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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cabi Fall Style

Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with cabi.

I’ve styled a few cabi pieces here and there, but this season, I’m elated to share that I am officially an ambassador for cabi! I cannot wait to share the fall collection with you.

In case you’re not familiar with cabi, it is so much more than just a clothing brand. It’s a community.

Aside from the community aspect (more on that another time), something I love about cabi is the quality. So when I saw the Autumn dress, there was no question or doubt in my mind that I had to have it.

And if you saw my Instagram post about the Cheerful blouse and the Heart of cabi Foundation, you understand just how special cabi is. But also just how versatile their pieces are.

I’m wearing the Lennon jacket with both the Autumn dress and the Cheerful blouse with the Higher Straight jeans and I honestly could not tell you which look I love more!

4 Pieces, 4 Outfit Ideas

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Lately I’ve found myself being more and more drawn to purchase matching sets. Especially skirt sets. I’ve owned one or two in the past, but now I’m practically craving them. 

Aside from the fact that they look super cute, they mix and match so well.

Take this Abercrombie and Fitch (my number one source for sets at the moment) top and skirt.

So cute right?

Well, just throw a pair of jeans and a band tee into the mix and you’ve got yourself four completely different outfit ideas!

Which look is your favorite?

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10 Reasons to Shop Nordstrom Made Brands During the #NSALE

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.

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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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Nordstrom Summer Style

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

Summer may look a little different this year, but trust me when I say that it is far from cancelled.

So many people prefer fall to summer, especially when it comes to fashion. I personally, have always been and will probably always be team summer. Don’t get me wrong, I love fall fashion, but summer style has a very special irreplaceable spot in my heart.

Which is why I’m elated to share that I’m partnering with Nordstrom and ShopStyle again! This time to share my Nordstrom summer style picks.

Growing up, I didn’t have the most positive self image. So, it makes me happy to have found not only my voice, but some much needed self love. That’s probably why I love summer style so much, it allows me a chance to show off my body, on my terms. 

I love that Nordstrom carries Free People since the sense of whimsy the label carries embodies the sense of casual whimsy that I enjoy about summer. This bodysuit is the color of the sun and features a deep plunge, which I am all about!

Not styling this look with a good distressed pair of denim shorts, would be insane to me. These are too perfect and the fact that they are not only under $100, but also come in several different colors makes them the ideal piece for any summer wardrobe.

As for the shoes, Free People makes the softest leather sandals and shoes. I own at least four pairs and was just ecstatic to find these and these similar ones!

Don’t even get me started on the Nordstrom jewelry collection… I love Madewell and Gorjana for earrings and necklaces, and Nordstrom has both.

I know this is a style post, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to share that all the makeup I’m wearing is available at Nordstrom too, so I’ll also make sure to link to what I used!

Oh, and in case you missed it in my last post, 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.

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