What You’re Shopping For, August 2022 Edition: Vol I.

*Image via Sandra Semburg.

Q: Fabulous gown for a black tie NYC wedding in October.

A: This Ulla is spectacular — 20s flapper meets 90s minimalism. This burgundy belted dress also stopped me in my tracks — and under $250. I would pair with pearl accessories! Other options…

YOU KNOW I CAN’T RESIST A BOW

POLKA DOTS ARE SO FUN AND THROWBACK

LOVE THE DRAPING

MONIQUE MAGIC

THIS PINK COLUMN DRESS…WOW

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOR (PAIR WITH STATEMENT EARRINGS LIKE THESE OR THESE)

VERY ON-TREND

WILD SPLURGE: ANYTHING BY MARKARIAN

Q: The unicorn of work trousers – not too high waist or wide leg.

A: J. Crew, Veronica Beard, and Theory have great, polished options. If you’re game for a trendier take, pleated trousers have made a comeback (check out La Ligne’s founder Meredith Melling in a pair here for inspo), and I would consider these or these. For more of a slim fit style, Spanx’s pants get rave reviews.

Q: Your favorite staple shower products.

A: I alternate between Pantene Pro V shampoo/conditioner and Oribe. The latter is like 10x the price of the former, and I think both are excellent. Oribe is slightly more luxurious in scent and lather but I have really good luck with Pantene. For wash, I love Molton Brown’s body washes — they lather so beautifully, are unisex (my husband loves them too), and smell absolutely fantastic. I’ve not yet found a scent I haven’t loved. Rhubarb and rose is probably my favorite — surprisingly, not too feminine for a dude! I also use a gly/sal 10-2 cleanser on my back that my dermatologist recommended — it’s the only thing that has treated back breakouts induced by workouts for me. I was obsessed with my Lov Scrub loofah for awhile but did find it eventually needed to be replaced (starts to smell!), and then I switched back to inexpensive $3 loofahs from CVS. I also tried the silicone style loofahs because they are resistant to bacteria (apparently loofahs need to be replaced frequently to prevent this) but they just don’t lather nicely enough. I don’t know – $3 loofahs, replaced frequently, for now. I love my Billie razor for shaving. It’s not that the razor itself is particularly unique or wildly more effective, but I love all the thoughtfulness around the shaving experience — it comes with a little magnetic holder you can attach to your wall so it’s out of reach of little hands, and so the head of the razor doesn’t get all congealed and stuck to your shower bench / caddy; you can subscribe for refills so you never have to think about it; the colors are fun; it’s affordable; etc. Finally, I use this apple cider vinegar rinse every now and then when I feel like my hair needs it. Sometimes I feel like it yields great results and other times I honestly can’t tell if it’s done anything — I like the feeling afterwards but then find I need to wash my hair more quickly.

Post-shower: I need (!) a fluffy white towel from Matouk, and I like to put on my Weezie short sleeved robe, which is much cooler and more comfortable than a traditional LS one. I spritz my hair with this protectant/leave-in conditioner (this really works for my hair) and slather on Fresh body lotion, which I’ve used for years and years now. I love the consistency and scent.

BTW – OXO’s shower caddy is incredible. My brother stayed with us for ten days earlier this summer and specifically commented on the quality of the caddy in the guest bathroom! Ha!

Q: Fall pants for boys?

A: I like the ones from Oso and Me — they come in great colors and aren’t too baggy. I also like the pull-on jogger styles from Gap, and I plan to try Minnow’s pants this fall for my son. (I like Minnow’s shorts, though I do find the material requires more ironing than other brands — PSA.) I find J. Crew runs too narrow for my son – he’s slim but I always feel like the button barely closes?

Q: New bedding for two little girls sharing a room. To pair with the Jenny Lind spindle beds.

A: So sweet. Love those beds! I’m going to share a bunch of different things, some duvets, some sheets. A lot can mix and match, or you can go bold on the duvet (fill with this inexpensive insert) and stick with those fab inexpensive Target sheets I was just raving about.

SCHWEITZER LINEN

BISCUIT HOME

HILL HOUSE

GINGHAM SHEETS

PINK FLORAL SHEETS

GARBO AND FRIENDS

LEWIS HOME

Q: Stylish and functional rain coat for girls’ road trip to Ireland in October.

A: I’ve wanted a Stutterheim forever — so chic and minimalist. (Look for less with this.) Barbour is great quality — you’ll buy one and have forever — and they have heavier weight and lighter weight options. J. Crew also has a great, versatile style. For something more athletic / for actual outdoor adventures, I would consider this Helly Hensen, this Lululemon, or this Marmot.

You didn’t ask, but I love these TB rain boots as an alternative to Hunters!

Q: Tall boots for skinny legs.

A: Trendy splurge: Khaite. (Look for less with these.). That particular style works well I think with slender legs because they are so tall and narrow by design. Timeless, classic investment: Loeffler Randall (I find this brand runs pretty narrow/slim in general).

Q: Chic dresses for upcoming vacation in Kennebunkport — help!

A: Fun! A few vacation-ready dresses I have been eyeing:

JULIET DUNN

SUE SARTOR

ENGLISH FACTORY

JOHANNA ORTIZ

SEA

BROOKS BROTHERS

ZARA

MER ST BARTH

DAYDRESS

EMERSON FRY

SALONI

ANTIK BATIK

STAUD

Q: A light pink cardigan! Ideally not super fitted – to wear over nap dress and with jeans.

A: I would look at Kilte or La Ligne!

Q: Outdoor wedding in Maine at the end of August. No puffy sleeves!

A: I like the idea of this Anna Mason, this Self Portrait, this Lug Von Siga, this Agua Bendita, or this Rhode. You might find even more inspo here and here!

Q: Top five items to buy for fall.

A: A fresh pair of jeans, a chunky striped knit (also love this Alex Mill for less), a statement coat, clogs, and layerable tees.