I Made A Questionable Sandal Choice

Late last week, with birthday money burning a hole in my pocket, I bought myself a pair of black Teva Original Universal sandals. I'm at least two years late on the trend and have long been reluctant to take the plunge for some glaringly obvious reasons: Rubber flip-floppy soles. Big, chunky plastic hardware. Prominently visible logo. Fuckin' velcro. By rights, these shoes are not cute.

And yet...

Like the proverbial moth to the flame, I was drawn to them. There must be a certain number of cool-looking people you need to see donning a questionable look before the scales are tipped from seriously? to yes pls. Apparently, my personal quota was reached. I was already in the market for a comfy, utilitarian-ish sandal to replace my ultra beat-up black Birks. Plus, Tevas are half the price ;)

As I was strapping up my shoes for their maiden voyage out the house, Josh stared at them for a moment, then said, "These must be trendy. Because they are really ugly." Fair point lol.

What are your thoughts on popular-yet-unattractive footwear? (For what it's worth, you will NEVER see me in a pair of Crocs.)

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Floral Shorts (For Summer? Groundbreaking.)

Filed under: Things I covet but absolutely, positively, one hundred percent do not need. 

  

Floral printed cut-off denim shorts! (Phew, that was a mouthful.)

So dang cute, right? These ones are from Zara -- I'm particularly fond of the bright Warhol-y vibe of the last pair.

However, there's no denying the sad fact that, wearing these, I would fully resemble a six-year old on the last day of kindergarten. It is what it is. I'll just settle for admiring them from afar (and being more-than-a-little jealous of everyone who pulls them off). 

What trends are you planning to test drive this summer?

Image credit (top): Stocksy

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Shopping For A Trench Coat

That's it. I'm done. You can't pay me to wear my puffer coat anymore. (JK you absolutely can. I accept cash and etransfers.)

These days, I'm focused on hunting down the ideal trench coat. I've long been enamored by their old time-y feel and how they usually pull together any look in a really polished way. A good trench is also an incredibly multipurpose garment that can serve as a rain jacket, a windbreaker, a layering piece, even a dress. Versatility!

My last one (a traditional double-breasted, belted taupe number, with quilted stitching at the elbows and shoulders) went missing in Paris -- which felt very poetic in the moment, but sucked so bad later that night when the weather got colder. That was six years ago. For some reason, I'm still waiting to replace it.

These are the latest contenders :)

Classic

 

Banana Republic (left), perfect if you're looking for the dictionary definition of a trench coat. Nice quality, safe styling. Plus, all Banana Republic merch routinely goes on a 40% off promo ;) 

Club Monaco (right), my favorite. I'm obsessed with the slim shape, the color, the metal hardware. Moderately less enthused by the four hundred dollar price tag.

Open Front (no buttons)

 

Aritzia (left), going button-free isn't super useful when it's cold and rainy, right? I suppose the upside is that you can have fun playing around with different belts?

Zara (right), same deal re: practicality. Love the color as an alternative to beige (but still very neutral).

Something Special

 

Zara (left), big fan of a puff sleeve! Bonus points for the epaulettes. Sadly, in personal practice, anything that voluminous tends to swallow my 5'3" frame whole.

H&M (right), cuuute cinched waist, interesting front overlap/closure detail. I'd find a way to give that boring sleeve opening needs some love.

What's YOUR outerwear-of-choice for when the snow is gone?

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What I Might Wear If I Had Somewhere To Be

In the last twelve months, my wardrobe hasn't evolved beyond jeans, tees, chunky sweaters, and pyjamas. I have even acquired a growing collection of fleece joggers -- garments that didn't exist in my closet pre-pandemic. Surely, I'm not alone in saying that lazy-wear (the comfier, shlumpier cousin to loungewear) is the only fashion trend* to take-off in a truly pervasive way this year.

*I use the term fashion trend in the loosest way possible.

That being said... No one can stop you from fantasizing about real clothes, even if (like me) you are home roughly twenty-three hours a day, EVERY day.

What am I daydreaming about lately? Sweater vests! The preppy, borderline-dorky vibe is really fun, and I'm impressed by the many different ways these pieces can be styled/layered. Although I'm unconvinced I could ever actually pull one off, I still find myself mentally bookmarking sleeveless knitwear I might impulsively buy if, say, I had a *real indoor place* to go to lol.

Here are some of my favorites :)

 

 

 

Would you wear one? Do you already own some? I'm so curious!

Image credit: Treat People With Kindness

Image credit (products): Each photo is linked back to its source

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Let's Talk Footwear (For Dogs)

I get stopped with surprising regularity by other dog-walkers who are curious about Reggie's boots. Since winter is far from over (note: I take precisely zero pleasure in pointing that out), it could be useful to revisit an EXTREMELY important blog post from back in November and share more details about my pup's trusty footwear. Here's the scoop.

Reg wears Pawz rubber boots in size small. Seemingly, they are nothing fancy or special, and yet... They're the best! 

Pawz aren't designed for warmth, but they WILL keep abrasive salt and pebbles off your dog's skin, while also preventing slush from getting uncomfortably stuck between their toes. Once on their feet, the boots form a decent airtight seal, and are basically waterproof until the rubber gets torn. 

Best of all, the boots can't be kicked off lol.

Long story short: Perfect footwear for dogs who hate boots (i.e. most dogs) and need a waterproof barrier against wintery city sidewalks (i.e. all dogs). Happy trekking!

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Recently On Repeat

Long time no see!

Evidently, I haven't felt particularly inspired or motivated to update the blog. Blame the miserably frigid weather, paired with pandemic-related quasi house arrest. Anyway. It's not all bad news! Here is handful of fun things I've really enjoyed recently :)

Eating

Pio Pio's Peruvian chicken sandwiches with seasoned fries. 

Tofu poke bowls from OKOK. Don't forget to mix-and-match sauces!

A corner slice of Pizza Toni's square pepperoni (with spicy hot drizzle) is my new favorite one-handed lunch. Ordered with a can of...

Drinking

...Coconut La Croix! I might be hate-hooked on its strange taste. (Are you sweet or savory??)

Lupi Reali Montepulciano d'Abruzzo a.k.a. the very easy, very tasty red wine that will only set you back $12.

Zab ground espresso -- especially this blend -- with oat milk.

Doing

Playing Redecor day and night.  Please send help!

Technically, this one isn't a game, but I've been having fun with Warby Parker's interactive app while I shop around for new frames.

Indulging

Using Transforming Walnut Scrub from Ole Henriksen weekly. It's an oldie/goodie I reacquainted myself with last month. Easily the best (and best-smelling) facial scrub I've ever used.

Reading:

We're only one month into the new year, but Nothing Good Can Come From This, by Kristi Coulter, already set the bar ridiculously high for favorite book of 2021.

Wearing 

Apologies to all my other cold weather footwear, but I reach for black faux-shearling-lined Timberland boots every single day. Sturdy, warm, understated. Looks like they're on sale at The Bay, too.

What small things are keeping you sane during weary winter days?

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The Hunt For Cute Bedding

Back in October, I was struck with the sudden urge to refresh our apartment. (Didn't everyone get swept up in some form of Pandemic Nesting?)

Specifically, I had a nagging fixation on the smallest room in our place: Our painfully boring-looking bedroom. After seven years of living here, we were long overdue to show it some decorative love.

My first priority was finding ways to soften, brighten, and warm up the space because it gets hardly any natural light. Considering our bed dominates 90% of the floor's real estate (I swear the room is MINUSCULE), fresh and easy bedding seemed like a crucial update.

In my search, I discovered Urban Outfitters is a veritable hunting ground for lovely home decor. They basically make all your cozy boho bedroom dreams come true.

I MEAN...

 

 

 

Who knew! (Not me, apparently.)

I looove the calm atmosphere and all those mixed textures. (Corduroy! Velvet! Sherpa! Tufting!) Let's not forget the pretty color palette -- pastels, washed jewel tones, neutrals, with a sprinkling of interesting prints. Ultimately, I chose a tufted duvet set (in white) with a chunky teddy blanket. The quality is pretty damn impressive in-person. Weeks later, I'm still genuinely surprised by how much I like it all. 

Loads of customer reviews mention that the colors they saw online do not match what they received. To which I reply: It's Urban Outfitters lol of course you're not getting exactly what you saw online. Regardless, the store has a pretty lax return policy, should you be irrevocably disappointed.

My final thought? UO's prices are unbeatable if you're looking for thoughtful, current, stylish design. (Believe me -- I did hours of digital leg work.) Even if you're just shopping around for ideas, their merchandising is a treasure trove of inspiration for soft, laid back bedroom decor.

Next, I want to get my hands on these crescent moon-shaped mirrors from Coeur d'Artichaut, a series of sweet prints, and a pile of decorative throw pillows (for Reggie to inevitably claim as his own) ;)

Image credit: Residence Style

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Reliable Drugstore Beauty Basics

Sephora might be the utmost destination for all things beauty-related, but it's a mistake to overlook the usefulness of a well-stocked drugstore. There are loads of quality products tucked away in those seemingly endless aisles of merchandise -- you just need to know what to look for. Here are my main staples from the pharmacy :)

  

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash -- Safe to say, I'm in an extremely committed relationship with this product. It has such a clean, subtle smell, and it's rich, creamy texture feels pretty damn luxurious for something from the drugstore.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water -- If forced to choose, I think this stuff is my favorite skincare product of all time. It can be used as a cleanser, toner, or eye makeup remover, and is generally fabulous at getting rid of face grime lol. Plus, the brand comes from France, so you know it's faaancy ;)

PIXI Glow Tonic (5% Glycolic Acid) -- Welcome to the world of chemical exfoliants! Glow Tonic serves as an excellent bridge between cleanser and moisturizer -- basically stepping in to replace your toner. The gentle formula gives me such soft skin and helps even out my complexion. (Full disclosure: I like to alternate between this product and the slightly more potent version from The Ordinary.)

  

L'Oréal Original Voluminous Mascara -- L'Oréal's super no-frills mascara works as well as any upscale product I've ever tried. In fact, this is the best dupe I've found for my once-cherished Lancôme Hypnôse Drama (at a sliver of the price). The brush bristles are chunky and the formula is perfectly tacky -- combine both these qualities, you have a mascara that really grips and coats every freakin' lash.

Nivea 24h Soothing Care Lip Balm (with SPF 15) -- Smooth, hydrating, long-lasting, with sun protection, and super affordable. It smells nice, too. I dare you to find me a better basic chapstick under three dollars.

Batiste Original Clean & Classic Dry Shampoo -- There's a reason this product is so well-known. I searched for a basic dry shampoo forever. Some made my hair fall out. Others reeked of synthetic florals or baby powder. The rest plain ol' didn't work. At my hairdresser's suggestion, I eventually tried Batiste... and never looked back. Okay, the scent could be more subtle, but I forgive that misstep because the product really zaps away oil without leaving any weird texture on the hair and scalp. 

 

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Wipes -- Look, these are a better-than-nothing solution for when you really, really, REALLY can't be bothered to wash your face before bed. Good to have them stashed away for those exact moments. I just wouldn't rely on them for a super thorough cleanse (or even everyday use).

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL -- I've raved about this sunscreen before. My feelings have yet to waver :)

Image credit (top): Vogue
Image credit (products): Google

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DOGUE: Clothes For Pups

Does your pet wear clothes? 

(Here at Box Cake, we like to ask hard-hitting questions that really make you think lol.)

Unsurprisingly, Intern Reggie owns a staggering collection of tees, coats, scarves, boots (though he is loathe to wear them), bow ties, and basically any other stupidity I can coerce him into wearing. In my quest to have the most well dressed pup on the block, I've gone through a fair amount of merch and sussed out major winners among them. 

  

TAMTAM outerwear -- these are the best, best coats I've found for our pup. Creative design, cute details, and really impressive quality overall. Unfortunately, their items run quite small (Reggie wears a size XL), so not a suitable brand for bigger fur babies. 

Adidog hoodies -- TBH, it pains me to recommend anything from this particularly online retailer, but I have yet to track these hoodies down elsewhere, and they are JUST SO GOOD. And practical! (They're made in real fleece -- perfect for cooler months.) Again, the sizing is bizarre. Reggie wears an XXL through this link, but if you search around, it seems like other vendors sell the same hoody for larger breeds. 

Pawz waterproof boots -- the only footwear that will stay on Reggie's feet for longer than ten seconds. These are basically "paw balloons" made of soft, stretchy, and decently thick natural rubber. Once you get the hang of putting them on your pup, they are a fantastic solution for winter walks on salted city sidewalks. Granted, these boots don't have the longest lifespan. We typically get five to ten outings before they tear, but considering the reasonable price point and just how well they keep Reggie's feet dry, I am happy to repeatedly reinvest in them.

What are some of your fail-safe brands for pet accessories?

Image credit (top): Make Them Roar

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8 Coats For That Fall/Winter In-Between Weather

It took me an embarrassingly long time to appreciate the value of seasonally-appropriate outerwear. In my late-teens, I was definitely that idiot kid who was running around in freezing weather wearing a lightweight coat (unbuttoned of course), sneakers, and still-damp hair congealed in curling mousse. Bordering on hypothermia was a Cool Look.

As time passed, I began to understand the benefits of dressing for the weather: Gloved hands stay warm! Boots keep your socks dry! Wearing a warm jacket (zipped up!) makes walking three blocks feel a lot less torturous! Now, at 33-years old, I practically dress in survival gear come winter, and laugh at the suggestion of doing otherwise.

The thing is, autumn can still be a tricky season to prepare for. Depending on which side of the street you're walking down, you might be melting in the sunshine or freezing in the shade. Layering is a huge help, but the right coat -- not too heavy, not too light -- will also get you far.

Here are some cute ones I've been looking at. (I'm extremely attracted to the longer caramel teddy!) Click any photo to go to its website :)

  

   

Top to bottom, left to right:

1. Can't get over the super fluffy sherpa on this ivory bomber from Zara. It looks so cozy, but its cool shape and shorter length steers it away from pyjama-town.

2. I mean... If anyone is looking to give me $400 for a novelty-hued peacoat from Club Monaco, I'd be forever grateful ;) 

3. Who else find themselves super drawn to quilted jackets these days? This one from Urban Outfitters is kind of perfect. The color is somehow warm and washed-out, and it's roomy enough to comfortably layer on top of your heaviest sweaters.

4. This cream jacket from H&M feels like the cool little sister to the blue coat above. It just covers your bum, has awesome double-breasted boxiness, and deep patch pockets on the front. Plus, I personally love how the model is styled wearing a hoody underneath.

5. I really want to upgrade to Aritzia's long-line lightweight puffer this year. I've worn the shorter version forever -- it's my secret weapon against the cold! Wear it on its own during the fall and spring, then layered under wool coats for extra warmth in the winter.

6. I recently shared Frank and Oak's quilted jacket in stories last week. Love the diamond-pattern quilting. Bonus points for being reversible.

7. Obsessed with everything about this teddy coat from Gap!!! The length, the color, the coziness. OMG.

8. H&M's wool blend overshirt is a great dupe for the pricier one from Aritzia, and I especially adore this shade of pink!

What does your autumn outerwear look like? :)

Image credit (top): Flare

Image credit (products): Every photo is linked to its source

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