Uniqlo Mickey Travels Tote Bag

▪ Uniqlo just refreshed its sale section and added a few dozen styles, including nearly everything from its collaboration with JWA (sizes have become limited in certain styles). My picks: JWA Duffle Coat (ordered! Men’s version here), High-waist Ribbon Wide Leg Pants, Wool Cashmere Chester Coat, Wool Blend Wide Leg Tapered Ankle Pants, JWA Trench Coat, Drape Wide Leg Ankle Length Pants, Lambswool Blend Long-sleeve Dress, Idlf Duffle Coat, JWA Military Sweater, and Disney Collection Graphic Short-Sleeve T-Shirt.


▪ Would You Take Out a Loan for a Pair of Jeans? (Racked)

▪ The Adopted Black Baby, and the White One Who Replaced Her (The New York Times)


▪ What Happens When the Government Uses Facebook as a Weapon? (Bloomberg)

▪ Most clothing and winter accessories are 30% off at Anthropologie, no code needed (discount reflects at checkout). My picks: Suzy Lace Top, Bronte Poncho, Hamptons Off-The-Shoulder Dress, Faithfull Ginger Wrap Dress, and Metallic Sheath Dress.

▪ AlphaZero Annihilates World’s Best Chess Bot After Just Four Hours of Practicing (Gizmodo)


▪ The Toxic Backlash of Silicon Valley’s Boys’ Club (Vanity Fair)


▪ Does Victoria’s Secret Matter Anymore? (Racked)


▪ H&M‘s sale section has just seen a huge update. Some picks: Short Lace Dress (love!), Knit Turtleneck Sweater, Shawl-collar Cardigan, Lace Blouse, and Rib-knit Sweater. Use code 0040 for free shipping on orders over $40.

▪ The Superstar Lawyer Tied to Harvey Weinstein Isn’t Panicked (Bloomberg)


▪ Airports Want to Raise Ticket Fees. Airlines Say No. Fight Ensues (The Wall Street Journal)


▪ I Made My Shed the Top Rated Restaurant On TripAdvisor (Vice)


▪ Not Only Are Americans Becoming Less Happy — We’re Experiencing More Pain Too (The Washington Post)


▪ A Unified Theory of Meme Death (The Atlantic)


▪ Take an extra 30% off sale styles at Kate Spade with code EXTRATREAT. My picks: Poppy Lace Midi Dress, Stewart Street Big Joy Tote (smaller version here), Olive Drive Brigette Bow Tote, Orchard Street Hemsley Crossbody, Audree Skirt, and Kane Road Lacey Wallet.


▪ Silicon Valley Is Sneaking Models Into This Year’s Holiday Parties (Bloomberg)


▪ ESPN: Can The Worldwide Leader in Sports Manage Its Own Decline? (The Guardian)


▪ Brands Should Do Less (Racked)


▪ Weinstein’s Complicity Machine (New York Times)


▪ About That Lipstick All Your Facebook Friends Are Selling… (The Outline)


▪ Volunteering Is the Best Kept Secret for Mental Health (Vice)


▪ Battle of the Button-Downs (Racked)


▪ Millions Are Hounded for Debt They Don’t Owe. One Victim Fought Back, With a Vengeance (Bloomberg)


▪ Recently purchased: Maje Knit Basket Guipure Lace Dress, J. Crew Cable-Knit Sweater With Buttons, Banana Republic Merino-Blend Cable-Knit Pullover, Ann Taylor Faux Fur Belted Jacket, H&M Knit Sweater, H&M Cashmere Scarf, and Missguided Crepe Wide Leg Trousers.


Have a great weekend, everyone!

Cole Haan Tali Bow Sandals

▪ I received a few requests for cute sandals recommendations after posting about the Tory Burch Bryce Sandal (sizes now incomplete), and wanted to share my thoughts on the Cole Haan Tali Bow Sandals, which are now on sale through discounters like Nordstrom Rack, Amazon Fashion, and 6PM. I picked up a pair on sale some time ago, hoping it would prove as comfortable as the Cole Haan Tali Bow Flats (reviewed here) that I love and own multiple pairs of. The sandals turned out to be just okay comfort-wise, and I can understand why the shoe’s reviews are mixed. The Tali sandals run 1/4 size small length-wise, and half a size small in width, so size up unless you have narrow feet. The shoes offer virtually no support (the footbeds are slightly padded but rigid; there is a wedged version that may work better for those with high arches), and the Y-styled straps may cause discomfort for some initially. It’s a polished take on flip flops and is well-constructed, but it suffers all of the usual issues that plague sandals.


▪ Costco Is Playing a Dangerous Game With the Web (Bloomberg): “Costco’s reluctance to embrace the web is understandable. Its warehouse club business model is based on selling a limited assortment of bulk-size food and household items at low prices, alongside an ever-changing selection of general merchandise—everything from margarita machines to kayaks. This creates an in-store treasure hunt experience. Both elements are costly and difficult to replicate online.“


▪ Why You Can’t Download All the Streaming Media You Want (Wired): “What the world really needs is a DVR for the internet. That may happen sooner than you think, but until then, that limitless library of all the world’s media comes with one big asterisk: Bandwidth required.”


▪ To Survive in Tough Times, Restaurants Turn to Data-Mining (The New York Times): “Information culled and crunched from a wide array of sources can identify customers who like to linger, based on data about their dining histories, so the manager can anticipate your wait, buy you a drink and make the delay less painful.“


▪ Dr Con Man: the Rise And Fall of a Celebrity Scientist Who Fooled Almost Everyone (The Guardian): “Over the years, this possibility [bone marrow transplant] has generated great excitement and a huge amount of research. Yet, for the vast majority of such treatments, there is little solid evidence that they work.“


▪ Researchers Taught AI to Write Totally Believable Fake Reviews, And the Implications Are Terrifying (Business Insider): “While fake reviews might look identical to a real one to a human, there are subtle differences that a computer program can detect, if it knows to look — notably the distribution of characters (letters — a, b, c, d, and so on). The fake reviews are derived from real reviews, and there is some information lost in the process. The fake reviews prioritise fluency and believability — so less noticeable features like character distribution take a hit.“


▪ Drink Seltzer, Live Forever (Eater): “ What differentiates seltzer from plain old water are the ephemeral qualities of smell and texture, and they begin to dissipate as soon as you pop the tab. Like Swiss cheese, it’s a product that’s defined as much by what’s not there than what is: Seltzer is nothingness, bottled and branded.“


▪ The Myth of American Universities as Inequality-Fighters (The Atlantic): “… America’s top universities are largely closed to the poor, merely helping well-off students remain well-off. The best schools for helping low-income students become high-income graduates are accepting fewer and fewer kids from poor families.“


▪ Yes, Google Uses Its Power to Quash Ideas It Doesn’t Like—I Know Because It Happened to Me (Gizmodo): “Google started out as a company dedicated to ensuring the best access to information possible, but as it’s grown into one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world, its priorities have changed. Even as it fights against ordinary people who want their personal histories removed from the web, the company has an incentive to suppress information about itself.“


▪ The Joel Osteen Fiasco Says A Lot About American Christianity (Buzzfeed): “We do not know what to do with people who do not deal well with suffering. Evangelical Christians and those who follow the prosperity gospel are different in many ways, but alike in this important one: Neither has developed a full and attractive understanding of why people suffer and how to care for them when they do. Part of the reason evangelicals who support Trump have been so heavily criticized is that they subscribe to a religion that is meant to care for the poor, the marginalized, and the suffering, yet their politics often leave care of the most vulnerable to the whims of private institutions, which creates a gap. A church that lacks a theology of suffering — an Americanized, feel-good, eternally positive church like Osteen’s — will invariably come under fire for failing to do one of its most important jobs.“


▪ How the Dollar Stays Dominant (The New Yorker): “In reality, there has never been much counterfeiting in the U.S. Last year was typical: about sixty-four million dollars’ worth of counterfeit currency was seized by the Secret Service, nearly half of which came from one operation in Peru. There is more than a trillion dollars’ worth of paper currency in circulation, which means that, in any given year, counterfeit bills represent five one-thousandths of one per cent of the total.“


▪ The Overcommitted Organization (HBR): “Across the world, senior managers and team leaders are increasingly frustrated by conflicts arising from what we refer to as multiteaming—having their people assigned to multiple projects simultaneously. But given the significant benefits of multiteaming, it has become a way of organizational life, particularly in knowledge work. It allows groups to share individuals’ time and brainpower across functional and departmental lines … Multiteaming also provides important pathways for knowledge transfer and the dissemination of best practices throughout organizations.“


▪ Romney, Clinton and Others Counsel a Panicked Political Reporter on Fatherhood (The Washington Post): “From the various politicians and D.C. denizens I spoke with, it’s clear that today, the smartphone is the greatest impediment to being a good parent.“


▪ Surviving This Summer on the Internet (Wired): “Our lives are powered, to a lesser or greater degree, by the internet. There is no offline … Every August, I make a point of reflecting deeply on my use of technology. This year, I’ve realized that coming to terms with my use of social media is not about moving away from the internet. It’s about finding new ways of moving toward people.“



▪ For sale news, please check this post, which I plan to update through Monday.


Have a great long weekend, everyone!

Bailey 44 Tulle Midi Skirt

▪ Take an extra 30% off sale styles at Anthropologie, no code needed. Shipping is free on orders over $150 for AnthroPerks members. My picks: KMB Ankle Tie Espadrilles, Brass Anchor Towel Hook, Ojai Dress, Skirted Gingham Top, Meg Scalloped Tank, and Raffine Blouse.


▪ The Wellness Epidemic (New York Magazine)


▪ What It Actually Costs to Open a Restaurant in San Francisco (Eater)


▪ Out Of High School, Into Real Life (New York Times)


▪ Advertising That Exploits Our Deepest Insecurities (The Atlantic)


▪ Nil Communication: How to Send a Message without Sending Anything at All (Scientific American)

▪ How to See What the Internet Knows About You (And How to Stop It) (New York Times)


▪ All clearance styles are an extra 50% off with code EXTRA50 at J. Crew Factory. My picks: 4″ Scallop-Hem Short, Clip-dot Midi Skirt, Leather Envelope Clutch, Striped Linen-Cotton Skirt, and Seersucker Skimmer Pant.


▪ It’s Easier Than Ever to Dispute a Credit Card Charge, and Retailers Hate It (Bloomberg)


▪ The Far-Right Alliance Is Over (Gizmodo)


▪ Plague Is Found in New Mexico. Again. (New York Times)


▪ What Is the iPhone? (Vice)


▪ Cozmo, the World’s Cutest Robot, Now Teaches You to Code (Wired)

▪ America’s Future Is Texas (The New Yorker) 


▪ Random 70%+ off finds: Joie Nikolina Lace Dress, ABS Jersey Triangle-Sleeve Gown, HUE Microfleece Leggings, Boutique Moschino Bow-Embellished Cardigan (ordered!), Tibi Off-the-Shoulder Bow-Embellished Mini Dress, Marchesa Notte Guipure Lace Mini Dress, DVF Retro Collection 24″ Expandable Spinner, ML Monique Lhuillier Lace Midi Dress, Black Halo Gilda Sheath Dress, ABS Cutout Plunging V-Neck Gown, Zimmermann Winsome Silk Cold-Shoulder Dress, Style & Co Clean Cut Reversible Crossbody, Diane von Furstenberg Glimmer Skirt, and Sam Edelman Giliana Sandals.


▪ Everything You Never Wanted to Know About How Ticks Hunt You (Popular Science)


▪ Brotailers Are Redefining How Guys Buy Clothes (Bloomberg)


▪ Why You Don’t Want to Have a Baby in a Car (New York Times)


▪ The Elusive Teacher Next Door (The Atlantic)


▪ Is The Staggeringly Profitable Business Of Scientific Publishing Bad For Science? (The Guardian)


▪ Recently ordered: Free People Metallic Blooms Top, Jeffrey Campbell Arcita Slide Sandal, Express Ruffle Surplice Romper, J. Crew Tie-Waist Skirt in Dyed Seersucker, and Ann Taylor Plaid Tie-Waist Skirt.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

▪ An accessory that I’ve featured frequently here is the Michael Kors Runway Gold-Tone Chronograph Watch, which is currently on sale on the Michael Kors website (along with hundreds of new sale styles).

▪ Mickey Drexler Steps Down as Chief of J. Crew, Ending an Era (The New York Times): “Succeeding
him is James Brett, president of the home furnishing brand West Elm. He
will start in July … Mr. Drexler, known as Mickey, will remain
chairman and keep his ownership stake in J. Crew.”

▪ How to Call B.S. on Big Data: A Practical Guide (The New Yorker): “… humans are pretty good at detecting verbal bullshit. Members of the species have, after all, been talking rot for millennia, and its warning signs are well known. Bullshit expressed as data, on the other hand, is relatively new outside scientific circles.“

▪ Even Balloons Are Artisanal Now (The Wall Street Journal): “Long gone are the days of a simple, primary-colored balloon tied to the back of a chair. Whether or not the birthday party staple needed reinventing, we now live in a golden age of balloon innovation … Like cupcakes, they just got reinvented. Because they’re big and they’re showy and they’re wonderful and they hadn’t been touched in a while.“

▪ Random 70(+)% off online finds: Michael Kors Floral Lace Dress, Brooks Brothers Wool Toggle Coat, BB Dakota Faux Suede Coat, Michael Kors Double-Breasted Wool Coat, Diane von Furstenberg Lace Pencil Skirt, DKNY Flocked Lace Top, Madewell Abroad Trench Coat, Chaser Cross Back Mini Dress, DvF Tyche dress, Susana Monaco Cat Dress, BB Dakota Collins Sweater Dress, findersKEEPERS Odom Cable Knit Sweater, J.McLaughlin Dellen Silk Skirt, Lovers + Friends Eve Romper, Splendid Waffle Loose Knit Mini Dress, Lanvin Bubble-skirt Silk-Gazar Dress, Rachel Pally Long Fortuna Dress, and Ashish Embellished Embroidered Cotton Midi Skirt.

▪  Looking For Right And Wrong In The Philippines (Buzzfeed): “In a country with astounding economic inequality, and with very limited resources for the have-nots, you scratch for everything in reach. And if you find a patch of unoccupied roadside land, with trees bearing fruit you can sell, you jump on it and build a home.  Several of my relatives in the Philippines told me that this mindset is more like a guiding principle — an ethos of taking all you can get away with … It is not so much a selfish mindset as a team-first mindset. People look out for themselves and take care of their own. More than anything else, the Philippines is a collection of family units jockeying for power and wealth at every level of the class hierarchy, from the impoverished strivers to the oligarchs … There was poverty all around us. There had been poverty all around us every day of our trip, juxtaposed against the gleaming skyscrapers and crowded malls and pristine beaches and wondrous mountain vistas and unending natural beauties that dominate every square mile of the Philippines … the 1986 revolution had been a failure. It had not been a revolution to upend the social order, but a revolution to return the gears of power to the oligarchs who had felt cheated and helpless during the Marcos dictatorship … It is change built on fear — and powered by force of will rather than reform of laws. But in a country where people don’t trust their institutions, where the law’s grip is loose and shaky, where the legal system has been used to hide corruption, justify authoritarianism, silence the press, and jail dissidents — in a place like that, who better to turn to than a man who goes out and says what so many have been thinking for years: Fuck your laws. Trust me, Duterte tells his people, and hold on for the ride. And so the people have placed their faith in a demagogue.“

▪ A Guide to Little White Lies (The Wall Street Journal): “… sometimes we tell white lies for selfish reasons—to avoid an argument or the discomfort of hurting or embarrassing someone. Or even to manipulate. This can damage our relationships, especially if the recipient knows we are lying … New research, published last month in the “Journal of Experimental Psychology: General,” shows that compassionate people lie more than others.“

▪ New York Stories (The New York Times)

▪ Why Aren’t American Teenagers Working Anymore? (Bloomberg): “Why aren’t teens working? Lots of theories have been offered: They’re being crowded out of the workforce by older Americans … Immigrants are competing with teens for jobs … Parents are pushing kids to volunteer and sign up for extracurricular activities instead of working, to impress college admission counselors. College-bound teens aren’t looking for work because the money doesn’t go as far as it used to … teenagers are just getting lazy. A recent BLS analysis offers another theory, backed up by solid data. It appears that millions of teenagers aren’t working because they’re studying instead.“

▪ The Gospel of Hard Work, According to Silicon Valley (Wired): “The programmer or designer or writer or even manager that gives up their life for a 80+ hour moonshot will comparably-speaking be compensated in bananas, even if their lottery coupon should line up. The lion’s share will go to the Scar and his hyenas, not the monkeys.“

▪ Millennials Are Killing Chains Like Buffalo Wild Wings And Applebee’s (Business Insider): “Millennial consumers are more attracted than their elders to cooking at home, ordering delivery from restaurants, and eating quickly, in fast-casual or quick-serve restaurants.“

▪ How to Perfect the Art of a Work Uniform (The New York Times): “The key question you’re asking is, What behavior do we want to produce and what impression do we want to portray … You work backward from that into that uniform.“

▪ (video link) Just Say No To Drug Test Kits (Full Frontal with Samantha Bee via YouTube)

▪ The Downside to Career and Technical Education (The Atlantic): “… although vocational students make higher salaries and are more likely to be employed as young adults, that advantage fades over time; by their late forties, those who went through a general education program have higher employment rates.“

▪ The Opioid Crisis Changed How Doctors Think About Pain (Vox): “Pragmatic pain acceptance is directed at better living … The pursuit of pain relief can often be the cause of more disability, and it can dominate one’s life. What I do might be called pain rehab, where we basically try to get to the very end of the process — which is getting back to living.“

▪ The Fight Over Voice: Why Tech’s Top Companies Are Battling It Out To Listen In (Buzzfeed): “A lot of personal technology today involves friction … We envision a future where that friction goes away, the technology disappears into the background, and customers can be more present in their daily lives.“

▪ Recently ordered: Nordstrom Mongolian Faux Fur Throw, LOFT Lemonade Halter Dress, J. Crew Cropped Cotton Jacket, J. Crew Bow Top with Embroidered Trim, and dRA Santorini Wrap Maxi Dress.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

1. Take 40% off everything at Banana Republic with code SPRING. There are no exclusions. Shipping is free on orders over $50. My order: Scallop Top, Riley-Fit Dobby Dot Bow Shirt, Easy Care Ruched-Neck Blouse, Peplum Boucle Jacket, and Ankle Wrap Bare High Heel Sandal.


2. The Jenna Lyons Era at J. Crew Comes to an End (The New York Times)


3. Amazon Wants to Dress You (Racked)

4. A System Designed to Make People Disappear (Slate)

5. All bralettes and sport bras are buy one, get one free with code BOGOBRA at Victoria’s Secret. And the Sexy Shorties are two for $25 (so about half price). Shipping is free on orders over $50 with code SHIP50.

6. Death of a Dystopian (The New Yorker)


7. The Hippies Have Won (The New York Times)


8. These High School Journalists Investigated a New Principal’s Credentials. Days Later, She Resigned (The Washington Post)


9. America’s Pronghorns Are Survivors of a Mass Extinction (The BBC)


10. Take 30% off your purchase at J. Crew with code LOTSTOSHOP. Shipping is free on all orders, with no minimum order requirement. My picks: Regent Blazer in Linen, Drake’s® for J.Crew Tie-shoulder Dress in Tiled Elephant Print, One-shoulder Dress in Eyelet, and Ruffle Skirt in Cotton Poplin.


11. How Is Famine Declared? (The New Yorker)


12. Airlines Make More Money Selling Miles Than Seats (Bloomberg)


13. A Child Soldier Sees His Mother After 6 Years. But Why Doesn’t He Speak? (The New York Times)


14. America is “Over-stored” and Payless ShoeSource Is the Latest Victim (The Washington Post)

15. Other Things Mike Pence Cannot Be Alone in a Room With (The New Yorker) 


16. Recently ordered: Forever 21 Printed Off-the-Shoulder Dress, Ann Taylor Stripe Off-the-Shoulder Sheath Sweater Dress, Vince Camuto Corlina Ankle Strap Sandal, and Nike Air Max Thea Sneaker.


Have a great weekend!

1. Happy (first ever) National Stripes Day (thank you J.Crew for your fake holiday contribution). Here are some of my favorite striped items online: J. Crew Jackie Tie-neck Cardigan Sweater in Stripes, Mimi Chica Stripe Ballet Neck Skater Dress, La Vie Rebecca Taylor Cotton Stripe Pullover (also here), J. Crew Sailor-stripe Funnelneck T-shirt, Express Oversized Striped Tie Neck Blouse, Soludos Lace-Up Espadrille Sandal, and Solid & Striped Breton Dress.


2. What the Repeal of Online Privacy Protections Means for You (The New York Times)


3. H&M Falters as Zara Owner Inditex Speeds Ahead (The Wall Street Journal)


4. (Video Link) Betsy DeVos—Secretary of Education, advocate of guns in schools, and woman who doesn’t understand the IDEA—spoke at the presentation of the 2016 Education Choice and Competition Index. (Brookings Institution on YouTube)


5. All sale styles at Forever 21 are buy one, get one free with code BOGOFREE. Picks: Polka Dot Ankle Sock Set (excellent value), Floral Open-Shoulder Dress, Mock Neck Sweater, Ribbed Turtleneck Shift Dress, Bodycon Dress, Pleated Tulle Skirt, Ribbed Knit Swing Dress, Rehab Surplice Dolman Tunic, Off-the-Shoulder Vented Top, Striped Trim Cardigan, Longline Dolman Sweater, Tasseled Poncho, and Stripe Off-the-Shoulder Dress.


6. Lululemon’s Shares Drop After Weak Outlook (The New York Times)


7. This article has nothing to do with Kate Spade’s sales strategy: Don’t Buy the Kate Spade Deal Hype (Bloomberg)


8. (Video Link) CGP Grey explains the Social Security card. (CGP Grey on Youtube)


9. The Secret Feminist History of Your Favorite Burger Chains (Thrillist)


10. Take 25% off your purchase at Kate Spade with code DEAREST. There are some new styles in the sale section worth a look: Leonard Street Lucie Tote, Cameron Street Candace Satchel, Earmuff with Satin Bow, and Leewood Place Makayla Bag.


11. Fleeing Boko Haram, Thousands Cling to a Road to Nowhere (The New York Times)


12. (Video Link) The first trailer for “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power Trailer,” the sequel to “An Inconvenient Truth.” (YouTube)


13. “Paging Dr. Fraud”: The Fake Publishers That Are Ruining Science (The New Yorker)


14. Democrats: The New Party of No. (The New York Times)


15. Recently purchased: J. Crew Sheath Dress in Fringy Lace, Rebecca Taylor Eyelet Mock Neck Sweater, Gibson Convertible Neckline Cozy Fleece Tunic, Banana Republic Dobby Bow-Neck Dress, Banana Republic Tweed A-Line Dress, and re:named Floral Neck Tie Dress.


Have a great weekend, all!

Credit: Andrew Burton/Alex Wong/Getty Images via CBS

▪ Punxsutawney Phil, who predicts weather about as well as arthritis pain, saw his shadow yesterday. I am on team Staten Island Chuck, who did not see her shadow yesterday, which obviously means that spring will come early. Yay shortened winter!


▪ I try to avoid perpetuating conspiracy theories, but the story detailed in “The Data That Turned the World Upside Down” is too good to keep to myself. Is this the future of voter outreach and intimidation? Are our Facebook likes to blame for electing Trump?

▪ A Grub Street reporter interviews chef/restaurateur Anita Lo, who has decided to close her restaurant after 17 years because of rising costs, and because “people want the new.” If you ever want to open a restaurant, Lo’s insights and experience may inspire new considerations.


▪ Hundreds of styles are temporarily 30% off at Forever 21. My picks: Lace-Up Hoodie, Stripe Off-the-Shoulder Dress, Lace-Up Bodycon Dress, Lace-Up Faux Leather Flats, Cowl Neck Bodysuit, and Mock Neck Shift Dress.


▪ Sharing one’s immigrant experience is one way many Americans are voicing their disapproval of isolationist policies. Some of my favorites: Jia Tolentino’s “The Most American Thing“; Nicholas Kristof’s “President Trump, Meet My Family“; and Raj Panjabi’s “I, Too, Am An Immigrant. I, Too, Belong.”

▪ Sorry seems to be the hardest word (video link). The New York Times’s personal health columnist Jane Brody offers some advice on the “Right Way to Say ‘I’m Sorry.” 

▪ Here’s another article about how malls and mall brands are struggling in the age of Amazon and online shopping.

▪ All sales styles at Nasty Gal are an extra 40% off; the discount will be applied at checkout. My picks: Noah Suede Mini Skirt, Harini Lace Mini Dress, Above The Curve Halter Dress, Just Ride Cropped Jacket, Born to Tie Off-Shoulder Top, and Valley of the Dolls Velvet Heel.


▪ The idea of consumer sovereignty (or “voting with your dollars”) is being tested in the real world, with some promising results. Following a boycott organized by “Grab Your Wallet,” which was started in October of 2016, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus have dropped Ivanka Trump’s brand from their stores. And following the #deleteuber campaign, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick removed himself from Trump’s economic advisory committee.


▪ I really like this Wall Street Journal feature, which will follow some Americans (who voted mostly out of their individual economic interests) over the next few months and, document how their economics situations and viewpoints change (or remain the same).


▪ Use code F25SAL and take 25% off sale styles at French Connection. I recently ordered the Juliet Satin Bow Front Dress, Core Cashmere Blend Oversized Sweater, and Juliet Satin Bow Midi Dress. Other picks: Tara Suede Belted Coat, Sidewalk Drape Belted Duster Coat, and Spotlight Lace Tulle Mix Dress. Shipping is free on orders over $75.


▪ Bill Maher’s brand of liberalism is a shade too militant for me, but I agree with him wholeheartedly that Trump’s cabinet picks come to us from “Opposite Land.” One pick especially has proven enormously unpopular: Betsy DeVos, the secretary of education nominee and Michigan charter school advocate. Some DeVos opponents have taken to pressuring legislators in creative ways (albeit with little success). Others are reaching out to their representatives in the old-fashioned way (also to little success). 


▪ Also, if you are planning to contact your legislator, you may want to give this New York Times article a read. It shares some helpful tips for those who are unfamiliar with the process.


▪ Here’s a two-year-old article on HBR entitled, “How to Make Yourself Work When You Just Don’t Want To“; I didn’t personally find it helpful (I am a lost cause), but you might.


▪ I wasn’t sure what exactly I had just read when I reached the end of “New Trends In Getting Mad Online,” but it is a masterpiece and gets more entertaining with every reread.


▪ Some Nordstrom sale picks: ASTR Ribbed Sweater Dress, Vigoss Wool & Faux Leather Baseball Jacket, BP. Cross Front Top, Free People All Mine Sweater, Socialite Off the Shoulder Rib Knit Dress, Wayf Gala Lace-Up Minidress, STOREE Bailey Off the Shoulder Sweater, and Cotton Emporium Texture Knit Pullover.


Have a great weekend, all!

Source

▪ The New York Times’s resident food critic, Pete Wells (author of this masterpiece), wrote a scathing review of LocoL,
two restaurateurs’ vision for the future of “fast food.” As a fast food
lover, I am naturally skeptical (but not wholesale critical) of
millennial efforts to make fast food “socially responsible,” and wonder about the
scalability of the LocoL model. Despite LocoL’s supposed shortcomings, I
am nevertheless eager for the chain to expand eastward so I can try it
for myself. (Roy Choi’s passive aggressive response annoys me though.)

▪ More fast food news: Jack in the Box sells some 554 million tacos a year; McDonald’s partners with UberEats to bring fast food to your door; Arby’s brings back the Crispy Fish Sandwich for a limited time; and Taco Bell introduces Crispy Lava Chicken Chips in select markets (when will it come to me?!) 

▪ Neiman Marcus has extended its gift card event (use code JANGC at checkout) so you can still earn up to $800 in gift cards (on purchases of $3000+). Items that qualify for the event will have “Earn up to a $800 Gift Card with regular-price purchase + promo code JANGC. Details” in gold on their product pages. Longchamp, Saint Laurent, Tory Burch, and Burberry are all included.

▪ “One Man’s Quest to Change the Way We Die” is easily the most engaging article I’ve read in recent memory. It’s regrettable that our discomfort with death has begotten an end-of-life care system that failed so many and caused so much needless suffering. It took me close to an hour (I read slowly) to get through the piece, but it is so worthwhile.

▪ Speaking of death, a book on the topic I read last year and found interesting was Shelly Kagan’s Death. If you don’t want to buy the book, his course can be found on YouTube (part 1 here).

▪ It’s been a while since I last rolled my eyes as far back as I had reading “18 Habits That Will Make You Smarter.” I don’t know the first thing about being smart, but I do know lazy reporting (being a lazy person myself). I also know that this article is fodder for r/iamverysmart. There’s no shortage of tips online for staying sharp (or becoming sharper), but this CNN one might be better—if only because it uses “could,” not “will”—but I really wouldn’t know.

▪ There’s still time to shop Nordstrom‘s Half-Yearly Sale. More picks: Steve Madden Belted Hooded Skirted Coat, Levtex Maxwell Reversible Flannel Quilt, Frye Everyday 3-Pack Ankle Socks, Sanctuary Dunaway Cowl Neck Pullover, Nordstrom Reversible Plaid Wrap, Articles of Society Tina Turtleneck, ASTR Open Back Lace Romper, and Topshop Chest Pocket Plaid Shirt.

▪ New years bring with them a set of new possibilities. I always look forward to The New York Times’s “52 Places to Go” articles at the beginning of the year (related: the 2015 and 2016 lists), as they are helpful in imagining some of those possibilities. Related: “Eight Ways to Save on Travel in 2017“

▪ New styles have been added to H&M‘s winter sale. My picks: Denim Shirt, Short Jersey Dress, Sequined Tights, Cowl-neck Sweater, Sequined Lace Dress, and Skinny Ankle Biker Jeans.

▪ Sugar is under attack. As an addict, I am at once scared and relieved.

▪ Some people may know Scranton, PA from NBC’s The Office, but the city should perhaps be better known for its shocking rate of incarceration (and the resulting racial divide and poverty). 

▪ I am always looking to confirm my suspicion that working hard is Bad, thus, I welcome the message this BBC report communicates: don’t be a work martyr. 

▪ Take up to $40 off (purchases of $150) at American Eagle and Aerie with code NEWLOOKS. Clearance styles are excluded from this offer. This code is perfect for picking up some 7 for $27.50 panties. Other picks: Real Soft® Jogger, Move Ankle Wrap Legging, Babydoll Shirt, Keyhole Back Sweater Dress, Cold Shoulder Sweater Dress, and Hi-Neck Fit & Flare Dress.

▪ If you love abstruse things, you may like Brainfuck. For everyone else, stick to Java.

▪ I’ve never sold a car in my life, but after reading “How To Get the Most Money When Selling Your Car,” I now feel ready to sell one. And whenever the topic of used cars comes up, I feel compelled to link to George Akerlof’s “The Market for Lemons.”

▪ Recently ordered: Ann Taylor Wool Cashmere Lace Up Sweater, Banana Republic Asymmetrical Ruffle Tank, J. Crew Relaxed Wool Turtleneck With Rib Trim, ASOS Double Breasted Plunge Romper, and Neve & Eve Orchid Fascinator.

Have a great weekend, all!

Vince Camuto Crepe A-Line Dress || J. Crew Icon Trench Coat in Wool-cashmere || Kate Spade Olive Drive Brigette Leather Satchel || Ann Taylor Mila Leather Pumps

1. A new addition to my closet, the Vince Camuto Crepe A-Line Dress, is now on sale in 10 colors. A more thorough review is scheduled for next week, but I am a big fan of the wrinkle-resistant fabric and figure-flattering design. 


1-1/2. Actually, Nordstrom is kind of a dangerous site to be on this week. There are all kinds of new styles in the sale section, and my favorite moto jacket is now available in seven colors. For those in the market for work pieces, consider these: Tahari Seamed A-Line Dress, Halogen Ottoman Knit Fit & Flare Dress, Halogen Seamed Pencil Skirt, Adrianna Papell Pleated Jersey Sheath Dress, Halogen Crewneck Cape Top, Adrianna Papell Lace Overlay Sheath Dress, and Adrianna Papell Boatneck Lace Sheath Dress.


2. Why Career Coaches Won’t Stop Telling You to Stand Like Wonder Woman via Bloomberg


3. (Video Link) OK Ladies Now Let’s Get Information via Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on Youtube


3-1/2. (Video Link) First: Do No Harm. Second: Do No Pussy Stuff via Full Frontal with Samantha Bee on Youtube


4. How Halloween Stores Conquered America via Bloomberg


4-1/2. 2016 in Sexy Halloween Costumes, From Pikachu to Harambe via Vox


5. Forever 21 just restocked some of its bestsellers. A few picks: Off-The-Shoulder Bodycon Dress (I own this; the ruffles are a little overpowering on a short person like me, but it’s a great value), Belted Trench Jacket, and Self-Tie Top.


6. The Single American Woman via New York Magazine


7. The Only Cure for OCD Is Expensive, Elusive, and Scary via the Atlantic


8.0. Twitter Planning Hundreds More Job Cuts as Soon as This Week via Bloomberg


8. Vine Is Closing Down, and the Internet Can’t Stand It via the New York Times


8-1/2. Here Are Some Of The Best Vines To Watch Before Twitter Kills It via Buzzfeed


9. Aerie is running a few special promotions for Halloween: there’s 2 for $31 bralettes; 10 for $31 panties; and 31% off tops, bottoms, and bras.


10. The Return of Ranch Dressing, a Great American Condiment via Grub Street


11. The Wealth Gap in Philanthropy via the New Yorker


12. Running While Female via Runner’s World


13. Sorry Hipsters, the Skinny Tie is Over via Bloomberg


14. Founders of AOL, Twitter and More Share the Best and Worst Moments in Internet History via Entrepreneur


15. Recently purchased: H&M Lace Blouse, BP Block Print Scarf, Club Monaco Carly Pleated Sweater Skirt, and Club Monaco Thisbee Scarf.


Bonus Link: The New Must-Have Yard Accessory: a Feral Cat via the Wall Street Journal

Source

1. Since news of  KFC’s “secret” recipe reveal broke a few weeks ago, I have spent a considerable amount of time trying this recipe and I must say that adding MSG goes a step further to completing it. If only a KFC affiliate would accidentally tweet out the recipe for the FLG sauce…


2. How To Have Friends via the Awl


3. Here Are the Last Possible Dates You Can Register to Vote in Your State via Time Magazine


4. A hodgepodge of things on sale that I like: J. Crew Factory Schoolboy Blazer, Chloe Suede OTK Boots, J. Crew Striped T-Shirt Dress, Express Marled Sweater, Nike Thea Sneakers (go up half to a full size; best for narrow feet), Ivanka Trump Block Heel Sandal, Self Portrait Azalea Dress, Self Portrait Lace Maxi Dress, Vince Camuto Court Sandal, Valentino Rockstud Pumps, JAG Ripped Boyfriend Jeans, Givenchy Box Bag, Elizabeth and James Suede Crossbody Bag, BCBGeneration Lace Dress, Erin Retherston Lace Dress (87% off in size 0), Maggy London Fit-and-Flare Dress, and Self-Portrait Lace Peplum Dress (in white here).


5. We Can’t Figure Out Amazon’s Weird Pricing System via Racked (This is my theory: availability definitely affects dynamic pricing, so does the number of inquiries. Most times, after I share an obscure link here, the price for that particular style goes up shortly after and falls again after a few days, if availability hasn’t been affected.)


6. A Bonfire of the Swiss Watches via the Financial Times


7. Get Ready for Organic Gatorade via Grub Street (WHY?????!)


8. Amazon Is Testing Food Orders Directly From a Cooking Show via Time


9. Shop Ann Taylor‘s extra 50% off sale until Sunday night and stack this offer with code GIFT11 for $30 off orders over $60. Here are what caught my eye: Cold-Shoulder Ruffle Top, Chambray Tie-neck Shirt, Summer Blossom Midi Dress, Halter Flare Dress, and Lace-trim Slip Dress.


10. Yellowstone Owes Its Early Success To Public Bear Feeding via Atlas Obscura (Never have I been sadder that I wasn’t born a century earlier.)


11. Why Luck Plays a Big Role in Making You Rich via Bloomberg


12. The Distinct Pleasure of the House Dress via Racked (“The beauty of the house dress is the promise of presentability.”)


13. Shit Happens: I Spent Two Terrible Weeks on a Kardashian-endorsed “Teatox” via Fusion


14. That Signal Wasn’t Aliens — It Was Coming from Earth via Popular Science (The call is coming from inside the house.)


15. Recently purchased: BNCI Faux Suede Moto Jacket (nine colors!), J. Crew Toggle Cape in Wool Cashmere, Tory Burch Miller Sandal, Anne Klein Printed Dress, and Burberry Quilted Hooded Jacket. The Topshop Moto Skinny Jeans that I recently ordered is now 35% off.


Have a great long weekend, all!

Image via Amazon

1. Happy National Chicken Wing Day, another ad hoc holiday designed to encourage consumer spending. Here are some posts to help you identify places that are giving out freebies today. 


1.5. Buffalo Wild Wings’ New Plan to Crush Chipotle and Panera Bread Is Working via Business Insider (This new plan is the “15-minute lunch guarantee”—casual dining moving into fast casual dining territory? I think I see a trend.)


2. The Oppressive Gospel of “Minimalism” via the New York Times


3. Here’s another plug for the Emerson Place Vivenna Mini Quilted Leather Crossbody (see on me here), now on sale at Gilt. I like it enough that I also got it in a second color and another size. 


3.5. Random previously-sold out Kate Spade styles sprung up on Gilt recently. Here are some of my favorites: Go Fly A Kite Mini Crossbody (see on me here), Lily Avenue Carrigan Leather Tote (see on me here), Holden Street Lanie Small Leather Satchel, Embellished Cambria Flared Dress, Stripe Fit And Flare Dress (see on me here), and Rugby Stripe Duvet.


4. The Debate Over Time’s Place in the Universe via the Atlantic


5. Ralph Lauren’s American Dream via Racked


6. The Mathematics Of Jet Lag via Forbes


7. Forever 21 just added hundreds of new style to its sale section. Here are my picks: Stretch-Knit Henley Bodysuit, Stretch-Knit Skater Dress, Wide-Brim Felt Floppy Hat, Ornate Embroidered-Mesh Dress, Dropped-Hem Wool Sweater, Fit & Flare Pocket Dress, and Grid Crochet-Paneled Paisley Top.


8. The Campaign to Make You Eat Kimchi via Priceonomics (Oh man… “gastro-diplomacy” is real.)


9. While the Rest of the World Got Taller, Americans Plateaued. Here’s Why via the Washington Post


10. WikiLeaks Has Officially Lost the Moral High Ground via Wired


11. What You Like Falls on Party Lines via the Wall Street Journal


12. Mysterious New Whale Species Discovered in Alaska via National Geographic


13. A Stunning Prediction of Climate Science — and Basic Physics — May Now Be Coming True via the Washington Post


14. What Do You Pay For When You Get an Ethical Manicure? via Racked


15. Recent purchases: H&M Pleated Skirt, Sam Edelman Tonia Pump, Ruffled Lemon Print Dress, ModCloth Scalloped Top, and Street Level Slouchy Zip Tote.

Have a great weekend, all!

1. I recently ordered the (extremely well-reviewed) Banana Republic Nautical-Style Blazer to provide relief for my well-loved J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer. I hope to share a review soon!


1.5. The rest of my order: Pleated Strappy Maxi Dress, Sleeveless Tux Dress, Slub Scoop Tee, and Off-Shoulder Flounce Ponte Dress.

2. (This is real.) KFC’s Edible Nail Polish Takes Its Finger Lickin’ Good Slogan Very Literally via Racked


3. Play the ‘woman card’ and reap these ‘rewards’! via the Washington Post


4. “You can never ask for permission because no one will give it” – says the founder of a gas delivery startup which began service last week.


5. The Average 29-Year-Old via the Atlantic


6. I finally ordered the J. Crew Fringy Tweed Jacket (all regular sizes are back in stock; petite sizes are still OOS); will do a proper review once I receive it. I also picked up a few silk camis, now that they are further discounted in select colors.


7. Aeropostale Files for Bankruptcy Protection via the Wall Street Journal

8. The Search for Our Missing Colors via the New Yorker


9. Should Prostitution Be A Crime? via the New York Times


10. Impulsive purchases from the last week: colorful (and bold) printed dress, Free People Candy Shop Mini Dress, and Black Halo Brooklyn Mini Dress.

1. I went for my first (temperature-appropriate) road runs of the year this week and tested out some new running gear. Vibram shoes are not the most chic, but I kind of fell in love with these Bikila Evo Road Running Shoes (runs about half a size small). They are lightweight but offer adequate support. Only issue: it takes me a full five minutes to put them on properly, which is an eternity when perfect running weather beckons.


2. Whole Women’s Health v. Hellersted coverage: Abortion Has a Market Problem; What Happens When the Clinics Close?; The Erosion of Abortion Access in Texas; Texas’ Big Lie; and Will the U.S. Supreme Court Take Precedent Seriously on Abortion?


3. Ann Taylor’s new collection is my favorite in a few seasons. I liked a few styles so much that I immediately ordered them to try. My list: Floral Lace Skirt, Eyelet Back Top, Safari Trench Dress, Statement Blossom Scarf, Side Button Dress, Hibiscus Pencil Skirt, and Chambray Tie Neck Shirt.


4. How Hackers Recruit New Talent via the Atlantic


5. At Paris Fashion Week, a Ghost Season via the New York Times


6. The Aerosoles Goldfish Suede Boot that I wore here is now only $59.99 (and still available in all sizes).


7. A prime example of the paradox of plenty: Venezeula (and some background via the Economist).


8. I am still sad that I don’t own this scalloped dress from Valentino’s Fall 2010 collection, but a few imitators look promising (and are affordable!) This Boden copy comes in three colors and is on super sale. And I have heard great things about the Club Monaco Colby Scallop Dress (on sale in black). 


9. It’s Discounted, but Is It a Deal? How List Prices Lost Their Meaning: “If you’re selling $15 pens for $7.50, but just about everybody else is also selling the pens for $7.50, then saying the list price is $15 is a lie” via the New York Times.


10. This week in impulsive purchases: an ASOS haul which included the Cami Maxi Dress with Pleated Skirt in sunny yellow, this cozy-looking Tunic Dress With Crew Neck, and a few items on sale (Bandeau Baby Doll Dress With Bow, Wrap Drape Midi Dress, and Varsity Dress).

1. I collaborated with eBay recently to create a “clothing hacks” guide, which featured some of my favorite (read: old) tricks to refresh my wardrobe without buying anything new. 


2. A deceptively titled article on how to “look good” while trying to survive the cold; the satire and “duh” are strong with this one.


3. Less cringey: a look at New York Fashion Week street style via the New York Times.


4. I can’t explain why I did it, but I just bought a Burberry raincoat (also here, here, and here). I have had my eye on it for months and finally pulled the trigger. I am oddly optimistic about this purchase, which isn’t a positive sign.

5. This plaid cashmere scarf, in three pretty colorways, is on sale at Bloomingdale’s. I had offered it as an alternative to the Burberry heritage check scarf in another post.


6. I don’t want to belabor the point, but New England is cold right now. As a result, I am baking up a storm and eating my SAD-related feelings. I recently tried this Ferrero Rocher cupcake recipe but was not very impressed with the result. It may be one of those things that’s better in theory than in practice (though I did leave out the cream cheese…)


7. The subscription box craze is at a new high (or low?) Would you pay $150 for an Adidas subscription box?


8. Currently coveting all the colorful tweed and printed styles in J. Crew’s new arrivals section. This Tweed Jacket with Zippers is calling my name.


9. The power of branding: designer anything can potentially lead to better performance? (Seriously, who commissioned and paid for this study?)


10.This week in “impulsive purchases”: the Kate Spade Sunny Daisy Organza Bow Dress. (Also loving this Double Bow Back Dress, Rose Lace Fit-and-Flare dress, and Lydia Heels, which is Kate Spade’s twee take on the Valentino Rockstuds).

1. I was running an errand some time ago and saw this fluffball just chilling in his car (I use male pronouns for all dogs that I meet, until corrected). I couldn’t resist taking a few pictures. (I really need to get my own dog.)


2. A heartbreaking read: Baby Doe via the New Yorker. (Related link: The Poverty Clinic.)

3. My favorite purchase this week is the Free People Sheila Hacci Top (also here, here, and here). Order one or two sizes down, since this top is cut generously. I am excited to wear this with an Aerie Lace Bralette and pleather pants.


4. A friend shared this spellbinding video that showcases the usefulness of binder clips on Facebook. I immediately made myself a phone stand with two binder clips (it’s slightly wobbly but hey, it’s free-ish). To think I almost spent $8 on a “real” stand…


5. 21 Things You Need If You Love Pigs via Buzzfeed. (I don’t love pigs but the items linked are pretty cute.)

6. Items in Nordstrom’s sale section have been further discounted; select items are now up to 80% off. 


7. I started reading American Prometheus (a biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer) this week and, at my current rate, it may take me six weeks to finish this. I’m always looking for book recommendations, feel free to send me your Goodreads page link.

8. I am surprised to see the Madewell Zip Transport Tote with Pockets marked down online. I don’t need this bag but am very tempted.

9. And… we have a winner. Gerber recently chose its new spokesbaby. (Warning: she is adorable. May cause cute aggression.)

Have a great weekend, all!