The Weekly, 05.03.21
Happy 100th post on Pretty Busy Brooklyn! I am so excited about this accomplishment, and that I’ve been able to reach this milestone in the (almost) one year that this passion project has been alive. I started this blog as a quarantine project, and it’s quickly become a huge part of my life. I love sharing information and myself with everyone who reads this blog, and honestly, cannot thank my friends, family and coworkers who have shown immense support over the last year. So, thank you!
I was really happy with the new format of the Weekly last week, and so I’ve decided to keep it the same, focusing on a top twelve or ten products of the week that I am loving, buying or are inspiring me. From beauty to skincare to fashion to reads – I’ve got it all for you this week.
01. The higher temps finally hit this week, and that means dresses, dresses, and more dresses for me. I find jeans somewhat unbearable when it gets warmer, and for me, I’m most comfortable at work in dresses. But what I do not love is chub rub, which is very real and very awful. I have pretty much always worn slip shorts underneath dresses, and I like the added protection as a teacher that no one can see my underwear through my clothes if I wear something white or sheerer then ideal. I realized a couple of my pairs were pretty old, so it was time for some fresh pairs, and I found these slip shorts from Amazon for just $15.99. As soon as I got the first pair, I immediately ordered two more. They are just the right thickness (I want something that makes me feel like I’m held in without compression), and the material doesn’t make any noise when you walk. They wore well throughout the day, and didn’t ride up. These are definitely going to be a summer hero!
02. I loved Emily Henry’s first book, Beach Read, that came out last year, and was quick to grab her newest release. I like to call her genre rom-com with substance (no shame in the trashy romance game – it has its place), and this new book, People We Meet on Vacation, was no different. Two friends who meet in college, and quickly find each other to be their platonic soul mates, they go on trips every summer traveling the world and exploring areas on a budget until one trip goes awry. Now they haven’t spoken since, but the main character is ready to take on a trip like they used to after feeling bored and a bit stuck in her job as a travel journalist. It’s a little bit When Harry Met Sally in all the best ways, and I flew through it because it was just so enjoyable to read. I most definitely recommend!
03. I’m in the midst of trying out a new treatment for my headaches, but that means dealing with the intermittent tension headaches that kind of creep up on me during my more stressful days. My savior is this Tiger Balm; if you haven’t tried it, it’s like a better version of icy hot, but really has a more medicinal feeling. If you suffer from chronic headaches or pain, or even just hold a lot of tension in your shoulders, jaw or neck, then you definitely need to grab some of this magic. It is my savior on a day filled with that body tension, and the scent is a bit like aromatherapy that kind of soothes and melts into the skin. Love.
04. Ever since I saw this foundation on TIBAL a few weeks ago, it’s been on my must-try list for foundations. The Chanel Water-Tint is a hybrid between a primer and a foundation that is supposed to leave a fresh, glowy, natural complexion after you rub it in with a brush. I was kind of uncertain when this product came in, but after a week or so of use, I can say I am definitely in love with this super unique formula. I have never used a product quite like this, and am very into the coverage it gives while feeling rather weightless. It’s definitely buildable, but not the most intense coverage. It’s definitely on the pricier end for a foundation, but I do think it’s a great warm weather foundation to try if you like a hydrated, fresh foundation.
05. The last few months, I have been trying and testing a few night-time eye creams to see if I could find one to compete with my all-time favorite from Beautycounter. And while I definitely found a close second, this Countertime Ultra-Renewal eye cream still remains my top pick for a thick and hydrating eye cream, and I am so glad to have it back in my rotation after their sale last week. It’s such an incredible cream, and has natural anti-aging alternatives to a retinol, which helps with the fine lines I find appearing around my eyes as I more often from both dryness and the aging process.
06. I love an off-the-shoulder top for summer, and this white top from Nordstrom’s new house-brand collection was just too adorable to pass up, especially for it’s super reasonable price. I wore this top for brunch on Sunday with some jeans, and it was perfectly adorable for the transitional temperatures. It’s the perfect off-the-shoulder cut, with a v-shape allowing for a more flattering fit versus the traditional straight across cut that I find can make me look wider. I could have taken an XL in this top for my chest, but overall this top hits perfectly on my shorter torso, and actually stays on the shoulder. I’ll be wearing this with denim shorts all summer long.
07. Chris and I finally have a few trips planned in the coming weeks with restrictions lifting to go and see his parents, as well as start our summer time at the shore, which means lots of suitcase action. The thing that takes up the most room in my suitcase? My cosmetics, of course. I feel like they need their own suitcase setup. I’ve had the hardest time finding a toiletry bag that will actually fit everything I want to pack between skincare and beauty, and that is why I decided to order this large size, clear case from Calpak, that can fit quite a bit of product. I can’t wait to get this pack into action, and think this is going to be a huge space saver in packing.
08. I used to go into Manhattan all the time for doctor’s appointments after work, and now that the subways are back in action and doctor’s offices are seeing patients in person, I went into the city after work last week for an appointment. It was a perfect Spring day out, so I decided to take a bit of a joy walk after my appointment, and ended up popping into Sephora – surprise, surprise. I grabbed a few random things, but my favorite was definitely this pencil lipstick from NARS in the shade Bettina – it’s a super pretty rose nude, and I love the hybrid pencil/lipstick that allows for you to get a more precise application. It has a matte finish, perfect for under a mask, and it great for anyone who has a warmer complexion as a simple, easy nude.
09. I grabbed this deep conditioner during the Sephora sale a few weeks ago, looking for a mask that would be good for days when I wanted to style my hair in its natural curls. I find the key is just really ensuring hydration in the wash process, but avoiding weighting my curls down, as they are not tight coils. If you’ve got a curl in the 3+ range, then this skittles-scented conditioner from Bread is a great option that doesn’t leave any weird films, but really hydrates the hair and provides a beautiful bounce to the curl. So far, I love!
10. Transitional temps mean pulling out my closet jacket staple – the denim jacket. I saw this super budget-friendly denim jacket from Old Navy on Olivia Muenter a few weeks ago, and immediately purchased, figuring the price tag wouldn’t hurt if it didn’t become a go-to. But I am loving this denim jacket which has a fitted but oversized fit – it’s not boxy, but the length hits at the hip, which gives that boyfriend fit to the jacket. I am already wearing it almost every day, paired with dresses and skirts – it just gives the perfect touch to any outfit.
11. Last summer, Chris and I started to play tennis in hopes of having some sort of mutual activity/hobby with one another, and it was fun! I am really looking forward to playing again this summer when we head to the shore, so you know I had to get my tennis game strong with this cute little exercise dress from Outdoor Voices. It has shorts that sit underneath, so you don’t have to worry about chub rub. I decided to grab a Large in this, and can’t wait to get my tennis game on.
12. Apparently the these Offline leggings from Aerie are a Tik-tok sensation with their v-line cut in the front, and nice booty feature in the back. I have the leggings and love the soft material for lounge, so I decided to grab the bike short version of these shorts in their ribbed, high-shine material, because a girl cannot resist a bike short for Spring and summer lounging. These are definitely going to be a closet staple with oversized tees, for exercise or for hanging out after the beach, or even on weekend walks.
Looking forward to another week of warming weather, and to celebrating Mother’s Day next weekend with my own mom and sister, who are going to come into the City for lunch that day. Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all those who are celebrating, and a warm thoughts to anyone for whom this holiday might be difficult this year. Be sure to treat yourself kindly, and treat yourself to something special.
Thanks for shopping my blog post! For transparency, some of the links in this post may be affiliated, which means I may make a small commission off of any purchases made using them, at no cost or effort for you. I only share what I love on Pretty Busy Brooklyn, and appreciate your ongoing support of the blog!
