MEMORANDUM | NYC Fashion & Lifestyle Blog for the Working Girl

17 Truly Dreamy Coats for Fall and Winter

Mary Orton — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 17:29:19 +0000

If you’re here for the coats, skip on down to my hit list at the bottom of this post. Before I get there, however, we must discuss what I’m wearing under this dreamy coat—this little black dress extraordinaire by Halston. Where to start with this dress? Perhaps I should begin by saying I can’t remember the last time I was this excited about a little black dress purchase. This sweater dress is ideal for so many reasons. I recently wore a black dress with a similar neckline to my cousin’s wedding and it quickly sold out (much to everyone in my DMs’ dismay). This wide, off-the-shoulder v-neckline is one of the most flattering (and slimming) necklines of all time, so I’ve been on the hunt for a similar style and ladies and gents, I FOUND IT. It’s the Jolie Off-The-Shoulder Dress by Halston, and it’s a stunner.

A feature of this dress that I absolutely love is that the neckline is totally adjustable. You can wear it pulled down far off the shoulder or you can wear it up over your shoulder so it looks more like a v-neck sweater dress. The twist at the bust line connects to the fold-over neckline in a way that allows you to adjust the neckline with ease which is no easy feat when it comes to dress construction. They absolutely nailed it with this one, so yes, I am 100% going back for it in ivory.

The fabric is a thick, substantial knit — not to the point that it feels like shapewewar, but it’s got much more heft than your typical sweater dress that clings to every bulge or underwear line. In terms of sizing, it runs true to size and I like that it’s not super skin-tight. It’s meant to have a little room. I’m 5’10” and wearing a size medium, for reference.

HALSTON

Jolie Off-The-Shoulder Sweater Dress

And now for the coat! The coat! First off, let me just tell you that it was not easy to choose a color. I also see that the same style is now available in a black and white version. DREAMY. Aside from this Cinq A Sept houndstooth coat being one of the most beautiful, refreshing styles I’ve seen in a long time, its construction is exceptionally thoughtful. In particular, I find the knit sleeves to be genius. Yes, they just… look cool. But, if you think about your typical wool coats, it’s often the rigid sleeve that makes you feel the most constricted. That uncomfortable tightness you feel when you reach or move comes from having thick non-stretch wool fabric through the shoulder and sleeve. With this coat, you have the warmth and utility of a coat, but the comfort of a vest. Standing ovation.

Check out all of my favorite coats below and take advantage of the fantastic promotion happening at Saks right now!

Gorgeous Coats For Fall And Winter

Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue and ShopStyle Collective for partnering on this post!

10 Of My All-Time Favorite Beauty Products Are On Sale At Saks

Mary Orton — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:00 +0000

CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ

Concealer

1

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer

Respectfully, I have to say that if you’re not using this concealer, you’re wrong. In my book, nothing else compares. It is the most natural, long-lasting, high-coverage concealer that truly looks like skin and doesn’t crease, ever. I absolutely love the formula and the fact that it includes SPF 25 so your delicate eye skin stays protected. It’s pricey, but hugely worth it, especially if you can grab it at a rare 15% off. A little goes a long way, so rest-assured this tube will last you much longer than comparable products.

ELEMIS

Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm

2

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Will I ever shut up about the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm? No. No I will not. Aptly called “a spa in a jar,” it’s one of the most effective cleansers out there. One jar usually lasts me six months (and I use it twice a day), so it’s another product that is entirely worth the full price tag. But for 15% off? I’ll take four thank you very much. This balm cleanser does a truly spectacular job washing away pollutants, dirt and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils. The truly DIVINE smell also instantly melts away stress (speaking from experience) and I swear I sleep easier after using this. While you’re perusing the Elemis aisle, throw my all-time favorite Superfood Facial Oil into your cart and thank me later.

LAURA MERCIER

Translucent Loose Setting Powder

3

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

Let’s keep our foreheads from looking like a slip n’ slide, shall we? I have used Laura Mercier’s Translucent Loose Setting Powder since… 2010? Who knows at this point. I lightly dust it all over my T-zone, chin and under my eyes to set my makeup and avoid shininess. This powder is sheer, silky and gives a soft, subtle blur without ever appearing cakey. It has maintained its place in my makeup bag for over ten years because it’s exceptional at making my makeup last longer while ensuring my face never ventures into “reflective” territory.

BENEFIT

Gimme Brow Eyebrow Gel

4

Benefit Gimme Brow+ Eyebrow Gel

When it comes to achieving perfect eyebrows, this is always step one for me. Prepping my brows with a great brow gel first actually means I use less brow pencil and when less pencil is used, the end result looks natural, not “drawn in.” I use this glorious Benefit Gimme Brow+ Eyebrow Gel in shade 03 Neutral Light Brown but I’ve found that all shades of this product are very natural and work wonders to add volume and natural color to any little eyebrow hairs that are lighter than I’d like. This product keeps things in place, doesn’t clump and lasts all day.

JO MALONE

Townhouse Lilac Lavender & Lovage Candle

5

Jo Malone Townhouse Candles

It’s no secret that I’m a longtime fan of all things Jo Malone. By some miracle, ALL Jo Malone products are included in this sale, and personally, I’m hoarding the brand’s Townhouse Candles (my newest obsession). This range was released for the first time last year, and I’ve been smitten ever since. Not only are the scents divine and ideal for fall (my favorite is Glowing Embers), but they come in breathtakingly beautiful ivory ceramic canisters that are worthy of a permanent place on your coffee table, regardless of the heavenly scented candle they contain. I’m stocking up on these for myself and buying several extra to have on hand for hostess gifts. I just love that I’ve continued using and loving the canisters long after the candles are gone.

OLAPLEX

Hair Perfector No. 3

6

Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

Olaplex’s salon-quality formulas have garnered a cult following because they work really, REALLY well. I use Olaplex’s Hair Perfector No. 3 which is a strengthening treatment designed to be used 1-3 times per week. It needs to sit on your hair for ten minutes, so you’ll want to time things correctly, but the results are always worth it. If your hair is in any way damaged or compromised, this beloved treatment will bring it back to life. A true miracle worker.

P.S. Don’t be thrown by the small-ish bottle. A little goes a LONG way, even on thick hair.

NEULASH

Lash Enhancing Serum

7

Neulash Lash Enhancing Serum

Trust me, a few weeks of using this stuff and your days of eyelash extensions and/or falsies will be OVER. Although, I have definitely had people ask me whether my lashes are fake because this Neulash serum has made them so full and long. It’s backed by dermatologists so you can take comfort in knowing that it’s completely safe to use close your eyes. Just apply it along your last line every night before bed and watch the magic unfold. It requires a little patience in the first few weeks, but the results are indisputable.

LAURA MERCIER

Matte Radiance Baked Powder

8

Laura Mercier’s Matte Radiance Baked Powder

Laura Mercier’s Matte Radiance Baked Powder is another product that’s been a permanent part of my daily makeup routine for the better part of the last decade. Shade 01 is forever my favorite everyday highlighter and funny enough, it’s actually a “matte” product. While it seems counterintuitive, this product provides the most natural illumination without wandering into “sparkly” or “shiny” territory. Since the product is understated, it’s the ideal everyday highlighter for contouring, applied on my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, my cupid’s bow and the arch of my brows. I can always tell when I’ve forgotten this step because although subtle, the impact is huge.

LANCER

Caviar Lime Acid Peel

9

Lancer Caviar Lime Acid Peel

Whenever I’m getting ready for an event or my skin just needs an SOS, this Lancer Caviar Lime Acid Peel is my most-trusted mask. It works absolute WONDERS in reviving dull skin, reducing hyperpigmentation and restoring a healthy glow. While very strong and packed with powerhouse ingredients, this mask is also somehow gentle enough for me to use the morning of an important event without stressing about showing the telltale signs of chemical exfoliation or retinol usage. (Many comparable products work great but I often have to endure a day of redness and puffiness after using them. Not the case with this Lancer peel.) The key ingredients include 10% glycolic acid, 10% phytic acid, and retinol—skin heroes that come to my rescue and revive my skin when I really want to look my best.

AESOP

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

10

Aesop Resurrection Hand Balm

A giant pump of this beloved hand lotion is permanently parked on my bedside table and I do not go to bed without liberally applying it to my hands and neck. I’m a huge fan of all Aesop products (the entire range is on sale at Saks right now!), but this glorious scent is a particular favorite. It also happens to be extremely effective in making sure I don’t wake up with lizard hands.

Thanks to Saks and ShopStyle for partnering on this post.

Back To Work With Office Essentials From M.M.LaFleur

Mary Orton — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:38:12 +0000

Office Essentials From M.M. LaFleur

M.M.LaFleur is a female-founded brand that makes it their business to take the work out of getting dressed for work so that our focus can be on… pretty much anything we want. Their collections are full of thoughtful details. It includes adjustable hems, bra-strap holders, and hidden buttons. Simultaneously, they make every piece incredibly comfortable. So, when your long workday morphs into a long evening of parenting or socializing, you’re never held back by a restrictive waistband or shirtsleeve.

Here, I’m wearing a true wardrobe hero, the The O’Hara Blazer. It’s in the most gorgeous (and VERSATILE) camel and black plaid. One of my favorite things about this blazer is that it’s for everyone. If you look at the description, you’ll find that it literally says it’s full hips-friendly, bust-friendly, middle-friendly, and tall-friendly. It’s a stunning and well-made blazer. However, I also love that you can throw this on over countless outfits and be ready for anything from the boardroom to drinks to soccer sidelines. You’re already thinking about your faux leather leggings with this, aren’t you? I know my audience.

P.S. If you think this camel and black plaid is beautiful, just WAIT until you see the ivory herringbone. TO DIE FOR.

M.M. LaFleur

The O’Hara Blazer Plaid Knit

M.M LaFleur

The Hockley Jean

On the bottom, you’ll find me in the essential Hockley Jean. It takes the comfort of your favorite lived-in denim and makes it workday-polished. The fit and feel of this straight-leg pant is nothing short of MAGNIFICENT. It’s described as “better than denim” for a reason. The machine-washable fabric has just the right amount of stretch that ensures baggy knees are never in play. The hem has hidden snaps so you can shorten or lengthen with ease.

Rounding out the look is the M.M.LaFleur Vicky tank in color Pearl, which is the ideal base layer for essentially any blazer-led look. And, because this brand knows your workwear isn’t finished until it’s accessorized, they also create office-ready accessories, too. Here, I’m wearing the Hugo Necklace Set and Claressa Earring.

The key thing here is getting back to professional, polished essentials, without giving up our comfortable clothes. We get to have jobs and careers we love without needing to strip off layers of discomfort the moment we leave the office.

There is really something to be said for using a uniform-like approach to workwear that creates a sense of ease and effortlessness, but one that also doesn’t feel like we’re wearing the same thing every day. That’s the genius of M.M.LaFleur—the brand’s ability to create collections that work seamlessly together make getting ready for work easy, but never boring. The brand creates clothing for working women, made by working women, and that’s apparent in every thoughtful detail.

M.M LaFleur

The Vicky Tank

M.M LaFleur

The Hugo Necklace Set

Thanks to M.M LaFleur and ShopStyle for partnering on this post.

Striped Staples

Mary Orton — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 03:00:00 +0000

Striped Staples

For my own striped ensemble, I’m wearing a crochet stripe set by La Ligne, a go-to brand for your year-round stripe needs. I love a long-sleeve stripe moment like this because it’s appropriate for fall, but the crochet style gives it a classic, late-summer beach vibe. I’ve paired the outfit with a knotted slide with a flare heel, in a rich caramel color to ensure the overall look isn’t too one-note.

The old nautical tropes surrounding stripes are far too fleeting. (Lol, fleet.) Stripes have so much more to offer us than just the occasional ship-to-shore moment. Explore textures, colors, and genres on Nordstrom and let timeless stripes play a leading role in your transitional style this year, and every other.

LA LIGNE

Crochet Stitch Knit Skirt

LA LIGNE

Crochet Stripe Crewneck Sweater

MERCEDES CASTILLO

Bianca Sandal

Nordstrom is a go-to destination for striped style of essentially endless variety, and I’ve rounded up my favorites below for your perusal. Try an oversized collar button down for late-summer work looks (don’t you just love a good collar over Zoom?), or pair it with your favorite mid-length skirt for weekend plans. Alternatively, (or additionally?) keep a gorgeous sweater on hand for the very first sunset chills of the season. (You’ll want a good straight-leg jean to go with it, also available at Nordstrom, of course.) Maybe your t-shirt collection needs a revamp at this point in the year? I’d start with this oversized tee and consider pairing it with a chic blazer! This list is hardly exhaustive, though, you can get completely lost in options, inspiration, and must-haves on Nordstrom. Which is, by the way, an excellent use of an afternoon. More of my favorite stripes below!

LA LIGNE

Crochet Stitch Knit Skirt

LA LIGNE

Crochet Stripe Crewneck Sweater

More Striped Favorites

Thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for partnering on this post!

3 Products For A Bedtime Routine That Works

Mary Orton — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 12:18:03 +0000

3 Products for Bedtime Routine that Works

Below, I’m going to take you through a few beauty and skincare products I use at night. The combination of this consistent ritual plus the unique scents of each product has created a very welcome habit. In an almost Pavlovian fashion, my mind and body now associate these products with an indication to rest. That it’s time to wind down, relax, and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Conveniently enough, these are all available at Saks. So, you’re one check-out process away from not only a newly revamped bedtime routine. Also, all your beauty needs day-to-night. Saks is an effortless go to for all of the best brands and most beloved products. So, shop the items listed below and see how easily you’ll get inspired by so much more.

SLEEPER

Party Feather Pajama Set

SOREL

Sorel Faux Fur Slippers

1

Jo Malone Candle

Saks has countless incredible candles and essential oils available, and I strongly suggest you check them out here, but I’ve really been enjoying burning this Jo Malone candle in my bathroom while I get ready for bed. I’ve found that using it to set an evening mood is another indicator to my mind and body that it’s time for downtime. There’s something so calming about a flickering candle as I get into PJs, wash my face and apply skincare products.

JO MALONE

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Home Candle

2

Elemis Cleansing Balm

You know I’ll never stop shouting about this product from the rooftops, but I mention it here specifically because of its gorgeous scent. In using this Cleansing Balm as part of my evening routine, I’ve started to associate the scent with bedtime, kicking off each evening wind-down with one of my favorite skincare products of all time. (Also, this is incredibly effective at removing makeup and cleansing skin, so there’s that.)

ELEMIS

Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

3

Aesop Hand Lotion

I keep a pump of this beloved hand lotion next to my bed and apply liberally at bedtime on my hands and neck. Its glorious scent is another signal to my body that it’s time to unwind from the day and prepare mentally and physically for sleep, with the added benefit of, you know, being lotion that’s going to keep my skin moisturized throughout the night. It’s really nice not waking up with lizard hands.

AESOP

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

In addition to the above products, you may have seen my recent review of the Hatch Restore on Instagram stories, and long story short—it’s incredible. This wonderproduct combines a sound machine, sunrise alarm, smart light, meditation app, and an alarm clock into one genius sleep assistant. Fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up with more ease all around, thanks to one brilliant item that deserves real estate on your nightstand (but takes up very little).

HATCH

Restore Sound Machine

That’s it! Those are the mainstays in my evening routine that help signal to my body that it’s time to relax and unwind. I’ve found that if I keep these consistent, the rest of my skincare products can easily change. This depends on what my skin needs that particular night without disrupting my sleep. Of course, there are always uncontrollable factors that might interfere with a good night’s sleep. Some of these include sick kids, working late, a snoring spouse. In which case, there’s always this concealer to help your undereye circles in the morning! (Seriously, it’s the best concealer on the planet.) But, the benefit of establishing a consistent bedtime routine means that you fall asleep quicker. It also helps you rest more soundly, and need less and less of this every day.

Thanks To Saks and ShopStyle for partnering on this post!

Monday Memo No. 127

Mary Orton — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 13:25:20 +0000

Late-summer finds and super smart essentials...

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites

Mary Orton — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 15:53:00 +0000

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites

Unless today is your very first day on the internet, you know that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is a completely unique-to-Nordstrom sale that happens once a year. When the sale is over, prices on countless beloved items will go back up. Then, you’ll be staring into your laptop screen devastated.

If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of this sale, a good place to start is this sweater. It’s part of Nordstrom’s own in-house collection, and it’s an essential crewneck. Also, it goes with everything and deserves to be in our wardrobes in a multitude of colors, especially at a price point under $30. Check out more of my sale finds at the bottom of this post. It includes this super dreamy raincoat that is arguably my favorite purchase of the sale.

HALOGEN

Women’s Crewneck Sweater

NORDSTROM

Linen Blend Crop Trousers

JACK ROGERS

Gigi Slide Sandal

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

In addition to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, there are always more reasons to shop at Nordstrom. The store offers exceptional customer service in addition to free shipping, free returns, and free alterations. You can also shop any way you like—online, in-store, curbside pickup, reserve online AND try on in-store. If you’re not yet a member of The Nordy Club, this rewards program lets you accumulate points, get exclusive access to sales, and curated benefits tailored to you.

The sale ends this Sunday, August 9th, so shop my favorites above before they go back to full price on Monday!

Thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for partnering on this post!

Navy Style Staples For Summer

Mary Orton — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 09:53:00 +0000

CO

Belted Cotton Shirtdress

STUART WEITZMAN

Aleena Wedge Mules

LELET

Sandy Seashell Barrette

SYLVIA TOLEDANO

Candies Hoop Earrings

SYLVIA TOLEDANO

Atlantis Large Chain Necklace

Favorite Navy Styles For Summer

Summer Finds From Nordstrom Rack

Mary Orton — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 12:49:55 +0000

Thanks to Nordstrom Rack and ShopStyle for partnering on this post!

Monday Memo No. 126

Mary Orton — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:03:25 +0000

From practical to practically perfect, a jam-packed Monday Memo to kick off the week.

MEMORANDUM | NYC Fashion & Lifestyle Blog for the Working Girl

17 Truly Dreamy Coats for Fall and Winter

HALSTON

CINQ A SEPT

HALSTON

SAM EDELMAN

Gorgeous Coats For Fall And Winter

10 Of My All-Time Favorite Beauty Products Are On Sale At Saks

CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ

1

ELEMIS

2

LAURA MERCIER

3

BENEFIT

4

JO MALONE

5

OLAPLEX

6

NEULASH

7

LAURA MERCIER

8

LANCER

9

AESOP

10

Back To Work With Office Essentials From M.M.LaFleur

Office Essentials From M.M. LaFleur

M.M. LaFleur

M.M LaFleur

M.M LaFleur

M.M LaFleur

Striped Staples

Striped Staples

LA LIGNE

LA LIGNE

MERCEDES CASTILLO

LA LIGNE

LA LIGNE

More Striped Favorites

3 Products For A Bedtime Routine That Works

3 Products for Bedtime Routine that Works

SLEEPER

SOREL

1

JO MALONE

2

ELEMIS

3

AESOP

HATCH

Monday Memo No. 127

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites

HALOGEN

NORDSTROM

JACK ROGERS

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

Navy Style Staples For Summer

CO

STUART WEITZMAN

LELET

SYLVIA TOLEDANO

SYLVIA TOLEDANO

Favorite Navy Styles For Summer

Summer Finds From Nordstrom Rack

Monday Memo No. 126