What I’m wearing and using on repeat while my life is in boxes
It turns out adjusting to living in a new country takes a lot out of you
I’ve officially made the move to Vietnam and have been starting to settle into jet lag, the completely new environment, language that I definitely don’t speak (yet!), the constant humid climate, and trying to find a new daily routine. I’m trying to be patient with myself and letting myself first take the time to unwind from the stress of the moving process itself.
Beyond the reality that it will take awhile for our things to be shipped around the world, I’ve really been relying on a few wardrobe staples and beauty essentials I’m wearing on repeat to reduce my mental load and help me focus on adjusting and experiencing new things. Don’t worry, I’m still wearing my Everlane Off Duty Barrel Pants and Shirt nearly every day, but I’ve added in a few more things to my daily rotation:
Teva Voya Infinity Sandal - These sandals complete my hunt for functional sandals I can walk all day in that won’t betray me when I get caught in a downpour while still looking true to my style. I’m at the age where I need arch support in my sandals if I’m going to walk around all day, and these are definitely the most supportive sandals I’ve worn.The soft footbed just hugs my sole while also being super sturdy, so I can traipse around the sometimes uneven sidewalks in Ho Chi Minh without rolling my ankle or spraining it (again). I was worried the straps would feel a little too tight on my slightly wider feet, but I had no issues from the first wear. I also love the off-white colorway in this style, but find that the black really just goes with everything. I wear my normal size in these.
Free People Perfect Tones Set - This cropped knit cardigan and easy breezy skirt set has been my wardrobe hero across multiple scenarios. Date night? brunch? Museum days? Long walks across town? This does it all. From wearing the top and bottom together on warm days and cool nights when I went to Germany in May, to pairing the skirt with a tank top for hot summer nights, or even just wearing the cardigan with a pair of trousers, the many outfit possibilities make this set my new minimal packing hack. The skirt is a little more breezy and flowy than the type of slim silhouette I typically go for, but it’s my current go-to option when I need something that will help my stay cool and I don’t want to wear pants or shorts. I’ve washed this set multiple times and it’s washed beautifully, as well. I wear a size small; size down if you’re in between sizes.
Uniqlo Linen Cotton Tapered Pants - these lightweight pants are summer heroes because they’re lightweight and loose and airy and hit right at the ankle to allow more movement and airflow, plus they actually make me look forward to wearing pants in Vietnam levels of humidity. The 50/50 cotton and linen blend means that the material feels soft and breathable but isn’t scratchy, and the loose, relaxed fit means these won’t stick to my legs when I’m walking or sitting down. I’ve worn these in all types of scenarios, from a casual weekend errands run with a tank top or a slouchy t-shirt, or with a more tailored and sleek t-shirt (like my favorite mini tee) for a casual, but slightly smarter look. I could also see this with a more tailored shirt for a summer office look, as well. And surprise! I have these pants in not black. The olive shade is a perfect muted olive that is slightly different from everything in my wardrobe, but still neutral enough to work with everything I already have. I wear size small; size down if you’re in between sizes.
Oversized shirts that are loose and airy - this isn’t a specific recommendation so much as a category of shirts. I have a few oversized collared shirts that I wear as a light top layer for more coverage and sun protection. This is where a vintage or thrifted shirt in a light cotton or linen blend will really shine, though I’ve found some really great linen shirts from H&M, where I found the perfect leopard print linen top a few years ago, though the solid and striped options now are also lovely. There are also some great linen options from Gap (especially if you love some more color options), and Donni has a light blue shade that I’m slightly obsessed with. For cotton shirts, the key for the relaxed lived in look I like is to look for a soft and light cotton rather than a crisp cotton. Unfortunately, my favorite one from Madewell seems to no longer be available on their website but is on Nordstrom Rack now. Once again, Gap has some promising options in fun color ways that still feel true to my style like this burgundy stripe.
Live Tinted Huegard Glotion SPF - File this under products I definitely didn’t think would work for me, and yet has become something I enjoy reaching for day after day. Mineral SPFs tend to feel heavy and pasty on me, but this one truly feels like a lotion that is so easy to apply and blend. It absorbs into a soft glowy but natural finish that doesn’t have any stickiness to it. And despite the Glotion name, it doesn’t become greasy or oily throughout the day on hot days in DC and Vietnam. True to its claims, it also works as a lovely primer for makeup without making anything slip and slide. I wouldn’t call this a tinted sunscreen, but there is a slight tint to prevent white cast, and the light/medium shade works perfectly for me without adding any noticeable color on my skin. There is also a medium/deep shade but I haven’t personally tried that to see if would prevent white cast for deeper skin tones.
Merit Complexion Stick - It’s been awhile since I’ve tried this stick foundation but I got a better shade match (Bisque is perfect for me, by the way), and we are so back with this. It’s just so easy to swipe on and go (especially with their Blending brush), and like all of these other picks, it’s humid weather approved. This stays on all day with minimal fading, even through some embarrassingly sweaty moments, but still looks ultra natural. Any type of creamy foundation can be a little iffy for oily skin, but this holds on to my skin beautifully. Part of the reason I haven’t worn this in a long time is because I kept getting my shade matches wrong, but I finally got the perfect match. I wear the shade Bisque, a light neutral that is a perfect match for me.
Future Society Floating Forest Body Cleanser - I’m learning that I’m a sucker for a great body wash, because a good scent that wafts around me while I shower can truly improve my morning from something awful to something I almost look forward to, and the Floating Forest scent is the most calming and relaxing aquatic floral scent that feels perfect for a body wash. It’s not too much of anything - not too bright, not too sweet, not too floral. The formula is also gentle while giving a good lather. I’m already nearly done with my bottle and I’m lamenting that I can’t immediately get my hands on another one in Vietnam.
Makeup wise, I haven’t strayed too far from everything mentioned in my previous post. I’m just starting to get over my jet lag and slowly starting to explore everything that’s around me, so I’m sure I’ll be back with some more exciting updates soon!
As always you can find all my favorites on ShopMy, and keep up with my latest thoughts on Instagram. Thanks for reading!
Good luck with the move! (And that body cleanser scent sounds absolutely divine...!)
Wishing you all the best with the move! I used to live in Singapore but now in the UK, and goodness - the climate/temp is completely different! Light layers is key (with both skincare and clothing)