For the July installment of my 21 In ’21 series, I’ve got a list of 21 things that I’m currently loving, hating, and/or desiring that have nothing to do with the N-sale or a company run by a space case billionaire. Perhaps not the list you expected based on the title but we’ve been watching that hot and steamy NetFlix show so excuse me if I’m a little distracted.
Anyway, like in 21 In ’21: Blogs To Discover, 21 In ’21: Instagram Accounts To ❤, 21 In ’21: Delightful Reads, 21 In ’21: Helpful Hacks, 21 In ’21: May Flowers, and 21 In ’21: Scams To Avoid, I’ve set out this year to publish a post on the 21st of each month that lists 21 of my top recommendations/favorites/ideas as they relate to that month’s topic. Limiting the list to 21 might seem restrictive in some cases (and I might sneak in a couple extra if necessary) or excessive in others but I like to think of it as an ice-breaker exercise. Or a conversation starter regarding the things that I’ve recently come across or bought that I love, the things that I detest, or the things that I’m desiring (as in on my wishlist).
Despite the title of this post, all content is family-friendly and nothing is NSFW. And it’s a combined total of 21 love/hate/desire things, not 21 of each (that would be nuts). Additionally, this post is not sponsored and any tangible items were bought by me. On the list of the things that I love, most are ones that I’ve been using for a long time and only a couple are recent discoveries. A few of my nitpicky family and friends might wonder why I didn’t include them on the list but they’re people, not things. If any of them do ask, they won’t like the list they will find themselves on instead.
Moving on and in no particular order, first up are the “loves”.
• The Internet – how did we ever get by without it?
• Red in summer – in other times of the year, red is typically associated with Christmas or Valentine’s Day which is not my jam. As evidenced in other recent posts as well as today’s look, RWB has become my favorite color combo of the season.
• Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon – I’m wearing “Laugh Louder” in today’s photos plus I also have 3 more colors. Even though it has a matte finish, it’s creamy and doesn’t bleed (a huge deal-breaker for me).
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High – I’d heard that this mascara was getting a lot of hype on TikTok so I tried it and it’s a winner.
• Jergens body butter collection – Sweet Citrus – this has replaced my long-standing love of B&BW’s body creams. It’s thicker and the scent is lighter.
• Curlsmith – I’ve been trying some new haircare products and so far, this line is my new holy grail.
• Soma EMBRACEABLE Signature Lace Hipster Panty – once I find a staple I like, I buy it on repeat and then pray that the company doesn’t try to change it. So far, I’ve been wearing this style for about 8 years now.
• Glamorise Front Close Lace T-Back Bra – last year, I went on the hunt (online) for a supportive front-hook racer-back bra that didn’t pull the girls sideways into my armpits. I found this one and it’s another of my one-and-done staples.
My list of “hates” may seem a bit eclectic but that’s how I roll.
• Guava – I cannot stand the smell of them, even across a room in a tightly sealed bag.
• Corn nuts – same as above. My kids were never allowed to buy them.
• Having my toes pulled – I’m not fond of having them licked or sucked either but those usually don’t happen during a pedicure.
• Unmatched patterns, like plaid, at seams – fast fashion appears to ignore this detail but I don’t. Perhaps it’s the sewist in me but this is another of my deal-breakers.
• Jackets/coats without pockets – what’s the point of an outer garment if it can’t also keep my hands warm.
• Directions/ingredients/color in a font too small to read without a magnifying glass – I’ve seen magnifiers in some stores to assist customers with reading the labels.
• Hard to find package dating – sometimes it feels like I’m playing “where’s Waldo”?
Last but not least, my deepest “desires”. Mostly, these are what’s on my style wishlist for Fall/Winter.
• Menswear-inspired pieces – trousers, vests, and loafers to mix with some of my more feminine items.
• Green – a deep, rich hue. I used to think of the color mostly for St Patrick’s Day but I’ve been buying more of it lately like this flowy top
• Oxblood – for footwear and belts. Another strong color that flatters most.
• Slim chunky knit skirts – paired with boots for a subtly figure flaunty silhouette.
• Zebra print boots – most of the other animals are already covered
• More Fitbit bands – looking for more colors and styles
Wrapping up on the subject of things that I love, hate and desire, do any of the items on my lists match any of yours? What else would you include on your own lists? And, one last question … how are you doing now that six months and 21 days have already passed in 2021?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
20 Comments
Maybelline is one of my favourite drugstore brands, they make great products! Looking forward to seeing you in Zebra prints!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
I usually have good luck with Maybelline products so they’re a favorite of mine as well.
I agree, the internet makes so many things a lot easier! I’m even more thankful for it now than I was before with it being so helpful in the 2020 lockdown to help the kids learn from home! And being able to shop online, of course, haha!
Hope your week is going well 🙂
The internet has evolved a lot from when it seemed to mostly be chatrooms at least that is how I remember the early days of it.
Seriously Maybelline has it down for the stay on all day stuff. I haven’t tried the pencil, but I have both the matte ink and other one in many, many colors.
I have to say that it’s good you don’t like corn nuts. Do you know how many teeth are broken on them?
The internet and cell phones. Do you remember when you were young and your car broke down and you didn’t have a cell phone. Talk about craziness!!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie, I agree that Maybelline products are usually really great and I’ve had great success with them. As for corn nuts, they have tormented me since I was in junior high school. To me, the smell is just nasty. And I know that they can be bad for teeth, too. My kids used to love to tease me by asking for them in checkout lines where they usually displayed. Remember when mobile phones were wired into cars and how crazy it seemed to be paying $30 or $40 a month for the service?
I finally picked up some Soma underwear earlier this year (I think) and plan to pick some more after my no shop months. I should try that butter body: I am almost out of the one I am using and really have enjoyed it this summer. Since I am not shopping till September I have started a little list. While I plan to mostly thrift, there are a couple things I plan to get retail (but at least with some discount codes) with some birthday money.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Mireille, I think that it’s awesome that you’re doing a “no shop” for the summer. I did one a couple of years ago for the month of November but I allowed myself to buy gifts so that helped with the urges.
I’m going to have to check out the bra you recommended. Most of mine are just “meh.” Great post!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Truly, I think that it’s awesome. The straps stay in place and the band doesn’t ride up. For me, they run true-to-size. I order mine from Kohl’s and usually when they’re running a sale plus extra % discount.
I love the Maybelline lip pencil too, in fact I have three different colours!! I’m also a big fan of their large brush mascaras. The lace panties are exactly the kind of knickers that I like to wear as well lol!
As for hates, I’m totally with you on the small print. It drives me absolutely nuts when I can’t read the ingredients properly, especially considering I have a few food intolerances! I usually end up taking a close up photo so I can zoom in lol! I did laugh at your toe sucking comment!!!!!!!! he he he he
As for your desires, I’m totally with you on anything in emerald green. It is, and always has been, my favourite colour. I just adore it, and I don’t have enough of it in my wardrobe.
Super post, Rena!
Big hugs
Suzy xx
Suzy, I’m glad that you liked the post and have similar feelings on many of the items on the list. It was a fun post to write.
Cute outfit and fun post, Rena! I also cannot stand my toes pulled! But I do love an intense foot massage. Zebra boots sound wonderful but first I really want a pair of cow print boots. And the unmatched pattern thing made me laugh because I did know that you cannot stand that and I literally just thought of it last week. I was wearing a cheap pair of Shein trousers and I noticed that the floral print did not match at the side seams. I immediately thought to myself, “Oh my, that would drive Rena bonkers!” And then I chuckled and now you are sharing that very thing. Thanks for linking!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
I adore a good foot massage but why do people want to pull on toes? How funny that you know about my dislike of unmatched patterns. I must have mentioned it once or a zillion times before.
Ooh, I love lists! Yours are so fun!
Loves: I agree on…the internet and Maybelline products, although I only buy mascara from them (I’m a MAC girl).
– my kitty’s fur in the sun
– cherry season!
– swooshy skirts
– spending time with my mom
Hates: I agree with jackets or other outerwear without pockets. Why??
– mushy apricots (ugh)
– hot flashes and night sweats
– rude people, especially towards those who work in the service industry. How about being nicer to minimum-wage people??
Desires: Oh yes, that menswear/equestrian look is one of my faves. I’ll be wearing lots of that, including your dark green!
– Parties! I have so many gowns and I’m wanting to dress up so badly.
– Vintage fairs – I heard that there might be one in early October!
– Sleeping through an entire night of more than 6 hours. That would be really nice.
thanks, Rena!
Sheila, thank you for sharing your list of love, hate, and desire. I agree with all of them, especially dressing up for parties.
This is such a fun idea for a blog series! I’ve never understood the craze over corn nuts, and unmatched seams bother me, too. My grandma taught me that well-matched seams are a sign that a garment is well-made! They’re hard to find these days.
Thanks for joining my linkup!
-Grace
gracefulrags.com
Grace, sewing was one of the classes girls took when I went to junior high and matching patterns was part of the curriculum. That and the sewing lessons I got from my grandmothers too. It is one detail that I won’t compromise on.
First of all, love your outfit! Great print and I love the style with the light denim.
Second, this was fun to read! You had me laughing out loud with the toe bit! If it was licked during a pedicure, I would run for he hills!
I love the Maybelline Super Stay ink crayon, great colors and easy to put on. I am with you on coats without pockets! Where to put your hands ?
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstyish.com
Jess, I’m glad that you like this outfit. Mostly I tend to stay with dark-washed jeans but I’m warming up to lighter ones lately.