(Spring is in the air!)
It looks like spring has finally arrived, and Spring Break is next week, too! I’m looking forward to a little break and a lot of catching up on sleep, blogging, and reading. Here are a few things that caught my eye this week.
“A Brief History of French Girl Hair.” I think the French get it right by embracing natural hair.
A funny Tumblr based on old McCall’s patterns.
I linked to this makeup article in Monday’s post, but it’s worth sharing again.
A “Game of Thrones”/Taylor Swift parody that makes me laugh.
You can write an essay and win an inn in Maine.
More hospitals are working to provide gentle cesareans for women. (When I asked about this option almost five years ago, I was told no.)
A remastered version of The Breakfast Club will show at South by Southwest.
A very thorough blog post about Lena Dunham’s new bungalow.
And the Duchess of Cambridge visits the set of “Downton Abbey.”
Have a wonderful weekend!
(My new Everlane Twill Tote in Acorn.)
Since last fall, I’ve been lugging around my trusty Artifact Bag Co. tote, which is perfect for the rainy winter we’ve endured lately. It’s incredibly sturdy and heavy, but now that spring is just about here, I’ve had my eye on lighter pieces for warmer weather. Everlane’s Twill Totes have been out for a while and I’ve admired them on the site, but I was hesitant to try one, thinking it couldn’t compare with my Artifact tote, which is probably the best bag I’ve ever owned.
I decided to order Everlane’s tote in Acorn recently, and I was pleasantly surprised by its design. I’m pretty hard on my bags and use them as a purse and catch-all for the boys’ items, too, so I need something that will hold up to the job. I chose the color Acorn for spring and summer, but also because the bag is twill and can get dirty easily. The light brown color will hopefully hide stains. The twill fabric makes the bag incredibly light, and it’s very comfortable on my shoulder, too. At the moment, the leather straps get twisted, but I think they will straighten out with regular use.
The one design aspect that slightly annoys me is the lack of a distinct base, so the bag doesn’t really open widely at the bottom or sit flat on the ground. All of my things sink to the bottom and I’ve arranged them to lie as flat as possible to create a “sort of” bottom. I’m spoiled by the larger size Artifact tote that is double ply and seven inches wide, but it’s a very small issue. At $40 for the Everlane tote, you really can’t go wrong, and I plan to use this bag through the spring and summer, along with my vintage Dooney & Bourke bag.
Artifact Bag Co. has some gorgeous new pieces out for spring, and if you’re looking for a sturdy, long-lasting, investment piece, I can highly recommend them. Everlane’s bags are an affordable alternative, and the Twill Tote is perfect for warmer months.
There are some gorgeous pastel bags out this season, too, and Leah recently rounded up some beautiful ethical versions. Be sure to visit her site and check them out.
Are you buying a new spring bag?
(The newest Eau de Toilette by Stella McCartney.)
We’ve had a pretty harsh winter by central Texas standards, and I’ve been dreaming of spring in all forms. Lately, I’ve found myself reading makeup reviews, watching tutorials, and perusing Korean beauty sites for ideas and inspiration. I think I’m just ready for a change of season, and the thought of updating my trusty makeup stash feels like a good place to start.
I ran out of a beloved product recently, which is only carried in the United States by Peach and Lily, whom I’ve written about in the past. Since I tried re-ordering it over a week ago, it’s been radio silence on their side, and I’m having no luck with getting any kind of response. This is unusual from a store that has always had quick shipping and excellent communication, so I’m hoping the issue will resolve soon. In the meantime, I’ve found a few products to try from Soko Glam that might just fit the bill. My experience with Korean beauty products has been excellent, and I’m looking forward to trying a few new things soon.
I’m also considering switching up my foundation routine, which has been the same for about eight years now. I’m in my mid-thirties and my skin has changed, so I think it’s high time my regimen change, too. That part takes a bit of experimentation, but I plan to write about it in a few weeks.
Stella McCartney’s perfumes have been among my favorites for a long time. While L.I.L.Y. (a nod to Paul McCartney’s nickname for Stella’s mom: “Linda, I love you”) wasn’t my top choice, I do love the original fragrance, and her newest is very nice, too. McCartney always uses rose and violet, scents I love, and this newest version also features a few green notes that are light and perfect for spring.
This article about wearing makeup was quite interesting, and the comments are funny and insightful, too. I personally enjoy wearing makeup every day of the week, and the ritual and routine are relaxing to me, as well as showering and washing my hair each day. Everyone has a different opinion, it seems, and they really come out in the comments. What do you think?
Are you changing anything up in your beauty routine for spring?
