Sunday Six 3.27.22

six things i enjoyed this week –

1. Oversized Poplin Button-Up Shirt

The perfect white button-up shirt is deceptively difficult to find. I've purchased-and-returned four or five shirts in recent months in my pursuit of *the One*. Lo and behold, the One appeared to me at none other than Abercrombie. And thus I've become another millenial roped in by Abercrombie's rebranding.

This is a mid-weight button-up that runs oversized, perfect for casual wear but not filmsy. It's the perfect length for me to French tuck, but will also wear well unbuttoned with shorts in the summer. If you plan to style it for business attire, you may want to size down as the shirt has a roomy, relaxed cut. I am wearing my true size, small, here. I plan to purchase it in light blue stripes as well.

Worn here with RE/DONE Stovepipe Jeans, Parade Scoop Neck Bralette, Osoi Peanut Bag, Daisy Jewelery Goddess Snake Chain, and some old black booties.

2. Elleme Raisin Raffia Bag

I just shared a detailed unboxing of my new summer bag, the Elleme Raisin Raffia in the Natural/Cognac Leather color way. I've been eyeing this bag for years and finally took the leap during their 20% off Lunar New Year sale. In short, this bag is everything I had hoped it would be, the perfect mid-size, easy-to-style bag that can be dressed up or down. The raffia is a very fine smooth weave, which I imagine will help with the overall durability of the bag. It's lined with micro-suede, and can be carried by top-handle or with the strap on the shoulder or cross-body.

I can fit my card carrier, my keys, my sunglasses in the hard case, my iPhone 13, a small cosmetics bag, and even a small water bottle with room to spare. There's also a smaller size called the Baozi that is very chic, if you're on the hunt for a smaller bag.

3. Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm

Back on the affordable end of the spectrum, I finally got around to testing the Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm and I'm really enjoying it. It melts down makeup and SPF well and rinses clean, and I always appreciate the ease of a cleansing balm in a tube. It does the job of a first cleanser well and doesn't break the bank. It's not the most *luxurious* feeling balm in terms of touch, emulsification, and general sensorial pleasure, but I wouldn't expect that at this price point. I am happy to have a cleansing balm I can recommend at such a great price point.

4. Tom Ford Créme Quad in Tiger Eye

I gave in. I had to try the new Tom Ford créme formula, and it does not disappoint. I just shared a full try-on and review. I picked it up in Tiger Eye, a quad with three shimmers and one creamy matte. The most striking quality of this palette is how thin yet pigmented this créme to powder formula is. It's weightless, yet buildable to high pigmentation with just a few swipes. Blendable, pearly sheen. Gorgeous.

5. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige

Every bit as lovely as I'd hoped. This is a liquid balm in a squeezy tube with a creamy vanilla scent. The shade vanilla beige is a tawny rose that adds a natural flush to the lips and livens up my face with or without other makeup on. The balm formula is neither sticky nor thick, a lighter texture that I appreciate.

6. Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen

Last weekend, Hannah (Louise Poston) and I went on a stationery adventure and spent, like, two hours in Kinokuniya in Little Tokyo browsing their excellent stationery section. I've been wanting to dip my toe into the world of fountain pens, so I picked up a Pilot Kakuno fountain pen. The Kakuno is designed with beginners in mind, a lightweight pen that uses fountain ink cartridge (but can be refilled by converter, too). It comes in a variety of nib sizes and colors. No skipping, scratching, or ink blots. Just lovely!