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      18 Things That Have Made Our Winter Work-From-Home Days Better

      by

      When we first entered quarantine last spring, I’d have bet a large sum of money and lost that there was no way we’d still be working from home come December. But here we are, and I’ll be honest, I feel like we’re all making the most of it. Being stuck at home in the winter is an entire different ballpark than the killjoy of being stuck inside when it’s sunny and 80 degrees out.But we’d be remiss if we didn’t discuss the couple of items making it way better. Because a cozy day at home *while* you’re working is possible—as long as you have these essentials. 

      Mid-Rise Cozy Faux-Fur Jogger Sweatpants

      I ordered these a couple of weeks ago realizing that I needed to give up the dream that I’ll get dressed every single day for work, especially when it gets freezing. These are a cool fabric and style that make me feel kinda dressed up, but they are also the freaking most comfortable thing I’ve ever put on in my life. I’ve worn them like four days the last week with sweaters, T-shirts, and everything in between. I run very hot, but I moved into an apartment that has minimal heat and poor windows, and I am freezing 24/7, so these have

      Water Sleeping Mask

      On the days I don’t put makeup on, I give my skin some extra TLC—one of the many benefits of being at home all day! The winter weather has taken a toll on my skin, as it has most of us I’m sure, so I’m loading up on moisturizing ingredients to heal my moisture barrier and hydrate as much as possible. It’s an extra self-care step that feels fun to break up the monotony of my days and makes me look forward to something. This mask is meant to be worn while you sleep, but staring at a screen all day writing words over and over is similar enough, and I’ve experienced the same moisture at the end of the day as I do when I sleep with it on. Plus, it’s clear, so I’ve worn on it more than a few Zoom call occasions than I care to admit. Hehe, coworkers! 🙂

      Equilibria
      Daily Drops

      At around 3 p.m. every single day, my anxiety sets in. How on Earth am I supposed to get the 10 tasks still on my list done all before the end of the day? I know I work best in the crunch time, but it doesnt stop my stress from creeping in. Lately as this is starting to really affect my day-to-day health, Ive tried putting my Equilibria Daily Drops in an afternoon glass of decaf tea. It really helps calm me down and has become quite ritualistic. I look forward to it every day!
      Use code THEEVERYGIRL for 20% off your first order at Equilibria!

      Glass Water Bottle with Protective Silicone Sleeve

      I’m not a water person. There have been more than a few days where 9 p.m. rolls around and I realize I haven’t had a sip of H2O literally all day. But ever since I got this Porter water bottle, I’m getting through multiple refills. There’s just something so fun about drinking from it: I love the rolled glass opening that fits my mouth perfectly and the silicone sleeve that is grippy-y and easy to pick up. It’s also dishwasher-safe, so it’s super easy to clean. Honestly, 10/10 would marry Porter.

      MALA THE BRAND
      Fireside Candle

      I find I work best from home when I cultivate a mood. I make sure my work area is tidy. I plug in my Christmas tree. I cue up the fireplace channel on my TV. I throw on a coffee shop sounds video on Youtube. And I light this truly excellent hand-poured soy candle that smells like all your holiday dreams coming true. And it does make the work day feel a bit more fun and festive.

      Simple Modern
      Insulated Tumbler with Straw

      If you’ve been on TikTok even one single time, you’ve likely seen this tumbler that basically went viral this year—and I’m here to tell you the hype is real. I love drinking my water out of this all day long and have it with me no matter which corner of my apartment I’m working in. I got the largest size and it’s upped my water intake by at least double. I can’t wait to drink homemade iced coffee out of this when we go back to the office.

      Barefoot Dreams
      Bouclé Knit Hooded Cardigan

      I am known as being a very cold-running person, and so when I knew that we’d be working from home throughout winter, I wanted to make sure I could maximize my coziness (and warmth) as much as humanly possible. I bought the leopard version of this during the Nordstrom sale, so it was slightly cheaper, but I swear I have gotten my money’s worth already. No matter what I’m wearing (even if it’s a sweatshirt), I throw this on top and lounge in it every single day. It’s so warm without being as bulky as a robe, and truly sparks joy every single time I wrap up in it. It’s definitely a splurge, but if something happened to mine, I’d buy it again.

      Hamilton Beach
      Personal Blender

      I purchased this 14 ounce personal blender years ago, and haven’t used it as much as I have this year working from home. This blender is perfect for a quick smoothie or shake before logging into work. It blends quickly and its compact style allows me to take it to my workspace and drink from there without having to transfer it to another cup. This blender lets me get a quick breakfast in before the day picks up!

      Hydrating Shea Body Butter

      Between working from home during the dry fall and winter season and washing my hands multiple times a day, I have been neglecting my hands and feet, which have been drier than usual. To make sure I infuse some moisture on my skin during the workday, I keep this body butter close to me. It’s thick enough to lock in moisture, especially during the harsh, dry weather, which is a necessity even more now, since it’s easy to neglect skincare while working from home.

      Vertuo Next Light

      There’s just nothing that gets me out of bed like knowing that the cup of coffee (or tea, but in this case coffee) that I’ll drink once I make my way to the kitchen is going to be really good. After tiring of my trusty old affordable machine from years ago, I finally sprung for a Nespresso machine. My morning coffee routine is the best it’s been all year.

      Crate & Barrel
      Long Stem Wine Glass

      So I initially bought these wine glasses for, you know, wine—and while I do use them for that in the evening, I also use them during the day to make my sparkling water, kombucha, or green juice feel more like an ~event~. I miss sipping wine with my friends while out to dinner, so at least I can get the joy of a cute glass while drinking a healthier daytime beverage.

      Mini North Bondi Eau De Parfum

      If you’ve ever smelled any of Ouai’s hair products, you know that they smell AMAZING. I have always loved the scent of their Leave-In Conditioner and wished they would make it in a perfume. BOOM, wishes come true! This year, Ouai launched the most perfect desk-sized fragrances (and the one I love is North Bondi, which is floral and a bit musky). They’re incredibly budget-friendly, so I feel comfortable spraying it on myself every single day. It’s a simple luxury that makes me feel a bit more like my non-pandemic self!

      Capri Blue
      Glam Mini Tin Kit

      I love seasonal fragrances, but sometimes I get tired of burning the same one for too long. I bought this four-pack of Capri Blue scents when they were on super sale a few weeks ago, but the non-sale price isn’t bad either. The set includes the iconic Volcano candle, plus one pumpkin scent and two winter fragrances. My favorite so far has been the pumpkin (the Alpine Juniper is definitely a sweeter greenery scent), but I haven’t even cracked the Frosted Fireside open yet. This is perfect for anyone who likes different rooms to have different scents, or who just wants to mix things up!

      Nomad Noé
      Poet in Hangzhou Candle

      Candles have become one of my work from home must-haves—the more fragrant, the better. This hand-poured candle doesn’t have a winter scent, and that’s what I love most about it. It’s bright and refreshing, and it has notes of my favorite flower: gardenia. Once I light this, the scent fills my entire apartment and acts as a pick me up for my senses.

      Brother Vellies
      Cloud Sock

      Before I hit the purchase button on these socks, they took up a lot of space in my head. I went back and forth on whether I really needed a $30-something pair of socks, and my answer after weeks of questioning was yes. Since we’re in the house 99.9 percent of the time these days, a pair of lavender socks that give back—proceeds from the purchase of the lavender socks fund Brother Vellies’ mask making and food distribution initiative in Kenya—and keep my feet warm while I work is the ultimate win for me.

      Brazil 8 Cup / 34oz French Press Coffee Maker

      At the start of the pandemic, I was using a Moka pot to make an americano each morning until I realized that caffeine might be making my anxiety worse. I have since given up coffee (inserts crying emoji) for herbal tea. Instead of going the tea bag route, I found Aesthete Tea, a QBIPOC-owned tea company that makes an assortment of herbal teas. After trying a couple of teapots that didn’t work well, I saw a YouTube video that showed how to use a french press for loose teas and bought this one. I use it every morning, and I love that making tea has become a part of my morning self-care.

      Hydro Flask
      Water Bottle – Wide Mouth Straw Lid

      Ever since I was a small, red-haired child, I’ve had water on my nightstand, in my backpack, on the table, on the desk, you name it–absolutely everywhere. It drove my mom crazy, but even now I still can’t seem to leave the house, or my couch for that matter, without it. To cut down my use of plastic and the dishwasher, however, I started using my hydro flask as my primary water source while I’m working. It not only holds a lot more H2O than my regular glass, but it also helps me keep track of how much or how little I’ve been drinking during the day.

      New Balance
      Fresh Foam Vongo v4

      Despite what my Netflix account may tell you, the activity that got me through this year the most was walking. I’ve barely missed a day since the pandemic started (while wearing a mask of course!). It’s helped me think, destress, and get my heartrate up a bit, and having a great pair of sneakers has made going for long, daily walks so much easier. These never give me blisters, are always comfortable, and have held up so well!

        More

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      in beauty and fashion

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

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      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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      in beauty and fashion

      60+ Small Businesses to Support This Holiday Season

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      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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      in beauty and fashion

      I’m an Avid Target Shopper: Here Are The Clothing Pieces I Swear By

      by

      If I were to ever consider my relationship with a particular store to be a love affair, it would be with Target (… duh). I swear, the serotonin boost I get from browsing the aisles—or scrolling target.com—is something unmatched by anything else. If I’m having a bad day, Target can make it better.Of course, my absolute favorite section of the store (closely rivaled by home decor) is clothing, shoes, and accessories. I pride myself on being able to find the best prices for trending fashion items, and a huge majority of my absolute favorite affordable clothing pieces are from Target. 
      Once I find something I love, I simply must have every. single. color. They’re just too good, and the price is unbeatable! I rely heavily on Target for all of my go-to basics, which you will see here. They also have tons of amazing dupes for high-ticket items, which I consider to be my specialty.
      Here are six Target clothing pieces I absolutely swear by:

      1. Quilted Jacket

      I let out an audible gasp when I first saw this jacket. I’ve been lusting after the $200 Free People quilted jacket for years now, so when I saw this very similar option for $35, I was more than excited. I immediately went to Target to buy it because I simply could not wait for it to be shipped to me. It comes in three colors: mauve (that’s the one I have), olive, and black, and all of them are equally cute. I love to style this with jeans and a mock-neck top, or with leggings and a hoodie for an athleisure look. It’s the perfect lightweight jacket for when you just need a little extra something.

      2. Plaid Pull-on Pants

      OK, listen up: if there is one thing you need from this article, it’s these pants. I (like most of the world, I’m sure) have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of pants for working from home. I want comfort and practicality, but I also want to look a little more put-together than if I were to just put on the same pair of joggers I’ve been wearing for three days in a row. Enter: the pull-on pant. When I wear them, I feel cute and chic and as though maybe, just maybe, life is a little bit normal. I only have one pair, but I need more ASAP—I have my eye on the pleated tan pair next. 

      3. Ribbed Tank

      I have a serious obsession with these tank tops. I wrote about them a few months ago, and I’m not kidding when I say they were by far my #1 most-worn item of summer. I also managed to get many of my coworkers (as well as friends and family) on the “Target tank top” train. So you’re probably like, Jess, it’s winter, why are we talking about summer tank tops? Well, that is because I have not stopped wearing them as temperatures have dropped into the 30s. My new favorite (and cold weather-approved) way to wear them is with joggers (for WFH) or jeans and a cardigan. For some reason, it makes me feel like I tried a little harder than if I were to just wear another plain sweater. If it helps you understand how much I love them, I’ll admit it: I own six of them.

      4. Ribbed Basic Tee

      Much like the ribbed tank, these basic tees have become a very important wardrobe staple of mine. I have them in black and “blush brown,” which are both awesome neutrals that go with everything. This is another perfect layering piece for winter—I like to pair one of these with a cardigan, a blazer or jacket, or even under a sweater for some extra warmth. The quality is seriously exceptional for a tee that is under $10, and I reach for them most out of all the basic tees I own (including my more expensive ones!).

      5. Long-Sleeve Ribbed Tee

      If you haven’t caught on by now, I’m a little bit obsessed with basics from Target’s brand A New Day. I really believe that the quality is unmatched for the price point. So, when I saw the winter version of my favorite ribbed summer basics, you know I had to jump on it. The material of these long-sleeve tees is so soft, comfortable, and most importantly, thick. So far I only own this one in cream, but if the tanks are an indication, I will own at least five more by the end of winter. Also, can we have a moment of appreciation for the color options?! This comes in seven colors, all of which are so cute for the winter months.

      6. Snakeskin Boots

      Last year, I splurged on Black Friday and treated myself to a pair of Dr. Martens platform Chelsea boots. I am obsessed with them, and they were well worth the money given how often I’ve worn them. Then, when I saw these snakeskin boots on Target’s website, I knew I needed to have them as a fresh take on my beloved Docs. These provide a little extra flair that my plain black ones do not, and I have gotten endless amounts of compliments on them. And if snakeskin isn’t your vibe, they also come in black—making for the perfect Dr. Martens dupe. More

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      Our Favorite Cozy Pieces to Get You Through Winter

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      Temperatures are dropping, darkness seems like it is happening MUCH earlier than in a usual November, and Netflix Original holiday movies are playing on a loop on our TVs. Yes, that awkward time where it’s not quite winter but it’s not really fall anymore either is here. If there’s one thing I know about this time, it’s that I’m always cold and I only want to wear things that can be classified as extremely cozy. I am embarrassed to admit that I am literally to the point where even putting on leggings is too much work for me (I know, it’s tragic). 
      That being said, I’ve been on a serious mission to find things that are incredibly comfy, keep me warm, and as mentioned, are extremely cozy. I can imagine that my FBI agent is probably very concerned about why I’ve visited the Aerie website approximately 9,000 times in the past three weeks. So given all the cozy-hunting I’ve been doing, I’ve managed to find some of the best pieces to buy right now to keep you comfortable this winter.
      Check out some of our absolute favorite cozy loungewear, pajamas, robes, slippers, and more: More

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      The Matching Set I’m Living In

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      Prior to 2020, my loungewear game was truly and utterly embarrassing. When I got home every day stripped off my work clothes, I’d change into a five-year-old sorority sweatshirt, and even worse, a pair of sweats from some high school sports team. If I was going to spend my money on clothes, it was going to be something I could wear out for the world to see—who cared what I wore when I was at home?Obviously, spending the entirety of 2020 confined to my home changed my mentality on that. After buying a couple of new pairs of sweats and realizing how much better I felt in cute loungewear, I made it a priority to buy a few things I could work in comfortably, but that still made me feel put-together. It didn’t matter if I was the only one on earth who would ever see them, it made all the difference in how I felt throughout the day.
      Pretty quickly, I learned that the loungewear I gravitated toward the most–like the rest of the world—was matching sets. They feel like chic and calculated, and I loved how I could throw on a jacket over and run any errands I needed to—they felt like a look, rather than something I should just be sleeping in.
      My phone and computer also learned quickly that that’s what I was into, and gave me about a billion ads for matching sets throughout the past few months. Most of them I could resist—until a couple of weeks ago, when I kept getting an ad for this one.

      I couldn’t get the image of myself sitting on the couch next to my Christmas tree working away in this set out of my head. It was perfect: the colors, the ribbed details—frankly, I had a feeling it would be the set of my dreams, and to no one’s surprise, I was right.
      When it arrived, I couldn’t believe how high-quality it felt—the material it’s made out of is thicker than it looks, and it makes it ultra warm and cozy. Since I got it, I’ve been working from home in it more days than I’d like to admit, and have debated ordering it in more colors. It’s rare that I find a piece that’s so good I need to shout it from the mountain tops, but I couldn’t keep quiet about this one. Everyone I know should own this, and I hope my sister doesn’t read this, because it’s going to be one of her Christmas presents from me. Bonus: It’s on sale right now, and comes in eight different colors. Trust me: you’re going to want to be living in this too. More