Set and Match

I’m obsessed with this matching top-skirt set. It’s from a Canadian brand, Kaliyana, whose general vibe is a more boho Eileen Fisher. This is very parachute-chic and I love it. The brushstroke print is cool, as are the design details – asymmetrical shirring on the top, interesting volume and draping on the skirt not to mention the three (3!) pockets. It’s also hella comfortable. Honestly, what more could I ask for? This is probably peak WFH style, and while I would miss all the creative expression that styling different pieces brings me, there is something to be said for a matching set that does all the work for you.

Different Lengths

As you guys know, I’m a ride-or-die for midi skirts. But once in a blue moon, it’s fun to try something different. In this case, a mini skirt. And not just any mini skirt, but one paired with sexy over the knee boots. Ooh la la! Too bad I had nowhere to go except a virtual brunch with friends. The boots, alas, came off as soon as the pics were taken. But a girl can dream, right? Anyway, the rest of the outfit was solid on its own. I love this darkened teal Carven skirt I lucked into thrifting not too long ago, and the colours works so well with the overall palette of this Wilfred sweater (a current fave). I’ve been slowly adding more aqua/teal back into my wardrobe — it used to be my fave colour and then I stopped wearing it at some point in my early 30s — and it’s sparking so much joy. There is something very invigorating about wearing a colour you love.

Waspish

My dresses have been terribly neglected lately so, out of guilt, I decided it was time to wear one. I wants to keep things fairly simple and somehow ended up with this waspish ensemble. I dig it. I was gonna make a joke about murder hornets but, honestly, we’ve been through enough in 2020 and I don’t want to even go there. Let’s just pretend they’re not a thing anymore.

Can you believe it’s December already? I can’t quite wrap my head around doing the usual year-end posts but … maybe? Meanwhile, if there’s a topic you’d be interested in reading a post about, let me know.

Another quarter has flown by, and here we are with the FabFitFun Winter 2020 box. I believe this is my 8th (!) box, and the last one of my second annual subscription. As much as I sometimes gripe about my experiences with FFF, I won’t lie – it remains a fun splurge/distraction, especially this year, so I expect I will re-sub in the new year.

FFF has moved to more environmentally friendly packaging, which I appreciate. I will miss the fun designs of the old boxes. I still have a few of them, which my daughter uses to play with her dolls.

This time, I only got one item from the Add On sale. I am running low on my R&Co shampoo/conditioner (a previous Add On purchase), and needed to replenish. I used to buy all my shampoos and conditioners at Winners – whatever was cheap and looked/smelled nice. My hair isn’t fussy and, honestly, I have never felt much of a difference once I moved past drugstore brands. These days, saving myself a trip to Winners is worth it. Anyway, I was planning to buy more R&Co, but the sets they had in the Add On sale were for curly hair so I hesitated. Then I saw this set, and was instantly sold. I received the hand cream from the same brand in a previous box, and I am OBSESSED with the smell. It’s fruity and medicinal at the same time, which sounds odd, but I can’t get enough. So, yeah, I bought this set for the smell alone. It was under $20CAD, I think. It works fine for me. Sadly, the smell dissipates almost immediately but it makes for a pleasant shower experience.

I wasn’t taken with any of the other options in this tier, so I chose these Mukluk socks because I thought they would make the best gift. They look really nice, so I debated keeping them, to be honest.

Retail value: $25USD

I don’t typically buy cooking utensils because I don’t spend that much time in the kitchen, but I thought these would come in handy. In the past, we’ve used wood chopping blocks and we always seem to damage them somehow; hope these are sturdier.

Retail value: $20USD

I really liked the Jenny Bird bracelet I got in my last box, so I decided to give jewelry another try. Plus, I figured that you can’t go wrong with some plain, classic studs like these. I recently lost/misplaced my last pair of CZ studs so it was a timely selection.

Retail value: $68USD

Another slightly out of character choice for me – I have a big head circumference and most headbands pinch me so I don’t bother – but I was swayed by the fact it’s the brand that all the cool girls wear on IG (or did? I have no idea if this is still trendy). Anyway, I have only briefly worn this to date, and it seemed fairly comfortable. If I don’t end up using it, I know my daughter will.

Retail value: $49USD

This was my top pick because (a) I have wanted to try Caudalie for a long time, and (b) I am running out of moisturizer and my skin is feeling the effects of winter weather plus the dreaded maskne. This smells and feels divine, although I haven’t used it long enough to reach a verdict.

Retail value: $39USD

This was one of 3 FFF Picks, and a bust for me. I don’t need something like this. It looks nice, though, so I will re-gift it. I really wanted the pimple patches that were the alternate option in this tier; it’s disappointing that we don’t get to pick for ourselves the last 3 items.

Retail: $35USD

Another miss – I don’t wear eyeliner. I’m pretty sure I indicated “no makeup” in my original FFF survey. Sigh. I will be gifting this to my SIL.

Retail value: $21USD

Now this, I was intrigued by. Not something I might have picked for myself, but I am interested in giving it a try and seeing if it helps with my winter skin problems.

Retail value: $20USD

Overall, I’m pretty happy with this box and, again, the surprise factor is always fun. Since I am cutting out non-essential public visits for the next while, it’s nice to be able to feel like I’m getting some pampering without leaving the house.

Stay safe & warm everyone!