Month: May 2021

A Day at Home Spa

Home Spa Day Essentials

This past Saturday, I decided to indulge in a spa experience at home. I cleared my morning schedule to focus on my hair and nails, and by the time we left for dinner at 4:30 PM, I felt renewed. I would have gone to Canyon Ranch if that had been an option, but I found the resort’s website inspirational nonetheless.

Everyone has the right to rest and recharge their minds and bodies at least once a week. I hope this selection of products inspires you to dress in something comfortable, put on soothing music, and tend to your own wellbeing like I know you are fully capable of doing.

Works Sighted

bottle // audiobook // candle // pajama T-shirt set // blowdryer // file // album // shampoo // razor // robe

5mm yoga mat // manicurist’s storage case // soap // file // clippers // Orly nail defense // Sally Hansen buff and tumble // nail art brush // cuticle pusher and cuticle remover set // towels

cotton rounds// nail polish remover // lotion // vinegar // basin

Further Reading

How to Make a Vinegar Foot Soak (Healthline)

Get a Perfect At-Home Manicure in 7 Easy Steps (Oprah)

How to Give Yourself a Professional Pedicure at Home (Oprah)

Creating Mindful Leaders: How to Power Down, Power Up, and Power Forward (Joe Burton)

The Nautica Polo Dress

Navy polo dress with navy Superga sneakers.

You’ll recall that I started searching for casual warm-weather dresses in February. For me, the ideal dress was comfortable enough for lounging but also polished enough for the brunch table. The athletic/athleisure dress offered the best of both worlds. I considered a wide range of options and eventually settled on a polo shirt dress by Nautica. It first appeared on the blog last month when I paired it with a skirt. Having purchased five of these dresses (3 navy, 1 black, and 1 white), I can confirm its 4.6/5 stars on Amazon were rightfully earned. My only qualm: The white dress is a little see-through and should be paired with the appropriate underthings. Overall, this dress is very versatile, comfortable, and the fabric is forgiving and breathable. Add a pair of Supergas or espadrilles, and my summer uniform is set.

Works Sighted

Nautica polo dress // Superga 2750 Cotu Classic

Cotton Masks from J.Crew

Masks from J.Crew

I recently bought a pack of three masks from J.Crew and liked them so much that I ordered two more packs. They are rather pleasant to wear (as long as it’s not 90°), and they smell wonderful when washed with Tide. I might be returning to the office in the near future. Thus, figuring out my face covering situation was of the utmost importance. Will you be returning to in-person work?

Works Sighted

J.Crew tie-back masks (quartz ivory kiwi)

J.Crew masks (banker blue hydrangea) // J.Crew masks (black khaki navy) // J.Crew masks (blue navy)

J.Crew tie-back masks (orchid ashen quartz)

Books for the Coffee Table

Coffee table books

All this talk of international travel opening up again is filling me with wanderlust. I don’t know when I’ll be taking to the sky, but coffee table books will have to tide me over until then. For some much needed rest and relaxation, my soul will be retreating into these books. I expect they’ll make me feel like I’m on holiday.

Works Sighted

Charleston: A Good Life // Holiday: The Best Travel Magazine that Ever Was

Slim Aarons: Women // Peonies: Beautiful Varieties for Home & Garden // Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan // St. Tropez Soleil

British Designers at Home // The Atlas of Beauty: Women of the World in 500 Portraits // Debutantes: When Glamour was Born // Paris. Portrait of a City

Impulse Buying

Black and khaki outfit

Impulse buying often carries a negative connotation. The act of making an unplanned purchase is generally considered irrational, irresponsible, and something to be avoided. I, on the other hand, disagree. A few of my most loved pieces were acquired through impulsive transactions. My most recently impulse buy: this skirt from Banana Republic Factory. I knew I had to have it the moment I laid eyes on it.

The item is an online exclusive, but I stumbled upon it at the Chestnut Street location. There was only one in the store (probably a return), and after trying it on, I decided that I needed to go a size up. An associate offered to order it for me; the process was incredibly quick and so was the shipping. This skirt fits my personal style to a tee; it’s A-line and has pleats and pockets. Truth be told, I probably would have ordered a second skirt in black if it hadn’t been sold out.

Making impulsive purchases isn’t a habit of mine, but sometimes when an item of clothing speaks to me, I know that we are meant to be. The question remains: How does one impulse buy responsibly? Making room in your budget for these types of purchases is key. You shouldn’t be impulse buying at Gucci if you can’t pay your rent. The maximum amount that I am willing to spend on an impulse buy is somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 USD. If you cannot set a price limit for your surprise purchases or refrain from gifting to yourself too often, impulse buying isn’t for you.

Works Sighted

J.Crew puff-sleeve top (old) // Banana Republic Factory skirt // Castañer Carina 60mm Wedge Espadrille

Breton Shirts and A-Line Skirts

Dinner at Zahav

While dressing for our recent dinner at Zahav, I found myself at a loss for something to wear. If it hadn’t been so chilly, I would have put on a dress. All of my dresses (except for one) are sleeveless and wouldn’t have been appropriate without some added layers. I decided to pair my Everlane Breton shirt with a black skirt from Amazon; my navy Supergas completed the look. The ensemble was similar to the outfits worn by the models in the Air France Bienvenue à bord video. This look was a winner for dinner on the patio.

Works Sighted

Everlane modern Breton tee // Sacai skirt // Superga 2750 (white/gold)

Breton Shirt Co Picasso // Grace Karin skirt // Superga 2750 (navy)

Breton Shirt Co Breton vin // Banana Republic Factory skirt // Superga 2750 (off-white)