Weekend 12.14

I’m trying something new this year. Instead of my usual freak out about how it’s the MIDDLE of December and we haven’t done ANYTHING Christmas-related (and by “anything” I mean very specific scenarios that exist in my head – movie nights with gourmet hot cocoa and chic pajamas (silk?), joyful ice skating with the boys followed by some sort of roaring fireplace situation, or some 5th Ave-style shopping, preferably with (I’m just spitballing here) a small handful of tourists dressed as if they were extras in White Christmas, ideally, and maybe a tree tied to the roof of our car as we tromp through snow in almost-matching outfits – I mean, these are but a few ideas off the top of my head, they’re obviously not fully flushed out, you get the drift – but instead of the freaking out that comes whenever my actual life doesn’t match up to my imaginary life…I am trying to find joy in SMALLER WAYS.

So. Instead of a Gourmet Hot Chocolate Bar (which, honestly isn’t THAT hard to pull off, I am still optimistic), we went out for hot cocoas and tea.

Instead of getting all dressed up to see the Nutcracker, we’ve been dancing around to Christmas music as I make dinner.

I know at some point, closer to Christmas, we’ll get a tree (probably not in matching outfits tho), and we’ll watch White Christmas, and even get to do some ice skating, and I am honestly a little surprised by how…content I’ve been feeling. It’s been freeing, keeping the bar low.

Of course, planning college tours for your oldest pulls things into focus really fast. I almost don’t care what the heck we’re doing, as long as we’re doing something together. It’s like that Walt Whitman quote, “We were together. I forget the rest.”

xo,

S

A black wool coat that’s not boring. There’s something about this wool coat that stopped me in my tracks. The styling is really unique (almost gamine?) and seriously cool. There’s only two reviews, but they’re both glowing, and the coat is sale for under $100 (oh wow – 50% off!!). Both colors are great, but the fact that I LOVE the black one is pretty rare (I often find black wool coats too boring).

A useful layer. If you’ve been looking for a sweater that actually looks good layered over a dress, it’s this FP one. The shape is PERFECT, and it has the right amount of swing. Even better, it’s beloved by the team as a sweater in its own right, and is currently 25% off at Nordstrom.

OMG THESE JEANS. I’m honestly not sure why I ordered these Re/Done jeans, other than they were on sale. I was looking for some sort of slightly cropped, French-girl, straight-leg jeans to wear this winter (with boots!) and thought…maaaaybe? Ok. So. Here’s the deal: That photo does NOT show the wash properly. They’re literally a broken-in, Levis-of-my-dreams kind of wash, and they look sofreakingcool on (there’s a pic on our IG). I…I couldn’t believe it. They’re also at Shopbop, and you can see the true wash (although it’s even better in person). The jeans run big, but in a really good kind of way. I ordered my usual size (27) and LOVE them…but might also order the 26 just to see – they’re THAT GOOD. It’s been a looong time since I found a pair of designer denim that is actually worth shelling out the $$ for (I’ve been so happy with my affordable Levi’s) but whoa – this is definitely one of them.

Perfect Moment Vibes. As that pic on IG shows, I’ve been wearing those cool, slouchy Re/Done jeans with this sweater and they’re soooo good together. The top has that alpine ski-sweater vibe, for under $200. It’s also bananas soft and comfy and – my favorite part – doesn’t need to be tucked in. Once again, these retailer photos are NOT doing these pieces justice!

Well…shoot. I went to pick up a black, gum-sole version of my favorite Adidas Gazelle Bolds (that color combo is perfect for muddy/slushy streets) and discovered that Adidas has come out with new colors that made me swoon: this blue combination that looks almost like a mix of denim and blue velvet (GOOD GRIEF MY HEART), or maroon and magic beige and yes, yes I agree – that beige is magic. Now what?? Which ONE??

When Zella looks like Varley…here and again, here. So chic, right?

OH HELP: I love these Golden Goose. They’re just neutral and cool and not-boring…without a sparkle in sight.

Take 20% off at Social Threads this weekend, which includes my sexy date night jeans (don’t knock ’em till you’ve tried ’em), this fun going-out top (looks better in person, fyi), and this seriously chic set: oversized hoodie + wide-leg sweatpants.

Okaaay, Banana. Banana Republic is 40% off this weekend, and it’s…jaw-droppingly good. Like, this dress which I own and love – makes me feel like some sort of elegant ballerina – or this cotton + silk sweater polo that went in my cart IMMEDIATELY, this denim popover top that looks straight-up designer, and this merino coatigan Linzi would LOVE. If interested, I’ve had really good luck with their coated pintuck jeans, too.

I mean, someone’s kid needs a Mercedes Benz ride-on suitcase amiright?

Does Free People make the best skiing baselayers right now? I mean….glowing reviews and so cute. Honestly can’t decide on print.

Ugh. Fine. I’ve been searching for really cute, high-quality fair isle socks for winter. Again: CUTE. I do not want unhinged color selections. The socks I’m looking for do not have to be my whole personality. I just want, like, two colors. Maybe just a gray background with a classic design. Or white! Why not a white background? Also, no animals. Like…seriously why. Who approved that design? Who was like, know what we need? A BEAR. Instead of classic fair isle socks in basic colors, let’s do a range of purples and greens with bears on them! And then they were like, NO WAIT – ADD TURQUOISE AND HOT PINK, TOO. I can’t. Anyway, the best I’ve found is this one pair of Smartwool (not all colors, obviously, that would be too easy) and this pack from Bombas which is walking the line. But I’ll accept it.

It’s cookie week at the NYT, and this year’s line up of holiday cookies are so unusual and fun.

My next read is The Ministry of Time, and I wonder if I can even wait to have it appear in my stocking.

SILO. I’m so freaking excited because Season 2 of Silo just dropped. It’s so incredibly well done (Season 1 was, at least), so if you’re looking for a really gripping show…this is it. (Also, if you haven’t yet read the books, I highly recommend.)

Enjoy your weekend!