Opinion Page: Product Follow-Ups, Vol. XIII

For several months, I’ve tried to be more intentional about my purchasing.  To wear the clothes I own, and only buy replacements or new pieces as needed.  But the handful of things that I have purchased deserve a review, so let’s get to it.

I bought this Gap Puff Sleeve Tie Dress last week — I have already worn it twice (in two different groups of people) and purchased the black version.  The dress is breezy and easy to wear, but looks fancier than it is.  Also, the material is very comfortable and light.  Lastly, I bought the tall version, because I am no longer wearing any dress I can’t chase children in, and it is long enough but not long on my 5’7″ frame.

The Montana State Capitol is not a huge building, and the legislative space is very small compared to other states.  So if you want to have a conversation with someone in the hall, you have to stand uncomfortably close to them.  The odd side benefit is that nearly every female lobbyist I work with has complimented me on my eyeliner this month.

The Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eye Pencil is an incredible product.  It’s richly pigmented, comes in shades designed to enhance your eye color, and wears well.  I love the Amethyst Aphrodisiac (shown) the best.  I also wear the Amber Haze when I want a subtle look.

My one complaint is that the “black” shade is sparkly, so you can’t easily wear it during the day and it’s nice dark enough for night.  Such a miss.

Confession time: I hate wearing pajamas with shorts.  The reason is that I often work from the couch after my husband has gone to bed, and I loathe the feel of a laptop sitting on my bare thighs.  But it’s about to be summer, and long sleeves and pants is too hot for night time sleepwear in August.

Enter these lightweight cotton and linen pajamas from J.Crew.  The long pants with the short sleeve is just a better option.  Plus, the lighter fabric keeps things breezy.  And, like most J.Crew products, they are available in plus.

A couple of months ago, I accidentally quit drinking.  How does one accidentally quit?  You order a drink in a restaurant in April and realize you haven’t had a real cocktail since February.

The truth is, I just lost interest in drinking.  I was solo parenting a baby and didn’t want to risk feeling like trash while being stuck on early morning and late night duty.  Even now, when I order a drink at a work function, I typically don’t finish it or I just have one and that’s enough.  I don’t see this semi-sober lifestyle changing anytime soon.

Enter the non-alcoholic Aperol Spritz from Food52.  Their starter kit has two bottles of No & Low Sparkling and a bottle of Aperol-like orange flavored tonic.  This is what I will be drinking all summer.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}