Archive for July, 2018

Everything I wanted to buy this week

I realized a while back that I can’t continue to shop at the pace I had gotten used to and expect to retain or accrue any savings whatsoever, so I’m trying really hard to be good. And for the most part, I have been. But this week tested my will in some meaningful ways, and I think I deserve a goddamned medal for not buying this truly quite perfect Nili Lotan denim blazer.

Or this bright yellow clutch, which I feel would make any outfit significantly cooler.

This phone case tempted me as well, with its excellent red and blue leopard print.

Retailers are starting to show fall clothes now if you can believe it, and mostly I’m not ready to look at any of it, but this Rachel Comey corduroy jacket is just so good.

These shiny bright red mules are a good height for walking, and would look as good with a dress as they would with jeans.

How adorable and comfortable-looking is this striped Teddy?

And finally, here’s something I might very well let myself purchase, as it costs a mere $50: a tee dress from Everlane with a generous side slit that adds a nice dose of sophistication, and the tiniest hint of sexiness.

11 surpassingly cute beach cover-ups

The tassels on this block-print number add a hit of fun.

A really breezy, light and rather come-hither option.

The embroidery against the red print is so excellently graphic here.

There are few things sexier, in my book, that throwing an oversized boyfriend shirt on over your swimsuit.

The rickrack trim here is so bright and happy.

I find it tough to resist a good chevron stripe, and feel that this has potential beyond the beach.

This has a great neckline and the subtlest high-low hem.

I dig the poppy tangerine hue here.

Here’s a choice that would take you straight from the beach to cocktails.

This feels very sojourn-in-Morocco to me.

So flirty and sweet.

 

GOACA classics: Summer white

I love wearing white all year round, but especially in summer: it always feels so crisp, cool, and super-chic, especially when paired with bright accessories . I do not, on the other hand, adore how often I stain my white clothes, which I do with stunning regularity, so I always keep an ample supply of Shout on hand and hope for the best. I think this dress is just so flowy and sweet but still really put-together-looking.

I dig the barely-there stripes on this button-down shirt.

A simple, well-priced A-line skirt I’d throw on with a white tee.

A white blazer is always chic, and you can dress it down with a graphic tee or dress it up for the office.

I’d cuff the sleeves on Everlane’s new short-sleeved popover, and wear it with cutoffs.

 

These jeans are straight cut, which I like, because I am not a fan of tight white jeans.

A pretty eyelet top that manages to be feminine without veering into priss territory.

 

An easy beach coverup that has sleeves—rare in a beach coverup—and a nice neckline.

These wide-leg cropped pants would be so cute with a white button-down and contrasting belt.

This gorgeous lace dress isn’t exactly cheap, but it still looks a lot more expensive than it is.

I like the deep V-neck on this tee.

A really snappy pair of skinny pants that would look cute with a Mexican shirt and mules.

A clean-looking blouse with an appealingly peasant-y cut.

 

Tuesday links

• Check out these pictures of all the cool stuff archeologists found at the bottom of a river in Amsterdam.
• Love these examples of vintage fireworks packaging. (Dangerous Minds)
• Godspeed, Elvis Costello. (Vulture)
• Ugh. (The Cut)
• These ancient ornamental “carpets” painted on city streets in France and Finland  are pretty gorgeous.

 

Your questions, answered

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A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was coming up on my 3000th post, and that in observance of that, I’d answer whichever questions you cared to lob my way. Here, at last, are the answers.

If you were a plant, what would you be? If you were a cocktail, what would you be?

I would be a plant that requires a great deal of sunshine and a not-insignificant amount of care. And I think I’d be a whiskey sour: sweet but tart.

Which item that you, for whatever reason, talked yourself out of purchasing, do you regret missing out on the most? And what item that you surplussed from your closet, for whatever reason, do you miss the most?

Back in the Lucky days, we got this Chanel necklace in for a shoot that was composed entirely of (fake) pills—you can see it here—and at the time I was on a ton of different medications for my depression and my whole life was pills, it felt like, and I thought it was the funniest thing I’d ever seen. I don’t think I ever would have worn it much, which is why I didn’t buy it, but I still would have been delighted to own it. And I regret getting rid of the old, beaten-up Levi’s jacket I’d owned since high school.

How much money do you spend on shoes/clothes/accessories per month?

A whole bunch of you were curious about this one. And the most honest answer I am willing to give is the following: far less than I used to. (more…)

A few beach essentials

I love going to the beach above most other things, but have none of the right gear, and am looking to up my game in that respect. This water bottle, in a bright Liberty floral, would be a nice start.

File this under totally unnecessary but pretty nifty: a leather towel harness for a more hands-free beach existence.

 

This insulated waxed canvas tote from LL Bean is backordered (this similar one is available) but it is so good it’s worth waiting for, I think. Such a stylish (and surely durable) way to carry your cold items.

Such an excellently graphic beach towel that reminds me of this 1968 Olympics poster, which I covet hugely.

This bright tapestry makes a perfect beach blanket.

You can’t beat a French market basket for lugging all the essentials, and this is pretty well-priced (and also, check out this one with backpack straps).

 

For those who are serious about conducting a civilized beach picnic, these lightweight bamboo plates are pretty cute.

And how about some wood cutlery? I dig the look of this stuff, and it’s so damn convenient.

And finally: I seriously crave shade the moment I get to the beach, and am very tempted by this simple, stylish tent. It actually doesn’t look like it would be too tough to set up, either.