November Favorites
a comfy cozy month
Earlier this week, as I was catching up with my brother he was in disbelief that it was already December. I think we can all relate. I’ve come to terms with the fact that December will always feel like it snuck up on me — regardless of how intentional or how much I try to savor things. I thought I’d reflect on a few things that made me appreciate and savor November a little bit more!
PS. I also want to apologize for the lack of photos. I’ve spent half of the month recovering from a last minute procedure so getting dressed was an accomplishment in and of itself.
Wide Leg Sweat Pants and Lounge Pants
In an effort to not repeat myself, I’m not going to mention my sateen pants because y’all might be sick of hearing me mention how much I love them. Though, you can’t escape my love for Buck Mason. I picked up these wide leg sweatpants and these lounge pants before our trip to Paris and they’re phenomenal. They were perfect for a 10 hour flight!
If you recall from my extensive try-on newsletter, I felt so chic and cool in these sweatpants. You know how it feels like everyone else just looks cool in sweatpants? Well that had never been the case for me — not until I put these on. Maybe it’s the wide leg, but I think it’s a combo of the cut, silhouette and color. Personally, I think they could be elevated as a pant because they don’t look reminiscent of a typical sweat pant. If they made these in a true black, I would get them in a heartbeat.
Button Downs & Sweaters Over Shoulders
I leaned heavily into button downs last month (a few from Paris here and here). Whenever I don’t “know what to wear” I tend to reach for a button down. I think we all have that one type of item category in our closet that just feels so us — for me it’s a button down. They are my comfort blanket. I could easily wear one every day and not get sick of it.
Tis the season to throw a sweater or cardigan over the shoulders. It’s equally chic as it is warm. I find myself grabbing this one the most. I clearly can’t shut up about it since I repeatedly wear it and mention it. I think the trick is that it sits so nicely on your shoulders without being bulky.
Comfy Cardigan
Some of you may faintly remember this sweater from the summer — if so, this one will look familiar. As soon as I saw this blue version pop up I snagged it. I’m still slightly shocked at how soft this sweater feels for it being a wool blend. It reminds me of cashmere — not quite as soft but surprisingly close. This sweater feels like a cozy hug when you know you want a throw on a sweater but want to feel slightly more put together with a cardigan. I personally don’t think it gets enough love or air time (in comparison to this popular gal). For what it’s worth, I would pick it over this cult classic any day.
Respire Deodorant
I ran out of deodorant while we were in Paris and I ran into a busy pharmacy and ended up leaving with this one from respire. If I’m being honest, I didn’t have much hope for it — I just needed something to hold me over until I could get back home to replenish my regular one.
I wanted something that was aluminum free and natural. This little tube also turned out to be free of plastics — the container is made from cardboard. It was also compact enough to carry around with me in my purse after purchasing.
To my surprise, it worked really well! I’m not sure if it holds up just as well in the summer but I won’t have to replenish my regular one until this one runs out. I love the smell, how compact it is and that it's aluminum free. If you find yourself in Paris in a similar pickle, I suggest you try this one out.
Travel Case Set
My husband gifted me this travel case set after my previous ones were quite literally tearing at the seams. While I mostly use the smaller one for carry on travel, the bigger case has proved to be quite handy while on road trips or while traveling with checked luggage. I was able to fit all my essentials plus more for our Paris trip and still managed to have some space leftover.
I tend to over stuff them, and they’ve held up really well! I have the rosy mauve color and it’s beautiful. If I needed another set in the future, I think I’d pick up the red version. They’d be easier to spot in my sea of clothing and purses — plus I’m loving a pop of red lately, maybe it’s the holiday season influencing me. But I also really love how this set is two different colors.
Longchamp Pilage
I’ve been a proud owner of a Longchamp since college where I sported their popular style in red across campus with my flared leggings and Uggs. You get the picture — I’ve come a long way since.
Last year when I was in Paris, I desperately wanted another one. I walked into the flagship store looking for an olive green option that I had seen previously online. Unfortunately, the color was not available so I opted for a seasonal color that was a mix of a dark beige with light olive green tones (similar here).
I’ve recently been reaching for it more often and I’m reminded it’s a great tote option that's also zippered — at least until I find myself needing more structure or organization. I think it does a great job at being a catch all bag when on the go.
I own the medium size and most recently it fit my laptop, an iPad, my headphones, kindle, charger, sunglasses, wallet and water bottle and I felt like I had plenty of space for more.
Honey Crisp Apples
I missed a crispy apple while in Europe — specifically honey crisp. It’s been my snack of choice ever since we touched back in Austin. Every time we’d go to the grocery store in Paris, I’d often run over to the produce section in the hopes that I’d find a really good crispy apple. I’ve been told they exist, but I was unable to find any during my grocery runs.
An HSA and Access To Healthcare
I had to have a last minute procedure after returning from Paris. I thought I was going to be in the clear, but after some due diligence and two additional doctor’s opinions it became clear I needed to get this surgery done quickly. I spent an entire week playing phone tag with the hospital, anaesthesiologist, and insurance. One day I tallied over 6 hours of back and forth. Don’t get me started on the cost either.
Can we talk about how a procedure that’s meant to prevent further issues and diminish risks is no longer considered preventative?! Even though, you’re trying to ensure it doesn’t get worse? Just feeling grateful we had two HSAs to cover the cost. Side note — if you’re married you can also use your partner’s HSA!
After a successful procedure and in the clear biopsy results, I am so happy to have had it done. As someone who suffers from health anxiety, I am grateful I didn’t let the scary parts of the procedure get in the way. After all, it would have been worse if I’d have gone the “wait and see” route. I know I’m being vague, but I’m not quite at the point where I feel comfortable talking about my procedure online. I know it can be helpful (especially as someone who looked for other’s experiences online), but at this point I’m still focusing on recovering — 6 weeks is no joke! Feeling so incredibly grateful for my health and family who have been so incredibly supportive these past few months.
Please take this as your sign to do your preventative health check ups and if you ever have doubts and have the ability to do so — seek a second (or third) opinion if possible.
Giveaway Reminder
In case you missed it — I am giving away the Ava scarf from Gillian Stevens in the color Nutmeg. You can find all the details on this post. Giveaway closes tonight at 11:59PM CT.
All items mentioned are linked here.
I hope you had the loveliest November and are getting cozy as winter settles in. Personally I look forward to snuggling up with hot chocolate as I melt into the couch and put on Christmas With The Kranks or How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
xx Ofelia
Disclaimer: some links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a very small percentage from a sale. As always, anything that is linked are things I either own, recommend or would purchase myself.
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So sorry to hear about your health scare but I'm glad you're doing better. Sending you all the healing vibes! xx
I’m both sorry to hear you had a health scare and grateful you have good insurance. I think about how lucky I am to have good insurance and an HSA to cover big and small emergencies in my life.
I ADORE the layering of your Clara cardigan over that grey knit; what is it?! I want to copy!