
Monday Memo No. 160
The return of sumo citrus, a restock of the best lounge set (ever), and my favorite sweater season after season.

'Tis the season—Sumo Citrus season. If you’re not spending a hefty portion of your 401K on the juiciest, most flavorful citrus on the planet, you’re doing it wrong. The supersized seedless citrus is only available for a couple months so get ‘em at your local grocery store while you can! If you've never tried them before, imagine the juiciest, most flavorful orange you've ever had—then multiply that by ten.

It’s a whole new year, but I’m still out here raving about Spanx’s Air Essentials line. They’re some of the most popular items I shared last year—the pants, tops, nearly all the styles sold out during their holiday sales. Not only have they restocked many of their bestsellers, they’ve added a few news styles in the same soft, silky fabric. Lately, I’ve been living in this pullover with coordinating wide-leg pants (which come in petite, regular and tall) and they are HEAVEN. These unfathomably soft pieces don’t wrinkle, don't shrink or stretch out and wash beautifully. Use code MARYOXSPANX for 10% off.

Have you ever used Google Translate to purchase Tylenol in Spain? It’s not easy (especially since they call it Paracetamol there). If you’re a frequent traveler, this travel pill container is a must have. My husband travels a ton and he keeps one stocked with Tylenol, Advil, Benadryl, cold medicine, Tums and multivitamins. The organizer has eight compartments for all your meds and vitamins and fits easily into your purse or carry-on.

La Mer is famous for their skincare, but learn from my mistakes and don’t sleep on their makeup. This cushion foundation has been sitting in my beauty drawer for ages but I finally tried it a few weeks ago and was immediately confused as to why everyone isn’t talking about this foundation. It truly looks like skin but better and stays perfect all day. It just makes you look like you have beautifully hydrated, glowing skin. Plus, each purchase of the cushion foundation comes with a replacement cushion, and while I've only been using mine for six weeks, reviewers say each cushion lasts up to six months so you’re really getting your money’s worth.

I have a new favorite coat—well, it’s reversible, so I guess I have two new favorite coats. This reversible puffer from J. McLaughlin combines the coziness of a teddy coat with the warmth of a puffer, without being bulky. I love the versatility of two coats in one, the deep olive color and the fact that it’s on major sale.

If you know me, you know my love of turtlenecks knows no bounds. And, if you love the look of the Totême turtleneck sweater that has likely dominated your instagram feed for the past 18 months, but don’t love the price tag, allow me to introduce you to this oversized turtleneck sweater from GAP. It comes in four different colorways for a fraction of the price and I personally like the fit of it better.

There are smart TVs, smart pet feeders, even smart water bottles. So, if every January begins with the same New Year’s resolution to get organized, you can do it “smart” by ditching your old label maker for a smartphone-enabled one like this label maker from Brother or this cute one that comes in four playful colors. Design the labels of your dreams on your phone instead of a tiny archaic digital screen from the 1970s. Maybe next they’ll make a smart refrigerator that restocks while you nap.

While my classic ballet flats aren't going anywhere, I'm looking to add another high-vamp pair to the mix, especially while temperatures are offensive and I could use a little extra foot coverage. I'm currently deciding between these flats or these beauties but it feels like I can’t go wrong either way so maybe both? My New Year's resolution to spend more responsibly is going great, FYI.

I don’t think the Toujours sweater from La Ligne (which they make year after year) has ever gone on sale because it has such a cult following. The 100% cashmere beauty is impeccable quality and has the ideal oversized, wear-everywhere fit. I own it in three of the ENDLESS available colors (fine, fourteen) and they are worth every penny.

Drake's and Aimé Leon Dore combined forces on a killer capsule collection that might’ve gotten lost in the holiday shuffle. The collab is chock-full of outerwear, accessories and elegant-yet-understated staples that are technically for men but can and should be stolen by those of us who appreciate the sheer genius of this collab. You can imagine how quickly I added this baseball cap to my cart.

These limited small batch cookies from Last Crumb are harder to get than the Hermès Himalayan Birkin. Each assorted batch includes a dozen artisan cookies baked fresh in Los Angeles and is shipped to your door. They go live every Monday, but you have to get on their notify list so you don’t miss the next drop. TRUST ME. I would never tell you to divulge your phone number to a third party if it weren't essential to your health and well-being.

When the holidays are finally over but the chilly winter weather drags on, this monogrammed long-sleeved T-shirt from Hibiscus Linens can offer up a little hope for Spring with its hand-embroidered flowers. The tee comes in navy and dark green and can be monogrammed with up to three letters. It’d make such a thoughtful gift and the fact that it’s under $100 is pretty impressive.

These days, your makeup gets its own fridge, so why can’t your champagne? This Veuve Clicquot x Smeg gift box includes a bottle of champagne in a reusable gift box designed to look like a retro Smeg refrigerator. The mini fridge is yellow to match the Veuve label and keeps the bottle chilled for up to two hours—it’s the ultimate housewarming gift.

This polo-inspired, preppy sweatshirt from Vineyard Vines is made from 100% French terry cotton and comes in the most refreshing powder blue colorway—they even named it Ice Water. It’s a perfect lightweight sweatshirt layer for winter in a color that feels like spring. They say it's scientifically impossible to have a bad day when wearing a color this calm, cool and collected.

When it comes to baking lasagna or roasting winter veggies, reach for the hot dish from Great Jones that is as beautiful as it is high quality. The 9”x13” dish is oven-safe, dishwasher-friendly and comes in four happy colors. Bringing a dish to pass just got more fun.

This hooded knit kimono from Free People is the perfect year-round layer to top off any outfit. I love wearing oversized chunky knits or dolman-sleeved sweaters in the fall and winter, but when it's time to go outside, it’s so hard to stuff these sleeves into traditional jackets and coats. The wide, dropped sleeves of this kimono are perfect for layering over anything bulky and the oversized shawl collar make it ultra cozy.

If you’re escaping the winter cold with a beach getaway, please take me with you. Also, you’re going to want to pack this super handy waterproof pouch for your smartphone. The case seals to keep your phone dry and is designed to float, so you can safely use your phone or take pictures in the pool, lake or at the beach without fear of it disappearing into the deep blue sea.

This intensive lip mask from Fenty Beauty is sold out everywhere except Kohl’s because when beauty gurus on TikTok talk, we listen. While I have some lip mask products I love, they all have the same mini jar packaging that results in me digging my fingertip into a tub of thick product, like I do with this favorite. (Yes, I know many of them come with little mini spatulas but I invariably lose track of them within 24 hours.) So, the main selling point for me to try this product is the delivery mechanism—just twist the base and swipe on for smoother, firmer lips.
2 thoughts on “Monday Memo No. 160”
Mary,
It is all your fault that I became addicted to Sumo Citrus. I have at least one a day. Thank goodness Trader Joe’s sells them cheaper than most places. It’s definitely less costly and healthier than getting Starbucks on a daily basis. The hard part is when they are no longer available and my body and mind have to adjust to not having them 😭
The Essen ballet flats seem similar in style to the Everlane Italian Leather Day Glove shoes. Curious if you have tried the Day Glove shoes and how you wludl compare to Essen. I live in Day Gloves, but have to mentally prepare myself for torture before breaking in a new pair.