Category: Shopping

Splurge Worthy Makeup Products

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

When it comes to makeup, I try not to spend a ton of money. I’d much rather invest in clothes and accessories. However, there are some beauty products that are worth every single penny.

Mascara will always and forever be the main product that I don’t even bother looking at the price, if it works well. I have long lashes but they’re thin and straight. So give me all the volume!

I may not have a Chanel bag in my closet (yet), but regardless of what bag I am carrying, it will have Le Volume De Chanel mascara in it. 

Although I am starting to more so now, I don’t usually go for a bold lip. Since I don’t wear them often, people tend to notice when I do, so they have to look good! MAC Matte Lipstick is by far one of my favorite lip products, I’ve own a few different shades and recently (finally) tried Ruby Woo and Antique Velvet, which I will be wearing both frequently, especially this fall (yes, even under my mask). If you prefer a glossy lip, I like their Lipglass lipgloss as well. 

Speaking of masks, they may not technically be a beauty product, but I recently switched to a silk pillowcase and it’s done wonders for my maskne. So I decided to add a silk mask to my growing collection of face masks as well. So far I really like it, and may need to get a few more!

After hearing so much about how good the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation was, I knew that I needed to give it a try. I’m so glad that I did because I absolutely love it! I don’t wear it every day, but when I do wear it, applying it feels like such a treat. It really does glide on so smoothly. 

There are still other beauty products that I love as well, but these have really exceeded my expectations. I’ll be using them with my staple brow and concealer products and honestly, they’ve helped motivate me to get up and going with my day more than a few times. Sometimes getting ready to some tunes is all you need!

What I love most is that I can find all of my beauty needs right at Nordstrom! They have free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup. And with The Nordy Club, you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands.

Have you been putting on makeup lately? 

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Fall Boot Must-Haves

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

I know I already shared my fall must haves, but I wanted to get a little more specific. Yes, it’s sweater weather, but for me, fall really means boot season!

In addition to OTK boots and ankle boots, which are clearly my current fall closet footwear staples, there are two other pairs of boots that I feel are absolutely essential to keep in rotation as the temperatures start to drop.

Dress: Alice + Olivia | Boots: Dr. Martens | Necklace: Kate Spade

COMBAT BOOTS

90s grunge is trending in such a major way right now. As someone who definitely dresses more on the casual side, I’ve surprised even myself with the fact that I’ve never owned a pair of Dr. Martens before. I really like how solid they are and feel confident that they will do great in the snow, and from what I’ve heard they are super durable and last for years. I’m still getting comfortable with styling them but I’m so glad to finally have a pair. I’m even considering getting another pair in white.

Cardigan: Madewell | Jeans: Madewell | Boots: Ugg | Bag: Madewell | T-Shirt: Daydreamer | Earrings: Madewell (similar)

COMFY BOOTS

For the most part I’m still staying home. A pair of boots that I can either wear around my apartment or to quickly take out the dog are an absolute must for me. Yes, I have a pair of Birkenstocks for that, but the weather has been getting cooler, especially in the early morning and late at night, which is when I’m out with Koda. I now keep this pair of Ugg mini boots right by my entryway, so I can quickly slip them on and go! Unlike the Dr. Martens, this isn’t my first pair of Uggs. I also have a pair of black one, just not a pair of the Classic Mini boots. For cozy warm vibes these boots are perfection.

The best part of it all is that I’ve been able to find all my fall footwear at Nordstrom! They have free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup. And with The Nordy Club, you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands.

Which style of fall boots are you most excited to wear this season?

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The 5 Fall Fashion Essentials You Need from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with and sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

You know I love a good sale and the Nordstrom Anniversary sale going on right now is officially one of my favorites! I’m partnering with Nordstrom and ShopStyle to share the five fall fashion essentials that you need, which are all currently available at Nordstrom as a part of their anniversary sale.

1. Sweaters

This fall, I am all about staying warm and there’s a reason they call it sweater weather. I very much so plan to spend my days curled up and cozy on the couch. While layering is a must, if I’m staying in, the top layer will most likely be a versatile sweater, to wear with leggings, jeans, skirts, over dresses, the list goes on…

Here are my fall sweater picks:

2. Leggings

I could wear jeans always. That being said, I have been wearing leggings a lot more often. My personal favorite, are a good faux leather pair, but I have both quality athletic ones as well as soft comfy ones for lounging or running errands. You can literally wear leggings so many ways and I will be busy over here trying to style them in as many ways as I possibly can.

Here are my top legging picks:

3. Boots

The one thing I was determined to find, and willing to splurge a little more on, during the infamous #NSALE was a pair of black over-the-knee boots. This pair of Stuart Weitzman otk boots are my actual dream boots and I’m so glad that I was able to get them on sale! I also scored a pair of Marc Fisher brown booties, which I’ll be sharing about later. Boots for fall are the florals for spring, in my opinion. The trend may not be groundbreaking, but it is timeless and I fully support it.

Here are the boots I’m loving:

4. Dresses

If anything was going to be controversial, it’d be dresses. But hear me out. You can pair it with an oversized pullover sweater, a cardigan, a jacket, leggings…

Plus there’s so many different styles!

Here are some cute dress options:

5. Jackets

I live for a leather jacket, be it classic, faux, or suede. Everything from the smell, to the feel, to how much cooler they can make any outfit. Nordstrom has such an amazing selection, and I always love finding items I love, by brands that I love, like this BlankNYC jacket. 

Here are my best jacket picks:

All five of these fall essentials are not only the perfect addition to any wardrobe, but also a really good base for a fall capsule wardrobe. So if you’re looking to shop and save, check out the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, now through August 30.

Don’t forget that Nordstrom has free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup. And The Nordy Club, with which you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands. I just got moved up to Insider status!

What is your top fall essential must-have for this upcoming season?

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My Nordstrom Wish List

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

This summer, Nordstrom has really been my go to for all my style and beauty buys. So obviously, I have a running wish list of things that I have my eye on. Especially since designer clearance is now up to 60% off!

I love the Free People shorts from my Nordstrom Summer Style post so much that I now need them in more colors. Boston has already been experiencing some serious heatwaves and they’re been the perfect style solution.

A leather jacket may seem like a contradiction, given what I just said about heatwaves, but going from heat to AC needs a solution of it’s own. I’ve been wanting this Anine Bing one, which is currently 40% off, and the color is very in right now. There were also some similar ones under $100.

I don’t even have an Apple watch, which is why this Rebecca Minkoff watch strap is only on my wish list and not on my wrist. Except for one, all the rings I wear are rose gold, the fact that I found my ideal watch strap in rose gold is a sign.

I’m simple when it comes to summer shoes, I really just need a pair that I can slide into before going out, I own Birkenstocks but not this style and I don’t know why I don’t already have them, but now I want them.

Speaking of easy shoes, my high top Golden Goose sneakers are the only pair of shoes that I wear when I travel (I never thought I’d miss standing in the TSA line), and this low top pair would complete pretty much any summer outfit I could think of!

I feel like the last thing I need is another handbag. However, a good small shoulder bag is great to grab and go, as is a trendy clutch and who could argue with that?

The other pieces on my Nordstrom wish list are basics, but you know how much I love graphic tees or a top with a deep plunge. The overall shorts are a new thing for me. This heat has seriously been no joke and something to wear on the couch, to take out the dog, or to go grocery shopping is a must and these overalls are ideal.

And in case you weren’t already aware (although you should be by now), Nordstrom has free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup and The Nordy Club, with which you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands.

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Buy Black Owned

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Last month I shared a blog post listing well over 100 Black creators to follow on Instagram. I acknowledge that there is much more work that needs to be done for the BLM movement, this is still one step that you can take.

Another step?

Buy from Black owned businesses.

And by this I mean, do your research. Looking for sunscreen? Google Black owned sunscreen. Need shampoo? Google Black owned hair care products. Love to shop local? Google Boston based Black owned businesses.

Here are five Black owned brands that I personally have been loving lately:

The Honey Pot Company – Available at Target (and can even be found on Amazon). Feminine products that are plant-based? Sign me up.

Black Girl Sunscreen – I admit that it took me longer than it should have to try this brand, but it did not disappoint. This sunscreen leaves no white residue and can also be found at Target.

Organic Bath Co. – This is a local (Boston based) brand that I discovered back in maybe like 2016 at a Madewell shopping event. I tried the body butter and feel in love! I have a jar of it on my nightstand right at this very moment and slather myself in it day and night. I like the Peacefull scent because it makes getting ready (be it for the day or for bed) a self care ritual, rather than a chore.

Rosen Skincare – They actually reached out to me to partner a little while back and I am so glad that they did! Their masks have really helped me keep my breakouts in check. You can find some of their products at Urban Outfitters.

Briogeo – All I’m going to say is that if you have never tried their Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask, that’s on you. I keep a 32oz sized vat of it in my shower at all times. It’s $115, but absolutely worth it!

This is only five brands…I could go on.

DO. YOUR. RESEARCH.

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The Nordstrom Clearance Event

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Nordstrom and ShopStyle, and contains affiliate links.

Ok, I think I’ve made it pretty clear that Nordstrom has your beauty and style needs covered.

Well, now I’m teaming up with Nordstrom and ShopStyle to tell you about the Nordstrom Clearance Event!

I love shopping at Nordstrom, and when I find something that needs to get in my closet on sale, even better.

The Rebbecca Minkoff Edie crossbody bag is one that I’ve wanted for quite a while now, and I was finally able to score it on sale for under $200!

I. Am. Shook.

During the Nordstrom Clearance Event you save an additional 25% already marked down pieces. So of course I got a graphic tee that I almost purchased before it went on sale. Winning!

And you know that I own a ton of denim, but surprisingly I don’t have as many pairs of denim shorts as you might think. This BlankNYC pair fits me perfectly and the distressed details are an absolute denim daydream. I’m not sure if I love them or my Free People pair more, so I’m happy that I now have both.

And last, but far from least, if you don’t have a pair of espadrilles, then what are you waiting for? They are great to slip into and go, even if it’s just to walk the dog. I found these and a few other pairs of shoes that are great, and all on sale. Plus you don’t want to miss that extra 25% off, from now until July 19th (some exclusions apply)!

I’ve said it before, but it’s well worth repeating, Nordstrom has free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup and The Nordy Club, with which you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands.

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My Current Shopbop Wish List

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Shopbop Wish List

Whenever Shopbop has a sale I feel obligated to buy at least one thing, and with the holidays approaching I know there’s bound to be a new sale soon and I’ve already got a few things saved to add to my cart for when it drops.

  1. Clare V will always be my go-to designer for bags. Right now the one I’m eyeing is this green croc circle bag.
  2. Ear climbers are my not so secret guilty pleasure at the moment. It all began with Gorjana. A few more couldn’t hurt too much…
  3. I never seem to have enough work pants. Jeans? I have plenty. But I can only wear them on Fridays and weekends. This pair screams boardroom boss, so naturally, I want them. I actually almost got them, but they sold out in my size while in my cart, talk about a nightmare!
  4. The amount of compliments I get when carrying my ark bag, makes me want another Cult Gaia bag. Since I’m going to Palms Springs for Alt Summit again next year, I feel like I need to make this happen.
  5. After recently admitting to myself that I love a good sneaker just as much as a heel or boot, I accumulated more than my fair share. But I don’t have a pair as fun as these.

Which store has your favorite sale and what do you want to get?

 

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My Favorite T.J.Maxx Summer Finds

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This post is sponsored by T.J.Maxx, but the content, opinions, and style shared are all my own. 

I’ve partnered with T.J.Maxx to share my favorite finds of the summer. With 100s of new arrivals each week, it’s impossible not to fill your online shopping bag with your favorite designer brands. With free shipping on orders $89 or more, fighting the urge to buy everything that I find is a legitimate struggle for me. And with T.J.Maxx’s everyday low prices, I am completely and totally fine with that.

You know what I can seriously get enough of, ever? Denim. Specifically jeans. Two of the looks I am sharing are featuring designer blue jean denim, that I scored from The Runway section on The Runway section on T.J.Maxx.com. The Runway features premium designer fashion at incredible savings.

Initially I was concerned about the fit, and nervous about finding jeans that worked for me, but being able to filter down the size options eliminated me falling in love with any jeans that weren’t available in my size. No fomo, is a very good thing. If they happen to not fit the way I like, having the option to return them in store is super helpful!

And while jeans are still my number one go-to, finding my favorite brand dresses at great value, is too good an opportunity pass. This summer I’ve definitely found myself wearing dresses a little more than anything else. I didn’t expect to find this dress, but being able to search clothes by style (in this case contemporary) allowed me to view things I might not have searched for specifically, but are exactly what I didn’t know I wanted.

This linen dress is one that can be worn to picnics in the park, long walks on the beach, or days that are just plain hot. 

I wore it most recently for a date night to a local pizzeria, where we ordered buffalo chicken everything and got caught in the rain on our way home. I plan to wear in again very soon during our family vacation to Maine. 

These three different tjmaxx.com looks all help fulfill my desire for glamour and luxury, at prices the make me look like the star that I think that I am. And the second look, the bodysuit and shoe are also from tjmaxx.com!

7 Places to Find Band Tees

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I got really excited about the Shopbop sale, and absolutely had to share my picks with you all. The one thing I had to have (even though I got a few things…) was the Madeworn Kiss tee. It was a bit on the pricier side, so I wanted to share a few options of places you can find band tees that won’t break the bank. Everything linked here is under $200, but I made sure to try and keep most of them under $50.

  1. Forever 21 – I try to avoid fast fashion when I can. However, I also recognize that most people don’t want to spend more than $50 on a t-shirt. Forever 21 has a pretty vast selection. For a slightly more ethical option, check out Primark, if there’s one near you.
  2. Target – You’re there anyways, and $15-$20 on a band tee isn’t as bad as what you know you’re going to spend on the other stuff in your cart.
  3. Wal-Mart – People sleep on Wal-Mart, but I kid you not it has everything. Including affordable band t-shirts.
  4. H&M – Another under $20 source. Make sure to check the men’s section, though! I’ve found some great tees on sale here, for as little as $7 online!
  5. Revolve – Even though the brand has left a funny taste in my mouth, they are known to be where most bloggers get their band tees. But don’t expect to find much under $50.
  6. Free People – Aside from J.Crew and Madewell, Free People is where I spend most of my money. Again, you’ll spend a little bit more here.
  7. Shopbop – Much like Revolve and Free People  their options are up there, but they have a pretty good range price-wise. If you, like me, find a more expensive one that you like, do yourself a favor and old out for a sale!

In addition to the seven, and my little Primark shoutout, you can also check out thrift store and flea markets. Both of which I highly recommend.

My Shopbop Sale Picks | Under $200

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

I was going to try really really hard not to shop this month, but then the Shopbop sale happened.

There is just so much that I want, you guys!

Since majority of you voted on my Instagram Stories poll that you wanted me to share my Shopbop picks, I wanted to share a few of the things I currently have my eye on. Most of which, are under $100, but everything is under $200!

 

  1. There’s not really all that much rhyme or reason behind the things I want. For the most part, I like them, so I want them. I will say that the striped top is by Anine Bing, who spoke at Create & Cultivate, but I recently had to part ways with my well worn, black and white striped shirt and this one is the best potential replacement I’ve found by far!
  2. In the summer I typically alternate between Soludos and sneakers. The fact the there are Soludos sneakers is kind of a no brainer.
  3. I may be a little late with the whole ruffle sweater trend, but this one is cute and not too over the top. And it’s under $50.
  4.  Skirts aren’t something I wear very often, but this one is fashionable and fun. I dig it.
  5. The LAST thing I need is another pair of jeans. And yet, here we are…
  6. I have a few pairs of red heels, but none like this. Coming in at just slightly over $100, these are H-O-T. I WANT!
  7.  So, $150 is a bit much for a band tee, but this one speaks to me. Plus, it’s not your standard black or white (or dark gray, or off-white) band t-shirt, so there’s also that.
  8. Sundry is a new to me brand, that I discovered at a boutique in LA. I love the hoodie I picked up and the fact that Shopbop carries the matching leggings means that they just might have to happen.

Let me know if you’re interested in finding out what I end up getting from the sale!