5 things I'm thinking about this week

Welp!

Remember how I said last week I wanted to take it easy this week? Well, my body didn’t give me a choice.

I’m still getting over a really nasty cold - one that caused me to lose my voice! Cue my co-workers laughing about the doc putting me on “vocal rest.”

(I totally laughed too).

During my week of coughing doom I spent most of my time lusting over looks from fabulous people elsewhere. Here’s what I’ve got my eye on this week:

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1. The Frankie Shop Eden Long Cargo Skirt: if you look up “cool, business woman” in the dictionary, Jenny Bird has to be near the top of that last. My love of her jewelry is well documented on this site, but equally as crushworthy is her style. Her Miami look, above, had me searching for her Frankie Shop skirt immediately, I love how the slim maxi version doesn’t add extra weight where you don’t want it. The gray colour is chef’s kiss.

2. Reformation Maggie Cargo Midi Skirt: if you’re sensing a theme, you’re correct, I’m a bit obsessed with long length cargo skirts at the moment. I think I love this Reformation cargo skirt even more than the Frankie Shop version. One, it’s black (my fave), two, its a midi length, and three, it’s got more versatility, meaning cost-per-wear will be a bit lower.

3. ASOS DESIGN Maxi Cargo Skirt in techy fabric: the one fundamental of cargos that still gives me hesitation is the actual addition of pockets on the outside of the garment. The extra weight just below the hips will always give me pause. ASOS DESIGN’s version of cargo is more my speed, it reminds me of an old Ganni skirt I had my eye on awhile back. I love that the fabric adds the interest here, and the front slit and belt up the cool factor. The affordable price is attractive too. =)

4. COS Friends & Family sale: even though I’m on a self-induced fashion fast, its hard not a wander the COS site during their friends and family sale. If I was to shop one of favourite stores, I’d looking at pickup up this mock-neck maxi dress, this boxy short-sleeved poplin shirt, this double-breasted trench coat, and this oversized white button up.

5. Louis Vuitton X Yayoi Kusama drop 2: The hype and hoopla around the first drop of this partnership was fun to watch, but the bags in this second drop are quite adorable. They’d be a dream, archival purchase for sure, this Infinity Net printed Capucines is GORGEOUS. Even the smaller accessories, like this pumpkin print cosmetic pouch are super fun. P.S. don’t sleep on the men’s collection, it’s just as good as the women’s. Each piece is a collectable piece of art, a perfect homage to Kusama herself.

5 things I'm thinking about this week

Last week was a lot of extroverting. 

Daily in person meetings, a handful of meals out and a concert - it was more social interaction than i’ve had in awhile. 

I think this week is going to be all about recovering and filling back up my cup. Good food, good books, good tv - I’m looking forward to resting my body and my brain.

Here are 5 things I’m thinking about this week. 

1. Donatos Italian Side Salad: I’ve been making a version of this salad for lunch for WEEKS. I can’t get enough of the tangy banana peppers, mixed with Italian seasonings, pepperoni, mozzarella and tomatoes. To make mine even more salty delicious, I add black olives and Persian cucumbers, its the perfect amount of crunch for a desk lunch.

2. Anthropologie Soren Long Sleeves Dress: I’ve been obsessed with Rose’s style for awhile now, and one of my favourite silhouettes of hers I love is when she layers her Frankie Shop Cava dress with leggings and a blazer. Naturally I’m taking inspiration from this, but the sticker on her dress is a bit too much for my liking. This Anthropologie dress might be the answer, fingers crossed they have a 30% off weekend here soon.

3. TikTok hearing: the hearing about TikTok last week was a total dumpsterfire, and as much as I love the app, there are some serious security concerns surrounding it. But the one thing that still has me reflecting back is just how little members of Congress know about how social media works. This article from MSNBC sums it up perfectly.

4. Completed Works Pearl Vase: this vase was love at first sight. Sculptural, petite, and interesting, made even more special with the pearl detail. Oh my. 

5. Madewell Faro Whisper Tank: while I’m not ready to start thinking about summer temps just yet, it is never too early to stock up on summer wardrobe basics. Merrit shared this tank on her stories last week, and I just might have to scoop it up. I love the wide straps, and that you can wear a regular bra underneath it for ultimate comfort.  

5 things I'm thinking about this week

Oh to be back in college again. 

I’ve been reading college scholarship applications for my alma mater’s alumni association this week. Some of them have been standouts and some have not, but they have me reminiscing about the opportunity that college was. 

Granted I don’t think I could survive college in this day and age. Facebook was still The Facebook when I was on campus and we could be silly with shenanigans without having to worry about it ending up on social media. Maybe I'm a bit naive, but the world also seemed a bit more civil back then. 

But enough with the past. Looking forward, here are 5 things I’ve been thinking about this week.

1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22: my running shoe saga might finally be over. The Nike’s I purchased a few weeks back didn’t end up working out and when I went to return them in-store, I got a $20 off coupon to use for the next 3 hours. Naturally, it was burning a hole in my hand and I had to go check out the shoe selection. After 5-6 try-ons, including the HOKA’s, and a very patient and informative salesperson, I came home with a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22’s. They’re not the most stylish shoe out there my sister called the all-black version geriatric and my Mother thinks they look like golf shoes, but I’ve been taking them for a spin the last few weeks and my knee pain has decreased quite a bit.  

2. PKLR tote bag: Speaking of looking athletic, but being anything but, I came upon this tote bag on the Saks site earlier this week. It fits my requirements for a tote, black, sleek, and light, but i had no clue who/what PKLR stands for. Turns out it’s a pickleball line! AND, the tote is even more affordable on their website. But don’t fear, I’m not taking up pickleball anytime soon (the coordination gene missed me in the family tree), but this would be a fabulous spring/summer tote for the office. 

3. A favourite blogger is back: ! I still have an old “Dailies” folder in my chrome browser, a folder I used to check religiously before blogging mostly moved to Instagram. For a bit of nostalgia, (and to avoid doing my taxes) I took a venture through this folder to see what I used to read and was so pleasantly surprised to see one of my blogging OG’s is back! Check out Victoria McGinley’s latest blog here.

4. Kirkland Jelly Belly Jelly Beans: I’m willing to admit I have an addition. A candy addiction. Whenever I’m stressed or bored, I find myself reaching for chewy candy. Gummy stars, hi-chew, jujubes, they’re some my faves but my biggest vice? Jelly Belly’s. And they’re back at Costco in the giant 64oz container. Run, don’t walk. 

5. Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean: I love a good YA series. They’re escapist, optimistic and an easy read perfect for a cold winter weekend. After a year break, I finished the second novel in the Tokyo Every After series, thanks to my Libby app. This novel picks up where the last one left off, with Princess Izumi getting used to her new royal life and royal duties, and all the expectations that come with them. Her journey throughout the book is a satisfying one, as was the read. If you’re looking for a royal, but not european, escapist read, this series is perfect. 

5 things I'm thinking about this week

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Longer Days are here. And so is the return of cold and snow. Go figure. 

When temps dip below freezing like this, I turn to fashion and beauty wanderlust, browsing through page upon page of fashion inspiration for times a little more fabulous when temps are even a little bit warmer. 

It’s this wanderlust that has me thinking about these 5 things this week. 

1. Becky Malinsky’s Fashion Week recap: I haven’t made my way through the FW23 collections yet, but from what I have, I’m really excited for fashion this fall. Long, unfussy silhouettes, gorgeous draping, and a general sense that the gimmicks and Y2K trends of recent years are on their way out. No one sums up the FW23 collections better than Becky Malinsky in her newsletter this past Sunday. Like her, my vibe can lean “uptown girl” and her take on the trends of next fall are second to none. 

2. Khaite vibes without the price: Speaking of fashion week, there’s no hotter brand in fashion right now than Khaite. I’m always drawing outfit inspiration from their looks, but the price point of this cool-girl brand is quite a bit more than I’m willing to pay. That’s why I couldn’t click this Who What Wear article, What to Buy From Nordstrom If Your Vibe Is Khaite But Your Budget Is $100, fast enough, especially since it features one of my faves, Nordstrom. You can bet the Ganni belt featured here is already in my wishlist. 

3. David Shrigley Limited Edition Posters: Copenhagen is on my bucket list. From the art, to fashion, to food, to views - I’m dreaming of a trip to this Danish cultural center. One of the places I can’t wait to visit is this Shrig Shop, the shop from artist David Shrigley. The art is contemporary yet whimsical, quirky yet cute, and I love the simplicity of it. Sunday the shop dropped another set of limited edition posters and I finally was able to get my hands on one. Be Nice to the Sharks (above) will soon be mine, I’m thinking I might put it on the wall in my office.  

4. Soma Bra Sale: Why is underwear shopping so frustrating? I wasn’t really in the market for any new bras but was served an Instagram ad for Soma’s $29 bra sale and figured since there’s one near me I’d go check it out. I’m so glad I did. I ended up grabbing 2 of the enbliss racerback bralettes, it’s so comfortable (i’ve already worn it!) and it’s perfect for WFH days where I’m most likley wearing a sweatshirt or tee and don’t need full support. Highly recommend, especially if you can snag one on sale. 

5. Georg Jensen Moonlight Grapes Sterling Silver Ear Cuff Stud Earrings: it’s only fitting that my final entry this week is the most wanderlust of this list. These earrings are everything. They’re a modern, contemporary ear cuff that manage to be cool and elegant at the same time. In sterling silver they are perfection.

What I’m buying from Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty

This isn’t super well known, but I am a beauty junkie. Get me started on a chat about favourite moisturizers or lipsticks, and I’ll apologize in advance because I never shut up.

That’s why I love when Ulta has their 21 Days of Beauty events. It’s a chance for me to stock up on some of my beauty faves at 50% off, and a chance to try some new products at a low-risk price.

Below are some of the products I’m thinking about purchasing during this year’s event. If this is your first time shopping one of these, keep a look out for their surprise steals, but also checkin early on Sephora’s site - they often price match the same items during the event.

Monday, March 12

Peach & Lily Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Creme

I really don’t need another moisturizer right now, but I might spring for this one. I’ve heard really good things about this antioxidant creme, especially considering how lightweight it is, and might stock up now so I can use it this summer. 

Tuesday, March 14

Nudestix Nudies Bloom

Nudies Bloom is a really pretty creme blush. Instead of applying this directly, I love to apply these with a slanted blush brush, putting the product on the brush first and pushing the product onto the high points of my cheekbones. Poppy girl is the perfect summer shade for this red head.

Belif Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask

This is a gorgeous winter, nighttime moisturizer. If your skin is feeling parched or tight, buy this. Trust me. 

Thursday, March 16

Strivectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Corect Vitamin C Serum

This serum has been in my saved items for awhile, but with all the deals around the holidays for Drunk Elephant and Sunday Riley, I stocked up on those vitamin C serums instead. The combo of vitamin C and retinol has me intrigued, will it keep my wrinkles at bay even better?

Friday, March 17

Clarins Double Serum

I am actively looking for a non-vitamin C serum for days I give my skin a break from actives, right now I’m using up a bunch of samples to see if anything stands out from the others. Given the reviews on this one, this might be 

Saturday, March 18

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer

I don’t really need another concealer right now, but when Fenty goes on sale I pay attention. I might consult Tiktok for my final purchase decision here, since they love Fenty’s Pro Filt’r Foundation. This steal also might make me step in store for the first time in awhile given the shade range the Rihanna provides. 

Nuface Mini

I don’t invest in a lot of beauty tools, but I did invest a few years ago in this one and have never looked back. I’m convinced that this little device is keeping my jawline from falling quicker, and I’m a huge fan of how it carves out my cheekbones after each use. I rarely see this at 50% off so it’s a great time to spring for one. 

Sunday March 19

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz

Ulta offers Brow Wiz every 21 Days of Beauty Events and every time I always purchase one of these. I know there are other, better reviewed brow products out there, but I always come back to this one. The taupe colour is a better summer shade for me than a lot of other brands, so I’ll be stocking up now before the weather gets warmer.  

It Brushes for Ulta

If you’re searching for a new brush to apply cream bronzer, It foundation brushes are some of faves to do. I especially love the angled ones, they help keep product near the top of my forehead and help me carve out above my cheekbones with ease. 

Sunday, March 26

Tula Cult Classic Cleanser

I love buying fancy cleansers during the Ulta event. It’s such a treat to use these in the morning, and this one does a great job of cleansing my skin in the morning, without stripping it and making it feel parched. 

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Plumping Lip Gloss

If you didn’t pick these up when they went viral last year, these plumping lip glosses are already half off during Ulta’s event. I love that the shade range is all nudes, and honestly haven’t had the application issue that some of the reviewers say they’ve had (full disclosure: I haven’t finished mine yet). 

Monday, March 27

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion

Shiseido sunscreen half off? I’m pumped. I’ve never tried this cult classic formula and might stay up late to add this to cart so I don’t miss out. 

Tuesday, March 28

Grande Cosmetics GrandeBrow

I’ve seen a lot of success with the GrandeLASH, I’ve even had to reduce my frequency of application because my lashes have gotten so long. Despite the resurgence of skinny brows, I still love the feathery look, and might pick this up to help fill out my own.

Friday, March 31

First Aid Beauty Jumbo Ingrown Hair Pads

*whispers* Summer is coming. Time to get prepared. IYKYK. 

Saturday, April 1

Lancome Lash Idole

I can’t believe this mascara is part of this sale! The waterproof version is one of two mascaras that I’ve found that keep my lashes curled and doesn’t smudge and fallout below my eyes. 

StriVectin Peptight Tightening Neck Serum Roller

I’m currently using this as part of my night routine and love how easy the roller makes it to apply. The twist cap also alleviates leeks and messes, and there’s not pot to put a scoop or finger in. The product itself is hydrating and helps to keep me seeing my tech neck.