a moral conundrum in pursuit of 100% cotton 👕
ALSO INSIDE: hand-made Italian hair pins, the bandage top (it's BACK), some back-to-(grad)-school picks, and more
Happy Monday, friends! I’m so sorry, I was having a tourist-in-my-own-city moment last week with family who was in town, and I’m so late with this week’s send!!! Lots and lots of goodies in here (one of y’all is gonna have to beat me to those Frankie’s Shop trousers) – I hope you enjoy! And I PROMISE I will be back on Friday with our normally scheduled programming.
This week… I found myself in an absolute moral conundrum. And that moral conundrum is that I find myself wanting to buy Brandy Melville clothes (because so many of them are 100% cotton at a really low price point), but I also watched Brandy Hellville and was horrified. And that’s not even touching on their one size fits (sm)all philosophy.
I just can’t endorse supporting the business itself… so if you’re like me and just want high-quality, affordable tees without contributing to evilies’ pockets, I’m keeping a running list of second-hand Brandy Melville clothing here. Some stand-outs:
This collared sweater ($20) for as soon as it gets chilly!
This pretty cardigan ($25) that I would never have guessed was Brandy Melville
The classic linen pants in black checkered ($17) that I fear I do wear all the time in the house
Two quick other notes: I am so sad about the news that Zeen will be closing on August 21st – but so incredibly grateful for the chance to get to know the fabulous Zeen team and the community! Y’all know I am addicted to making Zeen collages – and don’t worry, I will be making use of the time we still have + sharing some of my fave moments from along the way. Right now, I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to Team Zeen 💚💚💚
Second, I wanted to share another Lapse snapshot of my week! I finally got to Big Night in NYC, and I wish I had bought that BLT hat!
Now, onto more goodies…
B.N.W.T.
1. Everyday Summer Linen Skort from Few Moda, $49
Y’all already know my Few Moda dilemma (and the new Maddie Prior-Hall collab doesn’t help!). If I’m still thinking about it next week… I think I’m gonna try re-instating my subscription for a bit.
2. V-Neck Mesh Crochet Polo from Oak + Fort, $68
I think I shared this, but I am headed to grad school this fall, and I feel myself entering back into my Oak + Fort phase!
3. Square Neck Tie Front Knit Tank Top from Oak + Fort, $38 (on sale)
And conveniently… they happen to be doing a giant online liquidation sale right now.
4. Tear Drop Necklace from Oak + Fort, $28
This is last thing I say, I promise, but don’t sleep on the Oak + Fort jewelry section!!
5. Halter Strap Bandage Top from ASOS, $22 (on sale)
First the bandage dress, now the bandage top… we are SO back.
Get Thrifty
1. Golden Sea Maxi Dress from Curtsy, Size S, $25
Because we still have at least a whole month of light, flowy, comfy summer dresses left!
2. Sandro Mini Dress from Vestiaire Collective, Size 40 FR (8 US), $60
Anotha one.
3. We Wore What Denim Romper from Curtsy, Size M, $35
This is a mash-up of so many different styles and eras, I feel like? And I enjoy it??
4. Printed Lace Top from Zara Pre-owned, Size XS, $10
Oh man, I might need to see if they’re still selling this in my size.
5. The Frankie Shop Trousers from Vestiaire Collective, Size S, $55
Ok but these looks so comfy…
Shop Small 4 Ever
1. Red Beaded Pearl Necklace from Erni Design, $36
Such a gorgeous necklace and such a gorgeous store.
2. Erika Pattern Top from Three Sixty, $45
Three Sixty is a Latina-owned boutique/small business in the DMV, and it is the BEST! So well-curated and they ship everywhere tg.
3. Vintage Italian Wire Wrapped Sea Shell Hair Pins from JFY Brand, $14
I have no clue how to put these in my hair but my god, I want to learn!!
4. Handmade Spoon Rest from Eda Kaya Shop, $51
She’s so fun 😭😭
5. Handmade Chubby Cup Set from Rivers Ceramics, $26
Insanely good price for a chunky mug, I feel like.
More Fun Stuff
Some Substack reads I’ve really enjoyed recently:
I think I’ve shared how into TYB I am (a platform where you can do little polls and questions and stuff like that to get discounts at brands)… my fave brands on the platform are Glossier, Not Your Mother’s, and Emi Jay, and I have been LOCKED in recently.
Just found out that my fave sock brand donates clothing to unhoused folks (and now, I’m going back for even more socks like these!).
I’ve been trying to find more good mesh bralettes, and I think I’m going to try this one next.
Has anyone ever been more iconic than Liza Minnelli?
The most clicked links in the last ATSC were:
The ASOS button-down tank ($20) – guys, should I get it???
That’s all for now! See you on Friday xo
I also watched the Brandy Melville documentary and was shocked!! Also, thank you for reading and the mention!! So happy to hear you enjoyed it.