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Like most suburban dwellers and high schoolers, there was absolutely nothing to do in my tiny town other than go
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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
I have placed no less than 4,827 Amazon orders since March. OK so maybe that estimate is on the dramatic side, but what do you expect from me? I never leave the house anymore and my melodrama must be inflicted on someone. Other than waiting for Brad Goreski to release a new housewives TikTok, I spend my afternoons looking forward to what packages will arrive that I can douse in disinfecant and enjoy once they air dry. If you’ve also given up on that sourdough starter and made endlessly scrolling Amazon a quarantine hobby, you’re in luck. I polled my fellow editors to see what purchases they’ve made (and loved) these past few months. Here’s the best of the best, from our carts to yours.
4-Piece Tank Set
I bought these tanks on a whim one day after feeling like I had no tops to work out in—and boy, am I glad I did. These are more cotton than a sweat-wicking workout material, but they are so flattering and are all I’ve worn since I got them. Even when I’m not exercising in them I’ve had days where I throw one on with a pair of denim shorts and call it a day. These are maybe my favorite Amazon find I’ve had this year. (They also come in other color packs).
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
I ordered these because I wanted a pair of inexpensive sunglasses I could toss in my bag and not worry too deeply about, and I can honestly say these are as good of quality as some of the much more expensive sunglasses I have. They’re the perfect size and are so flattering and I’ve been reaching for them more than any other sunglasses I own.
Starbucks Syrup Set
I like my coffee sweet and I’m not ashamed of it. My go-to Starbucks order is an iced coffee with two pumps of vanilla, so I ordered these when Starbucks was closed to try to get my fix. Now, I keep a jug of Starbuck’s iced coffee in my fridge, add a splash of one of these, and it’s identical to going and getting my order there (and is a lot less expensive).
Turkish Towel
I wanted a cuter towel to have on hand for picnics and sitting by the lake, but was shocked to discover most Turkish towels are very, very expensive. This one is soft, cute, and absolutely does the job—plus it comes in about a million colors.
Vremi Stovetop Espresso Maker
When I went to Cuba a couple of years ago, I noticed my casa host only made her coffee with a Moka Pot. For some reason I could never remember to purchase one, but once we started to shelter in place, I made my investment. I love using this because it’s not instant. Making coffee is a morning ritual that I look forward to, and you are guaranteed a caffeine jolt when using this. I use it to make an Americano so that I get the caffeine kick without the jitters.
Lightweight Gold Hoop Earrings
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with gold jewelry, and a pair of gold hoops never goes out of style. I like these because they’re lightweight and hypoallergenic. The pair also make for a simple accessory you can pop on before a Zoom meeting to feel a little more put together.
10+ colors available
Cotton Pullover Sport Bra Pack
I think I’m done with bras—or at least bras with underwire. I love these because they’re cotton, and most of the time, I forget I’m wearing any form of support. I also like to pair these with my high-waisted sweatpants for a cute, comfy at-home look.
Personalized Gold Initial Ring
I am usually not a ring person, mainly because I can’t keep up with them. But, I love the stackable, gold ring trend I see everywhere. These pair well with my press-ons and make my hands look pretty. Since they’re adjustable, you don’t have to know your ring size, and so far, they haven’t turned my fingers green or tarnished—even with all of my hand washing.
Shiatsu Back Massager
I’ve never been one to buy gadgets or things of the like—but someone suggested this when I complained of a kink in my neck. I saw it had almost 10,000 five-star reviews and was $49, so figured what do I have to lose?! It’s. The. Bomb. I use it constantly! Even during work hours at my desk. My husband and I fight over who gets it at night. Most of my family members have now bought it. I’ll be getting it as a Christmas gift for anyone else who hasn’t bought it yet! Can’t recommend enough!
14 colors available
Retro Polarized Cateye Sunglasses
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never been particularly into sunglasses, but I knew that would change this summer when I started reading on my rooftop deck basically every day as the sun blazed down on me in quite the vigorous fashion. So, I stocked up on inexpensive pairs—and of course, they had to be a little out there. I found these with the intention of looking like Bridget Bardot knowing I was getting bangs in a few weeks, and they do their job quite well. If you have a smaller face, they’ll probably fit you perfectly; my face gets the widest at my temples, but they’re not uncomfortably tight in any way. 10/10 for me, and I get compliments on them everywhere I go. Yes, if you’re wondering, I think I was a Leo in another life.
Clear Phone Case
After living with a phone that couldn’t make calls without headphones and stopped connecting to the Internet and couldn’t make Instagram stories (can you tell I’m justifying this absolutely wild purchase to myself—the girl who shudders at paying $30 for a top), I upgraded to a new phone and immediately bought a clear case because I play with my phone like a juggler. I read tons of reviews on this case, and they are all correct: it’s without a doubt the best clear case I have ever put on my phone, and it’s less than $15. It doesn’t fall off (it feels really snug on my phone), is raised so the screen never touches the ground if it’s dropped, hasn’t turned yellow on me, and it just looks good. I could go on. This brand has cases for basically every single phone on the market, so you’re bound to find one that fits yours too!
Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
The Daily Stoic Journal: 366 Days of Writing and Reflection on the Art of Living
I’m a big philosophy nerd (it was my major in college for approximately two months freshman year), so I was stoked to find this guided journal that taps into Stoic philosophy, but in a modern, comprehensive way. I use this genius little journal with guided prompts as a meditation every morning and night, and I swear it has helped my stay-at-home anxiety.
Foam Roller
I’ve always had tight hip flexors that hurt after every single ab exercise or uphill walk (which is a bummer since I currently live on a steep hill and have to walk uphill to get to the grocery store). My doctor recommended I try foam rolling (a huge wellness trend I have not gotten on board with previously), and honestly the practice has made my whole body feel better after just a couple days. It came at a good time because my back and hips have felt tighter than ever before (probably because either A. I’m getting old, or B. I’ve been doing nothing for four months except sit on the couch and watch “Riverdale.”) It truly has transformed how my body feels.
Extra Brite Baking Soda Toothpowder
I’ve tried just about every teeth-whitening product Amazon has to offer (curse my coffee addiction, sensitive teeth that can’t deal with WhiteStrips, and my inability to budget for expensive treatments!). This baking soda powder is truly life-changing. Not only is it inexpensive, lasts forever, and gentle for teeth, but it has made a huge difference in the brightness of my smile. I finally feel like one of those women in the toothpaste ads (and I just can’t stop smiling!).
8 colors available
Soft Henley Sweater
When I saw this $10 sweater in the men’s section of Amazon, I felt like I had found the perfect cozy top I’d been in search of. It is truly the perfect cozy Henley, is 100 percent cotton, and is adorable styled with a front tuck into ripped denim or joggers. I ordered it originally in grey and went back for the black because it just that awesome, and you can’t beat the price and quality.
10+ colors available
Watch Band
I have been buying this brand of Apple Watch bands for several years now. The greige is my latest addition and it’s such a great neutral for summer. The wrap band is very comfortable, the genuine leather quality is amazing, and it holds up well to my workout abuse.
Makeup Mirror
My husband and I share our bathroom that has a single sink, so early in our marriage I knew creating a makeup space outside of the bathroom would be key if we were ever going to get anywhere in a fast fashion. I recently upgraded my mirror situation to this compact, portable, light-up mirror that features different light settings and magnification levels. The light settings avoid ever leaving without fully blended face makeup, as you can see any uneven tones.
Tortoise Glasses
I ordered a set of these a couple of years ago and recently added a second set to be our primary drinking glasses. They are hand blown and each has its own unique look. They are thick but light, dishwasher safe, and really add something special to any table setting or daily meal.
5 colors available
Running Shorts
It has been crazy hot here in New England this summer, and casual shorts have become a daily staple for me. I love the liner inside these and the fact that they have pockets. The waistband is very forgiving and is actually smoothing vs. bulge inducing. I picked them up in the pink color but would buy again in more shades.
Headband 6 Pack
Whenever the heat of summer really starts to fire up, my brain makes an instant switch to fall mode. With more time at home and simpler outfits on the horizon, I love how these fall hued/textured headbands can dress up any simple look and make me feel a bit more put together, even at home!
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Styler
Being a Black woman with coarse, tightly-curled hair, I usually never trust products that claim to work on all hair types, but this handy blow dryer might be the exception. This hair dryer is made for those who struggle with doing their own hair, as it’s made to be used on your hair like a regular brush, keeping your hair tangle-free. This hair dryer is great for Women of Color who have natural hair too, as the handle and the big bristles help you move through your hair with less effort than a regular blow dryer that typically just rakes through.
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Working from home for the foreseeable future, I wasn’t prepared to hover over my laptop’s keyboard and touchpad five days a week. This is where a wireless keyboard and mouse comes in handy. This set comes with a USB connection for the wireless mouse and an easy wireless Bluetooth-enabled keyboard that connects to your computer effortlessly. This is the perfect combo if you have more than one monitor too!
No Mo-Stache Portable Lip Waxing Kit
After months of not being able to maintain my monthly beauty routine due to social distancing (which included visits to my favorite esthetician), I had to take matters into my own hands, starting with facial hair removal. This waxing kit comes with cute step-by-step instructions and hypoallergenic waxing strips that are easy to put on and take off for the upper lip, and even a small tube of post-waxing aloe cream to smooth out any irritation. Definitely a staple for me in between waxing appointments!
16 colors available
Women’s Wire-Free Contour Bra
If you’re looking for a bra that doesn’t feel like one, this is it. Wearing this bra feels just as satisfying as not wearing one. It’s lightweight, so soft, and literally feels like a cloud. You need it!
Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil
I’ve been struggling with my acne scaring for quite some time now, and after trying what feels like everything, I think I found the missing piece of my routine: rosehip oil. It’s cleared my acne scaring faster than any other product I’ve used. For the oily ladies, it does not feel greasy, which was a major plus for me. I put it on every morning and night, and all summer, I’ve been rocking the no-makeup look because of it.
16 colors available
Biker Shorts
Bike shorts, an oversized tee, and my sneakers have been my go-to outfit lately. I’ve been on the hunt for a perfect pair—one that doesn’t slide up, is opaque, and lasts without tearing apart (as I wear them an average five times a week). This pair checks all those marks and more. You also can’t beat the price for this quality and durability.
Hair Scalp Massager Shampoo Brush
I know a few people who have one of these and swear by it, so I knew that I needed to get on the bandwagon. They’re so great if you have a naturally dry scalp or have shampoo build-up. And as a bonus, it gives you the feeling of a salon shampoo!
Rechargeable Fabric Shaver
I bought this because I had some pilling on my couch, but now I want to use it on every piece of clothing I own. It is truly the handiest gadget that you never knew you needed.
10+ colors available
Dual Pocket Yoga Shorts
I absolutely love these shorts. They are so comfortable, flattering, and have a massive pocket for your cell phone. Even if you’re part of the anti-bike-shorts crowd, you should buy these because they will convert you on comfort alone.
Pedicure Tool
This item should come with a warning label. It works almost too well and I could easily see someone causing lasting damage to their body. But if you’re careful and in desperate need of a pedicure, this will be your new BFF.
36 Grid Organizer
I never considered myself much of a “jewelry person,” but what I’ve learned is that it’s all about merchandising what you have. Instead of endlessly digging through a drawer to find a pair of earrings, I organized all my jewelry into these boxes. Now everything is easily accessible and displayed so I always know exactly what I have. I find myself wearing the pieces I have so much more. Even if it’s just with a T-shirt around the house, wearing accessories gives me some semblance of normalcy and a feeling of being put-together. My dry shampoo consumption says otherwise, but balance, amiright?
DripDrop Dehydration Relief
Cocktail hour at home is one of my new favorite quarantine rituals, but this old gal doesn’t recover like she used to. Yes, two glasses of wine will leave me restless, exhausted, and with a slight headache the next morning. This is 30. Or this is a sign I need smaller wine glasses.
Then these miracle packets came into my life and changed everything. Just drop one in a glass of water before bed and you’ll be hitting “subscribe” in no time. Trust me. When I’m not polishing off a bottle of red, I like to use them after an intense workout.
6 colors available
Jogger Pants with Pockets
These are made of yoga-pant material and a pretty close dupe to the Athleta joggers that I spent way too much money on.
Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
It’s embarrassing to admit that, although we’ve gotten rid of the majority of one-use products in our house, I was still using 2-3 disposable cotton pads a day on my face. This time, when I ran out of those rounds, I resisted re-buying and instead chose these washable, 100 percent organic bamboo cotton rounds. The transition has been seamless, and the included laundry bag is perfect for keeping them all together while washing.
7 colors available
Square Cateye Sunglasses
I’m a budget sunglasses junkie. Though I own a couple of “nice” pairs of sunnies, those hardly get any use in my day-to-day existence. With two kids and a busy life, I need eye protection that is both chic and easily replaceable. These sunglasses definitely make the cut; they’re sturdy enough to be thrown around in my bag, car, stroller, etc. and stylish enough to fit well and look as if they cost more than they do.
5 colors available
Pajama Set
I’ll be honest: this is the first pajama set I’ve ever owned (not including matching holiday jammies). I’ve always been quite content with my gym shorts and tee combo, but there’s nothing like a global pandemic to make the voices inside whisper “your sleepwear needs an upgrade.” These are under $20 and are SO soft, cute, and comfortable—I finally understand the pajama set hype.
2 colors available
Ladder-Style Bookcase
This shelf was a necessary purchase only because I stress bought so many plants online at the beginning of quarantine to soothe my soul and then had no where to put them. Normal, right? Fortunately, I didn’t have to blow the budget on this sturdy, easy-to-assemble shelf to house them all. It looks great in the corner of our dining room and matches our mostly natural wood furniture perfectly.
Havaianas Slim Flip Flop
The second summer hits, I’m a total flip-flop girl and proud of it. Especially now that I’m spending so much time at home, these are my go-tos to throw on for quick coffee runs, hanging by the pool, and for walks around the block. This pair is really comfortable (I love the slim straps!) and the price is great for the quality.
Curtis Sittenfeld
Rodham: A Novel
I was so excited for this book to come out that I ordered it right away and could not put it down. It’s a fictional take on Hillary Clinton’s life if she didn’t marry Bill Clinton. Yes, they still date in law school just like their real-life story, but after they break up, Hillary’s life takes on a whole reimagined path into politics. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a fun new read!
Paint by Numbers Kits for Adults
I bought one of these paint-by-number kits back in March for a quarantine activity and it did not disappoint, so much so that I just purchased another one to keep me busy this fall/winter when the weather gets cold again. The kit has everything you need, and the end result is a really large and pretty floral print that I’m actually planning to frame and hang in my apartment. More
For the longest time, I figured people either identified as readers or not, and I definitely fell into the “not” category the last year or so. I would rather watch YouTube videos and listen to music in my spare time, not force my brain to work when I’ve finally shut it off. I enjoy books, of course, but I declared myself as a non-reader who just couldn’t find the time unless I was sitting on a beach vacation or curled up with a cup of tea. Well, obviously, our entire lives have shifted the last six months, and my whole “not reading” thing flew straight out the window, down the street, onto the highway, and into some ditch. I started reading more and more with all the extra time on my hands, but I needed to diversify my authors, both in terms of reading books by and about BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people but also in genres and ideas (trust me: I love a good thriller as much as the next gal, but I also love ghost stories and retellings and literary fiction and romance and nonfiction!). Then, I stumbled upon Book of the Month. And let me tell ya, BOTM has become my new favorite way to find books.
Book of the Month is the fastest-growing book subscription service in America—and you’re about to hear why. They promote new and emerging authors every month, selecting five amazing new releases to choose from (read on for a look at some of July’s!). As a subscriber, you choose one of the five and it’s sent directly to your door. The titles range all genres (sci-fi, romance, thriller, historical fiction—you name it, they’ve got it), and they’re even beginning to incorporate nonfiction titles as well.
As I was getting back into the world of reading once again, I was inundated with recommendations for authors and titles, almost to the point of not knowing where I should start. Book of the Month made it so easy. Pick your titles, and as soon as they arrive, you’ll likely get started on them right away. I was so motivated to read my BOTM because they’re all up-and-coming titles and authors you’re bound to start seeing everywhere. Last month, I read The Vanishing Half, and the day after I finished, it made the New York Times’ Best Seller list. I’ve never had that happen before—a book I’d already read and loved become a best-seller just before my eyes. You get early access to books that are about to become major hits, so you can read and get ahead of your book clubs! Oh, and I wanted to finish it right away so my plate would be clear by the time my next BOTM arrival came in a month.
On my journey to become a bigger reader (will I start a BookTube channel? The jury’s still out), I struggled a bit with cost. $15 here, $25 there. Before you know it, you’ve spent the equivalent of a week’s worth of groceries on a couple of books. And if you read quickly, you’re basically done for. Book of the Month not only cut down how often I had to research books, but it cut my costs too. Using code EVERYGIRL, your first book is $9.99 (yeah, seriously—less than a coffee and a breakfast sandwich!)—then it’s still only $14.99 a month afterward (which is still an incredible deal for hardbacks). Not loving the selections one month or just not in the budget? No worries, you can skip whenever and won’t be charged. Love to read? You can select an add-on book every month from BOTM’s large selection of titles—including tons of books you’ll likely see made into movies and TV shows in the future. This month, I added Riley Sager’s Home Before Dark—a spooky thriller about a haunted house. (BRB, lighting my fall candle and wishing it was Halloween!)
Wondering what new titles are up this month? Here’s a look at the two of the five books I’m most excited to read for July:
Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman
Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close
This book sounds like a necessary read for women everywhere. Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, co-hosts of the popular podcast “Call Your Girlfriend,” explain what it takes to really have a friendship for the long haul. We all know that friendships take work, but to really keep someone close for a long time isn’t an easy feat. These two BFFs share the ups and downs of their friendship and how they’ve gotten to where they are today. I can’t wait to read this and cry, laugh, and call my best friends. This is the book I’ll be choosing for my personal subscription—if you couldn’t already tell.
Michele Harper
The Beauty in Breaking
This is Michele Harper’s memoir, following her career as a Black emergency room physician, a profession that is widely male and white. She attended Harvard after leaving an abusive childhood in Washington, D.C., and just before moving to Philidelphia to work in a new hospital, she and her husband split up. So, she’s in a new city, a new job, and newly single (something many of us might be able to relate to). This book follows her journey to self-healing, realizing that she must heal herself while she’s working as a doctor healing others. The book has tons of praise for being moving, inspirational, and educational—something we all could use right now.
Whether you’re reading a couple of books or week or get excited when you finish one a month, Book of the Month is truly the easiest way to get a new book in your hand every month without doing much work.
This post was in partnership with Book of The Month, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More
When I was in middle school, the local CVS was my playground. My hometown was small enough to cosplay as Bomont, the town in Footloose that decided dancing was just too salacious to be entertained. Sephora was about as accessible to me as the moon or a date with Jess Mariano. All I had was […] More
Over the past year or so, my philosophy on clothes and what gets to call my closet home has changed quite a bit. When you follow trends (or literally any fashion influencer on Instagram), it’s easy to focus on quantity of clothes; like you need to add a dozen new pieces to your closet every season to […] More
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Here at the Everygirl, it’s no secret we love our beauty products and will be on top of all the new trends and giving it a try. A new mascara? We’re on it. New beauty mask? We’re on it. New hair tool? We’re on it. You get the picture. You want to know another thing […] More
