Monday Memo No. 163
It’s almost February? Someone please fact-check this for me.
Collar-Protecting Makeup Mask
Have you ever gotten makeup on your shirt or sweater collar simply by trying to get dressed? Never ruin a collar again with these reusable makeup masks that have… changed my life. They make you look like a beekeeper, but these masks have been an on-set secret for keeping your face neat and clothing clean. If you have trouble with the fit, these disposable versions have elastic and are a bit roomier but just as effective. Obviously the reusable version is always the preference, but for those of us with large heads or voluminous hair we don’t want to smash down, you may need to go with the disposable.
Personalized Sweatshirts
I always love the option of monogramming things, but these personalized sweatshirts are even more personal because they’ll copy your own handwriting or even your children’s doodles and embroider it onto the sleeve of a soft, cotton sweatshirt. You just choose your size and color, then upload an image of your design. It’s such a creative way to personalize a gift for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, even Mother’s Day (which—apropos of nothing—happens to be Sunday, May 14th this year).
My Favorite Exfoliants
The ticket to a new face? Right this way: My favorite exfoliating combo is the Caviar Lime Acid Peel from Lancer followed by Dermologica’s Microfoliant Exfoliator. I do this combo once a week and swear it gives me a new face without any of the redness or puffiness associated with other deep exfoliants. I put the Lancer peel mask on for 15 minutes, which seems to loosen all of the dead skin and then the Dermalogica Microfoliant sloughs it off effortlessly to reveal baby soft skin.
The Best Slippers For Babies and Toddlers
My absolute favorite slippers for babies (from roughly 0 to 2 years) are these UGG Bixbee slippers. They’re easy to get on, they stay put, and they have little grippers on the bottoms that keep little ones stable once they start walking. I desperately wish they would expand the size range beyond size 5, because we would have kept buying them throughout toddlerhood. Nevertheless, once our kids grew out of their biggest size, we switched gears to LL Bean’s offerings and we have two favorites: the cozy slipper booties and the Wicked Good slippers. The girls love both, and the latter has a rubber outsole that provides good traction.
Sezane Magenta Set
How gorgeous is this 100% wool magenta cardigan and matching wool trousers from Sezane? Answer: SO GORGEOUS. The set comes in a dozen beautiful colors, but the magenta shade stopped me in my tracks. The trousers have a wide leg and elastic waist so you’ll not only look chic wearing them, but you’ll be comfortable. Wear it on Valentine’s day and then enjoy it all year.
Le Pen Colored Pens
It’s been years since I’ve shared these pens from Le Pen, but they’re STILL my favorites. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than writing with these fine-pointed beauties. I typically use the all-black versions but this colorful pack comes with 18 colors that look as pretty on my desk as they do on cards and letters.
ME+EM Longline Crocheted Vest
When I hear “crocheted vest” my mind goes to a patchwork monstrosity you’d find draped across my grandmother’s sofa. But this chunky crocheted longline vest from ME+EM is CHIC (and soft and super versatile. With a supple blend of cashmere and cotton adorned by military-style gold buttons and cargo pockets, this vest is the perfect layer for the Winter to Spring transition I’m eagerly awaiting.
The Best Clear Elastic Hair Ties
I have exclusively used these clear elastics on my girls for the past 3+ years and they are truly the best for little ones. I haven’t had a SINGLE ONE snap or break on me over the years which honestly defies the laws of physics and probability. Also, if you’re wondering how long a container of these hair bands lasts, it’s taken us roughly 3.5 years: half of that time with one child, the other half with two children. We just finally bought a replacement.
Mango Tweed Jacket
This style of pocket tweed jacket gets so much mileage in my closet and for good reason. It’s as easy to pair with a T-shirt and jeans as it is to layer over a smart ensemble for a business meeting. Mango’s latest version is a fantastic price point and comes in four eminently-wearable colors, though I think the coral pink might be my personal favorite.
Aveda Scalp Massager
It seems like our face is getting all the gadgets and tools these days, but our hair and scalp need them too. In addition to day-to-day hair brushing, massaging your scalp with a massager like this one from Aveda increases circulation, supports hair growth, exfoliates your scalp, and reduces product buildup. The massager also feels amazing! I like to use this on dry hair before showering and/or in-shower after applying conditioner. Most scalp massagers have much chunkier bristles, but I really like that this one has long, thin, flexible bristles that seem to get into the scalp better. It’s also super effective at detangling my hair in the shower after applying conditioner.
LNA Double Layer Sleeveless Tank
This ribbed double layer tank from LNA is the perfect “under everything” tank—it’s extra thick and has a flattering high neckline. Stock up in every one of the five basic colors. I layer this tank under every crew neck top in the cold weather months and then the extra thick fabric makes it an amazing, super-flattering tank to wear on its own all summer long.
This Little Goat Went To New York Crunch
My new addiction is this “everything crunch” from This Little Goat went to New York. It’s a savory (gluten-free) crunch topping packed with garlicky, sesame flavor. You can put this topping on top of everything from salads to dips, chicken, avocados, potatoes— it adds texture and pretty much makes everything taste a little bit better.
Pleated Midi Skirts
My love of a pleated midi skirt runs deep and Mango has so many great options at killer price points right now — just look at all these pleated beauties. I wear these to work meetings with a cropped tweed jacket or pair with sneakers and a T-shirt for a park run. Currently in my cart is this flowy checked skirt and this knit gray one.
Shape Contour Gauge Duplicator
You’re going to want to file this one under extremely niche random things for home-owners that will no doubt change your life: Today, I want to recommend this shape contour gauge duplicator. It’s not shapewear. This tool enables you to measure irregularly shaped edges, which is SO handy if you’re carpeting a room, laying tiles, hanging wallpaper, or doing any number of DIY/craft projects.
Frances Valentine New Arrivals
From Spring-y cardigans to charming caftans, it’s always worth spinning through Frances Valentine’s new arrivals section. I’m already planning an entire Valentine’s Day outfit around these tan, pink and red leather basketweave flats. The black and tan colorway is also SO good.
Retinols vs Retinoids
Many people don’t know that retinols and retinoids are different products with different benefits because they are so often referenced interchangeably. Thankfully, board-certified dermatologist Laura Scott posted this video that not only explains the difference between the two, she also offers some of her favorite retinol and retinoid products. Time for all of us to go to dermatology class.
Ulla Johnson Odette Denim Jacket
I saw this Ulla Johnson jean jacket on a friend and it is SO CHIC (and flattering) IRL. The cinched waist and voluminous sleeves are such a refreshing take on a wardrobe classic that can easily be dressed up or down.
Hanging Heart Sugar Cubes
These heart-shaped sugar cubes are the sweetest — literally and figuratively. The charming cane sugar cubes have been molded into heart shapes with a divot so they can be perched off the lip of your tea or coffee cup. They’d make an adorable hostess gift or addition to afternoon tea. They’re also perfect for Valentine’s Day or a loving touch to your morning coffee.
One response to “Monday Memo No. 163”
-
Love all your suggestions
Want to purchase the Ugg slippers for my Granddaughter Mila❤️
Going to ask her Mom 💕💕💕💕💕
Shop The Look +
Leave a Reply