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      The Everygirl’s 2020 Budget-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide

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      The magic of the holiday season has been known to transcend time and space. Feeling off in May? Watch a Christmas movie. To us, The Holiday is a classic all year round. Having a bad day? Listen to Michael Buble’s Christmas album on repeat. You can feel the joy and spirit of the holidays regardless of whether there’s snow on the ground or what your tree looks like. It’s a feeling rather than a time or season. If there was anything we needed to close out 2020, it’s the proof that even after an absolute dumpster fire of a year, the holidays are still as joyful and full as ever, and finding your loved ones the perfect gift to show that you’re caring and thinking about them right now is at the top of our to-do lists. This isn’t to say holiday shopping is going to be any easier this year. We all have indecisive dads (seriously, what the heck do you want, Dad?), picky BFFs, new mom friends, and those dreaded people who seem to already have everything. Plus, with potential shipping delays, less in-store shopping, and an amazing push to support many small and Black-owned businesses this year, the holiday shopping experience might take a little more thought than picking up a few go-to gift cards. So of course, we took extra care when creating our annual budget-friendly holiday gift guide to include only the best-of-the-best. We found the perfect gifts for every single person on your list (perhaps including yourself!) so you can rest easy and enjoy the holiday season with one less 2020 worry on your plate. Most of this list is under $100, and for every splurge, we found an inexpensive alternative or similar item. Pop on some holiday tunes, grab your favorite throw blanket, and switch on your twinkly lights—we’re holiday shopping!

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      Gifts for HOLIDAY CHEER

      1. A Legendary Christmas on vinyl, John Legend2. printed tea towel, Rifle Paper Co.3. plaid button-down PJ top & plaid joggers, Abercrombie 4. french tart baking kit, Cooking Gift Set Co.*5. plaid monogram mug, Pottery Barn6. longwear lip color, Fenty7. faux garland, Hearth & Hand8. merry and bright candle, Tokki9. festive throw pillow, Target10. wreath, Target11. custom pet ornament, Ape Town Animals via Etsy12. marble stocking hangers, Bed Bath & Beyond13. plaid scarf, Mark & Graham14. holiday variety 4-pack chocolate bars, Lily’s Sweets15. custom tree topper, The Letter Loft UK via Etsy

      *Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15

      Gifts for the MINIMALIST

      1. serum set, DIME Beauty*2. edge wine glass, Crate & Barrel3. skin-softening body glow oil, Sol de Janeiro4. cut glass ring dish, Waterford | crystal ring holder, Vera Wang by Wedgwood (budget)5. mini rattan lamp, Simply SUEL via Etsy6. tortoise comb, Violet Grey7. hand pomade, Le Labo8. custom initial necklace, Grace Personalized via Etsy9. washable silk set, Lunya | satin pajamas, Nordstrom (budget) 10. jazz club travel spray, Replica11. maple coaster set, Louise Gray12. calming candle, Follain*13. ruffled marble bowl, Terrain14. Made for Living, Amber Lewis15. handmade porcelain mug, Franca16. the always pan, Our Place 

      *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20
      *Save 10% at Follain with the code EVERYGIRL

      Gifts for the HOMEBODY

      1. shower wine holder, SipCaddy2. meal delivery gift card, Blue Apron3. What Kind of Woman, Kate Baer4. cozy zip-up, Talbots5. candle accessory kit, Amazon6. honey hair mask, Gisou7. bed desk tray, Target8. pink disco candle, Carlyle Avenue*9. metallic nail polish, Cirque10. pom throw blanket, Pottery Barn11. cbd bath bombs, Equilibria*12. popcorn seasoning kit, Williams Sonoma13. gift card, The Everygirl Online Courses14. glass water bottle, Porter15. popcorn maker, Dash

      *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

      Gifts for the TRAVELER

      1. The Essential Travel Set, Dermstore2. to-go hand sanitizer, Touchland3. wireless battery case, Apple | portable charging bank, Amazon (budget) 4. leopard mask, VIDA5. weekender bag, Cuyana | renew weekender, Everlane (budget) 6. headphone splitter,  Airfly7. collapsible mug, Stojo8. hard shell travel case, Calpak9. mini dry shampoo set, Living Proof 10. bluetooth remote shutter for phone, Amazon11. de-puff under eye patches, Peace Out12. jetset case, Truffle13. neck pillow & eye mask set, Calpak14. bucket list travel experience, Tinggly15. extra-long cord, Amazon16. sonic toothbrush, BURST Oral Care17. packing cube set, Beis

      Gifts for the WELLNESS GURU

      1. silk pillowcase, Moonlit Skincare2. adaptogenic elixirs, Wylde One3. running jacket, Sweaty Betty4. bum bum body scrub, Sol de Janeiro5. cbd roller ball duo, Equilibria* 6. mini air fryer, Dash7. omega-3 capsules, HUM Nutrition8. classic tumbler, Simple Modern9. mini backpack, Nike10. seamless workout set, Roam Loud11. oversized gua sha for muscles, Amazon12. the sex gel, Nécessaire13. personal vibe, Smile Makers14. level up kit, Obé Fitness*15. Cooking Solo, Klancy Miller

      *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl
      *Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50

      Gifts for the BEAUTY EXPERT

      1. brow shaping wax & dual ended brow brush, Patrick Ta2. sheet mask boxed set, Lapcos3. best of lip & cheek set, Rare Beauty4. rapid dry hair turban, Aquis5. pink drink firming essence, Sunday Riley via Dermstore6. mini facial toning device, NuFace | microcurrent toning device, Lookfantastic (budget)7. ionic facial steamer, Aira8. glow serum, Maelove9. LED mirror with phone attachment, Nordstrom | LED makeup mirror, Target (budget)10. custom skincare system, PROVEN Skincare11. cleansing oil, One Love Organics via Follain 12. lipstick trio, Charlotte Tilbury 13. Glow, Joanna Vargas14. manuka honey body balm, Advanced Clinicals 15. masters palette, Makeup by Mario 16. holiday hair fix set, Olaplex via Dermstore

      Gifts for the CLASSIC FEMME

      1. embroidered cocktail napkins, Biscuit Home2. face shaping brush, Fenty3. champagne coupe set, Estelle4. matte black sunglasses, Quay Australia 5. tortoiseshell case, Sonix6. classic camel sweater, Talbots7. french pin set, Kristin Ess8. terracotta platter, Monika Hibbs Home9. velvet hair bow, J.Crew10. scented candle, Jo Malone London11. wool beret, Halogen12. mini box bag, H&M13. champagne ornament, Carlyle Avenue* 14. sneakers, Superga15. HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style by Elizabeth Holmes, Celadon Books16. leather vanity case, Neely & Chloe17. lip polish, French Girl Organics via Follain*18. fringed scarf, & Other Stories19. name necklace, mint & lily20. seagrass-wrapped pitcher, Serena & Lily

      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20
      *Save 10% at Follain with the code EVERYGIRL

      Gifts for the TRENDSETTER

      1. stoneware incense holder, Bloomist2. frameable puzzle, Jiggy3. claw clip set, Rise Boutique Supplies via Etsy4. giant scrunchie trio, Shayne5. scented candle, Otherland6. matchbook, Carlyle Avenue*7. initial keychain, Cherrybomb by Amanda via Etsy8. mask with chain, Second Wind9. color pop coat, Talbots10. instant glow kit, Cosmedica Skincare11. roller skates, Impala12. sleep capsules, Rae Wellness13. highlighter intensifier, Rituel de Fille14. lounge set, Amazon15. sunglasses, Privé Revaux Eyewear16. slingback slipper, UGG | faux fur slippers, Amazon (budget)17. milky lip jelly, Tower 2818. camera phone case, Amazon 19. Women Design by Libby Sellers, Quarto Publishing20. birth flower ring, Bijoun Boutique via Etsy

      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

      Gifts for MOM FRIENDS

      1. acrylic dry erase calendar, Circle and Square Decor via Etsy2. cozy socks, Barefoot Dreams3. name ring, Grace Personalized via Etsy4. matching hat set, Bitty Brah5. illuminating rose gold serum, Cosmedica Skincare6. gift card, Drybar7. body wash, Nécessaire8. “tired” mug, Little Oak Marketplace via Etsy9. tote insert, Beis10. custom disc bracelet, Baublebar11. pure & glowing set, Tatcha12. collagen & rosewater facial spray, Advanced Clinicals 13. custom embroidered sweater, Cygnet Living14. 10 oz wine tumbler, Yeti15. super eye duo, DIME Beauty*16. goodnight moon baby gift box, Baby Boxy17. La Marca Prosecco, Target18. silk eye mask, Moonlit Skincare

      *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20

      Gifts for the FUTURE CEO

      1. monogrammed leather laptops sleeve, Mark & Graham | personalized leather laptop sleeve, Etsy (budget) 2. monogrammed leather mouse pad, Extra Studio via Etsy3. silk face mask, Moonlit Skincare4. neck massager, Amazon5. blue light glasses, WearMe Pro6. “we’re in this together” sweater, ellsworth + ivey7. Vanity Fair’s Women on Women, Radhika Jones & David Friend8. leather wireless charging tray, Courant | wireless charger, Verishop (budget) 9. the holiday cookie tin, Milk Bar10. ice roller for face & eyes, Amazon11. The Essential Photoshop Course, The Everygirl Online Courses12. sheet mask, The Aftermask13. “is it Friday yet?” mug, Talking Out Of Turn14. monogrammed phone case, The Daily Edited | monogram phone case, Casetify (budget) 15. acrylic monitor stand, Amazon

      Gifts for the DECOR-OBSESSED

      1. gold monogram mug, Williams Sonoma2. woven baskets, World Market3. pressed floral coaster set, Mica Theory via Etsy4. swiss dot toss pillow, Linen & Ivory via Etsy5. holiday noir candle, Brooklyn Candle Studio6. candlesticks, Threshold7. no-rinse hand cleanser, Carlyle Avenue* 8. taper candles, Brooke & Lou9. wall mirror, Threshold10. gold bar spoon & muddler, Crate & Barrel11. stripe throw, Lulu and Georgia12. faux floral arrangement, Perigold | faux hydrangea arrangement, Wayfair (budget)13. marble frames, Crate & Barrel 14. bust statue, CB2 | diana bust, Wayfair (budget)15. blush pillar candle, Crate & Barrel 16. custom doormat, Black Butterfly Signs via Etsy17. concrete tray, Emily’s Redesign via Etsy18. The New Southern Style, Alyssa Rosenheck | signed copy from a small business

      *Save 20% at Carlyle Avenue with the code EVERYGIRL20

      Gifts for the PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING

      1. protective keychain, Gemelli 2. self-cleaning water bottle, LARQ3. subscription, Book of the Month4. mini wireless photo printer, Canon5. desktop ring light, Brilliant Ideas6. poppy manicure tool, Olive & June7. custom illustrated portrait, The Babe Shop8. treat-tossing pet camera, Furbo | petcube camera, Amazon (budget)9. cozy throw blanket, Barefoot Dreams | snug as a bug blanket, Apricot Lane (budget)10. RHONY coloring book, Shop Hello Harlot via Etsy11. UV hand sanitizer, MediPop12. bluetooth karaoke mic, Amazon13. laptop camera cover, Lee London14. digital subscription, Obé Fitness*15. “Luke’s” mug, BethLynn Designs via Etsy

      *Save 50% on your first month of Obé Fitness with the code TEG50

      Gifts for the GUYS

      1. Hot Ones hot sauce pack, The Heatonist2. portable ping pong set, Pro Spin3. scuff slipper, UGG | lonny slipper, DFW (budget)4. workout shorts, Legends5. utility bucket & gear belt, Yeti6. stainless steel water bottle, Tree Tribe7. handmade bar soap, Dr. Squatch 8. 2-in-1 eye moisturizer, Advanced Clinicals9. kick-stand phone case, Amazon10. customizable belt gift box, Anson Belt & Buckle11. bitter sampler kit, Honest John12. waterproof sneakers, Allbirds13. wooden sunglasses, HAVERN Watches14. insulated adventure poncho, ThermaRest15. leaf leather wallet, Tree Tribe16. spikeball set, Target17. Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, Emmanuel Acho

      Gifts for COZY CHIC

      1. bibliothèque room spray, Byredo | home spray, The Laundress (budget)2. cozy knit robe, SKIMS3. Moira Rose mug, All Jolly Gifts via Etsy4. teddy pillow, Pottery Barn5. the popper popcorn bowl, CB26. refillable marble candle, Gilded Body7. coconut bath soak, Herbivore8. ultra soft throw, UGG9. fuzzy slippers, The White Company10. cocktail kit, Terrain11. Venus de Milo bottle opener, Doiy12. lip balm, Summer Fridays13. fluffy socks, UGG14. cozy knit pant, SKIMS15. knit scarf, aerie16. weighted blanket, Amazon17. hot cocoa kit, Food5218. sherpa zip-up, Abercrombie 

      Gifts for our MOMS

      1. hardcover photo book, Artifact Uprising2. bronze & glow set, Charlotte Tilbury 3. beauty butter, 54 Thrones4. Le Labo rose signature detergent, The Laundress5. monogram cards, Augusta Joy Stationery via Etsy6. v-neck sweater, Amazon7. personalized recipe platter, Our Platter via Etsy8. restorative night cream, DIME Beauty*9. artisanal olive oil, Brightland10. bath oil collection, Aromatherapy Associates 11. bracelet Apple Watch strap, Rebecca Minkoff 12. initial necklace, Monday Monarch via Etsy13. flower press kit, Jayson Home14. New World Sourdough by Bryan Ford, Quarto Publishing15. comfort of calm gift set, Equilibria*16. velvet loafer, Birdies17. décolletage mask, The Light Salon

      *Save 20% at DIME Beauty with the code everygirl20
      *New users save 20% at Equilibria with the code theeverygirl

      Gifts for our DADS

      1. The National Baseball Hall of Fame Collection by James Buckley, Quarto Publishing2. under-the-desk bike, Amazon | compact strider, Amazon (budget)3. espresso machine, Nespresso | k-cafe coffee maker, Keurig (budget)4. ancestry kit, 23andMe5. personalized whiskey decanter, Swanky Badger via Etsy6. wood record frame, CB27. open ear headphones, Amazon8. quarter zip pullover, Patagonia | quarter zip fleece, Patagonia (budget)9. deep tissue muscle treatment, TheraGun | massage gun, Amazon (budget)10. protective face mask, VIDA11. bi-monthly steak box, Omaha Steaks12. TV soundbar, Bose13. spun slipper, Deer Stags14. zoom binocular, Nikon | binoculars, Gosky (budget)15. putting green, Amazon16. wifi smart plug set, Amazon17. wood smoked barbecue set, Cooking Gift Set Co.*

      *Save 15% on all kits at Cooking Gift Set Co. with the code everygirlcooks15 More

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      25 Gifts to Ask For to Kickstart Your New Year’s Resolutions

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      Just because the holiday season isn’t exactly normal this year doesn’t mean you can throw out every goal and idea you have for 2021. Actually, I predict 2021 will be a huge year for setting new goals and resolutions—I mean if we’ll be inside, what else is there to do but crush your goals? As the holidays roll around, your parents, in-laws, significant others, and friends might be bugging you about what gifts you’re hoping to find under the tree this year. And somehow the age-old proverb exists: when someone asks what you want, every single thing you’ve even seen or heard of flies out of your head like magic. Instead of worrying about how you’ll reach all of those health and fitness goals the second the clock strikes midnight on January 1, make it a point to ask for those essential items 2021 you will need early. When it comes to fitness and health, there’s one brand that immediately comes to mind, and you’re probably picturing that iconic swoosh in your head right now too: Nike. They have everything you need for the best workouts, online yoga classes, and lounging days—and they’re perfect to add to your holiday wishlist. Most items are available up to a size 2XL (equaling a 20-22), but they also have a wide range of plus-size options available to choose from. They have tons of items available this year, so we did the hard work for you to find the best pieces. No matter what your resolutions are this year, we’ve rounded up the best items to add to your list for Santa. 

      Make outdoor winter workouts a breeze: 

      Run that 5K in no time: 

      Make self-care an everyday event:

      This post was sponsored by Nike, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      How to Look Your Best This Holiday Season

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      Of all the seasons of the year, the holidays tend to come with a certain pressure to be our best selves. It’s borderline impossible to get into hair stylists after October because so many people want fresh holiday hair, everyone is doing their most effective face masks, and events and parties are filled with our best makeup and outfits. But Rome wasn’t built in a day, and looking and feeling our very best doesn’t necessarily happen overnight (unless you’ve found some miracle face mask you want to share with the group). With a little premeditated preparation, you can stroll into your Thanksgiving (which this year, might be you alone in your apartment—don’t let that stop you!) feeling your absolute best. Here’s how:

      1. Remember to drink a lot of water
      I’m usually really good about drinking a lot of water, but when I’m busy with holiday craziness, that all can go out the door without me even realizing it. The season is about enjoying yourself and celebrating, and you should never feel guilty about, that, but making sure you’re staying hydrated can help you recover from some of the not-so-healthy things you’re bound to be enjoying.

       

      Source: @sara.azani

      2. Get your skin looking its best
      Skincare takes a while to make a difference, so giving yourself a few weeks to up your game is vital if you want to show up to the holidays glowing to the gods. Making sure your skin is hydrated and exfoliated (but not too exfoliated) can make all the difference. If you’re dealing with any acne or congestion, prepping in advance is key. Use your clay masks a few days ahead of any big events (never the night before, as they tend to bring any gunk to the surface), and keep up with your pore strips for clearer, brighter skin.

      3. Treat yourself to a statement-making lipstick
      Nothing screams the holidays like a bold lip, and if you don’t have one that you grab every time the holidays roll around, now’s the time. Pick a deep nude, berry, or red that compliments your skintone and rock it all season long. You’ll be surprised at how special it can make you feel, and how much the right shade can brighten up your complexion.

      Source: @livvyland

      4. Try loungewear in festive colors
      We’re all probably rolling up to the holidays in clothes that are more comfortable than usual, but there’s no reason they can’t be festive too. Let your grey sweats take up space on your back shelf for the season and indulge in some festive loungewear in colors that will make you feel like they’re made for the holidays (bonus points if it’s a matching set).

      5. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep
      The holidays come with a lot of commotion, which usually includes a lot less sleep. It isn’t always easy, but making sleep a priority can change how you feel for the entirety of the season. Whether that means sleeping in a little later or trying to get to bed a bit earlier, try to add five minutes of sleep to your night every night for a couple of weeks, and before you know it, you’ll be getting an hour more than you’re used to. It’s impossible to feel your best when you’re super sleepy, so if you prioritize anything, this should be it.

      6. Find a seasonal perfume that you love
      There’s nothing like finding a perfume that you absolutely love, and switching it up and finding one that’s winter-appropriate can boost your confidence every single day. Look for warm scents like vanilla, clove, and cedar for a sexy scent perfect for chilly nights spent by the fire.

      Source: @crystalinmarie

      7. Try festive hair accessories
      While the easiest way to look festive is definitely a red sweater, #2 is probably a festive hair accessory, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a pearl headband, a velvet scrunchie, a hair bow, gold hair clips, or sparkly bobby pins, it’s a chic, Zoom-approved way to feel put-together when all you’re really wearing is a pair of leggings for the sixth day in a row. 

      8. Go for metallics
      One of the most complimented eye looks our editors wear is a swipe of a shimmery, metallic gold or silver across the lid. It’s beyond easy—truly, it’s one swipe of eyeshadow with a flat brush, but you can even use your finger—but looks glimmery and festive without the effort of a smokey eye. Swipe the shade all over the upper lid and the inner corner of the eyes, leaving the lower lash line blank for a striking look. Don’t forget to go in with lots of mascara! 

      9. Try a new manicure
      I know what you’re thinking. How could you ever dare to give up your beloved holiday red? Trust us: OPI’s “Big Apple Red” will be there when you need it, but for now, try something with a little more spunk. Because you’re likely doing your nails at home, it’s a good time to try another festive shade, like emerald green, chocolate brown (think: hot cocoa!), shimmery neutrals, and more. You could also try nail stickers to make your at-home manicure look extra cool.  More

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      7 Outfits to Copy for Thanksgiving—No Matter What You’re Doing

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      Of all of the holidays of the entire year, the one that gets treated the most like a fashion show is, without a shadow of a doubt, Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s all the rich, warm colors that come with autumn or maybe it’s just the chance to show your cousin who the top dog of the family is, but a Thanksgiving outfit comes with a lot of pressure to perform.Yes, we know Thanksgiving looks a little bit different this year than others. You might be seeing less people than usual, or you might be choosing to stay home altogether—but dare I say, the show must go on. I know that for myself, my immediate family consisting of a total of four of us will be seeing me dress to the nines while they make fun of me from the comfort of their pajamas—to each their own.

      To help alleviate the decision making you have to do (stick to choosing which pie you want to eat instead!), we’ve styled seven outfits perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner. Bonus: most of them don’t require real pants!

      1.

      pants / button-up / necklace / sneakers

      2.

      dress / tights / boots / hoops

      3.

      knit dress / shacket / booties / sunglasses

      4.

      sweater / pants / boots / coat

      5.

      skirt / sweater / boots / necklace

      6.

      joggers / sweater / slippers / mug

      7.

      sweater vest / blouse/ jeans / booties More

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      How to Recreate Every One of Rachel Green’s Thanksgiving Outfits

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      In this world, there are two universal truths: one is that Jennifer Anniston simply doesn’t age, and the other is that some way, somehow, Rachel Green’s Friends outfits remain in style as time goes on.Rachel Green’s outfits (and hair, obviously) defined the ’90s, and her cool-girl, effortless looks all offer something to aspire to even in 2020. Sure, Monica and Phoebe had looks that will stick in our minds until the end of time, but Rachel just got it. She seldom wore something that we wouldn’t happily wear today, and considering it’s 25 years later, that’s saying something.
      Every year, one of the most difficult dressing conundrums is, of course, choosing at Thanksgiving look, and who better to turn to for inspiration than Rachel Green herself? We’ve replicated every Thanksgiving outfit Rachel ever wore, from her iconic football look to what she cooked her infamous trifle in. (Never mind that we might not be leaving our homes for it this year, we say the show must go on!). 

      1. Season 1, Episode 9

      Rachel’s first Thanksgiving outfit was, in my humble opinion, one of her best. The simplicity of this sweater with some black pants screams “I don’t need to try too hard to be the best-dressed cousin.”

      sweater / mom jeans / black booties / watch

      2. Season 3, Episode 9

      When I think of a Friends Thanksgiving episode, my mind goes straight to this one—and we have a feeling that quarantine Rachel would be wearing something similar to this this year.

      shirt / long-sleeve shirt / joggers / shoes / hat

      3. Season 4, Episode 8

      Yes, Ross was the worst in this episode, but Rachel’s chic layered look was (almost) distracting enough to steal the whole episode.

      turtleneck / shirt / skirt / boots

      4. Season 5, Episode 8

      Leave it to Rachel Green to be wearing one of 2020’s top fall trends: fringe. This subtle touch of it on the lower-half of her sleeves is more Thanksgiving dinner, less boho, and we couldn’t love it more.

      sweater / jeans / black boots / necklace

      5. Season 6, Episode 9

      Rachel didn’t know a thing about how to bake a trifle, but she did know about picking the perfect color sweater for Thanksgiving dinner. Paired with a red lip? To die for.

      sweater / skirt / black booties

      6. Season 7, Episode 8

      In all of Friends, this is one of my top three favorite looks worn by any character. This is all-black done right with a mix of textures to make it interesting. A long black leather skirt and knee-high leather boots? It doesn’t get better than that.

      leather skirt / sweater / boots

      7. Season 8, Episode 9

      The star of this episode was Brad Pitt, but the runner up was this whimsical lace top that was as festive as they come. 

      top / top (affordable option) / jeans / layered necklace / boots

      8. Season 9, Episode 8

      A wine-colored sweater is the quintessential go-to of Thanksgiving wear, but we think Rachel would swap these pants for 2020’s faux-leather trend (in a similar color, of course). The result? The fall-toned color palette of our dreams.

      sweater / pants / earrings / booties

      9. Season 10, Episode 8

      Nobody does a twist on preppiness like Rachel Green, and lucky for us, preppy looks are back in full-swing for 2020. Take inspiration from Rachel and layer a black sweater tank over a crisp, white button-up, and you’ve got an understated-but-festive winner of an outfit.

      tank / button-up / jeans / bracelet / boots More

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      How to Feel Festive for $20 or Less

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      A wise man once said that “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” While I believe that Buddy The Elf is the right guy to take advice from on all things holiday, there is one very personal, important detail to consider in the blank spaces of his counsel: my singing voice is so off-pitch that it’ll make any nearby newborn cry.I know my role in society and singing loud for all to hear is the closest thing I’ve committed to a crime. Something I do excel at during the holiday season, however, is shopping. It is a specific skill set that I will exploit until the end of time. My preferred methods of feeling festive include (but are not limited to) gifting holiday knick-knacks, playing a new Christmas vinyl on repeat (my dancing is slightly better than my singing, do not fret), and drinking hot chocolate out of my coziest seasonal mug. To each their own, I suppose.
      This year more than ever, I’m summoning all of the holiday cheer I can find so that I can fill my home and my soul with memories of Christmas past and hope for holidays ahead. If you’re in the market to add a little holiday festivity to your life (without upsetting your budget), these under $20 holiday finds are here to make everything better… no autotune required: More

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      How to Navigate Thanksgiving in a Pandemic

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      Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and if you thought that we’d still be where we are (staying home, washing our hands, wearing masks, social distancing) all of these months after March, well, then I guess you’re vindicated. Thanksgiving is going to look a lot different this year for millions of people across the country. Some will travel early with enough time for quarantining, isolating, or a COVID-19 test (or some combination of that), others will forego their usual bustling holiday table for something more low-key, and still others are scrapping plans entirely, planning on a Thanksgiving dinner for just one or two. It’s hard, this navigating life events, milestones, and holidays during a global pandemic, and while we certainly all hope that next year is an altogether different kind of situation, you don’t just have to ignore the holidays entirely (unless, of course, you want to—this year, all bets are off). The precautions you ultimately decide to take will be dependent on many different factors, but there are some things that you should keep top of mind so that you can (hopefully) celebrate safely this year.

      Source: Adrian Cotiga | Stocksy

      If you’re traveling
      Airports and interstates are notoriously busy during the week of Thanksgiving. But this year isn’t most years and many more people are likely staying closer to home than they would otherwise. The CDC advises that you stay close to home rather than travel because any travel can increase the risk that you’ll be exposed to or come down with COVID-19. If you’re still planning on traveling, the precautions you need to take vary based on how you’re traveling.
      If you’re planning on a plane, train, or any other kind of group transportation, make sure you have masks with you (and wear them while traveling). According to Healthline, mask-wearing is required by all major airline carriers. Some airlines still have social distancing measures in place, while others are again approving filling flights to capacity, so if you feel strongly about trying your best to continue social distancing on the plane, you may need to do a little research. Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines are still blocking some seats, according to reporting from the Washington Post, but they’re not all doing so for the same length of time, so if you’re flying closer to the end of the year, your airline options may change.
      Driving in your own car gives you more control over the precautions taken, but don’t forget to think through how you’re going to handle staying safe if or when you need to stop—for gas, for food, for the night, or to use the bathroom.
      No matter how you’re traveling, make sure you pack plenty of wipes and sanitizer, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, and stay conscious of if or how often you’re touching your face.

      Source: Cameron Whitman | Stocksy

      If you’re staying closer to home
      Staying home doesn’t mean that you don’t have any difficult decisions to make. If your Thanksgiving normally looks like tons of family and friends gathered in one place (indoors), it may need to look a little different this year.
      Michael Osterholm from the Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota told STAT News that no one should gather with anyone who lives outside of their household this year because the risk is just too great. The CDC, however, lists a few other suggestions for people who are concerned by the idea of essentially canceling Thanksgiving altogether:

      Make traditional recipes for people who can’t gather with you and do a no-contact drop-off.
      Take your Thanksgiving virtual.
      Skip Black Friday shopping and shop from the comfort of home (or in person later on).
      Skip in-person sporting events, parades, and more and watch from home or participate virtually.

      If skipping a dinner just isn’t something you’re willing to do this year, taking as many precautions as possible can help keep the risk lower. One basic thing you can do is to just continue to make sure you’re following expert guidance to wear a mask, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, stay apart, and get together outside, Stephen Morse, an epidemiologist at Columbia University, told The Atlantic. The CDC’s guidance for hosting or attending a gathering can also help you lower some of your risk. Restricting attendance to your “pandemic pod” (as long as everyone is doing their part) might feel safer to you this year. Keeping an eye on what conditions are like where you are and using that to help decide if you’re going to pare back this year (or even make the transition to FaceTime) may also be a good idea.
      If you live somewhere that outdoor celebrations are possible, consider moving dinner outside this year, a 2020 move if we’ve ever seen one. Experts say that being outdoors is safer than being indoors, so that’s one more way you can try to mitigate some of the risk.

      Source: Felicia Lasala for The Everygirl

      If you’re celebrating solo (or with very few others)
      Celebrating solo might not be your usual Thanksgiving plan, but it very well could be this year, particularly if you live far from family. It might not be the most cheerful Thanksgiving you’ll ever have (or maybe it will—no family feuds to combat or politics to talk over dinner), but it doesn’t have to be the worst either. Consider scrapping your traditional menu and making whatever you think sounds good. Conversely, maybe this year, of all years, is when you feel especially attached to your family’s traditional menu—call your relatives and gather some recipes so that you’ll feel at least some things are still the same. Try upping your holiday decor game with new Thanksgiving duds or just scrap that and put up the decor for a holiday you love. Maybe that means a Christmas tree, maybe that means leaving Halloween decor up far longer than usual, or maybe it’s something else entirely. You’re the one there, so you’re the one who gets to make those rules.
      If you’re celebrating alone or with just a few additional people and you don’t want to put in the work for a full dinner, consider ordering a restaurant-quality Thanksgiving dinner or opting for your favorite local fare. There’s no rule that you have to eat a certain meal on Thanksgiving, so do what feels best to you and what will make your holiday special. Prop up a computer or phone for holiday FaceTiming or embrace the minimal interactions and plan a self-care day all your own.
      The best part of celebrating alone is that it truly gets to be whatever you want it to, so don’t overthink things too much. Plan a day that you’ll enjoy and consider going back to your usual traditions (whatever they may be) next year or the year after.

      Whether you’re staying at home or traveling across the country, if you’re getting together with family members or friends, don’t be afraid to ask them what sorts of precautions they’re taking in their everyday life (or, at least, within a few weeks of Thanksgiving), especially if you or someone else there is at greater risk. After all, when it comes to an infectious virus, what you do doesn’t just affect you, it also affects anyone with whom you’re spending time. If you’re planning to spend time with people who are higher risk or older in age, consider taking even more precautions or canceling the event entirely. Determine if the precautions your fellow family members and friends are taking are things you’re comfortable with or not, and don’t be afraid to tell them what you need so that you do feel comfortable. They may or may not agree to those kinds of guidelines, but at least then you’ll be able to feel more confident in your decision to either gather or skip it this year. Hopefully next year, the COVID situation will be different.
      There are going to be some really hard choices to make this year. No one wants to have to completely overhaul times often spent with family and friends, particularly if it means that you might end up spending that time alone (no matter how festive that time might be). Ultimately, the best you can do is do your research, have honest conversations with friends and family about what you think is best and what you’re comfortable with, and try to make the choice that feels best and safe for you and those around you. More