February favorites, Jessica McCormack Dupes, and getting sick in the city
The Dressing Room, Vol. 3
Last week I was hit with an evil case of strep throat which had me bedridden for a a few days. I say evil because it came on the same day as the massive blizzard that swept the city (rude) and the same week I was supposed to travel across the country for one of my best friend’s bachelorettes in our college town of Santa Barbara, California (incredibly inconsiderate!).
It’s one thing to get a little common cold. It’s another to have a diabolical fever during the depths if winter when you have 2 days to PTO pending and 80 degree weather ready to welcome your sun-starved skin. Needless to say I had a bit of an existential menty B.
New York is a city of skyrocket highs and hellish lows. And being properly sick in the city is especially punishing. No one wants to call an Uber to Urgent Care when they’re running at 102 degrees… add dirty, slushy snow in the mix and a routine bacterial infection becomes a sick curse of universal karma—what did I do to deserve THIS? I was being such a drama.
Some moments of clarity that came as the week went on:
Antibiotics are amazing! Science and medicine are amazing! Yay for it not being the flu!
Spring is coming. Deep, late winter is a season I did not experience until I moved to New York 5 years ago. So much will change energetically when we spring forward this weekend. Hallelujah.
Fomo really sucks but this too shall pass. There are margarita and sun-filled weekends with these women on the horizon.
Living alone is challenging but it’s a good reminder in how capable and strong you are… but, also:
NYC is a small town masked as a big city and people treat it as such! One of my friends had Pura Vida smoothies and juices and treats delivered to my doorstep. Another dropped off soup (in a bag with a bow!). There’s an understanding here of how little acts of love go a long way and I’m grateful to have built a community of friends who care for me.
Anyway, I think I might have needed one of those shake you up moments and good cries. I felt better once I got it all out.
Turning 34.
I turned 34 in Feb! At dinner, my friend asked me how I felt about 33 and I was proud to say that 33 was one of my most favorite years. The first few years of my 30s felt tumultuous and disconnected. But last year was peaceful, centered, and happy! What more could you want out of a yearly reflection?
I launched my Substack on my birthday last year and having this as a creative outlet has done wonders for my mental health. It feels like such a natural expression of energy and made me realize: if you do things that make you feel like YOU… goodness will follow!
Hoping to channel that same energy into 34 (and beyond). And if you’re new to the Extra Dressed community—first of all, hi <3—please give my very first post a read. I think it’s a great introduction to who I am and what to expect on here!
Jessica McCormack taste on an Anthro budget
A year+ ago I fell in love with this Jessica McCormack diamond choker necklace. Unfortunately for me (and likely for you) it’s out of our price range…coming in at a whopping $135K, depending on the diamond.
Luckily for me (and maybe for you) I am a great look for less kind of girl and sourced a handful of pieces that give the same vibe. Or at least an adjacent vibe. I got the Anthropologie one and wore it on my birthday and think it scratched the itch!!! Everything linked below.
Heaven Mayhem | Gaze Choker ($980… still a deal, lol)
Heaven Mayhem | Solene Choker Set ($150, love how these are buildable!)
Shashi | Roux Cuff Necklace ($187)
Shashi | Lasso Silk Necklace ($110)
Luv AJ | Marais Pendant ($99)
As a head’s up, everything linked below is an affiliate link!… and if the $135K necklace is in fact in your price range, please let me know. I will create an affiliate link JUST for you <333333
The Yes Pile — everything I loved in February
Ooooo there’s something about a birthday month that makes shopping hit even harder! I also included some of my favorite bites and sips, activities, reads, pods, etc.
I’ve been listening to this playlist on repeat. It’s great for WFH and cooking and probably also good for makeouts but I’ve yet to test the theory. So please do, and report back!
This Eberjey bralette is a g damn dream. It’s soft and lifting and invisible under clothes. I am so glad I popped into the store and treated myself to this. It feels comfy enough to sleep in, but actually makes the girls perk up.
Ossa New York Case: I am soooo in love with this thing. It makes my phone feel less like a phone and more like a cutie little accessory. Consider her extra dressed.
Old Navy and Gap are popping TF off for spring. I think it might warrant a full post because they are coming for you, Aritzia. But I really love this short sleeve polo, ballet flats, and structured blazer
Summer Fridays Lip Balm: I think that this might be my favorite lip balm of all time? I recently got Brown Sugar and it’s pretty — but the best one is Pink Sugar. I love the scent and the sheerness. If I could have these on auto-subscribe, I would.
Experiment Beauty is going to be huge this year. Some products just have IT and these ones really do. The Super Saturated Serum is perfectly viscous and juicy, which leaves your skin hydrated and plump. But the Molecular Mesh feels like silk against the skin. Not quite a gel, not quite a cream, somewhere in the middle. 10/10 recommend.
Loving this podcast Articles of Interest - all about the ins and outs of the fashion industry. The Made in the USA episode way EYE-OPENING. If you are intentional about your shopping or curious how things are made, I highly rec. My kind of investigative journalism.
Circus by Sam Edelman Zoey Cap Toe Flats. Like HELLO? I’ve never felt so soon by an Instagram ad.
The cutest bag for spring is one that has tulip handles. Edie Parker is a branding queen and this bag is so thoughtfully created… she deserves her flowers ;)
Nivea Cocoa Butter Lotion. Hydrating, fast-absorbing, smells like a damn dream, leaves skin silky for hours and costs < $10? Mmm yercominghomewithme.
For NYC Locals, my favorite bites were:
Breakfast burrito from High Life Burger, just trust me and my California roots
The mixed green salad and pomodoro pizza from Gjelina
Spicy cucumber mag from Rintintin, one of my favorite margaritas in the city and maybe the world
If you like creamy, sweet drinks than the Dolce Vita latte from Fellini will be your bestie
The cinnamon rolls from Noa (WV) and Hani’s Bakery (EV) were incredible, but nothing will ever beat the cinny b from Losers!!! Order ahead and pickup on Sundays.
xx Caylee
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post you may also love The Dressing Room, Volume 1
the mixed green salad from Gjelina >>>!!!!!!!!