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      10 Holiday Gifts You Can Buy Now and Save a Ton of $$

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      The holidays are right around the corner, having us scrambling to find the best gifts at affordable prices that won’t break our budget. Prepare in advance for a successful holiday season with some inexpensive gifts you can buy now that will save you a few extra dollars and time shopping. Offering amazing discounts on top designers and brands, Gilt City, an online shopping and lifestyle site, has you covered this upcoming holiday season, with the best in throw blankets, menswear, and more that keeps your budget in mind. They offer a variety of gift ideas that will sure to make your loved ones grateful this holiday season! 

      Buy a gift that your favorite homebody can wear and cozy up in this winter. Affordable gift options like sweatshirts and hoodies are always a staple in any wardrobe for the winter. Add to your loved one’s wardrobe this holiday for less with some warm tops to lounge around in. With Gilt City, you can find loungewear gifts at an affordable price from brands Eberjey and more at $50 off your $150 purchase. For that price, every family member can have a matching pair! 

      Give the gift of affordable beauty this holiday with skin creams, oils, and moisturizers that won’t make a dent in your gift-giving budget. Gilt City has tons of brands that offer budget-friendly (and skin-type friendly) beauty products, like moisturizers, repair masks, and even products to de-stress the skin like the instant refreshing oil from Elemis, at up to 50% off merchandise credits when you shop. It’s the perfect gift for your loved one’s next in-home spa day. 

      Take that outdated tie box set or cologne out of your shopping cart and give the man in your life something he can wear with no fuss. Gift him some wardrobe staples he can mix and match to wear to work, in the home, or on date night this winter. Menswear that’s easy to wear and maintain shouldn’t be costly; Mizzen + Main has a collection of machine-washable and dress and casual shirts, pants, pullovers and more, at up to 60% off merchandise credits through Gilt City, which makes shopping for the man in your life this holiday season stress-free. 

      Subscription boxes can sometimes feel like re-gifted boxes of hand-me-downs after being picked through and taking out all of the good stuff, but with boxes like Rachel Zoe’s CURATEUR, gifting one of these boxes will be the premier, affordable gift for your loved one. Gilt City makes it easy to purchase one of these subscription boxes, filled with products from top beauty and fashion brands at only $69.99 (normally $99.99) with a free gift with purchase (a little holiday gift for yourself too!). 

      As soon as we hear the word “organic” with many skin care products, usually, a hefty price tag comes along with it. This holiday, you can gift mindful, sustainable beauty products that won’t come with the price. Organic beauty brands on Gilt City like French Girl Organics are up to 50% off merchandising credits that comes along with a free gift when you spend an extra $30 on your gifts. Organic doesn’t have to mean pricey; give the gift of beautiful sustainability this holiday for less. 

      We have all been relegated to our homes for the past few months, having to cancel travel plans throughout the year. Give the gift of travel this holiday season to get your loved ones out of the house and into a secluded retreat in nature. With up to 34% off credits to plenty of popular U.S. destinations through Gilt City, modern cabin rentals with travel rentals from Getaway and others could be the perfect gift for your loved ones to getaway safely within your gift-giving budget.

      It’s never a bad idea to give the gift of libations, especially during the holidays. Pair that bottle of wine with a few must-haves for your wine lover with a gift like a wine purifier or sulfite filters that will compliment their next wine-down. On Gilt City, Üllo has an amazing wine purifier and filters at up to 36% off that will save you a few extra dollars for a bottle of wine for yourself! 

      Cozy throw blankets can be affordable and made with quality material too. Give comfy throw blankets this holiday as a great gift for your loved ones to bundle up in, like these throw blankets from State Cashmere, made with 100% pure cashmere. Gilt City now has these blankets for up to 50% off, topping off your gift list with quality-made and affordable throws that will last through each season. 

      Every woman could use another bag. This holiday, get even more creative and thoughtful with these chic lunch bags for the working woman in your life from Modern Picnic. Now at 50% off on Gilt City, you can buy this functional bag ahead of the holiday season at an affordable price to you. Now, your loved one can eat lunch in style!

      Gifts for the home are always a great idea for the holidays. Beautiful handcrafted rugs, pillows, and bathroom essentials like towels are always much-needed items you can give as gifts for the holidays. Gilt City now has up to 40% off these textiles from Folks & Tales, which feature a variety of cozy home essentials to spruce up any loved one’s space.

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

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      Worth the Investment: 5 Coats That Will Be in Your Closet Forever

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      About a year ago, whenever I was buying something to add to my wardrobe, I switched my mindset to focus on its potential cost per wear (each item’s price divided by how many times you’ll wear it). If I was buying something poorly-made that was super trendy that I was only going to get a few wears out of, obviously, the cost per wear would be unjustifiably high. But the things I knew could last for years to come and be worn over and over and over? My cost-per-wear radar would go off, signaling that it was indeed a smart buy.If there’s one item of clothing that continually falls under the “this fits my cost-per-wear model” consistently, it’s a classic coat. Sure, coat trends come and go, but some are simply forever—and those? Those are worth the purchase every single time.
      These are the five coats that will never go out of style, and that will get your cost per wear down to a big, fat $0. Buy these now, and thank yourself for years to come.

      1. A Camel Coat
      There’s hardly a wardrobe staple as quintessential as a camel coat. They somehow manage to make every single outfit they’re paired with chicer (and it doesn’t hurt that I’ve never seen a person who doesn’t look amazing in camel).

      2. A Classic Trench
      No capsule wardrobe is complete without a versatile trench coat. There’s a reason everyone and their mother has one: it’s a timeless, recognizable staple that instantly transforms you into a chicer version of yourself.

      3. A Plaid Coat
      Even if you’re not generally a plaid person, there’s something about a plaid coat that’s just *chef’s kiss.* Perfect for special occasions and everyday wear alike, they’ll dress up your look and give you a Meghan Markle-esque vibe that we’re never opposed to.

      4. A Black Wool Coat
      You probably already have a black coat in some form, but a black wool coat has a certain je ne sais quoi that you’ll be happy to have for pairing with anything in your wardrobe—and for all-black moments—during the cold seasons to come.

      5. A Puffer
      For days you just need to be warm, a chic puffer is a must—preferably in a fun print or color. The best part? You can wear them with anything for office wear and errand-running alike. Pair it with a pom hat for maximum winter cuteness.

        More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Update Your Workout Clothes With These 25 Editor-Approved Picks

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      I’d be lying if I said I’ve kept up with the at-home workout plan I optimistically had in mind back in March. I had the best intentions, but alas, when a new Netflix series calls, I must answer. That is until I got a new set from Alo Yoga. In my experience, nothing is as motivating to get moving as a cute workout set. I’ve tried a lot of athletic-wear in my day, but I always come back to Alo Yoga because they truly make the best yoga clothing, with the mission to inspire mindful movement (and they do!). Plus, they are eco-friendly, sweatshop-free, and very high-quality, so you know the pieces are worth investing in. Whether you’re rolling out your mat for a quick yoga flow, RSVPing to virtual HIIT classes, or in search of some new comfy loungewear, the best workout clothes are the ones that do it in style. Also, an important PSA: Alo Yoga just launched a brand new color today, and it’s stunning. Blue Quartz is as cool as it sounds: it’s icy, pretty, and pairs perfectly with all your neutral pieces, making it the ideal color for winter (but low key, I’ll for sure be rocking it well into spring and summer).

      Shop the new color (before it sells out!) and all of our other favorite picks below. 

      Bras/Tops

      Bottoms

      Jackets

       

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

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      in beauty and fashion

      Where to Save Money in Your Skincare Routine—and Where to Invest

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      The beauty industry is predicted to exceed $716 billion in sales by 2025. Likely due to the pandemic, e-commerce was up 30 percent in March and April from the same time period in 2019, with beauty purchases alone showing a 38 percent increase. The market is filled with options and products for basically everything we need, and we’re shopping big time. But that doesn’t mean we have to spend all of our hard-earned cash.Especially with the popular “10-step routine” all over the Internet, skincare is daunting enough before you have to consider the price tag of the total regimen, and depending on what you’re hoping to accomplish with your skin, you are probably using different products between your day and nighttime applications.
      Truth is, while you can easily spend a lot of money on all the necessary bells and whistles, you definitely don’t have to. There are plenty of steps in a full skincare routine that can and should be budget-friendly to ensure that your best skin isn’t putting you into debt. Wondering where to save your coin and where to spend it instead? We’re breaking it down nice and easy for you.
      A good rule of thumb to follow is that any product that you wash off your face can be on the less expensive side, whereas you might notice a bigger difference investing in the products that stay on for hours. Remember this isn’t a foolproof system. I sometimes splurge on a cleanser and go drugstore for a moisturizer. It’s all about what works for your skin and your budget. But if you’re looking for a short guide, this is it. 

      Where to save

      Makeup Removers
      There is a multitude of “high-end” makeup removers on the market, and the concept has always been really baffling — all they are intended to do is dissolve makeup before cleansing. Thankfully, micellar water has come along to shift the trend toward more affordable and more effective, as well as cleansing balms. Always cleanse after using a makeup remover, especially if you are using a traditional oil-in-water style remover.

      Cleansers 
      Cleansers are utility products. You have to have them no matter what, and since you use them up to twice a day, they should be at a price point that you feel comfortable spending every other month or so.
      Since cleansers are quickly rinsed off and don’t have long enough contact with the skin, they aren’t actually effective at addressing problems and are usually more expensive because of these additional ingredients. Cleansers should have little to no frills—they are simply meant to remove makeup and debris and hydrate.

      Source: @inspiredbylynne

      Face Masks
      Whether you prefer sheet masks, cream masks, or clay masks, there is one common thread between them all: they’re not that expensive to make, and they shouldn’t be expensive to purchase. You can walk into most health food stores and buy all the necessary components of a good face mask, so don’t bother spending an arm and a leg on a treatment mask you will use once or twice a week.

      SPF
      Sunscreen is the exception to the rule above for a few reasons. Firstly, inexpensive sunscreens have their formulas down pat, so you almost can get better formulations for less money. Also, you’ll be reapplying sunscreen a lot. This is a product you go through much more quickly than others, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun. Since daily sun protection is a non-negotiable step in every skincare routine, and for how much more of your skin you need to cover on your neck and chest as well as your face, stick to an affordable option that you can replace often.

      Where to spend

      Moisturizers + Oils
      It’s not a bad idea to spend money on moisturizers, but if you’re layering it over serums or treatments, then there really is no need to drop extortionate amounts of money on a moisturizer. As long as it is providing optimal hydration and protection, you’re good — that’s all a moisturizer is really intended to do. As your skin matures and you begin to incorporate more active ingredients such as acid-based treatments or retinol, then you’ll want to consider a moisturizer that includes peptides, which will cost a little extra.

      Serums
      In the same way that your moisturizer stays on your skin, your daily serum should be something that you really love because you’ll be applying it every day and it stays on your skin for hours. Ideally, you’ll want a serum that you can use day and night, so I prefer to focus on ingredients that work well with any acid exfoliation you might do as well as with SPF.

      Treatments
      A good treatment product is nowhere near few-and-far-between, as the market has been flooded with new options the last few years. However, a good treatment contains both high-quality acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic, salicylic, for starters) or retinol with hydrating ingredients that balance the skin. Acids and retinol are known to sensitize the skin and cause irritation, so it’s imperative that those are combined with ingredients that bring the hydration back. Some treatments get washed off, but others, like retinol, stay on for long periods of time, meaning you’ll want something that plays well with your other products.

      Eye Creams
      The skin around your eyes is so thin and delicate that you want an eye cream that is made with high-quality ingredients and nourishing properties. Whether you’re tackling dark circles, wrinkle prevention or treatment, or puffiness, your eye cream should be something that you’re excited to use every day. 

      How do you save money on your own skincare routine?  More

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      We Tested This Cult Favorite Sports Bra—Here Are Our Thoughts

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      The world is full of recommendations left and right. Whether you’re texting your friends about which restaurant to try for a first date, asking your mom what she thinks of your new hairstyle, or googling the reviews of a new foundation you have your eye on, someone’s first-hand account of something is typically only a few clicks away. But the best recommendations are those that come out of nowhere. When someone is so excited about something that they have to tell you right away, whether you asked for it or not. We really stand by that praise at The Everygirl. Heck, it’s how we’ve found some of our favorite products, from Spanx’s leather leggings to our favorite haircare product Maddie found on a beauty podcast. Today’s story comes from a recommendation from a good friend of ours (perhaps we’ll call her a BFF). After texting about trying some leggings from Aerie, she announced that her favorite sports bra in the world comes from there. I mean, we couldn’t not try them? 
      So, Maddie and I placed an order for Aerie’s Strappy Back sports bra (in different colors because we’re different gals—duh), and here’s how it went. Hint: we both kinda fell in love.

      Maddie

      Finding an amazing sports bra is a bit of an anomaly; I always hear people complaining about their sports bras, but very rarely hear someone compliment one. My biggest challenge with finding a sports bra that I love? Finding that Goldie Locks, juuuuuuuust right amount of support that holds me in but doesn’t leave me feeling like Mulan when Li Shang discovers she’s actually a girl and she’s sitting in the snow with her torso wrapped up to hide that she has boobs (just me?).
      I’m a 34D, which I like to think of borderline-large boobs. Are they objectively big? No, but they’re big enough that holding them in is a concern when I’m working out. My workout of choice is, unfortunately for me, running, which makes finding an amazing sports bra even more difficult because of the level of bouncing around that comes with it. I can honestly say that in my 24 years, I have exactly 0 sports bras that I love, so my loyalty could go to any one that impresses me.
      The second I took this bra out of its package, I knew I was going to like it based on how it felt alone. The material is, to me, a hybrid between cotton and the dry-fit, slippery material a lot of bras come in. It has some padding, which I personally prefer, but not too much by any means. Check and check.
      You know how it’s trendy and cute to wear a sports bra as a top with high-waisted leggings? I’ve never understood how people could do that until I tried this. This bra is right in between being a bra length and a crop-top length, and felt like I could get away with wearing it to a barre or yoga class. It held me in the perfect amount so that I didn’t feel too exposed nor constricted—it fit me, quite literally, perfectly. Plus, with all the criss-crossing straps in the back, it’s cute as all hell.
      After testing this out for workouts, since it’s a medium support bra, it isn’t the best in the world for running, but it’s perfect for barre or pilates or yoga or anything of the like. It’s so comfortable that I want to pick a few more up in different colors to make it my everyday, lounging bra too—something I can’t say for any other sports bra I have with any real amount of support. It hits a completely unique mark for me out of all of the sports bras I’ve ever had—and it’s less than half the price of the ones I own that I like half as much. The hype for this one is absolutely real, and I can’t imagine finding another sports bra I like this much anytime soon. 

      Beth

      Since we started working from home, I’ve been searching high and low for a comfortable bra that didn’t make me look frumpy but was comfortable to wear all day long, and it got bonus points if I could seamlessly transition it to working out during the day. I’d ordered a few here and there, and nothing knocked my socks off. I love Fabletics sports bras, but they have quite a bit of support, so I only really like them for working out. But a bralette is way too little support to work out in. You see my dilemma? 
      When I ordered this bra, I wasn’t really expecting it to be something I could work out in. It looked way too comfortable for that. “More of a bralette than a sports bra” is what I envisioned. But upon receiving it, I immediately changed my tune. Based on the material (which Maddie described loving too), it’s really flattering and sweat-wicking, making it a great workout bra. But it also is comfortable enough to wear just lounging at home. I’m typing up this review wearing the sports bra with a pair of sweatpants, and it’s honestly WFH bliss. But I have plans to work out as soon as I finish this, and I don’t plan to change either. That’s the golden ticket of bra comfort if you ask me.
      For reference, I wear a 38E bra and am currently between wearing an XL and XXL at American Eagle. I ordered the XXL in this, assuming larger was better than smaller, and I’m glad with my choice. The XL would have been much more compressive, and I love this for just hanging around the house even more so than working out (and even then, I’m not a runner or jumper in any way, so I rarely need anything with lots of coverage). 
      I ordered the white color because my current sports bra collection consists of entirely black bras (I like versatility, OK), and I love it so, so much. It’s so cute with every pair of leggings, sweatpants, pajamas, and any other random pair of pants I own. The white isn’t see-through at all, and cups inside the bra don’t cause any nipple outlines or anything of the sort. Basically, you can order this rest assured that you’ll be covered up whether you’re on a run outside, on a Zoom barre class, or just hanging around the apartment with your roommates.

      Other Aerie sports bras we have our eyes on: More

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      What to Do on Sunday to Look Your Best All Week Long

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      The Sunday Scaries is a phenomenon that plagues us all one way or another. Whether you’re stressed out about some big work project coming up in the next week, all the public speaking you’ll have to do on Zoom meetings, what you’ll wear on that date on Friday, or how you’ll actually muster up the motivation to meal prep, the one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is feeling confident and put-together all week. Maybe you’ll even work a bit smarter or more efficiently because you’re not fiddling with an ill-fitting garment or worrying about your chapped lips all day. 
      1. Find your inspiration
      Every Sunday, I sift through every style and beauty inspo board I’ve got to figure out what exactly I’m excited to wear that week. Some weeks I’m in the mood to dress to the nine’s every day, and others I’m living for athlesiure. Whatever your vibe is, figure it out before you even step foot in your closet or makeup collection to figure out what you’ll wear all week. Knowing what kind of pieces are striking your fancy makes it way easier to build outfits that are exciting to you rather than just pulling pieces together. 

      2. Line your outfits up in order in your closet 
      Once you’ve decided how you want to dress, you can actually focus on putting outfits together. I keep an “outfit ideas” list in my bullet journal to make this even easier for me, but go through your closet and pick out what you’ll feel comfortable in and excited to wear all week. This can be five trendy, fall outfits, or it can be five iterations of your favorite sweats and T-shirt combo; whatever you’re wearing, just get yourself excited to wear it. If your clothes are hanging, then this is an obvious one, but if you have them in drawers, you can set them up in a specific drawer for the week, lay them out on a dresser, or just put them on a different side of your closet. 

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      BIO-INDIVIDUALITY means that no body is the same. While science and medicine is constantly in search of the perfect diet or the perfect supplement, every body is different. We react to ingredients differently, require nutrients differently, and crave foods differently. While one diet, lifestyle, or food may work for your body, it wouldn’t work for someone else’s. This is why I preach being your own guinea pig to find out what’s best for YOU. . And just like there’s no diet that’s right for everybody, there’s no skincare that magically improves everyone’s complexion. I want to introduce this bio-individual approach to skincare as a call to gain intuition on what’s best for YOU. Formulating your skincare routine based on the needs and reactions of your skin and lifestyle is the secret to get that “I Woke Up Like This” glow. . PS—I found @atollaskinlab this past year… it’s that cute little bottle with MY NAME ON IT… and it’s the most revolutionary skincare company I’ve found that understands the principle of bio-individuality. You get your own personal serum based on your concerns, pH levels, etc., which like, how bougie and chic is that!? Use code: “JOSIE20” to get your first serum and skin analysis kit for $20 #ad #skincare #holistichealth #iinhealthcoach #beauty #beautyhacks
      A post shared by JOSIE SANTI | Health Coach (@josie.santi) on May 6, 2020 at 2:06pm PDT

      3. Sort through your beauty routine
      After watching about a million “Shop My Stash” videos on YouTube, I’ve created a similar process of my own. Since I do my makeup at my desk and my makeup is held elsewhere, I bring everything over for the week that I want to use and put it in one of my drawers. On Sundays, I go through my collection and see which products I want to continue using that week and which I can put back. Usually, this is about a few things: how much use I’m getting out of them (I have a fair amount of products and like to use them all!), how convenient they are, if the shades are right (we are entering “fading summer tan” territory right about now), and what matches my inspiration for the week. Then, I go pull new products to use, whether it’s new products I’m trying or old favorites I want to add back into my collection. This is also a great time to pull forward items based on the events of the week. For example, I knew I’d be busy this week, so I grabbed my handy tinted brow gel instead of worrying about my shaping wax (which is amazing but a little more time consuming). 

      4. Do an at-home peel or resurfacing mask
      Now that you’re ready for the week, it’s time to pamper yourself. After you double-cleanse, go in with an at-home peel or resurfacing product to give your skin a deep cleanse and exfoliation. There are products like this for every skin type, even if you have really sensitive skin. Make sure you choose a product that contains hydrating ingredients that will balance your skin as it exfoliates, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe, and other naturally-derived oils. You can also search for products that are made for more sensitive skin types, such as those containing mandelic or salicylic acid, as those are milder. I’ve created a whole Sunday ritual that I follow that includes a special skincare routine focusing on this type of product! 
      It’s imperative to read and follow the directions—many of these masks are meant to be left on anywhere from three minutes to 10 minutes. Don’t leave it on for too long to avoid irritation! 

      Renee Rouleau
      Triple Berry Smoothing Peel

      This is my current favorite at-home peel. It feels like you’ve gotten a facial in under 10 minutes!

      5. Focus on hydration
      If you’ve ever had a facial, you’ll know a short portion is usually dedicated to masks and peels, but once that’s over, it’s all about moisturizing your skin. Think of this in the same way. You’ve done your peel; now, you want to hydrate and soften the skin.

      6. Don’t try new products
      Although it’s exciting to get really into your skincare routine on a Sunday, avoid using any products that you’ve never tried before or don’t know if they’ll negatively impact your skin. The worst feeling is waking up on a Monday morning to a breakout or allergic reaction from a new product you were so excited to try. Stick with the basics here until you know what works for you. Pro tip: I always try new products on a certain night every week (for me, it’s Monday) because I know that if I wake up the next day with a breakout, I don’t have anywhere to be! 

      7. Do a deep teeth clean
      When was the last time you really got in there with your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash? Your little two-minute hourglass timer for brushing your teeth from elementary school is calling your name. Grab your electric toothbrush and toothpaste of choice and do a full two-minute clean. Then, use your gloss, making sure to even get your molars and any plaque sitting on the top of your teeth. Swish around some mouthwash, add in some tongue-scraping, and your teeth will be looking shiny and brand new. 

      8. Do a facial massage
      I recently embarked on a journey to do facial massage every day for a month, and while I did fail and lose at around day #18, it made me appreciate it in a whole new way. Facial massage is definitely a self-care moment full of relaxation, but I’ve also noticed that my skin looks better. I wake up feeling refreshed and glowy from whatever oil I used, and it feels like my products penetrate better. I almost always follow a video, like this one from the LOML Lisa Eldridge and this playlist from another YouTuber I love who swears by facial massage. You can use your hands, a jade roller, a gua sha, or my favorite: ice rollers. 

      9. Try an at-home blowout
      The best mornings are when my hair is already done. When all that’s required of me is a simple touch-up, my morning is filled with bliss. So, be the person you want to thank in the morning by doing your hair before bed. I often find a blowout can look even better after you’ve slept on it because it has a little extra hold and grit. Our editors are obsessed with this Revlon styling tool that makes achieving a blowout at-home a total breeze. With a few products, you’ll feel like you just hit the salon. The key is to add dry shampoo before bed so it soaks up any oils throughout the night, leaving you with even less to worry about in the morning. I also use a boar bristle brush before bed, which according to celebrity hairstylist Irinel de León will absorb the oils from your scalp and brush through to the ends, keeping your roots clean and your ends moisturized. More

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      8 Fall Pieces I’ve Been Wearing for Years and Will Never Stop

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      To be totally cliché, October means my pantry is stocked with pumpkin products from Trader Joe’s, Hocus Pocus is officially on repeat, and it’s still averaging 90 degrees in southern California. I love LA, but it’s a real bummer heading to Starbucks and not even wanting a PSL because it’s too hot for anything but a cold brew. Alas, the fashion show must go on: no matter the temperature outside, there are a few key pieces I have worn on repeat every year, whether freezing in Chicago or overheating in Los Angeles. Here are eight fall pieces so good, I’ve been wearing them for years (sorry in advance for the mirror smudges that won’t leave me alone no matter how often I clean this thing). 
      1. Shearing Moto Jacket

      I’ve had this same jacket for almost five years now, and it is not only the coziest item I own, but it is also probably the edgiest (I don’t do “edge” very often). Whenever I wear it, I immediately feel a lot cooler in style and a lot warmer in temperature (see what I did there?). It’s cozy inside but effortlessly chic on the outside, making it the perfect fall jacket I’ll never stop wearing. 

      2. Cream-Colored Blazer

      Yes, I still have the black blazer I got from Forever 21 before my first big-girl internship, but this cream-colored satiny blazer just feels so much more on-trend. I love pairing it with all-black so it really stands out and updates the look. A lighter-colored blazer will seem like the less obvious choice, but alas, it’s so easy to pair with everything that you’ll be tempted to wear it every single day. 

      3. Trench Coat

      OK, this trench coat might be the item I’ve had the longest and, dare I say, the best purchase I’ve ever made. I first bought it nine years ago (wait, what??) and have worn it almost every season since. However, my favorite season to wear it in is fall. I’m not even sure what scene or movie I’m referencing, but when I put it on, I immediately picture myself as Audrey Hepburn on a crisp autumn day, only with less poise and comfier shoes. Wear with basically any fall outfit because it goes with everything (trust). 

      4. Western Bootie

      I love a good bootie (who doesn’t come September?). I love a good bootie so much that I am usually persuaded to purchase a couple of new pairs every year (though my overflowing shoe closet will try to tell me how much I don’t need them). However, year after year, I subconsciously go back to this western-style bootie. I think it’s a combination of the interesting accents that make it stand out from the average black shoe, or how the western style perfectly contrasts with the preppy blazers and sweaters I live in during the season. Either way, my western-style booties aren’t going anywhere (if you couldn’t tell by the tarnished toe).

      5. Animal-Print Sweater

      Back in my cold Chicago days, this sweater was on work OOTD rotation every week. When it’s chilly and cold outside, all I want to wear is the top that feels most like wearing a blanket without going full Snuggie territory. No one (hopefully) noticed that I chose comfort over style because the eye-catching print looks like it was a conscious fashion decision and not the warmest piece I could get my hands on. I don’t care what anyone says: animal print will always be in-style–especially in cozy knit. 

      6. Plaid Blazer

      As I write this article, I’m learning that all of my work milestones are marked by blazers (is this how Carrie Bradshaw feels?). My mom gifted me this blazer before an internship I had while studying abroad in Paris (if a tailored blazer doesn’t help you overcome imposter syndrome, I don’t know what would). These days, it’s put to use for a more fashionable purpose than impressing my old boss. I love it with light wash jeans for a style contrast that’s perfect for the season. 

      7. Statement Sweaters

      One of my favorite life hacks during fall (maybe this is obvious to everyone, but I’m still going to call it a life hack): the statement sweater. You’ll stay cozy and warm with minimal effort, all while looking picture-perfect for Instagram. Cozy knits with interesting details and elaborate accents are a must-have in any girl’s closet, if for no other reason than tricking people into thinking you put some effort into getting dressed. I have a particular thing for ruffles and statement shoulders, but you can also look for bright colors, bold prints, or pretty tailoring.

      8. Statement Shoe

      Full disclosure: this is only the second fall that I’ve owned these boots, but they deserve an honorable mention, and I’ll tell you why. Like the statement sweater (above), I have had a statement pair of boots every season since I knew what boots were (like, back in the Limited Too days). A couple of years ago, it was OTK boots; the year before that, it was studded boots (I used to be so much edgier); and years before that, they were probably from the Lizzie McGuire x Target line and had sequins. The point is that a statement boot will be your go-to all season long. You can completely transform jeans and a sweater, or keep your summer skirts in rotation while the boots keep legs warm. Win, win, win!

       

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      in beauty and fashion

      I’ve Tried a Lot of Beauty Products This Year, but I Won’t Stop Talking About These

      by

      Instead of your usual intro about how I love beauty products and have tried a lot of products this year (I’d probably tell you it’s part of my job!), I’m just going to cut right to the chase: I love these eight products with my heart and soul, and spending the time to tell you about them was like soup for the soul. After the year we’ve had, we all deserve a little time to sit here and chat about beauty products for a moment. Grab your beverage of choice (I’m drinking hot mint tea right now with a face mask on because sometimes WFH has its perks), maybe a snack, and your wallet—because I’m about to talk you into a few things and I’m not even sorry.

      The Glow Maker: Antioxidant Serum

      This had to be the first product on this list. I’ve written blurb after blurb about this product, and you can read my full review here. This is the first skincare product I’ve actually repurchased more than once, and I’m not even remotely close to being sick of it yet. I love that it works both instantly and over time because I don’t feel guilty when I skip a few days, but I also have noticed that my skin looks better with continued use. I *truly* will not stop telling people about this until they stop making it (Maelove, please never, ever do that). I’ve raved about it so much that even our editor Maddie’s boyfriend bought it—and after a date recently told me I had nice skin (flattery will get you everywhere), I convinced him to try it too. If I can convince a man who uses four-in-one shampoo as a face wash to buy a vitamin C serum, then you know it must be good (or that my powers of persuasion are just extremely high).

      Jeju Volcanic Blackhead Out Balm

      I texted our Graphic Designer Kelly the second I bought this because I was so excited to hopefully try something that would banish my blackheads for good. I used it once and saw a minimal difference, but now that I’ve used it a few more times, it is a godsend. I use it for skin gritting, and it works better than any other oil I’ve ever used. I’ve been using it a few times a week since I got it, and my nose has never looked clearer. If you suffer from blackheads or clogged pores, you’ll want a product like this in your skincare routine. And at less than $10 a pop, you might as well buy one for your BFF too.

      Elysium Naturals Co.
      Whipped Shea Body Butter

      The need for a good moisturizing body product is growing as the days get chillier and chillier, and last summer, I found the best one. This body butter saved me from shaving irritations and flaking sun-exposed skin, and now, it’s at the top of my list to tackle everything that comes with dry, winter skin. I use it on my elbows, knees, and ankles every night before bed, and my skin has never been softer. Plus, the lavender vanilla scent is glorious at bedtime. For the daytime, my favorite scent has been orangesicle—it smells so dreamy, and when I catch a whiff of it while I’m working, it immediately makes me happier. They’re releasing holiday scents soon, and I’ve already saved the money to buy this for everyone I know for Christmas.

      Maybelline
      Falsies Lash Lift Mascara

      I’ve been known to rave about mascaras on occasion. It’s the easiest makeup product that arguably makes the biggest impact—how can I not shout out the best ones?! After testing a lot of high-end formulas, I’m on a journey to find the best options at the drugstore, and I started with this one after I saw it on Allure’s 2020 Best of Beauty list. It immediately made its way into my rotation, topping some of the expensive mascaras I’ve loved for years. It gives so much impact and volume while adding a little length too. It’s the perfect dramatic mascara to wear during the day. I’ve already told all of my friends to buy it on their next Target run, and now I’m telling you!

      Tinted Face Oil Foundation

      This was basically the only foundation I used all summer, and I’m still using it for practically every Zoom call and casual trip to the grocery store. It’s extra glowy, so I always make sure to powder afterward, leaving me with a glowy look that doesn’t get shiny or oily. I apply it on my face straight from the tube, and use either a brush (when I want extra coverage and less glow) or a beauty sponge (less coverage, much glowier). It is so easy to put on when I just need a little something on my face and makes me look alive on Zoom. I would recommend this to anyone looking for an everyday foundation. But heck, I’d be convinced to wear this on my wedding day honestly.

      START HAPPY
      Organic Body Wash

      I’m still working through swapping my daily beauty products for Black-owned alternatives, and body wash felt like the easiest one. I saw this earlier this summer and thought seeing this gorgeous label every morning will make me excited to shower. Little did I know I would fall in love with the product inside too. I had a friend come over recently who saw this in my shower and said it looked “cool” (men are weird), and I went on a 10-minute tangent about how much I love it. This scent is amazing to use for my morning showers, and the peppermint actually cools down my skin, which I love after a sweaty workout. My skin feels clean and soft, and I’m noticing less KP on my arms too which makes this product an ultimate winner.

      Skin Glazing

      As we enter the time of the year that looking glowy isn’t just a given (oh how I miss my summer dew!), I’ve had a lot of my friends ask me for highlighter recommendations. This one from Nabla has been my go-to, especially because they have shades for every skin tone. It’s not filled with shimmers or glitters, so instead of adding a very prominent powder-y finish on the skin, it looks like your skin is naturally glowing. It’s a really fine-milled powder, so it looks better the more you blend it in. It’s the perfect glass skin powder highlight that looks both natural and impactful.

      PATRICK TA
      Major Brow Shaping Wax

      I’ve been embracing my natural brow shape the last few months in an attempt to head to my salon as little as possible (and save money… and achieve the Bella Hadid brow… and because I’m lazy). With that has come unruly brows that absolutely look nothing like a Hadid sister and more like a caveman. I snagged this a few months ago now, and it is, without a doubt, the best brow product I’ve ever tried. It takes a little extra time than your typical gel in the morning, but when you have the time, it’s worth it for that laminated brow look.

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