The Best Things I Bought in 2019

January 08, 2020 by Alexandra Mauro in Fashion

I really made an effort to curb my spending last year. I focused only on buying things that I truly loved, and I became conscious of where I wanted to spend my hard-earned money. Of course, there were slip-ups with a sweater that was “on super sale!!”, and countless hours of adding stuff to cart, followed by slamming my computer shut. I’m not perfect (I only pretended to be for five years so Michael would marry me. Kidding! He has always known I’m insane).

We all know that the important things in life are people- not things. With that moral obligation out of the way, I want to share with you some of the best things I acquired last year. They enhanced my skin, my closet, even my bust (it was about TIME!). Here are the best things I bought in 2019:

CUUP Bras

I’ve been struggling with bras (and writing about that struggle) for years. A few years ago, I got a professional fitting- not one at Victoria’s Secret from a girl whose hands still had bits of the Auntie Anne’s Pretzel from the food court stuck to them who tells me I’m a 32D (Oh sweet girl, I barely make the alphabet). It was a real bra store and it was life changing. I was sent home with two finally perfect bras. I continued to wear those bras for the next three years. They were falling apart, over-washed and over-worn. But I didn’t have access to that specific store anymore, so I found myself wearing flimsy bralettes for months just to avoid the hell of finding a new woman to stand naked in a fitting room with.

I kept seeing ads for CUUP, and I found out that some of my girlfriends had already been wearing their bras. The fitting studio is New York, but I was intrigued when I saw they did digital fittings. I immediately signed up for an appointment, thrilled at the idea of the only cold hands around my bust would be mine (Michael refuses to turn on the heat, so yes! My hands and all other body parts are cold).

I had a Skype call with a CUUP fitter, she told me exactly how to measure myself with my tape measure, and she sent me a questionnaire about my bust and what I wanted in a bra. At the end of the appointment, she was able to recommend perfect styles for my size and shape. The bras came, and she was completely right. The bras molded to by body like they were made for me. There was no insane padding or uncomfortable, thick wire. I got the “Plunge”, the “Balconette” and the “Triangle”. They are soft, lightweight, supportive and comfortable. the “Triangle” is my everyday go-to, but having three bras in rotation is a gift and a privilege!

Parade Underwear

*I see London, I see France, I want the internet to see my underpants!!*

My undergarments drawer really got a makeover this year, and it all started with Parade. Parade reached out to me pre-launch, and asked me if I would like to try a few styles. I figured that underwear was just underwear, but I loved their message of sustainability with their fabric choices, and that a portion of proceeds goes to Planned Parenthood. I got my package of the three styles: thong, cheeky and brief. Right out of the package, I couldn’t believe how soft they were, and I loved the mesh-paneling that would allow me to ~breathe~ (as much as one can in a Levi’s ribcage jean, which looks great, but violates you every time you sit down).

After wearing each style, I knew I couldn’t go back. I needed my ass in Parade every day. I went to my underwear drawer and threw out 80% of it, and placed an order for more. The vibrant colors, the comfortable, cool fabric, it’s a butt’s best friend. Well actually- no nevermind, my mom reads this.

Collect the rainbow, catch them all, blah blah blah, just upgrade your butt in 2020 (should I run for President?).

*In the clickable link, it’s buy two pairs, get one FREE! Don’t say I never gave you anything!

Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress

*The only time I’ve ever wanted to blend in.*

*The best thing I’m going to buy in 2020 is Windex, apparently!!*

I technically first bought the Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress in 2018, but it took full-blown obsession last year, and I added a second style to my collection. This dress is one of the most valuable players in my closet. It’s comfy (it has a built-in shorts liner underneath), easy to throw on, and perfect for layering. I’ve worn mine to work out, but I usually reserve it for perusing the aisles at Trader Joe’s, returning overdue library books, and taking Maple to the dog park (where his best friend is a 100+lb Saint Bernard. We love a diverse dog park!). It’s an easy way to look put together, while putting in the least amount of effort. The cheetah print is my favorite- I’ll wear it on a walk, then layer it later with a tan long-sleeve tee and a duster coat. Plus, there’s a small pocket in the under-shorts, which is perfect for my chapstick, ID, and dog treats. I will not NOT be the favorite mom at the dog park. Social suicide.

Realisation Par “Naomi” Skirt

We all know about the Realisation Par skirt, “The Naomi”. It’s the cheetah skirt that launched 1,000,000 cheetah skirts. It’s been on every blogger and Hadid and girl from your high school. But there’s a reason, and that reason is that it’s the perfect skirt. I finally bit the bullet on it for my birthday last year, and I’ve worn it every week since then. All the prints can be used as a neutral, paired with a white t-shirt, oversized sweater, even a sweatshirt or long coat. It’s an easy travel companion, easy to slip on, and is flattering on everyone. It’s simple, yet chic. Different, but not too daring. My favorite kind of math is “cost-per-wear”, and this is mathematical wonder.

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The cheetah print is the most popular, but I love the floral and the red hearts. Don’t let anyone tell you this skirt is “basic”. It’s a basic, in the sense that you’ll wear it over and over again, with multiple things in your closet. Not to mention, the skirt comes in a cute, reusable tote, which I used as my purse for a good four months. And then Michael told me he was never buying me another nice purse again…fair.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

This was a product that everyone I knew owned. But I was perfectly happy slathering my Aquaphor on every night like jelly on toast. I was re-upping on some beauty products online, and I needed to spend $20 more to avoid paying $4.95 for shipping. Since I am logical and great at math, I threw the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in my cart, satisfied that I wasn’t giving FedEx a DIME!!!

My Aquaphor quickly made it’s way into Michael’s bathroom drawer, where most of my reject products go to. He never opens it, but he should- there’s potentially great stuff in there (for him, not me. My face is a delicate temple. His, he can wash with hand soap)! This lip mask is the holy grail of lip products. It softly moisturizes all night to ensure my lips look and feel healthy the whole next day. I find myself having to use less and less lip balm during my waking hours. I use the vanilla, because it reminds me of a Jessica Simpson “Dessert Beauty” gloss I used to have. Honestly, I haven’t stopped talking about that cosmetics line for 10 years. I’ve put the brand on my BACK Jessica, BRING IT BACK!!

Glossier Future Dew

*Just Dew It (surely someone else has already come up with this).*

I buy a lot of skincare, but this year, I found a routine and was sticking to it. However, when Glossier released “Futuredew”, I was too curious not to try. I had never tried or even heard of an oil-serum Hybrid, and I wondered if it would really deliver on its promise of giving me that “just applied all my skincare and my whole life is together” look I so desired.

This is now my favorite product from Glossier. For me, it’s the finishing touch to my “no-makeup” days, making me look more refined and dewy, instead of “I woke up late” and “too tired to care”. It makes my skin look hydrated, plump and healthy. The consistency threw me off a bit at first, so I warmed it up in my hands first and patted it onto my face. One pump is more than enough, so the bottle should last quite a long time.

Westman Atelier Makeup

Tinted Highlight

Lit Up Highlight Stick

Baby Cheeks Blush

Vital Skin Foundation

My great makeup overhaul of 2019 deserves a post in itself (and I will!), but the greatest change I made this year was the switch to mostly all natural makeup, and Westman Atelier was the reason for that. Every product I tried was better than the last. It’s true 5-minute makeup, and I don’t feel like I’m covering my skin, just enhancing it.

If I had to choose just one product from the line, the”Super Loaded Tinted Highlight” in Peau de Peche is the greatest thing to happen to me since gel pedicures. I use it more like a blush, taking my finger and swiping across my upper cheek bones, on eyelids, and a little at my hairline. It is an instant pick-me up and makes even my pasty winter skin look warm and glowy. How does one STAY pasty, despite living in the desert? I’m a modern marvel, I know.

Here’s to another year of not getting any calls from the credit card company (otherwise known as “smart spending”)!

"Thanks! It's Vintage!"

May 31, 2018 by Alexandra Mauro in Fashion

I love vintage shopping. It gives me a such a high that sometimes I'm amazed it's legal. There's just something about finding that perfect piece that seems like it stuck around all these years just for you.

But as someone old once said, "nothing worth having comes easy". The same can be said for vintage apparel. I have spent hours rifling through racks and racks of vintage clothes, with nothing to show for it but tired arms (clothes are heavy and I have chicken arms, ok?). I started vintage shopping when I was in high school, and over the years I have learned many lessons about what to look out for. And with the birth of online vintage shopping on sites like Etsy, my education has become even greater. After having been burned by one-particular 60’s dress in 2010 (I’m not emotionally ready to explain that story yet), I have decided to share my tips with you all. Someone call Dua Lipa because here come the rules!!

1. SNIFF IT REAL GOOD

Vintage clothes can naturally have a musty smell. It's not your grandmas fault that she didn't know she had a “Reformation”-esque blouse sitting in her basement for 30 years. She was too busy handing you money under the table to care. Vintage clothing has that distinct scent, and sometimes it's fixable. However, sometimes it's not and LET ME TELL YOU FROM EXPERIENCE, you don't want to be the person at the party that smells like your Great Aunt Bertha’s attic. When you find a piece you like in-person, be sure to sniff it. Sniff it real good. If it has a faint scent, you can do the following:

Send it to the dry cleaner and be sure to tell them it's a vintage piece. Most places will be able to use a deodorizer. If it's any kind of fur coat, take it to a furrier to deodorize, too.
If you have a garage, hang it in there a for a few days. Sometimes if the piece is not that old (90's is apparently vintage now so that makes me 100 years old I guess), it just needs some fresh air.
Activated Charcoal. VERY CAREFULLY put some in a bowl and put the bowl and your garment in a plastic tub or storage bin, any container that will seal. Again, be careful because if you spill the charcoal, well then I can't help you and you'll use my name like Voldemort. Leave them in the bin together for up to 10 days, and the charcoal will help absorb the smell.
Your freezer is your friend! The lowest shelf on our freezer is meant for meats. The other 3 shelves are all my clothes, it is my second closet. The coldness of the freezer can deodorize and sanitize your clothes. Seal your item up in a large Ziploc bag and let it sit there for a few days. One time, I forgot I put a vintage caftan in there and found it when I was taking out some burgers. Talk about mystery meat (please stay).

Be honest with yourself about the degree of the musty-scent. I bought a PERFECT 70's cocktail dress once, and I did notice that it was especially ~scented~. I tried everything to make it better, but every time I went to put it on, it made me smell like a 90-year-old chain smoker. Cigarette smells are nearly impossible to get out of clothes that have been sitting with it for years, so try to stay away.

2. THE ROBERT MUELLER OF VINTAGE

When I find a vintage piece I love, I inspect that thing like the head of the F.B.I.. I go over every inch making sure there are no visible stains, marks, holes or rips. It's really a non-negotiable to me, there are so many pieces out there in great condition. Vintage doesn't have to mean dirty or sloppy, and brown spots or stains can take it there real fast. My only negotiable stain can be yellow spots on white articles of clothing, because I've found I can spot clean with Oxy Clean or Bleach. But honestly, I can barely remember to move my clothes from the washer to the dryer for 2 days so who has time for that? Make sure the clothes are clean and in excellent condition. Regardless, I always take whatever I buy right to the dry cleaner. Someone has worn these clothes before you! And it probably wasn't Audrey Hepburn, ok?

Some of my favorite vintage pieces! A mix from Lost & Found Vintage (Royal Oak), The Vintage Twin, and Etsy Stores:

My Soft Parade, Your Sweet Caroline, & Hungry Heart Vintage

3. VINTAGE IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

Online Vintage is a whole new game. I do all of mine on Etsy and have found some incredible pieces. But since you can't touch, smell or try on your find first, you must be especially cautious

All great vintage Etsy sellers will give you exact measurements. The tag might say it's a size 8! But a size 8 in the 1950's might as well have been a 0. Take your own measurements and compare them to what they have listed.
I always, always, always message the buyer to ask if the item has any smells or odors. I got a blouse once that I could smell through the packaging. Turns out they shared a space with a perfume factory, which made me smell like 10,000 flower arrangements dying. When you message the seller, you're safe for a refund if you get the item and it does in fact smell. It's just a security blanket, which I love because I still sleep with an actual security blanket. 27 YEARS YOUNG, BABY!
Look at the seller’s reviews. People will say if they received an item that wasn't as described, and you can see how the seller responds.

Try to pin down exactly what you’re looking for, to make searching easier. My favorite key searches are:

Vintage white blouse
Vintage eyelet blouse/dress
Vintage 1960’s sundress/party Dress/cocktail dress
Vintage beaded handbag
Vintage circle skirt
Vintage slip dress

Once you’ve found a potential winner, be sure to check if the seller has listed any stains or damage, and don’t be afraid to message if you’re unsure! I usually also put a filter on for just sellers in the United States. I’ve had some issues before with customs and shipping that just weren’t worth it. So sorry Russia!! You’ll have to hold onto some great vintage wiggle dress AND the Pee Tape (#RELEASEIT!!).

Vintage shopping can be incredibly rewarding. Not only are you finding something original and supporting small business, but it’s a huge help to the environment. So to my future children, you can thank mommy later for her vintage- shopping addiction. Because of me and my 8 eyelet blouses, you’ll be able to see a polar bear and trees and stuff. Happy shopping!

Here's What to Buy From The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

July 21, 2017 by Alexandra Mauro in Fashion

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is one of my favorite holidays. I have even gone as far as to take a vacation day from work on the first day of the sale. I’M NOT PLAYING AROUND HERE! It’s one of the greatest sales of the year, because it’s not on old, bottom-of-the-barrel-merchandise. It’s the beautiful, new, shiny things for Fall, offered at a discount. Every year, I do my research. The second that catalog hits my mailbox, I study it. I strategize. I hydrate. And when sale day comes, I’m ready to rage.

In the past year or so, I have really been trying to pull the reins in on my shopping (do not ask Mike if he agrees). I make fewer, more careful & calculated purchases, as I’m trying to build a closet based on quality, not quantity. So for this year’s sale, I’m doing the leg work ( PUN INTENDED BECAUSE I’M DOWN A LEG RIGHT NOW) for you, and have carefully curated the best things to buy- just ask my Nordstrom card.