Oh, hey – Happy Sunday!
The blog has been a bit quiet, which means life has picked up the pace again.
Among other things, our time lately has been consumed with planning a trip to Spain and Italy next month with Michael’s family. This is probably the shortest timeframe in which we’ve booked a longer trip like this, and it is also the largest group trip that we’ve planned (there are eight of us in total). Thankfully, we’ve visited two of the cities before (Rome and Venice), so we’re focusing our time on researching the two new-to-us cities: Madrid and Barcelona.
I’ve got some other life updates to share in the coming weeks, so make sure you’re signed up for the newsletter to stay posted! Otherwise, here’s what I’ve been reading on the web this week:
This post contains affiliate links
Travel
The woman who sparked K-Beauty’s explosion in the U.S. shares her travel skincare routine.
I don’t know what the right answer is, but this is still impacting travel so much, it’s crazy.
Alyssa’s Paris travel guide has me ready to board a flight right this minute! (site closed)
Andrea shares her travel-friendly fitness picks.
Previously… Two years ago we spent Labor Day weekend in Kansas City, and I wrote about it in three parts (one, two & three). Last year at this time I shared three different airplane outfit formulas. What clothes do you reach for when flying?
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Life & Home
Four ways to make more time for reading. (site closed)
Considering picking up a second (or third, or more!) language? Here are the easiest languages for English speakers to learn.
The evolution of back-to-school shopping.
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Food
I’ve long used polenta as a base for meals when the fridge is bare, but never thought to top it with chickpeas!
An ingredient I’ve seen on menus in Mexico, but have never quite known what it is (until now): epazote.
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Style
Melissa visited Amour Vert and tried things on. I’ve long eyed this brand, and seeing how they fit on a petite woman is super helpful.
Everlane is launching an update to their Men’s Collection called Everlane Uniform. Each of the twelve garments also comes with a one-year warranty. I’m questioning why they don’t have this already – and why they don’t offer the same for women. To be frank, the women’s line is starting to look a lot like fast fashion – sure, some of it is still pretty high quality, but the basics (tees and the like) are getting thinner. Are they not expected to last for a year, then? What are your thoughts?
Rebecca’s first outfits as a new professor are totally #goals.
The Luxe Strategist talks through the items she’s letting go. It’s fascinating how some clothing leaves a real impression on us, even if we never wear it.
Sale Alert! Girlfriend Collective is offering 15% off their entire collection through September 18, including my favorite leggings. Linenfox is offering free shipping for the time being, with the exception of a few countries.
Things I bought this week
Top Row || Bad Gal Bang Mascara, Benefit | Silk Pants, Eileen Fisher | Caroline Travel Jewelry Case, WOLF | V Neck Silk Tank, Grana | Bottom Row || Tee, Tradlands | Black Honey Lipstick, Clinique | The Boxy Blouse, Vetta | Boss Boots, Everlane |
Oof, that’s a lot, and it’s a mixed bag of planned purchases and more impulse buys. And perhaps it’s easiest to break this down by what worked and what didn’t.
What worked: I had to reorder a couple of my beauty standards this week, like my favorite mascara and the only tube of lipstick I can ever seem to finish. I also decided to finally replace my old jewelry roll with a more protective case. After fruitlessly waiting ages for Cuyana to release their jewelry case in black, I finally ordered this leather case from WOLF. In some ways, I think it packs more storage into a smaller space, and the mirror should come in handy when we stay in places that don’t have a practical one.
What didn’t: I’ve been combing eBay and Poshmark for a pair of comfy black silk pants to layer over my leggings when we fly, and I finally ordered a pair of Eileen Fisher pants from eBay. Unfortunately, the seller failed to disclose that they were altered (and the alterations were poorly done), so back they went. Also secondhand, I ordered this top from Vetta that can be worn in multiple ways, but it didn’t suit my frame and I resold it, and this silk top from Grana. I’d previously ordered this top in a medium but found that it ran large; the small I ordered this week also runs large, but I think I will just attempt to alter it myself. From the Tradlands sale, I ordered their Girlfriend Tee but found that the large armholes skewed the fit in an unflattering way for my petite figure. You’ll probably see it on Poshmark (or perhaps in my pajama drawer – it is one of the softest tees I’ve ever touched…). And finally, I ordered the Boss Boots in my usual 7.5, but decided they were a bit too snug to pair with thicker socks come winter; I’m currently waiting on a size 8 to arrive. Fingers-crossed!
Do you tend to take things to the tailor, or are you skilled enough to handle alterations on your own?
Thanks for the shout out! I was just complaining about Everlane feeling more trendy. I haven’t tried any of the T-shirts recently so I haven’t noticed if they’ve gotten thinner. But it seems like new releases are happening at a quicker pace?! That’s how to feels to me anyway. And they don’t even seem to keep the basics in stock. I wanted to re-buy a tank top I liked in another size. It was released last summer, but they don’t make it anymore.