DRESS: Shoshanna (sold out, similar HERE, HERE, and HERE) | SHOES: Jimmy Choo (sold out, similar affordable alternative HERE) | BAG: Gucci (sold out, similar HERE) | SUNGLASSES: Le Specs
When all of your friends are enjoying the long President’s Day weekend and you have to head into the office Monday morning, it takes a little extra something to get out the door. Yesterday’s antidote to my why-the-&$%@-don’t-we-take-President’s-Day-off blues was this mood-boosting red sheath dress. It did the trick because (a) it’s no secret that I have an addiction to all things red, but (b) I’ve been binge-watching Grace and Frankie and June Diane Raphael’s character (i.e. my spirit animal) seems to be wearing a killer red sheath-red lip combo in every other episode. So, wearing this ensemble successfully distracted me from the fact that I was heading into the office on a rainy holiday as I replayed all of her inappropriate jokes in my head. (She doesn’t even have to open her mouth in that show to have me ROLLING on the floor.) If you would also like to channel your inner Brianna Hanson and/or you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about and just have an affinity for scarlet-hued frocks, I’ve rounded up more of my favorites below for your perusing pleasure…
DRESS: Shoshanna (sold out, similar HERE, HERE, and HERE) | SHOES: Jimmy Choo (sold out, similar affordable alternative HERE) | BAG: Gucci (sold out, similar HERE) | SUNGLASSES: Le Specs
I’m thrilled to report that my first big skincare post will be published on the blog this Wednesday, so get AMPED. I’m super excited to share some of my research and learnings breaking down a lot of the marketing nonsense around skincare, but you’ll have to tune in on Wednesday for the goods. In the interim, I wanted to share that Elemis just launched their new Superfood product range which I am SO EXCITED to try. I’ve shared the Elemis Superfood Facial Oil here on the blog and on social about 200 times because it’s been my absolute favorite face oil for years now. Due to its popularity, Elemis decided to expand it into an entire Superfood range which now includes a facial wash, a day cream and a night cream. I just got mine in the mail, and will report back!
Where I get my hair done in NYC
Since posts on instagram and insta stories always get lost and forgotten, I wanted to memorialize my answer to this frequently asked question here. I get my hair cut and colored at Fourteenjay Salon in Tribeca. I can not say enough good things about this salon. The spa-like ambiance, the friendliest service, the impeccable attention to detail and (most importantly) the absolute best-in-class hair colorists and stylists. Their motto of “beautiful color begins with healthy hair” rings true in everything they do and I can’t recommend them highly enough. I will be naming my first-born child Fourteenjay.
How to Reduce Technology-Induced Eye Strain
I randomly stumbled upon these glasses on Shopbop and since I spend all day staring at either a computer or an iPhone screen, I thought I’d give them a try. You can read the complete details here, but in a nutshell, you can wear these glasses at your desk or anytime you plan to be staring at a screen (computer, tablet or mobile device) for an extended period of time. They reduce up to 30% of blue light emissions that cause eye strain, headaches, and disruptive sleep (hellooooo insomnia!). I’ve been keeping them at my desk and using them constantly over the last couple weeks and have noticed a huge difference.
The Perfect Layering Tee, Made Even Better
Despite trying a million and one different “basic tees” over the years, the J. Crew perfect shirt continues to be my go-to. I’ve been doing a little spring-cleaning closet purge, and every year I seem to throw out a million of the same cheap layering tees and basics that I snatch up from discount retailers. I’m always lured by the idea that buying a basic white t-shirt shouldn’t cost more than $25, despite the fact that these tees almost invariably fail to live through their second washing without stretching out or getting a weird, warbled neckline. J. Crew perfect t-shirts are the exception. They look brand-spankin’ new after every wash, year after year so I was ecstatic to find that they’ve updated the silhouette to now include a slightly longer sleeve. I’m always laying this t-shirt under blazers and as you can see here, the extra few inches on the sleeve makes it especially perfect for the office.
My Breakfast MVP
I’m always surprised by how frequently I get asked what I eat for breakfast. Funny enough, I always thought my go-to breakfast was pretty unusual, but in the last several months I’ve been seeing it pop up everywhere—bloggers, celebrities, you name it—everyone is obsessed with GG Scandinavian Crispbread. I discovered these bread-cracker hybrids when I was living in Copenhagen for a semester in college and many of the Danish girls I lived with ate them every morning. They’re low calorie, low carb, super high in fiber and while they’re about as bland as cardboard on their own, they are an amazing foundation for healthy deliciousness you can pile on top. Lately, my go-to combinations have been the following:
OPTION 1: GG Crispbread, Smashed Avocado, Spritz of Lemon Juice, Drizzle of Sriracha
They are larger than a cracker but smaller than a piece of bread (about 2.5″ x 3.5″) so I eat two of them in the morning piled high with my favorite accoutrements and I stay super full all morning. I typically get the plain bran flavor, but also love the raisin and honey as well.
These classic pinstripe coordinates were another favorite get-up from fashion week and I have to say, the inexplicable mood-boosting effect a sleek pinstripe has on my psyche almost entirely made up for the fact that it was -800 degrees out and my creative styling skills proved inadequate when trying to rationalize the wearing of a puffer snowsuit as a chic, unexpected fashion week ensemble.
In my book, you can never have too much of this timeless menswear-inspired print in your closet, especially when it comes to your work wardrobe. Below I’ve rounded up all of my favorite pinstripe pieces whether you’re looking for a sleek pair of trousers to wear to the office or a killer dress for a special occasion. When in doubt, wear pinstripes.
Only a few more days left of fashion week, and this was the look I sported to shows on Sunday during the onslaught of rain here in NYC that seemed to pick up only at the critical moments where I absolutely had to be outside going to the next show or presentation. Hence the drowned-rat hair effect.
Nevertheless, this belted gingham Alexander McQueen jacket and Roksanda knit midi skirt withstood the elements and were super fun pieces to wear. If you’re new around here or perhaps haven’t noticed, I always include links to affordable alternatives in the text links section at the top and bottom of each post whenever I’m wearing something pricey. I always want to make sure that regardless of your budget, you can still get the look. Exhibit A: this super cute gingham blazer (under $200) which could easily be belted over this ivory skirt for a very similar outfit at a fraction of the price.
As mentioned in yesterday’s Monday Memo, the earrings at Baublebar right now are off the charts. I’ve been hoarding sculptural earrings in droves over the past year, and I don’t plan on letting up anytime soon. Whether you’re dressing for fashion week or a casual get together with friends, statement earrings like these completely make the outfit. I often wear a simple pair of jeans and sweater with these beauties and a red a lip, and despite being quite simply and casually dressed, the earrings add interest and do all the talking.
We eat quite a lot of quinoa in our house and are always making big bowls of it with favorite roasted veggies and other accoutrements. However, thanks to Liz Adams, I’ve found the holy grail quinoa bowl recipe. TRUST. My only preferred tweak is goat cheese instead of feta. I made extra of everything last weekend and it was perfect to refrigerate and grab throughout the week for lunch. SO. GOOD.
WEATHERPROOF SPRAY FOR LEATHER SHOES AND BOOTS
I’ve shared this leather protector spray on instastories and here on the blog before but it continues to be one of my most frequently asked questions. I spray it on all of my leather shoes to make sure that rain, snow, and salt don’t cause damage and I have to say, it was especially handy over the last couple days of pouring rain during New York Fashion Week!
FAQ: DO YOU TAILOR ALL OF YOUR CLOTHES?
I get this question constantly, and the answer is not at all. I get some special items tailored (i.e. timeless blazers, dressy pants that need the length let out, etc.) and I’ll also get special occasion wear tailored from time to time. However, the vast majority of things I wear everyday (i.e. most of what you see here on Memorandum) is not tailored. I’m a stickler for well-fitting clothing, so make clothing selections carefully, and whenever something doesn’t fit perfectly, I’ll often cinch things in with a waist belt. Last week I did a post on all of my favorite waist belts and why I’m constantly wearing them, and this is a major reason! I’m quite tall, so whenever the waistline is cut a little too high or too loose on me, I’m always adding a waistbelt to make things “look” tailored, without having to go to the actual trouble.
EARRING MANIA
Before fashion week started the team at Baublebar let me pick out favorites from their latest collection and it was definitely one of those “I’LL TAKE ONE OF EVERYTHING” moments because their new arrivals are off the charts. I got tons of questions and compliments on this pair which is officially one of my favorite pairs of ALL TIME. As discussed in the past, oversized studs and sculptural earrings are my all-time favorite earring style so I’m thrilled that they happen to be majorly on trend right now. I also wore this pair last Thursday (which comes in a cool set with both silver and gold options!), this pair yesterday and I have this pair (in tortoise) in my shopping cart. Can not get enough.
FAVORITE WIRELESS BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES
Funny enough, this is a question I get whenever I instastory from the gym where you’ll see me always wearing one of two pairs of wireless bluetooth headphones. Rich and I both have a pair of these wireless headphones which we ordered from Amazon months back and absolutely love them. They’re water resistant so you don’t have to worry about getting sweaty, they have a really long-lasting battery life (8 hours), the sound quality is excellent, they have a microphone so you can take calls on them, and best part? They’re only $20! I also personally really like having the earhooks when working out (as opposed to my Jaybird wireless headphones which I also love!) because they provide so much more stability when I’m running, jumping, etc. I never have to worry about them falling out during my workout. I keep the Jaybird pair in my bag for using on my commute, at the office, etc. when I want something a little less conspicuous.
I wore this emerald green satin dress recently to the Fashion Group International Rising Star Awards where Rich and I were honored to be recipients of the business innovation award for Trove. If you’ve followed this blog for any amount of time, you likely know that when it comes to accessories, I have a chronic addiction to waist-cinching belts, so it likely comes as no surprise that I employed this Chloe belt to finish off the look. You may have also noticed that it’s about the 200th time I’ve worn this Chloe belt in the past several weeks, so today I thought it was high time that I dedicated a post to my most-frequently worn accessory: the waist belt.
In addition to creating a flattering hourglass shape, waist belts always seem to perfectly “finish” any look. But more than an element of polish, waist belts can also completely transform even the most casual outfits. A true testament to the ability of accessories to completely transform a look is this recent post in which I’m wearing a giant oversized cardigan and stretchy stirrup pants. The difference that a beautiful waist belt and heels makes in dressing up an outfit comprised entirely of casual pieces is staggering.
I also recently wore the same Chloe belt in this recent post, which serves as another excellent example of giving a classic dress new life with the addition of a simple accessory. While the Chloe belt is certainly pricey, you can see that I wear it CONSTANTLY, so it was worth the splurge for me. However, you definitely don’t have to splurge to get a killer waist belt. Below, I’ve rounded up all of the waist belts that have caught my eye lately, including this beauty that’s only $55!
