On My Mind: Running Mittens and Floating Bookshelves | The Strategist

The author details her personal shopping habits, characterized by either impulsive sample sale purchases or prolonged deliberation over budgeted items, often leading to indecisiveness and missed opportunities due to items selling out. Despite these tendencies, she and her fiancé are actively seeking solutions for excessively bright bedrooms, specifically focusing on finding suitable curtains for their large windows. The windows, measuring approximately 106 inches wide by 88 inches long, present a challenge in finding affordable, aesthetically pleasing options that provide adequate coverage without requiring custom tailoring for their rental property. Current IKEA curtains are too narrow, letting light in. The author considers Quince European Linen Room Darkening Curtains, which are the correct length but might be too narrow, and West Elm's Custom Size Sheer European Flax Linen Curtains, which offer customizable dimensions but are prohibitively expensive at $250 per panel for the four panels needed. IKEA's VILBORG Room Darkening curtains are considered a more budget-friendly option, though the author is not entirely satisfied with the color and material and plans a store visit. She also considers IKEA's Lenda curtains, recommended by colleagues, for the office. Beyond curtains, the author is also looking for floating bookshelves to manage an expanding book collection that currently overwhelms two Billy bookcases and spills onto nightstands and the floor. She identifies River Ridge 6 Piece Metal Floating Shelves as a potential solution, noting them as an affordable alternative to more expensive options. These shelves would be installed in the office, living room, or bedroom to alleviate the book storage issue. The first book she plans to add to these new shelves is Kelly Link's debut novel, praised by Vulture, which aligns with her preference for stories involving ghosts, dark academia, and magical realism. The article also touches on other personal interests and shopping considerations. The author, who is newly engaged, discusses her early thoughts on wedding dresses, expressing admiration for Vivienne Westwood designs but acknowledging their high cost. She hopes to find similar styles at more affordable prices, potentially through sample sales or alternative retailers like Anthropologie and Lovely Bridal, and is seeking advice for planning a Brooklyn wedding on a budget. Her running gear preferences are highlighted, specifically the Bandit Brushed Stamina Women’s Cold Weather Quarter Zip and Tracksmith Women’s Brighton Base Layer for cold weather running, and she is considering Tracksmith NDO 2-in-1 Mittens to address cold hands during runs. The author also expresses interest in Baggu's Flat Pouch Set in a 'Night Sky' design, reflecting her appreciation for celestial motifs. Her recent experience rushing a Broadway show, 'Stereophonic,' led her to consider purchasing the vinyl cast recording from Merchbar. Finally, she mentions her ongoing search for perfectly fitting jeans as a petite individual, having been influenced by a positive review of Nelle Atelier's 'The Gabi Jean' for petite women, and her desire to acquire a Milton Glaser 'New York Is About New York, 1976' poster after being inspired by a guide to museum gift-shop items. #HomeDecor #Curtains #FloatingShelves #RunningGear #WeddingPlanning #PersonalShopping #BudgetFriendly #Fashion #HomeDecor #Curtains #FloatingShelves #RunningGear #WeddingPlanning #PersonalShopping #BudgetFriendly #Fashion