beauty and fashion

When the first blemishes sprouted upon my face in the mere fifth grade, I started stealing my mom’s concealer to cover them up. About a year and many, many zits later, my mom suggested I get a foundation to “dry out my skin.” Soon after, I got a foundation at the drugstore and never looked back. My skin preferences for the first almost-decade I wore makeup were as follows: heavy, thick, full-coverage, drying, matte. If you’ve ever listened to me talk about makeup before (I hope!), you’ll know I, and the rest of our editors here, basically despise any combination of any of those when it comes to our faces. And thankfully, the makeup industry finally agrees! Makeup doesn’t have to be sticky and gross all day long, and the handful of launches from the last year have proved it. Everything from light-coverage foundations to tinted moisturizers and CC creams to skin tints have made their way into my vanity at this point, and I figured it was mighty time to break them down.
And it’s not just a summer trend either—we’re definitely going to keep seeing lighter coverage as a preference amongst makeup artists and regular people alike. I mean, who needs a heavy foundation when they’re wearing a mask that covers half of their face? (One could argue we don’t need foundation at all or ever—to which I agree, but if you like to add a little somethin’-somethin’, that’s cool too!) Even as the summer heat departs and cool air emerges, we’re looking at a smooth canvas that doesn’t feel sticky, heavy, or uncomfortable. And here, we’re sharing our favorites for all skin types, shades, and preferences.

Skin Tints
A skin tint is the most light-coverage of the bunch, often even leaning toward “sheer” coverage. These won’t cover your gnarly period acne, and that’s OK! They’re some of the most comfortable and (obviously) natural-looking skin products on the market. They’ll make you look extra glowy and hydrated. Plus, these have the least transfer (since they’re more minimal coverage), so you can say goodbye to maskne and masks full of makeup by the end of the day (or your 30-minute run to the grocery store).

Perfecting Skin Tint

This is basically the skin tint to beat all skin tints if you ask me. It’s very low-coverage, but there’s a reason it’s still a Glossier best-seller after all this time. Your skin looks exactly like your skin, only better.

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

I’m starting off with quite a bang here because this definitely has a lot of coverage for a skin tint. It’s similar to a favorite of mine below (this is how I keep ‘em reading) in that it’s kind of a mix between a serum and a foundation; all the lightness of a serum with the coverage of a foundation. It goes on smooth and even, and you only need a little to cover your entire face because it’s very spreadable like a serum. This makes the high price tag seem much more worth it! It’s the perfect “threw it on in the morning before work, but touched up with a concealer for happy hour” situation. Buy this if you like medium-coverage without feeling like you’re wearing medium-coverage on your face.

Charlotte Tilbury
Hollywood Flawless Filter

While this isn’t marketed as a foundation, in the summer, I like to use it as such when I want to look glowy as all hell. I’ll apply it all over with a sponge and call it a day! It’s probably a little much for some, but it’s been an obsession of mine all summer long to look like I’m basically radiating through the screen in Zoom meetings. Note: the shade range is trash if you look at it like a foundation, but I find it to be pretty good as a highlighter. This doesn’t really add any color, mostly just sheen and glow, so there is some leeway in what shade you can use. My shade ranges quite a bit between winter and summer, and shade #4 works for me basically all year round!

Tinted Moisturizer
These are the next in the coverage category; however, some really do pack a punch. These feel light on the skin, but they’re more likely to even out your skin tone and cover up redness than the latter options. You’ll notice maybe a little transfer in your mask, but nothing you can’t get out with a trusty Tide To-Go. 

Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Skin Tint

I ordered this after our Editorial Assistant Jess had raved about it to me the two months of 2020 we actually spoke IRL. (Ah, the good times!) And I’m here to say I love it too! It’s very light and stays on all day, even through the sweat and humidity below my mask (and LOL, the rest of my face, let’s be honest). Colourpop’s website has a really helpful shade finder too which made it easy to make a purchase without going into a store!

Bare Minerals
Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

I’ve talked about this tinted moisturizer for a while. I started using it on heavy rotation at the beginning of March, and I used it basically the entire three months of quarantine just about every single day. It gave me just a hint of coverage so I felt better and more put-together while I was working without making my skin feel gross at the end of the day. Would buy over and over again.

Maracuja Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer

Of the three of these, I would say this has the least amount of coverage, but perhaps the glowiest end result. This came out right before summer, and I’d call it a perfect summertime foundation. It’s light and natural and lets your natural skin show through. This also has a great shade range for a tinted moisturizer!

Laura Mercier
Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector Broad Spectrum SPF 30

How could I write a roundup on tinted moisturizers without referencing quite possibly the most famous one in the world? This is a staple in makeup artists’ kits for a few reasons. Firstly, the shade range is quite inclusive, boasting 20 shades (which feels about average now, but pre-Fenty Beauty days, 20 shades for even a full-coverage foundation range was a lot *eye roll*). But quite possibly the best part of this product is that although it has quite a lot of coverage for a tinted moisturizer, it’s incredibly lightweight and natural on your skin. Very “your skin, but better” vibes.

Lightweight Foundations
And lastly, we have the light foundations. These have a good amount of coverage (some more than others—will explain below!) without all the heaviness and transfer of a typical foundation. Again, you might notice a little transfer, but nothing you can’t get out in the wash. These are great for Zoom meetings, more “special” occasions, and basically anywhere you want a little extra coverage. 

The Lip Bar
Skin Serum Foundation

This on-the-go foundation is friendly for all skin types. So if you lean on the more combo/oily end of the spectrum or just prefer a satin or natural skin finish over some extra dew on your face, this is a great choice. The component is effortless: simply click the bottom, and the foundation comes through the brush at the top. Another way I’ve seen people use this is applying it on their hand from the brush and then blending with a Beauty Blender to make it even more natural and sheer.

Tinted Oil Foundation

This is one of my favorite skin purchases of the last year. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever tried. It’s a mix between a face oil and a foundation; it applies like a skincare oil but with coverage basically. And it’s phenomenal. My best skin days come when I’m wearing this all over my face. It’s everything I could ever want in a foundation: light, glowy, light-to-medium-coverage, and natural. I will never be without this.

Plain Jane Beauty
Get Loose Powder Foundation

Light coverage doesn’t have to come from a liquid! This is obviously oily-skin-friendly, but reviews say it’s light enough that it looks gorgeous on dry skin as well. A powder is a great way to add a little coverage to your face without going overboard. This can be built up to a more full-coverage depending on the brush you use, which makes the product a pretty good bang for its buck—it’s almost like getting a couple different foundations in one! Use a fluffy brush for something light, or buff it on with a dense duo-fiber brush. More

If there’s one thing I’m an absolute sucker for, it’s skincare. If it promises glowing, even skin, I’ll try getting tiny needles rolled into my face or washing my face with honey; and if a new product is released with stellar reviews? Well, sign me up.But the one skincare trend I never got into? Double cleansing.
Double cleansing came onto the scene a few years ago with glowing reviews from just about everyone who has ever worn makeup. It was touted as the most sure-fire way to make sure every last stitch of makeup was removed from your face without stripping it dry. Its appeal is evident, but for whatever reason, I never got into it. I swear by my Clarisonic and figured that that did the job—but to my absolute dismay, it turns out I was wrong.
To double-cleanse, the rules are pretty simple: first, wash your face with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm, then follow with your regular, water-based cleanser. Beginning with an oil-based cleanser ensures that your makeup is melted off before you wash your face, leaving it squeaky-clean in the best way possible. But honestly, said cleansers felt like they cost more money than necessary, and when push came to shove, I removed my makeup before my water-based cleanser with a good ole’ makeup wipe.
But then our resident beauty guru, Beth, gave me the recommendation to try the Good Molecules Instant Cleansing Balm. She promised that it would change my face-washing game, but the biggest selling point is that it runs at the same price as a couple of Starbucks orders—so I figured, what’s to lose?

The first time I used this, I immediately regretted every night of my previous life, which included face-washing that I thought was adequate, but so clearly was not. Upon rubbing a pea-sized amount of this onto my face, my full face of makeup—foundation, bronzer, mascara, eyebrow pencil—had literally melted off. At first, I looked like this picture of Mulan’s Matchmaker, but a quick once-over with water made it all disappear. After my second cleanse, my face felt the cleanest it ever has, without the dried-out feeling that makeup wipes are known to cause (my face is incredibly dry, so it’s been reaping the benefits of this ever since).
I’ve continued using this product every night after I’ve worn makeup for about a month now, and it has continued to get a 5/5 star rating from me. Whether I’m wearing super natural, no-makeup makeup or a full face for my socially-distanced birthday, it leaves my skin as soft and clean as a baby’s. Not only is this better for my skin than my previously-loved makeup wipes, but it’s better for the environment too, and given I’ve hardly made a dent in the tub over the past month, I’d guess this is much more cost-effective as well—it’s a win-win-win. Also, my skin has been less irritated than ever, and I have infinitely less clogged pores—and since I changed nothing else in my routine, I’d chalk it up to this.
Never did I think I’d have a cleansing balm holy grail, but this has made its way onto my top shelf, and it’s here to stay.

More Good Molecules budget-friendly editor-favorites:

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After months of staying at home (how is it not 2021 yet?), we’ve tried just about every act of self-care. We’ve gone through countless sheet masks, tried lots of guided meditations, and lit every candle in our homes (even the fancy ones once reserved for company). While those methods are great, and we need all the help we can get with stress-relief, they don’t always do it for us when it comes to de-stressing and caring for ourselves. Enter: Equilibria. The CBD and wellness company, Equilibria, has been an Everygirl-favorite for a while now (not to mention it’s female-founded!). Associate Editor, Maddie, takes the soft gels for stress-relief;  Ally, Director of Partnerships, loves the relief cream for sore muscles; and Social Media Editor, Abigail, swears she sleeps better after taking a bath with the bath bombs. Call them presents we regularly give ourselves, and now’s the time to give yourself the gift of stress-relief and self-care too (because you deserve it!).
Starting Monday, Equilibria is offering 20% off the first order, and a free mini 150mg/15ml Daily Drops with any purchase while supplies last (which is truly a blessing at a time like this). The daily drops provide fast-acting results so you can take it before bed (to increase relaxation) or during the day to promote focus and decrease any tension. Trust us–it works. 

Equilibria
Brilliance Box

The Brilliance Box includes Daily Drops for fast-acting, targeted relief, Daily Softgels for a sustained-release, and topical Relief Cream for local discomfort.

As per FDA guidelines, Equilibria CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or ailment. As always, consult with your physician before starting any new program that may interact with your current health plan.

This post was in partnership with Equilibria, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

As a 24-year-old, it’s been a while since ladies my age have had a true, pop-culture fashion icon. Most of the fictionally fabulous characters we’ve aspired to be have come from decades past—Carrie Bradshaw, Elle Woods, Rachel Green, Raven Baxter (may we never, ever forget that intro look). And when you take a step back and look at their similarities, they all had one thing in common: they wore whatever the hell they wanted.In my book, characters who rise to have a place in the proverbial Fashion Hall of Fame have a certain je ne sais quoi to their looks that make it feel like they took a quick look at their closet, threw things on without thinking much of it, and headed out the door. Of course this isn’t reality, but capturing the essence of effortless effort in eclectic outfits is something that’s inspiring, to say the least. And to my absolute relief, I think that the new icon of our generation is here: Astrid Sloan, played by Lucy Boynton in Netflix’s The Politican.

Source: Netflix

Last year, the show’s debut season was a hit straight out of the gate—no surprise considering its star-studded cast and uber-entertaining storyline of golden boy Payton Hobart (played by Ben Platt), who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his dream of becoming the President of the United States, but only after he becomes the president of his Santa Barbara high school.
The fashion throughout the entire series is stellar without fail—from Georgina Hobart’s all-too-appropriate mumu collection to McAfee Westbrook’s never-ending series of impeccable pantsuits to Skye Leighton’s edgy looks paired with corresponding, colorful makeup. It’s all damn near perfect, and no character is an exception. But from the start, Astrid’s wardrobe made my heart skip a beat and gave me a newfound will to live—and really, how often can that be said?

Source: Netflix

Source: Netflix

In Season 1, when she’s running against Payton for High School President, Astrid’s wardrobe is impeccably reminiscent of a modern Jackie O—full of high-cut blouses adorned with bows and paired with lots of pattern. They master a balance of peppiness and edginess by pairing classic silhouettes and tailoring with trendy accessories, at least one unexpected piece per outfit, and even an occasional faux-hawk. It’s a dream come true for a Californian cool-girl presidential candidate—but Season 2, when the series takes to New York, is when her style really shines. From the second she appears on-screen there (pictured below) her character’s transition is apparent through her edgy looks that have ditched all signs of prep.

Source: Netflix

eason 2 is filmed during a cooler season, so Astrid’s wardrobe veers away from the warm, California days she was dressed for in Season 1, and instead gives us the fall wardrobe of dreams: fur coats, texture, deep colors, and lots of leopard. All of her looks are the perfect example of mixing patterns and colors that, if went by the book, wouldn’t necessarily go together. By pairing things like hot pink with a pastel blue and leopard with a bright purple, every single look is interesting and unique—and the eclectic-ness of each is exactly what makes it feel so effortless. By being less cohesive and matchy-matchy, everything simultaneously looks both more fashionable and less planned.

Source: Netflix

Most streetwear and high-fashion looks have this same principle in common: they look randomly put together, but somehow cohesive. While Astrid’s wardrobe achieves this, it still feels done in a way that’s completely attainable, if only with a little more fearlessness when dressing. Her accessories are also a statement on their own, and when paired with outfits that are otherwise full of drama, they take them to another level.

Source: Netflix

Source: Netflix

The Politician is set to have a third season, and while I can’t wait to see if, ahem, Payton takes Didi Standish’s offer (no spoilers here), I think I’m even more excited for what Astrid wears when the gang (hopefully) takes Washington. But for now, this fall, I’ll be snatching up a fur, knee-length, leopard coat and some acrylic heart earrings quicker than you can say, “Congratulations, Senator Hobart.”

Source: Netflix More

If we had to rank our favorite holidays, it would go: Christmas, Halloween, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale got its reputation for being the sale of the year for one major reason: everything that’s discounted is a brand-new arrival. It isn’t picking through rack’s of last season’s pieces picking things up that you won’t be able to wear until next year; it’s next season’s pieces (fall and winter) that were all just released.
Usually the sale takes place in July, but this year, it’s happening this month (and we’re not mad at it because it just means we’re one month closer to being able to wear our purchases!). The preview is out, the sale is nearing, and we’re breaking down everything you need to know to snag your dream pieces for 2020.

When is it?
Usually, the sale opens up to Nordstrom Cardholders, followed by the public. But this year, it’s broken down based on Nordstrom Card status (what you spend in a year). The opening dates are as follows:
August 4: Icon access (cardholders that spend $15,000+ per year)
August 7: Ambassador access (cardholders that spend $5,000+ per year)
August 10: Influencer access (cardholders that spend $2,000+ per year)
August 13: Insider access (all Nordstrom cardholders)
August 18: Public access 
The sale will run through Sunday, August 30th.

How can I shop it?
This year’s sale is obviously also different in the fact that, yes, there is a pandemic happening, which puts a wrench in rushing to the store to shop amongst large crowds.
Nordstrom has reopened their stores to the public with extra precautions that protect both shoppers and employees. They’re also offering safe, contactless curbside pickup for online orders.
If you don’t feel comfortable physically going to a store, as always, the entire sale will be available online and orders are shipped directly to you.

What’s on sale?
Just about everything—coats, top, boots, bras, activewear—are available; all from brands we love like Madewell, Topshop, Vince, Adidas, and more. Nordstrom took it upon itself to also offer more picks for our recent situations, which include a lot more lounging and a lot less dressing up for work. The best part, though? The more business-casual picks are all timeless enough that they can be worn year after year.
Beyond clothes, there are incredible shoes, accessories, and beauty items (some of which are created exclusively for the event) on sale. 
You can preview the entire sale now—but these are some of the things we already have on our wish lists. More

We often talk about the transition period between summer and fall. When it’s blazing hot outside, but all you want is a spiced chai latte (hot, no more iced), a pumpkin candle, and a cozy cardigan wrapped around your body. As we enter August, this feeling begins, and while it is likely the most prevalent with fashion (if I see one more pair of linen shorts, I’ll lose it), I feel like it almost as much with my nail colors. Don’t get me wrong: I am a fiend for a bright, bold nail color every day of the week. Lime green? You got it. Bright yellow French tips? Already done it. Purple one hand, pink the other? Did it before Kylie. I love bright colors through to my soul, but as my heart yearns for cool weather, Taylor Swift on repeat, and scary books and movies, the last thing I want to see on my fingers is a bright summery shade. So, there you have: the in-between seasons, transitional nail colors you’ll love rocking all August and September long. Snag one of these polishes for your next at-home mani, and you’re good to go for all of your Folklore listening seshes—look like fall even when it looks like summer outside.

1. Cloudy Grey

2. Teal

3. Marigold

4. Sage Green

5. Cobalt Blue

6. Cherry Red

7. “Cream in Coffee” More

A Note from Maddie
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from writing about fashion for a living, it’s that while trends universally come and go, style is anything but objective.
Much of my days are spent styling the outfit graphics you see on The Everygirl’s website and social media, and writing about the season’s hottest trends and colors and accessories and everything in-between. While I know my personal style, I try my hardest to get outside of that for everything I write—from past experiences in the fashion industry, I know that one of the main reasons the best fashion editors are so great is that they can look at clothing from an eye that’s outside of, “Would I wear this?”
But it goes without saying that this is often easier said than done. I’ve discovered that some of my best work comes from thinking outside of my own day-to-day with things like what trends Meghan Markle might be wearing and what Rachel Green might have worn if Friends took place in 2019. So when my boss, Alaina, came up with the idea for me to style a full week of outfits for her, I couldn’t have been more excited for the challenge.
Alaina and I are at very different points in life, have very different personal style, and have different aspects of our bodies to consider while dressing ourselves (read: she has boobs, and I don’t.)
I also had two main dictators for the outfits I wanted to choose for her: we’re still working from home, and she has two kids under 2. What she’s wearing from home while wrangling her two kids and working during the hot, 90-degree summer in Chicago is quite specific—much different than, say, what she’d be wearing if we were working from the office in the days of yore. Everything needed to be comfortable, breathable, and realistic, but still chic, put-together, and something she might not gravitate toward herself.
As with any experiment, you win some, and you lose some—but our week of outfits taught both of us unexpected lessons about personal style and a little about the magic that can happen when we get out of our comfort zones.

 A Note from Alaina
I’ve never considered myself stylish, per se. But I didn’t think I was that bad. And never did I think I’d find myself in such a fashion rut that I’d pitch myself for my own personal makeover story on The Everymom and The Everygirl.
But two babies in two years via C-section, a stay-at-home order that has me reaching for loungewear day in and day out, and my recent purchase of six identical $7 tees from Target was the wake-up call that had me say, “Hey, Maddie, can you help me? What should I wear? What could I wear?”
Enter Maddie, as in Madeline Galassi: our 24-year-old fashion guru who produces top-performing fashion article after another for The Everygirl (and she’s done quite a bit for The Everymom). I was elated when she was up for the challenge.
To give you a sense of what I wear on any given day the past five months, I am in some version of what you see below.

I open my trusty top drawer overflowing with comfortable, machine-washable tees. Well, I personally forced the more delicate ones to become machine-washable because #whohastimeforthat.
Is it chilly? Hello, leggings and sweatshirt. Is it day 11 in a string of 100 degree days in Chicagoland this summer? Hi, stretchy-waist shorts and tee.

Ooo, stripes. I’m fancy.
(Pile of laundry–another constant in my life–but that is neither here nor there.)
I see these beautiful fashion stories and graphics show up on our sites and Instagram accounts and think, So cute! But that wouldn’t work on me. And I wanted to put that negative thinking to the test. But I needed help. So, I asked Maddie if she would style me for a week. I know. Super lucky me, with a personal stylist at my fingertips.
Here is what we made happen!
 

THE OUTFIT PLAN

linen jumpsuit / white sneakers / straw bag

Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: So cute. But that color will never work on me and jumpsuits are tricky.

THE OUTFIT REALITY

Alaina is wearing a Size 8 in the jumpsuit.

Maddie: When I saw this jumpsuit on Madewell’s website, I knew I wanted to see Alaina in it. I personally have a couple of linen jumpsuits that I’ve been living in lately, and this one looked like it would be both comfortable and flattering (and it was in a color I thought she wouldn’t choose for herself). And I loved it on her! Paired with a pair of white sneakers, it looked put-together and casual, and I thought it was a great “day of Zoom meetings” summer look.
Alaina: Love. Love. Love. What a way to start the week! I felt so confident and stylish in this outfit. I was SHOCKED. 1. That it fit, and 2. that this color actually worked on my skin tone. And I was so excited to have something new that was this chic and comfortable. Great for work meetings, errands, working from home, anything.
Also want to comment on the sneakers, because I’ve always thought “a white sneaker is a white sneaker. What’s the difference?” Um. This. The leather and this detail made these Madewell sneakers so chic. Also–huge props to Maddie because I tried this outfit on with my typical flat sandal (which is how I would have styled it), but the sneaker really elevates the style factor of this look.

THE OUTFIT PLAN

knit tank / paperbag shorts / python sandals

Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: It’s super cute and trendy, and I love the color palette. But for me personally, I hope I can button the waist on those shorts. Also, I haven’t worn a tank top in years. Also, I’ve never worn anything snakeskin. But sure, why not?!

THE OUTFIT REALITY

Alaina is wearing a size large in both the top and shorts.

Maddie: Sticking with the breezy linen theme, I thought these shorts were another perfect work-from-home summer staple. I live for a monochrome moment and think it’s a great way to make something casual (like these paperbag shorts) look more elevated and sophisticated. Knitted tanks are everywhere this season, and you can see why here: they couldn’t be more flattering. Both paired with these python sandals, the beige color was consistent from head to toe, and was an outfit I thought was ultra-flattering on Alaina.
Alaina: I surprisingly really liked this outfit on! Especially the shorts. I could not believe how comfortable they were. And they buttoned easily because of a sneaky elastic bit in the back of the waist. I am not going to lie, I am not super comfortable with how large my chest is post-babies, and this shirt definitely highlights it, but overall I feel really good in this. The top is not too fitted which I like, but it’s light for summer.

THE OUTFIT PLAN

tan tank / white straight jeans / acetate belt / black sandals

Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: Love, love, love. This looks like something I’d pick out for myself before I had kids.

THE OUTFIT REALITY

Alaina is wearing a size medium in the top and a Size 30 in the jeans. 

Maddie: After working with Alaina for the past two years, I know that she’s partial to skinny jeans—something I don’t blame her for, but that made me want to try other fits of jeans on her body. Different neutrals paired together always looks chic—even if it’s just a combination of basics—and that’s what I was going for here.
This amazing belt ended up being sold out in Alaina’s size, and I know that personally if I’m tucking a tighter shirt into jeans, I like having a belt on to complete the look and cinch in my waist a bit, so I do wish we had that incorporated here. These jeans ended up being a bit big on Alaina—but I still could see the gist, and thought if they had fit right, they could have been a winner. Nothing in this outfit is too crazy or trendy—it’s just a few elevated basics that you could throw on in the morning without much thought.
Alaina: This was probably our biggest miss (aside from the date night looks you’ll see below). It’s surprising because this was the look I would have probably bought for myself. I love the outfit, but not on me. I just don’t think it’s flattering. The white denim did not fit right. The size I ordered was actually a size too big, but it was still snug around my mid-section, highlighting my C-section pouch which made me feel insecure. I feel like the SNL Mom Jeans video in them.
I was excited to try the straight leg denim because I paired it with skinny jeans at first and that was, by and large, an even greater fail. The straight leg made this look much more stylish, and I probably would have liked it more on my pre-baby body when I carried less weight in my chest and midsection.

THE OUTFIT PLAN

puff-sleeve blouse / denim shorts / mint sandals

Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: [giggling to myself] This is never going to work … I am too old for this. Maddie, this would look great on you, but it will never work on me.

THE OUTFIT REALITY

Alaina in the size medium top–more fitting and flattering but a bit too tight. 

Another shot of the size medium–the buttons were holding for on dear life!

Switched to the wearing the size large top–room to breathe!

Maddie: Another thing I wanted to see Alaina in was—you guessed it—a puffy sleeve. Puffy sleeves have been everywhere for over a year now, and I had never seen Alaina in one. They give everything they touch a little more femininity and elevation and are pretty foolproof with their styling—throw them on with some jeans (or jean shorts), and you’re good to go.
I think Alaina might disagree with me on this one, but I loved this top on her. I think it was flattering—albeit a bit tight on her chest—and paired with these slightly longer jean shorts was a great option for a summer barbecue or socially-distanced get-together. She had two sizes of this—the larger of which definitely fit better.
Alaina: I’m still torn on this look! First, I should say I was delightfully surprised at how I felt with it on. I felt good! The size medium top was definitely a bit more flattering and I think if I lost 5-10 pounds, I’d prefer that to the way the large fits, but for now the large is where my comfort zone is. Not too fitted. But I still look at it and question, does it look too young for me? Do I look like a mom trying to feel 16 again? Haha, I guess the jury’s still out.

THE OUTFIT PLAN

green midi dress / colorful sandals / gold hoops

Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: [again giggling] Super cute look for summer! If only I could wear something like that … spaghetti straps and anything overflowing just does not work on me. I’ll end up looking like a sack of potatoes. But again, I am up to try anything!

Maddie: Here at The Everygirl, our style leans heavily toward neutral colors—so during this, one of my missions was to dress Alaina in brighter colors that I knew she wouldn’t gravitate toward herself. This dress was the first outfit I picked for her. I knew the color would look amazing with her dark hair and fair skin, and that it would be as comfortable as pajamas while remaining a versatile closet staple. Everyone needs a couple of lightweight, flowing midi dresses in their closet, and this jewel tone is a fun way to make it not as basic as a classic white one.
When I saw the picture of these fun, colorful, python sandals, I thought they’d be perfect for this dress—they made the whole look more exciting than say, a pair of basic brown sandals. Topped off with a simple pair of gold hoops, it’s a chic two-minute look for a busy mom; throw on the dress and sandals, and you’re done.
Alaina: Um … love. This outfit had me feeling impossibly chic in that effortless way as if summer is just my season, and this is how I am most comfortable dressing. (Even though it absolutely is not, and oversized sweaters and leggings in winter is actually my most comfortable way of dressing.) This outfit turned heads, mostly because of the beautiful, bold color. I felt stylish without being super dressy. I basically want to live in this dress.
AND the gold earrings are the best everyday staple that zhush up your face for daily Zoom calls. Again, THANK YOU, Maddie, for opening my eyes to the possibility of color and trying new things!

THE OUTFIT PLAN

yellow midi dress / white sandals / rattan bag

Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: Hmm … I loved the yellow dress post we ran on The Everygirl. Love the neckline. I like that it’s fitted–that should be more flattering on my curvy figure. I’m hopeful! But the always lingering question in the back of my mind is, will it zip up all the way?

Maddie: Ah, this dress—where to begin? Looking back, it was a pretty audacious choice, but hindsight is 20/20. Light yellow is one of the hottest colors of this summer, and when I saw this dress on the Nordstrom model, I thought it would be sophisticated and breezy and a little something different—but the result ended up looking like Alaina would need to be singing that “she wants much more than this provincial life” when she was wearing it.
This dress is an amazing example of how you really never know what something online might look like in person. The model they showed this dress on was a tall, Size 0 woman with no cleavage to worry about. Here, you can see that it’s much longer, where instead of hitting mid-calf, it’s hitting at Alaina’s ankles; and while the neckline is gorgeous, it doesn’t leave too much to the imagination on someone with a bigger chest. It’s a whole lot of yellow—and let’s just say it was a very clear fail.
Alaina: Wrinkles aside, this dress was a weird combination of sexy/farmgirl Belle. And it was a miss. The length was off–would realistically need to get it hemmed if I was trying to make this work. The slit in the skirt was not open enough and there was not enough movement in the skirt, creating this effect that I was wearing a giant sheet of yellow fabric as opposed to showing skin to break up all the fabric. Remember Angelina’s weird leg pose years ago? I felt that that was how I had to stand to make this work. I did like the neckline but that was the only thing working for me in this dress. My husband’s response was, “Ooo that’s sexy. You look like Belle. Wait are you supposed to wear that out in public?” So, even he was confused. Haha.

THE BACKUP PLAN

white midi dress / peach sandals / rattan bag

Alaina’s Initial Thoughts: After the yellow dress fail, Maddie sent me three options, and I chose this one! I thought it looked summery fresh and had an equally flattering neckline with straps that would hide my bra straps. Loved!

Maddie: Another dress that looked gorgeous online, but like a literal sheet that should be worn to a college toga party in real life. Again, on the model, I thought this dress had much more shape and structure to it—but in person, it does absolutely nothing for the body. It looks like a linen dress you have at the back of your closet just in case you have one too many graduation parties to attend that summer. It’s the clothing version of “womp womp.” Not even a pair of strappy coral sandals and a gorgeous structured bag could save this one.
Lesson: pay attention to product descriptions—not just what they appear to look like on the model.
Alaina: I never even got the shoes on because let’s face it, I was wearing a nightgown. Or so it looked. And not in a good way. The material felt cheap and was almost see-through. The fit was off, the length was wrong (again)–and I’m not short. I’m 5’6″! Nothing about this dress worked on me, and we were ready to throw in the towel. Quite frankly–I loved the green dress for date night, as much as I loved it for daytime! So, that was a success enough! More

If seasonal fashion were a friend, summer would be your childhood best friend; the one you can call after being too busy to talk for two months and pick back up like you didn’t miss a moment. They’re easy, lovable, loyal, and there’s really no complaints to be had. But fall? Fall is your highfalutin friend that you text when you want to have a good time. They’re the one you see once in a while, but when you do, you have a night that you’re talking about for weeks to come. Summer fashion is great while it’s here—it’s breezy, effortless, and simple—but in my opinion, it stays a little past its welcome. The first couple of weeks you can wander outside in only shorts and a T-shirt are exciting and all, but with the potential of fall lurking just around the corner, it gets old—fast. 
While you’d think that once September and October roll around that fall fashion would be in full force, more often than not, that’s not the case. 80 degree days can stick around until Halloween, and it leaves us with the question: what exactly do we wear?
That’s where transitional fall clothes come into play. The key is to retire some ride-or-die summer clothes in exchange for seasonally appropriate ones that still are comfortable for the weather—but it’s easier said than done. Here are my five favorite transitional fall pieces (that you can bet I’ll be wearing come the end of August).

1. A knitted tank

For the days you’re feeling particularly autumnal but it’s still hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk, a knitted tank is the answer. It feels like a safe, transitional step toward fall, but will let you breathe—and will look incredible layered under jackets once fall actually comes to town.

2. An oversized blazer

Blazers have been all the rage for a few seasons now, and luckily for those of us that have been hoarding them, the menswear staple is back for another round this year. Save your textured tweed ones for the cooler months, and opt for a lighter-weight, oversized one for September and October. Paired with a T-shirt and denim, it makes a perfect outfit recipe for a 60-something degree day.

3. A denim dress

Unconventional denim always has the ability to be practically seasonless, so a denim dress like this one is perfect to wear this time of year. It’s the perfect patio attire for a cooler evening and veers toward fall dressing without being too hot. Just like a knitted tank, this can be layered up for cooler temperatures so you get use of it from now until December.

4. A cropped cardigan

I know, I know, “cropped cardigan” is kind of like jumbo shrimp. Prior to last year, I was never exactly a cardigan girl. Bigger, chunkier ones were never my style, and ones like these were retired once I graduated from middle school—but now that they’re in style, they’re a great piece to add to your transitional collection. This one has subtle, puffy sleeves, and I’ve even worn it with shorts on chillier nights this summer when I’m sitting outside. It provides just the right amount of warmth without being too bulky, and in a fall-appropriate color like this, will make you feel like you want to sit down with a PSL.

5. Straight, white denim

By now, we’ve debunked the myth that you can’t wear white after Labor Day, and in my opinion, white denim is a great way to usher out summer and welcome in fall. This pair is my go-to, with a straight fit and distressed, cropped hem. Pair them with sweaters and your favorite jackets all season, and if you’re really feeling bold, wear them into the colder seasons for a winter white moment. *Chef’s kiss* More