My Latest Snag: Superhero Birthday Party Gear.
Mini turns five next month, and setting aside my emotionality on this subject, I am arranging a superhero-themed birthday party for her. She is an enormous fan of the Avengers, especially Spider-Man, whom she dressed up as on Halloween. When she came sprinting out of our house in her costume (with pink hi-tops!), my neighbor said: “Man, seeing your daughter dressed up as SpiderMan makes me hopeful for the future.” I didn’t know exactly what she meant, but I also, on same base level, did. I love her spirit, too.
Anyway, I worked with my incredibly talented friend Erin to design invitations with the following amazing motif:
And a few of the great items I’ve purchased for the actual day below…
You’re Soooo Popular: Spring Shoes.
The most popular items on le blog this week:
THIS SIMKHAI DRESS, NOW ON SALE FOR UNDER $300! — MORE SIZES HERE AT LESS OF A DISCOUNT
HAIR DRYER (DESCRIBED AS “DYSON FOR LESS”)
Not seen above, but v popular as well:
Weekend Musings: Baby Steps.
“Sometimes we forget that baby steps move us forward, too.”
I came across that quote, dismissed it as corny, and then could not stop thinking about it. For much of my life, I was impulsive when it came to tackling projects, goals, hobbies. I wanted it done now, immediately, as quickly as possible, and I often felt frustrated when I couldn’t make significant headway in a short amount of time. I am thinking specifically about some of the gargantuan tasks I undertook at the outset of building my technology business, when every day felt like Big Skies and the Wild West: me, swinging my arms around enormous, knotty activities, like naming the business (more complicated than it seems! involves thorough competitive analysis, legal consultations — i.e., trademarks! knockout searches! –, domain name considerations, branding, etc!), interviewing lawyers to represent us (but what questions to ask?!), setting up a placeholder website (what domain names are available? can I purchase this one from so-and-so?), etc. It felt as though I was moving about a quarter of an inch per day when I wanted to be running miles. It felt like I was wildly out of control, sprinting beyond my own personal pace best, and yet was occasionally moving in reverse, if moving at all. In short, entrepreneurship taught me to move quickly and with purpose, but to summarily forget about conventional markers of progress. More important: keep priorities clear (usually limited to three crystal-clear objectives achievable in 90 days) and work towards them with blinders on. Forget about how fast or slow the train is moving. Just keep walking narrowly down the aisle.
Anyhow, yes to the notion that baby steps — bite-sized, itty-bitty accomplishments — are more often than not the key to “getting there.”
Shopping Break.
+This is my favorite tank for pairing with high-waisted skirts — and only $30! I bought it in white specifically to pair with this Horror Vacui skirt, which I own in a different pattern. Anyway, I just saw the tank comes in a great new sage green color that I need.
+Have also been hearing good things about these new $8 tanks at Target! Adding one to my next order…
+WOW — this white dress is somehow under $40 and absolutely spectacular.
+Sleeper vibes for under $100. (But I did find the actual Sleeper dress on sale for 50% off here! Great maternity/post-partum/coming home from hospital dress!)
+A great wear-with-everything heel for all of your dressier occasions this summer.
+This inexpensive one-piece is perfect for a little boy in the navy. Reminds me of a few similar ones I had from Rylee + Cru for micro!
+BTW — Rylee + Cru has a diffusion line at Target! Some great, inexpensive, unfussy pieces for littles. These little sets are great for cozy days at home / travel days / etc.
+These $10 denim sneaks are beyond adorable. Ordered for micro.
+Just bought this pink bin for my daughter’s rapidly expanding Barbie and specifically Barbie furniture collection. I just gave her all of the dolls my sisters and I had when growing up (like 30 Barbies and tons of accessories, furniture, dresses) and they’re currently overflowing in her room! We have the same bin in blue for Duplos and it’s perfect! Such great colors.
+Love these sneakers. Kind of Converse-meets-Superga. Would look great with black stripes!
+The next two mascaras I am testing (thanks to many upvotes from Magpies — and there are many others I want to try, too!): Thrive and Lancome. (PSA: I would skip Chantecaille’s incredibly expensive formula. It’s gotten so much hype but is so flakey!)
+Also going to test these Elemis pads after I get through my current jar of glycolic acid pads. I feel like I don’t need / wouldn’t be able to use them both simultaneously but they seem to be getting at similar results.
+These $30 men’s swim trunks remind me of the expensive ones from Vilbrequin!
+Sweet, inexpensive Valentine gift for a teen/tween.
+Cute Vday books for your little ones: this, this, and this.
+I’m obsessed with Marysia’s sport pieces, including this top and this skirt.
+I love this funky little barrette! Can’t decide if I need for me or for my daughter…
+This dress brings the party.
+These little pouches are adorable. Perfect for pens, makeup brushes, etc. This boutique carries similar pouches in bigger sizes at a great price. They’re lined, too!