“It’s just something I never thought I’d see, Mom,” Raines said. “I was standing at the top of that course – something I’ve thought about for years! And, well…” here he trails off. “It’s just that these are the BEST, you know? Some of the best skiers in the country.” He pauses, then grins. ” And I’m competing with them.”
Unlike his little brother, my oldest guy, Raines, has never really cared about competition. While Pax seems to thrive on it, Raines mostly just…ignored it. As a little kid, he once told me that his biggest problem with ski racing was “everyone looking at me – can’t they just close their eyes, Mom?” So when he decided to try and quality for USASA Freeski Nationals this year, I was surprised – and thrilled! – that he’d be willing to put himself out there. Obviously I tried to play it realllllllly cool, like, whatever you want, Raines.
Don’t spook the introvert!
Apparently, the best part about being so freaking chill is that nerves are NOT a problem. Raines threw down two clean runs, exactly as he’d practiced, with an easy, effortless vibe that was pure joy. And then he skied around the mountain with his team, thanked his coaches, and told me later that it was one of the best days of his life.
My heart can’t take his genuine sweetness sometimes. My god.
Anyway, we’re finally home from the most epic USASA Nationals trip we’ve EVER had. It feels so good to sleep in our own beds and be reunited with our bonkers puppy. The boys are now sporting serious goggle tans – they look ridiculous, like their faces are dirty – but apparently this is cool, so they’re happy, too.
We have our end-of-season party tonight, which is always so bittersweet.
Weekly To-Do List:
Sneak peek: Our pop-up Mother’s Day Shop has opened! Well, for newsletter subscribers, anyway. The shop will open for everyone on Monday morning, but there are a few pieces that we only have in quantities of 2-3 (some are one of a kind). That raw diamond necklace I almost kept for myself, as an example, is already gone (and whomever bought it BETTER ENJOY IT, haha). Anyway, if you’d like to shop the collection early, join our newsletter – you’ll get instant access to the shop. Just like our Holiday Pop-Up Shop, this one is filled with hand-selected pieces (or made-to-our-exact specification pieces) from small, local designers. It’s SO good – exactly the kind of pieces I’m excited to wear all summer.
The BEST Vans are back in stock: think checkered, but in ‘warm taupe’. Suuuuper chic, and sold out lightning fast last year. (Also at Zappos!)
Trying to get my skin in shape for summer, so I just ordered this body butter (an Allure award winner).
Maybe it’s me, but this dress looks MUCH more casual on me than on the model. It’s still pretty sexy, but, like, flip-flops-sexy. Happily, it’s also 20% off! I’m wearing it in this try-on Reel (along with a few other dresses, all 20% off), if you’d like to see them on someone (it definitely helps).
I have some trad-wife tendencies…and it tends to come out in tops. I love this one, this one, and this one (which I own in a different pattern). Just soooooo pretty.
I want these jeans: Banana Republic, drawstring waist perfection. They’re available in petite, regular and long lengths, too. I can’t decide on the wash – all three options look great.
OH. MY. GOSH. THIS. BAG. My jaw dropped when I stumbled upon this Coach bag – especially in blue!! The unique design feels like a breath of fresh air among the usual copycat baguette/birken/kelly/chanel/etc bags, and is allllll Coach, perfectly capturing a 60’s It-Girl vibe. I LOVE IT. Also in white (or black) at Nordstrom.
Attention, dog walkers. One of my best, most-worn purchases of last year was that ‘rain goddess’ poncho from Free People that “brings me joy”. It was quirky and playful enough (while also being ridiculously practical) and it MADE the outfit. While Free People did NOT restock it (booooo), they did come out with a rain poncho with a similarly playful vibe. Reviewers love it, too (especially the dog-walkers). I cannot recommend a piece like this highly enough – it’s a pleasant surprise.
Or – oh wow – this one. (Danielle and I stumbled upon this brand and SWOONED.)
Hiking shoe trend? I do love when something very practical is trending, and so I just tried on these Salomon hiking shoes. They look shockingly good with jeans, and are much cuter on than I had anticipated! I also like the fact that the light, really pretty colors seem so at odds with the shoe’s rugged shape. Let me know if you’d be interested in a post about styling them.
The cutest top under $50: here.
What I want to wear right now: this outfit (‘sand stripe’ top, NOT the blue stripe top). To recreate, these are her exact jeans, but I might just stick to something like this. I’m also going to swap the loafers for woven Sperry’s and add a jacket. Her bag is Manebi, which is why it has such slouchy perfection. The exact bag is sold out, but I’m eyeing up this one or this one.
What I want to wear to work: this exact outfit (in ‘kingfisher blue fine stripe’) – here’s the matching vest. In fact, if you want a quick and easy way to revive your work wardrobe this season, a matching vest + trouser set is the best way to do it. Wear with a white tee underneath for more coverage, or even a classic silk blouse (my fav, here). Each piece can majorly transform the rest of your classic work staples (especially if you get a fun color or print – here’s another cute option). Is this topic worth a post? LMK.
Wait – is this the most perfect Spring & Summer jacket? I bet it looks good over dresses, too.
I don’t get it, Rails. Rails seems to be copying Doen but is…more expensive? A strange move.
French-girl lipstick: this. Any shade. It’s magic (and foolproof).
Small spaces bed + storage: I stumbled across this cool, upholstered bed that is a whopping 64% off! It also lifts up for mad amounts of storage, and would be perfect for a guest room, kids’ room, or for those of us in tiny city houses. It has more than 800 5-star reviews, too – such a find!
Just for the vibes. I want this somewhere in my house. (Also Mike’s standard answer whenever I ask, haha.)
xo,
S
