End of Summer Round Up (Outside the shop edition, with humor)
Happy September friends - can you believe the end of summer is here? Well, let’s not think about that too much right now. Right now, Elyse and I are going to be sharing some of our favorite things - outside of the shop edition! We both spend a lot of time perusing the ~World Wide Web~, reading books, listening to podcasts, visiting neat places about town, etc. so why not share a few? Also, don’t forget to check out the shop’s pinterest page as well, I pin things from both the shop and all about the internet as well!
Without further ado, here we go!
Julia’s Current Fave’s
Old Cars
I seem to be in that “I’m really into old cars” phase, which has lasted longer than a phase. I spend a lot of time on this website looking at unusual cars for sale, and there are definitely some gems. The charm of old cars draws me in and I find myself yet to fall in love with a newer car - it seems that as automobiles have gotten safer and reliable (obviously important) they have become less exciting to look at. The other wonderful thing about old cars is that not only are they fun to look at, they are also unreliable and have a lot of random problems.
Recently we semi - retired our 2 door 2005 Jeep Wrangler, and downgraded to a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Obviously a wonderful decision! But as many people say about different things in their life that they love that are challenging, “I wouldn’t have it any other way!” Needless to say, I do love the car. I feel like I’m following in my father’s footsteps, who in his younger life had many “Saab Stories”. Knock on wood, we haven’t had any problems over the past 5 months! A win win! :-)
Here are some other cars I’ve been enjoying from afar recently, images from Pinterest:
A book
I recently picked up a copy of Dervla Murphy’s Through Siberia by Accident. Right now I’m about 80 pages into this travel journal. I had not been familiar with this author, but love her sense of humor. Since she was quite young, the author has ridden her touring cycle all over the world. She has written many books about all of her adventures, and I’m sure once I’m done with this one I’d pick up another.
A good tote (from a fun place)
I love a good tote bag from a favorite (fill in the blank: restaurant, business, location, shop, etc). As a result I do guiltily admit I have quite a collection, but I am often carrying at least one daily! Here are some of my recent favorites. I think it’s a fun way to add a little something extra to your outfit - it’s a place to be fun and have a sense of humor! Left to right some of my current favs! : 1. Sac á Sardines Tote from La Belle Iloise - currently not on their website but could probably be found in their shops. 2. Pearl River Mart X NKPCreate Cabbage tote from Pearl River Mart - I don’t think they make this anymore but you can always go in person and check. 3. My friend Ben specifically sent us to this coffee shop called Dreamin’ Man on a t-shirt quest. Yes, this is a t-shirt - but if you buy the shirt you also get a tote…which I can’t find a photo of anywhere. A popular Paris coffee shop with great coffee and snacks - and a nice shirt with a great motto on it.
A great travel backpack
Over time I have had trouble finding the right travel backpack. My normal REI one is too lightweight and flimsy, and a better day hike pack. I searched for a while and was hemming and hawing about a few (musts were: many pockets / zips, a chest strap, side handles), and I finally narrowed it down to trying the Cotopaxi Alpa series, I chose the 28L size because I read reviews that people felt “least like a turtle with a large shell” with this size. It has lots of great compartments and makes staying organized really easy. The only the drawback is that it’s not the easiest backpack to open in close quarters, and sometimes if you over stuff it can be a bit tricky to close, but if you keep all those things in mind, it’s great. It pretty much fits under the seat in front of you on a plane, but some might prefer to store overhead. I also imagine the larger sizes would be great too if you are looking for a carryon alternative that’s not on wheels. There are also lots of color options!!
ELYSE!
Keys
I know that these are supposed to be “favorite things” that don't have to do with the shop; as I am writing this, I am sitting on the stoop waiting for Julia to save me because I locked myself out, so my first pick is this lovely key couchette from Melete. It is a chic way of having your keys on you at all times. Lemaire also makes a lovely one, but it's quite big, so maybe not an all-day, everyday kind of piece.
Sterling Silver Cuffs
Victorian Cuffs are my new favorite things to search for on Etsy. I love how bold and chic they are. The engravings are beautiful. They are a really fun pre-curser to the bone cuff by Elsa Perti for Tiffany. I haven’t purchased anything yet; any large format sterling silver cuff would probably scratch that itch. Sometimes when there are so many great options, it's hard to choose. Obviously, the Elsa Perti piece is more of an investment, but it is a stunning classic. I have loved this piece for years, and it is fun to see it growing in popularity; it feels validating.
Window Cling
I also have been loving window cling film stuff. I have a little studio apartment, and my bed is right next to a window. My apartment is on an alley, so the neighbors are right there; I could watch their TV with them from anywhere in my apartment. I finally ordered some window film cling, and it's amazing. Not only can I no longer see what video game my neighbor is playing, but now the sun won't bleach my quilt or clothing in my closet! I found out this was a problem the hard way, and now I'm thrilled that that is all figured out, and I won't have window-shaped sun bleach spots on my quilt.
Saltwater Sandals
My saltwater sandals have been a staple of my summer wardrobe for years. I love that they are waterproof, and they have been put to the test in that regard. I find them really comfortable, especially the more recent ones with the thicker soles; I have worn them to walk miles in New York City with no problem at all. They might not be the most chic shoes in the world, but the comfort and the price point make them unbeatable. Yes, I have all four pairs above :-)
Bandaids!
I would also like to give an honorable mention to bandaids, especially this fabulous Costco-sized box, one of my best summer purchases. I somehow am always in need of a bandaid, and this variety box has it all! From foot blisters (not from the Saltwaters) to bug bites to paper cuts (so many paper cuts), a bandaid is the perfect thing to have on hand!
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Thank you for reading our first installment of “Outside the Shop Finds”! Perhaps more coming soon?! We can only hope!!