Weekend Update/Resolutions Check: How am I doing?

My zero-waste garden for composting and growing some spinach

I feel like one of the good things I did last year was periodically check-in on my no-shopping resolution. Of course, I failed every other month, but at least I was aware of it and not just throwing in the towel.  Well I figure it would be a good time to see how I'm doing for 2018.  

You can find my resolutions here.

1) My YES exercise regimen: Yep, it's still hobbling along.  I only worked out 6 times in January, 7 times in February and 9 times in March.  It's no where near the number of times I need to be exercising to shed some winter travel weight, but I'm happy enough with the improving numbers.

2) No binge drinking: I'm doing so-so on this one too. I've had several occasions where I drank a lot in one sitting.  But overall I've stopped drinking during the weekday and "save" my drinks for the weekend or with friends.  I think that's helped lower the number of drinks I consume in general and I no longer crave that one beer with dinner.  Also I think less consecutive days drinking (even if it's only one a day) has made me feel better overall, but I'm still going to work on drinking less per sitting when I do decide to imbibe.

3) Shop ethically as much as possible: Yep, hitting this one out of the park.  Zero fast fashion.  Of course everyone has different standards for what constitutes as ethical shopping.  This writer doesn't think Everlane is, but I do, so I guess I have a fairly low bar.  TBH, at this stage of the general population's shopping habits, I think if we can say no to fast fashion and disposable clothing made by slave labor that is enough.  Could Everlane do better?  Of course everyone can do better, but at least when I buy something from Everlane I know that the person who made my clothes works in a safe environment and is presumably being paid a fair wage.  So I'm giving myself a yes on this one.

4) Conscious consumption and zero-waste lifestyle changes: Needs improvement.  This has  turned out to be a hard one because to live a zero-waste life requires vigilance and constant preparedness.  I was doing really well in January when I was super gung-ho, so I would make sure I had my reusable utensils, straws, containers.  But by March I would forget (partially because I was carrying a small bag) and be like 'oh well.'  I also used my first disposable straw in March and felt kind of guilty about it, lol.  Basically, it's easy to slide back into your old habits out of convenience.  So it's good I'm doing a check-in right now because I need to renew my efforts in minimal waste and better consumption.

Anyway how are your resolutions going?  Just because you've fallen off the bandwagon, doesn't mean you can't pick yourself up and hop back on!  Let's keep on keeping on :)

Elizabeth Suzann Review: Generation 4 Georgia Tee in Silk Crepe

*unsponsored review

Lately, I feel like I'm apologizing at the start of every review for making people wait for them.  Maybe it's because I preview them on my insta-stories and then wear it for a month before reviewing the item.  But I also have a back-log of things to review, which is probably an indicator that I'm buying too much again (>_<).  Anyway here's the review some of you guys have been waiting for (and sorry for the wait, lol): Elizabeth Suzann's generation 4 Georgia Tee in silk crepe.

{Wearing: Elizabeth Suzann silk georgia tee, Elizabeth Suzann Clyde pants in cotton canvas (reviewed here), Bryr clogs (review coming soon), Celine small Cabas Phantom (reviewed here)}

First a note on sizing, I ended up getting the OS in this Georgia Tee even though I'm petite.  But since I have a fairly long torso I think the OS works well for me.  I also have the linen Georgia Tee in OS (a gen 3 version) so I decided to stick with the same size.  I did notice some differences between this silk gen 4 version and the linen gen 3 version that's due to the updated fit (and not just due to the material alone, but I'll get to that too in a bit).  The biggest difference is the neckline.  My gen 3 linen Georgia tee is more of a boatneck compared to this gen 4 version and you can definitely see my bra straps on the old linen version but not this one.  So I do think the fit of the gen 4 version is better than the gen 3.  On their site, it also says the gen 4 version has more length, but when I tried it on I couldn't really tell.

Now even though they're pretty much the same tee, the silk version feels very different from the linen (no duh, lol).  The linen version, since it's so much more structured, feels a lot more oversized while the silk version feels more like a normal blouse due to the drapey-ness.  Also the sleeves on the linen version are more pronounced because they can hold their structure.

This is my first silk item from ES and I have to say I really love the quality!  The silk that ES uses is 23mm which is a heavier momme weight than what both Everlane and Grana use (they both use 16mm silk, which is not bad either especially when they do a double-layer of silk like in my recent Everlane review).  Only Cuyana uses a thicker silk with a momme weight of 25.  TBH you can't tell the difference between 23mm and 25mm, though you can tell the difference between 16mm and 23mm silk.  You can read my original post comparing Everlane, Equipment and Cuyana silk here (though the Cuyana silk tee used in this old comparison post is unlike the silk they use now for most of their clothes).  And you can read all about ES's silk here.

Anyway I'm in love with both of my ES Georgia Tees.  The linen one made it onto my top 10 favorite items I tried through blogging, and I have a feeling this silk one will be on that list next year!

Everlane Review The Kick Crop Jeans

When it comes to Everlane bottoms, I feel like quite the Goldilocks.  I have tried many many pants and jeans from them and have yet to keep one long term (the only one I committed to was the Wide Leg Crop pants, which I ended up selling several months later).  I have also tried every variation of their sustainable denim with no success.  So I would love to say that I've finally found my pair of Everlane pants, but sadly no I did not end up keeping this one either.  But I've finally figured out why because TBH, these kick crop jeans are probably the closest pair of ideal jeans I've ever tried from Everlane.  But the reason Everlane jeans don't work for me is the rise.  I have realized I'm just not a high-rise jeans person, I'm a mid-rise jeans person (and I will only tolerate high-rise pants if they have elastic waistbands like Elizabeth Suzann's Clyde Pants).  When I wear high-rise pants, I'm tempted to undo the button every time I sit down, much like men un-button their blazer button when they sit (if only this was acceptable for us to do, lol).  

Too bad too since I really like the look of these jeans:

{Wearing: Everlane old cropped cashmere (similar here), Everlane Kick Crop jeans, Everlane Day Heel Mules (review coming soon), Polene numero un bag (review coming soon)}

The jeans run TTS and are a great option for those with short legs since you can cut the hems yourself to your desired length.  And I think even if you cut off an inch or two it doesn't change the flare of the jeans too much (here I'm just folding up the hem to my ideal length).  I also really love this classic blue jean color and found that this is a lot softer than the all black denim I tried in the mid-rise skinny reviewed here (those jeans didn't do it for me since I'm abstaining from buying more skinny jeans at the moment).

{And oops a note on sizing since I forgot but Joy was so good to remind me in the comments!  So I'm usually a size 4-6, and have been getting Everlane jeans in 28 (except for the modern boyfriends where I sized down like a lot of folks).}

Anyway if you're a petite person looking for a good pair of high-rise pants, these jeans are definitely worth a try.  Has anyone else tried the new kick crop and what did you think?

P.S. Here's another review of the kick crop from one of my favorite Aussie bloggers!

Marley's Monsters Review, part 2: Cotton Facial Rounds, Bowl Cover and Unpaper Towels

*This is an unsponsored review and all items were purchased myself and all the nice pictures come from her site

After my first round of purchases from Marley's Monsters (reviewed here), I was a believer!  If converting to a zero waste lifestyle is this easy, sign me up!  I guess this is sort of the "low-hanging fruit" of a minimal waste lifestyle makeover, where these easy purchases will carry you a long way.  Well when Marley's Monsters was having a sale earlier in the year I purchased a couple more items including the cotton facial rounds, the bowl cover and unpaper towels.

Cotton Facial Rounds

So for my first review I purchased the bamboo facial rounds, enticed by the antimicrobial and sustainable nature of bamboo.  But one reader commented that the bamboo wasn't soft enough and I stand corrected, yes the cotton ones are waaay softer even after multiple washes.  Now I use the bamboo ones when I want more exfoliation and the cotton ones for toner.  The plus side of the bamboo ones are that they aren't as absorbent as the cotton ones and thus you use less liquid overall.  Also I removed eye make-up with these rounds and even though they're white, the make-up washes off for the most part (they sometimes appear more grayish after removing dark make-up but not really gray).  However, I did use one to clean up spilled lip gloss in my make-up drawer and that bright pink didn't wash out even after multiple washes.  Again I would say this is a great buy and better than the bamboo for those with sensitive skin.

Bowl Cover

I ordered the large bowl cover to cover my collapsible bowl when making my Farmer's Market Kale salad.  I was previously using plastic wrap and felt that there needed to be a better solution.  I've used Bee's Wrap in the past and didn't like it.  I had a hard time getting a good seal around the edges, especially if I put it in the fridge and wanted to recover it (the bee's wrap got really stiff).  I also found the bee's wrap hard to clean well.  That's why I loved these bowl covers so much, since the drawstring ensures a good seal while the whole thing is machine washable.  The inside is lined with a BPA-free plastic that's durable and easy to wipe clean as well.  I foresee myself using this bowl cover for years and years to come.

Unpaper Towels

So the only purchase that I was kind of "eh" about so far from Marley's Monsters are these Unpaper Towels.  I purchased the 6 pack for $16 (so thats $2.67 per flannel cloth) and that seems pretty steep for me. They're cute and work fine, but if anything they give me an idea to make my own unpaper towels from old and ratty clothes (though I need to learn how to use a sewing machine to make those edges first).  I think in the end if you have your own rag system, then don't bother getting these.

Anyways, I'm very excited to be using all my Marley's Monsters items this year (and the ones from last year).  So far all the products have held up magnificently and I plan to purchase more next year if she has another sale again!

Weekend Update/Ramblings

This is Dora 

You might have seen it on my insta-story (but if you haven't I saved it in highlights), but we officially said bye to our home of 2 years and actually the first Airstream we ever traveled in (back when we first did an Airstream trip, we rented this one for our 3 weeks adventure to Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon).  At that time we named it Dora (after the Explorer, lol).  But since we acquired the biz over 2 years ago, my husband won't let me name the other Airstreams (he doesn't want me to get attached to the inventory).  And as much as I would love to keep this Airstream for sentimental reasons, we really need to move into a larger space for our own sanity.  So she is officially for sale here.  We're using the sale money to then purchase our Rockwood trailer (mentioned in my last Weekend Update).

In the meantime I've continued to try to clean out my closets and storage bins and have listed a bunch of linen items from Grana here.  I find that I don't wear them as often so I'm letting them go.  And as much as I like the look of linen, it doesn't really work with my day to day style.  And TBH if I'm going to wear linen at all, I reach for my Elizabeth Suzann linen items more often than my Grana ones.

Also I think it's time to refocus my intention on not watching as much Netflix again because this habit is starting to creep back into my life.  But I did watch two really good things this week: Requiem and Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise (both on Netflix).  The first is a 6 episode creepy suspenseful series based in Wales and the second is a superb documentary on a multi-talented amazing woman.  Loved both!

And last but not least, is anyone else participating in the Spring 10x10?  I had planned on doing it since it coincides with my moving (so I'll have a limited wardrobe anyway).  But when I heard Elizabeth Suzann's getting in on the game and doing giveaways, I got even more excited.  This will be my 4th 10x10 challenge and though it does get a bit repetitive, it's always fun to do it with the insta community.  You can catch all my looks here.

Everlane Review The Double-Lined Silk V-Neck Dress

Back when double-layered silk came out on Everlane's site, I was like "Yes, finally!" since Grana has been doing it for awhile and all my favorite silk pieces are double-layered.  But I never purchased it since I already had so many silk items that I honestly wasn't wearing (mostly due to the upkeep).  But when I saw this dress was on sale (aka 'choose what you pay') I thought, why not?  And for those interested, it's still on sale at 45% off the original price.  For $69, if you're in the market for a good silk shift dress I think this might be the one for you.

{Wearing: Everlane double lined silk dress, Everlane modern oxfords, Everlane Day Market Tote}

First a note on sizing: I ordered this in a size 6, which is one size up from my usual Everlane size of 4.  I wanted a loose fit overall but I think I could have gone with a size 4 as well.  

I really love that Everlane chose to do this as a double layer of silk since it prevents VPL and makes it feel so much more substantial than a single layer.  I also love that the dress has a v-neck with thick straps at the shoulder instead of a strappy dress like Grana's since it allows me to wear a regular bra underneath.  Everlane's and Grana's crepe de chine are both 16mm, which is on the thinner side of well-made silk (Elizabeth Suzann uses 23mm and Cuyana uses 25mm silk), but since this is double lined, that actual momme weight of the silk is not as important.  But I did find that it wrinkles pretty easily (as soon as I sat down to tie my shoes I got some wrinkles).  And my only other complaint is that I wish it had pockets, though that's a nice to have, not a need to have.

But in the end I decided to return it because 1) I already don't wear any of the silk items I have in my closet and 2) I definitely don't need another black dress and 3) until I hit the gym seriously or do some pilates to firm up my triceps, I'm going to stay away from acquiring more sleeveless dresses.  But there's nothing wrong with the dress itself and for $69 it's a great deal (even Grana's silk dresses start at $79 and theirs is only double-lined at the bodice now, not the whole dress anymore).  I told myself that if I sell a couple of my silk items and this Everlane dress is still available I'll let myself repurchase it.

Anyone else try this dress and what did you think?

Le Labo Body Lotion Review

I avoided Le Labo for the longest time because I always thought it would be like Aesop (which I reviewed here and did not care for at all).  I think it's the brown bottle look that led to the association of the two brands?  But when I went to Amsterdam, the Pulitzer Hotel had Le Labo toiletries and I fell in love with the brand.  The scent the hotel uses is Santal 33, which has a woodsy leathery smell.  Here's the full description of it:

What it is: A unisex fragrance that captures a defining image of the spirit of the American West and personal freedom.

Notes:

- Top: violet accord, cardamom.

- Middle: iris, papyrus, ambrox.

- Base: cedarwood, leather, sandalwood.

I especially loved the body lotion because it not only was light enough that it absorbed quickly, but the scent was not overpowering.  I also have sensitive skin in general and some body lotions will give me a rash (thanks Clinique Happy body lotion), so I tend to be really picky about what lotions I use.  Most of the time they are unscented so as not to cause any reactions.  But amazingly (and I think because it's a high quality product), Le Labo's fragrant lotions never cause a reaction, even when I use it on patches of skin that's already itchy and irritated (not something I would recommend doing, but for me is a true test of how gentle the lotion is).  I had three small travel bottle of Santal 33 which I used up (and I never have used up hotel toiletries in my life before, even when I do take them as souvenirs).  And that's when I knew I wanted to buy more.

So I went to my local Nordstrom's Le Labo counter to see if I liked any of their other scents.  I'm usually very drawn to florals so it's no surprise that I chose Neroli 26 and The Noir 29.  Here's the description of Neroli 26:

Neroli is another name for the essence of orange blossom. The unique quality of Le Labo's neroli is its sunny floral character with an extraordinarily warm, sensual base. Rose, musk, mandarin orange (slightly aldehydic), jasmine and vanilla, among other essences, complete the portrait, bringing Neroli 36 spikiness, ease, zest and heat. Well-being, elegance and charm, all in a bottle.

And the description for Noir 29:

Thé Noir 29 Eau de Parfum is an ode to the noble tea leaf and the craft that surrounds it. It combines depth and freshness, softness and strength through permanent oscillation between the light of bergamot, fig and bay leaves and the depth of cedarwood, vetiver and musk. A special extraction of black tea leaves wraps up the composition by bringing to the formula a leavy, hay, tobacco feeling in the dry base, transforming this creation into a sensuous and addictive essence. Citrus, rich, soft, fresh and sensuous.

I'm not really good at describing scents but I liked the Neroli because it's a classic floral smell, while I was drawn to The Noir 29 for its spiciness.  I would say Santal 33 is the subtlest (it's a unisex crowd-pleaser kind of scent) and that's probably why the Pulitzer Hotel uses it for their toiletries. The other two scents are definitely on the more fragrant side.  

But here's the thing I've come to realize: I have always relied on perfume for a signature scent, but I never remember to put it on.  And I've only used up one bottle of perfume in my life (some Gucci thing back in my early 20's when I was dating a lot, lol).  But these days I never wear perfume (my husband could care less what I smell like).  So by switching to scented body lotion, I'm not only moisturizing my skin but I'm already wearing a scent.  Seriously even a whole 24 hours later I can smell the lotion on my skin (ok so yes I can only smell it if I'm bringing my nose directly to my skin and taking a whiff).  Also some of my tees smell like it too.  By using the body lotion, I feel like my skin is infused with the scent but it's never overpowering.  I think I've found my "better" way of wearing scents and I it's with Le Labo's scented body lotion.  Of course expensive lotion isn't for everyone, but if I'm no longer purchasing and wasting $150-$250 bottles of perfume and I use up all of the body lotion, I can easily justify this little luxury for myself.

Does anyone else use lotion as their fragrance?  Do you sometimes supplement the actual perfume with the lotion?  (I got some free samples of the fragrances along with my lotion but find the perfume itself too overpowering and much prefer just using the lotion alone).

Top 10 Favorite Items I Discovered Through Blogging

Wearing #3 and #4 from the list

I've been blogging for over 3 years now, and since I've been focusing most of my posts on reviewing stuff, I've had a lot of new stuff come into my life (95% of which I purchased myself with my own money).  I did a post about the best (and worst) things I received for free as well as the best and worst things I've purchased in 2017.  But how about the just the best things (either purchased or free) that I've reviewed thus far in my years as a blogger?  Well here's that list, in no particular order, with the headline linked to the original review:

1) Everlane Anorak (free with referral credits)

I'm talking about the original anorak here and not The City Anorak (reviewed here) that came out a year or two later.  In fact, I'm wearing this as I type this post since it's raining today.  This anorak was also featured in my Lowest Cost Per Everlane post and is probably the longest-lasting and most-frequently used Everlane item in my closet.

2) Brooklinen Sheets (purchased)

I've never talked about these sheets after the initial review here, but my love for them are still going strong.  And they're my go-to sheets for 75% of the year (the rest of the year my husband prefers flannel sheets which I purchased from Target).  The Brooklinen sheets are still crisp and wonderful and like fine wine, only gets better with age.

3) Elizabeth Suzann linen Georgia tee (purchased used from eBay)

This was my first ES item and what really made me fall in love with the brand.  This item was also listed in my best items purchased in 2017.  I just got the silk version of the Georgia Tee (that's how much I love the style of this tee) and the review for that will be coming up soon.

4) Grana silk ankle pants (free with referral credit)

This is hands down my favorite thing from Grana and are my go-to pants for most occasions.  They work for meetings to airplane flights.  I most recently paired them with my ES silk Georgia tee mentioned above for a nice birthday dinner date! (But just to note, the ones I love are the double-layered silk version and not the single silk flat front version.)

5) Away Luggage, the Bigger Carry-On (purchased)

I love this carry-on suitcase and it's been working like a charm from Hawaii to Europe. My only regret was not waiting to buy it a little later so I could have the ejectable battery (available now) instead of the old version that needs a screwdriver for removal.  I also wish I had gone with a sleeker color instead of the gray.

6) PACT underwear (purchased)

I love love love PACT's organic cotton underwear.  These undies fit well, feel great and are more ethical and sustainable than the majority of underwear on the market now.  There's no reason not to buy these in my book.

7) THINX underwear (purchased)

And this is the underwear I've been wearing when it's that time of the month.  I've had the same 5 pairs since I did my initial review and they're still going strong!  And these have saved me from quite a few embarassing situations.  Also no reason not to buy these as well.

8) Mott & Bow Jeans (free gift for review)

These jeans were in my recent list of best things I received free for review since I still wear them almost weekly.  I only have 3 jeans I rotate between, two of them are from Frame and then are these Mott & Bow ones.  If you're in the market for slim boyfriend jeans with a mid-rise, I can't recommend these enough.

9) Marley's Monsters sponges and facial rounds (purchased)

The original review included bamboo facial rounds but I now also have the cotton versions (which I haven't reviewed yet), that I admit I do love a bit more (though I use both equally).  Anyway these items were on my best 2017 purchases and for good reason: they're so useful and still going strong!  Let's see if they make it all the way to 2020!

10) Everlane Day Market Tote (free with referral credit)

Ok I know I just reviewed this tote last week but I've used it every day since I got it and it's been awesome!  I can fit everything I need to in it.  It's been so easy to carry and it still has the brand new leather smell.  It really is such a useful tote to carry all my heavy work stuff!

So what did you think of this list?  I actually had a version of this post drafted about a year ago and I only just re-discovered it.  I think it's interesting how things can change in a year (as well as what stayed the same).  Here's that first list from early 2017: 1) Everlane anorak, 2) Grana pima shirts (still a favorite but just not in the top 10 this year), 3) M.Gemi the Felize, 4) Vrai & Oro necklace and ring, 5) Everlane Street Sandals, 6) Third Love 24/7 bra, 7) Grana Silk Ankle pants, 8) Elizabeth Suzann linen Georgia Tee, 9) Cuyana travel pouches 10) Brooklinen sheets

I wonder what this list will look like a year from now? 

Weekend Update/Ramblings

Technically this was taken last weekend but who minds when the puppy is this cute?

This week I was feeling a bit under the weather so I apologize if I was slow to respond to some people on the blog here and on insta.  We were also working on a special project for GoSilver so work was extra busy and we're also in the process of moving out of our Airstream (again!).  We are selling our current Airstream and upgrading to a larger trailer with slide-outs (this is the one)!  You might have seen it on my insta-story when we were touring trailers a couple months back, but we decided after 2 years of living in less than 200 square feet we need a bit more space.  So we're going to be upgrading to a trailer that's closer to 320 square feet (so luxurious!).  I'll be sure to do a home tour once we're settled in.  But since there's a month gap between when we get our new trailer and time needed to sell our old trailer, we're moving temporarily into another Airstream (a 20' one) which is gonna be tough.  So all my stuff will be going back into storage for the time being, but it would be a great time to do the Spring 10x10 (starting March 30th) since I'll be essentially living out of a suitcase again.  Also a great time to go through all my stuff one more time and weed out the non-essentials.

And I plan to do a full review of Paula's Choice products later, but I've been using the Skin Perfecting 2% BHA liquid and I have to say I'm a believer!  Rarely do products not only work for my skin, but also improve it.  It's a mild exfoliant but since my skin is super sensitive I only use it 2 times a week, but every time I use it my skin feels smoother and it helps prevent my breakouts from getting worse.  Back in my early 20's when I was struggling with acne, I read Paula's Beauty Bible book and though I still had acne for another 10 years, it taught me about really reading the labels on beauty products (though I still fail to do that consistently.  I end up buying and trying first and then going back to see why the product ended up not working for me *facepalm*).  And maybe it's because I've read her book in the past that I trust her products more.  But this is my first Paula's Choice product and I gotta say it does work and the price is so reasonable ($29 for this and I can see it lasting a year or more, especially since I don't use it daily).  Has anyone else tried something from Paula's Choice before?  And would you recommend it?

Changing the topic to fashion, but I'm a little ugh about the PVC plastic bag trend (also here) going on right now.  Seriously this is the wrong kind of "transparency".  We do not need anymore plastic bags in the world right now (much less designer ones) and it annoys me no end that this is becoming a thing.  As a new study reports that the Pacific Garbage patch (made of 80,000 tons of plastic!) is 15x larger than previously estimated, this trend seems to be a slap in the face to the environment.  Let's just say no to designer PVC bags!

Oh and finally, thank you to everyone who commented and read my review of the Jamie + The Jones heavyweight sweater tee.  This post has the most comments out of any post I've ever written and it's the first time a brand's founders have actually left comments as well!  There was some misinformation about the sizing, which I've corrected with help and clarification from J+J's customer service rep so check back to that post if you're interested in getting the sweater T!

Tale of Two Totes, Part 2: Everlane The Day Market Tote {Updated February 2019 with a comparison with the Everlane Day Square Tote}

If you're wondering about the title, I called this two-part-post series as "Tale of Two Totes" because I started using both this Everlane Day Market Tote and the Celine small cabas phantom (reviewed here as Part 1) at pretty much the same time.  Both are really great totes but very different.  I use the Celine tote as my everyday personal bag, while the Everlane tote is my work bag (having replaced my Everlane dipped zip tote, similar here).

Everlane Day Market tote vs. Everlane Twill tote

I decided to upgrade my twill tote to the leather market day tote because I found the twill tote a bit too small for my work needs.  I originally liked that the twill tote could be fully zipped, but for my day-to-day work life, I don't really need a zipper with my tote. Instead I needed a tote that could handle all the things I pile into it.  And the Day Market Tote does that perfectly!

The leather on this Market Tote is interesting.  I own a lot of bags and haven't really had a bag with this kind of stiff but lightweight leather before.  The leather of this tote most closely resembles the vegetable-tanned leather of the Mansur Gavriel tote (with the difference being the MG tote has that patent leather-type of colored interior).  The MG tote is also a bit shinier and stiffer than the Everlane tote.  The Everlane tote is unlined with a flat (and rather useless) pocket on one side.

When I asked Everlane for more information about their leather, I got this very informative response:

We source our leather from cows killed for meat, so the material we use is a bi-product from the meat industry. Instead of letting that material go to waste, we are using it to create bags and shoes. I believe it is sourced from exclusively adult animals.  We label it Italian leather because it is tanned in Italy. We use both vegetable tanning and chrome tanning in the processing of different products. In the case of chrome tanning, we use only chemicals that have passed all environmental compliance laws currently in place. To the best of my knowledge, we chrome tan for our more brightly colored leather products, and vegetable tan for the rest.

I think if you're debating between this tote and the Mansur Gavriel tote I would definitely go with this one.  Not only is the sourcing of the leather for the Everlane bag more transparent and ethical but I think the quality of the Everlane tote is better too (especially in light of all that I learned from this blog post).

{Wearing: Everlane Double-layered Silk v-neck dress (review coming soon), Everlane Day Market Tote, Everlane Modern Oxford (reviewed here)}

More good things about Everlane's Day Market tote:

- If you love that leather smell on bags, this tote is for you.  For some reason the leather on this still smells like leather even after a month of daily use.  

- I love the large flat handles that don't dig into your shoulders

- This bag is super sturdy and can stand up on its own, but it's still super lightweight

Everlane's website description recommends treating the bag before first use, and I would agree that's a good thing to do.  Being the lazy blogger that I am, I did not (though I could say it was for the sake of seeing how this bag will stand up without leather treatments), and now there are several scratches and gouges.  Compare that to my Celine tote (which I've been carrying for longer) that doesn't have any marks on it yet.  So if you dislike marks on your bag, you might be better off with something that made of soft pebbled leather (like the one from Cuyana).

Right now this tote in this navy color is sold out, though other colors are available.  And if you're a first-time Everlane customer, please help support the blog with a purchase through my referral link so that I can continue to write a plethora of Everlane reviews (and thank you to all of those who used my link in the past for your support!).

{December 2018 Update: For those wondering how this bag has fared over 100 uses you can read my updated post here. This has been my most used item in my closet and one of the best totes I’ve ever used!}

{February 2019 Update: And if you’re looking for something more everyday and not quite as large, Everlane has come out with the slightly smaller sized Day Square Tote. The Day Square Tote dimensions are 16 1/2" W (top) x 14 1/2" W (bottom) x 13" H & 9 1/2" handle drop while the Day Market Tote reviewed here is 19" W (top) x 16 1/2" W (bottom) x 13" H & 9 1/2" handle drop. So the Square Tote has the same height and strap drop but is slightly narrower. If I was given a choice today I might go with the Square Tote since I’m more on the petite side and I find the Market Tote to be quite wide. But I don’t need two of these bags so I’m working towards 200 wears with my Market Tote!}

Unsponsored Naja bras review/try-on

I've been wearing my two ThirdLove 24/7 bras (reviewed here) for over a year now and though I love them, they are definitely worn out.  The cups gape out even though I tightened the straps and I'm pretty sure it's from constant use (I have worn these bras daily for the last year) and machine washing them (I know I know I should be hand-washing bras).  So since I'm in the market to replace my bras, I thought I might as well try out an ethical alternative {side note: back when I first did the review on ThirdLove bras, I asked their customer service for a bit more clarity on where their bras are made and their manufacturing standards and got nothing.  Too bad since I do like their product and if their bras are made with as much care as they profess, then why wouldn't they be more transparent about their production?}.

Anyway, so I googled ethical bras, and Naja (<-- $10 off referral link) is one of the top companies to show up.  I loved that they offer real bras with underwire and cups.  I'm annoyed that most ethical underwear/bra companies only offer bralettes.  I'm not busty by any means but bralettes just remind me of my adolescent years.  I want a real bra please, and ethically made please.  Is that too much to ask?  

First off, Naja ticks off all the boxes when it comes to ethical production standards and they earn bonus points for empowering women by providing their women workers with flexible work hours, above market wages and healthcare.  They are also working on improving environmental sustainability.  You can read all about it here.

But well I'm disappointed to say that I'm still on the hunt for well-made ethical bras.  The bra that I tried was the Anais Bra Nude 02 and though it looked really promising in photos, it just didn't fit my boobs.  It was a more balcony-style bra, which I find uncomfortable.  Oh and just so you know I ordered my regular size and found it fit TTS.  So I have to say that it just didn't work out for me (though it might work out for you).  I guess that's why I liked ThirdLove so much because it just fit me well personally.

And since I was trying to get free shipping, I also decided to try out their sports bra.  I ordered the Samantha Bra in Borneo.  I sized up to a medium on this one (having learned my lesson with the Outdoor Voices bra in small that I never wear).  And I loved the pattern of the fabric but was not a fan of the fit.  The band that sits under the boobs was really tight while the rest of the fabric wasn't so the only 'support' was coming from the band.  Also the material didn't feel as luxe as my usual sports bras from Lululemon.  So unfortunately this went back too.

I also ordered Naja's cheeky underwear though I have yet to try that out.  I'll probably do a quick separate review of that once I wear it a couple times.

Anyway, anyone else try Naja?  And does anyone know of a bras with cups and underwire that are made well and ethically? If I don't find something soon I might just reorder more from ThirdLove >_<

P.S. Did you hear, Everlane is getting on the ethical underwear bandwagon?!  Though their bras are sports bra types, but the underwear looks promising (a lot like PACT's, though PACT's is made from organic cotton while Everlane's is not).

P.P.S The returns to Naja are a bit of a pain.  Not only do you have to arrange to ship it back yourself on your own dime, but even 3 days after tracking says they received it no word about getting my refund...{update: as soon as I wrote this, the refund came through that evening.  So FYI it takes about 3 days from receiving of shipment for the refund to come through.}

Tale of Two Totes, Part 1: The Celine Small Cabas Phantom Review {Updated April 2022}

One of the things I realized when I started my minimal-waste lifestyle makeover is that it entails carrying a lot of your reusable goods with you.  I not only carry reusable shopping bags, but also my water bottle, bamboo utensils, small drawstring bags for bulk items or fruit, and sometimes reusable plastic containers for food.  So that means I need to carry fairly large bags, and that's how I've come to carry around two totes with me everyday: one as my personal item and one for work.  For work I just switched over to Everlane's Day Market tote (reviewed here as Part 2), but for my personal life I carry the Celine Cabas Phantom tote in small (similar ones here).  If you've been following along with my on Instagram, you already know that I purchased this tote during my trip to Paris.

When I bought it, I have to admit that I was on a buying "high".  I was shopping!  In Paris!  And the prices were several hundreds cheaper than what I would pay in the US!  How could I not buy something?  But then I purchased a Chanel crossbody in London (Heathrow) and I felt a tiny bit of buyer's remorse since I felt like I overdid it in the bag buying department (I also bought a leather purse in Amsterdam from an unknown company).  But since I bought it, I thought I might as well get some good use out of it (and get that cost per wear down).  So I've been using it everyday since I came back.  And now I absolutely love love love it.  Zero buyer's remorse now.

{Wearing: Jamie + the Jones Heavy Weight sweater (review coming soon), Elizabeth Suzann Clyde work pants in cotton canvas (reviewed here), Everlane modern loafer mules (reviewed here), and Celine small cabas phantom tote (similar here)

I've never liked floppy leather totes in the past because either the bottom would sag out or the tops would flop in, but I've had none of those issues with this bag.  The leather on the bag is stiff enough that it can sit on its own.  The grained calfskin leather on this is gorgeous, so soft and really durable.  I toss this tote around a lot and there's been no scratches or marks.  

I love that there are the the two leather strips that can cinch the bag if you need to.  Of course, this tote isn't the most secure bag but at least when I have it cinched and under my arm, the chances of someone reaching in and grabbing something is super slim.  (In some ways I feel like its even more secure than my Celine Sangle {reviewed here} because the stiff smooth leather of my Sangle tends to gape open more). When I cinch it up all the way (which I rarely do), it kind of reminds me of a large bucket bag but just one that goes over your shoulder.

There is also a really large zipper pocket that can hold several hand lotions and my keys, so I put the things I use the most in there.  Of course, I still have the age old problem of things getting lost at the bottom of the bag and unfortunately my purse organizer from this review is a tad too long.  Oh well, so far it hasn't been a major problem so I'll hold off on the purse organizer for now. Oh and this tote can definitely hold my 13" macbook in its bulky case (so probably even a 15" laptop would fit).

The only I don't like about this tote is the suede interior (such a fragile material for inside of a tote).   But other than that I'm really in love (just see how many mirror selfies I've taken with this bag lol >_<) and I'm so glad I went for it in Paris.  Since this is definitely on the pricey side I recommend finding a pre-loved one if you're interested.  Right now Fashionphile (my favorite online consignment site) has these available. 

Anyway I have a feeling you will be seeing a lot of this bag in the years to come!

P.S. If you’re looking for a much more affordable version of this tote I would probably recommend Cuyana’s Classic Structured Tote. I’ve tried their Classic tote before (reviewed here) but the leather on the old classic tote is a tad flimsier and thinner than either the Cuyana structured tote or Celine’s small cabas phantom (and I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re specifically looking for a floppy tote). At least both the Celine cabas and Cuyana’s structured tote can stand up on their own.

And you can find all my other Celine reviews here.

{April 2022 Update: I just wanted to update this post to let you guys know I ended up selling this bag last year. I hardly carried it around anymore because tbh a leather tote can get quite heavy in general. And I found myself favoring my nylon totes from Longchamp or Everlane whenever I needed a tote. So I sold this bag when I bought my Celine blade bag secondhand from Fashionphile.}

Weekend Update/Ramblings

Oh boy so what a week.  Last week ended with the theft of my b-day present wallet and quite a bit of money, which was traumatic so I ended up watching a bit more TV than I wanted (TV is definitely my go-to numbing-coping mechanism).  I watched Ai Weiwei's documentary on Amazon, Human Flow.  It's quite slow at times but I recommend watching it since there's not a lot of current documentaries that really highlight the dire refugee situation.  Since then when I would get down about the loss of my stuff, I would think "at least I'm not a refugee".  

Then I watched Collateral on Netflix (mostly because I'll watch anything with Carey Mulligan in it).  It is a fictional tale of a couple of female refugees in London who get caught up in a murder investigation.  I liked the series and think it's worth watching.  Refugees are something we should be thinking about because it's not going to go away unless war, famine and poverty go away.  And then I read Leah's post about Afghani refugees in her community and I really appreciated her take on it.  So I basically went from not really thinking about the refugee crisis to thinking a lot about it.  Can anyone recommend a good nonprofit that help refugees that I could donate to (I know that's not the only thing I can do but it's a start).

And for a change of topic, I'm pretty over M.Gemi shoes to be honest.  I loved their Felize loafers but have realized they're not really suitable for my outdoorsy/Airstream garage lifestyle (my Vince Blair sneakers (similar here) do a way better job at handling rough and dirty terrain).  And I never really liked any of M.Gemi's other shoes that I've tried (The Stellato, The Fortuna, The Cerchio).  I'm still getting requests for referral links for $50 off which I have to manually send from my M.Gemi account (so far I've done this 135 times!).  I only keep doing it because I hate ignoring readers' requests but at this point it's kind of pointless since I'm getting $50 promo codes in return that I don't intend on using (I'll probably do one more giveaway for the promo codes soon).  But is anyone interested in taking over the sending of referral codes (and you would get the $50 promo code in return).  I'll just list your email address in my M.Gemi blog posts and have readers contact you for the referral link.  {Update: someone has offered to take this off my hands and I have updated my M.Gemi posts with her info, thanks!}

Everlane Review Cotton Long Sleeve Crew, 2018 released cotton sweater

I wanted to write a second post on Everlane's long sleeve crew because after my first review here I ordered this sweater again (in stripes this time) after waiting almost 6 months.  And I feel like they are 2 totally different sweaters.  See what I mean:

First purchase (pink sweater) on top and the new purchase on the bottom, both smalls.  Also I did dry clean the pink sweater once so I'm pretty sure it's not a matter of shrinkage from washing.  I actually prefer the fit of the newest batch since the first one was too cropped for me (and I kept flashing my midriff to people).  The newest version is larger all around and slightly wider too (and more like Everlane's favorite square style).  

The first run production have white labels while the second run production (with the bigger fit) has large gray tags.

{Wearing: Everlane long sleeve crew, Frame denim (similar here), Everlane Street Sandals}

Also I noticed that from the get-go I didn't have any problems with loose threads on this striped cotton sweater.  So overall I'm loving Everlane's cotton sweater more than ever.  Now if the weather would just cooperate and get warmer so that I can wear it more often.

Did anyone else try Everlane's long sleeve crew?  The first or second production run and what did you think?

Unsponsored Jamie + the Jones Review: the Heavy Weight T Sweater {Updated April 2018}

Hi guys and here's the review some of you had been asking for: Jamie + the Jones Heavy Weight T sweater.  I had heard of J+J for a long time but since I was on my fashion ban last year I didn't buy anything from them.  And so when they had their 20% off b-day sale, I jumped at the chance.  I purchased this sweater as well as the Blank Canvas top in raw silk.

So first of all I love that the yarn for this sweater was spun in North Carolina and the 100% cotton fabric is woven in Chicago, IL, then finally made to order in Nashville.  Way to go for 100% American made, which is so rare these days I feel like it needs to be especially celebrated.  

Now onto the actual review.  So I will say from the start I have very mixed feelings about this sweater and you're going to see why in a sec.  But the main points boil down to: I love the texture and the uniqueness of this sweater but I hate the weight.  And a note on sizing, I ordered the sweater in a small (I'm usually a size 4 on top).

When I first put on the sweater I felt like I was wearing either a knit kitchen rug or some kind of upholstery fabric.  I think it's mostly because of the weave of the fabric, it's a very tight knit and heavy.  Also the material is quite stiff and not soft and fluffy as you would expect a sweater to be.  But then again it's great at holding it's shape.  

{Wearing: J+J heavy weight T sweater, Elizabeth Suzann canvas clydes (reviewed here), Everlane modern loafer mules (reviewed here), Celine small Cabas phantom (similar here)

Once I got used to the stiffness and the weight I sometimes felt like I was Sandra Bullock wearing one of those oversized 90's sweaters in While You Were Sleeping (one of my all-time fave movies).  Cute, but casual chic.

I also like that this sweater is machine washable so I don't have to spend money at the dry cleaners.

But here are some of the cons of this sweater:

- Because of the stiffness of the sweater, the collar props up and sometimes touches my jawline area and I get make-up on the collar.  Because of this I only wear this sweater on days where I know I'll mostly be sitting around (and not days where I'm working on Airstream stuff).  When I raise my arms, not only does my collar get makeup on it but you can see my midriff.

- The bulk of the sweater makes it hard to layer under jackets.

- This is a slightly cropped sweater and I'm not a fan of how it makes my hips look so wide.  It's a combination of where the sweater ends on my frame (right at my widest point) and the fact that it holds is voluminous shape.

- Lastly but most important, the weight.  This sweater weighs 1 lb. 10 oz.  Compare that to my Everlane cotton sweater which weights 9.2 oz.  That's over a pound more weighing down my shoulders.  I already have a pretty bad posture with shoulders that slope down, so when I have such a heavy sweater on, I feel like my posture gets even worse. 

So in the end, as much as I wanted to love this sweater, I'm not sure it's for me.  I think first of all it would look better on a taller person (with better posture) like on Andrea (who's 5'8") and Lee (also tall though I don't know her height).  I think also by being tall, the sweater doesn't crop at their hips but rather above that. 

Also, I prefer to be efficient in my clothing.  I don't have a lot of space in my closet for a bulky cotton sweater that can't be layered under most of my jackets.  Also because it's a cotton sweater, it doesn't provide warmth like my cashmere ones.  So I don't know really.  I keep reaching for it and wearing it (partly to get my cost per wear down-currently it's at $49.60).  Well we'll see, I'll keep wearing it for now but I'm not sure if I'm going to keep it since I don't love love it.

{Update: So if you're confused about sizing (which I was), I got the definitive answer from Ashley at J+J.  So the length as well as the width changes with size (ie it's not just the length).  Here's the full run-down in her words:

As for how the sizing works on our sweaters, they do change measurements between sizes.  They are graded to scale to each size from the bust, to the sleeve opening, to the neckline.  Since they are a bit cropped, we find that some people do choose to size up for a bit more length.  However, I always advise people to stick somewhat close to their actual size, because the more you bump up in size, the more the fit is going to be slightly off in the other areas (neckline, sleeves, etc.).  I also know that some customers have chosen to take their sweaters to a tailor to have the hem let out and love the results!  That way they are keeping the width manageable and still getting that slightly longer length.   The only other thing I will mention is that the confusion with the sizing may have stemmed from people getting it mixed up with our T Top.  Our T Top, not our T Sweater, does not change in width.  That was one of our original pieces we started J+J with and at the time it was a one-size-fits-all top.  When we started expanding our sizes, we chose to keep that one as a hybrid of the one-size-fits-all fit that we loved, but we adjusted the sizing in the neckline, sleeve opening, and hem, to reflect the scale.

Hope that helps and if you have more questions about sizing, you can email support@jamieandthejones and they will know all the answers!}

{April 2018 update: In full transparency, I wanted to let you guys know I sold it.  I only wore it a handful of times and machine washed it twice.  But I just didn't feel like storing such a bulky sweater until it gets cold again, especially if I'm a bit iffy about it.  But I did sell it for a good price and only lost about $25 in trying this sweater out, so to me it was definitely worth it.  I think I might try one of their other sweaters this fall.}

The best and worst items I received free to review in 2017

Mott & Bow Jeans, part of the best list

So I'm sure I'm killing any future gifts from brands with this post, but since I decided that I won't be taking any free gifts for review this year (to minimize waste) I kind of don't care.  Of course I love free things, but if it's at the cost of what I stand by (brutally honest opinions and minimal waste) then I rather pay for the things I review and try to monetize elsewhere (which means if you're reading my posts on a phone or tablet, sorry those small pop-up Google ads are gonna continue for the time being).  Also just to note for this list I am not including things I got free from referral credit (that applies mostly to Everlane and Grana) because in a sense I "earned" those credits and I'm "spending" those credits (and they never asked for a review of their items).  The ones on the list here are the items I got completely free in exchange for a review from companies that contacted me directly out-of-the-blue.

The Best

1) Mott & Bow Jeans: My love for these 98% cotton, 2% elastane jeans are still going strong!  I received these for review at the end of June last year and they are still in my jeans rotation.  In fact I prefer them over the Everlane jeans I've reviewed thus far (including the modern boyfriend and the skinny jeans) because the Mott & Bow ones are just more comfortable for me (I think it has to do with the M&B ones being more mid-rise and not high-rise). The slim boyfriend style of these jeans work well with my pear-shape (especially my thicker thighs).  These jeans are in heavy rotation with my other two Frame denim jeans.

2) Tradlands The Skipper Shirt: I love this really soft button-up and it's my go-to shirt for whenever I go to lu'aus or Hawaiian get-togethers (which is more often than you think since I'm from Honolulu).  It's my mainland version of the Aloha shirt.

3) Chamberlains' leather milk: One of my first collaborations and one that was extremely useful since I still use all these products to protect and condition my leather shoes and bags.  This collab probably worked so well since I had already done an initial review of their product and that's how they found me.  I'm a big believer in their products, especially if you want to cherish and take care of your expensive leather items.

The Worst

1 and 2) Siizu V-neck tee and Siizu Hella Top: I initially liked both items (maybe because they were free?) but soon found that I never reached for them.  The v-neck tee made of 100% modal, was not a fave since I preferred my 100% cotton tees from Everlane and Grana.  The Hella Top was cute but didn't fit into my super casual, non-office lifestyle.  I also don't think frilly items fall under my style.

3) Tradlands Faroe Tee:  Sorry to say that when it came to this specific item from Tradlands, it was kind of a dud.  After I washed it, it was super stiff and uncomfortable.  When it comes to linen I would go with Elizabeth Suzann, Everlane or Grana.

Also a note on Grana since I received the most free items from them to review: I think Grana is always a mixed bag with lots of really good things.  Since I was simultaneously getting free things from them as well as buying things with credits earned, I ended up with way more Grana pieces than I anticipated or needed, some of which I'm letting go here.

So yep, once this post is up I'll revise all the above reviews to include this post so that people know how these free items fared in my closet rotation.  Also since I'm being completely honest here, it can be tough at times to write anything negative about items given free to review since there are usually representatives of the company checking on your reviews and making sure you post to Insta.  To me, that already feels restrictive even if the brand never tells you 'you can't say that'.  I rather be pressure-free to say whatever I feel like (and I don't mind giving my money to brands that really deserve it)!

P.S. After writing this post, I read this one from EcoCult and I'm surprised to learn that bloggers will recommend items without having tried it themselves.  Also for them to review and post something, EcoCult charges $400 (which makes me think, how can you say anything bad about a product if you're getting paid $400?).  It's making me realize if I want to keep my blog the way it's going (only providing unbiased reviews with items I've tried myself), I'm going to have to keep my day job (or drive uber to supplement--which I've seriously considered) lol.

P.P.S Please read Leah's comments below because she is a much more experienced blogger than I and comes up with a lot of good points that I failed to clarify in this post (basically it's hard for me personally to write 100% unbiased review when it comes to free and gifted items).

Weekend Update/Ramblings

Visited Le Labo in Nordstrom this past week to restock on my lotions (which I talked about last weekend)

I've had this blog for almost 4 years now and I know it's time to do an update on the website design.  So I've started the process, but man it takes a lot of work.  I love writing blog posts but all this technical stuff is a hassle (though I know I can do it).  So please bear with this website design until I can get my act together to just sit down and do it.

Did you hear that Levi's is trying to get rid of all hazardous chemicals in jeans production by 2020?  I just love how both Everlane and Levi's (both headquartered in SF) are leading the way in sustainable denim!  Now Levi's is going to use lasers for distressing. Read all about it here.

Do you hate networking?  I hate networking in true introvert fashion.  I hope to never have to do it again, but if I do these tips are great to keep in mind.

And a mini product review for you today: I purchased these clips to help "train" my bangs (my hair salon person advised me to switch the part of my bangs because it was starting to thin out at the part.  By switching the part, I now have more volume but my bangs don't want to stay that way).  These clips are the best way to hold back hair without creating a dent/wave to your hair.  I hate buying more plastic but it's totally worth it when the thing works like a charm!  (If I knew anything about producing items I would love to make these clips with bamboo instead of plastic).

Anyway there's an exciting week coming up!  Finally finished the Jamie and the Jones heavyweight T sweater review so that'll be posted this week (Wednesday) and I wrote about the best and worst items that I received for free from brands to review (yep, ready to burn some bridges here lol).  Also my birthday's on Tuesday and I'll be hitting the big 3-5 :D

P.S. After I wrote this nice cheery post I went to the gym to swim, and someone cut the lock on my locker and stole my beautiful Celine wallet with all my credit/debit cards, phone, keys, and my favorite sunglasses.  :( It's so sad, but oh well it's just things.  But it's hard not to get things like this get you down...

Hesta Organic Cotton Underwear Review (and how they compare to PACT)

source

I first heard of Hesta, a organic cotton underwear line from one of my favorite conscious style blogs, Dr.It Girl, soon after I did my PACT underwear review.  I love that I now have options for purchasing organic cotton underwear.  I purchased the set of 4 organic cotton Hesta undies from Amazon for $38 (compare that to 2 for $23 for PACT's organic undies at full-price so the Hesta underwear is a tiny bit cheaper).  It's interesting to note that Hesta also makes reusable organic cotton panty liners and incontinence pads.  

So what did I think of Hesta's organic cotton underwear?  Sorry to say but I'm not a fan.  And that's mostly because the elastic band around the leg holes ruin it for me.  I ordered a size medium (which is what I also ordered for PACT) and even though the waistband fits fine, the leg bands are tight (and the rest of the underwear feels big).  I also much prefer the flat elastic bands that Pact uses for their leg and waist bands.  I would say the Hesta underwear fits like boy shorts/hip-huggers but look like full-on granny panties.  

I emailed them to ask about where their undies are made, and they quickly replied letting me know their production factory is located in South Korea.  When I heard that, it clicked with me that these undies feel like my undies from childhood (since my mom used to buy my underwear from Japan all the time).  So if you're used to Asian-style underwear, this is what Hesta feels like.  

So I'm glad I gave Hesta a try, especially since I now know I will be reordering PACT again for the rest of my underwear needs.  But I have relegated these Hesta panties as back-up underwear and we'll see if I ever wear them.  

P.S. Did you see Leah's post about some other ethical undies brands?  I might try one or two of them (after I do a bit more research).  Have you guys tried any of these brands?  Or I wonder if I should just stick with PACT since that's what I like?

P.P.S. Actually since writing this post (about a week ago), I've ordered some items from Naja (bra, sports bra and cheeky underwear) to try out.  I really liked their message of female empowerment and eco-consciousness, but I hope their underwear is good too.  I guess I need to try more than one other brand to know whether or not Pact is the one for me!

La Mer Review: The Moisturizing Matte Lotion

La Mer The Moisturizing Matte Lotion

So I already have one thing to add to my worst purchases of 2018 and it's this lotion.  Womp womp :( I really wanted to like it, especially since it was a ridiculous $260 for this lotion.  Yep, isn't that insane?  Luckily I had some thank you points from my Citi credit card so I did not pay that much out of pocket.  But then I think of all the things I could have spent those points on and it makes me sad.  But on the bright side, I get to let all you acne-prone people know to stay away from La Mer.  And that's because their top ingredient (and what they're known for) is Algae (seaweed) extract.  And that is a pore-clogging ingredient.  *facepalm* . Of course I should be checking ingredients before spending so much money on something.  But guess I'll have to learn this the hard way.

Anyway if you have normal, not acne-prone skin this is actually a pretty great product.  It left the parts of my skin that didn't break out soft and helped my makeup from feeling too greasy during the day.  It's not a primer, but just a mattifying lotion.  Is it worth $260?  No, I don't think so even if your skin doesn't break out easily.  You are definitely paying for the name and the hype.  But if you tend to have combo/oily skin that doesn't break out easily, and an extra $260 lying around, sure it's great.  As for me, I'll stick with my cheap(er) but non-comedogenic lotions.

Anyway I'm selling this lotion, used about 7 times, at 75% off here.  Since it's a pump mechanism, the lotion inside hasn't been exposed to the elements.  So if you're interested in trying La Mer at a deeply discounted price, here's your chance!

How Shopping Slow/Ethical Fashion Has Changed My Style

Current wardrobe: Jamie + the Jones heavy knit sweater (review coming soon), Frame denim trousers (similar here), Sevilla Smith booties (reviewed here), Chanel crossbody bag (similar here)

It all started with Everlane.  Somehow they got on my radar and I just loved their message and their clothes.  But I've always loved the basic, solid-colored minimal look.  So naturally I loved their high-quality and fairly-priced basics.  Back then (about 3 years ago) I still liked to add a trendy item here or there and that's usually when I stepped into Zara or Madewell.  But since I've stopped shopping outside of slow/ethical fashion (for the most part), I no longer have the occasional trendy item.  At first I missed it, and tried to look for ways around it (like trying to find it at a Crossroads).  For example, a couple years ago the frilly, off-the-shoulder top was all the rage.  I couldn't find any that I liked at Crossroads, so I tried out a frilly top (near the tail-end of the trend I might add) from a new brand that advertised themselves as sustainable and eco-friendly.  But in the end it wasn't really my style (or it would have been if I was still working in an office, but that's not my life anymore).

Heeeeey... lol, my old style with a blazer.

Ever since then, I haven't really craved anything trendy.  I think I've been honing my style within the ethical/slow fashion world and tailoring it to my current lifestyle, to the point that I only add ethical/sustainable/non-fastfashion items to my wishlist.  I no longer go to malls and shop for clothes, though I still go to Crossroads to get my 'fix' of mainstream brands.  But lately all the people I've been following on blogs and Insta are those who share my interest of Elizabeth Suzann, Jamie+the Jones, Only Child, Everlane, etc.  I guess that's who I've surrounded myself with and my style has subsequently evolved.  And to be honest, I'm quite happy about it.  I love not really caring about the trends anymore.  It's liberating.  And it's really lowering the cost per wear for my keeper items since I keep repeating the same clothes over and over.  I wonder if this is what a timeless wardrobe feels like.  Or maybe I finally have my current uniform.

Elizabeth Suzann (ES) Georgia tee in silk, ES Clyde pants in linen

Jamie + the Jones raw silk Blank Canvas top, ES Clyde pants in linen

Either way slow/ethical/fair fashion definitely has changed my style but I'm not mad about it! :)