Spring, sprang, sprung
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Actually Good Things is a weekly email with considered selections from a shopping editor who’s tried it all.
This week—while doing cartwheels over the news that my favorite novel in recent memory, Vladimir, is now a Netflix mini-series (all hail Rachel Weisz)—I’m getting psyched for spring.
The equinox is still two weeks away, but that’s neither here nor there. Spring is a vibe, folks. It’s life after death, an awakening. It’s optimism, cheery and full of flowers.
Here are actually good things I’m using and hawking to elevate the season of rebirth.*
Yes, we’re still walking every day
Spring is better than summer because a) I’m not a child, and b) the weather is perfect for a stroll.
Ryka is my go-to for walking shoes. They keep my arches happy and are slightly less embarrassing than Sketchers. Vionic is another standby—every pair has built-in orthotics.
Transitional outerwear
Too warm for a winter coat yet not quite bare-arms season. Transitional outerwear will do you right in in-between weather.
I’m a big vest guy. A lightweight quilted one is ideal for 50-ish-degree days. Flat quilting is also nice in a spring jacket.
For daily walks, I usually throw on an over-the-butt fleece or windbreaker (Old Navy has cute affordable styles).
For guys, the quarter-zip is it right now. (Not half—quarter.) And we get our kids Columbia fleeces every year.
A perfect pant + florals
These trousers look fairly basic online, but trust me when I say they’re absolutely pristine—not too tight but still form-flattering with impeccable tailoring. They’re honestly my favorite thing in my closet.
I wear florals year-round, though spring is an obvious opportunity to rock the flirty print. This mesh tee from AllSaints is right on the money and currently on sale.
This floral hoodie is also a yes.
Cat-eye sunglasses
These Luv Lou sunglasses (left) are some of the best I’ve ever worn—not too heavy and don’t slip down my face. That said, this pair from Uniqlo is pretty similar and a fraction of the price.
These Italian-made Thierry Lasry sunglasses (right) are in my purse this week—expensive (sorry!) but almost half off right now.
Allergy pills + SPF
The UV index may only get up to a 3 these days, but you know I won’t slip a single finger outside without slathering on SPF. This calming Korean sunscreen is a repeat buy.
My Amazon history says I’ve purchased these allergy pills 11 times—at 200 pills a bottle, this comes out to six years of use. If you ask me, there’s no such thing as non-drowsy allergy meds, so I take one before bed to help me doze off while arming my airways against seasonal allergies.
Farmers market hauler
It’s almost farmers market szn. I’ll be hauling my produce and baked goods in this clever, foldable, rolling jumbo-tote.
Fresh sheets
New sheets for no other reason than to freshen things up? Big spring vibes.
I’m partial to easy-breezy linen for the warmer seasons. It can be pricey, but Target’s Casaluna line is really reasonable. Same for Quince—if you’re like me and don’t sleep with a top sheet, you can save money by getting a set without it.
Want something more luxurious with a silky-smooth feel? Cozy Earth bamboo sheets have it going on.
*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What I’m reading lately:
The Cut | Actually, That’s a Wig
The New York Times | Why Kids Are Starting to Sound Like Their Grandparents
What I’ve written lately:
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Curious what shoes you wear with those trousers? They look really nice!