Wednesday, May 8, 2024

April Favorites


April favorites are here, and as I was linking March's favorites it feels like March was so long ago! Does anyone else feel that way?! I packed so much into April, and we are already over a week into May! Wow!!! For those of you who may be new here, I round up my top favorite things each month. At the end of the year, I pull items from this list for a 'favorites' list for the year. If something makes this list, it's the best of the best of what I recommend! You can check out past favorites lists at the bottom of this post! 

Flat Claw Clip// This is one of the greatest inventions in hair accessories, maybe ever. It works similarly to a claw clip but it is flat against the head so laying down and driving in a car is so easy! I prefer the size large!

Necklace// This is such a fun necklace that gets many compliments every single time I wear it. It's a statement but not obnoxious. 

Concealer// This is one of the best makeup products I have tried in a while and maybe the best concealer I've ever tried. I bought it on a whim during the Sephora sale in shade N2 (I'm shade II and IV in Westman Atelier and Linen and Ochre in Merit). I haven't looked back since. It has medium to full coverage. It blends so well and sits on the skin in a way that looks so natural. If you only pick one item off of this list, this should be it. This will surely make the end of the year favorites list! 

Tinted Lip Balm// One of you recommended this lip balm/gloss/stick hybrid. I love the Tarte juicy lip product but I don't love the coconut scent to it. It's so overpowering. This is almost exactly like the Tarte Juicy lip but without the coconut. It is so great!

Anti-Humidity Spray// I used this every single night in Mexico. You just spray it on your hair once it is styled and it cuts down on the frizz. It really works and while it doesn't keep frizz away entirely, I felt that the high price was worth it. It also smells incredible.

Sunglasses// An inexpensive Target find that is supposed to look like Loewe. I don't necessarily care that they look like a designer, but I just think they are fun and I love all of the colors that they offer. They give me Palm Royale vibes and the quality is shockingly good for the price. 

Pajamas// Newly obsessed with these pajamas. I have a few pairs from ages ago and just kind of rediscovered them. They are pima cotton so the same fabric as Lake Pajamas. The heart print is a classic. Apparently, Roller Rabbit is 'preppy' according to tween children. I had no idea but one of you all sent me a Reel about what 'preppy' means to young kids these days. It's wild, it is NOTHING like what it means in the traditional sense. According to TikTok tweens, preppy is Aviator Nation (colorful pricey sweatsuits), Drunk Elephant (skincare with bright caps), Loveshack Fancy (think modern day Laura Ashley), Roller Rabbit, Lululemon, and more I have no idea about. I kind of chuckle at it but it also makes me feel OLD. 

Striepd Top + Shorts// This is a set I'm reaching for over and over because it's cute but it's basically like wearing pajamas. You can wear either piece by itself, too. The shorts look so cute with a chunky navy sweater. 

Nightgown// This is a new-to-me fabric and I love it so much. It's soft and super lightweight so it is perfect for the summer heat. I love nightgowns for travel and also love to wear this kind of thing in lieu of a robe while getting ready. I think this will be cute as a swimsuit coverup, too. I got a size small, it runs very roomy, you could even size down. It has a swing shape to it. 


Monthly Favorites:


2023 Monthly Favorites List:
- May
- June
- July

Check out my yearly favorites... 

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Tuesday, May 7, 2024

What happened to all of the good service?


Dress (size down)// Sandals (come in 9 colors)
Sunglasses (under $20)// Lucite Cane Clutch

I've wanted to write about this for a while, but I needed to figure out how to approach the topic without sounding like a 'Karen.' After reading this, you may still think I am a Karen, but many may agree with at least some of what I have to say. 

Have you noticed a decline in good service (whether in restaurants, doctor's offices, cafés, the post office, etc.)? I have. I often wonder if it's just a halcyon moment, but I don't think that's the case. I'm really curious to hear your point of view on this, as we all live in different locations, and so our experiences are all so varied! 

For a long time, I excused lousy service because of the pandemic. Businesses were short-staffed  (some still are). I get it. I am a very reasonable person. 

I am nothing if not understanding and patient. I would never want to be the reason someone gets in trouble at their job. To an extent, I also care what others think, and I don't want to seem difficult or demanding. Because of this, I seldom complain about anything. If the service is terrible, I will just use my consumer power and not give the company my business again. In many instances, what good does complaining even accomplish, anyway?

I think many people are like me- they don't complain and just go on their merry way. On the one hand, I think that is good because there are people out there who complain incessantly and are downright rude and disrespectful, and maybe this cultural shift has quieted them a bit. On the other hand, constructive criticism is important. If you don't share feedback (with kindness), companies won't know they're dropping the ball. Just like if you are in a friendship or relationship and don't speak up if something bothers you, how would the person know? But that's what I think lesser service has become: a cultural shift. 

I feel like, in some sense, I have even lowered my standards. 

I think I only realized this when we traveled to Europe a few years ago, and the service was impeccable everywhere we went. I remember we went to a restaurant right here in Pittsburgh last year, and the service was out of this world good. I was reminded again of what good service looks like. It was such a breath of fresh air, making the experience much more enjoyable. Whenever I receive great service, it highlights that it is a scarcity. 

I have received two instances of wonderful service repeatedly here locally at the Whole Foods deli counter and the UPS store. The service I receive at these two places is a shining example of good service and what, in my opinion, should be the standard. 

I will say, the general public has become harder to deal with over the last few years. You see so many of those awful videos of customers treating employees without an ounce of respect. I've personally noticed a shift (less polite) in how people communicate with me over the past few years, and that's just over the internet. There is certainly a lack of respect, kindness, and common decency these days from select consumers. I'm sure that wears consumer-facing businesses and employees down. There are many other factors and viewpoints to consider. It's a nuanced topic, and I am only sharing my opinion and experience. 

Anyway, I'm rambling. The bottom line is that I am very action-oriented. Instead of complaining, which I won't often do, I have started to be actionable by praising. If I receive good service, I go out of my way to get in touch with someone to praise the company or the employee. If it's a tipping situation, I go above and beyond and let my money do the talking. Commending good service and recognizing people doing a great job is a way to improve things. Finding a contact and reaching out sometimes takes extra leg work, but it's worth it and a positive way forward. 

So, the next time you receive exceptional service, consider sharing your praise, write a positive review, or personally let the company or employee know how thankful you are. That goes a long way!

I know many of you likely already do this- I feel lucky to have a community of people here who are respectful, thoughtful, and kind! This post could be summed up with one idiom: you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar! 
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Monday, May 6, 2024

Splurge vs. Save


One good thing about living in 2024 is that you can truly find a look for less for just about anything. There are SO many options out there at all different price points. I haven't done a splurge vs. save post in a while, and I could have kept going and going with so many great options. 

My philosophy regarding wardrobe pieces and accessories is to buy the best you can afford, especially when it comes to classic pieces and staples. However, I've noticed many lower-priced retailers like Walmart, Kohl's, HM, etc., doing a great job of offering high-quality cute pieces for a low price. You'll notice in this roundup that some of the 'saves' are just as cute or even cuter than the splurge versions! 

I actually think this is a deeper topic than you might think. It's incredibly interesting to watch the lower-priced retailers and how they are changing their offerings over the last few years. I have no source of proof for this. Still, my hypothesis is that the rise of social media, specifically TikTok, is concentrating the trends and delivering them to the masses more than ever. Because of that, brands have to offer similar pieces to stay competitive. To someone who likes unique pieces or finding gems from different retailers, this could be seen as a negative. But a lot of retail is struggling, and this is what we will see more and more of going forward. 




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Friday, May 3, 2024

Weekend Wish List

Weekend Wish List

Happy Friday! Do you all have any fun plans this weekend? We are going to dinner tonight, and we will go to my aunt and uncle's annual derby party tomorrow! It has been HOT here this week, so I plan to spend more time outside! This weekend's wish list is very blue-focused; it's not what I intended, but it's just how it happened. You all know I love blue and white, which is no surprise!

Some items of note... 

- The new arrivals from Lilly are SO good. I love the blue and white shell print. It's so different than other things they have released! This collection was designed in collaboration with Lilly Pulitzer's daughters, Minnie and Liza! So neat. 

- This Entry Rug gives me S+L vibes, and you will never believe where it is from!

- How fun are these Floral Necklaces? I've been very into colored costume jewelry lately. It is a nice way to accessorize in the summer without having to layer! 

- I read an article interviewing the costume director for the TV show Palm Royale. She mentioned this Coffee Table Book as a source of inspiration for the show! I've never added something to my cart quicker! 

- This is my favorite swimsuit cut, and this  Orange Swimsuit is so pretty. I love a scoop neck and a low scoop back. It's classic and easy to wear. A solid color also makes it easy to pair with many different coverup options. It is currently on sale! 
Weekend Wish List

Some items of note... 

- Love this new Sweatshirt style in one of my favorite fabrics of all time. It's truly the SOFTEST. 

- This is a fun little Pink Raffia Clutch that's inexpensive! 

- This Small Tote is on my dream wish list. I love its clean lines and simplicity. So good. 

- This Red White Blue Pillow is another S+L look for less. I bet you can't guess where this is from before you click. SO good. There are quite a few good pillows: this one, this one, this one, and this one.

-  This Shift Dress is another good Lilly find from their new arrivals! I have this style in a few prints from years past. It is an iconic Lilly silhouette. 

- I have a lip gloss/balm/stick problem. I love them. I love to try all of them and all of the different colors. This is the latest Tinted Lip Balm that is intriguing to me. It doesn't hurt that it is on sale. I am eyeing the shades nude lavalliere and nude crush. Don't let the names fool you; I don't think they're very 'nude' at all!


For your weekend reading, here are blog posts you may have missed from this week:





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