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to shop / uniqlo +j 2021 spring summer collection

The Uniqlo +j 2021 Spring/Summer collection dropped on March 25. I was able to get everything I wanted in a few orders (they limit 1 style per order).

WOMEN +J DRY SWEAT LONG-SLEEVE FULL-ZIP HOODIE

Maybe my favorite piece of the collection. It is intentionally oversized so you can go TTS or size down if you want a slimmer fit. Reminds me of the Nike hooded cape I used to like and have long since misplaced. I obviously got black, and blue. It also comes in white and gray, but I’m not much of a gray person.

WOMEN +J COTTON-LINEN SAFARI JACKET

Perfect for spring. I love the weight, the pockets, ability to cinch the waist slightly, the muted olive green shade. This is heavier weight and more sleek than the Uniqlo x Tomas Maier flight jacket. It comes in olive (pictured), black, and blue.

WOMEN +J SILK-BLEND OVERSIZED PARKA

A great shape. It is meant to be oversized. You can size down for a tighter fit or go TTS and be able to layer. The polyester/silk material is a bit high maintenance and I think black is better for the long run.

WOMEN +J SHEER WIDE-RIBBED LONG SWEATER

A nice ribbed knit. Surprisingly runs large.

What I didn’t like: The crew neck sweatshirt, sweatpants (a bit long), the linen-cotton wrap skirt (too prone to wrinkles). I wish they had tees like the old collection.

Tip: Don’t be bothered by having to return via mail. Pay with PayPal and use the PayPal return shipping refund program. The annual limit is quite generous since many places I shop from have free returns.

to shop / shopping directory: where to buy apc handbags

Last updated Feb 28 2021

Here’s a full directory of where you can find A.P.C. bags on the internet.

(*) denotes non-US stores.
(**) denotes sale items (as of press time)
(***) denotes future sale potential (either markdown or store-wide discount)

A.P.C. is French. It is cheaper in France (as of the current exchange rate) especially if you can obtain a VAT tax refund, however:

Do not underestimate the ease of finding what you want in the store. I’ve stopped by the Rue Royale boutique and Le Bon Marche shop in Paris and they barely had any bags out. But I also didn’t ask if they had anything in the back (I was just browsing).
The French price post-VAT refund is similar to Black Friday sales in the U.S.

I currently have two half-moon (demi lune) bags. They are both textured, embossed like saffiano leather, as reviewed here. I love them and have no plans to expand the APC family as of this time. The colors/texture for this style may be seasonal, so if you love something, don’t wait!
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to shop / recent purchases

1 / ZOJIRUSHI FLIP TOP STAINLESS STEEL MUG

This was a last minute purchase at Bic Camera in Haneda Airport. Ever since I got this, I rarely use my S’well bottles. I like the flip-open lid (single hand to open or close) and the security of the safety lock if I’m putting it in a bag. It did experience some minor scratches in my bag the very first time I brought it to work but hasn’t had any other casualties since. I only use it to drink water and it is hand-wash only. It comes in 12, 16, or 20 oz. I have the largest size in the beige gold (SM-SE60-NZ).

Available at Amazon or Target (similar).

2 / FOREO UFO 2

My new toy and my first FOREO device — the FOREO UFO 2. If you like masking but don’t have a lot of time or want optimal results, the FOREO UFO device line provides results in a few minutes using ultrasonic vibrations, LED light therapy (don’t purchase it for this), thermotherapy, and depending on the model, cryotherapy. You can currently choose between the UFO mini, UFO mini 2, UFO, and UFO 2 (pricing low to high). It’s much easier to find deals on the older UFO mini and UFO models.

I chose the UFO 2 because it has cryotherapy and compatibility with all of their masks. Their masks have enough liquid for you to run it more than once at a time and the settings are all controlled by the app. I have yet to diy masks or cutting down sheet masks since I got a bunch of their masks on sale. The Farm to Face collection is also all natural. I plan on making the mister try it.

Where to find:

BeautifiedYou. The UFO 2 is a bit hard to find right now. They also have the other models, have a sitewide discount, and they give two boxes of masks with a device purchase. I got mine from here.
SkinStore. New models only, sitewide discount, and a box of masks with device purchase.
Foreo. Has bundles.
Nordstrom. Best return policy.

to shop / recent purchases

Edit – February 13

1 / HILL HOUSE HOME had a nap dress drop on Wednesday. They had more stock than their October 2020 drop, so I was able to order what I wanted despite forgetting about the drop until launch time. They had me at the Ellie in black dots (which I plan to wear with a black turtleneck) and the emerald trellis pattern grew on me.

As of February 13, the super popular navy tartan is back in stock in the Ellie and Caroline! Not sure is this coincides with Princess Beatrice’s appearance in the Ellie.

Despite having 95% confidence in my HHH size now, I still like to order 2 sizes – just in case. I’ve never had a problem with returns and they are free.

New customers can get $20 off $100 with my referral link
Prior Post: Reviews

five things (hill house home, nodpod, shark wandvac, skincare routine, wagyu curry)

Hill House Home dropped their latest navy tartan, the Iris Tartan. I got a preview of the Iris Tartan, as I had ordered the Ellie in the “original” tartan a few months back and it was oversold. They offered this as a replacement and while it isn’t that similar to the original Navy Tartan (now referred to as the Holiday Navy Tartan), it was close enough. The Iris Tartan is billed as an all-year tartan. The plaid print is a little brighter and larger scale, and the material is thinner. I like the Caroline style, so I got that and the shorter Katherine. The Ellie had some anti-slip material inside of the shoulder straps that I hadn’t seen in prior Ellies (and because of that wouldn’t recommend the dryer).

Iris Tartan Collection (Caroline, Ellie, Katherine, Athena)
New customers can get $20 off $100 with my referral link
Prior Post: Reviews