My birthday was Sunday, and although the day itself turned out to be a delight, I spent most of the week directly preceding it in an ugly funk, engaging in endless rounds of particularly ruthless self-evaluation. A little self-awareness is good, but it’s deathly to sit around wondering how you might have ended up—and where, and with whom—had everything gone down differently. Deathly and pointless. And yet also—unfortunately—completely irresistible. So I stewed, and I pouted, and I hated my life, until I remembered all the reasons why I liked it. And when I was done, I shopped.
My first stop was Sephora, as I was running perilously low on Josie Maran Argan Bronzing Oil, which is the magic elixir of life. I’m going through a big Josie Maran moment in general—her line is small and carefully chosen, and you get the feeling they’re not pushing anything they don’t believe in. I’ve also become quite attached to the Argan Color Stick, which provides a nice rosy flush without looking all fake and blush-y. This time out, I bought a compact—my first ever, actually. Two years ago, I didn’t even know how to apply eyeshadow; now I can actually blend. This feels very grown-up lady to me. So does the fact that these colors have tiny hint of glimmer to them. Normally that’d be a big red flag, but in the spirit if Nashville‘s Raina Jaymes, a sexy-ass lady in her 40s who never met a sparkly shadow she didn’t like, I’m all in.
Also very Raina Jaymes, and definitely better suited for Connie Britton’s coloring than my own: this pinkish-coral lip stain that I came home with frankly by accident, as I meant to grab the cherry-red, but which is providing a nice little pop when I apply it underneath my regular color.
via The Shophound
Then it was off to Steven Alan’s newish boutique on Tenth Avenue—a store that I find myself rather improbably loving, as I feel like I outgrew Steven Alan some time ago. I respect the guy’s vision, and he certainly has become a force, but the designers Steven Alan stocks in his shops, and his own line (especially his own line) all have this sort of half tomboyish, half twee, almost intentionally unsexy vibe that only works for those who are very young, very stylish, and very sexy. If you’re not at least two of those things and you attempt to pull these clothes off, you wind up looking like a pilgrim, or the head of the PTA circa 1973, or a naughty schoolgirl, minus the naughty.
This store feels different, though. There are new-to-this-universe designers (more, alas, in store than online) and the space is huge and bright and lively and somehow more grown-up, and I find much to want every time I go. This cobalt blue Acne pump, for instance, is the lazy girl’s best friend. Just put it on with a black dress and tights and, and poof! That bold dash of color instantly telegraphs style genius.
I love when an ethnic print is used on a really clean shape like it is here—plus, this green is fantastic.
Another lazy girl style tip: get yourself an extra-thin chain that you can just leave on and forget about, so that you’ve got at least one piece of jewelry on at all times. This initial necklace is exactly delicate enough, and the fact that it hangs off-kilter is all kinds of (very subtle) cool.
It’s a shame that R-13 is my new favorite denim line, because they make some pricey, pricey jeans. Still, there aren’t many brands out there manufacturing jeans that feel like jeans anymore—everything’s got so much damned stretch. (There need to be alternatives for the lady who doesn’t want to look all Jenny From The Block, but still isn’t ready to default to mom jeans, right? I feel a post coming on). This pair is a great boyfriend shape that’s still on the skinnier side, so you have comfort and volume without feeling like you’re big as a house.
Again with the blue, I know. But it really is a fantastic blue. Still, if it’s not for you, this fabulously proportioned—and reasonably priced— canvas Baggu tote also comes in black and natural.
It is nice to know that somewhere in this world exists a wee little black diamond ring with a rose gold band that can be yours for under $200.
Happy birthday! And I love those blue pumps – I’m dying to get a colorful pair of pointy-toed pumps.
Happy birthday! It was mine yesterday too, and let’s just say I’m in touch with the ruthless self-evaluation. Blue shoes seem like an excellent way to beat it back! I also recommend cheesesteaks.
This is a most tempting list. I am now really, really curious about the Josie Maran products. And that little diamond ring looks like something I shouldn’t wait for someone else to buy me
Happy birthday, lovely Kim! Shopping is fun, but It might be that you need an additional dog (worked for me).
Oh, that one is only a matter of time, believe me. xx
That jewelry is to die for! I’ve really been loving delicate, gold pieces recently.
I want all of it.
Am quite interested in the Josie Maran line, fyi.
ruthless self-evaluation is overrated. happy birthday.
Happy belated birthday! I’m also a huge fan of Josie Maran products. I love the lip stain, and that argan oil has done wonders for my cuticles.
Happy Birthday, Kim! Mine was last week and I engaged in a very similar round of ruthless self-evaluation, but came out of it feeling pretty damn OK after all. I too, am loving Connie Britton’s makeup on Nashville. She always looks gorgeous and that Josie Maran palette is just beautiful. Great choice!
I need a Josie Maran complete make-over. Yet again, you have inspired me. ox
“So I stewed, and I pouted, and I hated my life, until I remembered all the reasons why I liked it. And when I was done, I shopped.”
Lines like these are the reason why I adore your site, and you. Please don’t ever stop.
Also: happy birthday.
Happy Birthday!!!
You seem like a good person, self-aware and considerate and all that cr*p. So don’t take any sh*t!
Your raw emotions, honesty are so compelling to read (and feel!) and then to counter w/ great clothes, tips. It’s the perfect blog that I open every day with joy and anticipation. Please keep doing what you are doing!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday! The Josie Maran line is brilliant – I hope the ever growing popularity of her product doesn’t become it’s eventual downfall!!
(Fingers crossed for this one to be a keeper because I have spent a small fortune in my lifetime searching for a good moisturizer.)
Happy Belated birthday and glad you came through your funk! Sending best for a fantastic year and keep up the great blog.
HB, KF!
Nothing better than a Sephora Sephari on one’s birthday. I do it every year. Bronzing OIL, huh? I am there. The green and white top is adorable, and the skinny-chain-24/7 idea is one I employ so I’m thrilled to know you think it’s a good one.
Happy Birthday!
I love to read your blog–a daily ritual for me. Also fell for the green top and the initial necklace.
Have a beautiful year!
And dogs, yes…the more, the better!
Happy birthday! Please stop making me want All The Things!
Happy Birthday!
So I stopped by Sephora yesterday and got a tester of the Josie Maran Argan Bronzing Oil – couldn’t pull the trigger because I’d never even thought of using a bronzing oil! Used it this morning, LOVE IT! Wow, thank you for the great advice. Honestly, you can almost wear it as your foundation, throw on some blush and mascara and head out. Look forward to my Girls of a Certain Age email every morning:-)
Happy, belated birthday. I recently scored on Josie’s Argon Bronzing Oil online. Yay for eBay! I bought a big bottle, because I don’t wanna run out. While it isn’t my HG, I use it a lot during warmer weather. It’s a wonderful “wash & glow” product.
Happy belated birthday! I love your site Kim, I can relate because my birthday was Feb and we’re the same age, so I am a girl of a certain age!
Happy Birthday Kim from Fifi ‘s (simone)
Mom