(just a random Dagny picture, relevant to nothing…except that she’s adorable)
Shopping:
Everlane cashmere review – I mentioned I was going to receive a couple of cashmere pieces from Everlane to review* – the cropped mock neck sweater in gray, size medium, and also the cashmere sweatpants in black, size medium. I haven’t worn either one, and barely even tried them on, because it’s been way too hot and muggy lately, but here are some initial thoughts.
Mock neck sweater: I like the sleeves, and that the cuff is extended, and ribbed, but they’re very long on me. The length of the sweater is my favorite thing: not too short, not too long. The cashmere seems a little lighter weight than last year’s cashmere, but I could also not be remembering correctly, and/or the cashmere plumps up a bit with washing. The mock neck is a little odd and I find the slight puckering at the neck a little annoying. Overall, it’s good, but I think I’d prefer it either with a wide neck, or a crew neck; I like a mock neck in theory, but it’s hard to do them right.
Cashmere sweatpants: They’re quite large up top, but have a drawstring, so you can cinch them in, and they’re long on me, so I have to roll them up a couple of times – I wish they had a elastic or tapered cuff. I am pretty sure these will stretch a ton, so I don’t think they’re appropriate for wearing in public; I remember reader Christina saying that her James Perse cashmere pants were wonderful, but stretched out too much to really wear them out. Cashmere sweatpants are SUCH an indulgence, and I look forward to wearing them at home, etc., but I can’t imagine myself wearing them out.
Shopbop order follow-up: As a reminder, I ordered the Tumi Tote, Rag & Bone nylon backpack and Acne Apollo fringe wrap. I sent the Acne wrap back and kept the bags. I love love love the wrap, and if my arms were longer and I was a little taller, I would have kept it, but the key to wearing a poncho/wrap I think is that you show enough skin (the wrists are a good part of the body to show) to avoid looking like you’re entirely swallowed up, if you’re short like I am. I don’t know what could be better than wearing a soft, comfy blanket all the time, but sadly, this is not the right one for me. And also, ponchos like this are nice in pictures, but unwieldy in real-life…
Kjaer Weis: since I’ve been so pleased with the Kjaer Weis mascara (it goes on dark and thick and comes off with no effort at all) I wanted to try more from the line, and I have specifically been looking for a cleaner eyeliner. I went to my local source for Kjaer Weis (Forty Five Ten) and ended up with the Eyeshadow in earthly calm (to use as a liner), and lip tint in captivate. I think I’m crazy for paying that much for lip stuff, but it’s almost my birthday, so…
While I was at Forty Five Ten I wandered around sniffing fragrances. I don’t talk much about fragrance, because I don’t use it. I haven’t used a perfume or any sort of fragrance (not even a scented body lotion or oil) in many years. In college I used Versace’s Blonde which smelled like magnolia flowers, but that was it. And when I say “used” I mean sparingly – hardly ever at all. Afterwards, I gave up trying to find something I liked, and that lasted on my skin, AND that I wanted to spend $$ on.
I’ve set a goal for this coming year to try and explore fragrance a bit more. For my home/office, and for myself. I derive a great deal of pleasure from a candle burning, and just catching a scent off a piece of clothing, or from waving my hand, but I haven’t valued that enough to invest in it. Partially, it comes down to the fact that I work at home, so I don’t think about applying fragrance just for myself. But for who else? And why not just for myself???
I already know I love the Santal 33 by Le Labo, but I also got some samples of a few by Serge Lutens yesterday to try and see which works best for me, but so far I like the Five O’Clock au gingembre best. I guess I like more masculine scents? woodsy, musky? What is your favorite scent? Do you have any suggestions for me??
Oh, and in case you don’t follow Grechen’s Codes, Bandier is offering 25% off (automatically applied) this weekend. I have a local store and it’s where I get a lot of my leggings for Pure Barre. Alo and The Upside are favorite brands.
Reading/Listening to
Jen at Honestly Modern published an interview with me today, mostly about SLOWRE, but also about my journey towards more responsible shopping. Please take a look! And thank you so much Jen 🙂
I have been listening to the American Fashion Podcast for a while now; I always find the conversation interesting. Recently Ethical Writers Co. founder/blogger Alden Wicker interviewed a few sustainable style luminaries (Melissa Joy Manning and Maxine Bedat from Zady for a couple) for the podcast and it’s absolutely worth a listen.
Speaking of podcasts…any good recommendations? We’re flying to Florida for the weekend and I love to listen to podcasts when I fly.
*Everlane sometimes sends me pieces from new launches to review. I am under no obligation to review or even post about items, and there is never an expectation of a positive review.
We are in the process of moving from Phoenix to Albuquerque so I’m very tempted to invest in some cashmere sweatpants for walking the puppy on an early cold morning. I haven’t had a proper winter in eight years so I’m very much looking forward to a little bit of chill in the air.
On the topic of amazing fabrics I did just find another pair of linen sheets on sale because they’re out of season that I had to pick up. I absolutely adore using linen sheets!!! I’ve no idea why I mentioned that except for when the people mention cashmere I immediately think of linen as the opposite season fabric:)
I love Kjaer Weiss packaging but I honestly wasn’t impressed by the performance of the products. There’s a very clean mascara that I like called Lily Lolo that works beautifully on me. And for lip losses modern minerals with the Lotus Wei infuses you cannot beat (hello! Lip Gloss w flower essence! Bring on the cranky Travellers !)
I haven’t listen to any podcasts in a while but I have Serial downloaded for the next time that I’m looking for something to listen. I will add your suggestion as well!!
As for scent. I’ve been wearing Santal for the last two years or so. Adore it and I am much more into more masculine fragrances as of late. Apparently I’m just very chatty this morning. Have a good weekend !!
I’m with you on the fragrances Grechen – I definitely dig the more masculine scents over things that are more floral and fruity. This year I’ve been loving Maison Martin Margiela’s By the Fireplace – it has a great smokiness to it without making you smell like you just spent the evening around a bonfire haha. I also really enjoy Elizabeth & James’ Nirvana Black when I need something less sweet. Somehow it is just right 🙂
On a whim I ordered the Splendid thermal cardigan that you mentioned on Shopbop’s sale… I also got a wireless casual bra (Heather Thompson) and a thick-ish pair of Splendid leggings. I could probably make do without all of those things and actually planned on sending everything back (buyer’s remorse) but of course I LOVED everything and suddenly feel like my weekend/loungewear got a much-needed upgrade (from my current Patagonia leggings/R2 zip-up).
I like scents in theory and have used them in the past, but one of the things I’ve learned about my job working with kids is that they’re more concerned about who you are as a person than what you’re wearing or if you’re wearing perfume… I have some lavender oil that I put on my wrists in the morning, but I don’t think it really has staying power — more a psychological effect to remind me to stay calm throughout the day!
oh man, i LIVE IN MY thicker fleece splendid leggings at home when it’s cold. they are SO GOOD. my sister’s dog ripped a hole in them early on, i sewed it up and they’re still good. for home wear LOL – and the thermal cardigan is the greatest. so glad you love them!!
oh yes! i smelled all of the mmm fragrances once at sephora and really loved them, just couldn’t decide on one…and like the nirvana black also. how do i decide what to buy??
lol i was pretty chatty in my post today too 🙂
oh, i couldn’t get into the latest serial podcast, but i was addicted to the first one, ADDICTED.
cashmere sweatpants : they’ll be great for early morning chill, but they don’t have pockets, which is sort of annoying to me, since i have to carry dog treats, etc. when i walk Dagny. Although when it’s cooler i wear a jacket too, so it’s sort of moot. but even around the house, i like to have pockets to carry my phone, random stuff in.
i would LOVE to try linen sheets – but i don’t think my husband is game for it. we’ll see though. someday! maybe we’ll start with a linen duvet. where do you find them in person? or did you buy them online?
Ooh, so much to comment on 🙂 To follow-up on yesterday’s thrifting comment – I have some purple cashmere sweatpants (Saks) from a thrift store. PERFECT for lounging at home! I mean, they’re purple so I’m not going to wear them out anyway, but $5 for cashmere? Yep! Scent – husband allergic/hates most so I rarely wear but one I loved (and doesn’t bother him) is the India Hicks Spider Lily scent she did with Crabtree & Evelyn a few years back – but they separated and now each have their own versions and I haven’t tried either to see if I’ll wear…..
I don’t wear mascara and rarely wear ponchos – I just look like a marshmallow. I love capes (and have a couple of Irish wool from my mom) but it’s virtually impossible for me to carry a bag with one (I need my shoulders – I am not a “hand” bag sort of woman) Grr.
Hi Grechen:).
I like fragrances with Oud in them. Very earthy, with a hint of acrid – then mix in a floral. You might give that approach a shot.
My mom actually recommended The Company Store’s linen sheets (she bought for DH and I’s anniversary this year) which I love. The ones I just bought are from Restoration Hardware (sale plus we are members because new house means new furniture). They have some w stripes too (not on sale so I didn’t buy). The colour selection at RH was better. You would love them!!!
Now I want to find a thrifted pair!! Jealous!
Fragrance is so tricky. I also stopped wearing scent of all types for a long time, not because I couldn’t find a favorite (I have several) but because I’d just gotten weary of the sensory overload. I have a long commute in a tightly packed train, and practically sit on top of my co-workers in the office. I’d rather not be subject to their smells, so by extension, I assumed they’d rather not smell me. I recently started dipping in again though – ever so lightly.
On that note; Anyone who enjoys Santal 33, I recommend sniffing The Noir 29. I’m down to the end of a sample and still pretty obsessed with it. I prefer it to the Santal, actually, and because it’s newer, it’s not as ubiquitous the way some buzzy scents tend to get here in NYC.
Oh I agree it’s SO hard to choose! My strategy so far is to always get a sample (this is where Sephora is great) and try wearing it for at least a few days. Some perfumes disappear after a few hours, and others end up being so strong you get sick of them by the end of the day!
I also love Jo Malone, especially that those perfumes are designed to be layered to create your own scent. And it’s amazing how the scents will change depending on who is wearing them! They’re a bit too pricey for my budget right now, but one day I might pull the trigger 🙂
Podcasts….I have recommendations.
Anything from Book Riot (Book Riot, Get Booked, All the Books) – I’m a big book hound and the hosts are smart and funny and charming and witty.
Death, Sex & Money – great stories
Note to Self – intersection of tech and people
Another Round – pop culture
The Broad Experience – about women & paid work
Here’s the Thing – Alec Baldwin interviews people
KCRW the Business – about the entertainment business
I had the cardigan saved in my hearts for years, but I think you bring it up whenever Shopbop has a big sale like that, so it was really just a matter of time before I caved 🙂
So glad to hear about the Everlane cashmere sweat pants! I am quiet these days but still keeping up with your blog and will look forward to a further review. Except for wishing I had sized down in the JP cashmere leggings, I have no regrets. Now that I have moved back to Canada, the anticipation of putting them on in the evening compensates for the cold weather.
I am really loving the Kjaer Weis make-up I have. Some other brands I have tried have been a hard sell, but she has been a game changer for me. I just got one of her brown eye shadows and am using it as an eyeliner. It works really well with the Rae Morris Brush 12 Lash Line Smudger (beautylish). This whole world of make-up brushes is new for me. Rae Morris ethically sources their brush components, and the bottom is magnetic so they stand upright for easy accessibility. I also have a Rae Morris brush for applying the Kjaer Weis cream blush. I cannot begin to say what a difference it has made. I have sallow, pale skin, and tried to use my fingers to apply and it was terrible. I also have a KW lipgloss and like it very much. I don’t wear a ton of make-up, so it has lasted me a full year. It is also worth noting that KW is lovely to deal with as a company. I had a concern about my first online blush order, and they were absolutely delightful and responsive.
I am not much of a perfume person either, and like more earthy scents, however I recently saved up for Diptyque’s Eau De Lierre. I had been dreaming about it for a long time. Diptyque is good at offering samples, and they are one of the few scent companies that still doesn’t animal test.
I know some thoughtful people who love listening to Krista Tippett’s On Being podcast. I still like This American Life. Happy travels.
Oh I am so glad to hear Diptyque does not animal test!
I want them too – bought linen pillowcases a couple years ago from lands end. I love but husband does not – I know they’ll soften up eventually but I don’t think he’s willing to go through that ….I use flannel sheets all winter for him even though I’m never cold, so I might insist eventually…
For fragrances — Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab! I like slightly woodsy/masculine/androgynous scents too. I tend to shy away from fruity and floral, but I like herbaceous and certain resinous scents. My daily go-to right now is BPAL Aureus, which is amber based but not too sweet. I also like Anne Bonny; it has a definite frankincense presence on me, which I like. And Morocco is my going-out/evening scent. Oh –and the very spruce-y Black Forest for the holidays. 😉 (Once upon a time I worked at a shop that carried a huge selection, so I got to try lots.)
For linen sheets — Eileen Fisher is premium, but with a hefty price tag. I think maybe the EF home goods are exclusive to Garnet Hill? I live fairly close to the big GH outlet in New Hampshire, so I’ve scored a couple pieces of EF bedding there. For cheaper, check Etsy. There are lots of great cottage linen producers in Lithuania and Latvia. I’ve had very good experiences with Not Perfect Linen. And of course there’s Rough Linen based in California — again, more expensive. I haven’t tried Coyuchi’s linen, but all there other bedding is so great, I would expect their linen is really nice as well. I’ve tried some “meh” linen too: Company Store duvet cover, West Elm duvet cover, and Pottery Barn pillow shams did not impress me. They live in the guest bedrooms now, and I imagine they’ll all soften up eventually but they certainly don’t feel as luxe as the brands mentioned above. (I have a serious bedding fetish, can you tell?)
The Company Store ones didn’t need softening. I assumed all sheets would perform the same. They are amazing.
I live in Santa Fe…hope you enjoy living in Albuquerque! I’m from Boston and NYC, but New Mexico is definitely home now…pretty spectacular place! 🙂
p.s. I love linen in general…towels, etc. Now I need sheets!
(i’ve missed your comments christina!) i hope the move went well 🙂
listened to a couple of on being podcasts on the plane, i’m hooked!!
I bought a linen flat sheet and pillowcases online from Parachute and love them. No complaints from my husband either!
I had a hunch you might like those. 😉
I really love fiele fragrances “santalum.” In general, their scents are earthy, made by hand, cruelty free, and unique. You can order samples from their website to see which is your favorite:
http://www.fielefragrances.com/
free shipping through the end of the month (I do not work for them, just love them!)