Category: Encircled

A Train Ride to Portimão (Ft Tradlands Meadow Skirt)

6/20/2022

Proud to be a Tradlands Affiliate • All opinions are my own.
Tags: Tradlands • Style

Uber, Lyft, Bolt, rental cars... they're all great when you're traveling. But there's a certain charm about local public transportation that can't be replicated. It's often a little bit inconvenient, sometimes a bit uncomfortable, maybe it's warm? maybe it's packed? Whatever it is.. I kind of love it. It feels authentic. It's a glimpse at the day to day life of real people living their lives in the place you're a visitor in.

Boliqueime Train Station Portugal

Our first train ride in Portugal started at Boliqueime station. Okay.. actually it started with an Uber to the station. One of those uber rides where you semi fear your life and question how easily you hop into a car with a stranger whose driving you've not previously assessed, but I digress..

Boliqueime Train Station Portugal

Boliqueime Station is a quiet little train station in Algarve, southern Portugal. This is not a manned station which means you will need to purchase your tickets in advance. How do you buy train tickets in Portugal?

How do you buy train tickets in Portugal?

Visit the official website for Portugal's train system - Comboios de Portugal and select "comprar bilhetes" (buy tickets). You'll be able to enter your starting point and end destination and see choices for train times and prices. Our ticket from Boliqueime to Portimão was 4.15 euro per person. This trip is about an hour long. Your ticket will be emailed to you and you can print it or show it on your phone and it will be scanned on the train. If you can't purchase a ticket in advance, you'll be happy to know you can pay with exact change on the train. After boarding and once the train departs, someone will walk through each car to verify tickets of all new passengers.

Waiting for a train is an excellent time to catch up on reading, studying, or just take a moment to really be present and observe the little things. On this particular day I took a moment for this outfit combo that I have been gravitating toward all summer so far:

OOTD: Encircled, Nisolo, Tradlands

It's one of those outfits that feels comfortable, effortless, yet put together. Super functional with the cross body purse with magnetic closure and the linen skirt with pockets.. No wonder I keep reaching for it.

Nisolo Leather Crossbody w/ Tradlands Meadow Linen Skirt

Can't forget the shadow-engulfed shoes...

Nisolo Huaraches

Boliqueime station is super quiet and there is not much around the immediate area, however right at the station there are beautiful citrus trees!

And a lovely view to appreciate as you wait.

Trains in Portugal - What if I miss my train?

If you cancel in advance you can get a refund and rebook. If you are at a manned station, you can talk to someone in person about exchanging your ticket. In our case, the station was unmanned and we missed our train so we couldn't cancel it in advance. We tried to buy a new ticket for the next train online but the purchase window had closed. So we were prepared to pay again on the train if necessary. We showed our ticket for the previous train to the man and he maintained silence and a bit of a stern expression in response to our apologetic tone and willingness to repay. Finally he said next time, be sure to exchange your ticket and walked away. In Portugal, things are always possible. :)

Tradlands Meadow Linen Skirt Review

Tradlands Meadow Linen Skirt in Olive, shown above, is a new release for 2022 from Tradlands and it is definitely a hit. With a size range from XXS-5X, almost everyone can find their perfect summer skirt in the meadow skirt!

When I say perfect summer skirt, I truly mean it. This linen skirt is perfect for summer. It has a comfortable elastic waistband, two generous pockets, an ideal length and gather so you don't have to worry about gusts of wind, all in an elevated fabric blend of linen and tencel. It's true a stunning piece and easily one of my favorites in my entire wardrobe.

For sizing, I went with the size chart recommendation of a medium with a 27" waist. This is definitely a comfortable size for me, though I feel I could have sized down to a small to wear it higher without needing a belt. The olive color is gorgeous and if you can save up for one olive and one black of this skirt.. you'd be set for life girl.

This is a skirt that you can wear with flip flops, tennis shoes, or heels. Dress it up or down, wear it constantly, live your life in the comfort and effortless style of tradlands meadow linen skirt!

Thanks so much to Tradlands for gifting the meadow linen skirt to review and share with visitors to the blog!
Check out tradlands meadow skirt here and support this amazing brand!

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Encircled Sample Sale 2022

3/29/2022

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Proud to be an encircled affiliate! :)

See more posts like this: Encircled, Sustainable, Style

It's time for one of my favorite brands to have their sample sale! YAY!

Scroll through to find out

What is a sample sale?
What you can expect to receive (with photos)
Links to the access sale!

Encircled is Kristi Soomer's slow fashion brand with incredibly high quality standards. If you're a regular around here you've probably read tons of my encircled clothing reviews! Did you know if one of encircled's small batch design garments doesn't quite make the grade they save them for the next sample sale?

What Is a Sample Sale?

A sample sale is a great way to find appreciative homes for clothing that didn't quite meet the high standards encircled holds to sell at full retail.

â€‹These pieces can be discounted up to 50% and a lot of the "imperfections" are barely (if even) noticeable.. see photos below for examples.

The pieces may also be photography and pre-production samples or the last piece of a discontinued style meaning they may have no flaw at all, just a nice discount for you!

Scroll through the instagram post shown here for some further insights!

Why Have a Sample Sale?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Encircled Sustainable Fashion (@encircled_)

It's no secret that slow fashion is more costly than what most consumers are used to - and for all the right reasons (better materials, better quality, better work wages and working environments, more thoughtful and timeless design, giving back to the community etc)

Selling these pieces at a discount is a responsible solution that also provides an opportunity to add a sustainable and ethically made piece to your closet at a discount, perhaps enabling you to try a great brand like encircled for the very first time!!

When is Encircled's Sample Sale?

Encircled's Sample Sale goes live
Tuesday March 29, 2022 at 8:30pm EST

Shop the sale here if you live in
Canada

â€‹Shop the sale here if you live in
â€‹US/Global

What kind of flaws do the sample sale items have?

Common flaws include fabric slubs, yarn pulls, sewing imperfections, small stains, pinholes. You can see some examples on encircled's website, but before you go there here are two items from the encircled sample sale as a first hand example!

I'm glad for the tiny piece of tape to help me locate the flaws because otherwise I may not have found them at all! I tried to take a picture so you could see them as apparently as possible. This is the Effortless V Neck in Emerald (US/Global or Canada) and the Dressy Mockneck in Brass (US/Global or Canada). Both were in the sale for a fabric "slub".

What is a Fabric Slub?

"A slub appears as a thick grouping of yarns within the fabric of a garment and is only visible due to the textural difference." -encircled

Is the Sample Sale Worth It?

YMMV and some imperfections may be more noticeable than these. I can only share from my personal experience and I have to say getting these pieces at 30% off for such minute "flaws" is pretty special and definitely worth it!

Remember, you're supporting a small, ethical, slow fashion brand. Truly a 30% discount is like an 75% discount at a fast fashion store. (No scientific/mathematical calculation there, I'm just saying discounts are a big deal because costs are sooo much higher!)

How To Style a Black Turtleneck Sweater (Featuring Mott & Bow Cashmere Willow Turtleneck)

2/3/2022

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Proud to be a Mott & Bow Affiliate. All opinions are my own.
Tags: Mott & Bow • Style

One of my favorite winter clothing staples to stay warm and have cute cold weather outfits is definitely a cozy turtleneck sweater.

How to Style a Black Turtleneck Sweater

A black turtleneck sweater can be worn so many ways and is an excellent layering piece for winter, let alone a staple for many in a modest capsule wardrobe. In this petite style blog post I will share some of my favorite ways to style a black turtleneck sweater!

Black Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Outfit - Skinny Blue Jeans & Riding Boots

A simple outfit for cold days would be to wear the black (or any color) turtleneck with some jeans.

In this case I am wearing these high waisted jeans from Mott and Bow together with tall riding boots like these.

Black Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Outfit - Skinny Blue Jeans & Leather Ankle Boots

An easy way to dress up this cozy look for a date night could be the addition of some cute ankle booties!

This pair are incredibly comfortable once broken in and look so polished. I have been wearing these booties 4-5 days a week lately!

The modest heel is enough to elevate an outfit while remaining comfortable for walking.

See my review of the Dari Boot here.

Black Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Outfit - Knotted over Maxi Skirt (Rifle Paper Co Fabric)

Another way to wear a turtleneck sweater in winter or fall time is to wear it overtop of a dress, or as in this case, a high waisted maxi skirt!

This skirt was custom made on Etsy and the fabric is Rifle Paper co Garden Party! If you're a whiz at sewing, check out rifle paper co fabric here and here!

As you can see, the Cashmere turtleneck works beautifully knotted up to create the illusion of long legs that I surely do not have, when combined with the lengthening lines of the maxi skirt.

The Dari Boot With Skirt

How to Care for Cashmere Sweaters

With any garment, you should always check the label and adhere to it for the best outcome and greatest longevity. Some say dry clean only. Others say hand wash. It's generally best to lay them flat to dry if you are washing at home.

Protect Your Sweaters With This Undershirt

Decreasing the need to launder sweaters definitely helps extend their lifespan. One way to do that is to wear a layer beneath them. I especially recommend these sweat proof undershirts. My initial review of them is here. They definitely make a huge difference, although they are a bit of an investment. Save a few bucks on them here.

Maintain Your Sweaters With These Tools

Over time it is natural for your sweaters to obtain "pills". Friction causes the fibers to bunch up into little balls that can be unsightly. But wait! Don't get rid of that sweater, it's still good!
Try one of these tools (carefully!) to extend the life of your sweaters.

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Huge thanks to Mott & Bow for gifting these pieces to share with you and help you decide which are the right fit for your life, style, and wardrobe!

Mott And Bow has kindly provided a discount code for your first order!
Simply enter discount code TRIPDONTFALL at checkout to save!

Tags - Mott & Bow • Cashmere • Fall Style• Winter Style • Style • Jeans • Skinny Jeans • Petite Style • Review • Try Ons • High Rise • High Waisted • Nisolo • Encircled • Numi • Dari Boot • Etsy • How To Style

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Mott & Bow High Rise Cotton Skinny Jeans Review - Beekman

12/30/2021

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Proud to be a Mott & Bow Affiliate. All opinions are my own.

Tags: Mott & Bow • Style

This fall I fell in love with Mott and Bow's super comfy high rise black skinny jeans (Bond Jean - review here, shop here). The first pair of high rise jeans I've owned and the first pair of black jeans. They felt so chic.

But then something happened. Let's call it ... winter. Let's call it dark, dreary, damp, cold days.

I wanted to combat the external mood with some lighter denim - Mott and Bow's High Rise Skinny Beekman Jean in Light/Medium Blue.

Mott And Bow Women's High Waisted Skinny Jean Review - Beekman

These cotton blue jeans are made of 95% cotton, 4% poly, 1% elastane. They are a heavier weight jean than the Bond and definitely have less give, but they look so, so good!

Mott and Bow Beekman Jeans Styled w/ Encircled Comfy Button Up & Nisolo Huarache Sandals

Mott and Bow Beekman Jeans Styled With Encircled Comfy Button Up and Nisolo Huarache Sandals

After your first wear you will settle right into these light blue jeans. I love the wash on these as it feels classic and timeless and adds a pair of lighter pants into my closet which is predominately black and dark blue. The ankle opening is quite narrow (as you'd expect for skinny jeans) so if that is a concern for you, but you want a lighter wash jean, you may want to try the Mott & Bow Jane Jean.

Light Blue Denim with Brandy leather Accessories from Nisolo

Outfit Details:

Mott and Bow Beekman High Rise Skinny Jeans 27x28 - c/o Mott & Bow
Encircled Clothing The Comfy Button Up XS - Encircled.ca or Encircled.co
Numi The Signature Crop Sweatproof Undershirt Almond XS
Nisolo Huarache Leather Sandals in Brandy 8.5
Nisolo Noemi Belt Brandy Extra Small
Nisolo Cleo Convertible Crossbody in Rosewood

--> Mott and Bow Reviews
--> Encircled Clothing Reviews
--> Nisolo Ethical Shoe Reviews
--> Numi Reviews

Huge thanks to Mott & Bow for gifting these pieces to share with you and help you decide which are the right fit for your life, style, and wardrobe!

Check Out The Mott & Bow Sale Section Here For Amazing Discounts

Mott And Bow has kindly provided a discount code for your first order!
Simply enter discount code TRIPDONTFALL at checkout to save!

Tags - Mott & Bow • Cotton • Fall Style• Winter Style • Style • Jeans • Skinny Jeans • Petite Style • Review • Try Ons • High Rise • High Waisted • Nisolo • Encircled • Numi

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Black Friday 2021 / Cyber Monday 2021 Sales Roundup & Recommendations!

11/22/2021

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This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to shop through the links I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. Thanks for supporting TDF Life & Style!

It's that time, it's that time!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are upon us.

Now let me be straight with you, personally I don't buy into the whole obligatory gifting frenzy. I find it a lot more fun to be spontaneous with gifting and intentional about what I buy for who and when.

Still, I really appreciate a good sale especially now that I am trying to spend more time planning purchases and investing in quality items that will last me and my loved ones for a long time.

So without further adieu, here are some of the great sales going on and a few of my picks!

Table of Contents:

Butcher Box Black Friday Sale
Encircled Clothing Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale
Mott & Bow Jeans Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale
Nisolo Shoes Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale
Pact Clothing Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale
Tradlands Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sale

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales

$40 Rakuten Cashback Bonus!
$200 cash back when you spend $500 Chase Freedom
(Chase has my favorite everyday + travel credit cards)

Butcher Box

11/22-11/28
Two 10 oz, 100% grass-fed New York strip steaks free in every box for a year!
No Butcher Box coupon necessary.

Shop Butcherbox Black Friday Sale Here

Butcher Box Recommendations:

A few of the things I repurchase again and again from butcher box are:

St Louis Ribs
Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon
Cod
Ground Beef
Niman Ranch BBQ Pulled Pork
Italian Sausages
Apple Gouda Sausage
Bacon
Flat Iron Steaks

See all Butcher Box reviews, best price list, and related posts here

Encircled

11/22 - 11/29
20% off select styles in their Black Friday Collection
No encircled coupon code necessary.
Plus Flash Deals Friday - Monday!
All I can tell you is I highly recommend Friday & Monday's deals from first hand experience as I have purchased what will featured both days. One has already been reviewed on this blog... ;)

Shop encircled Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale - Canadian Store • US / Global Store

encircled Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale picks:

The Comfy Paper Bag Shorts (I bought these this year - review here)
The Comfy Button Front Dress (Bought this in Olive Grey and really like it. Styling for Fall/Winter post coming soon)
The Renew Scrunchie ( I have 3 of these now and wear them nearly every day)
The Everyday House Dress looks so comfy and classy and only $75!!

I have a ton of encircled content on this blog including reviews and styling on a large number of their styles that could be helpful for you.

Shopping Tip: You can check out multiple times this week/weekend at encircled to ensure you don't miss certain items as slow fashion means limited quantities. At the end email encircled or chat on the website to combine all orders and save on shipping. :)
(Free shipping over $150)

Last Swab / Last Tissue

Use Code TRIPDONTFALL for the discount!

Last Swab/ Last Tissue / Last Object Recommendations:

Absolutely love my original Last Swab and the Last Tissue packs. Use them around the house every day and perfect for in your purse/on the go while reducing waste! Check out their bundle packs for extra savings!

Shop the entire line of Last Object Reusables here

Mott & Bow

11/24 - 11/29
Spend $75 get free Marcy Fitted V Neck Tee or (new!) Second Skin Boxer Brief
Shop Mott & Bow Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale here
PS Use Mott & Bow Discount Code TRIPDONTFALL any time!

Mott & Bow Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale picks:

Two of my favorite Mott and Bow pieces are

Bond Black High Waisted Skinny Jeans
Emma Cotton/Cashmere Crew

For guys check out their

Light Merino Wool V Necks
Jeans Jeans Jeans!

Check out all Mott & Bow Content (Reviews, Styling) Here

Nisolo

11/22 - 11/27
25% off Sitewide with Nisolo coupon code FRIDAY25!!
Shop Nisolo Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale Here

Nisolo Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale picks:

Dari Boots! (of course! Initial Dari Boot review here)
All Day Heeled Mule Brandy
Clara Crossbody in Rosewood
Cordoba Backpack
Talia Braided Belt
Noemi Belt

Pact

11/22 - 11/29
Up to 40% off entire site
No Pact Coupon Code Needed

Shop Pact Clothing Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale Here

Pact Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale Recommendations:

Consider stocking up on bundled basics like tanks, socks, and undies for the family (which are already discounted plus the BFCM discount!) or this cozy brushed fleece zip hoodie!

Tradlands

11/24 - 11/28
30% off with Tradlands discount code BF30
11/29
30% off with Tradlands discount code CYBER30

Shop Tradlands Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale Here!

Pact Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale Recommendations:

Basically anything in emerald! I love this color and I think Tradlands has a style for everyone in this color.
You can get the famous Shelter Cardigan (review here, I have it in Birch, but the emerald is LOVE)
I also keep dreaming about their new Chalet Tiered Dress - belted for some waist definition while enjoying the free flowy-ness of those pretty tiers and POCKETS! The Field Chore Coat, Cotton Beanie, Portland Boatneck and Cottage Crewneck Sweater all come in a gorgeous green hue!