Winter Skin SOS

I am pretty lazy when it comes to skincare, but this neverending winter demands attention. These are the products that I use on a daily basis.

My skin needs constant exfoliation, but it also dries out quickly. This Red Currant cleanser manages to slough off the rough bits without stripping my skin completely. It also smells delicious, as does pretty much everything from Eminence.

I use the Eight Greens Serum after washing my face. Apparently it helps with breakouts related to hormonal imbalance. All I can say is after over 10 years of painfully challenging skin, things have turned around. It's been nearly a year, and it's still working. One bottle will last 3-4 months. A little goes a long way.

I just started using this Herbal Recovery Oil. I put it on just before bed, and I wake up with perfectly hydrated skin even if the radiators are going full blast all night.

I don't wear lipstick, but this Korres tinted lip butter goes on so smoothly and doesn't have that sticky tacky feel like so many lipglosses do. It's also perfect for those of us who aren't so confident applying lipstick.

The Earth Tu Face Skin Stick stays in my bag at all times. I use it for my lips and hands to combat windchill and excessive handwashing.

Steven Alan 2014 Spring Loves

Lark and Wolff K501 Crossbody Satchel

Steven Alan Denim Boyfriend Shirt

Grace Lee Moonstone Bezel Ring

I ended up returning the Kate Spade Cobble Hill Carson bag. I'm still on the fence and may go back and get it at a later date. Mainly I dislike gift cards because I feel that I have to spend it as quickly as possible. This is pretty irrational, but I can't help myself. So I got a small Diptyque candle and will take a few more weeks to decide whether I really want that bag.

Barbour Bedale, 5 years later

It's been a little over 5 years since I bought my Barbour Bedale. It only get better with age. I wear it three out of four seasons, and re-wax it at least once a year. The cotton fabric is very delicate, so you have to be vigilant. I went a bit too long one year, and tiny holes started forming, but I think with care it will last me at least 5 more years before I seriously consider a replacement. With a warm liner and thick wool sweater, I am comfortable in temps as low as 5-10 F. The only thing I would think about changing is the length, but overall, I have been so pleased with my coat.

Regarding sizing, this is the men's version, which I chose because I wanted the option of a zip-in liner. It's a size 34, which is plenty roomy without the liner. It's tight around the hips with liner and sweater, but I don't mind looking like a puffball.

Here I am with the liner and sweater. You will definitely need a thick sweater because otherwise your arms will freeze in anything colder than 45 F.

This is me without the liner, but with the sweater. I usually skip the liner when it's between 50 and 70.

A simple cross-body bag

You probably know that I'm not an accessory or shoe person. I like coats, sweaters, and button-down shirts. Shoes never seem to fit right, and I'm wobbly in heels. Leather bags are usually too heavy, especially after I stuff them. I have a cognac colored Henry Cuir tote that works well during spring and summer, and my custom Rennes bag is perfect for casual outings and work, but most of the time I use canvas market bags for all of my books and stacks of paper. I also have a Duluth Scout Pack, which has become increasingly useful when out with the kids. But a part of me has been hankering for a more grown-up leather bag.

Now that the boys are getting older and need less gear during outings (they can haul stuff in their own backpacks!) I'm ready for something a little more polished but still practical. We finally hired a babysitter, so that means we actually go out once in awhile. The other day I was at Holt Renfrew because I had received a gift card. I figured I might as well get a bag. The best I could do within my price range was this Kate Spade Cobble Hill Carson bag in black. I think the size is about right, the leather is soft (maybe too soft?) and I like the secure zippered pouch and easy access--but the logo is bothering me.

I'll probably keep the bag because my options are limited to Holt Renfrew's offerings. Still, it got me thinking: If you were in the market for a simple mid-sized cross-body bag in the $200-350 range, what would you get? Something that is lightweight, soft but sturdy, and user friendly.

Virginia Johnson Shawls

I love my Virginia Johnson camel print shawl. It's my favorite traveling accessory, and I wear it in the office year round. The shop is having a sale right now, on $97.50 for the merino wool shawls. I definitely want to order one for my mom, but I can't decide.

Remember these pants?

Remember the Rachel Comey Indium Pants that I blogged about months ago? They're now half off. Still too much for me considering they're silk and I haven't had the chance to try them on for fit.

I also saw a colleague wearing pristine condition No. 6 black ankle clog boots, and it made me sad because mine are in such disrepair. Not only are the stitching and staples loose, but the wood at the toe is beaten up from clomping up too many stairs. Maybe it can be fixed, but I'm worried this is it for my boots. A silly part of me wants to order a new pair even though mine didn't last very long. I know there are other clog ankle boots out there, but I like the narrower ankle opening on these the best. I wonder if there are any other options for me? The platform sole is great for puddles and small amounts of slush and snow.

Birthday Wish List / pt. 2

Ewanika is a Toronto-based women's line. I often pass by the shop while driving up Bathurst but have never found the time to visit. This past weekend I finally went, and it was well worth the effort. Beautifully crafted clothing in gorgeous fabrics and muted hues. The shop also carries complementary brands like Hope and MM6. I tried on the Hilary dress, which is made from the softest and most forgiving double-knit wool. Even at 40% off, it's still a bit much for me. Nonetheless, I rarely have such transformative moments in the dressing room where the dress not only fits well but also makes you feel more polished and sophisticated. I didn't go into academia just so I could dress the part, but this kind of dress is exactly what I imagine my dream self wearing as a professor. Oh, if only that dream weren't so elusive!

Birthday wish list / pt. 1

Loeffler Randall Black Dot Flats

FWK Engineered Garments Pea Coat

Look at the back on this FWK pea coat, and its rounded shawl collar. And the hand-warming pockets are genius. That's my favorite feature of the Barbour Bedale coat, so I'm always on the lookout for similar features on coats. I also think the Loeffler Randall black dot flats would be so much fun to wear to lecture.

I hope those of you braving the arctic winds are finding ways to stay warm right now. Thanks to the huge windows in my office, I need to stay wrapped up in my Virginia Johnson wool shawl while finishing up my syllabi and working on article edits.

Stripes

Time to replenish my stripes collection.

Samuji Sunny Shirt

Armor Lux Mariniere Sweater

Wood Wood Adrien Top

Armor Lux Passarelle

Here's to a happier 2014!

Back to Work!

Time for an early lunch break.

Sale goodies at Conifer
Rachel Comey Mars boots in Whiskey, $275
Ace & Jig Button Up, $92
Demylee cashmere Stripe Alexa pullover, $192
UPSTATE Kimono, $121

I'm thinking about ordering this Gloverall Monty Duffle, which has been marked down to $270. My coat collection still lacks a duffle, and a few of my workhorses are starting to look shabby. I tried on a few different Gloveralls at Gravity Pope. Sizing is seems to depend on the style. I'm a 32 in the slim fit and a 30 or Small in the original fit. The sleeves are a bit too long, but I like that they keep my hands covered.

Winter Break

Black Crane Square Shirt

Grades are submitted, presents have been purchased, and it looks like we might finally have a white Christmas after 10 years of waiting. I'm looking forward to seeing a movie or two (Her and American Hustle) and baking cookies with the boys. Maybe even sledding and ice skating.

I've been shopping so much at J.Crew lately. The quality is iffy, but the sales have been too good to resist. I do wish there were a Muji or Uniqlo in Toronto. Also, sometimes I forget that there are nice basics like Black Crane at relatively affordable prices. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. If you're on break, don't forget to take the time to do something completely frivolous. I have spent the past 10 years skipping family celebrations and daily pleasures in order to scan books and edit essays. (Almost) everything was placed on the back burner in pursuit of something I thought was attainable. I'm done with this ascetic lifestyle. There has to be a better way, I'm just not sure what it is.

The boys.

It's that time of the year when you have to go through hundreds of photographs in order to put together the holiday card. Here are a few of my favorites that didn't make the final cut.

checking in, december edition

My final lecture of the semester is today, and then there are papers and an exam to grade in the next two weeks. I'm looking forward to a few days off in between various other December deadlines. I'm lucky I only have to teach two courses next semester. I hope there will be job interviews, but I'm preparing for the worst.

I've been continuing to focus on relatively boring wardrobe-building for the past month. I bought a pair of Cole Haan Monroe penny loafers in October after many months of hesitation. Of course they're half a size too big after stretching out, for some reason I didn't anticipate this inevitability. I'm destined to live in Birkenstocks, I have terrible luck with real shoes! I also stumbled upon an Isabel Marant for H&M blouse, which has worked equally well for teaching and going out.

Last night I decided to order the shirt-tail mini in boulevard green from J.Crew. I haven't worn skirts on a regular basis in many years, but I'm hoping this one will be a dependable workhorse this season. J.Crew quality is so iffy, but I always wait for sales and additional discounts. I have no expectations of these pieces lasting more than a season or two.

I hope everyone had a restful Thanksgiving. Maybe it's because I haven't been online much these days, but I've been enjoying a slower pace of life. We buy groceries, draw pictures, clean, and fold laundry. I'm trying hard to be content with the current situation. If I stop to think about what may happen in the next few months, I fall apart. There's a character in A.S. Byatt's The Children Book who chooses to live lightly on the surface because the alternative is too troubling. In times like these, that's the best advice I can offer myself and those in a similar situation. For all of you on the market, here's hoping for interviews and campus visits...and contracts.

Knits

Micaela Greg Cream Nile Cardigan

 

 

Micaela Greg Grey Diagonals Cardigan

Ilana Kohn Green Spades Mara Dress

A rough few weeks spent over-worked and sick. It's stress and everything piling up with deadlines, grading, and mid-semester exhaustion. These Micaela Greg's knits are mesmerizing and soothing with their complex patterns.

Sweater leggings: Micaela Greg

Micaela Greg Fragment leggings at Myth + Symbol

I'm the kind of person who buys sweater leggings in fairisle patterns while in the Christmas mood only to return them three days later. I have several issues with wearing patterned bottoms, especially leggings that are in a thick knit, and one of them is that they often resemble sleepwear. However, these Fragment leggings by Micaela Greg look like they might be suited to both work and play. I can see them pairing nicely with an oversized pullover post-holiday feasting as well as with a silk or linen tunic for office hours.

october chill

Studio Nicholson Ines Coat

Steven Alan Delphine Coat

Steven Alan floral print Martine top

J. Crew Silk Ruffle Top in Beanstalk Stripe

I'm at the point where I need to donate a few of my coats, but I'm not sure I need to replace any. If I knew I were spending the next 5 - 10 years in a cold climate, I would love something in a rich color as well as a snuggly soft coat like Steven Alan's Delphine. I've found myself grabbing for my Etoile Isabel Marant Baki more and more these days because it's so soft and unstructured.

I've also been experiencing a mall-induced fashion crisis. So many photo floral prints at the mall, but I'm not sure it's really my kind of look. However, I did pick up this J.Crew silk top with a floral stripe pattern that has worked well as a teaching top. The Steven Alan Martine floral print seems like another nice variation on the theme, but I can't decide if I really need more than one of this type.

Two Blue Dresses

Lauren Moffatt Uma Snap Dress

Steven Alan Thalia Dress

I own more black now than I ever did, but my heart belongs to the blues. Navy, cobalt, turquoise. Is it any surprise that my school uniform was dark and light blue?