Whether it’s in the weight room, at the barre, or even just a spin around the neighborhood, I love a good workout. Even more than that though, I love a good gym ‘fit. Having a great wardrobe you feel good in makes all the difference for me.

I typically love a good crop tank with my high-waisted leggings but I’ve been itching to try an oversized tee now that the weather is cooling down. Before I jump into something high-end, I think I’ll give this $22 Amazon version a try. Athleta’s Elation ultra high-waisted legging is my go-to but the fashion colors they offer usually don’t do anything for me. These in terracotta, however, will be making the cut. I have almost a mile walk to my gym, so as the weather cools out a jacket is a must. This H&M sherpa jacket looks warm but also cute enough for when I inevitably walk by the celebs doing school drop-off on my street.

My Adidas Ultraboosts are my most-worn sneaker (and washable!) and I love this neutral color for fall. These Alo socks look like the perfect length to cover up exposed ankles. I’ve been looking for a fall version of my Ciele hat and the colors in this one will go with a lot of my existing wardrobe. And finally, this belt from SPI has been a hero purchase used for my long afternoon walks. It comfortably sits at your waist or hips and the stretchy pocket fits my cell phone, keys, and a credit card so I can be totally hands-free.

Mango Outlet Sale

One of my favorite places to snag a deal has long been Mango Outlet. Unlike other retailers, these are not styles specifically made for the outlet site, but rather previous season’s styles at deep discounts. So if you were lusting after a coat last winter and it never went on sale or it sold out, chances are you can find it here.

Until tomorrow 9/12, Mango is offering 30% off when you buy 3 items or 40% off when you buy 4 or more items. As the starting prices are already great deals, the extra % off makes them hard to turn down.

The above styles are classic and I believe can be worn for seasons and years to come. A houndstooth blazer can be worn as a light jacket now with a t-shirt or over a contrasting floral print blouse later. A puffer coat in the season’s it color, chocolate brown, will keep you warm but still looking chic. I find ecru jeans tough to spend a lot of money on as they may not last very long but I wouldn’t feel too bad if these only lasted through the fall. Finally, a spot-on dupe for the ($600!) Toteme boot is a pair you’ll be reaching for all season long. They’re also available in black in a few sizes.

Uniform Dressing- Knitwear

Just ask my overstuffed drawers and shelves: I love sweaters. Cropped, chunky, wool, mohair, striped and marled, sweaters hold a special place in my heart. Part of it is the cozy season they represent and the other part is that I find them to be works of art. The more hand-knit they look the better. However, my narrow focus on chunky wool knits has left me with a lot of sweaters that can only be worn in specific scenarios. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to whip off a gorgeous knit in a hot office or restaurant only to sit there in a cami. The ones I have been leaning on more consistently recently have been finer knits and cotton blends.

The sweaters I’m highlighting are certainly not basic, but they’re definitely versatile and infinitely wearable. A ribbed cotton pullover (1.) feels updated with an oversized silhouette and cable pattern. The collared sweater trend is wearable right now in cotton (2.) and later in a wool blend with a zipper (5.). I own this mock neck sweater (3.) in multiple colors and it’s so easy to wear. I’ve worn it with jeans and slip skirts and even sweatpants (!). A fun color makes it a bit more of a novelty. This mock neck striped sweater is majorly trending on IG and there are a ton of versions out there. I love the boxy silhouette and side slits on this one (4.) which make it perfect for tucking into high-waisted jeans. Above all, I love a cardigan. They’re super versatile and downright sexy when worn with nothing but a pretty bra underneath. The open pattern and oatmeal yarn make this one (6.) a little more special.

A side note: & Other Stories makes some of my favorite sweaters, year after year. I find them to be reasonably priced and perfectly on-trend. Also, they have killer sales and I’ve scooped up many of my favorites for around $30.

Uniform Dressing, Coats + Jackets

Coats and jackets are easily one of my favorite categories to shop for. They can make an otherwise basic outfit look chic and expensive. A great coat can truly be transformative. Though I love a good deal more than almost anyone, I will shell out extra for a beautifully made and well-fitting coat that will last for years. Above I’ve highlighted some styles that I think are staples if you’re looking to begin or grow your coat wardrobe.

Some sort of shacket, whether it’s wool plaid, sherpa (1.), or quilted (6.) is a staple transitional piece these days. I love it for weekend errands with jeans and sneakers. Wool midi coats (2.) with a belt are a must for me. They’re elegant, lengthening, and the perfect wardrobe workhorse. It pairs equally well with a dress and a sweatsuit. A shorter version (3.) is clutch for when it’s not as cold. As much as I hate them, a heavy puffer (4.) has to be included if you live on the east coast. I’m always on the hunt for one in a unique color or shape to make it feel a little more me. And finally, a novelty coat (5.) in a print (plaid, leopard) or faux fur (or in this case both!) is perfect when you want to add a little more oomph to a look. This one gets bonus points for the oversized shape and dropped shoulders, perfect for layering a chunky sweater under.

If I were to add anything for spring or for those who live in milder temps, it would be a technical rain jacket, a trench, a denim jacket, and a classic leather jacket. Personally, I’ve found that the window for leather jackets in my area is too small to justify budgeting for in my wardrobe. I’ve had a few over the last ten years and found myself reaching for them a handful of times each year.

Again, these silhouettes are not groundbreaking and can be found at any price point or retailer depending on your budget. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram as I’m posting items that fit all categories daily!

Uniform Dressing, Tops + Bottoms

I don’t know about you guys, but the way I dress completely changed due to the pandemic. While no longer having to physically go into an office every day is a huge factor, the break has allowed me to take a step back and really evaluate what makes me look and feel my best. A part of this was being really mindful of those pieces that I kept reaching for again and again. I am no longer down to stuff my closets full of items aren’t easy to wear, don’t mix well with pieces I already own, or can’t be worn across multiple seasons. Enter, uniform dressing.

What’s uniform dressing? It’s a way of dressing that zones in on pieces that you know work well for your body type and lifestyle rather than falling victim to the latest trends. Shopping this way should make getting dressed quick and painless while cutting down on money spent buying crap you never end up wearing (and that later ends up in a landfill). It’s kind of the antithesis of how we’re encouraged to buy on social media, but for me personally, it never feels good to get rid of something only a few months after purchasing it.

Uniform dressing for me starts with denim. My favorite style/brand for going on five years now is Agolde’s Riley. I own them in multiple washes (and sizes!) and continue to pick them up every season. I highly recommend finding a style you like and just sticking to it. Why mess with a good thing? A black wash (6.) and a vintage-inspired indigo wash (7.) are a must. I love adding an ecru wash (8.) for some variety in the transitional months. Agolde’s Dee short (9.) is just perfection to me (gotta love that 12” rise) and a linen short (10.) is a great option for when you want something less constricting in 100 degree weather.

Let’s talk tops. Again, due to the pandemic, I think sweatshirt dressing is now widely accepted day or night. A basic crew (1.) in a luxe fabric can be a real workhorse piece with the right accessories. A peasant blouse (2.), whether it’s printed or solid, is more elevated but just as comfy. Breezy button downs (3.) are majorly trending again and make for such a chic pairing with denim or the matching shorts for a set situation.

You can’t have a basics convo without, well, basics. I love a linen tee (4.) as it adds a little more texture and interest than your average variety. As far as tanks go, I’ve been into ribbed cutaway tanks (5.) that look great on their own, layered under a button down, or under a chunky cardigan for later in the season.

I think what’s so cool about dressing in a uniform is that the outfits are so easy to make. Practically all of the pieces are interchangeable and you likely have some of these in your wardrobe already. If not, they can be found at just about any retailer at any price point. And when you have a uniform in mind, it helps to tune out the trendier items that inevitably pop up on your radar.

Stay tuned for future posts on sweaters, dresses, outerwear, shoes, and accessories.

The Striped Set

The striped short set is pretty ubiquitous this season. You can thank AYR and their “staycation” sets for that. Does it look a little like pajamas? Maybe. But this is 2022 and the more excuses we have to wear loungewear out in public the better.

I’ve been searching high and low for the perfect under $250 set all summer, and I think this shirt (2.) and short (4.) from Abercrombie are it. Both pieces are flowy and oversized which keeps it a little more fashion forward and less ready for night-night. I’m envisioning mine as a swim cover-up with this textured bikini (8. + 9.) and pool-to-bar slides (6.). Accessories matter here; an on-trend straw bucket hat (1.), macrame tote (3.), rainbow beaded necklace (7.) and tortoise sunnies (5.) keep the look thoroughly grounded in daytime.

Other options I’m loving..

A solid version, obsessed with this floral set, and you can’t go wrong with linen.

7.5.22

Times are so difficult for so many people in our country that I personally found it difficult to celebrate the fourth over the weekend. There’s the ongoing disregard for Black lives, the continued domestic terrorism that seems to pervade even the most innocent of gatherings, and the chiseling away of our established freedoms by those in power. Not to mention the impending threat of global warming, inflation, and war and tragedy abroad. It never seems to end and at times it can be difficult not to feel a bit hopeless.

Despite all of the darkness, I hope you were able to carve out some time with friends and family doing the things that bring you joy. For me, it was seeing a movie, cooking (and eating!) some of my favorite summer snacks, and hugging my cat.

Our trip to Nantucket was a success, thanks in part to some beautiful weather. The highlight for me was spending time on the beach, Jettie’s to be exact. The happening beach bar makes it a must-do on any itinerary. My favorite meal was at Bar Yoshi, situated on one of the piers with the cutest outdoor dining. Reservations are tough to come by but you can snag an outdoor table by showing up at 5. There is a ton great shopping downtown, including a new storefront for Hill House Home, but my favorite browsing by far was Erica Wilson. They carry some of the most coveted summer designers and even have their own in-house line with exclusive collaborations.

We saw the new Elvis biopic over the weekend, and I L-O-V-E-D it. Elvis is the king for good reason.

Speaking of entertainment, I’ve been watching an enormous amount of TV lately, and I loved Under the Banner of Heaven, a true crime series about a vicious murder that happens in a Mormon community in Utah. We just started The Bear and I’m loving the funny, fast-paced kitchen scenes paired with the lead character’s tragic backstory. I’m savoring the final few episodes of Endeavor on PBS.

It’s not too late to check out the J. Crew sale. I picked up this basket bag for myself (now about $18!) and have my eyes on this linen dress and this pajama set. I have to say, their men’s selection is looking really good lately and I’ve been doing a big of shopping for my partner as well. He’s been loving the short-sleeved linen shirts, soft washed oxford shirts, and the cotton-hemp tees.

Gap has also had a really great sale on, and I picked up this linen shirt in brown (which I can’t wait to wear as a beach cover up on vacation) and two of these tanks to wear under breezy shirts all summer long.

Zara’s summer sale is on, and I have this linen dress, these flat sandals, and this blouse on my radar.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts an “Art in the Garden” event every Wednesday from 6/1-9/7. For the last few weeks, they’ve been featuring unique musicians who play on the grounds. I love the idea of packing a picnic and heading there to enjoy the gardens as a way to break up the week.

As I (impatiently) wait for my limited permit to come through so I can start practicing therapy for a living, I’ve been looking to some podcasts to keep my head in the game. My favorites right now are Dear Therapists, which gives you a birds-eye view into a brief therapy session, Pulling the Thread, where host Elise Loehnen interviews some of today’s leading thinkers, and Therapists Uncensored, in which therapists and their guests unpack some interesting topics that apply to all of us, whether you’re therapeutically inclined or not.

6.21.22

There are few things I love more than packing for vacation. This time, we’re off to Nantucket for a few days. As someone who notoriously overpacks, I’m really going to try and pare it down and bring only the essentials. Unfortunately, the weather isn’t going to be very warm, especially at night, so I’ll need to pack some items that will do double duty on this trip.

The oversized linen shirt (1) has got to be the item of the summer this year. It’s casual enough to be thrown over a bikini during the day and dressy enough to be tucked into a pair of jeans with a heel for dinner. It’s so easy thrown over a tiny tank (2) and offsets the length on my favorite Agolde shorts (9). Top it off with a baseball cap (3) and you’re set for a day of adventuring.

I wrote about this Oysho dress (4) a few weeks ago and finally picked it up for myself. It is such a universally flattering dress and interesting floral pattern, I can’t recommend it enough. I love it equally with a pair of sneakers (11) or my trusty Birkenstocks (10). The June temps in Nantucket definitely require an extra layer, so I snagged this cardigan from Everlane (5) on sale. It’s a great shape in a chunky cotton that I know I’ll get a ton of wear out of year round. I’m eyeballing the black colorway, too.

Due to the aforementioned temps, dressing for dinner will be a little tricky. I’m thinking covered legs are a must, so packing my all-time favorite Agolde jeans (8) seems like a no-brainer. A pretty eyelet top (7) in a neutral color is cute but covered and a pair of espadrilles keep the look grounded in June . I typically prefer to bring more than one bag option, but this raffia/macrame number (6) is so good that I think it covers all of my needs.

Not pictured is my trusty Levi’s dad trucker jacket and a roomy tote for carting around my finds.

5.19.22

What a wild couple of weeks it’s been!

The last few weeks have been a slog of writing papers, wrapping up my internship, and thinking about what kind of job I want to pursue.

Now that classes and my internship are OVER, I’m looking forward to catching my breath for a few days and basking in my success before I have to get back to the grind of applying to jobs. Below are some things I’m into at the moment..

I’ve been dying to play around with my ear stack now that I have multiple holes in each ear. I’ve been looking for a fatter hoop in two sizes and these and these from Gorjana seem to fit the bill! I usually shy away from gold vermeil, but these more realistically fit my current budget. Also how cute are these birthstone studs??

I’ve been itching to switch up our decorative couch pillows and came across this Etsy shop that makes very close dupes to Studio McGee’s fabulous pillows. I have my eye on this and this.

Marshalls has a couple of good finds right now that I’m itching to try, like these jeans, this cardigan, and this cover-up maxi dress.

I used to have really good luck at 6pm for discounted shoes and accessories and forgot about the site until recently. I’m obsessed with this baguette bag from Loeffler Randall, these sandals from Freda Salvadore, and these blue light glasses from Le Specs.

One of my favorite shops that I used to frequent when I traveled to Europe for my old job now ships to the US. Oysho has some truly great dresses, linen pieces, and swimwear that I wear all summer long. I have my eye on this dress (I saw it on someone yesterday and it looked so good), this bikini top and bottom, and this linen blazer.

& Other Stories has a new color way in my favorite summer hat from last year.

Spring Dresses

1. Charlie Holiday, 2. OPT (I own in black and LOVE), 3. Charlie Holiday, 4. Mango, 5. Rahi

Come June, you’ll hardly find me in jeans. Running around NYC in the heat and humidity in denim is just not an option for me. My ideal outfit is a midi dress, with short sleeves or sleeveless, that a jacket or blazer can easily be thrown over to make more appropriate for the office. Easy, breezy.. and light on the sweat.

The dresses above are great for so many reasons. They work equally well at a casual office with a heel or on the weekend with a woven sandal. My favorite part is that they all come in at or very close to $50.

I want to wear all of these on vacation with a brightly colored beaded necklace, a femme straw bag, and comfy slide sandal. Oh, and don’t forget a hat!

President's Day Deals

Happy long weekend! Hoping that everyone reading this is lucky enough to have the day off. II’ll be catching up on some housework and homework today, but looking forward to staying in my favorite jammies all day.

I rounded up some of the best deals and a few things I’ve been loving these last few weeks.

I’ve had my eyes on these Sam Edelman boots all season, and scooped them up on sale for under $100 at Bloomingdales a few weeks ago. I’ve worn them on a few long walks and I’m happy to report that they’re super comfy and warm. And today, Bloomies is offering an extra 30% off of all sale items, so they come out to $83.

T.J. Maxx has a couple of cute things I have my eyes on. This dress could be a contender for my upcoming graduation. I love that these huggies have a little gemstone for some extra sparkle. This pretty stone bowl would add great texture to a bookshelf. We’re overdue for a new set of sheets and these linen ones could be great for the upcoming warm weather. We own curtains from the same brand and the quality is beautiful.

I’ve been on the hunt for a new pair of spring sneaks and I fell for the color combo of these New Balance shoes. The neutral colors will go with literally everything.

I recently got a new piercing and chose to go to the Mejuri store in Soho. Overall, it was a great experience. I loved the selection of piercing jewelry and the price was better than other piercers I’ve been to. Already looking forward to my next one!

Richer Poorer, the makers of my favorite sweats, are having 30% off all of their sweats for the holiday. I’m very into this new color in their assortment.

Weekly Faves

Whew, this was a bit of a wild week. Classes started back up again (hello last semester of graduate school!) and that partnered with increasing responsibilities at my internship = major exhaustion. But after an 8:30pm bedtime and solid workout this morning, I’m recharged and ready to get some work done. Here are some things I have my eye on..

1. I feel like I found a unicorn in this scarf from Cos Stores. For whatever reason, Acne Studios seems to be the only retailer selling beautiful fluffy plaid scarves. Most of the coats I’ve purchased over the last few years have been solids and I love the idea of adding a little color and pattern to my outerwear. Still not super cheap at $99, but a big improvement over Acne’s $260 price point. Bonus- if you sign up for email with Cos you’ll get 15% off your order.

2. This H&M ceramic vase with fluted edges adds the perfect contemporary touch to a shelf or entry console.

3. If you told me three years ago that I would be lusting over a pair of New Balance sneakers (not to mention wearing sweatpants every day..) as my spring shoe of choice, I would have called you crazy. But, here we are.

4. This lip moisturizer from Malin & Goetz is my holy grail lip balm. It doesn’t contain any potential irritants (beeswax, lanolin, mineral oil, peppermint, etc) and works for hours. Believe me, I’ve tried ‘em all and this is the best.

5. When I fantasize about buying a house (a daily occurrence), I think about unique glassware I’d like to have on hand for holidays and gatherings. These textured wine glasses from Zara Home are the perfect mix of rustic and classic. Adding the coordinating tumblers in a different color would such a fun, casual look.

6. Jewelry retailer Ring Concierge is having a Valentine’s Day sale until Monday, 20% off orders of 1k or more and 15% off of everything else. How pretty would this gold herringbone bracelet look on a (my) tan wrist?

7. I have this chunky alpaca blend sweater from H&M in tan and I’ve found it to be such a great basic. It’s not too oversized and long enough to tuck into a pair of high-waisted jeans. The navy version looks a little more spring-forward and will work well into the chilly March temps.

My Rug Secret

Interior design is something I’ve shied away from sharing on the blog, but styling and furnishing my home is a very close second to dressing myself. The foundation of a space, for me, is always the rug. Whether they’re Oriental, Persian, or Moroccan, a good rug can make or break a room.

I know there are a lot of washable, indoor/outdoor, vintage-style rugs on the market right now, but I will forever be loyal to a wool rug. They literally last forever if you take care of them and feel so much more plush underfoot. I recommend adding a rug pad to increase durability and comfort.

My go-to for years has been web retailer esale rugs. They boast a great selection, fast shipping, and high turnover so their inventory is always fresh. I’ve rounded up a few of my current favorite 4x6’ Balouch rugs, all under $300. Bonus: buy 2 or more and get 10% off!

Are you team color or team neutral?

1. Red zig-zag rug, 2. Yellow border rug, 3. Navy diagonal rug, 4. Multi diamond rug

5. Traditional tan, 6. Cream crosses, 7. Pink diamonds, 8. Blush balouch

1.22.22

For someone who goes to the gym as much as I do for as long as I have, you’d think I’d have shared more of my must-haves on here over the years. But, here we are, so let’s just chalk the last 10+ years up to research.

1. My partner turned me on to Ciele running hats, and they’re such a fun way to add a an extra layer to your gym ‘fit. It’s also perfect to have on hand for those hot, sunny summer walks.

2. I’ve had the same Athleta muscle tanks on repeat for over a year now, and wanted a change of pace. I found these Lululemon tanks on sale for $29-39. They sell out fast, but if you’re persistent enough (by keeping the window open and hitting “refresh” throughout the day) you just might get lucky.

3. The Elation Ultra-High Rise leggings from Athleta (or even the regular Elation) are my holy grail leggings. The waist is nice and high, compression is medium, and the fabric is buttery soft. The only downside is that the color selection is limited and admittedly not as exciting as Lululemon.

4. I’m on my second pair of wireless earbuds from Encafire. The right bud from my first pair (RIP) is lying somewhere on the Jay Street Metrotech F track. But, for only $45, dropping it didn’t ruin my day.

5. These Nike socks are the perfect height to wear with leggings. I find the calf-length version to be unflattering on me, but these are still long enough to keep my ankles covered on my frigid morning walk to the gym.

6. I’ve been considering getting proper weightlifting shoes for a while now, but couldn’t get myself to pull the trigger on anything over $50. The flat sole on these Nike trainers is supposed to prevent injury and help engage leg muscles during squats and lunges. At $60 and in this cute color combo, I’m going to give them a try.

7. This gym tote from Rains is waterproof and easy to throw in the wash (when you remember). It easily fits my gym journal, phone, a towel, and water bottle. There’s even room for a few Trader Joe’s essentials on the way home.

8. I got this Garmin watch for my birthday two years ago, when I thought I’d work on my relationship with running during quarantine. Turns out, we hate each other and I’ve since fell hard for weightlifting. But I still wear it daily to track my steps, workouts, and heart rate.

9. Having a good podcast to look forward to in the morning helps motivate me to hit the gym. I like to get my news fix first thing, so you’ll find me tuning into Start Here, Pod Save America, The Daily, and Political Gabfest on the regular.

1.15.22

There’s nothing like a 10-degree January day to have you dreaming about warmer weather. While that dream seems far away at the moment, I love the idea of adding some pastel colors to my winter wardrobe as a way to lift my mood and get me thinking about spring.

1. This sweater from Mango (on sale for $39.99!) is not something I typically lean towards. I gravitate towards neutrals and this knit looks slightly twee, but I love the colors and vintage inspiration. Perfect for staying warm but will look just as right in March as it does now.

2. A light jean is the perfect way to add a fresh feel to a winter look, and again will get you through the spring and early summer months. Agolde has been my go-to brand for years and the super-high waist and cropped length on this pair is everything in my book.

3. I wrote about the New Balance 327 the other week and lo-and-behold they just released this neutral combo with a pop of pastel pink. These would work equally well with a white midi dress in June.

4. Our brains might be thinking of spring but these temps absolutely require covering up every inch of bare skin. Good gloves are always something I stock up on at the end of the season and this leather pair from J.Crew on sale for $35 is a no-brainer.

5. A gold hoop is a must-have for me and I like to update my everyday pair every so often. The beveled edge on these 14k gold hoops from Bony Levy are fresh without looking too forward. I know they’ll make the cut every.single.morning.

6. I’m obsessed with the carnation pink of this mohair-blend hat on sale from & Other Stories. Just looking at it makes me smile and I know it will brighten up my washed-out January complexion. Even better, it’s on sale for $25 (!)

7. While it’s far too cold to pull out our trenches on the east coast, I love this trench-inspired take on a puffer from (my favorite!) & Other Stories. The olive green is a welcome change-up from my fall black and navy and still practical enough to bundle up in.

Looking Forward

Following the rush and excitement of the holidays, early January always leaves me feeling a little depressed. After weeks of less than ideal food choices, way more drinking than is typical for me and night after night of bad sleep, I felt like total crap yesterday. But instead of wallowing, I’m trying to be positive and look for the good in the coming weeks and months ahead.

First thing on New Year’s Day morning, I put up my favorite Cavallini & Co. 2022 calendar. Printed on beautiful Italian paper, this year’s iteration is vintage travel posters.

After taking a break for the last three months, I’m going back to tracking my macros and upgrading my MyFitnessPal account for the month of January. Focusing on protein intake and daily movement is what works best for me and helps me to feel my best. I’m so excited to get back to it. If you’re new to macro counting and would like to challenge yourself this month, I couldn’t recommend the Madeline Moves app and her Tighter Together program enough. It kickstarted my shift in eating and exercising last year and it has truly changed my body and the way I feel about myself.

Dry January has become an annual tradition for my partner and me. I look forward to it as a time to step back and focus on my health and mental wellness. I love the occasional drink but it really takes a toll on my mood, my sleep quality, and my ability to function optimally. At my age, the reasons not to drink are far outweighing my desire to imbibe.

One thing that will not be changing is the amount of TV I watch in 2022. I’m looking forward to these series/films the most this month..

• The new Macbeth adaptation airs on Apple TV on 1/14 and is getting rave reviews.

• The Gilded Age, a new period drama from the creators of Downton, begins airing on HBO 1/24.

• The Afterparty, a show about a murder at a high school reunion, is coming to Apple TV on 1/28.

One pastime that’s taken a hit in the last year due to my graduate student status is my bedtime reading routine. I used to look forward to getting into bed at 8pm and sinking into a good book. Instead of fiction, nowadays I’m usually reading a peer-reviewed article or a textbook. This month, though, I’m off from school and I can’t wait to read some of 2021’s best titles. I’m hoping to get through Oh, William!, Lincoln Highway, and Invisible Child.

This week, I’m going to do (yet another) clean out of my closets and drawers. Lately, I’ve taken to sending stuff to ThredUp, who partners with some of my favorite retailers for store credit in exchange for gently used clothing. I’ll be sending in a kit for Athleta store credit to get me excited to hit the gym in 2022.

I’m also looking for more motivation in the kitchen these days. Our tiny space is less than ideal for cooking, so I’m considering some upgrades like the Always Pan and an air fryer to make my life a little easier. I want to keep it simple and eat more fish, seafood, and my favorite tofu and tempeh recipes.

I finally found a therapist I like, and I can’t wait to get to work with her on some issues I’ve put on the back burner. In these wild times, getting some help with your mental health, no matter who you are, is essential. If you happen to be in the New York area, this is a resource for some great emergency and low-fee services.

That's a Wrap, 2021!

To say it’s been a weird couple of years would be the understatement of the century. I hope the three people who read this blog (hi, mom!) are entering 2022 with their health and sanity intact.

Back in 2019, I took a step back from the blog because, well, it felt like it was going nowhere. I had a few followers at best and things weren’t happening as quickly as I’d hoped. I was also miserable in my career in the fashion industry and talking about fashion after work felt like a drag. The one highlight of 2020 was that I left said miserable career and I’m now six months out from finishing my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. After a few years of an externship, I will be a licensed clinician!

That said, I still love developing my own personal style and improving my surroundings. And as an unemployed graduate student, great deals are even more important to me than ever.

I’d like to kick off my return by sharing some of my favorite purchases of 2021. 2020, let’s just pretend you didn’t happen, ok?

Sweats from California-based Richer Poorer have been my uniform this year. I started out with their crewneck sweatshirt, which I’m not ashamed to admit I have in three colors. During their Black Friday sale, I scooped up the matching sweatpants to complete my descent into cozy. They’re currently running an extra 30% off of sale styles and I’m practicing serious restraint from picking up these tie dye sweatpants and hoodie. They get major bonus points for using recycled polyester for most of their styles.

I think most of us can agree that our most-worn footwear for the last few years have been slippers. I’ve walked away from fur-lined slippers and fell in love with these boiled wool numbers from Nootkas. They don’t offer a ton of support, but I’ve had mine for almost a year and I’m happy to report that after daily use they have held up beautifully. The wool is also responsibly sourced from New Zealand and handmade in a fair trade facility in Nepal.

After my slippers, my most worn shoe is without a doubt the New Balance 327. They add a cool, retro edge to my jean/sweater winter uniform and are so comfortable. If the good colors weren’t so hard to get a hold of, I would 100% have a second pair.

J. Crew’s sales have been unprecedented these last few months and I’ve scored so many good deals. I realized I had a dearth of long-sleeved tees in my wardrobe, and picked up this style in a few colors for $6 a piece. Perfect for these 60 degree December days. I’m also obsessed with their newest pajama iteration, the eco dreamiest fabric. I have these and they manage to be super soft and cozy at the same time. Also stoked to see that they’re starting to come out with more modern cuts and fabrics in their swimwear line. I’m eyeing this bikini top and bottom in their version of Hunza G’s trendy fabric from last summer.

When we got back to the city in August after being away for almost a year (!!!), we saw our apartment through fresh eyes and decided to make a few updates. This coffee table from Article was the first purchase we made and I love the addition of marble in our space. The bookcase we had behind our couch was looking a little worse for wear so we chose this from Room & Board to replace it. We hung this light fixture from Ikea in our bedroom and it has completely transformed the vibe. In our bathroom, we updated all of the hardware and replaced the towel bar with this rustic peg rack. We also purchased new bath and hand towels and I love how luxe and soothing the space is now.

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Tomorrow we’re off on our first of two mini summer vacations. First up- Key West. We were here a couple of years ago and stayed close to Duvall Street. This year our hotel is in a quieter part of town. I’m planning on reading two books (The Power and Lean In) by the pool, eating oysters and fresh fish, and working on my tan. Also can’t wait to watch the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday!

I know it’s been a while since I posted, but I swear I’ve been busy! I launched an online store with my mom last month (MTHRXDTR) and started a new job last week. We also lost our sweet cat Kato last month. It’s been a stressful and sad couple of weeks but I’m looking forward to a productive rest of the summer.

Here’s what I’m into this week..

I’ve recently scored some serious goodies from T.J.Maxx that I’ve been dying to share. I was on the hunt for some new coverups, and this caftan and this linen jumpsuit from Vitamin A fit the bill. SO pretty in person and both retail for over $150. Also picked up this sweet bamboo bag for vacation. This versatile blazer from Joie retails for almost $400 and has me fantasizing about fall. I’ve been lusting after a signet ring from Ariel Gordon (for $535!) but this one for $130 seems like a solid substitute. Sold!

Speaking of coverups, I recently picked up this linen shirt in a size L to wear over a bikini. So chic and cheap- $14.99 with code GREAT today.

I recently read Normal People by Sally Rooney and really loved it. Can’t wait to pick up her previous book, Conversations with Friends.

Net-a-Porter’s sale is still going strong. I’ve had to practice some serious restraint. If I could, I would pick up this leather and PVC tote, this adorable wicker bag, and this gorgeous linen dress.

YES to corn salad and watermelon salad

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This weekend we’re back from a quick family trip to Florida and it was just what I needed. I don’t spend a lot of extended time with my family, so it was such a treat to wake up and see my mom, sister and nephew every day. I played in the pool, drank margaritas, and hardly thought about work. All in all the perfect little getaway. And of course, I did some shopping by the pool.

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect wide leg crop pant for months now. I tried these from Everlane (too long) and these from Madewell (too big/stretchy). Abercrombie has had some great pieces lately, and I’m thinking about trying these. The matching jacket is also pretty fab. I might have to try these from ALC too…

I found yet another jewelry brand that looks too good to be true. Nordstrom carries an exclusive line by Bony Levy, and thankfully some great pieces are to be had on discount sister site Nordstrom Rack. Love these little heart stud earrings, these mixed metal hoops, and this zodiac necklace.

The home goods section at T.J. Maxx has some great offerings right now. How sweet is this velvet chair? If we had a bigger place I would be picking up this rattan bar, this big basket, this gorgeous rug, and this wood side table. I also want to scoop up every single one of these preserved floral bouquets to send to my girlfriends.

Due to seasonal depression I’ve been indulging more than usual since the holidays and wasn’t feeling 100% comfortable in a bathing suit on vacation. So this month I’m getting back on keto and in general trying to eat out and drink less. These recipes look easy, healthy, and not too full of cheese.

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Sharing my favorite favorite $200 slides today.. on sale for $39.99 on T.J. Maxx. Snap them up while you can. I already have the black and a suede in a different color but definitely picking up this suede color too. They’re so versatile and the leather is like butter. I find myself wearing them every day in the summer.

1. Suede Slide 2. Leather Slide