.
Candle Warmer Lamps
As we approach the holiday season, I love filling the house with scented candles. But, that makes for a lot of matches, smoke, soot, and open flames around children. I am also sadly the QUEEN of lighting a candle and forgetting about it before running out the door, so, I decided to get one of these candle warming lamps (I also love this one). These genius lamps use thermal energy instead of fire to melt candles and come with dimmers so you can adjust the intensity of the heat—maximizing or minimizing how scent is dispersed. They melt candles from top to bottom, so they last longer and distribute fragrance more evenly throughout your space. You can also remove the candle and they double as a decorative night light. Win, win.
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