I’m a woman of many loves — my husband, “Breaking Bad,” my son, day drinking, super soft t-shirts, karaoke… you get the drift. And I love finding new things to love and sharing my finds with others, so I started a new feature where I do just that. Keep reading for my five new loves this week and please feel free to share yours in the comments!
OK, so I’m only about 1/3 of the way through this book, and I’ve been reading it for like five weeks or something, which doesn’t sound like the strongest endorsement, I realize, but the book is good. If I’m reading it slowly, that’s more on me and my schedule and sheer exhaustion at the end of the day than anything else. And just because I only carve out a few hours each week for leisure reading, the reading has to be truly enjoyable or I’m moving on. And “The Interestings” is. It follows a group of privileged teenagers who meet at an artsy summer camp in the Northeast in 1974 as they come of age, grow into adulthood, and circle each other’s lives through the years.
2. Mother Jeans
Piperlime was having a 25% off denim sale recently and being in need of some new jeans, I ordered a few pairs to try. I’d heard good things about Mother jeans (not to be confused with Mom jeans), but had yet to give them a go myself. The second I tried on the pair I’d ordered from Piperlime, it was love. Pure love. These jeans are everything I look for (well, except the hefty price tag, but at 25% off, it wasn’t too bad for an item of clothing I’ll wear all the time): they’re super soft, stretchy without losing their shape, mid-rise for optimum butt-coverage, and they are really flattering. I think they probably shave about 8 pounds from my frame. So, yeah, basically, I’ll be wearing these every day for the next eight months.
3. Essie Nail Polish Resort Collection – Turquoise & Caicos
Favorite nail color polish ever. I wore this shade most of the summer and won’t stop just because it’s the end of beach season. You can’t make me.
4. Restoration Hardware Vintage-Washed Belgian Linen Sheets
A couple weeks ago, we went to Chicago and stayed at my friend Chad’s place while he crashed at his boyfriend’s for a few nights. That meant that Drew and I slept in his bed, which was decked in the best sheets we’ve ever had the privilege to sleep on. “WHAT are those sheets??” I asked Chad. “Restoration Hardware vintage-washed Belgian linen sheets,” he replied. Naturally. “Aren’t they amazing?” He said. Um, yeah. And one — one day! — they will be mine. Hi, do you want to buy me some sheets?
5. Saucony Women’s Guide 6 Running Shoe
Finally, after running regularly since early June (2-4 times a week, 2-4 miles at a time), I got myself some real running shoes. I picked up these Saucony shoes after getting a proper fitting at a store in my neighborhood. I tried on four different pairs while the sales guy watched me run on a treadmill and showed me how my foot responded to each pair. I narrowed my choices down to two and since these were like 30 bucks cheaper than the other brand, they won. I’ve run in them three times since buying them on Friday and I love them. I’ve even shaved over a minute off my three-mile run since last week. It’s the shoes, I tell you!
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Bagge72 September 12, 2013, 1:28 pm
I’m pretty sure have of my wife’s pay check goes to Essie.
iwannatalktosampson September 12, 2013, 1:31 pm
Essie is the shiz. For reals.
Bagge72 September 12, 2013, 1:34 pm
You’re the shiz.
iwannatalktosampson September 12, 2013, 1:39 pm
Can’t hate on that comment.
Bagge72 September 12, 2013, 1:34 pm
half not have doh.
kerrycontrary September 12, 2013, 1:44 pm
I only buy Essie nail polish (its the only kind that stays on!) and that color is gorgeous. I’m wearing dark purple for fall (when its 90 degrees out…).
Moneypenny September 12, 2013, 6:24 pm
I love Essie! I’m wearing a light blue polish right now. And I have that turquoise color! It lasts so long!
othy September 12, 2013, 1:47 pm
Good running shoes make all the difference. I’ve been rocking the Saucony hurricanes, and they make me run faster, better, and safer (i.e., my joint problems in my cheap running shoes have disappeared). Good running shoes are well worth the money!
GatorGirl September 12, 2013, 1:57 pm
I need to buy grown up jeans. I’m not looking forward to it.
Fabelle September 12, 2013, 2:23 pm
god, I hate, hate, hate buying jeans.
GatorGirl September 12, 2013, 2:33 pm
Yeah, me too. I’m still rocking jeans from American Eagle because I hate the jean shopping process so much.
iwannatalktosampson September 12, 2013, 2:36 pm
I will literally wear jeans until they fall apart. I have to buy them about once every 3 years. I have probably 5 pairs now and 3 of them have holes in certain places, but not enough places that I have shame about wearing them in public. I justify this behavior because I rarely wear jeans anyway. I’m more of a skirt/dress/yoga pant wearing individual. There’s more room for food babies in skirts/dresses/yoga pants. No coincidence there.
rachel September 12, 2013, 2:37 pm
I absolutely wear jeans until they fall apart.
GatorGirl September 12, 2013, 2:47 pm
I wear jeans till they fall apart too. Which when you only thrown down $30 happens fairly quickly. I also wear jeans like 6 days a week so. (When I actually put on pants…which is only for like 2 hours a day. I love working from home.)
I also don’t wash jeans often. Maybe like once a month…maybe.
CatsMeow September 12, 2013, 2:57 pm
That’s definitely what I used to do. My new method is to wear them until I get too fat to fit into them anymore, but then refuse to get rid of them or buy new ones because I’m convinced it will be motivation to get skinnier.
Copa September 12, 2013, 3:03 pm
We have the same strategy! My closet is kind of embarrassing. I probably own 20 pairs of jeans but only 3 fit right now. Hmm.
heathacat September 12, 2013, 6:57 pm
Oh good. I have a bag of I-better-wear-you-agains that I should start looking at before making myself food and snacks. And definitely desserts.
MaterialsGirl September 12, 2013, 2:33 pm
I bought several pairs of JCrew hipster jeans.. then they stopped carrying them. I can’t remember what the Jcrew pair i have now is called, but I have them in two or three colors. (i wear jeans to work). Plus.. as a tall girl, i NEED THE EXTRA LENGTH
GatorGirl September 12, 2013, 2:36 pm
I was thinking about going for JCrew jeans. The closest store is over 2 hours away though.
MaterialsGirl September 12, 2013, 2:37 pm
order them online.. it’s what i have to do anyway. I have an order coming to me tomorrow with some pairs of pants that I’m not sure about, but can’t try on cause they don’t carry talls in the store. At the very least, order several and then return them when you drive to that part (or mail em back and take the $8? hit?)
kerrycontrary September 12, 2013, 2:39 pm
GG since you are in a college town do they have any boutique stores? My college town had 2-3 fashionable stores that carried nice brands (sometimes designer). You could look there for jeans.
MaterialsGirl September 12, 2013, 2:42 pm
bummer.. those mother jeans don’t have long inseams
GatorGirl September 12, 2013, 2:43 pm
There are a few boutiques but they mostly carry dresses (not a huge denim market when it’s always hot). Actually, I can only think of 2 boutiques. It doesn’t make a ton of sense since it’s a college town in the South but oh well.
I need to just either a- drive to Orlando or b- order some.
kerrycontrary September 12, 2013, 2:50 pm
Drive to Orlando! I’m one of those weirdos that likes Orlando haha. You could probably look at their fancy outlets. When I lived in PA growing up we had to do 1-2 big shopping trips a year to King of Prussia because the mall SUCKED.
GatorGirl September 12, 2013, 2:53 pm
OMG I hate Orlando other than the outlets and the big ass mall. Otherwise it is the death of me. I grew up about 30 minutes from KOP and I freaking love that place.
katie September 12, 2013, 7:30 pm
so weird. KOP is where my friend lives now and when she gave me her address i was like…. wtf? who names a town that?
Imsostartled September 13, 2013, 1:52 am
YES!! My husbands family live near KOP and I’ve always been like what the hell, who the heck names a town King of Prussia. So weird. All I’ve heard it’s known for outside of the immediate vicinity is the mall. haha.
kerrycontrary September 12, 2013, 2:37 pm
I have to buy talls too. I want to scream every time a salesperson said “oh but our inseams tend to run long so the regulars will be long enough”. Really? Because that has never happened. Ever.
MaterialsGirl September 12, 2013, 2:38 pm
NEVER. EVER. HAPPENED
you can’t make a 33 inch a 35!!!
kerry.. where do you get pants/jeans/dresses etc
kerrycontrary September 12, 2013, 2:48 pm
I usually buy designer jeans (Paige brand), Seven for All Mankind are long enough when flares are in style. I think I’m a 34inch inseam? For dresses where I need to buy a long (like for work) I do Anne Taylor tall. They def make sleeves long enough for tall people. I’m only 5’8″ but am sort of limb-y. Lately I’ve just been buying pants that are skinny/straight and supposed to be ankle length anyways so I don’t have to worry about length as much.
MaterialsGirl September 12, 2013, 2:50 pm
Yeah when I buy cardigans now, I suck it up and buy the talls full price at Jcrew. I’m just so much happier when my clothes fit properly. Also, I have to say that I do keep all these clothes for a very long time, so I feel like I get good use out of them.
I’ll have to look at Ann Taylor talls.. Yeah i’ve had good luck with 7 for all mankind and citizens before, too
va-in-ny September 12, 2013, 2:03 pm
I was fitted for shoes in the city last week and took home the exact same pair!
iseeshiny September 12, 2013, 2:04 pm
I have been eying those sheets for TWO. YEARS. I want them so much.
mylaray September 12, 2013, 2:19 pm
Haha, I have that shade of Essie and it’s one of my favorites recently! I’m way too addicted to Essie and nail polish in general.
Rosie September 12, 2013, 2:19 pm
I’ve been wearing that exact Essie color all summer too! So cute.
SixtyFour September 12, 2013, 2:27 pm
I heart Wendy’s picks. I bought that picnic blanket recommended a few months ago and LOVE IT!
MaterialsGirl September 12, 2013, 2:35 pm
The guides are great for people who need some stability. If you’re a neutral running, try the Rides.. comparable in size/weight and price. I wore them for YEARS and YEARS. Now, I’m in a couple different pair that are lighter in weight, but for city running and the rec runner, these are great, trustworthy shoes that will keep you healthy and happy
Copa September 12, 2013, 3:01 pm
That Essie color has been my fave two summers in a row! And people always compliment it! It’s he best! Great pick!
lets_be_honest September 12, 2013, 3:15 pm
I can cosign how amazing Mother jeans are. Everyone quick! Go get a pair for yourself.
Moneypenny September 12, 2013, 6:28 pm
Gotta love Essie polish! I recommend getting their clear top-coat stuff as well- makes it last even -longer- than normal!
And those are some cute jeans… Just what I need, more jeans! But I wear them every day practically, so does that justify a new purchase?!
iwannatalktosampson September 12, 2013, 6:30 pm
Yes, you’d be amazed at how many dresses I can justify as “work appropriate” as long as I throw a suit jacket on top of them. So if you work in jeans, really it’s an investment in your career, your future, and who can say no to that?
Moneypenny September 12, 2013, 10:56 pm
I totally agree! And if you wear them all the time, you’re getting your money’s worth much more than if they just sat in your closet.
Something Random September 12, 2013, 6:59 pm
That Essie polish is beautiful. Ironically, it would be a great favor for the baby shower I’m hosting. The turquoise color matches my blue pretty closely 😉
Something Random September 12, 2013, 7:04 pm
Yes, I’m trying to be ironic. I’d also like to add that I don’t fit in my jeans because of Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie Cream Liqueur. Its like drinking pie.
Something Random September 12, 2013, 7:05 pm
Just realized I already said I was being ironic. I’m done now.
kare September 13, 2013, 12:09 am
Same here! The colors are turquoise and coral so we are doing nail polish in those colors for favors. 🙂
Copa September 13, 2013, 9:49 am
I love the turquoise and coral together. It’s one of my favorite color combos!
bittergaymark September 12, 2013, 7:56 pm
Ugh. At 6’4, Pants continue to be the bane of my existence. Why so much high fashion is geared towards “little people” is something I simply shall never understand. I guess all of America truly is short and fat. How easy it must be to buy clothes if you are short and fat. Hey, you may look like shit — but your sizes are always in stock…
Something Random September 12, 2013, 9:52 pm
If you think tall and skinny is hard to find try tall and fat. I’m female and almost 5’9 with somewhat narrow legs and broad shoulders. And I have a wine pooch around the middle. Nothing fits anywhere. Lovely right?
bittergaymark September 12, 2013, 10:26 pm
It’s weird how hard it is to find clothes or tall people. I mean at 5’9 you are not even THAT tall. And yet many of my girl friends around your height have such a terrible time finding things that aren’t absurdly highwater…
Imsostartled September 13, 2013, 1:58 am
Whoo hoo for those of us tall people who are tall only in their torso. I have short legs for my height (5’9) and am all torso. Finding the proper length of jeans is easy. Tops on the other hand are the bane of my existence. I can never find any that are long enough. All the cute tops out there are for short people and I get stuck with the older peoples style. Blah. I for one never think it’s attractive for people when they raise their hands to see their stomach/gut (you should tell that to my boss though – ice).
Just because we’re more awesome being tall doesn’t mean you should treat us unfairly shorties! (I kid I kid)
rachel September 16, 2013, 10:31 am
It’s actually really difficult for me to find pants that fit properly, being short and fat. Major retailers tend to scale length with width in an awkward way, so it’s hard to find truly “short” jeans in an 18. Though I won’t complain too much, because I can just pay 20 bucks to hem my jeans, but you can’t make them longer.
Melissa September 13, 2013, 12:13 am
I like how the nailpolish you picked is the same colour as your website, Wendy!
Addie Pray September 13, 2013, 7:43 am
Man, I’m disappointed that mother jeans aren’t mom jeans. I’m hoping mom jeans make a comeback.
titian September 13, 2013, 10:52 am
Linen sheets? Cotton sheets drive me crazy with the constant wrinkles, weren’t these insanely wrinkled?
LANY September 13, 2013, 8:42 pm
My bedding set is the Belgian Linen collection (well, really, my entire house is Restoration Hardware)… They don’t wrinkle any more than cotton, and its mostly when they come right out of the dryer – the wrinkes relax out within a day or so of sleeping on them. And really – BEST sheets ever. Second massive endorsement.
titian September 16, 2013, 10:09 am
Good to know!