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Recs #91: Summer knits, kismet finds, and Stanley Tucci

It has been A Week. Let's catch up...

May 23

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This is the Friday post at Downtime, a feel-good weekly roundup of recommendations and delightful distractions. If the email cuts off, you can view it on the web.

Hi! How are you? I’m writing this while balancing a lukewarm coffee, a sick kid, and what I can only describe as a crumbling sense of time. It’s been A Week™️—more on that below. Today’s roundup is a grab bag of randomness, but it's full of good things nonetheless. And if you’re holding out for MDW sales, I’ve got a dedicated roundup coming your way on Sunday. Take care! — Alisha

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💬 What’s happening in the Downtime reader chat: This week, readers have been trading tips on self-tanner, summer shoes for a babymoon, and go-to shampoo for fine, frizz-prone hair. There’s also a call for remote writing group recs from a reader finally tackling a romance novel (I love this one!!).

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This Week’s Things

Five good things worth mentioning…

Wearing a size S but I could’ve gone up to a M

1 // A good summer knit.

Brands often offer to send me things—an occupational hazard of sorts—and over the years, I’ve become fairly ruthless about saying no thanks. Most of the time, if I haven’t heard of the brand and can’t discern its quality, I pass. The last thing I need is another box of polyester masquerading as linen landing at the front door!

But then Marea came knocking. I hadn’t heard of them (had you?), but their pared-back, quietly nautical collection piqued my interest. I said yes to a 100% cotton knit (they call it a “Lake Sweater,” which I love) in a warm, sandy stripe—and I’m pleased to report it’s excellent and I especially love the color. It runs pretty true to size, but I’d go up one if, like me, you favour a touch of slouch.

I’ve now found myself eyeing a few other pieces from them: pointelle knits, crisp basics, and other classic-with-a-bit-of-prep items that feel very “me.” Worth a browse!

*to be clear this is not sponsored! just gifted with no obligation to post.

We love linen for summer. (Faherty linen stripe sweater, 25% off right now! I took a size M for a slouchy fit )

In a similar nautical vein: Faherty recently sent me this amazing linen knit. It has a looser stitch (is that the right term?) and is slinky, which allows the breeze to billow right through. A perfect beach or pool layer, IMO, or just good to wear with shorts or jeans.

2 // An excellent coffee table arrangement idea.

Thank you for all the coffee table recs in last week’s post! I adored this idea from Downtime reader Torrie…

“I just returned from two weeks in London and Paris, and because I’m missing it already, I created a coffee table tableaux of books that represent the trip.
I’ve got a couple of photo books of Paris, one from Giverny (Everyday Monet), the new Adventures in the Louvre, and a couple of small afternoon tea books I picked up in London (including one about the dogs of Downton Abbey since we visited Highclere Castle).
I’m so delighted with it that I think I’m going to keep doing themed coffee table book displays that relate to whatever we’re into at the time.”

3 // An unexpected closet MVP during an in-between season

I bought these Levi’s (the Low Pro in Charlie Glow Up, light wash) for around $90 last year during my big denim spree. At one point, I almost sold them—I didn’t feel like the light wash was very me. (They’re sold out now, sadly, but this Levi’s pair is a great alt. You can also usually find them secondhand on Poshmark, ThredUp, etc.)

And yet… I’ve been wearing them nonstop these past few weeks—second only to my AGOLDE Low Slung Baggys. (We’re living with my in-laws during our kitchen reno, so I’m basically rotating through a “capsule wardrobe” I packed in a duffel.)

The fit is a relaxed straight leg, and I think I keep reaching for them because they’re just so damn comfortable. The waist has a bit of give, and while I technically should have hemmed them for my 5’0" frame, I’ve just been cuffing the hems and calling it a day.

4 // Stanley Tucci is back, baby.

If you’re in the mood to be transported to Italy (and honestly, when are we not?), Tucci’s new show Tucci in Italy is now streaming on Hulu/Disney+. So far, it feels like a slightly repackaged version of his previous shows—but who’s complaining? Give me eight more seasons of this, please.

Convinced this needs to be in an art gallery.

5 // Jewelry as wearable art.

Here’s this week’s entry for “Fabulous and Wholly Unnecessary™️”: necklaces by designer Marissa Klass. Her entire collection is worth a browse, if only for the eye candy. I gasped several times during my scroll. Can you imagine being the person who is purchasing these beautiful $8,500 pendant necklaces? I’m not sure if I want to meet her or be her.

On the right is a black onyx embroidered cord with tourmaline and onyx shell carving, $5500. (Please call me if you buy this. I just want to talk to you and also maybe borrow it?? ;))

A few bonus things are going behind the paywall each week. Behind the paywall this week, you’ll find:

Another small but exciting kitchen renovation update (we’re nearing the finish line now!)
This week’s high and low
A few fun links and discoveries from my open tabs...