5 things I'm thinking about this week

We have a winner!

I’ve been sharing for the last few weeks some dupes for The Frankie Shop Cala Shirtdress that I’ve been stalking, and I’m happy to say the Express dress I mentioned last week is officially a winner. Its nice and long (5’9” probs) and has a perfect oversized fit without the sash. Of course it’s going to be almost 80 degrees all week, but I’m still making plans to wear it to the office.

Speaking of warm weather, I ventured to the mall this weekend. It really did feel like 2019, I forgot what it’s like to navigate around groups of people leisurely strolling around. But it was really nice to see things I shop for online in person, but in the future I might stick to my lunch break pop-ins.

Anyways, here are 5 things I’m thinking about this week.

1. Steve Madden Violette Silver Mary Janes: speaking of dupes, I picked these silver mary janes up in the Nordstrom sale this weekend, I’m hoping they’ll be a decent dupe for these Aeyde mary janes. Their toe isn’t as square as the Aeyde ones, but their price is also a quarter of them too. Fingers crossed!

2. Nordstrom Shoes on Sale: speaking of the Nordstrom sale, they have a great selection of shoes on markdown right now. I love the heel on these - they’d be great for a summer wedding. These slingback flats are perfect paired with shorts for a city stroll, and these sandals are in the colour of the moment, silver, with a great wearable heel for all summer long.

3. Warby Parker Lupita Sunglasses in Oak Barrel: a perk of actually being at the mall is stopping into Warby Parker to try on all of their new frames. While not many of the opticals caught my eye, these tortoiseshell sunglasses immediately did. I love the aviator shape without the extra nose bar, and the lenses are large enough to balance out my large melon. These immediately are at the top of my wishlist.

4. Gentle Monster ChaCha M01 square-frame glasses: speaking of opticals, these glasses from Gentle Monster are at the top of my list for my yearly frame allowance. I tend to waver back and forth between a large chunky frame and a more delicate one, and this year I’m really feeling a minimal wire frame, but in an unexpected colour. Definitely keeping my eye on these.

5. The Rich Don’t Dress Like You Think They Do: what a huge get Rachel Tashjian was for The Washington Post. In her latest article she talks about how the super-rich really shop for clothes, and how brands like Loro Piana are now too mainstream (!!!) for the billionaires club. The one piece of the article that really got me was around streetwear, “In fact, streetwear fanatics often treat their new Supreme merchandise the same way, “putting it on ice” until the hype has mellowed.” If you have any interest in this new era of quiet luxury fashion, this is a great read.

5 things I'm thinking about this week

Stress.

Working in healthcare can be stressful (full stop). And even more so during especially peak times. This week our team had the chance to spend some time with the team at the hospital who’s mission is to check in on the mental health of staff.

We talked a lot about coping mechanisms for stress (mine is getting outside for a walk) but I wanted to share one tool that was shared with us that might be helpful if you’re looking for additional ways to manage it.

Gratitude journals are often mentioned as great tools to manage stress, but if you’re like me, after awhile my answers started to get repetitive. Our team suggested instead of writing down things you’re grateful for, instead write down 3 things that worked out. By making the task smaller and narrower, its easier to find things to celebrate to help deal with stress.

I’m hoping this is helpful for you and me, and if not, here are the 5 things I’m thinking about this week.

1. Express Boyfriend Poplin Portofino Maxi Shirt Dress: i might have finally found my dupe for the Frankie Shop cala dress I’ve been stalking! I randomly typed in “white maxi shirt dress” in google on Saturday and was so surprised to see this gem pop up from Express. And at 40% off! At first glance this doesn’t look like a style I’d go for, but I’m thinking without the belt and styled with a chunky dad sandal, this could be the perfect dress to transition into summer. I’ve got two sizes on their way to me to try - will report back!

2. Everlane Daytripper Shirtdress: speaking of summer dresses, this shirtdress from Everlane has been stalking me via Instagram ads and I can’t help but think it would be perfect for my upcoming vacation. I love the black version, of course, but I think I might love the navy stripe even more. The cuff on the sleeve in the opposite stripe is chef’s kiss.

3. Adidas X Farm Rio: if you’re looking for a corner of the internet that is plain fun, look no further than the new collab between Adidas and Farm Rio. It is a colourful explosion full of patterns of happiness, and it is so, freaking fun. Some of my faves include the tracksuits and the swimwear, but this tank is at the top of my list.

4. Celine Triomphe Ceramic to be Perfumed: file this under ridiculously expensive things I don’t need but would totally buy. The New York Times T Style magazine put out their Mother’s Day gift guide this week and included in it was a feature on aromatic ceramics. The reporter shared that aromatic ceramics have more scent staying power than candles, so naturally I was intrigued to learn more. Here’s where the ridiculously comes through, they recommended this logo-shaped ceramic from Celine, that isn’t even perfumed yet! To be fair, it is gorgeous and the fashion house has been killing it on the runway and the streets with their clothes and handbags. But I guess I just was expecting a little bit more when I clicked on the link.

5. Pearl Octopuss.y Paris Pearl & Crystal Necklace: I really need to delete the Matches Fashion app off my phone. They’re running a 25% off select items sale right now, a sale that includes one of my new favorite jewelry brands, Pearl Octopuss.y. Based out of Oslo, I love how this brand is in-your-face glam but also sculptural at the same time. I’m sucker for anything jewelry piece with a pearl (it’s my birthstone), and this necklace is the perfect balance between prim and rock. Swoon.

5 things I'm thinking about this week

How is it almost the end of April?

Last week was honestly a complete blur. Work is at full speed getting ready for campaigns next month, and prioritizing mental health moments proved to be trickier than I anticipated.

A highlight of last week? Ain’t Too Proud The Musical. I knew little to nothing going into the show, except that The Temptations have a phenomenal music catalog. But what I didn’t know was how much drama the group members have been through. The show itself was a lot of fun, the hits literally kept on coming.

Speaking of catalogs, here’s are five things I’m thinking about this week.

@avawillyums With a good imagination, everything is symmetrical. Let a girl day dream! #wesanderson ♬ Obituary - Alexandre Desplat

1. Wes Anderson TikTok Trend: sometimes the internet can be just delightful. For all the bad press it’s getting, TikTok is by far the social media platform I’m enjoying most these days and nothing is more delightful that the Wes Anderson trend permeating the app. These vignettes are creative, their a little twee, but most of all they’re a lot of fun.

2. Fear of God Fashion Show: speaking of swooning, the Fear of God fashion show in LA last week served up so much inspiration for my fall/winter wardrobe. I love FOG’s mix of luxury and athleisure all wrapped in my favourite hues, neutrals. Some of my faves were look1, look 3, look 9, and look 39.

3. Ganni Silver Metallic Crinkle Shoulder Bag: I’m still on my spending freeze but couldn’t help peruse Net-A-Porter’s 20% sale. In good news, only a few things even caught my eye, but this Ganni handbag stopped me in my tracks. It’s the perfect summer bag. Silver, not too small yet not too large, and even the best part? It’s sustainable. I’m obsessed.

4. Jeni’s @ Columbus Commons: one of the milestones for summer starting for me is the opening of Jeni’s at the Columbus Commons every summer. Some people walk to coffee shops when they need a break from the office, but I love to walk to an ice-cream shop for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Now that Jeni’s is open for the summer, I’m anticipating lots of outdoor walks from the office when I’m working downtown.

5. Aeyde Moa Silver Nappa Flats: i have been searching high and low for a modern looking pair of silver ballet flats. My requirements are simple, really. No bow, no rounded toe, and something preferable pointed or square. Oh, and something built to last (aka, no Zara). I think I might have found a contender. These Aeyde flats hit most of my requirements, and I love that the v of the toe covers all of the toe. Now to see if they ever go on sale….

5 things I'm thinking about this week

We had one of those perfect spring/summer weeks last week. You know the one. No humidity, clear skies, no bugs and the scent of spring flowers permeating the air. It was glorious.

Naturally, I struggled a bit with trying to figure out what to wear. My office is still an icebox, but weighty fabrics just didn’t seem right, especially when during a mid-day walk for some fresh air downtown. Layers really were the key last week, and by the end of the week, my spring fashion mojo started to return.

But alas, a rain/snow mix is in the forecast for today. Welcome to April in the Midwest.

Anyways, here are 5 things I’m thinking about this week.

credit: Massimo Dutti

1. Massimo Dutti Organza Trench Coat: this coat was lust a first sight. Sheer is huge this spring/summer, and while I won’t be participating in most of the trend, I would L-O-V-E to add this trench to experiment with it. Oh my goodness, it’s gorgeous.

2. Dog Vase by Eleonor Bostrom: San Francisco has been on my travel list for awhile, I have an Instagram Collection dedicated to places I want to visit, restaurants I want to try, and boutiques I want to shop in. One of those is Rare Device, full of quirky, whimsical homewares perfect for adding a little personality at home when needed. Like this dog vase. I love that it’s black & white (my fave), but I especially adore the oblong shape, its a perfect conversation starter for a table or console that needs a little extra somethin’.

3. About Arianne Ojih Ivori Flats: the weather last week had me searching for summer shoes and sandals that I could wear other than the Birkenstocks I wore all last summer. I discovered About Arianne through an Instagram black hole this week and instantly fell for these leather slides. Supple leather, a low heel, an interesting shape and foot coverage? I just might have to invest in a pair of these for the warmer weather.

4. Anissa Kermiche Candlesticks: note to self, don’t browse the homewares sections of the Matches Fashion Outlet. You’ll want everything. Like these Anissa Kermiche Tit for Tat candlesticks. Anissa’s ceramics are definitely conversation starters, this pair could be layered with a more conservative pair of candlesticks and look fabulous on a fireplace mantle, a bookshelf or even an entryway console. I’m off to find a Matches discount code…

5. Diptyque City Candles: from April 20-26 the city candles are back! Diptyque candles are always so special to invest in, but I’m especially fond of the city versions. Someday I hope to get to all of the destinations, but in the meantime, owning a special scent only available in each will have to do. I’m a huge fan of the London and Tokyo scents, this time around I’m hoping to pick up the Seoul and Beverly Hills candles.

5 things I'm thinking about this week

Well, the cold that won’t end, really just won’t end.

While my voice has recovered, it’s been two weeks now since I’ve had hearing in my left ear and I’m kind of over it. Musicians, newscasters, even my coworkers - everyone sounds like they’re a member of Alvin and the Chipmunks to me right now. Funny, but not funny?

Here’s hoping my continued cocktail of Claritin and Flonase eventually does clear up my ears and restores everyone’s real voices. In the meantime, here are 5 things I’m thinking about this week.

1. Springtime Jazz: spring has definitely sprung around here, the grass is green, the flowers are up and nature is just singing. For some reason, the soundtrack to spring for me is jazz, its uplifting and energetic, just like the season is. This playlist and this album are on repeat for me.

2. Shinola Mackinac Lanterns: I had an unfortunate shopping experience with Shinola this week, the desk clock I ordered was missing the stand and is now sold out. As I was searching for a replacement I came across these lanterns and love how they’re a mix of Japanese and Americana design. They’d look perfect on my back patio now that the weather is warming up.

3. Clare V Trop Bebe bag: call me old-school, or even cool (?) but my favourite headphones for my daily walks and around town are my wired ear pods. I do wish they came with a case though, most of the time their buried in a ball at the bottom of my purse. Wouldn’t this little case be perfect to keep them organized?

4. Cuyana Leather AirPods Case: while technically this case is for airpods, I totally think it could also help me corral my earpods. It’s not as whimsical as the Clare V, but I do love the longer strap so I can anchor it to my purse so it doesn’t sink to the bottom.

5. COS mock-neck maxi tshirt dress: I wrote about this dress last week in regards to the COS sale, and I’m regretting I didn’t purchase it at 25% off. While I have no need for another black dress, I love the maxi length, the short sleeve, and the mock neck of this style, it would be so easy to style with sneakers for the weekend, or ballet flats for the office and/or a night out.