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Happy May! I always feel like late April/early May is when my year begins in earnest. The weather is cooperating more consistently, everything is in bloom here in New York, I’ve got some sun on my skin (thanks to Palm Springs), and a birthday on the horizon. What can I say.. I’m a true Taurus. Below, what’s on my mind, on my bookshelf and in my cart as we head into the week ahead.

ON MY MIND:

• We leave in 2 days for our next trip. I’m definitely feeling the crunch of that as I try to plan for a new destination for us, work is buzzing and I’m still desperately hoping a couple of online orders arrive in time.. but c’est la vie! Or I suppose this time I should I say.. Così è la vita?!
• After a few months of solid training, my sister and I ran Philly’s Broad Street 10 mile race this morning. While it rained all morning as we corralled at the starting line, it held off for the actual race and we both felt good the whole time. Feels like I’m ready for a half marathon in June next! I know it seems obvious but it’s on days like today where it hits me that all of the little habits of the past 10 months have suddenly added up to big changes in my strength and how I feel overall.
• I’ve been saying this for a few years now, but I really want to start being a person that wears perfume – at least occasionally. YSL Beauty just sent me a bottle of their Libre scent and it feels like 7PM on a Saturday to me. Golden hour light, a vinyl on the record player and I’m sipping a drink, getting ready for a dinner date. It’s musky (which I love) but kind of softens into something slightly more floral as you wear it.

ON MY BOOKSHELF:

• I’m 17 books into the year so far and after focusing most of the winter on the books I already owned, I suddenly have a lot of newly bought books stacking up again! Oops! I think I’m diving into debut novel Worry by Alexandra Tanner – a story of two sisters that I’ve heard compared to the old HBO show Girls.
• Book of the Month sent me a free trial of 5 books from their online subscription service and I can honestly say – I was really pleasantly surprised at their offering. I grabbed a rom-com, thriller, historical fiction, contemporary fiction and book of short stories – all that I’d been eyeing lately at the bookstore but didn’t want to shell out for the regular hard cover prices on. For $16.99 a month you can pick a new release hard cover (or any of their back list options!) and you can always skip a month free of charge. For people looking to read more (I hear this from so many of you!) this feels like such a great option. If you sign-up now you can get your first month for just $5 with code: PETALS.
• My friend Ellen and I checked out Bibliotheque in Soho on Wednesday – the buzzy new book bar on Mercer Street. It can get super crowded but we made a reservation and on a weeknight it was nice and quiet by the time we had our apps and glasses of rosé. So fun to be able to have a drink in a space that feels like someone’s gorgeous personal library.. and then you can shop the shelves after! We both picked up Funny Story by Emily Henry. I love kicking off my summer reading with one of Henry’s reliably fun rom-coms.
• I mentioned this on Instagram but I ended up reading 3 back to back 5 star books recently – which almost never happens! All very different and – in retrospect – all pretty sad in context (but also all with great moments of levity) – I loved these: Grief is for People by Sloane Crosley (a story of loss), Good Material by Dolly Alderton (a break-up story that felt like the modern High Fidelity) and The Things they Carried by Tim O’Brien (a backlist title from the 90s about O’Brien’s time in the Vietnam War). I told you they weren’t light! But they were all fantastic.

IN MY CART:

• Admittedly, I’ve been known to want to pack too many pairs of shoes for travel.. but these black raffia wedges kind of feel like unicorns and I’m planning on pairing them with a solid half of the outfits I’m packing. 40% off this weekend too!
• I feel like I’m preaching to the choir but the new arrivals at J.Crew feel like they just keep getting better and better. I grabbed this sailor style sweater for our trip – will wear on the plane and throw over mini dresses if the morning temps are cooler.
• Here in the city, all the 20 somethings are wearing boxer short style shorts this spring. I’m not against the trend for running errands or an afternoon in the part – but think I like it best for me when paired with more classic pieces, like this easy linen button down shirt and classic ballet flats.
• I’m loving the look of all the cute exercise dresses and skirts on the market these days – after we get back from travel I want to place a test order on a couple – how cute is this one and this one? Do I need to take up tennis?!
• With all of the running lately my skin has been more fickle than usual – I just dipped into my back-up supply of these Elemis resurfacing facial pads. I find they really help make my skin feel extra clean after I wash it and help to smooth things out.
• I naturally gravitate towards dresses, but I’m trying to remind myself to pick up tops when I think of it – as I always feel it’s what’s sort of missing from my wardrobe. I think this off the shoulder one and this sweet button down one will be great for mixing and matching this summer.

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About a month into planning the wedding, I made the definitive decision to do my own hair and make-up. I partially hated the idea of giving up hours in the middle of that precious day to a formal appointment with strangers when I could spend that time with Adam and my family/closest friends instead.. and I also was frankly still traumatized by having my hair/make-up done at previous weddings and feeling so overly “done” that I didn’t even recognize myself in photos afterwards. I wanted to look back on the moments from that day and – even if I didn’t look totally glam or filtered to perfection – feel like I saw an accurate reflection of myself. In seeing the early photos, I’m so happy I stuck with that decision.

That being said – I did want to make an investment in both my skincare leading up to that day and also properly stock my make-up bag – for admittedly the first time in my adult life. I’ve tried a lot of new products in the last three months but below are the ones that I found to be truly fool proof (this coming from a 30-something woman who had to google “at what step do you put concealer on?”) and have been singing the praises of ever since. I will absolutely be restocking all of the below when they run empty.

1. Elemis Resurfacing Pads*: My face never feels better at night then when I’ve washed it and used one of these resurfacing pads. They are like a toner plus light exfoliant all in one so my skin feels truly clean and smooth afterwards. I can’t say it’s these for sure but I swear I don’t think I’ve had a single break-out since I’ve started using them a few times a week.

2. Saie Dew Blush in Poppy: A soft foamy applicator and a bright, coral color (a little goes a long way) that made me feel like an actual *blushing bride* for the daytime hours. I wear now whenever I feel like I want a brighter, livelier splash of color on my cheeks.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Wedding Belles: I wanted a simple, soft pink/neutral lip color for daytime for the wedding and this aptly named one was perfect. I started with a matching lipliner and then added a touch of gloss too and it felt fresh and not too heavy. I’ve been wearing the same combo often since then. Not just for wedding days my friends!

4. John Frieda Lightening Shampoo*: Purple shampoo can be hit or miss for me, but I love this brightening shampoo for keeping my blonde super light and cool in tone without being a heavy, staining purple and also actually feels like it nicely cleans my hair. Plus – I like that I can pick it easily at my local drugstore.

5. YSL Lash Clash Extreme Mascara: I’ve been routinely using the Merit Mascara for about a year now (the one decent thing previously in my makeup bag) and it’s fantastic for a really clean long lash for daytime. But I wanted a little extra volume and oomf for the wedding evening reception. I saw @stillintribeca share this on Instagram Stories and, since she has impeccable taste, figured I’d give it a try. I loooove it. Really glam big lashes but not overly clumpy or fake looking. It’s my official date night go-to now.

6. Anastasia Beverly Hills Precision Brow Pencil in Taupe: I have a fear of too dark brows with my light hair.. but also have more delicate eyebrows that need a little something extra or else my whole face feels lost. It’s a tricky balance. I’d heard good things about this brand and am so glad I finally tried it because the soft pencil end gives a smooth color and then the brush end fluffs things up – all resulting in a natural but fuller looking brow. Bingo.

7. Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial*: This nighttime face cream has the most delicious, plump smooth texture to it that magically seems to transfer to your skin’s texture overnight. Plus a subtle watermelon-y scent that seems like it would be too fruity or sweet but is mys Again – I can’t say for sure – but I think it’s helped to reduce some fine lines and at the very least makes my skin feel hydrated, softer and smoother.

8. Merit Highlighter in Cava: I swear this is like instant good lighting. Like you’re just come in out of the sun and are slightly glistening. I add to my brow bones, top of cheek bones and lightly on the tip of my nose. It’s fool proof though.

9. Jones Road Miracle Balm in Flushed*: As Taylor Swift sings “I don’t like anticipating my face in a red flush”.. but in this case I very much do like it. Flushed is the exact right word for how this lightly dewy balm looks on my cheeks, nose and lips. It’s buildable and lightweight and just feels.. good. It’s price tag is higher but the pot of this stuff is huge so I imagine it’s going to last me a long time.

10. Merit Concealer in Camel: A new MVP in my make-up bag! I’ve always been a little bit afraid of concealer because I thought it would look caked on or not be a good skin match.. it turns out when you find the right product that doesn’t happen. This battles sun spots, dark circles, redness, etc. like a true champ and never looks creased or cake-y.

11. Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette: I love the range of neutral to rosy/warm colors in this palette (they all feel soft and romantic) and the color really stays. I tend to go with just a single neutral for day and then layer more shades for evenings out.

12. Lumineux Whitening Strips: I was skeptical when I saw influencers talking about these teeth whitening strips on Instagram, but I wanted to try something before all of the wedding photos.. and I wouldn’t lie to you – I found these to work really well! I love that they’re non-toxic and good for sensitive teeth (I can’t do Crest White Strips) – I have a few “bright spots” on my teeth directly after use, but I do them at night and by the morning they’re gone and my teeth have a nice even color. I’ve been doing 1-2x per week and truly my teeth are noticeably brighter! I’m going to keep up with them.

13. Living Proof Dry Shampoo: I’ve been searching for a new dry shampoo for what has felt like years. I heard Jen Shoop of The Fashion Magpie rave about these and, again as someone who I think have great taste, she didn’t steer me wrong. The formula is lightweight, the smell is lovely without being overpowering and it gives me an honest to god fresh blow-out look on second day hair. Consider it an auto buy.

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*Indicates items generously gifted by the brand, but as always – I only share what I truly love!

I’m in firm denial that summer is halfway over (this every day is a thunderstorm weather is reallyyy putting a damper on things) – but I have managed to put a few outfits together lately that I’ve liked so I figured I’d share a few here. A mix of date nights and work days mostly.

(Above):

Theory Jacket (old), JCrew T-Shirt and Slip Skirt, Straw Bag bought in Paris, Loeffler Randall Sandals

Alexis Bittar Earrings, Abercrombie Shirt (old), Neely & Chloe Bag (old), Abercrombie Pants, Coach Sneakers (old)

Few Moda Dress (gifted), Marc Fisher Sandals (old)

J.Crew Shirt (old), Boden Shorts, Inez Sandals (gifted, use code: thesteelemaiden15 for 15% off your order!)

Banana Republic Vest and Shorts, Alexis Bittar Bangle, J.Crew Sandals and Bag (old)

Few Moda Dress (gifted), Talbots Sandals (old)

I joked on Instagram the other day that I’m in my hermit era.. but in reality I feel this way every year around this time. I haven’t shopped since before the holidays/our trip to London (my goal is to get through February! 2 whole months!), in fact I haven’t done much of anything this year besides go to work, read, work-out, repeat. That being said – my daydreams are making up for the lack of excitement in my current calendar. Below, what’s on my mind, on my bookshelf and in my cart as we kick off a new week.

ON MY MIND:

• I can’t quite wrap my mind around the level of devastation from the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey. Here’s an article that provides a good handful of resources for how to help.
• Are you waiting any good TV or movies lately? I want to finally watch Don’t Worry Darling and try Reese Witherspoon & Ashton Kutcher’s new rom-com on Amazon Prime.
• It will surprise absolutely no one that I’m itching for a quick warm weather getaway. Any suggestions for places that are a quick flight from New York, offer white sand and clear oceans and won’t blow my budget?

ON MY BOOKSHELF:

• I ready Ann Patchett’s collection of essays, These Precious Days, last month and I can’t stop thinking about them. Somehow both incredibly poignant while still being entirely approachable. It’s inspired me to dive more into her backlist – starting with her debut work, The Patron Saint of Liars.
• In a rare occurrence all 3 of my book clubs are reading new release fiction this month: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Roses in the Mouth of a Lion and They’re Going to Love You. I’m really looking forward to all three of them.
• I have to be in the right mood for audiobooks but recently listened to two rom-coms, The Ex Talk (4 stars from me) and Norah Goes Off Script (5 stars) and they were such a fun addition to my regular reading life.

IN MY CART:

• I’m doing my damnedest to get through February without shopping (January is already in the bag!). But when I do start up again I’ll be looking to thoughtfully add a few transition pieces to my wardrobe. This striped cardigan feels like it would fit the bill. And this slightly cropped option is cute too and would pair well with spring dresses in months to come.
• When bare leg weather arrives, I’d love to welcome it wearing this denim skirt and jacket set or this bright chartreuse gingham set. I’d pair them with socks and penny loafers.
• I know I’ve still got a few months, but how fun would this disco ball dress be for the Taylor Swift concert on my birthday in May?
• This woven leather shoulder bag looks way more expensive than it’s $139 price tag belies. A great transitional color too.
• I’m in need of some new pants for work after a subway door incident caused a slashed rip in my favorite black pair. I’m going to give this high waisted pair a try.

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