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      The Best Under-$100 Shoes for Fall

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      If I’m being honest, I jumped the gun and ran out of summer about six weeks ago, while the temps were still in the 80s and people had yet to celebrate Labor Day (not that you’d be able to tell from my apartment, which had the AC blasting at a crisp 65 and Folklore playing on repeat).But, ladies (and possibly a gent or two, one of which is probably my dad), according to the calendar, fall is officially here. It’s 57 degrees in Chicago today, the leaves are starting to change, and pedicures are no longer a necessity—it’s closed-toe shoe weather.
      Besides Trader Joe’s petite pumpkin-spiced frosted cookies and my “Leaves” candle from Bath & Body, fall shoes are without a shadow of a doubt the best part of the season. Everything from chic, fun sneakers to ultra-cool boots take your basics from blah to “Who is she?” faster than you can queue up Hocus Pocus. But you can save your fears for the spooky movies you’ll watch all season, because we found the most versatile, investment-worthy fall shoes of 2020, all under $100—you’re going to want to see these.

      Boots

      Source: Mango

      Loafers and Flats

      Source: Madewell

      Sneakers

        More

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      10 Affordable Trends to Wear With Your Skinny Jeans This Fall

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      Skinny jeans: you know them, you love them, you wore them every day from 6th grade to 9th grade. No matter what denim trends come and go (mom jeans, boyfriend-fit, flared leg, etc.), you know that skinny pair in your closet will be there for you season after season, year after year. And since it is, after all, skinny-jeans-and-booties season, we put together 10 trends that pair perfectly with the slim silhouette to update your autumn uniform for 2020.These outfits are so good (and the trends are so affordable), we won’t blame you if your skinny jeans became second skin by December. Look cute, stay comfortable, and save your money for more important things (like PSLs and renting every Harry Potter movie from Amazon Video)–we’ve got you covered with the cutest, most affordable pieces to pair with your skinnies this season. 

      1. Sherpa Jacket

      Source: @crystalinmarie

      Is there anything cozier? We’d even go so far as to say that the sherpa jacket is the it-coat of the season. Luckily for our skinny jeans, the oversized nature of this fuzzy jacket pairs perfectly with a slim silhouette. Some of our favorite affordable brands are embracing the trend this season with versions that are high-quality and comfortable, but won’t break the bank. 

      2. Peasant Blouse

      Source: @fashion_jackson

      Whether the temperatures are already dropping or you live in year-round sunny weather, we’ll have the peasant blouse on repeat all season long. An ivory top with pretty ruffles, feminine details, and puffed sleeves is the perfect fall piece to wear on its own or under your go-to jacket. The ideal pairing for a peasant blouse? You guessed it: skinny jeans, which balance out the proportions of a voluminous top. 

      3. Jean Jacket

      Source: @chrissyford

      In case you missed the memo, head-to-toe denim is not just a killer Halloween couple’s costume (an ode to 2001 Britney and Justin, of course); it’s a fashion trend. The infamous Canadian tuxedo has made its way into the hearts of fashion girls like Chrissy Rutherford and celebrities like Bella Hadid. Keep your jacket slim fit and in the same wash as your skinny jeans for a sleek, sophisticated, and on-trend OOTD. 

      4. Puffed-Sleeved Sweaters

      Source: @raeannlangas

      Maybe it’s because we’ve been wearing loungewear for the past seven months in a row, but style stars are opting for luxe cashmere and warm knit with interesting details. Puffed-sleeves have become so popular, they just might be the #1 trend of fall 2020. And if you haven’t guessed it yet, the perfect pairing for voluminous details is a slim silhouette (AKA skinny jeans) to balance out proportions. Wear with knee-high boots for extra trend points.

       
      5. Trench Coat

      Source: @kayla_seah

      Ah, the trench coat: the piece that feels just as Parisian-chic as it is minimalist and cool. The lightweight (but warm) outerwear can be worn from the first day of fall until the last day of spring, making it the perfect investment piece. Luckily for our wallets, you don’t have to spend $$$ to score a high-quality trench. Pair the timeless piece with your skinniest jeans, heeled booties, and a simple tee (or knit when the weather gets cold). 

      6. Plaid Blazer

      Source: @gabbywhiten

      Forget boring black basics! This season, we’re channeling our inner Blair Waldorf (everybody has an inner Blair Waldorf) and switching out our plain work blazers for more stylish plaid versions. Wear with dark wash skinny jeans, loafers, and a thin turtleneck for a work outfit formula you’ll want to wear to the office every day (or when you need to look extra professional over Zoom). 

      7. Buttoned-Up Cardigan 

      Source: @meghandono

      Is it just me, or is every blogger, celebrity, and fashion girl wearing cardigans as shirts by buttoning up the front? Maybe it’s because we’ve outworn all of our pull-on sweaters, or maybe the style just looks so cute, but either way, I’m mad at myself that I didn’t think of this earlier. The best part about pairing this trend with your slimmest pair of pants is that you can opt for an oversized sweater to pair with booties, or wear a tighter, cropped cardigan with heels for a date night look. Either will go with skinny fit!

      8. Graphic Tee

      Source: Wait, You Need This

      Skinny jeans are not only the perfect basic pair of pants, but they serve as an ideal background for statement pieces. Graphic tees are one of our favorite go-to pieces to spice up any outfit while staying comfortable, and a pair of skinnies ensure all the attention is on the tee. Throw on a pair of booties and a blazer or jacket for a weather-appropriate OOTD.

      9. Bright Colors

      Source: @theplussizedprep

      That’s right: bright colors aren’t just for summer. As much as we love neutrals and plaid come fall, rich jewel tones are gorgeous for the season. Think emerald green, bright red, cerulean blue, and bright magenta. Look for them in accessories, sweaters, or floral blouses (because romantic florals are in for fall!). 

      10. Faux Fur

      Source: @stephanietrotta

      Starting September 1, all we want is to be warm and cozy. Lucky for us, faux fur is on-trend in a huge way. And lucky for our skinny jeans, nothing goes as well with an oversized fuzzy coat as a slim pair of jeans (but you already knew that, right?). Opt for a ripped pair to make any glam faux fur a little more casual, and wear with a cozy knit to be as warm as possible. 

      SHOP OUR FAVORITES:

      How are you styling your skinny jeans for fall? More

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      24 Noteworthy Fall Pieces That Also Happen to Be on Sale

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      Have you ordered your first hot drink of the season yet? I sure have, and I’m absolutely living and breathing for it. I’ll be honest: I like fall, it’s great and all, but I live for winter and the holidays. But this year, I’m doing everything I can find the bliss in the cooler temperatures, the spooky movies, and—you guessed it—the fall fashion. But we’re not quite living in a typical fall-fashion world right now, so how do I balance my aching need for cozy clothes with the practicality of saving my money for a rainy day (i.e. when I can travel again!)? I shop the sales. And boy have we found a good one! Our editors are new fans of Verishop, an online retailer carrying both brands we already love (like AGOLDE, Girlfriend Collective, and Vince) and new-to-us labels we’re dying to try. Ready to shop fall fashion as much as I am? These fall must-haves are all 25 percent off right now with the code VERIFRIENDS. Time to get shopping!

      use code VERIFRIENDS

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      The Fall Piece You Should Invest In Based on Your Zodiac Sign

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      Of all the fall activities, breaking out the credit card and buying a few new pieces for the season might trump them all. There’s nothing like getting out of the house in the best trends of the year—and with the temperatures dropping, there’s no time like the present.But obviously, this year poses a different issue: how do you allocate your fall funds when you don’t know how much leaving the house the season will entail? Spending a ton of money on trends is probably taking a backseat to spending money on comfortable loungewear—but that doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a trendy piece or two. 
      We’re taking out the guesswork for you and are giving you which trendy fall piece you should invest in based on your zodiac sign—even if you’re only wearing it to grocery shop, it’s worth celebrating the fashion that comes with the best season of the year.

      Aries: Fringe

      Source: style mba

      Aries are fearless and comfortable with who they are, which makes a statement piece the perfect item to invest in for fall. This season’s fringe trend is perfect for them, be it in the form of a chic jacket or versatile bag.

      Taurus: Something Preppy

      Source: @lillyandgrant

      Tauruses love to be dressed to the nines, and overdressing is a part of their nature. With rich colors and textures, fall 2020’s preppy trend is perfect for the self-care sign.

      Gemini: Faux Leather Pieces

      Source: @thekittyluxe

      Geminis are a little wild and even more indecisive—which makes a faux-leather piece the perfect, versatile addition to their wardrobe.

      Cancer: Jewel Tones

      Source: @fromheadtocurve

      These summer babies love to bring the bright, happy tones of their birth month to their wardrobes year-round. Opt for a jewel-toned piece instead of the dark, moody colors of the season.

      Leo: Animal Print

      Source: @trulyjamie

      Leos have a knack for taking an intimidating trend and making it wearable, and the out-of-the-box animal prints of the season will do just that. With zebra prints and even cow prints popping up this season, leave it to a Leo to pull them off.

      Virgo: Shades of Nude

      Source: @crystalinmarie

      Shades of nude that encompass all skin tones are everywhere this fall, and they’re a perfect way for the classically-dressed Virgo to hop in on a trend without needing to get too out of their comfort zone.

      Libra: A Bold Print

      Source: @thekittyluxe

      Libras are known for staying away from the drama, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like to incorporate eye-catching elements to their outfits. Their breezy, life-of-the-party personalities make a piece in a bold print the perfect fall investment.

      Scorpio: Plaid

      Source: @simplytandya

      Scorpios are mysterious and intense, and true to their dark, emotional nature, fall 2020’s grungy plaid trend is a Scorpio’s dream.

      Sagittarius: Shearling

      Source: @jennytran

      Sagittarians are outgoing and happy and down to try pretty much anything, and although they draw attention with their personalities, they also like to draw it with what they wear. A trendy, shearling jacket that they can wear everywhere will keep them from feeling bored by their outerwear this season. 

      Capricorn: Tweed

      Source: Kathleen Barnes | Carrie Bradshaw Lied

      Capricorns are work and goal-oriented, which means anything that they can take from their job to their (virtual) happy hour is what they gravitate toward. Adding something tweed to their wardrobe is the perfect way for the sophisticated sign to reflect their personalities through their style.

      Aquarius: Dark Floral Prints

      Source: @styleidealist

      Aquarians are a little bit zany, and we love them for it. A funky, dark floral print will bring the water sign’s personality shine through all fall long.

      Pisces: Colorblocking

      Source: @carnationsandlace

      Of all the signs, Pisces would never shy away from color, and “neutral” isn’t a part of their vocabulary. They play with trends and make fashion an art, and no trend encompasses that more than colorblocking. Mix it in with your basics for an easy, go-to outfit. More

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      The Affordable Outfit I Get The Most Compliments On

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      My very favorite kind of outfit is one that’s made interesting with a juxtaposition: leather and lace, tailored pants with an effortless tee, a dress with sneakers. But the one that’s become my favorite? A structured, smart blazer with a graphic tee.Two winters ago, I went into work with my houndstooth blazer and Clueless tee on, and my coworkers quickly let me know that it was one of their favorite things I had ever worn. I was flabbergasted—it was so easy and effortless, and I had truly thrown it on that morning. But what makes it so special is the juxtaposition: the contrast between a piece that’s so obviously professional and put-together and one that is so clearly, well, the polar opposite. And since then, whenever I’m scrambling for something to wear, it’s become my go-to uniform—completed with mom jeans and sneakers.
      It’s foolproof and easy, and this fall, I’ve already worn it more times than I can count. These are my favorite ways to combine it all for a look that’s bound to get you a few compliments—and let’s be real, who doesn’t need that these days?

      Graphic tee:
      I’ve already gone into how hard it is to find an amazing graphic tee at length, and really, that’s half the battle here. I have about three that I’ve found that I love and wear to death and rotate them into this outfit equally. (Pro tip: the one I’m wearing here is on sale right now!).

       

      Blazer:
      First off, you absolutely cannot go wrong with whichever blazer you choose for this outfit. I have a hot pink one, houndstooth one, and this satin one that I’ve chosen to invest in throughout the past couple of years and love them and respect them all equally—so whichever one you have, be it plain or patterned, will do. Looking for a fun, new one for the season? These are some of the best out there:

       

      Mom jeans:
      Finding a good pair of mom jeans is like finding a needle in a haystack. My tried-and-true trick is to get a pair from Abercrombie’s Curve Love collection in my regular size for a bit of extra room throughout the thighs. If those aren’t your jam, these ones are editor-approved and loved and come in a wider size range (looking at you to add plus sizes, Abercrombie!).

       

      Sneakers:
      Recently one of my coworkers lovingly said that my brand is having too many pairs of similar white sneakers, and I would say this is true. I don’t know when I started living in white sneakers, but it’s happened, and I’m not turning back. They make every outfit look a little cooler while remaining as comfortable as can be—which no heeled shoes can say.

        More

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      Embracing My Beauty Scars With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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      As I’m writing this, I am nursing a two-month-old scar from a cyst that used to be under my arm. This includes replacing bandages with clean ones on a daily basis, checking for any future cysts in the same area, spot treating my beauty marks, and managing scars that will most likely remain on my skin for months. This routine isn’t new to me, as I have been battling Hidradenitis Suppurativa for over 10 years. Hidradenitis Suppurativa, or HS, is a skin condition that creates painful and inflamed boils under the hair follicles of your skin. Sweat glands are a major trigger area for HS, as bumps form near those areas of the skin and can create an infection, making these bumps painful, bigger in size under the surface of your skin, and full of pus. In many cases, these bumps need to be drained by a medical professional to avoid the spread of the infection, but unfortunately, sometimes scarring is inevitable after the boil is treated. HS is a skin condition that unfortunately has no cure, according to WebMD, as lifestyle changes and treatments can help alleviate regular flare-ups, but they don’t fully cure the condition. 
      When I was first diagnosed with HS in my late teens, I had no idea that I was one of the riskier groups to develop this type of skin condition. According to Mayo Clinic, Hidradenitis Suppurativa is most common in African-American middle-aged women who may have a family history of HS. Weight also plays a role, and once I educated myself on HS, I tried monitoring my weight, changing my diet, and adapting a cleaner beauty routine, but I continued to be left with the marks from past and current flare-ups. 
      Finding the beauty in my scars from HS was—and still is—a difficult journey. Although the flare-ups are now few and far between and I am more knowledgeable about how to treat my skin, I am now on a personal journey to accept myself and everything that comes along with HS–both on my skin and within. I remind myself regularly of a few affirmations that help me to embrace the beauty scars caused by HS. 

      I am not the only one battling HS 
      Although it felt like I was fighting a solitary battle with my skin, after doing my research and being more open about my condition, I found out that I wasn’t alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 4 percent of the world’s population suffers with this chronic skin disease, and this percentage is growing, as this skin disease commonly goes untreated or undiagnosed. 
      Finding a community online and through other friends who suffer with the same condition (or something similar) was a comfort, connecting with those on how they embrace the long-lasting effects of HS, including the unsightly scars all over the body from where the boils formed. After finding others who struggle with the same insecurities from HS or other relatable conditions, it helped me come to terms with my own visible skin marks and learn to accept them.
      I found tips on how to treat discoloration and scarring, including different products specifically designed for harsher blemish marks. I also found the encouragement I needed to live with my beauty marks on a daily basis, becoming more comfortable with my skin and its imperfections. Opening up about my struggles with this skin disease helped me find a whole community dealing with the same issue of embracing their skin and gave me the camaraderie I needed to find confidence in my condition. 

      HS does not define me or my beauty 
      When struggling with a medical condition that affects your skin, it’s easy to feel embarrassed or ashamed of it, especially when it leaves behind spots, marks, discoloration, and other evidence of what your body is going through internally. Growing up with less than problematic skin, dealing with HS changed my definition of beauty. Where I once took pride in my skin, now with HS, I had to change what pride looks like when my skin was less than flawless. 
      According to a 2019 National Institutes of Health study, the psychological effects of those dealing with HS greatly impacts their quality of life the most, including how they see themselves physically and sexually. 
      An affirmation I have to continuously remind myself of is that HS does not define how beautiful I am: no matter how many scars I incur, how much pain I may be in during flare-ups, or how visible it may be. These marks are just a small part of who I am, but isn’t what makes or breaks my beauty. 
      When actively dealing with HS during a flare-up, I try to practice self-affirmations on a daily basis, treat myself to self-caring spa days, and give myself more grace and patience when showing parts of my body that have scarring or discoloration. When getting dressed for the day, I actively highlight the parts of my body that I love, but make sure not to feel ashamed of those parts that may be affected by HS. Since HS primarily flares up in less noticeable areas of the body like the groin and under the arms, it can sometimes be harder to hide without discomfort, especially during the summer months, so defining my own beauty and embracing how my body looks all over was key to helping me gain more self-assurance. 

      My scars are unique—and unique is beautiful 
      Since being diagnosed with HS over 10 years ago, I’ve had my fair share of scars, from a treated lesion right in the middle of my chest that never closed after being lanced (which is always mistaken for a dermal piercing!) to a discolored quarter-sized scar on the underside of my right breast. Although these scars do not define me, they make for interesting and unique marks all over my body, marks that I had to embrace and allow others to embrace too. 
      Now when I see my scars, especially the ones that are highly visible, it reminds me of how unique my condition and my body is–and how beautiful and resilient I am. My scars and beauty marks reflect my struggles with HS, but also reflect my strength and uniqueness. The shame of a skin condition like HS can sometimes take that confidence away from you, but recognizing and giving praise to the story each beauty mark on your body tells can help you embrace your beauty from the outside in.

      Helpful Products for those suffering with HS: 
      Here are a few products I found helpful when dealing with or preventing an HS flare-up on my body, helping you to feel more comfortable in your own skin:  

      Dr. Bronner Hemp Peppermint Pure Castile Oil

      This soap is my go-to in the shower, especially after a workout, to wash and cleanse my body thoroughly. It’s easy for sweat glands to become inflamed and bring on another HS breakout, so it’s great to have this antibacterial soap to get a nice, squeaky clean to your skin. Make sure to follow it up with a more moisturizing soap afterwards!

      Bali Women’s Shapewear

      Shapewear isn’t just for sculpting your body; it could be a great addition to your daily wardrobe to help with rubbing and chafing in areas like the inner thighs, which could cause a boil to form from the skin-to-skin contact. I wear mine with pants, jeans, leggings, and sometimes as workout gear (so glad biker shorts made a comeback!).

      On The Go First Aid Kit

      With HS, it’s always great to have a travel-sized pack of bandages, just in case a boil decides to drain on its own or you need to change an already healing bump. I always keep a cute pack of Band-Aids in my bag wherever I go in multiple sizes. This also prevents a breakout from becoming even more infected. More

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      30 Fall Jackets We’re In Love With

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      Of all the fashion advice I’ve ever received, the greatest is this: when you don’t know what to wear, pick a jacket and build your outfit from it.I follow this advice on more days than I can count. When I’m scrambling to get ready in the morning, a jacket can take a pair of jeans and basic T-shirt from “I just woke up” to “I picked this out last night, can’t you tell?” In my opinion, there is nothing—absolutely nothing—worth investing in more than a good jacket, and you can fact check that based on my closet. When you find one that speaks to you, you wear it for years to come, and it’ll be adhered to your body from September until May.
      Of course, fall 2020 has no shortage of incredible fall jackets. From this season’s ever-popular “shacket” (yes, you read that right, and yes, it’s a shirt/ jacket hybrid) to classic moto jackets you’ll wear time and time again, these are the best jackets of the year. More

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      Enter to Win: We’re Giving Away $200 of Skincare!

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      In 2020, there’s no shortage of information on all of the ingredients people claim you absolutely need for your skin, from retinoids to acids to creams promising to give you new skin overnight. And when I subscribed to the idea that I needed to try them all, my skin got worse—way worse. It didn’t take a genius to figure out why: I was using too much, and all the harsh ingredients I was slathering on every night were actually hurting my skin’s natural microbiome, leaving me with irritation and dryness abound. And with the culture surrounding skincare right now, I think this is happening to more of us than we might think.Enter: Mother Dirt, the pioneers of probiotic skincare. You probably already know about the potential benefits of taking a probiotic, but why would you want them in your skincare? In the past, there was a healthy, peacekeeping bacteria that existed on human’s skin called Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB), but with harsher chemicals being incorporated into skincare and our lifestyles changing over time, the bacteria have gotten wiped away. In 2015, the founders of Mother Dirt—who were MIT scientists—recognized this and started a brand that incorporated AOB into its products to help balance the skin. They didn’t believe there was such a thing as bad skin—just bad skincare. 
      To give you something good in 2020, Mother Dirt is giving three of our readers a gift package worth over $200, chock-full of their biome-friendly collection that covers everything from your skin to your hair. Three winners will receive Mother Dirt’s Biome-Friendly Shampoo, Cleanser, Moisturizer, Body Oil, Body Wash, Shave Butter, and AO+ Mist—all formulated to keep your skin’s microbiome thriving, leaving you with glowing, healthier skin.

      a Rafflecopter giveaway

      This giveaway is only open to US residents. Ends 10/4/20 at 11:59 PM CST.

      use code EVERYGIRL20 for 20% off

      Mother Dirt
      AO+ Mist Live Probiotic Spray

      The AO+ Mist is the world’s first skincare that incorporates live probiotics, which help to restore and balance your skin’s natural microbiome. The AOB it’s full of helps to keep the peace of your skin—helping the good bacteria thrive while it fights the bad. The result? Healthy, glowing skin.

      Mother Dirt
      Biome-Friendly™ Foaming Cleanser

      This cleanser uses Mother Dirt’s biome-friendly formulation protocol (which means products are tested to ensure they don’t disrupt the skin’s microbiome) to ensure it rids the skin of dirt and makeup without also stripping it of good bacteria.

      Mother Dirt
      Biome-Friendly™ Body Oil

      This body oil absorbs quickly and is applied as a spray, making it the quickest way to deeply hydrate the skin.

      Mother Dirt
      Biome-Friendly™ Body Wash

      Just like the foaming cleanser, this cleans your skin without stripping it of moisture or disrupting its microbiome.

      Mother Dirt
      Biome-Friendly™ Shampoo

      This preservative-free, fragrance-free shampoo is safe for all hair types and will deliver healthy, shiny hair. Bonus: by helping to keep your hair’s natural biome intact, it’ll lead you to be able to wash your hair less frequently—win, win.

      Mother Dirt
      Biome-Friendly™ Moisturizer

      Formulated with squalane and linoleic acid, this moisturizer will leave you looking glowing and hydrated—without ever making you feel greasy. Made with only six plant-based ingredients, it’s the perfect moisturizer to bring you into the colder months.

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