Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for Ardene, SHEIN and Pura Vida Bracelets and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.
After six weeks of staying indoors, I must admit that I may be getting used to quarantine life. I can’t say no to sweats (especially if they’re tie-dye) and I’ve never been so caught up with my shows and movies. But with this current quarantine likely seeping into late spring or early summer, you’re probably in need of new recommendations for your work from home wardrobe, skincare, music library, booklist and TV nights.
Look no further than this month’s Favourites list below!
Fashion
* Tie-Dye for Days *
SIMILAR: Ardene, $7.74 *sale* // SHEIN, $27 (exact from Ardene, sold out)
I’ve tried out tie dye sweats in the past but never found the perfect mix of A) comfort + B) a cute print. Just in time for quarantine, I scored the jackpot at Ardene with this $12 pair that I could absolutely live in. As long as you have a nice top on, they’re perfect for your work from home video calls (or at least Casual Fridays).
* Rings *
SIMILAR: Pura Vida Bracelets, $20.45 *sale* // Pura Vida Bracelets, $17.53 // Pura Vida Bracelets, $14.31 *sale* (exact coin rings from Pura Vida Bracelets, sold out; middle rings from boutiques in Maui, HI)
I’m currently obsessed with rings and love the new set I picked out from the vibrant, beachy and Insta-famous Pura Vida Bracelets. My pineapple coin ring (pictured) came with “aloha” engraved on the inside (so cute!), and this palm tree ring is super dainty and stackable. Keep an eye on Pura Vida’s Instagram to hear about new sales — I got these rings for $5 USD a piece.
* Loungewear, Loungewear & More Loungewear *
In case you missed it, last month I posted a guide to quarantining and online shopping with six Canadian stores, all of which carry cozy, must-have loungewear. From sweats to sweatsuits and basic tees, you can score big on affordable and versatile pieces.
Read here: Quarantine and (Online) Shop With Your Fave Canadian Stores
Beauty/Skincare
If you’re reading this before April 29, you still have a chance to save up to 20% off the following products during Sephora‘s mega Spring Savings Event!
* Rub-A-Dub Refining Peel Gel | Saturday Skin *
Sephora, $37
I didn’t know how little my past exfoliators were doing until I picked this up. My skin feels so smooth and every last pesky pimple laying under the surface has been drawn right out. I’ve definitely found a new holy grail product!
If any of you have tried Saturday Skin, let me know! I’d love to try out more of their products.
* SEA Surfer Curl Volumizing Mascara | Tarte *
Sephora, $16-$30
I’m very picky with mascaras, but I’m a big fan of this Tarte mini. It gives the perfect buildable lash curl without smudging or flaking, and it’s clean, vegan, and cruelty and gluten free. I’m sold!
* Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer | FENTY BEAUTY by Rihanna *
Sephora, $25
Once you try this lip gloss, you’ll see why it’s so quickly become a top pick. Besides the fact that it has the Rihanna seal of approval, these shades (I love FU$$Y and $weetmouth) provide all the shine without the stick. I can’t leave the house without a bottle!
* Fab Faves To Go Kit | First Aid Beauty *
Sephora, $40
Everyone loves a good gift set and this one is a must-have for skincare essentials, especially if you have uber-sensitive skin like me. For just $40, you get a trio of First Aid Beauty faves for clean, smooth skin — their Pure Skin Facial Cleanser, Facial Radiance Pads and my personal top pick, the Ultra Repair Cream for intense hydration. They aren’t full size bottles, but the product goes a long way — and it’s an easy way to try out the line!
Books
* My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell *
Available from Indigo for $16.79 *sale*
I promised a review of this book last month and I’m happy to report it did not disappoint.
My Dark Vanessa is the kind of book that should keep you up at night, as it explores the psychological dynamics between a burgeoning young student and their magnetic and manipulative teacher. While many of the events may border on unrealistic and even preposterous, it’s easy to see how this sort of sly manipulation, particularly within a power imbalance, can slowly consume someone and cloud their judgment.
In light of #MeToo and other ever-shifting cultural customs, I highly recommend My Dark Vanessa as a teaching moment — and if nothing else, to get a taste of first-time novelist Kate Elizabeth Russell’s captivating writing.
Check back in with me next month to see my thoughts on my next read!
Music
Do you find yourself going through your music library faster than ever due to quarantine? Same here. Problem solved: Scroll down to hear a few of the latest bops added to my 22+ hour forever favourites ♡ playlist on Spotify.
* All Time Low by Jon Bellion *
Jon Bellion is 100% a forever favourite and I constantly find myself diving back into his discography. If you’re just typing his name into Spotify for the first time, allow me to catch you up — Jon is one of the coolest and hypest performers with meaningful, impactful lyrics and an incredible knack for human connection. This video for one of his original smash singles has over 148M views! Watching it makes me miss seeing him live…and concerts in general. 😢
* WTF Are We Talking For by Labrinth *
Last month I raved about the raw and relatable HBO show Euphoria, and it didn’t take me long to dive into the incredible soundtrack by musical genius Labrinth.
Side note: Sam Smith watched the show shortly after me, and if you’re wondering who their favourite character is, check out their tweet to me below. P.S. Can we get Sam to write a song for season two?
Has to be Jules
— SAM SMITH (@samsmith) April 9, 2020
* I’m Ready by Sam Smith (with Demi Lovato) *
Speaking of Sam!…
The 2020 Olympics may have been forced to postpone, but pals Sam Smith and Demi Lovato have delivered the unofficial official anthem of the next best thing — bring on the Queer Olympics. A stellar video for a pre-summer bop? I’m here for it.
* Forever by Charli XCX *
Quarantine can’t stop urban pop songstress Charli XCX from releasing new music — or writing, recording and designing a new album from scratch. “Forever” is the first taste of her upcoming LP, ‘How I’m Feeling Now,’ jumping from the pages of her notebook straight to our speakers in a few short weeks. If you’re not already following Charli on Twitter and Instagram, get on it — she is frequently asking for fans’ input on cover art, lyrics and creative direction and accepting submissions for music video clips. The video for “Forever” serves as a hopeful reminder and beacon of light in these trying times, spotlighting the little moments and snapshots of our days.
Movies & TV
In addition to the highly bingeable series I mentioned last month, I have a new list of shows to recommend for your quarantine TV nights.
- Tiger King: Netflix’s latest viral hit, this docuseries is the source of all the Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin memes taking over your timeline.
- The Last Dance: If you’re looking to further satisfy your documentary craving, I’ve heard nothing but great things about this 10-episode look at Michael Jordan’s epic story. It’s currently airing weekly on Netflix.
- Ozark: I’ll watch anything starring Jason Bateman, but this highly-rated drama is a far cry and welcome surprise from his beloved comedy hits. Bateman plays “a financial adviser [who] drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks, where he must launder $500 million in five years to appease a drug boss.” Pass the popcorn.
- Barry: Another actor whose work I’ll never pass up: Bill Hader. In an equally unexpected role, Hader and Barry give you everything you could ask for — captivating characters, spectacular writing, irresistibly dark humour and a distinctive nature that draws you back episode after episode.
- Law & Order: SVU: Say hello to my new nightly watch — can’t promise I’ll get through all 21 seasons, but I’m definitely hooked!
- Succession: This razor sharp, Emmy-winning HBO show follows the Roy family, who are in control of the biggest entertainment media company in the world. They’re now navigating a changed dynamic as their aging father Logan steps back from the company. There’s no better way to describe the story than juicy! A third season is set to begin production post-COVID-19.
Adding on a movie: Happiness Continues, the Jonas Brothers’ new tour documentary streaming on Amazon Prime Video. I may have already watched it once, or twice, or several times… What can I say, I’m a sucker for the JoBros. ☺
Let me know what you’ve been wearing, watching and jamming to this month in the comments below — or tweet me @angelamcleanx!
*All prices listed or linked to are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and accurate at the time of posting.
xx
