Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

You may or may not have noticed something missing on Newbury Street in Boston…

On July 11th at 12PM, join H&M at 100 Newbury Street, as they celebrate their grand opening. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and in-house DJ. And in addition to a fun claw machine, there will be tons going on, including gift card giveaways!

H&M has been one of my go-to stores for shopping the latest trends and everyday basics. I’m thrilled that they’ll once again be in Boston.

I recently partnered with H&M on Instagram, and styled four pieces, four different ways. It was so easy to mix and match these items, that I just had to share them here on the blog!

Nice Top

A nice top is a must! There’s a reason jeans and a nice top are such a commonly known look to wear out. I like this one because, it’s feminine but classic. Both the tie-front and peplum aspects are trending, but this shirt in white or black, is one I feel won’t go out of style. And for an even trendier take, I love this one with eyelet embroidery.

Blue Jeans

A pair a jeans are a given. Finding the right pair is the trick. I wanted a pair of light denim that I could wear all year round, without any distressing and found just the right ones via H&M. I opted for a more fitted wide pair, but they also have a baggy wide low pair.

Mini Skirt

I’d been wanting a mini skirt that I could dress up or down, and didn’t think I’d ever find one that wasn’t expensive for no reason. I mean it’s so little fabric, why pay a ton, right? This one gives business casual chic, but can easily be dressed up with a nice top and heels, or dressed down with a t-shirt and sneakers. I also like this bubble hem skirt, as an alternative.

Denim Shirt

I love a denim shirt, but don’t love having to button all those buttons, this one is a snap! I plan to have it double as a light jacket for those warm, but breezy summer days. For a light wash version, try this one.

Did you already know that H&M was opening in Boston? Will I see you at the grand opening?

SHOP H&M

As a huge fan of proper skincare (with the occasional slip up, because nobody’s perfect), I love a double cleanse after a long day with a full face of makeup. While I have several brands that I reach for, Benefit Cosmetics is top tier and affordable!

In case you didn’t know this already, Benefit is more than just brows. They make my favorite bronzer and go to waterproof mascara, as well as the blush I’ve been wearing on repeat lately. That said, they are also The POREfessionals and know a thing or two about how to care for your pores.

If you haven’t tried anything from their Pore Care line outside of their primer or setting spray, here are some of my top recommendations.

Get Unblocked

The reason I love a double cleanse system is the oil based cleanser you start with. This makeup-removing cleansing oil really breaks down makeup and dirt! And I cannot recommend following up with a gel or foaming cleanser enough.

Tight ‘n Toned

A pore-refining AHA+PHA toner that foams to gently exfoliate skin and make your pores look smaller and your skin smoother.

Deep Retreat

My current go-to clay mask! It’s purple which is cute and comfortably unclogs pores and makes masking fun.

Honestly any product from their collaboration with Scrub Daddy (yes, the sponge brand) would make an ideal addition to your skincare routine to help care for your pores. Since the collaboration mini set is sold out, I’ve also linked to a makeup eraser alternative that I have, use, and love!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Lately I haven’t been using as many new to me products as I have in the past. This is likely in part due to skin issues I’ve experienced. But also from just having a pretty good idea of which products work best for me.

However, I have tried a few products that have quickly become new beauty favorites of mine.

One such product is the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base. What I like most about it is that in addition to being an effective moisturizer, it doubles as a makeup primer. Which is ideal for the days that don’t require a full glam face beat (so most days).

Another is the new Prada Beauty Paradoxe Intense Eau de Parfum. This I discovered at their NYFW pop-up and now keep a sample in my bag.

The same goes for my Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask, it’s always in my bag. I love it so much that I need to also try it in their new limited edition tint.

Not in my bag, but something I’ve been using religiously since I got it, is Manucurist. I love doing my own nails, but giving them a break has been tough. Their Green Flash system was the perfect solution!

Speaking of solutions, makeup removal can be a nightmare. Especially when you’re tired. The Elemis Cleaning Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is my current go-to and a crucial part of my nighttime skincare routine.

Serums aren’t something I really believed I needed. Now I love one that really nourishes my skin, and Sulwhasoo makes my favorite, now with ginseng.

If you haven’t heard of ShopMy and you create content, you should consider joining. Most of the products I’ve mentioned were gifted to me through the ShopMy platform. If you join using my referral link, then we’d both earn an additional 10% bonus on all earnings for 6 months.

You can shop my September Luxury Beauty Favorites here.

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with cabi.

Working with cabi Clothing and being one of their ambassadors this year has really been such an immense pleasure! Before this, when I was gifted pieces, I would love to style them two different ways. I had so much fun styling these pieces, that I want to bring this back and style my favorite cabi Clothing top, the Rebel Shirt two ways!

The quality of cabi’s jeans is so good that I own 4 different pairs. And when I found out that they had a denim shirt, I knew that there was no way I wouldn’t love it. 

The first look is denim on denim. The ever popular cabi Cinch Skinny jeans, complement the Rebel Shirt perfectly. There’s honestly no wrong way to accessorize such a good  and classic outfit, so I kept it simple with a half tuck and neutral ankle boots.

For my second look, I wanted to show that you can easily dress up denim, even if it’s a shirt, while still keeping true to my more casual style. Pairing the Rebel Shirt with a wrap skirt, oversized hoop earrings, and statement booties. 

I love both of these looks so much, that I can’t even begin to decide which of the two I like more.

Which one is your favorite and why?

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

I’m still not over how good the Nordstrom Anniversary sale is! I’ve found all my fashion essentials for fall and with new deals daily, I find myself going back to shop it day after day. Which is why I’m so elated to be partnering with Nordstrom and ShopStyle again, to share my Nordstrom Made brand picks currently available as a part of the #NSALE.

Sale aside, I flat out adore Treasure & Bond. Of all the Nordstrom brands this one resonates with my soul on such a deep level. Classic cool girl style, with just the right amount of edge. I am especially a fan of their graphic tees. And if you’re looking for something that is both timeless and trendy, this is the brand I would search first. My first pick is the Treasure & Bond faux leather shirt. You better believe that this got added to my cart and purchased!

Fall for me is all about layering. I hate being cold, so stocking up on long sleeve shirts is a must. I like them to be a little on the fitted side so that I can wear a jacket or sweater over them, if I need to, no problem. My next pick is actually three picks because BP, Caslon, and Halogen, all have great options and all for under $20, so it was hard for me to pick just one. 

While jewelry isn’t really what comes first to mind, when you think of style, I had to include these studs! I’d been looking for a pair that I could wear every day and these are exactly what I was hoping for. I’m wearing them in my second holes in the photos above and right now as I type this (and it’d be a safe bet that I also have them in as you’re reading this). 

You’ll also notice the olive cardigan I’m wearing. It’s by BP and still available in three different colors. If you only get one thing this season, I highly recommend a sweater and this cardi is it. Not too thick or too thin and the quality is amazing. 

Now, if you’re thinking you need footwear this upcoming season and not so much clothes, fair point. Here are four Nordstrom brand shoe choices: the Kallie Mule, the Aidy Water Resistant Wedge Sneaker, the Gabriella Chelsea Boot, and the Maya Mule. 

Just add a pair of jeans and you’re good to go!

And remember, Nordstrom has free shipping and returns as well as curbside pickup. Plus, The Nordy Club, with which you earn points for every dollar you spend and get exclusive access to specific brands.

Shop this post:

I am one of many Black creators.

With everything going on, I haven’t felt very inspired to create. Especially not a blog post. But in light of the Black Lives Matter movement and the progress being made, I want to use my voice to help non-Black people support us at this time.

On Instagram I posted that “I’m all for solidarity idgaf about your little black square. It’s like having your partner cheat on you and then bring you flowers.”

I wasn’t saying that I didn’t see the value behind the little black squares that people were posting to show that they stood with BLM, but I wanted it to be clear that it was not enough. Many people have donated and amplified Black voices on social media since, others have protested. And for that I thank you.

Yet I am not blind to the fact that there are still so many people who posted a little black square and that’s it. So, I said what I said. I meant it and I stand by it.

But that’s not the purpose of this blog post. The purpose of this blog post is to get you to follow Black creators and diversify your feed.

In my Instagram stories, I shared over 100 Black influencers. I was requested to share that list here, so I am. And while I don’t expect you to follow us all, I want you to be mindful that if you follow 1,000 people and did follow just 100 Black creators that’s only 10%.

Additionally, I implore you to do your own homework as well, as this list is not even the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Black creators.

@gabbymbeki

@alexamjdotcom

@nailthecocktail

@africancocktail

@lisaalamode

@georgina.whalen

@vanavain

@vanablack

@theayamba

@chardlinechanel

@stylemeetsstrategy

@thesportsbrat

@dani_authentic

@jenesaisquoithe

@opalbyopal

@thedailyseyi

@thekelleydoll

@modern.day.classic

@jnaydaily

@jungleinaroom

@ashmarieee_

@krystyajay

@janie.wonders

@sinmi.araoye

@carinec83

@laya_charon

@itsasiam

@aritzystyle

@oliviaomega

@thekachetlife

@heybriajones

@astyledmind

@peigystyles

@tanika_nyclifestyle

@noneesworld

@shanelamari

@petitemarienyc

@cookayemonster

@mama.photog

@thevicstyles

@chasingdenisse

@squarepearls

@skylarmarshai

@kellyaugustineb

@signedblake

@joce_blake

@cphilipp

@gavyntaylor

@damasklove

@itsbritneynicole_

@clarkandstone

@laysummers

@warlenerene

@itsmekellieb

@josephineslooks

@saudahsaleeminteriors

@iknowlee

@dlolo

@ruthieridley

@theinspiredi

@mikaela.pabon

@corporateincolor

@yvettecorinne

@waityouneedthis

@aminamarie

@cocobassey

@typicalblaqueen

@stylenbeautydoc

@essiegolden

@jenjeanpierre

@signedwithatblog

@cmariekwarteng

@monroesteele

@imgoodlikemeghan

@hiltoncarter

@chescaleigh

@sunitav_

@natashagsamuels

@daynabolden

@tinsleyerin

@laceandpearlsblog

@jodikayedwards

@_happygocurly_

@piecesofonye

@ijeomakola

@lola.akw

@candicenikeia

@theyusufs

@themattiejames

@surgeryandthecity

@offthekatwalk

@naptural85

@karenbritchick

@casondra_cronk

@specsandblazers

@botanicalblackgirl

@plantkween

@goodtomicha

@curissadeleon

@latonyayvette

@tyalexander

@essenceandstyle

@moemotivate

@kelawalker

@kekecameron

@currentlykherington

@beingmarrica

@rahelbrhane_

@curlsandcouture

@lifeinbeverlyheels

@myepiphany

@itsnkenge

@brittanny

@thebubbleista

@_jazmynanderson

@bklynmavens

@simplycyn

@closetconfections

@caribbean_cowgirl

@melrwhite

@talesandturbans

@nikiaphoenix

@shotbykmarie

@grownandcurvywoman

@tamiastyles

@therealkamie

@daniellecooper

@micaelaverrelien

@outofbarbarasbox

@musesuniform

@aeoristheheiress

@lilyyange

@darling_tee

@makeupshayla

@torontoshay

@chiziduru

@the_real_chi

@whitneymadueke

@walkwithmswalker

@kiitana

@ohtobeamuse

@thebeautifulbostonian

@nycxclothes

@frilancy

@theboxwood_diaries

@venitaaspen

@sandramorganliving

@hayet.rida

@tiffbenson

@tiffanymbattle

@actually_ashly

@meccajw

@tach.j

@thenotoriouskia

@freddieharrel

@shaymone

@authentically.b

@newtexacali

@carmenreneeblog

@candacemread

@carmeon.hamilton

@colormecourtney

@yourstrulyyinka

@thelanguageofyolande

@sadesolomon

@twentysomethingplus

I want to point at that these are just handles. It is up to you to check them out and learn about the voices behind them on your own time.

Whoever you do decided to follow, don’t just follow, engage! Be a part of their community. Keep them in mind for opportunities that come along. Pull up a seat to the table for them, or (if you haven’t already) you might as well delete your little black square.

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

I recently received the opportunity of a lifetime to create a budget-friendly holiday gift guide in partnership with ShopStyle. My gift guide featured Gifts to Give (Or Get) Under $50 which I was able to share at The ShopStyle Experience in NYC, alongside the holiday gift guides of Ellen V Lora, The Mom Edit, Atlantic Pacific, and Alice Gao.

Whether or not you’ve already begun your holiday shopping or not, with ShopStyle you can shop smarter. And not just for the holidays.

The ShopStyle Experience brought the things that make ShopStyle great to an IRL pop-up experience. Our inspirational influencer gift guide displays, a gifting suite with some of the hottest products, and even a cash back video booth!

Something new to ShopStyle is the ability to now search and favorite influencers. If you haven’t favorited me already, you can find me here. What that means is that every time I (or your other favorited influencers) creates a new look, you’ll be notified and never miss our posts! You can also favorite individual products and receive sale alerts when their prices dropped.

Now, I know that most of you (or so I’d at least that’s what I’m telling myself), have been waiting for me to share my picks for the gift guide I created here on the blog. If so, you’re in luck! 

When selecting what I felt would make the best budget-friendly gifts to give this holiday season, I thought about the things that I not only owned and love, like the Caudalie Power Glow Essentials set, but also what I wanted or needed, like a Google Home Mini or the Umbra Trigem Jewelry Stand. I also made sure to include some trendy hair accessories, and things for the home.

Make sure to swipe through and check out all of my picks!

Photos: Will Ragozzino for ShopStyle