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      Today Only: Get Kristin Ess Hair Tools for 40% off at Target

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      Although we use it the most of probably any beauty product, finding the energy to splurge on haircare tools had been at the bottom of my wishlist for a very long time. It’s not like stylists say it’s one of the most important haircare product you use or anything (heat damage is no fun), but I just couldn’t bring myself to it. That is, until the absolute guru of all things hair, Kristin Ess launched her line of hair tools at Target. I sprung for a curling iron, and by golly, did my hair love it. Kristin Ess is already a pretty budget-friendly line compared to the likes of high-end products, but they perform like salon-quality, smell divine, and all of them last quite a while. (We also can’t deny that every tools are effortlessly chic—just as we like it.) Our entire team swears by Kristin Ess hair products (her blow dry mist, purple shampoo, hairbrushes, the entire fragrance-free line, the accessories, scalp bubble mask—the list is truly endless), but our editors use her hair tools every single day.So, we figured we should let you in on probably the most exciting thing of the last six months (you know, besides the first female, Black, Asian-American Vice-President!): Kristin Ess’s entire line of hair tools is 40% off TODAY at Target! 🎉
      Kiss fried, dry, damaged ends goodbye with these tools that are not only easy to use and good for all hair types, but are actually better for your hair. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself (highly recommend) or gifting to a loved one, you can’t go wrong with any of these:

      no code necessary, only valid 12/1/20

      Kristin Ess
      Professional Blow Dryer, $60

      regularly $100
      A lightweight, powerful blow dryer that gets the job done quickly and efficiently while keeping your hair healthy and hydrated.

      Kristin Ess
      2″ Soft Bend Curling Iron, $36

      regularly $60
      Faking a professional blowout has never been easier. Use the large barrel to get soft curves that you typically only get from a dryer.

      Source: Kristin Ess

      Kristin Ess
      1 1/4″ 3-in-One Flat Iron, $48

      regularly $80
      This iron heats up in less than a minute and allows you to create multiple styles: sleek straight, s-waves, flat iron waves, and polished curls. The titanium plates will help your hair look extra shiny.

      Kristin Ess
      1″ Beach Wave Curling Iron, $30

      regularly $50
      Use this 1″ curling iron to get beachy, bohemian waves, or small to medium curls. It’s the ideal curling iron for bobs, lobs and pixie cuts. It also features a 30-minute automatic shut-off.

      Source: Kristin Ess

      Kristin Ess
      1″ Ceramic Curling Iron, $30

      regularly $50
      Ceramic tools are an incredible option for those who struggle with dryness (ie: curly hair, coarse hair, naturally frizzy hair, hair that’s been heavily processed with color/bleach). Ceramic delivers “soft heat” while still focusing on overall health of the hair. ⁣⁣

      Kristin Ess
      1 1/4″ Ceramic Curling Iron, $30

      regularly $50
      The ceramic barrel locks in moisture and closes the cuticle which leaves your hair looking smooth and healthy.

      Kristin Ess
      Ceramic 3-In-One Flat Iron, $48

      regularly $80
      The same technology as Kristin’s acclaimed straightener, but with ceramic plates that help eliminate frizz and smooth hair. More

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      Your Guide to Winter 2020’s Best Fashion Trends

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      If 2020 did anything to our mentality when it comes to our wardrobes, it put what good clothes mean to us into perspective. When we’re sitting at home for months on end dreaming about a life outside of sweatpants, it’s easy to see how much our clothes do for our identity in a precedented world; our fashion choices are both an expression of ourselves and a part of who we are, whether we normally realize it or not.Whether or not you opted to wear any non-sweatpants this year, you probably felt an ache for a former version of you that strolled into the office in the morning in clothes that made you feel your best, rather than keeping a revolving door of sweatshirts at the ready. But regardless of whether or not fashion weeks are happening or we’re leaving the house, fashion still exists, and a new season is here to show us what it has to offer. These are the trends we have our eyes on for winter 2020 (bonus: the majority of them are quarantine-approved).

      ’70s-Inspired 

      Source: Janelle Marie Lloyd | @waityouneedthis

      If you’ve been on any store’s website over the past few months, you might’ve noticed some prints and colors that remind you of your grandma’s old living room wallpaper, but the patterns and olive and deep orange tones are paying homage to the ’70s, a trend that’s more prevalent than ever this season. It might be time to dig through your mom’s old clothes that she was never able to part with.

       

      Oversized Puffers

      Source: @lydiajanetomlinson

      Gone are the days that having a giant winter coat on is a fashion faux pas; this year, the bigger, the better. Make a statement with a puffer in an oversized fit, out-of-the-box color, or fun texture.

       

      Leather pants

      Source: @alyssa.lenore

      By now, you’ve probably gotten the gist that leather everything is in this year, with pants making it to the top of the list. This is a trend that you can get wear out of for years to come; there’s hardly anything chicer than a good pair of leather pants in the winter. To feel more 2020 and less Sandy in Grease, opt for a trouser fit rather than a skinny one.

       

      Chunky boots

      Source: @nadiaanya__

      In a shockingly practical twist, winter’s biggest boot trend are a kind that can withstand any kind of weather. Just about every retailer is stocked with options in every color and variation you can imagine, so all that’s left for you to do is pick which ones you like the most. Don’t feel weary about your ability to rock them; paired with something even as simple as jeans and a sweater, they basically style themselves.

       

      Cardigans

      Source: @mylittlebooktique

      You’ve probably seen every fashion Instagrammer you know rock a cardigan or two this fall, and they aren’t going anywhere come winter; from tiny, cropped options to slouchy, chunkier ones, the cardigan is the knitwear of the season.

       

      Quilting

      Source: @jnaydaily

      Quilting details on everything from sweaters to jackets to bags will be leaving us with a little extra detail to admire on our winter 2020 pieces, and given the homey, cozy feels it exudes, it feels all too appropriate for this year.

       

      Sweater vests

      Source: @thesilvermermaidxo

      If you told us we’d be excited about wearing sweater vests come 2020, well, it wouldn’t be the most shocking part of the year, but it would be up there. Layer the preppy piece over a white button-up or patterned blouse to pull it off seamlessly.

        More

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      9 Festive Holiday Nail Colors to Try

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      We’ve made DIY hair treatments, we’ve started retinol, and we’ve even put masks on our feet. 2020 has been a year filled with self-care, but sometimes you just have to take it back to basics, and for many of us, that’s painting our nails at home. An at-home manicure isn’t the most glamorous of treats to yourself (especially if you’re used to the magic of a nail salon—after this year, I will never take that luxury for granted!), but the end result is enough to make us happy for a few days. To be honest though, I’d be lying if I said a holiday-themed manicure is exactly “self-care”; to me, it’s a way to get festive and feel in the holiday spirit. TBH, I’d say beauty and fashion is probably the best way to get in the spirit (other than Dash + Lily, which is my favorite show in the world right now). But what more could we need than holiday cheer and self-care right now? (Not much!) 
      Whichever reason you’re trying a new nail color this season, here are a few shades to try this year—because there’s more to a festive look than your beloved red nails. 

      1. Oxblood

      source: @oliveandjune

      2. Star Nail Art

      source: @overglowedit

       
      3. Metallic French

      source: @betina_goldstein

      4. Cranberry

      source: @essie

      5. Light Blue

      source: @essie

      6. Cherry Red

      source: @mischobeauty

      7. Glitter
      … but make it 2020 and not middle school with a good top coat and groomed, filed nails! 

      source: @oliveandjune

      8. Metallic Red

      source: @holotaco

      9. Evergreen

      source: @emmaheartssnails More

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      November Empties: Honest Thoughts on The Products Our Team Finished This Month

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      We’re big fans of the YouTube Beauty Community here at The Everygirl. We’re constantly talking about our favorite creators, their best looks, and buying pretty much everything they recommend. The YouTube beauty world is honestly what we have to thank for some of the biggest trends in beauty—we’d never be baking our undereyes or curling our hair with straighteners or using men’s post-shave balm as a primer if it weren’t for the beauty YouTubers who taught us how. Alongside the various techniques YouTube has taught us, the phenomenon of the ever-so-popular “empties video” has truly taken over our subscription feeds. Every beauty YouTuber has made an empties video (if not five), and everyone who even knows just a glimpse of beauty YouTube has seen one. The concept is simple: show everyone what’s in your trash and talk about if you loved it, if you’ll buy it again, and how long it took you to use up. 
      So being the beauty-lovers we are at TEG HQ, we decided to create our own empties series. Every month, all of our editors will share a few of our own empties—from skin, hair, and makeup products to candles and vitamins and home items—and give our unfiltered review on each of the products. Some of them we’ll love and need to repurchase ASAP … and some we’ll celebrate finally finishing them up. If you’ve ever wondered what our absolute favorites (and not-so-favorites) are, this is the right place to be. It’s finally time for our trash cans to shine!

      The Fix Emergency Eye Mask

      The Emergency Eye Mask is one of my hero products that I can’t live without (obviously, because I went through this one so quickly). As someone that has under-eye bags and dark circles, this product gets me emotional because of how much it has transformed my life (dramatic, I know, but the people with bad under-eye bags will get me). Loaded with vitamins to hydrate, cucumber juice to depuff, and caffeine to calm swelling and brighten, the formula is thick enough to be used as a 10-minute mask that can be washed off, but TBH, I haven’t washed it off once (it’s too good!). Instead, I dab it on at night as an eye cream or whenever the eye area needs a little extra TLC (like when I’m hungover or traveling). Yes, I will be buying again and have already ordered my next stash because I can’t go too long without it.

      EQUILIBRIA
      Daily Treatment Oil

      TBH, I am already on my second bottle of this luxurious treatment oil because it’s that good. Equilibria is always our go-to for CBD products, but I never knew I needed a CBD body oil until I tried this. Along with 500mg of full-spectrum CBD, the Daily Treatment Oil contains powerful oils like Sweet Almond, Litsea, and Olive Squalene to heal a common range of skin issues. The formula helps everything from sun damage to pore size, and I feel a major difference in my skin when I pat it on my face and body before bed. However, the greatest testament to its healing powers is what happened with my boyfriend. He got a painful rash on his hands (sorry for the TMI) from an allergy to our dog’s saliva (he’s still in the puppy-biting-everything phase. The dog, not the boyfriend), and nothing was helping. I put on a little of this oil, and within a few hours, the rash was completely healed. If that’s not miraculous, I don’t know what is! *Orders in bulk*
      Use code theeverygirl for 20% off your first order!

      Summer Fridays
      Overtime Mask

      It’s finally happened: the go-to exfoliating mask that has been by my side for almost two years has hit its last leg. This Instagram-favorite product is one of the few masks that I actually notice an immediate difference in brightness and complexion. It has therefore become my go-to “weekend mask,” like a treat to immediately make my skin better when the week’s over (because you know you want to look your best on a Saturday). It uses vitamin-packed pumpkin and exfoliating apricot seed powder to slough away dead skin cells and boost glow for the most illuminating skin ever (and also smells absolutely delicious). The best part? I have used it weekly for a couple of years, and it’s lasted me until now. You only need a little to make a huge impact, and isn’t that what we all want more of with our skincare?

      Sleepy Body Lotion

      I am someone who takes good care of the skin on my face, but neglect the rest of my body fully. I hate needing to put lotion on and feeling sticky and waiting for it to soak in and the entire process of it, but this has converted me into being a lotion lover. I’ve been putting this on every night before bed for two years now, and it’s become the most amazing little ritual for my nights. It’s the perfect lavender scent—it isn’t too strong or overpowering—and to me it’s the equivalent of diffusing an essential oil before bed. It also makes my skin so hydrated and I can put it on a minute before I get into my bed without fearing it getting everywhere because it sinks into your skin so quickly. This is an always repurchase in the biggest size for me, and would also make an amazing gift for anyone this season.

       

      Hydration Shampoo

      I put my hair through a lot (frequent color appointments, heat styling, scrappy ponytails) so I like treating it to fancy shampoos and conditioners that I slather on in the shower while whispering affirmations and praise. I’ve been hearing amazing things about this brand for years so when I ran out of my old shampoo and conditioner, I traded up. I’ll absolutely be repurchasing because these both lasted me a good three months and I’ve definitely noticed that my hair feels silkier straight out of the shower and there’s less shedding overall. Win, win.

      Rosemary Soy Candle

      Our Social Media Editor, Abigail, recommended this candle to me after I visited her apartment a few months back and was like “what is this heavenly smell?!” It’s called “Rosemary” but maybe I just don’t know what rosemary smells like, because it’s more of a hiking-outdoors-with-a-sexy-lumberjack scent. I burn it every chance I get, and when it runs out, I’m always bummed. Constant repurchase.

       

      Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque

      I received the Mielle Rosemary Mint collection of products as a birthday gift and stashed it in my bathroom closet for almost two months before giving it a try (I’m very picky about the products I use on my hair). After discovering that I had used all of my favorite conditioner, I decided to pull out the Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Hair Masque on wash day. This hair masque acts like a conditioner and deep treatment all-in-one; it was soft enough to detangle my curls with and after washing it out, it didn’t leave behind any residue or build-up. The creamy masque smells amazing too, and contains certified organic products like ginger root oil, shea butter, honey, and coconut oil to help plump up dry curls. Let’s just say that this product is no longer in the back of my closet anymore!

       

      Kristen Ess
      The One Signature Shampoo

      I’ve never really been able to understand what kind of shampoo I should be using. Do I splurge and buy one of the uber-expensive ones that is supposed to be a miracle worker? Do I stick with something I can grab for $5 at any drugstore? There are so many types and brands out there, and it has always been overwhelming to me. When I started using this Kristin Ess one, however, I felt like I finally found a happy medium between high-end salon shampoo and drugstore shampoo. It leaves my hair feeling super soft and clean, and it smells great too.

      TheraBreath
      Healthy Gums Oral Rinse

      This might seem weird and random, but I really love this mouthwash and I think people need to know about it. I’ve always had pretty sensitive gums, and this is the only thing that keeps them healthy and not irritated. I’ve been using it since about April or May, and have consistently seen improvements in my gums. Also, the mint taste is not overwhelming, there is no burning sensation, and it is made from more natural ingredients than traditional mouthwash, so it is a much more gentle option that still gets the job done.

       

      Baies/Berries Candle

      You’ve likely seen this candle in the homes of the rich and famous—and while I’m neither, I did get this candle as a gift and subsequently pretended to be. While massively overpriced, this candle is indeed my favorite home scent I’ve ever experienced. I can’t afford to burn it on any random Tuesday, but I’ve spent the last year (I received it last Christmas) burning it for special occasions (even when the occasion is “I need to feel happy!”). It’s expensive, so I can’t recommend it for a casual purchase—but it’s a great gift to give to yourself or a loved one. I repurchased, and I plan (and hope!) to make it last as long as this one did. (In the meantime, I’m going to clean this one out and use it as storage in my bathroom!) The scent is crisp, clean, and matches well with any season.

      TULA Skincare
      Blurring & Moisturizing Primer

      If you’re looking for one single beauty product to brighten you up for Zoom calls, my vote is for this one. I was on the market for a product that would calm redness and add a bit of glow without a full face of makeup, and this one exceeded my expectations. I thought Tula seemed gimmicky when I first heard of it, but this is the most impressed I’ve ever been with a primer. I wear it alone for Monday Zoom calls or running errands (it’s just a light cover that matches your skin and adds a little glow without too much shine), or I layer it under foundation if I’m looking for fuller coverage. The one downside: You can see on my bottle that it’s stained—that’s because I would apply it with my fingers and then it stained anything I touched. Annoying, but worth it.

       

      Fenty Beauty
      Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara

      I kept this mascara for far too long, but it’s because I refused to give it up because I love it so much. It’s the ideal everyday mascara for me: it keeps my lashes curled, adds volume, and makes them look longer. It’s the solid in-between of a separating, “no makeup” makeup look and a dramatic, “it looks like I’m wearing falsies” look, which is exactly what I go for on a daily basis. It doesn’t flake or smudge or do any of the weird things we usually hate about mascaras. I haven’t repurchased yet, but it’s on my list after I finish up another mascara (I currently have a collection of mascaras that should suffice a normal person like a full lifetime).

      Urban Decay
      Perversion Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

      I don’t wear liquid liner all the time, but when I do, I want something that doesn’t budge all. day. long. Like, I want to be able to wipe my eyes and it doesn’t move. This liner does exactly that. I had it for over a year, and I loved the formula. However, after enough time, the brush tip got so deformed that applying it became impossible. I switched to this one from NYX to try something on a budget, and holy bananas, this is the same, if not better, for a quarter of the price and hasn’t done that weird brush thing yet. I am actually not that sad to say goodbye to this now!

      Pure One Step Camellia Oil Cleanser

      I have been thinking about what I’d say about this product in empties for a few weeks. It’s hard, because I really loved it, but I don’t plan to repurchase. Here’s the deal: this is a gorgeous cleansing oil that feels so luxurious and glamorous when you use it. It has a divine scent, a wonderful texture, and looks great on my bathroom shelf. However, for as luxurious as it feels, I’m sure I could find an equally-luxurious product out there that I like more for the same price. There’s nothing wrong with this at all, but for $48, it just doesn’t blow me away. I would still recommend this because it does everything I could ever ask, but I’m on the hunt for something else instead of buying it again.

      Conceal & Perfect Longwear Concealer

      This is, without competition, my favorite concealer at the drugstore and in my top three favorite concealers ever. It is truly the best formula for all skin types. When my skin is bone-dry, I love that this really covers dark circles and redness without looking cakey or dehydrated. But when my skin is oily, I love the semi-matte finish that stays on all day and soaks up my oils. It covers dark circles, blemishes, dry patches, scars, broken capillaries, and more flawlessly. I used this all summer to spot-conceal my entire face instead of foundation, and sometimes, it looked even better than when I wore a full face of foundation. I could rave about this concealer endlessly—if you’re in the market for a concealer (or are just easily convinced—I mean, it’s under $7, y’all), try this next.

       

      Want more empties? Check out the previous months below! More

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      Treat Yourself: The Little Luxury You Didn’t Know You Needed

      by

      In my experience, people either love to buy new underwear or only do it when they realize that every pair they own is from college and has a hole in it—there aren’t many people who fall in between, and if you’re the latter, well, let me be the first to tell you that it’s time for an upgrade.I totally get it: I’ve always been someone that only buys new underwear when it’s absolutely dire; but whenever I do invest in new bras and undies, I kick myself for not having done it a long time before. The fact of the matter is that underwear that make you feel amazing shouldn’t be a luxury you can’t afford—they should be something that are a part of your everyday life.
      Our secret to having a drawer full of underwear we’d happily show off? BootayBag, the subscription service that we actually needed. Starting at just $10 a month, you get new underwear shipped to your mailbox every four weeks without giving it a second thought. They don’t ship you just any old underwear—your monthly bag is custom-tailored to the styles that you prefer. Only wear thongs? Their “always thong” option is for you. Prefer cheeky pairs or a mix of both? They have that too. Whatever your preferences are, there’s the perfect choice that will let you stock your underwear drawer full of pairs you’ll have a hard time choosing between.

      This offer is only valid 11/27 – 11/30 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

      Source: @taylor_smith_photo @katyywilson for BootayBag

      BootayBag isn’t like other subscriptions that require years-long commitments—you can swap styles, skip a month (or multiple months), or cancel your subscription at any time. When I first started my subscription, I began with the four-pairs-a-month option (with a matching bralette!) to up the quantity of my collection, then moved down to two pairs a month, and now am down to the one-a-month just for maintenance. I was to completely customize my subscription for what was best for me, not abide to a catch-all number that was going to provide too many (or too few) pairs for me.
      Another fun perk? Every month the styles are completely new. They coordinate with the time of year (hello, pink and red pairs in February!) and make sure you don’t keep getting the same pair twice. 
      As easy as it is to forget, we’re worth the little luxuries in life, and sometimes, they’re the most important to prioritize. This Christmas, I’m gifting both myself and my little sister BootayBag, so we can feel good every day, all year round. It’s the gift that will keep giving all year long.

      This offer is only valid 11/27 – 11/30 for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

      This post is sponsored by BootayBag, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      60+ Small Businesses to Support This Holiday Season

      by

      Friends, three words. This Is It. There is truly no better time to shop small than now, with so many gift-giving holidays coming up. Small businesses have been hit hard this year as the pandemic kept doors closed and limited shoppers when stores were able to open. Supporting the small businesses in our community is so important all the time, but especially now, when so many are struggling.Shopping at a small business isn’t just about buying a product. You’re really making a difference for the small business owner, their employees and families, and your community. The impact is major. 
      The entire team here at The Everygirl loves supporting small businesses, and we hope you will too this holiday season if you’re able to do so. Today, we’re sharing our favorite small businesses from across the country and around the world and we know you’ll love them just as much as we do. 
      *indicates BIPOC owned businesses

      From stationery and office supplies to home decor, they have you covered with everything needed for a chic and inspiring space, but the best part? They’re based right here in our favorite city, Chicago!

      If you’re looking for a shop with unique, charming, items, this little shop (with two Chicago locations, if you’re in the area) is for you. They have great gifts for any occasion and by the time you leave, we’re sure you’ll have a basketful of items you’ll be obsessed with. 

      Look no further, this woman has it all. If you can’t decide on what to get (because, same) may we suggest the goddess body statues? They’re stunning!

      There is nothing better than a matching plate set and by shopping here, you will have a piece that will never go out of style. The simplicity and quality of this product is just A+ in our book.

      When we say we love personalized items, that’s an understatement because we are actually OBSESSED with them. This company has the chicest pieces and you can customize each to your liking, add an initial, special date, anything! Don’t wait on this one, get yours now. 

      This company is the coolest brand in knitwear. It’s (young) woman-run, the materials are sustainably sourced, the knitters are working moms in Peru earning a fair wage, and they also do a lot of charitable initiatives. 

      ArtLifting works with artists living with homelessness or disabilities “through the celebration and sale of their artwork.” The artwork is sold for individual as well as commercial use. The work is beautiful and there are tons of options available.

      This company produces gorgeous jewelry and is a B-corp that connects “artisans in Kenya with the global market.” We love that they are using their business to change the world: by working to reduce inequality and poverty and supporting women showcasing their talents. All the designs are simple, sleek, and beautiful. 

      We’re blown away by the talents of Danielle Coke. She’s a one-woman show and her meaningful work lights up our Instagram feeds. We love her design style and artistic vibe as well as mission.

      Baltimore-based vegan skincare company Miles of Moisture has great botanical products for every part of your skin. From cruelty-free and vegan deodorants to facial creams and serums, this women and Black-owned business puts care in every product. 

      Created in 2001, Oyin Handmade features hair, body, and men’s products that are gentle and cruelty-free, like their award-winning leave-in conditioner, Hair Dew, and popular Honey Wash hydrating shampoo. Led by a Black woman of color, you can now find this line nationwide in many retailers, including Rite Aid and CVS Pharmacy. 

      If you love a good candle, you’ll love the selection at 228 Grant Street Candle Co. From fragrances like Sweet Orange + Moroccan Spice to Tobacco + Patchouli, these soy candles are great as a unique gift for any candle-lover. Even better, a portion of their proceeds from their Candle of the Month program goes to support social justice programs and community activists.

      Really good coffee and tea are sometimes hard to come by, but Compass Coffee has great signature blends for everyone. This DC-based coffee company makes their coffee from a variety of beans found around the world. They even sell their blends in K-cups and capsules, so no coffee lover is left out.  

      Out of Maryland, Olive & Loom has cute and unique trinkets for anyone: baby blankets, one-of-a-kind magnets, and cards with painted portraits of female icons (who doesn’t want a fridge plastered with photos of Beyoncé, Michelle Obama and the late, great RBG?) and other home and beauty products. Their specially-made gift boxes are also great gift ideas, mixing traditional pieces like tea sets with modern elements for anyone to enjoy. 

      This Portland, OR-based company works with local non-profits to employ womxn in the PDX area who don’t have many opportunities for employment. The womxn receive job training and make the company’s sugar-free, peanut-free nut butters, including festive flavors like Salted Eggnog and Cinnamon Snickerdoodle.

      From lip balms and face masks to lotion bars, body oil, and dry shampoos, this organic skincare company has something for everyone on your list. Whether organic products in particular are important to them or they just love new skincare finds, you can’t go wrong.

      Shopping for anyone who is trying to get serious about reducing their use of plastic? Blue Heron Botanicals is a great choice for skincare because the brand uses compostable and sustainable packaging whenever possible, which means you can feel good about using products from wound care to lip conditioner.

      From vibrators to organic lube, oils, menstrual cups, and more, this company is about all things sexual wellness. Buy for yourself, buy for a friend.

      We’re not one to nerd out over cookware, but we’re obsessed with our Our Place Always pans. It replaces eight pieces of cookware, so you can use it to sauté, fry, boil, strain, and so much more. Plus, the pans are made in ethical factories that are environmentally conscious and provide a fair wage to their teams AND use sustainable materials as often as possible, so it’s a purchase we feel good investing in.

      Galerie.LA is an online store (with a stunning boutique in Los Angeles–if you live in LA, you seriously must go!) that makes sustainable shopping easy. From chic clothing to luxurious candles and beyond, it’s basically your one-stop-shop for sustainable brands and high-quality products. Plus, it was founded by a celebrity stylist. Hot tip: it’s a great spot to stock up on gifts for everyone this year. 

      This Brooklyn-based design studio focuses on handmade, high-quality ceramics that celebrate the multicultural heritage of its co-owners. They offer stylish dinnerware, trendy vases, and candles so pretty, you’ll want to leave them out as decor, even after the wax burns down. You’ll also want the “Vote” Mug or “BLM” Mug to show off what’s important to you (in a very trendy way!)

      This beauty company creates luxury body products like body balm, bath soak, and body polish, at an affordable cost. Plus the products are as sustainable as they are effective, and will look gorgeous sitting out on your bathroom counter. The marble-based dry brush basically went viral this year (it’s that cute), and the candles are fan-favorites because of the chic marble canister and ability to replace the wax (and interchange the scents!) without getting rid of the base (#sustainable).

      2020 asked for loungewear, and Club Casual answered. They make cozy, knit fabrics in items like slip dresses, pants, tanks, and rompers, so you can still feel your best while staying cozy and comfortable. FYI, each collection is made to order for each season, releasing limited styles and quantities, as to create no waste, so stock up on the items you want before they sell out. Trust us, they’re well worth the wait. 

      This Etsy shop is based in Philadelphia and sells natural, cold-pressed whipped body butters that are skin-softening and smoothing and smell heavenly.

      Cool, chic clay earrings are abundant with this little shop. It’s woman-owned and run by Erica who makes all of this gorgeous jewelry and accessories herself.

      This indie makeup line has everything you need for both bold and bright looks, but also neutrals. Inclusivity is a core value of the brand, so you’ll find products everyone can use. 

      This cosmetics line has everything you need for bold, unique makeup, from sparkly and duo chromatic eyeshadows to lip glosses to blinding highlighters. 

      If cool, unique, and fun nail colors are your thing, Cirque Colors should be on your radar. Their range is filled with cool shades and patterns (think tortoise and jade!) for trendy nails you can do at home.

      Featuring inclusive and empowering messaging, the art and designs at Artsy Affirmations are printable, frameable, and super affordable. Whether you’re looking for a customized portrait, a fun pop-culture-specific print to hang in your home, or a positive reminder of your value and worth, the design duo because Artsy Affirmations has you covered. (Bonus: They love Harry Styles as much as we do!)

      If you’re looking for a trendy-yet-timeless jewelry brand founded by a badass Black woman, look no further. Featuring simple classics AND bold statement-makers, this brand is sure to elevate even your most casual outfits. (Our editor Abigail wears the Mini Binge-Worthy Hoops almost every day!).

      Not only is Jamika Martin, founder of ROSEN Skincare, one of our all-time favorite career role models (she started the line while she was still a college student), but she’s also working to de-stigmatize acne and scarring while treating those same skin conditions with natural ingredients. The products are effective, the packaging is stunning, and the line is ever-growing. ROSEN is sure to be a lifelong staple in the routine of anyone looking for clearer, healthier skin.

      As the perfect art for anyone looking to add a touch of old-school glamour into their homes, Josh Young’s stunning pieces are statement-making and elegant. While Josh lives and works in D.C., his art evokes a certain European charm (which makes sense, as he lived in Milan for 6 years!).

      These candles are the PERFECT gift for your friend who’s always crushing on a celebrity. The pop-culture-themed (and delicious-smelling) candles from Cool Girl Candles look SO chic and trendy in any home. We’re partial to the One-Direction-themed options, but love them all!

      A fine artist living in Traverse City, Katherine creates the dreamiest sketches, prints, and paintings inspired by her life in Michigan. From floral calendars to large-scale figure paintings, you’ll love Katherine’s bold use of color, light, and texture. 

      Based in the UK, Femme Candles creates luxury, handmade candles that pay homage to the human form, featuring a shade and silhouette range we love. Snag a bundle to burn or display (or both!). 

      The place to go for custom, hand-lettered doormats. A gorgeous lettering style and minimalist design make Olive Creative Co.’s custom options stand out; you’ll want to snag multiple options and switch out throughout the year. 

      You’ve probably seen Nina’s illustrations floating around Instagram, her “Buns” and “Ponytails” prints are relatable as hell (especially in these work-from-home times). She also sells t-shirts, pins, cards, and more, all featuring her signature illustration style. 

      Sex never looked this chic. Maude’s collection of vibrators, body oils, condoms, lubes, massage oil candles, and more will majorly up your intimacy game—all at affordable prices. Plus, the packaging and design? A+ all around. 

      Bawdy’s mission is “skincare for your neglected areas” and we never knew we needed a butt mask this much. With fun packaging and an empowering message, Bawdy makes nipple, butt, and overall skincare feel fun, charming, and essential. 

      This Chicago-based boutique has some of our all-time favorite fashion and accessory finds (may we suggest this shirt?) and it feels so much better to buy it from a local store than a big retailer. Trust us: they’ll show you things you never knew you needed.

      This fragrance company, based in DC, was created by three brothers all under the age of 15 when they wanted more money to buy video games and their parents told them to get a job (relatable!). Ten percent of all their profits go to homeless shelters nationwide, and their frequently-sold-out candles rival scents 5x their prices. We highly recommend trying out one of their holiday scents.

      If you’re looking for completely unique gifts this season, look no further than Seven Sisters, a Portland-based shop (that’s currently only online) that brings together small-batch wardrobe, apothecary, and home products. Everything on their site is unlike anything you could find anywhere else—and that’s worth checking out.

      Finding a really cool, unique graphic tee is no easy feat, but this site makes it easy (and most of their shirts have a deeper message behind them). 

      There’s never a bad time to add some classic jewelry pieces to your wardrobe, and Lola Ade will help you do that, but with a unique twist. Their pieces are both unique and super wearable, striking the sweet spot for great jewelry investments. 

      This is, without a doubt, some of the most beautiful cookware that we have ever seen. The woman-founded company gets its name from Judith Jones, who edited work for Julia Child and Edna Lewis (among others).

      Whether you have kids yourself or you’re buying gifts for the kids of friends or family, this boutique is a great choice. Adorable clothing, cool shoes, and sweet toys will make your gifts the most popular around.

      We love independent bookstores. This one allows for online ordering and will happily special-order anything for you that they don’t have already in-store.

      Trendy accessories are great, but who doesn’t need classic pieces that they can wear daily? Seattle-based Lace & Pearls makes beautiful pieces that aren’t too fussy—perfect for everyday wear.

      Making good (and thoughtful) gift boxes is harder than it looks, but Virginia-based Teak and Twine takes all the guesswork out. Each of their gorgeous boxes is filled with carefully selected items for a memorable and thoughtful gift.

      This artist sells merch inspired by the men of One Direction (plus a few unrelated designs), so it’s perfect for all the Harry Styles stans in your life. The designs are whimsical and fun, and everything is super comfortable and high-quality.

      This jewelry brand has the most stunning selection of timeless classics—including everything from essential gold hoops to coin necklaces and gold chains. The price point is the perfect middle ground of affordability and quality. 
       

      Fawn Design makes amazing faux leather bags in tons of styles and colors for all your needs. Their purses, backpacks, weekenders, totes, and more are perfect for any woman on the go. 

      Romy Studio’s baked clay earrings are to die for. The designs are stunning, with the color palettes being the perfect mix of neutrals and fun colors. You will not be able to decide on just one pair. 

      This custom jewelry makes the perfect gift for any occasion. There are tons of styles of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings in gold, silver, and rose gold finishes—and almost all pieces are customizable.

      Klei Beauty is a company that gives the gift of sustainable self-care while giving back to their local community. Whether you’re looking for soothing skincare or calming bubble baths for the self-care expert (or someone who could make more time for caring for themselves), this small, women-owned business is a fave. 

      If you’re looking for a long-lasting gift for the jewelry lover in your life, Amarilo offers well-made, dainty gold pieces that are stackable and made with solid gold. 

      We love these glasses. This gorgeous (seriously: lavender champagne coupes) hand-blown glassware is perfect for the person who loves to entertain or the best friend that enjoys shaking up a cocktail. 
       

      A handbag can be a great gift for someone who lives for an accessory that holds all of their essentials. What I love about Modern Picnic, aside from their commitment to sustainability, is the brand offers bags in five sizes: the mini, the luncher, the large launcher, the snacker, and the tote—not to mention, they each come in a wealth of color options.

      Literati is an independent bookstore that, pre-COVID, was once a quirky and cozy place for book lovers to convene and feel right at home. If you’re in the market for a new book (we highly suggest their staff picks) or are looking to gift a book to someone this holiday season, Literati is sure to be the perfect fit!

      This Detroit clothing label is one of my favorites in the whole world. It embodies the unapologetic, raw spirit of Detroit and is a company that was built on love in response to poor media portrayal of a city that has provided so much to our nation. The brand started with their “Detroit vs. Everybody” collection but has grown to include multiple collections including “vs. COVID,” “vs. Racism,” “vs. Cancer,” and more.

      This Ann Arbor-born clothing boutique is unique. The ambiance makes shopping an experience and you can trust their item picks. If you don’t live in Ann Arbor, shopping online is a very close second to being there in person!

      If you’re looking for a candle that lasts and doesn’t melt away after one use, this is for you. Kai & Co. Candles are soy-based, which allow the candle to last 2x longer and allow your house to smell so good and fresh for even longer. This is a super great gift for a friend or even for yourself this holiday season.

      Sunwoven Marketplace offers beautiful hand made wall art that you’ve more likely have seen all over Urban Outfitters/Pinterest to achieve that boho chic look in your home. So if you’re looking for that yourself or know a friend who can’t get enough of it, look no further—this is your one-stop shop. 

      Nothing beats a good deal and you know where you find those deals? Thrift stores and resell shops. Jane Dottie Vintage was created to take away the stigma of fast fashion and bring used items back to life. The shop has items ranging from jewelry, clothing items, to even stickers and masks. Sounds like a great place, right? Check it out yourself! You won’t regret it. 

      Prints can get quite expensive depending on what you’re looking for, but they’re not all that way. What we love about Juniper Print Shop is they have beautiful, quality-made pieces for a fraction of the price. Yes, you read that right! All you need to spice up your home is one of these pieces and you’re good to go. And it’s always a good gift. Trust us on this one.

      What small businesses should we add to the list? Let us know in the comments below! More

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      Don’t Miss Shopbop’s Amazing Black Friday Sale

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      I’ll be honest: I’ve never been much of a Black Friday person. It tends to stress me out more than anything, and last year, I ordered a few of my favorite dry shampoos and a new vacuum and that was the extent of it. It takes a lot for me to get excited for a Black Friday sale and make me feel like I need to shop it—but this year, Shopbop has done it.Full of incredible investment pieces that rarely—if ever—go on sale, Shopbop’s Black Friday Sale is offering 20% off orders of $200+. If there ever was a time to order that coat you’ve wanted forever or a new pair of shoes you know you’ll wear for years to come, now is the time to jump. These are the pieces we’ve had our eye on all season, and are clicking “add to cart” on come Black Friday.

      use code SHOP20 More

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      It’s the Winter of the Beret—Here’s How to Style Them

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      I’m not usually a hat girl—burned from the plethora of bucket hats I owned, all with Kings Island branding like a proper Midwestern tween—but then berets sauntered back into my life on the wings of Emily in Paris and I. was. smitten. I haven’t worn a beret since attending Christmas Eve service in 1998, but this is the year it all changes. Berets are cropping up everywhere—from Netflix powerhouses to my Instagram feed—and they’ve never looked better. But how to wear a beret without looking like I tossed a wool dinner plate on top of my head? For the answer, I’m looking to memorable beret moments in my favorite series and movies—from classics to new binge-watches. In terms of actual wearage, I think there are two starter ways to place your beret. The first is pulled down, so the brim is hitting your forehead and covering the front of your hair. The second is tipped back more, so that the beret is curving over the crown of your head and leaves a bit of hair and bangs visible at the front. For the second option, I recommend jumbo bobby pins to help keep everything firmly in place. And now, on to the styling! 

      Use the beret as a pop of color 
      Berets are the perfect thing to wear right now if you’re headed on a socially distanced walk-date or meeting up with a friend outside. They add instant personality and interest to your outerwear. Go bright with a pop of color to dress up classic coats.  

      Source: Netflix

      Red Wool Beret / Houndstooth Coat / White SweaterFaux Leather Legging / Boots / Gold Necklace 

      Source: @kate.lavie

      Pink Beret / Faux Leather Jacket / Straight Leg JeansTurtleneck / Combat Boots 

      Go monochrome for an elevated look
      It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of monochrome dressing—it makes every outfit look so chic with minimal effort. If you’re easing into the beret trend, monochrome is a good way to go.

      Source: Netflix

      Long Coat / White Beret / Straight Leg Jeans V-Neck Sweater / Low-Heeled Boots / Silk Face Mask

      When in doubt, classic black is always timeless 
      You can never go wrong with a classic black beret—they’ve been worn by everyone from Janet Jackson to Cher from Clueless. Dress it up with a chic wrap coat or down with a moto jacket and jeans. 

      Source: @styleidealist

      Camel Coat / Black Beret / Dress Tights / Fringe Scarf / Low-Heeled Boots

      Source: Paramount Pictures

      Plaid Blazer Coat / Faux Leather Legging / Button-DownBlack Beret / Waterproof Boots / Mask with Chain More