Hello, friend. Today for my Five Faves with Annie and Cindy I have some classic casual spring wear BASICS that are on sale at 40% off (got to love that), a local linen shop, our son Tommy’s “hit” cheese fondue (easy–he made it on a weekday night) and more good things!
1. Local Linen Shop – Studio Patro
There is a charming shop that I like to visit in our neighborhood…but you can also order online!
2. Easy Weeknight Appetizer — Swiss Cheese Fondue
It’s heartwarming to see that our kids are friends as adults. Recently in Los Angeles, Tommy invited his sister and brother-in-law over for a weeknight dinner.
He made Easy Swiss Cheese Fondue as an appetizer using my mom’s hand-me-down (1960’s) brass fondu pot. It’s been a year since my mom died and I bet she loved seeing this!
You can find a vintage fondue pot like this on Chairish. Or a stainless steel electric one on Amazon for $30.
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3. Serena and Lily Sale on Everything!
If you’ve been admiring something at Serena and Lily now is the time to get 20% off with the code HOME like these covered baskets to store throw blankets (or anything like toys, laundry, etc).
And my large rectangular coffee table tray is also on sale.
4. Outdoor Furniture Studio McGee for Target
I saw these patio chairs online and thought they were cute with the brass balls. In the store, I lifted one up (heavier than they look which is good). I would just get two love seats though, some fun throw pillows and a different coffee table like in stone or cement.
5. Classic Casual Spring Wear: Basics at 40% Off At Banana Republic
There is a Friends and Family Sale for Cardmembers at Banana Republic right now so I bought two pairs of jeans that I really like for spring and summer at 40% off.
The first pair are fresh high rise skinny white jeans that have nude colored pockets that don’t show. I bought a 28 petite. They feel a little thicker which is nice and have a raw hem.
The second pair is a lighter wash high rise slim jean for Spring (shown below). I slightly roll the cuff
This outfit has the long riding blazer that I wore here in olive. It’s flattering and looks chic. Now it’s 40% off (I paid full price). In fact, most of these items can be found in the Friends and Family Sale for Cardmembers.
navy twill riding jacket • white button down • silk bandana (not on special but you may have one in your drawer already) • high rise slim jean (updated look) • Chanel Chance — light fragrance for Spring (Howard gave it to me and I love it) • Birdie Loafers (not at Banana Republic) but so comfortable • Leather Tote (perfect for all the eyeglasses that I have to carry around).
You may also like Sensational Long Blazer To Polish Everyday Jeans. And Best New Studio McGee Home Accessories At Target.
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If you are new here, each Sunday I share my top five favorite things along with my friends, Cindy and Annie. It’s like our weekly “catch-up” phone call. If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Elizabeth says
I love cheese! The fondue looks delicious and it is so cool that it is served in your moms fondue pot! Love the target furniture! And the Banana Republic clothes! They have stepped up their game recently and things are looking classic and well made again.
Juliet says
MA, I want to cry looking at this … fondue! OMG. And in a vintage fondue pot. Memories come flooding back. As well as cardinal rule not to browse internet when hungry. Love the outfit and everything else too. But … the fondue! xo
cindy says
I Love that Studio McGee iron outdoor furniture. Our store did not have it so it is good to know that it is heavyweight. It’s such a great price point. Love everything at BR right now. I did not see your blazer in my store, but I did see the one Wren is speaking of; very good looking. Blazers can sure make a pair of jeans more polished, can’t they? Love that fondue pot. I would eat the entire spread!
Lauren says
I recognize that fondue pot because I have one. They were made by a Swiss company called “Spring” and were built to last…..probably 3 or more generations if well cared for. Most of them are stainless steel….and if the set was looked after you may luck out and get the red box it came in. If you enjoy fondue…water/soup, cheese or oil… this pot is worth buying. I always find that people talk more around the table when a fondue pot is at the centre…..and being social over food is always a good idea
Mary Ann Pickett says
That is so interesting, Lauren. I seem to remember a red box but it is lost now. Now I wish I had a fondue pot!
Annie Diamond says
Mary Ann,
That’s so cool that Tommy now has and uses his grandmother’s very chic brass fondue set.
I’m obsessed with Studio Patro! So many pretty things in both bright colors and neutrals!
I might have to check on that long blazer! It looks so good on you!
Enjoy your time with Ali!
xx
Mary Ann Pickett says
Thanks Annie. You would look awesome in the long blazer in tall! Studio Patro is very cool!
Katherine says
Your mother would be so thrilled to see her grandson using her hand-me-down (1960) fondue pot. How nice that
your son likes to cook. So nice your daughter and fur baby are visiting, hope to see the pictures posted here. I did not see them on Instagram. I must be doing something wrong.
Wren says
Hi Mary Ann, I found a blazer at BR yesterday almost like the riding jacket but less structured. I agree that current lines are of better quality and also more stylish. I believe you have both Birdies and Rothy’s shoes? Could you make a comparison? I have only bought Rothy’s and the loafers fit but the pointed and round toe styles are either too big or too small. I seem to need a 3/4 size! I do like the Birdie’s styles and patterns but haven’t tried yet. Buying shoes on-line is far from ideal. Thank you if you can compare.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I only have Birdies but my sister has both and I will ask her Wren. I will say that in the more woven styles in wear a 7 in Birdies but in the one above a 7.5.
Wren says
Thanks if your sister can advise. I usually wear a 7.5 except in an open toe, then go down to 7. I’ll be curious to hear how the fit is of the two brands and how the different styles within brands fit if she’s tried.
Linda Salazar says
I will have to check out the Serena & Lily site. (still haven’t been to the store in Del Mar yet) I just purchased the same white jeans the other day, I hope they fit! I have to say I really like Banana Republic’s newer clothing. I believe the quality is much better than it used to be. I had previously ordered the Balloon Sleeve Safari shirt which I loved so much I just ordered one in another color, since it was 40% off. The fabric is amazing.
Linda
Mary Ann Pickett says
Linda, I will check out the balloon sleeve safari shirt. Thanks!
Karen B. says
Hi Mary Ann,
I consider my kid’s ongoing friendship as one of life’s gifts. It’s so heartwarming to know they have each other and hopefully, my grandkids (the cousins) will be close friends into the future.
I remember how wonderful we all thought fondue was, it’s nice to see it make a comeback.
Thanks for always fun ideas.
xo,
Karen B.
Mary Ann Pickett says
I know, Karen! I am not sure if fondue is making a comeback but the kids sure thought it was fun.