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everlane street shoes in gray

A Review of Everlane’s Street Shoe

Published by welcomeobjects

I started shopping at Everlane about a year ago. In my quest to buy fewer objects, but objects of better quality that lasted longer, the Everlane ethos fit well with me. They work with a handful of factories, which are ethical, and show you the cost of each step of the process, from materials to shipping. The idea is that they produce high quality items for less-than-usual retail because they don’t have a large marketing mark-up.

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I was drawn to the look of their Street Shoe. With its slightly pointed toe, it’s like a chic and sophisticated Vans. I love the ease of Vans slip-ons, but they last me only about a year before they start to fall apart. Vans are made with man-made faux leather. The Nubuck Street Shoe from Everlane is made of soft nubuck leather with a leather lining. (UPDATE: as of fall 2017, the nubuck version doesn’t appear to be sold anymore, but there is a leather version). Apologies, I’ve lost the photos I took, so these photos from their website will have to do.

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Nubuck Street Shoe, $95 to $135

The description says they run narrow, so I ordered a half size up, and also a full size up. I was excited when the package arrived. Alas, neither size fit. They were both too narrow. My feet are considered on the wide side here in America and though I can fit into regular medium widths, they tend to be from brands that run a bit wide. (Though in Asia they seem to be normal sized and I have no problems finding shoes there.) Selfishly, I wish they made this shoe wider, or at least offered the option of different widths.

As to quality, the shoe appears well made. (They’re produced in an Italian factory.) The footbed is plush and seems like it would be comfortable. If you have narrow feet, I say go for it. The Street Shoe is priced at $135, which I think is very reasonable for a leather shoe.

Everlane also runs “Choose What You Pay” discounts from time to time when they overproduce an item. Right now there’s a discount for Nubuck Street Shoes in several colors, including the slate gray that’s pictured in this post. If you do end up buying these, I recommend getting a suede/nubuck protector like this and applying it before you wear them out. I do this with all my suede shoes to keep them from getting too dirty.

Fellow owners of wide feet, don’t bother.

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If you find my reviews helpful, please use my referral link to Everlane to make your first purchase. (Create your account first before browsing.) Thank you! You can see my other Everlane reviews here.

uniqlo drape collection outfit

The Drape Collection at Uniqlo

Published by welcomeobjects

Sometimes marketing works. Browsing Uniqlo’s website, I saw the new Match and Mix Drape Collection.

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Suddenly, I really wanted the outfit in the middle. Never mind that I’ve been trying to incorporate more color into my wardrobe. There was a time I only wore dark colors, and before that, a time I only wore three colors — and one of those colors has always, always been black. I love black for probably many of the same reasons other people do. It hides imperfections (both of the body and of the I-spilled-coffee kinds). It makes you look instantly pulled together somehow. It’s simple and sophisticated.

Lucky me, at the time there was a online sale for the pants so I put in an order. Then I went into the store and took a look.

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Sorry in advance for these fitting room photos. As you now know, I love black — which looks good in person, but makes for boring fitting room photos. It’s not that I’m opposed to the other colors — overall, I think they’re offering a good palette of neutrals here. But the lighter colors didn’t speak to me. I didn’t see the olive green anywhere in the store and though I thought about the blue, in person I didn’t like it.

The fabric for this collection has a slight seen to it (material is polyester). There was something off-putting to me about the sheen — it looks a little cheap. Black looked the least sheeny, and hence the best to me. The fabric is lightweight (but not too thin) and true to its name, it does drape nicely.

First up, the wide leg pants worn with the three-quarter sleeve blouse, and jogger pants worn with camisole. The pants are all supposed to be ankle length, but I’m petite (5′ 4″). So fellow petites, these will be normal length for you. (The inseam on the joggers are 27 1/4″ so if you’re tall, they might actually be too short on you.) The joggers have a comfortable elastic waistband, but there’s still a fly so they’re easy to get into. I think the jogger pants look slimming in person, but the wide leg one wasn’t doing me any favors as a shorty.

Next, I tried the drape wrap skirt with the camisole. On the left, I’m wearing it as styled in the marketing photo — with the top untucked. Meh. I think it makes me look wider than I am. Better to tuck it in and define your waist.

I took home the jogger pants and the three-quarter sleeve blouse (in black of course). As for fit, I went with my usual size. I found them to be true to size.

And then an interesting thing happened. I tried on the jogger pants from my online order and the jogger pants from the brick-and-mortar store and THEY FIT DIFFERENTLY! I was so confused. They looked the same. I examined the tags and they had different SKU numbers. What the what?

I went on the website and saw there were two different jogger pants. One is called “Women Drape Jogger” and the other one is called “Women Drape Jogger Pants.” Um, thanks for clarifying that, Uniqlo.

I finally realized the difference when I read the descriptions. The “Women Drape Jogger” look like this:

The “Women Drape Jogger Pants” look like this:

See a difference?

OK, here it is: “Women Drape Joggers” is the original model. It has two pleats per leg in front. “Women Drape Jogger Pants” is the updated version. It has only one pleat per leg in front; it also has a higher waist.

I mean.

While the “Women Drape Jogger Pants” (the one-pleat ones) are described as having a slimmer cut, I found that for me the “Women Drape Jogger” originals were actually tighter in the thighs. So, I decided to keep the “Women Drape Jogger Pants.”

What do you think? Does it look like the marketing photo on me? I’m pretty happy with the pants. Pants are usually problematic for me, but I feel like these fit well, look good, and they’re comfy. The “Women Drape Jogger” pants got rave, rave reviews on the Uniqlo website. I think this newer version will too.

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So beware: if you’re going to consider pants from this collection, make sure you get both kinds to try on. Count the number of pleats. Also, Uniqlo, you should really give similar items different names. At least number them or something.

UPDATE 4/27/17 – Well, Uniqlo has updated the names of the pants on their website, but not in any helpful way. Now they have the same name. Both pants are called “Women Drape Jogger Pants.” Also, there are new colors for the one-pleat ones: a light brown and a light gray. I tried them and unfortunately, with these lighter color pants you can see the outline of the back pockets. Not a good look. 🙁

UPDATE 9/24/17 – The Women Drape Jogger Pants (with one pleat) have been updated for fall with new dark colors: wine red and navy.

UPDATE 12/10/17 – I’m trying to be better about making ethical shopping choices, so I’m updating posts with info about where and how things were made. These clothes are made in China out of polyester, which is petroleum-based, not biodegradable, and pollutes our oceans. Doh. Uniqlo has said it is putting better processes in place after it was cited for abusive practices in 2016, so it does appear to be making an effort.

everlane pocket tote

Everlane Twill Zip Tote & Pocket Tote Review

Published by welcomeobjects

I have a bit of an preoccupation with finding the right bag. Not only does it need to be good looking and practical, but as someone who spends a fair amount of time on public transit and on foot, it also needs to be lightweight. Have you heard of Every Day Carry? It’s all about carrying stuff efficiently. (That site seems to be all men, and most of them seem to carry knives, but I digress.)

I like applying the idea of Every Day Carry to myself. My problem is that I’m a bit like my mother — I carry a bunch of items on me just in case (band-aids, small tape measure, nail clipper, tissues, etc). But I also want to lighten my load as much as possible. So, heft is a deal breaker when it comes to bags. I’ve been looking for a nice lightweight leather bag and haven’t found the perfect one yet. But in terms of a fabric option, behold: the Everlane Twill Zip Tote.

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The Twill Zip Tote

It has one inside open pocket, leather straps (which lend it an elegant look), and a zipper across the top. And it weighs under a pound — 15 ounces. It’s a good size at 13.5” tall x 17″ wide x 3″ deep.

I got one in reverse denim. A few months into carrying the bag, though, the stitching around the zipper started coming undone! I wasn’t even carrying anything really heavy like a laptop in it. When I let Everlane know, they sent me a new one and took the old one back to examine it. I’ve had the replacement bag for about a year now, and here’s what it looks like now.

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Not bad, considering I carry it all the time. There’s a water mark inside from a water bottle spill, but it doesn’t show on the exterior. There’s also some wear to two of the corners, but otherwise it’s held up pretty well. And it can fit a lot.

everlane-twill-tote-inside

Here’s what I usually have with me: water bottle, change purse, transit card, a magazine or book, and a handbag organizer with my wallet, sunglasses, a notebook, pen, lip balm, reusable bags (my favorite reviewed here), and a whole bunch of other little things. The handbag organizer changed my life. It has pockets galore for everything and makes it so easy to switch bags (not that I do that often).

Originally I had an organizer from Muji, which was quite sturdy, but not big enough. It was also not as light as I wanted. I found this one on Amazon, which claimed to weigh only a bit over three ounces. It’s floppy and the netting on the outside pockets isn’t holding up well as you can see, but it is light, and the zippers work well. (Update: I have since switched to a pouch system.)

A mesh purse organizer with items in it, and other items such as a water bottle and sunglasses case, flatlay style.

You could carry a laptop in the Twill Zip Tote, but the bag lacks both structure and padding, so if you decide to do that, put it in a case.

Oh, the tote comes in a dipped version too if you like a two-tone look.

everlane-dipped-tote

The Pocket Tote

In December, I became aware of a new Everlane tote: the Pocket Tote. It comes in three colorways: white, black, and reverse denim (all with black leather straps). Being a creature of habit, I got the reverse denim. (I do think it’s the best looking one.) It has a top zipper and an inside pocket with a zipper as well. The size is square-ish at 14.5” tall x 13” wide x 5.75” deep with a 10” handle drop. It weighs about an ounce more than the Twill Zip Tote, so it’s exactly a pound.

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Tote vs. Tote!

Here’s how they compare size wise:

everlane-tote-comparison-side

I love the original Twill Zip Tote and highly recommend it. It’s lightweight, holds a lot, and is decently priced at $48. (The dipped version is $60.) Likewise, the Pocket Tote is also $48 and also ethically made in Vietnam. I like the outside pocket, which is handy for things you reach for often.

But there’s one problem with it. See how the bottom sags and doesn’t keep its squared-off shape at the bottom? The Twill Zip Tote doesn’t do that. I think it’s due to the way the bags are constructed. Below is a comparison of the interiors of the Twill Zip Tote and the Pocket Tote, below it. The Pocket Tote has more depth (5.75″ versus the 3″ of the Twill Zip) and a seam at the bottom of the bag.

The insides of the Everlane Twill Zip Tote and the Pocket Tote. The Pocket Tote has a seam on the bottom.

I experimented with putting a piece of 12″ x 5.5″ cardboard at the bottom to see if it helps it keep its shape. It does! I wrapped the piece of cardboard in white contact paper to make it a little more attractive. (Edit: I no longer recommend wrapping it in contact paper as little bits of plastic will break off as it wears. Plain cardboard is just fine.)

everlane pocket tote with cardboard-1200

I also highly recommend using Scotchgard on these totes (or any fabric tote for that matter) as soon as you get it to protect it from stains. Make sure you cover up the leather parts before you spray! I used painter’s tape, which doesn’t leave sticky residue. Scotchgard and leather do not mix. Sadly, I know this from past experience: it will leave marks on the leather.

UPDATE 7/10/17 – After carrying around the Pocket Tote for a while and seeing how the DIY cardboard piece has worn at the corners, I decided to give it a trim. Rounded corners are the way to go.

everlane pocket tote rounded cardboard

UPDATE 8/16/17 – Here’s what the Pocket Tote looks like out and about with a MacBook Air in it and my DIY cardboard piece. I placed the laptop in the middle with stuff on either side of it. Otherwise it slides to one side and sags the bottom of the tote. (Also, please note that I’m not holding up the bag at all with my hand even though it appears that way. It’s just where my hand naturally lands.)

everlanepockettote-outandabout.jpg

UPDATE 11/28/17 – After about 6 months of carrying the Pocket Tote, the rubberized edging on one of the straps began cracking and coming off in bits. (I tried to glue the edging down to prevent further loss, but that doesn’t work at all.) This seems to be a defect as I’ve never had this problem with my Twill Zip Tote, which I’ve carried for longer. In October I contacted Everlane about this and they sent me a replacement. Gotta love their customer service! I still use both bags often and like them both.

everlane pocket tote on a wooden surface

The Everlane Pocket Tote with a cardboard base inserted.

If you find my reviews useful, please considering using my referral link to make your first Everlane purchase. (Create your account before browsing.) Thans! You can see all my Everlane reviews here.

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An ikea planter and pots with plants.

Minimalist Style with Planters From Ikea

Published by welcomeobjects

I love plants in the home, but don’t have a terribly green thumb. I don’t want to spend too much money on planters and plant supplies given my less-than-stellar record of keeping them alive. Ikea, in my experience, is a great place to find stylish planters at lower costs. This works for me because I’m looking for simple and minimalist. The Ikea aesthetic delivers on those requirements. If you’re going for something more eclectic and colorful, then it’s probably not for you.

First, I decided that all the planters should be white. Why? To emphasize the unique greenery of each plant. Luckily Ikea has a white planter in various sizes named Kardemumma. I can’t find it on the website anymore, but I’ve seen in stores. I like that though they’re all white, there are variations in the design.

kardemumma-plant-pot-white

The medium size fits a 6″ diameter liner pot and is what I used in the first photo. They’re $3.99 each. A larger version (pictured below) can fit a 9″ diameter pot and is only $7.99. At these prices, I could get multiple plants. By the way, snake plants like the one below are very easy to take care of. They even don’t mind a bit of neglect. Plus, they clean the air.

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Next, I looked for a stand to display the planters on. Ikea has a charming collection called Satsumas made of bamboo and metal.

You know how you walk into a store and buy something you didn’t know you had to have? That’s what happened with the triple Satsumas. Here it is in my home:

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I also wanted a small planter in my kitchen and looked at these:

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Soticitron Self-Watering Plant Pot, $11.99 (There’s a smaller square version too)

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Socker Plant Pot With Holder, $24.99 (Also comes in black)

The three items above are even on sale right now with an Ikea Family card, which is free.

I took this one home:

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The metal box sits on the bamboo legs, which are not attached (though you could glue them if you wanted to).

Here are some other goodies that didn’t make it home with me, but seemed worth a look. This watering can also comes in light pink and gray. I like the slim, chic look but wonder how practical it is. Metal seems heavy for toting water. A friend of mine has one and left some water sitting in hers. Unfortunately the inside developed rust spots. Is hers just a fluke or is it a more widespread problem?

This plant stand holds 13 plants and also comes in black. Very cool if you need a room divider. It can also be used outdoors.

This one is nice for a corner and comes in black as well.

 

Of course, Ikea does also have some planters in colors, though they don’t have the most variety. But don’t count them out if you want to add greenery to your home. They might surprise you — and the price is right.

12/10/17 – I’m trying to be better about making ethical shopping choices, so I’m updating my posts with info about where and how things were made. The planter pots were made in Vietnam and the metal items (the Bittergurka box and Satsumas plant stand) were made in China. Ikea was named an ethical company in 2010 by Ethisphere Institute.

dwell magazine for target in-store display

Modern by Dwell Magazine x Target

Published by welcomeobjects

I was pretty excited when I found out that Dwell Magazine was doing a collaboration with Target. I love Dwell’s pages of aspirational, modern homes. And of course. I have long loved Target for its low-cost, stylish decor. They made perfect sense together. Here’s what I saw in person.

** this post contains affiliate links **

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Lounge Chair, $249.99

If I didn’t already have a chair, I’d think about this. It reminds me a bit of folded paper. I wonder how resistant to dirt the canvas-colored fabric will be, though. (Oh, but it also comes in dark gray! I would definitely go for the gray.) Note the rounded tables that contrast with the angles of the chair.

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Stool (but could be a little side table too), $74.99; Bar Trolley, $149.99 (also comes in black)

I’m not sure what the blue part of this tray is for. Photos on the website show that you can turn it vertically and tuck a notebook in. But whyyyy? Also comes in a larger and smaller size.

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Medium Tray, $29.99

I also fell in love with the bar ware. So simple and chic! Do I need bar ware? I want to say yes. I liked the understated look of this shaker, but a review on the Target site says it doesn’t work well. That’s disappointing. It just needs to shake your drink. How hard can it be to design something that does that? If something doesn’t do its job, no matter how nice-looking, it’s a no go. The metallic glassware looks great. Each glass seemed to have a different design.

The only thing I didn’t love the look of was this glass ice bucket. Glass seems like weird material for an ice bucket since it’s heavy. I did appreciate how the tongs fit right into the lid, though.

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Ice Bucket: $24.99

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There were also pretty copper colored flatware, bamboo serving utensils, and these wooden animal objects that also served somewhat practical functions. Oh, and lamps and patio furniture, and a large clock, and big blue poufs. Take a look at the collection online.

I didn’t take anything home, because I’m trying to be very good about not buying things I don’t need or super love. That’s one reason I’m starting this blog, so I can window shop, in a way, by sharing objects I appreciate. They are welcome objects. Welcome, objects!Save

UPDATE 12/10/17 – I’m trying to be better about making ethical shopping choices, so I’m updating posts with info about where and how things were made. I don’t have info on where these items were made, but Target was named an ethical company in 2010 by Ethisphere Institute, for what that’s worth.