On My Mind: Faux-Bra Sweaters and Beaded Radishes
“Strategist Brain” is a series in which staffers share the stores they’ve stopped into, the stuff they’ve spotted, and extra tidbits from stories they’ve worked on. You’ll hear from a different writer every week.
After a rare bit of luck finding a beautiful sterling-silver ring at a vintage market, I’ve been trawling Etsy and Ebay in earnest for more bits and bobs to add to my (already overflowing) jewelry stash. I don’t like buying rings online — the sizing is always off somehow — so my hunt has been charm- and necklace-forward. Some nice ones I’ve spotted: a badminton racket, some farm animals, a fine-tooth comb. But I’ve also been eyeing Jane Diaz’s (non-vintage) silver charms since they started cropping up on my Pinterest feed several months ago. They’re quite delightful and not too pricey; chains are sold separately. Here are a few I’ve added to my cart:
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This is the jewelry box I use, which I purchased right before leaving for college in 2013. (At the time, $35 seemed so steep.) It truly has not aged at all, and I’m surprised that Urban Outfitters still carries it.
Here’s everything else I’ve seen recently
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I live and die by Maybelline’s electric-blue mascara, but lately I’ve been reaching for this plum shade instead. I find black mascaras are a bit too harsh on me when I’m not pairing them with eyeliner, but brown mascaras often fall flat for me. This is a happy medium. And its lengthening powers are impressive (though it does require two coats, in my experience).
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I love a polka-dot sock — Hansel From Basel’s Rie crew is a staple for me — so I’ve got my eye on these from Le Bon Shoppe. They’re all the more compelling given they’re on sale through the Strategist coupon page this month.
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Neither of these faux-bra sweaters are in my price range, but I’m looking (respectfully)!
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I am still on the hunt for pinstripe denim pants that aren’t over $100. If anyone can find a good dupe of these sailor-inspired jeans from Faherty, hit my line.
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Apologies to my old coffee machine, but it seems I’ve become an espresso gal. This is not intimidating to use and makes cold brew as well as single and double shots. (I’ve yet to try that feature, but my boyfriend says it’s good!) And there’s just something about a stainless-steel kitchen appliance …
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And at night, I’ve been all about this tea that I recently got at 99 Ranch. It’s a ton of honey and preserved citron rind, so it’s the perfect combination of sweet and tart. I boil some water, stir in a spoonful or two of this, then watch The Wire until I get sleepy. (I’m watching it for the first time and am on season two.) And that’s my nighttime routine lately.
Also part of my evening routine: beading. I purchased beads, thread, and needles a little over a week ago and am learning how to do a square stitch. It’s slow going but quite meditative. Tips and tricks in the comments, please! I’m hoping to buy some jewelry hardware so I can start making earrings and necklaces, but I didn’t want to spend too much money up front.
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The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
