Apparently I’m taking a break. Not on purpose, or planned, but as I get older and travel more to see my parents/family, it’s harder and harder to get back into the routine of things when I get home. Life, and things outside of work take over.
And maybe because it’s still SO HOT and I want it to cool off so I can wear all the fall things, or maybe because I feel overwhelmed having to do things I don’t feel very good at, or maybe because I’m feeling increasingly discouraged and out-of-place in the blogging world, I’m finding it easier just to do other things. And by other things, I mean shop. No, not exactly, but it is almost-fall, and I get antsy for “new” when season changes are imminent.
So, here are some things I’ve purchased recently:
I ordered (with credits from Everlane) and took the Everlane dipped mini backpack with me to Atlanta and got used to it eventually, but was really frustrated by it some of the time. The straps don’t cinch up enough for it to be comfortable carried as a backpack, and when I carry it on my right arm and have to get into the small front pocket where my phone, etc. is, I have to unzip it from the right which leaves it completely open; I wished it had a double zipper, and could be unzipped from the left and only halfway. It’s the little things. When I carried my camera with me, and we walked for hours at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, I was pretty uncomfortable carrying the backpack, no matter what I tried. So, still looking for a good travel bag that will serve as a carry-on for the plane, and then as a handbag at my destination. It HAS to do double-duty.
I ordered these Amour Vert jogger pants (organic cotton/modal/spandex blend) when they came back in stock a few days ago. Just wanted to try them I guess…and I can never have too many black “sweatpants” for fall/winter, especially ones with pockets.
I’ve been wanting to try tenoverten (8-free and cruelty free) nail polish for a long time and couldn’t resist these fall colors. We’ll see how I like them in person. I also ordered black, because I love black on my fingers in the winter, and on my toes in summer.
Everlane luxe wool square cardigan | I ordered a small with credit at Everlane – although I sort of wish I’d waited to try the chunky sweater that just launched today instead. BUT, I wish it didn’t have the nylon in it.
Everlane luxe wool turtleneck | I ordered the medium with credit at Everlane
The Detox Market offered 15% off orders over $200 for labor day so I stocked up on my favorite CLEAN essentials shake (in Vanilla, so I can add frozen blueberries and lots of spinach; I use it as a meal replacement), and ordered this Laurel Organics eye serum to try because someone left a comment about it here when I asked about eye cream. And to round my order out, I got another Hurraw lip balm (I must have 6-7 of this brand by now!!).
I ordered this Rag & Bone Nadine skirt – 100% cotton, made in the US – (in size 10, with credits from Shopbop) before I left for Atlanta. I tried it on in the store, and had to go up to a size 10 to fit my hips, but it’s REALLY large in the waist. I’m taking it to my tailor today to see if she can take it in enough in the waist without ruining it because I LOVE IT so much. I tried it on with everything I possibly could, and especially love it with my Everlane cropped cashmere sweater from last year.
Oh, and for my birthday this year (it’s not until November), my mother ordered me these LL Bean duck boots (always made in the US), which should arrive today. I’ve been wanting a pair of rain/winter boots since we moved to Dallas, and wanted to wait for these. I’m so excited about them!! Now, where is the cooler weather??
What have you purchased lately? What are you wanting?
In response to your search for a travel bag that can also be used at your destination; I saw a girl carrying this in NYC the other day: http://killspencer.com/shop/womens/m-22?swatch=64
It seems perfect! But is oh so expensive haha.
that is awesome – i’ve been looking at stuff like that; a more structured backpack that can be carried different ways (clyde has an interesting one and vere vetero), but i’m not sure i want a backpack anymore, after this trip! and this one doesn’t have a closure, which is a requirement i have now, after traveling without closures on bags for so long LOL
I have (and still wear!) Bean duck boots I bought in high school in 1987. They’re the taller version, though, and the leather has the most delicious patina!! Almost no grip left- the sole has worn off – so they’re kind of deadly on ice. But if we actually have winter weather and I’m outside, I wear my Sorels (from 1992 ish, back when they were still made in Canada). I am a northern girl living in the South and totally unwilling to give up my winter clothing, even if I never wear it!!!
I LOVE that R&B skirt — the tie-front, the hemline — and all-cotton? Score!
I *so* wish Bean Boots worked for me. I’ve tried 3 different styles in every size/width combo possible, but they’re always some combination of too long and too narrow for my duck feet. Shouldn’t duck boots fit duck feet?!
Grechen, have you looked at Tom Binh for travel bags? I carry a Large Cafe Bag pretty much everywhere and love it. They have a lot of options, super durable, all designed and made in the US.
i hope they fit!! i sized down, according to their recommendations…and may or may not order shearling insoles (i got a $10 gift card with the purchase).
the south gets ice though, if not so much snow; you can still wear winter clothes, theoretically 😉
the skirt is so good. such a ridiculous splurge, but i saw it, went to try it on the same day, and obsessed over it for days…
the problem for me is that my hip/waist ratio is crazy, like my hips are a size 10 and my waist a size 6. so we’ll see if the tailor can fix the waist and not ruin the skirt!! it’s beautiful on, and fits well, once i situate it on my waist/hips right. and so unique.
i hope the bean boots work – and lol on duck feet – it would seem so, right?
i’ve been obsessed with tom binh since someone mentioned it here (you?), but haven’t found exactly the right thing yet. i love the cafe bag, but i don’t want crossbody anymore i don’t think, they don’t seem as comfortable as they used to. i don’t know…
I have that Everlane backpack too and I feel you on the pocket being wide open if you have to temporarily open it. For me, it’s when I’m swiping my MetroCard and a lot can happen in the 2 seconds that pocket is open. Overall I like the bag and the dipped portion, but the black attracts my grey cat’s hair and it’s a pain to get off. 🙂
The new everlane sweaters are so cute, but I don’t know why they do drop sleeves more often than not. Raglan sleeve is more wear-friendly to lots of consumers. I don’t need the extra illusion of wider shoulders!
I love love love my Tom Bihn Western Flyer. Probably not the bag you’re looking for but I happily lived out of it for two weeks in France this summer! I used my Moop Carrier for a tote bag. It doesn’t zip but there is a buckle and it has a removable crossbody strap.
Curious why you did not buy/keep the Everlane mini backpack in stock at Slowre ? ;c)
i wanted the dipped one 😉
I just recently bought that Everlane backpack, too, and I find it a little frustrating as well. I do find it comfortable enough to wear, but the sizing seems just a smidgen odd. I tried to carry it to a lecture class where I just had a small notebook and a folder with a few papers in it, and it’s just barely big enough to hold the folder – but just small enough to muss up the corners. I certainly didn’t expect something advertised as a “mini” backpack to be large enough to haul textbooks around or anything (and honestly, the regular-sized Everlane backpack I have does well with that), but I find it a bit ridiculous that it would come that close to being an appropriate size for standard-sized paper and yet fall just a bit short. Sigh. I do wish they offered something between the barely-too-small mini and the very-substantial regular-sized packs!
oh, love that bag, but that’s more of a carry-on suitcase, and i’m set for those. i just need something to use as a “bag” to slip under my set with my scarf/blanket, and random stuff for traveling, including everything i usually keep in my purse. and i want that to be the same bag i carry as a handbag at my destination. i think that’s starting to be too much to ask for…although when i’m at my mom’s i tote my computer back and forth between her house and my sister’s, so i do need to carry a large bag…for city traveling, etc. i can manage with a crossbody or a smaller bag generally.
why does it have to be so complicated?? or, more appropriately, why must i MAKE It so complicated??
YES! it does hold my 15″ macbook air, but barely, i have to really shove it in there. but i guess i appreciate it that it does hold it at all, because i had the larger one too, and found it too big for me, on my frame, and for my stuff.
i’d love it if they made an in between size. and add better details like a double zipper on the smaller one, or a side compartment.
oh yes, it is a hair magnet. i wore an everlane seed stitch sweater on the plane (which i didn’t realize would shed as much as it did) and the backpack was COVERED in light gray lint. that really frustrates me…
i agree on the dropped shoulders – they’re not the most flattering style on me, but man, i love them 🙂 prefer a raglan sleeve always, but the trend seems to be dropped shoulders more often lately…
Here are a few of my favs…
Everlane, arrived today, LOVE! https://www.everlane.com/collections/womens-sweaters/products/womens-sweatshirt-crew-grey-marled
Wearing with: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/citizens-of-humanity-emerson-high-rise-boyfriend-slim-jeans/4121032?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK%20AND%20BLUE
I’d definitely be into an in-between size with better details. The mini is fine for the little 11.6″ netbook I tend to haul around, and I do appreciate actually having a backpack to carry it that’s sturdy but not massive… but man, if it won’t carry papers well, I almost wonder what the point is. And you’re right, the regular sized one is somewhat overwhelming. It’s great for lab classes since I tend to be hauling books, equipment, goggles, and a lab coat, but on my small frame it feels way more backpacking-cross-country than let’s-run-errands.
I’m actually trying to sell my Everlane full size backpack because it’s ridiculously heavy without anything in it, which I only noticed midway through a hike. That was a hard day.
I bought a bright green tank top from Synergy, some black sandals from Garmentory (I clicked through your affiliate link!), and a pretty split seam tee from Amour Vert last week.
Oh I can’t wait to see your outfits with those 🙂
That was my problem this trip too – I didn’t test things out enough before traveling with them. Hoyaheel would be very disappointed in me lol. The Everlane backpacks are sort of heavy…
I also wore my Veja sneakers I was trying so hard to keep. Big mistake. They’re just not comfortable at all on me
Not a backpack girl, my torso is too short and I’m too paranoid to not be able to see the front of my bag. But I do travel on weekends all the time and try to do it efficiently. Longchamp totes work wonderfully as a carry-on and also as a walking around day bag. They fold up for storage and are light, water resistant, strong and look good stuffed full or drapey with very little inside. There are ones with short hand straps or ones with longer shoulder straps or some even have a short strap/crossbody combination (the Neo line or the weekender, they have the Neo crossbody at Nordstrom in small and medium). There is a Longchamp for everyone in other words (they do have a backpack too). They are a big hole type of bag so I use pouches or camera cases to keep the contents organized. I’ve carried a rain jacket, a purse, books, DSLR/lenses and leftovers in them. One person in a travel group I’m in said she carried twenty pounds of gemstones in one (I didn’t ask why but I’m now very curious as you can imagine about her occupation). I’ve even used a large Neo tote combined with slim packing cubes as my luggage (sized like a work tote-my lightest packing accomplishment to date). I’ve thrown one in the washing machine too, after two years of constant carrying, and then hung upside down to dry and it was perfect (but not the Neo, which you shouldn’t thrown in the machine but many people wash the regular nylon ones). You dry upside down so none of the leather color gets on the nylon body. I also love my MZ Wallace Sutton Tote in Small (very comfy and holds a lot more than you would think, there is a large size too. I wasn’t crazy about the MZ Wallace Metro tote though. Love all your Everlane clothing choices!
I know you said you might not want a backpack, but if you decide you do, fwiw I absolutely love my Tom Bihn synapse 19. I had bought one of the Everlane mini backpacks when they first came out and used it daily for a year. I finally gave up on it and bought the Tom Bihn. I actually wrote Everlane about what I saw as shortcomings in the backpack design, but apparently they did not take my advice. 😉 The Synapse 19 is very compact but fits everything. It’s been a lifelong struggle for me to find backpacks that are small enough to be comfortable yet can fit all the stuff I need to carry back and forth to work.
Try Marc Jacobs Domo Arigato in either regular or mini size. Or its “biker” version. They are nylon, come in many different colors, are light and have 2 outside pockets. Quite practical for travelling.
if you aren’t set on a backpack this tote (via Janice over at the VF) caught my eye….http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/Marni-colour-block-tote-item-11273428.aspx?fsb=1&storeId=9644&utm_source=J84DHJLQkR4&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Linkshareus&utm_content=10&utm_term=USNetwork
xo
ah, just noticing now no outside pockets – sorry, my bad!
LL Bean used to resole their boots, so you can keep the good old leather. Call them!
that bag is so beautiful though!! i always admire marni bags, but am not sure i could do the signature color blocking. maybe in black/brown!
i was looking at those too, since i’m interested in non-leather bags lately. i still love the big MJ zippers LOL
i LOVE That one. and the shoulder straps look like they’re adjustable enough for me…i may try it.
re Everlane’s backpack – i think they’re going more for minimal design (which they have down) over practicality – at least as far as we see it. Although it wouldn’t take much to make it better: a double zip on the front pocket, and more adjustable shoulder straps for those of us with short torsos. what shortcomings did you email them about?
that’s what it is!! my short torso. i hadn’t thought about the straps that way, but you’re right.
and i agree about not being able to see the bag openings, which is why i generally carry it just on my right shoulder, like a handbag, instead of as a backpack. but i like the IDEA of using it as a backpack if i need to.
my issue with longchamp is the rolled handles, i have never that type of strap very comfortable. i guess you get used to them?? i really prefer a wider shoulder strap, which is why backpacks are appealing.
and i loved my medium MZ wallace metro tote for a while, but got tired of the straps sliding off my shoulder ALL THE TIME. And they could have been a bit longer IMO.
HI Grechen – I hope the felling that you’re out of sync with the blogging world is just temporary – I’m not sure what it means, and I think lots of us continue to enjoy your perspective and your blog!
Backpacks – have you considered Matt & Nat – a Canadian ethical design company – see info and link below
And sorry about your hot weather – the heat in Dallas was excruciating for me this summer – when I got off the plane in Vancouver, I just couldn’t believe how soft and silky the summer air was – and now it’s truly fall with crisp, sunny days – my fave. Come visit – you’re welcome anytime.
Some ideas sneak up on you as if they were always meant to be. The idea behind MAT(T)ERIAL and NATURE originally came to life in 1995, in beautiful Montreal. We’re passionate and in awe of the world that surrounds us. Being inspired by MAT(T)erial and NATure means exploring the synergy between the two, the reflection of one on the other.
http://mattandnat.com/shop/handbags/backpacks
Not disappointed. It’s its own lesson! One I’ve had to learn & re-learn over time. With upcoming trips, I can be totally guilty of shopping for new cute stuff I want to take with me. I try to remind myself of the downside of that – esp if you’re trying to be a minimal packer (which I do for many trips, due to needing to carry my own luggage on public transportation or up stairs in a European rental apartment etc) Am packing right now for a girls’ trip next week and I have to restrain myself from shopping!! Take only the tried & true 🙂 Of course, I’ll be overseas for that. For a trip to Atlanta, probably not so tricky – plenty of places to restock as needed, borrow from family etc. Even then – I am bringing new-ish shoes with me. I’ve worn them around & to work but probably not enough to know if they’ll really be ok. But they’re not the only shoes I’m bringing, AND I want to test them for a longer trip later in the year. I’ve weighed the pros & cons and am moving ahead (hiking water shoes)
I mentioned the one-way zipper on the outside pocket for the same reason you did. The other thing that bugged me was that the backpack leaned away from my back. This was particularly bad at the top, because the the straps (on mine anyway) begin a couple of inches below the top of the body of the bag, so it leans outward. I looked at pictures online, and I don’t know if they fixed this or if it just doesn’t show up in pictures or if mine was just a dud…
Grechen, you may want to check out the Will Leather Goods totes. I have a canvas/leather one and it’s roomy enough to fit a jacket and blanket into, PLUS, i do use it as a handbag as well. The cool thing about the bag is even with all the stuff I put into it, it doesn’t feel heavy at all, not sure why that is but it seems to distribute the weight quite nicely. I got mine some years ago and it’s still going strong. (Oh, and they’re from Oregon, a family owned business).
https://www.willleathergoods.com/shop/women
Re: “or maybe because I feel overwhelmed having to do things I don’t feel very good at, or maybe because I’m feeling increasingly discouraged and out-of-place in the blogging world, I’m finding it easier just to do other things.”
First, remember that most of your readership (which seems to be UP in a very BIG way!) is drawn to your blog for this exact reason….You are not one of the cookie-cutter “I wear a brand spankin’ new designer outfit every single day with my 5″ heels, my hair and makeup perfect and done for me by my entourage who just ran out and got me a Skinny, no-whip Pumpkin Latte as a prop” that seem to be a dime-a-dozen these days! PLEASE stay authentic and be a voice for the rest of us that want to see a beautiful, healthy, honest woman of integrity that we can relate to. OK. Rant over. Take a break now and again, but come back to fill the niche that desperately needs to be filled.
Second, I drank the Everlane koolade, and now I’m hooked. That’s because of your influence, btw. I read your comment about the new chunky sweater and with curiosity getting the best of me, clicked on your link and there it was: the black cotton sweater of my dreams! Ordered. On its way. Thank you! You are the BEST at what you do. <3
OK. Rant over. Take a break now and again, but come back to what you do best.
oh, i want to know how that Everlane sweater is when you get it! please report back ASAP 🙂
and thank you – i’m not going anywhere, i just have little minor crises every once in awhile, usually in the middle of being overwhelmed by life. i just needed the weekend, i think, and a drink or two LOL
Indeed, LL Bean does resole their boots (http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/510654?page=llbean-repairs); I need to send my shearling winter boots in for that ASAP actually.
I got a pair of regular bean boots earlier this year though – the bison leather ones with the red soles – and they are simply gorgeous for outdoor boots. You won’t be disappointed.
also, Gretchen, I HIGHLY recommend the shearling insoles. you’re in the south so they’ll be sufficient in your unlined boots. for us northerners, they are a necessary luxury.
thanks jen – but actually i’m sending the boots back 🙁
the size 7 fits my foot, but my calves are thick and I don’t have ankles really, so when the boots are laced up they’re very uncomfortable (tight on my calf and too big around my “ankle”) – i haven’t given up the search for winter/rain booties yet, but i might, and just end up getting the “shoe” version of the bean boot with shearling insoles, of course…
I get what you mean! After a full summer of talking to [wonderful…mostly] tourists non-stop for 8 hours a day, I just booked a flight to Chicago for me and my hubby to get away and visit our grandkids. I can’t wait!
Glad to hear you’re not going anywhere. I’ll let you know when I get my sweater.
looking forward to seeing how you like these Everlane sweaters! I’m interested in both but can’t decide which will be a better purchase, plus I have SO many super loose tops in my wardrobe, so perhaps I should go with one of the fitted wool sweaters…