14 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

I can't believe it's almost August. I mean, how?? The summer is over half over! It's going by way too fast. My kids are finishing their fifth week of camp today, which is just bizarre. (And it's hitting me how I had hoped to accomplish way more during those camp hours that I actually have. Eek!)

And, now, we're finally doing a little bit of (local-ish) traveling. We visited friends in the Hamptons last weekend, which was great, and are heading to Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore next week. (Believe it or not, I haven't been to the Jersey Shore since I was a kid!). This weekend, we'll be laying low at the lake, which I am definitely excited for. A lazy weekend of reading sounds good to me. 

Whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you make it a great one. Here's a few fun links to check out in the meantime.

• If you've seen me in person in the past two weeks, there's a decent chance I was wearing this Vici dress, because I have been living in it. It's kind of the perfect dress: It's basically a big, soft t-shirt, so it's super comfy, but the cut is just right, so it's not shapeless or overly baggy. And I love the dusty black color; it looks vintage-y and just a little worn in. I've dressed it up with gold sandals and a long necklace, and worn it running around town with flip flops and a hat. And it's under $50! I'm obsessed.

• I've always been an Anthropologie fan (fun fact: I worked there years ago!), but lately I've been rediscovering it in a big way. They have so much great stuff right now! I recently bought this hat, which I love, and two of these $18 knotted headbands, which are perfect (and much less expensive) dupes of those Lele Sadoughi headbands everyone is wearing. And this lacy top is next on my list. How pretty is it?!?

• Got these blush-pink sandals from Target (!) the other day, and they are even cuter in person.

• As I mentioned a few weeks back in this post about how to increase your reading, I've been reading a ton this year. I'm now up to 64 books in 2019! And in case you're looking for a beach read, here are a few of the very best ones I've read since that post: Recursion (this one actually ranks as an all-time fave. SO GOOD), A Nearly Normal Family, Lock Every Door, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Beekeeper of Aleppo (out in late August, but you can pre-order), and You Were There Too (this doesn't launch until January, but it's worth preordering. I loved it!).

• Speaking of books, I'm super excited about a new podcast coming soon from one of my Instagram buddies, @bookishkatenyc. It's called The Shelf-Care Podcast, and it combines two of my favorite things: books and beauty. (Uh, why didn't I think of that!??!) Kate already told me who the first guest is, too, and it's a good one!

• I went to an Amazon holiday preview earlier this week, and there was so much good stuff. A lot of it is already available, so here's a peek at my three very favorite things I saw there: this amazing gold flatware set (four five-piece place settings for under $95), this stunning serving piece (so good for entertaining!), and this jewelry storage cabinet hidden inside a mirror (I need this).

• I never knew I wanted a "snuggle nook" until I saw this one. Now, I need a snuggle nook. (I mean, how cozy and gorgeous and snuggle-worthy does it seem?!?)

• I hadn't even heard of Electric sunglasses a year ago--and suddenly they are by far my favorite brand. I own three pairs now! My latest is this Honey Bee style in Nude Crystal, which is a big departure for me (I almost always wear black sunnies), but it's so fun. And my absolute favorite pair is the Crasher in Matte Black. So cool! They're definitely not cheap, but they are extremely durable, and just so damn good-looking.

• Besides being a blogger and a beauty-PR wizard, my friend Meghan is a true Paris expert (she has so many dreamy posts of her many trips there on her blog!). She recently launched a new service where she'll help you plan your trip there by creating a personalized, curated list of cool things to do and see including lots of hidden gems you won't find in the guidebooks. If you're heading to Paris soon, 1) I'm jealous, and 2) check out her service, Paris, Perfected. It's only $25!

• Watermelon Mint Frose?! Uh, yes, please!

• After hearing rave after rave from people I admire, I had to check out this much talked about essay. You should, too. It's worth it.

• A photographer asked elderly couples to pose for engagement-style photos--and the results are adorable.

And in case you missed it, I...

• Told you why you must visit Nosara, Costa Rica immediately.

• Shared exactly what I bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Have a great weekend!

Here's Exactly What I Bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

I know you are probably sick of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts. I'm sick of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale posts. (That's why I didn't do any sort of preview beforehand!) That said, I did just shop it (logged on right at 12:30--LOL!), and I wanted to show you exactly what I bought in case you're looking for anything similar or need some ideas.

Note: This was actually the first year that I was able to shop the pre-sale! I've never been a cardholder, so I usually have to wait until the regular sale starts, and then it's always super annoying because all the best stuff that all the bloggers have been posting about is already sold out.

I haven't had a Nordstrom card in the past, because I have a thing against store credit cards--I typically don't believe in them. BUT I realized that the early access makes such a huge difference, so I decided to get one just this once. I don't expect to use my Nordstrom card for anything besides early access to the sale, and I'll pay it off immediately. If you want to shop the good stuff in the sale and are considering getting one, too, I do think it's totally worth it. And you get approved right away--and can shop right away!

Anyway, here's what I bought! (You can click directly on the photos, or scroll down for prices and info about each one...) :) 

Happy shopping!

{from top, left to right}



BP Jogger Sweatpants: ($31.90, regular price: $49) These slim, leopard print pants are really fun and such an amazing deal.

Treasure & Bond Pleated Top: ($45.90, regular price: $69) Love the versatility of this one; it would be super cute for day or night. And the sunny yellow color is so pretty!

Halogen Crewneck Sweater: ($45.90, regular price: $69) A great everyday sweater in a range of colors. I got one of the striped ones, but they have nice solids, too.

Something Navy Flecked Crewneck Sweater: ($49, regular price: $79) I love that this chunky sweater is like a great basic but with a twist: There are cool little flecks woven in the fabric that almost look like sprinkles!

Halogen Lace Detail Blouse: ($49.90, regular price: $79) I'm always looking for great tops to wear with jeans for a night out. This one is so pretty and will be perfect for date nights this fall.

Vince Camuto Stud Trim Hammered Satin Blouse: ($65.90, regular price: $99) Such a good going-out top, and such an insanely good price! I love the stud details. I got the pale pink, but it comes in a bunch of other great colors, too.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Island Cardigan: ($72.90, regular price: $110) I've written before about my intense love for the Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan (SO. FREAKING. SOFT AND COZY.). Well. This was such a good deal that I decided to try this style, too. 

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Circle Cardigan: ($76.90, regular price: $116) Ok, confession: I got two Barefoot Dreams cardigans...! I already own this one in silvery gray and black, but since it's one of my all-time favorite things, I couldn't resist snatching up another one in the light grayish-blue shade.

Nike Air Zoom Fearless Flyknit 2 Training Sneaker: ($96.90, regular price: $130) My black and white Flyknits are my absolute favorite pair of sneakers (so comfortable and really, really good-looking), so it was a must to snatch up this bronze-y color at this (incredible) price.

Free People Softly Structured Knit Tunic: ($99, regular price: $148) Love me a big cozy sweater for fall. This one is so good with leggings or skinny jeans.

That's it! Hope you guys scoop up some great stuff. (And if you get any of these things, too, let me know!)

The Day I Designed My Own Sandals at Amanu

 

During the summer after I graduated college, I went to Greece with my family. And one of my favorite memories from the trip was visiting "The Poet Shoemaker" in Athens. This was a famous elderly man who was both a poet and a cobbler, creating gorgeous leather sandals fitted exactly to your feet, while you waited. It was the coolest experience, the sandals were beautiful and fit perfectly, and I still have them. (The quality was and is incredible!) So, when I caught a mention of Amanu, a sandal-making studio in Los Angeles, on my friend Hitha's Instagram, it brought back those custom-sandal memories.

When we headed out on our West Coast road trip this summer, I knew I had to check them out. So one morning in L.A. (I'll write part two of the road trip soon, I promise!), my sister-in-law Kerri and I left our kids with our husbands, and headed off on our own to make some shoes! (Note: I'm pretty sure they accept walk-ins, but we had pre-booked slots online, so there woudn't be a wait.)

Amanu is a small, adorable little shop tucked just off Melrose. You choose from around ten different styles of sandals, two different leather soles (black or nude), and then a large selection of colors, materials, and sizes of straps. I'm super indecisive, so if you go, I'd recommend doing what I did, which was looking at their website and Instagram beforehand. That meant I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted before I got there. 

I had fallen in love with Style 08 almost immediately via Instagram. It has a thin leather strap around your big toe, a second over your foot, and then long suede straps that tie around your ankle. And though there were a million different ways I could have gone in terms of color, I actually didn't take long choosing my those either. I went with nude soles, rose-gold leather for the foot and toe straps, and then tan suede for the ankle ties. (Kerri got Style 09 with tan straps on a black sole.)

Then, comes the really cool part: They measure your feet for a custom fit, and start building your shoes! You're paired with a cobbler or "maker" (mine was Khoi) who creates the shoe right there in front of you, and it all happens right in the middle of the store, hammers, tacks and all. They'll stop occasionally to place it on your foot to test out the fit, but the whole process is surprisingly quick--maybe 30 minutes? 

Once the shoes are completed, and you're totally happy with the fit, they'll place them in one of their cute reusable crochet shopping bags. (They each have a piece of leather stamped with "Amanu," which I learned is actually repurposed scraps from the shoes. Love that. No waste!) 

The shoes certainly aren't cheap (they vary a little depending on the materials used; mine were around $250), but they definitely don't feel cheap either. They are clearly beautifully made with high-quality materials. I love mine, and can't wait to go back. Maybe a black pair next time? ;)

(And because it needs to be said: This is not sponsored and I received no discount on my shoes!)

16 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

Love this Insta photo by @hobopeeba

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that, to quote Wayne's World (does that date me?): 

"Hi. I'm in...Delaware." 

Yep, the kids and I are doing our annual summer tradition of staying with my parents in the beach town of Fenwick Island, DE. We've been here for nearly a week now, and we have just over a week to go! (Husband comes down on the weekends...) There's lots of pool time, lots of ice cream, lots of my mom's home cooking, lots of reading (and actual relaxing!), and my kids have only fought, oh, 60 percent of the time! It's been a great way to wind down the summer. And I'm not even thinking about the fact that, when we get back, I'll have exactly one day to get the kids ready for their first day of school. (Gulp.)

Hope you are enjoying the tail end of the season, and that whatever you're up to this weekend, you make it a great one. Here's a few fun links to check out in the meantime!

• I need new jeans and I love the exposed buttons--and the fit--of this J.Crew pair. (And you can get 20 percent off with code PANTSPARTY.)

• Gold Chelsea boots! They are so cool and look really comfy, too.

• This sherpa camo bomber jacket is calling my name.

• I'm always looking for great tops to wear with jeans, and this is such a pretty one. I love the bright pink color. (Plus, it's an extra 40 percent off right now!)

• I've had a major zit over the past week (wahh!), so I've been relying heavily on my new favorite concealer, Bareminerals Barepro Concealer. I've been really into it for the last two months or so for my everyday dark circles, spots, and redness, but this current pimple has really put it to the test. (And it's held up well!) I love the consistency and it really stays put. It reminds me a lot of the awesome, much-loved, but nearly-three-times-as-expensive Cle de Peau concealer, and every friend I've recommended it to is now equally obsessed. Definitely the best new concealer! #notanad

• Have you guys read Educated? It's the (true) story of a woman who grew up in a very crazy, very religious family that didn't believe in doctors or school. She endured some seriously insane stuff, never went to a single day of school, and eventually made it to Cambridge and Harvard. It reminds me a lot of The Glass Castle (another incredible read!), and I tore through this one in two days. Highly recommend--it's amazing!

 • Then, last night, I finished Still Lives, which was a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, so I had been super excited about it because she always picks amazing stuff. Maybe my expectations were too high though, because I thought it was just...okay. It is a VERY quick, very easy read, it did keep my attention (especially towards the end when things really rev up), and the mystery/premise is interesting, but I just didn't really feel that connected to any of the characters. So, I don't know. Do with that what you will?

• If you love beauty freebies (um, is there anyone who doesn't), here is a good one: If you make a $100 purchase on fresh.com now through September 3rd, you'll get a bonus gift with a cute makeup bag filled with jumbo samples of six of their best-sellers.

• The biggest difference between parents and non-parents: the loss of alone time.

• Jennifer Lawrence interviewed Emma Stone for the cover of Elle this month. Here's why that's a bad idea.

• A pregnant mom eats a poppy seed bagel--and then almost has her newborn baby taken away from her.

• How Samantha Bee gets it all done.

And in case you missed it, I...

• Asked you to weigh in on whether I should let my kid dye her hair. (And, boy, you had a lot to say about that both on the post and here.)

• Listed 15 blog posts you would have loved (if I had actually written them).

• Shared a crazy-good discount code for becoming a member of BJ's Wholesale Club.

• Relived the glorious 36 hours I spent in Los Angeles.

Have a great weekend!

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18 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

Love this drawing by @melseysillustrations (She is selling prints of it, too!)

I've been pretty MIA for the last week or so. Besides the news--which has been relentless and pretty tough to take--I've been swamped with "mom stuff," namely shuttling my kids to various camps and dealing with that whole thing, which it turns out, is way more work and stress than it should be! (Speaking of the news, I fell in love with the drawing above when I stumbled on it on Instagram. I love everything about it, including that it kind of looks like it could be a portrait of my daughter and I! If you love it, too, you can purchase a print here.)

This weekend, we're having friends over to our lakehouse to celebrate the 4th a little bit early. Then we're doing some family stuff, and yes, a little more decluttering! (If you follow my Instagram Stories, you might know that we've been decluttering like crazy. And now we're getting a dumpster at our house for the second time this month!) 

Anyway, whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you make it a great one. Here's a few fun things to check out in the meantime.

• I pretty much live in denim shorts during the summer. My latest purchase: this pair from Madewell. I love the visible buttons, the fit is great, and the length is perfect (not too long, not too short).

• Just finished The Arrangement and loved it! It was a quick, fun read that I couldn't put down. The premise is interesting (it's about a couple that decides to have an open marriage for a six-month period), the setting is smart and familar (a yuppie-ish New York community), and it's actually laugh-out-loud funny in parts. Kind of the perfect thing for a vacation or beach read.

• And before that, I tore through Something in The Water, which I picked up because it's the latest pick in Reese Witherspoon's book club, and that woman has a serious knack for finding great books. This one is one of those books that really grabs you and doesn't let go. It took me two days to read and I was late to many things during that time because I could not stop reading it. This is definitely going to become a movie at some point, too, I'm sure (it would be perfect as one!), so definitely worth reading now!

• And finally on the books thing: I just started reading Beartown. After hearing rave after rave about it being one of the best books people have read in their lifetime, I had to check it out.

• My other love: clothes! From the gold detailing to the sleek navy shape, this maxi dress is absolutely stunning.

• So in love with these gorgeous tablecloths! Love the patterns and all the beautiful colors. They also work as a beach blanket or coverlet, but I'm excited to use them for outdoor entertaining in my new backyard. (They're--finally--supposed to be done with the backyard reno today. Eek!)

• Speaking of tableware/outdoor entertaining, I'm obsessed with everything in the new Aerin Lauder for Williams Sonoma collection. I want it all (especially the ice buckets!), and I'm really considering buying a few pieces now, because most of the collection is currently on sale, and you can get free shipping with code JULY.

• This new Keurig makes legit lattes and cappuccinos from any K-cup. It even steams the milk and makes foam. I WANT IT SO BAD!

• Do you guys use top sheets on your bed? I haven't in years (they're the devil!), so I definitely appreciated this piece about how top sheets are becoming passe. 

• I wrote about my must-have summer beauty products for the BJ's Wholesale Club blog. Check it out!

• New skin cream does "something." (Lol!)

• I'm dying to try drone photography after seeing these amazing photos.

• News you can use: which wine pairs best with Chinese takeout.

• This video of Asian women taking off their (very elaborate) makeup blows my mind. (How are these the same people?!?)

• WOW. This is quite possibly the best campaign ad I have ever seen. (I can't stop watching it!)

• To bring attention to the heartbreaking policy of separating children from the parents at the border--and to remind us all that these are real people and real lives--my friend Monica met with a mother and child who had fled their home country to come to America. The now five-year-old little boy spent 700 (!) days in baby jail. Definitely worth reading their story.

And in case you missed it, I...

• Adopted kittens from Beth and Howard Stern. (Yes, that Howard Stern!)

• Got great deals on men's grooming products.

Have a great weekend!

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I Want This Cute Spring Stuff (And You Will, Too!)

It may be gross and rainy today, but for two days this past weekend, we had a glimpse of spring! And it was glorious! But it also reminded me that I hate all the warm-weather clothes I already own (isn't that always the case?!) and need some new stuff. The items below are on my current wishlist--there's spring dresses that will take you straight into summer, pretty sandals, and more. (Just click on any of the photos for more details.) 

And while I love everything shown, here's a few standouts that top my list:

Slouchy grey bag - My current everyday bag is on its last legs. I love the shape of this one and the color (neutral enough to wear with everything, but still light and spring-y), and I looove the price. $59! Sure, it's not real leather, but no one has to know that but us, right?

Blue cutout dress - I love that the cutouts are teeny and in an area that's not super revealing. (Because no one--including me--needs a front view of my tummy.) And it's $50!

Tassel sandals - Obsessed with these! I like that they're neutral so they go with everything (no crazy weirdo colors), that they're flat/comfy, and that they aren't ridiculously pricey. 

Embroidered dress - This would be so pretty and breezy on a warm day (maybe with the sandals above?). I like that it's roomy and just so easy to throw on.

Dinosaur sweatshirt - The softest sweatshirt with the cutest pastel dino print. Too cute.

Off-the-shoulder top - The crochet on this under-$100 white top is really pretty and I love the off-the-shoulder silhouette. Love this with jeans for drinks with friends or date night.

What's your fave thing on  my list? And is it warm yet where you live? Tell me so I can live vicariously!

I Wore This Awesome Dress To Meet Christie Brinkley (And Now It's On Sale!)

Dress (on sale!), Rebecca Taylor (also here and size 00 here). Booties, La Canadienne. Necklace (Tiffany--old. Similar here, here, here, and here). Lip color, Aveda Nourish-Mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze in Wineberry

All photos (except for the last one) by Raquel Langworthy Photography

Back in December, I got invited to a really cool beauty event: It was the launch of Christie Brinkley's brand new makeup line (which actually just launched today!), where we'd be having dinner with Christie and then spending the night in the Mark Hotel. (As a mom who loves supermodels and is constantly woken up at 6:30am by one or both of my kids, this sounded like my kind of heaven!)

Now, I am not typically a light packer, but for some reason, this night, I really got it in my head that I was going to become one. I packed my favorite (but fairly small!) MZ Wallace camo bag with my pjs, a pair of undies and a different shirt for the next day (I'd wear the same jeans I came in), a pair of tights for that night, and a few toiletries. That's it! And then of course, I'd also be bringing my outfit for the big dinner with Christie: a favorite navy DVF dress. But I didn't want it to wrinkle, so I had it hanging on my closet door until the last possible second.

You can probably guess where this is going.

That evening,-I checked into the hotel an hour before the festivites started. As soon as I got into my room, I unzipped my bag to hang up my dress, and yep--the dress wasn't there. I had forgotten it. My fancy dinner with Christie was coming up ASAP and I was wearing a t-shirt and jeans.  

First, I panicked. Then, I ran out of the hotel to see if I could find something to wear--in record time. Luckily, the Mark is located smack in the middle of a lot of really great (albeit mostly very ritzy) stores on the Upper East Side. At this point, I had just over 30 minutes to find something, so I knew I probably only had time for one store. I noticed that Rebecca Taylor was literally across the street, so I said a quick prayer to the fashion gods and ran inside. 

I proceeded to run around the store like a mad woman, grabbing anything that might possibly work for the event, keeping in mind that whatever I bought also had to work with flat booties as they were literally the only shoes I had with me! I tried on six or so dresses, shockingly really loved four of them, and then decided on the one you see here. 

And you know what? I LOVE IT SO MUCH! It is really comfortable, it's super flattering, it runs true to size, and it can be worn a bunch of different ways (off-the-shoulder or on, with heels or flats, etc, etc). Best of all: Though I had to buy it full price, it's now on big-time sale right here, here, and here. (There are already limited sizes though, so run and grab yours before it sells out completely.) 

This dress was definitely the most panicked and last-minute purchase I have ever made. But it's gorgeous, and I felt great in it. Even next to Christie Brinkley. And believe me, that's no small thing!

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This Cute Sweater Is Under $50!

Sweater (on sale!); Jeans; Boots (on sale!); Necklace (old, similar and also here); Bag (old, similar--on sale!); Sunglasses, similar.

Boots (on sale!); Jeans; Bag, (old, similar--on sale!). Photos by Lydia Hudgens

I love a good deal, and today I have two pretty amazing ones for you. When I bought this sweater a few months back, I paid full price for it, and even then the price wasn't too bad. But now it's on sale! For $46! It's really comfy and warm and the blouse-y sleeves make it feel just a little more special than your average sweater. It also comes in charcoal, so of course, now I'm considering getting that one, too...!

I really love the sweater worn with skinny jeans and these Nine West boots (yes, Nine West!), which are also an incredible deal right now. Originally $199, they were already on sale for $79, but then right now, you can get an additional 30 percent off, which makes them $56...! And I promise you that they look way, way more expensive than that price. (Love those gold buttons!) They remind me so much of a pair of Loeffler Randall boots that I've had forever, but of course the Nine West ones cost several hundred dollars less. (*Note: I'm wearing the dark brown boots in these photos and they are the price mentioned above. The same boots also come in black, but for some reason that color is $20 more. Still a great deal though!)

Enjoy! (If you own the sweater or boots--or if you just bought one or both--definitely tell me below...)

And, P.S., speaking of deals: Have you seen this one? Free fancy home products!

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Red Velvet Top

velvet top, Eileen Fisher (sold out, but similar here, here, here, and here); jeans, Zara (old; similar here and here); booties, Rag & Bone (way less expensive but very similar studded version here); clutch, old (similar here); nail polish, Essie Romper Room

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

I went to high school in the '90s, so velvet holds a special place in my heart. Back then, velvet was hugely popular, and I was hugely into it. I had velvet everyyyyything. Velvet baby doll dresses, a velvet patchwork shirt (yes, it was ugly), flowy velvet poet blouses, floppy velvet hats, velvet chokers, a velvet bra top that I wore peeking out from a flannel shirt when I went to concerts (don't ask), velvet scrunchies, and so on and so on. I was a walking Contempo Casuals ad, I was George Costanza ensconced in my beloved velvet (who remembers that episode?), and I loved every moment of it.

And now, velvet is huge again, and I. am. living for it. This burgundy top was my first nostalgic velvet purchase. (It's sold out, but you can find a similar one here, here, here, and here.) I love toughening it up by wearing it with gray jeans and black boots, but it could also be dressed up with black pants and heels. So good for a holiday party!

Who else is super into velvet right now? And who else was into velvet during the '90s, like me? (Anyone??)

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