Breaking the Fast

My weekly wardrobe, Mother's Day ideas and other thoughts. I'm free to shop and feeling invincible!

Monday morning with a full tank of gas, a fresh blowout and all of my laundry done—Is there anything better? Not to mention that my 40-day shopping penance is now complete. Hallelujah. This week I’m chatting childhood pass times turned fashion inspo, mother’s day gift suggestions, and the key takeaways from my shopping hiatus.

WHAT I WORE LAST WEEK:

OK, it’s officially hot in Phoenix. Some of you may not relate just yet, but we are talking high 80s by late afternoon. If you’ve been following along, I’m sure you’ve noticed that the sweater over the shoulders is one of my favorite moves (I cannot quit this yellow sweater). Here’s why: you can add a layer without adding warmth, it allows for an unexpected splash of color, and if you do in fact get cold in an airconditioned office or restaurant, it provides a practical solution. This season I’m seeing a lot of tying shirts and sweaters around the waist, which I haven’t dabbled with yet, but fully intend to try.

MONDAY: jacket : tee : skort - here is this year’s version : similar shoes : sunnies - bottega

TUESDAY: sweater : pants - mine are sold out H&M but these are similar : shoes another day another dupe! : similar necklace : bag (thanks to my cute husband who got this for me after reading my first post)

WEDNESDAY: similar sweater (yes, again) : tee : belt : jeans in a different color : similar shoes — thanks to my spectacularly stylish friend for inspiring this color combo

THURSDAY: shirt - old Target : shorts - old rag & bone - similar : shoes : sunnies

FRIDAY: jacket : similar sweater : bag : shorts : shoes

WHAT I’M SHOPPING FOR:

The Crayola Experience

As a 6 year old, a fresh 120 pack of Crayola crayons was the ultimate nirvana. I would empty the flimsy cardboard box and meticulously organize each crayon in perfect color order into my plastic crayon case—for serious coloring enthusiasts only. A color I remember from that pack, but haven’t considered in a while, is cornflower blue. While it wasn’t as heavily used as cerulean or indigo, I appreciated the calm and cool cornflower here and there. Lately, it has been occupying brain space in the more tangible form of clothes and accessories. Here are a few items that have caught my eye—pair with a crisp white (e.g., white boxer shorts, white barely there heels, and a cold glass of Sancerre).

sweatshirt : clutch : hat : dress : pants : swimsuit : flip flops : purse

Oh look, another reason to receive (and give) gifts

April and May mean my wedding anniversary, birthday, and Mother’s Day all within 45-days of each other. It’s an epic gift getting trifecta. In addition to the delight of receiving gifts, I thoroughly enjoy giving them. And don’t get me started on the underappreciation for the often invisible and always unpaid labor of motherhood!!!! Seriously though, moms deserve the moon. The least you can do is give her a card and a nice candle. Here are some ideas (other than candles):

For the Chef

1. Instead of flowers, give her a beautiful bouquet of heirloom wooden spatulas. While you’re at it, throw in the wood care kit so she can maintain them.

2. My love for cookbooks knows no bounds. Linking some of my favorites.

3. My SIL, who is incredibly talented and cool, is an artist and textile designer. She licenses some of her designs to Geometry House. Their kitchen towels are 10/10 in terms of utility and beauty.

4. Anyone who loves to cook appreciates a specialty olive oil.

For the Wellness Mommy

1. I’ve already pre-ordered Andrew Huberman’s new book, Protocols, which is out in September.

2. The spa day has been done. How about a package of wellness IVs to restore whatever her body needs?

3. I will not stop until the world knows about Kate McLoed body bars. They check all the boxes - no plastic, no artificial fragrances, and so luxurious. One of these with a dry brush = chef’s kiss!

For the Traveler

1. A classic straw hat that she will have forever.

2. A customized L.L. Bean tote with her grandma name of choice (my mom is Nono—how cute is that!?).

3. Keep the tote dry at the pool or beach with a monogrammed & waterproof swimsuit bag.

4. Is she planning a Euro trip this summer? Give her the gift of fluency with a Duolingo subscription.

For Anyone

1. A blowout (or better yet a subscription!) - While I love Drybar, for Phoenix locals, the best blowout in town is at Hainsworth & Co.

2. Or help her do a better at home blowout with a new curling iron.

3. Skims PJs (no explanation needed).

4. New slippers - these are so cute.

5. Custom Stationary - simple embossed or something whimsical.

6. I bought this Aura frame for my dad after seeing how much joy it brought my in-laws. It is great for parents or grandparents who want to see your photos but are not on social media.

7. These headphones if she needs a minute with out hearing “Hey, Mom?” (an oldie but goodie video)

FOOD:

Cinco de Mayo de Monday

Cinco de Mayo always makes me think of my carefree college days when my friends and I would gulp down a gallon of margaritas and devour a bucket of chips and salsa at a spot called Guapo’s in Washington D.C. My biggest concern was whether to get salt on the rim. Now my Cincos are devoid of all spice and filled with cheese quesadillas. The question of salt remains, but only as it relates to the exact quantity requested by my 5 year old atop her sliced avocado. Nonetheless, we will celebrate.

If you have some time on your hands, try these watermelon margaritas. If you don’t (it is on a Monday for God’s sake), this enchilada casserole is one of my favorite crockpot recipes. The first time I made it I forgot all of the spices and did not sauté the onion, and it still turned out great! I use Whole Foods’ 365 organic enchilada sauce. I serve it with sour cream and Cholula for the grown-ups (gotta get that spice back somehow!).

ETC., ETC.:

Lessons from Forty Days of Frugality

Maybe you read my last few posts and thought, this chick is a baby. Forty days is not that long. If so, you and I are very different creatures. Good for you! Either way, a few thoughts crossed my mind during my 40-day fashion fast that are worth sharing:

• Is it cute? Or is does it just look cute because she’s skinny, gorgeous, and strutting the streets of Paris? Anyone born a millennial remembers the elusive thigh gap. Maybe it still haunts you (I hope not!). At some point in the last fifteen years, I stopped allowing the desire to achieve it invade my brain. The women in my family are sure to be born with two things: thick hair and thick thighs—there is no changing that. Sometimes, when I see an outfit on social media, it takes me a second to separate the actual items and styling from the gorgeous backdrop or stick thin legs which they adorn. Also, whatever she’s wearing will not look the same on my 5’3” muscular frame. Something to consider before hitting “add to cart”.

• Follow the money. The constant barrage of “buy this” gave me the ick. As we all know, influencers make their money by commissions earned when you click on their link to buy an item. Which is great for them, but as a consumer, it’s easy to be blinded by the temptation and ignore the motivation behind the post. Would this person actually buy this themselves and wear it repeatedly, or is it just passable enough for them to include in a cascade of links aimed at increasing their income? To be clear, I don’t think all influencers do this. I look for the ones that wear most of the clothes they link and aren’t posting 75 useless Amazon items every other day.

• Do we all look the same? Even before my 40-day drought, I noticed the same items circulating among many of the Substacks and Instagram posts that I saw. No shade, I do the same thing here. If I see something I truly love, I will share it, no matter where I found it. But it made me deeply appreciate and crave more of the truly unique items in my closet—the family heirlooms, the vintage and thrift finds. The pieces that can’t be replicated or replaced.

• I have way too many clothes. As I’ve said in past posts, my prohibition on adding to my closet forced me to examine my existing wardrobe. Not buying anything actually gave me the urge to consolidate. I determined which items are in heavy rotation and which are just taking up space. Crucial decisions for a good closet cleanout. That said, I will definitely do another black out period, likely longer than forty days. Possibly one per season.

IN SUM:

Again, thank you for reading. When people compliment my Substack, I tell them, “I have no idea what I’m doing, but I sure am having fun!” If you enjoyed this post or others, please subscribe and send it to a friend!

XOXO

Jaymee