Weekend Notes 7.28

My favorite links from the week + what I'm watching, reading and a fabulous roundup of trouser shorts.

Photo from Portugal: Zimmermann Top & Shorts | Hat Attack Bag | Heaven Mayhem Earrings

Happy Weekend! 

It's been a while since I've published my Weekend Notes posts, and it felt like the right move to bring Weekend Notes over here rather than keeping it on the blog. There are several reasons, but mainly, it's because this Substack platform is significantly more user-friendly. While the blog isn't going anywhere, I will continue to use that space for reviews, guides, and less personal posts. 

With that said, if you're here, thank you! 

Left Image: Perfect White Tee (in a M) , Reformation Denim Mini (TTS) , Stuart Weitzman Sandals, Dehanche Belt (Size M. Code HELENA10 gets you 10% off site wide) | Right Image: Citizens of Humanity Denim (size down) | Chanel flats.

Weekend Links:

• I typically get my hand and dish soap from HomeGoods, but they’ve had an unfortunate selection the last few times I’ve been there. I’ve had Courtney Cox’s brand, HomeCourt, on my radar for months and finally bit the bullet after a friend raved about it in our group chat. Being the consumer I am, her testimonial was all I needed. I ordered Neroli in both dish and hand, and wow. It smells heavenly, feels nice on the hands, and the bottles look pretty on the counter. I ended up ordering from Revolve because they offer free shipping. On the site, you need to spend $100 to get it, so a little tip there. 

• These $40 sunglasses are a winner. I’ve tried many of the Amazon versions, but I find so many look very plastic-y. These look like a version of Ray Bans (quality wise) but without the price tag. I liked the gold so much that I also ordered the black. 

• This STAUD top is currently in my cart and I just got these jeans (pictured above, size down one) and this creamy colored denim mini (pictured above, true to size). 

• One of my favorite topics is friendship. If there’s a good book, movie or podcast about friendship, I’m in. Dear Nina: Conversations about Friendship is always one of my go-to listens. I walk away with so many ‘aha’ moments.

• On that topic, here are five signs you’re in a one-sided friendship. 

• I always enjoy Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. 

• The American Girl x GAP collaboration is adorable.

• All of my Shopbop hearts, including all of the transitional and new fall goodness.

Beauty Things:

1. This above makeup look using a few products from Jillian Dempsey has been one of my go-to’s. It takes me less than five minutes, and always makes me feel fresh faced and awake. I’m wearing the spot stick concealer (shade No. 3) cheek tint in poppy, and lipgloss in bubble pink. I also love these hydrating under eye patches when my eye area is in need of a little pick-me-up. My code HELENA20 gets you 20% off anything from the site.

2. I’ve been playing around with the Crown Affair Air Dry Mousse that so many seem to love, and unfortunately, for my hair, I haven’t figured out a technique that works for me yet. I might have to accept that I’ll never be an air-dry person without looking like an ungroomed poodle. 

3. On a positive note, I’ve had Iles Formula shampoo and conditioner back in my rotation, and I was reminded of how much my hair loves it. I’ve noticed that my chances of having a good hair day are way higher when I use it. There’s also a set that has The Minis. Their Finishing Serum is also great. 

4. The Westman Atelier highlighter and contour stick (I use biscuit) continue to be my favorite.

Watching & Reading:

1. After feeling very outta the loop, I finally joined the Love Island Cult. It's trash, and I love every single second of it. I jumped right into season 6 - the first US season- the one many have told me is the best. I'm not a big reality TV person, but on occasion, I need something easy and mindless. It's juicy and entertaining, and I find myself looking forward to watching the next episode. You can find it on Peacock. 

2. For a show with Keith (although he's also fully invested in Love Island - HA!), we're starting Presumed Innocent (Netflix) tonight after hearing everyone rave about it. 

3. To continue with the trend of easy and light, I started reading the latest book by Christina Lauren, The Paradise Problem. So far I'm enjoying it, but I'll give a more thorough review once I finish. 

All about trouser shorts:

Anthropologie ($98) | Spanx Crepe Short ($138) | Posse Lorenzo Short ($210) | Theory Double Pleated Short ($225) | Abercrombie Sloane Tailored Short ($70) | Staud Long Luisa Short ($275) | J.Crew Remi Short ($98) | Rolla’s Horizon Linen Short ($119) | Donni Linen Pleated Short ($112) | Jenni Kayne Pleated Short ($255) | Everlane Draper Short ($78) | Posse Wesley Short ($269)

My summer of 2024 has been dominated by either trouser shorts or shorts with an elastic band like these (I sized up to a large) or a pair I’d wear from my two-piece Amazon set (I wear a M). I still wear denim shorts, but probably less than in the past years. Lately, I’ve been very into the comfort and look of a trouser style. 

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