Last Minute Gifts (That Can Still Arrive on Time!)

Books / Wine Glass / Gorjana Necklace / Kate Spade Watch / Kate Spade Water Bottle / Ban.do Coffee Mug / La Vie Boheme Yoga Mat / Quay Sunglasses / Kate Spade Notebook / Lafco New York Candle / Towel

The countdown is on, my friends! Christmas is literally just days away now. If you're STILL not done your shopping and scrambling for those last minute gifts, I've rounded up some awesome gift ideas that can still make it here in time thanks to Shopbop's super fast shipping! Check them out! I, for one, would love to see any of these under the tree!

I'm thankfully just down to a few stocking stuffers left to get plus a few grocery items to whip up some Christmas appetizers! 

Happy shopping!

Sale on Sale!

Generation Love Sweater / Standard Form Scarf / Splendid Sweater / Kate Spade Sneakers / Rebecca Minkoff Dress / Rebecca Minkoff Scarf / BB Dakota Leggings 

My favorite online shop, Shopbop, is having a SALE ON SALE! There's an extra 30% off their sale items which means you're getting up to 65% off some pieces! Those leggings are just $29 after the sale! These are some of my favorites from the sale but there is sooo much more - literally thousands of items, so get browsing! 

This sale ends TODAY! Use code EXTRA30 at checkout! Happy shopping! 

My Christmas Wishlist

Origins Face Mask / J.Crew Factory Turtleneck Sweater / J.Crew Factory Parka / Vince Camuto Boots / Saje Wellness Diffuser / Marble & Wood Cheese Board / Thug Kitchen Cookbooks / Gorjana Necklace / Sperry for J.Crew Boots / Quay Sunglasses  / Redken Extreme Treatment / J.Crew Sweater

Christmas gift guides are plentiful this time of year in the blog world, but I'm always interested to see what bloggers are actually hoping for for themselves! I think it's interesting to see what's on their OWN personal wishlists, so I thought I'd give that a try! This is a collection of things I'd love to personally see under my tree. There are other things that didn't make the collage, like a big soup pot, flannel sheets and pajamas/lounge clothes, but I simply ran out of room here.

Essentially, cute J.Crew/Factory pieces to keep me cozy and warm, a Saje Wellness diffuser and essential oils to help battle the dry air and my ongoing allergies, any book from the Thug Kitchen collection, as I've been feeling pulled towards meatless dishes and these sound super fun, some cute boots, and some hair/skincare products for these dry winter months.

What are you hoping to see under YOUR tree? 

Song of the Week!

Happy Friday! I am so excited that the weekend is here - it's the first weekend of December, which means it's the weekend we get our Christmas tree! We always go to our local farmer's market on Saturday morning and pick one out there. It's my favorite tradition that we've created as a couple and it means I'll be spending ALL weekend curled up beside it taking it all in. 

This song has nothing to do with christmas trees, but I sure am liking it lately! ;) I hope you do, too! 

Shopbop Black Friday Sale!

Amanda Uprichard dress / Gorjana Necklace / Quay Sunglasses / Wine Glasses / Wayf Dress / Free People Scarf / Thug Kitchen Book / Cupcakes & Cashmere Dress / Desert Plates / BB Dakota Leggings / Wayf Dress

Black Friday week is upon us and the sales are about to get crazy! I try to get a lot of my Christmas shopping done during this time, so I am busy making lists and trying to figure out what sales are happening when! First up is Shopbop - they are one of my absolute faves and kicked off their sale early this year. This is more of a wishlist than a gift guide, though many of these items are certainly giftable!

These dresses are all PERFECT for the holiday party season! They are that perfect combination of fun and festive without being SO dressy that you feel awkward if you show up to a more casual party. 

I've been meaning to pick up the original Thug Kitchen cookbook, and noticed that there's also this new party grub version! Both sound awesome and would make a great gift. The blog world seems to be RAVING about this scarf saying it's the softest, coziest scarf ever which makes me want to get my hands on it asap! It would also make a fantastic gift for any lady in your life! 

Also, I have those gold printed wine glasses (they come in a set of 6) and they are GORGEOUS! So fun, great quality, great size... I highly recommend for all your holiday wine sipping! 

Details of the sale can be found here - the more you buy, the more you save! The sale ends next Tuesday, the 29th! 

Happy Black Friday on a Tuesday! 

Song of the Week!

With the holiday party season approaching, I find myself throwing songs into a spotify folder so I won't forget them when it's time to put together my party playlist! This one will definitely be making the cut - I love Anderson Paak and on this track he teams up with Mac Miller and the beat is just so. good.

If you have any suggestions for great house party songs please feel free to leave 'em in the comments! 

Happy weekend, friends! 

A Surprise Bonus Shopbop Sale!

Standard Form Scarf / Marc Jacobs Bag / No. 21 Coat / Rails Shirt Dress / DL1961 Jeans / Kate Spade Booties / BB Dakota Shirt 

Even though Shopbop JUST had one of their biggest sales of the year, they surprised us with another little bonus sale. A ton of items just got marked down up to 40% off for the next 3 days! I've rounded up a few of my favorites! These items are perfect for heading into these colder months! I love the red toggle coat (hello, holidays!) and those tan suede Kate Spade booties are just too cute with the bow on the back.

What are your favorites?

Song of the Week

This fall has been a good one for musical discoveries. I mentioned last week that I've been listening to a ton of The Head and The Heart, and I find that this has a very similar vibe. I've been listening to King Charles a lot the past month or so and it was really hard to choose which song to share with you, as I love so many! So really, just check out the whole album. It's so good!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! I'm sure many of you will be doing Halloween things - I'm not huge on Halloween, other than handing out candy to the kiddos, so I'll be laying low and other than munching on too many mini chocolate bars, won't be partaking! That said, after a busy couple weeks I'm reallllly looking forward to spending a quiet weekend at home! Happy Friday!

Huge Shopbop Sale!

Sam Edelman Booties / Quay Sunglasses / Shiraleah Wine Glasses / Club Monaco Coat / BB Dakota Dress /  Mrs. President & Co Headband  / Rebecca Minkoff Bracelet /  Matiko Booties / Spanx Leggings / Minkpink Dress / Club Monaco Dress / Kate Spade Selfie Button

There's always the debate over which Shopbop sale is the best of the year, but for me personally I think this one is it. It comes at a perfect time - when we're all gearing up for fall shopping and adding some potentially pricey items to our carts & closets, like winter coats and boots! 

The best part of this sale is that you get 25% off your order now matter how much you spend, but you get 30% off if you spend over $500! That's really significant, especially when you're thinking about big ticket items. 

Because some of the items I was eyeing were low in stock, I decided I needed to jump on this sale first thing this morning. And I'm glad I did, because two of my biggest wants are already sold out in my size! I got them just in time.

So what did I end up with? My biggest priority was the Sam Edelman booties. They are perfect and will be so great for wearing to the office every day! So I snagged those. I also splurged on that beautiful Club Monaco coat - I was in need of a winter coat and this one is just so gorgeous. The oversized collar and gold zip really won me over! I also picked up the gray cowl neck BB Dakota dress annnnd those wine glasses, because how could I not? 

This is the biggest order I've ever placed, haha, and I'm so pumped for it all to arrive!! 

I also recently purchased the Spanx leather leggings and the Minkpink bell sleeve dress above. Both are great and I highly recommend! 

I'd love to know what you've got your eye on at Shopbop! Are you picking up anything during the sale? 

To get in on this event, simply use MAINEVENT16 at checkout. This sale goes until Friday at Midnight PST. Details & exclusions can be found here! 

Fall Shoe Round Up!

Lucky Brand Wedge Boot / Sam Edelman Flats / Joe Fresh Tweed Flats / Matiko Booties / Old Navy Slippers / Kate Spade x Keds Sneakers / Sam Edelman OTK boots / Nine West Brogue / Joe Fresh Plaid Snow Boot / Sam Edelman Bootie

Fall seems to come with the need for many, many shoes. I'm not sure what it is, but I find myself easily rattling off 5 or 6 pairs I "need" for the season... "I really need a tall boot I can wear to work, and black booties, and flats that work with tights, and snow boots..." - it's endless, really. 

So I've rounded up a few favorites in each category that will easily get you through the fall & winter season. Admittedly, I'm missing a rain boot from this round up, and it's also lacking a hot night out sort of boot (but who am I kidding, I don't actually wear those...) but I've got you covered for a versatile dressy boot you can wear both to the office and for a night out, a lace up flat in a beautiful fall hue, a jewel embellished tweed flat (that are SUPER affordable), a great casual tan bootie, a cozy pair of slippers, a super fun sneaker, a classic over the knee boot, lace up brogues that are perfect for the office, a snow boot in a fun buffalo plaid, and a classic pointed toe chelsea bootie. 

A couple of these will definitely be in my closet this fall! What fall shoe are you in the market for?

Song of the Week!

If you're looking for the perfect fall soundtrack, look no further than The Head and The Heart. I've been listening to their new album pretty non stop for the past month or so, and I keep loving it more & more. Aside from this single, I also really love "Turn it Around", "False Alarm" and "Rhythm & Blues", but really you should just listen to the whole album. 

It's shaping up to be a beautiful fall weekend here, and after two weeks of being sick with a cold, I am finally on the mend and sooo happy it's Friday! Happy weekend, friends!

Cooler Temps

Madewell dress / Club Monaco Coat / Amber Sceats Earrings / Dynamite choker / Le Specs sunglasses / Bobi sweater / Sole Society boots / Michael Kors flats / Bronzallure ring / Rebecca Minkoff top / AG jeans 

While our days have still been, for the most part, hot & sunny, the mornings and evenings have cooled down drastically, which means fall really is on its way. So with that, I thought I'd do a little round up of some fall items I've been loving lately. 

I really wasn't sure how I felt about the choker trend when it first emerged... maybe because I legit wore chokers through the 90s and it felt really weird to go back there. BUT, I have found myself liking the wrap style ones, and this one from Dynamite is only $14 and is seriously cute. I need to get myself up to the mall to check it out in person, but I'm thinking about testing it out. 

Also, how cuuuuuute is this Club Monaco coat? The pale pink color and those pretty bell sleeves? Just love. 

Song of the Week (plus a September Spotify Playlist)

Happy Friday! I've really been liking this single from Bastille and I just realized that their full new album was just released this week so I will definitely be taking some time to explore that today! I wasn't totally sure of them with their last album, even though I found their singles catchy, but I think I'm starting to like this band a whole lot more.

I always seem to spend more time in the fall exploring music. Things get a little more low key and my music tastes shift a little to reflect that. I'd LOVE to know what you're listening to these days and if you have any suggestions for me! If you want to see what else I'm listening to as we settle into fall, you can find my September playlist here on spotify! (I'm still adding to it, so watch for new additions!) 

The Hunt for Leather Leggings

Spanx / Plush / Blank Denim / BB Dakota / Hue / David Lerner 

Ah, leather leggings. I've been on a mental hunt for these for ages now! Truth? I haven't even tried a pair on, but man I sure do love the look of them on others. I keep telling myself that this is the year I find my pair, but there is something a little bit intimidating about drawing that much attention to my lower half for this pear shaped girl!

So beyond swooning and pinning like a madwoman on pinterest and scoping out pairs that are available online, I think my best bet would be to get out there and try some on in person to see if this is actually a trend I can pull off. Because I am dreeeeeaming of pairing them with super cozy knits all fall & winter long! 

That said, in all my perusing I found quite a few pairs that are under $100 and thought I'd share them with you! I'm also contemplating trying these from Dynamite and these from H&M as they are both super affordable! Worth a shot! Have you tried leather leggings? How do you feel about them?  

Fall Things

Free People Top / Kate Spade Bag / BB Dakota Dress / Sam Edelman Boots / Club Monaco Top / Sole Society Scarf (other version here for only $29!) / H&M Scarf / BP Utility Jacket / Vince Camuto Booties 

In one week, we will be saying farewell to August and hello to September. How is that even possible? This summer has gone so quickly. I'm always a little sad to see it go but if I'm being honest, I've got fall on the brain big time and have already started collecting & planning my fall wardrobe. 

These are a few pieces that I'm loving as of late and are also general categories of things I'm needing to add to my closet this fall - OTK boots, a new pair of black booties to wear with skirts & dresses, a great utility style jacket and of course, what's fall without scarves? 

I've actually owned 3 utility jackets in the past (all ordered online) and none of them have been what I've wanted. They all eventually landed in consignment. So I'd really, really love to find one that I love and becomes one of those go-to pieces that you throw over everything! I actually am LOVING the look of this one from Old Navy but as usual, their Canadian site is sold out in regular sizing (only petite & tall left) - though seems to be fully in stock for all you lucky American shoppers! 

What else is on your fall shopping list? Not pictured here, but I'm on the hunt for a great pair of black leather wedge boots, a few new pairs of jeans, a couple turtlenecks (both sweaters and thin knits for layering under things) and I'm also looking to up my lounge-wear game. Sweats, leggings, slippers and cute cozy tops so that if someone happened to knock on our door I wouldn't be totally embarrassed to answer it. ;) 

Song of the Week!

Happy Friday, friends! I've shared this song on other forms of social media but it's really been my favorite lately so I thought I'd share it here as well. I'm not sure how well known this band is just yet but I can see them exploding - they're just so darn good. Check them out if you haven't already! 

What's on the go for the weekend? My mom is coming to visit and I'm looking forward to some long overdue mother daughter time! I'm envisioning nachos on a sunny patio and drinks in the sunshine and some nice quality time. 

Weekend Wear

J.Crew Tee / Michael Kors Watch / Rag & Bone Jeans / Kate Spade Bag / Kate Spade Earrings / Sam Edelman Flats 

This weekend is supposed to be pretty darn rainy and the temps look like they're going to dip down low enough to want jeans (and make soup and perhaps binge watch netflix!), so I came up with this little weekend wear outfit that I'd love to sport this weekend. It looks so easy and comfortable yet totally put together, and could easily take me from errands to lounging to casual drinks with friends! 

I'm really wanting this J.Crew tee - comfy & casual but those ruffle sleeves just make it! SO cute.

Happy weekend, all! 

Fall Transition: Things I've Bought, Things I Want!

Free People Kate Thermal / Joe Fresh Scarf / Joe Fresh Blouse / Kate Spade Stud Earrings / Joe Fresh Skirt / BB Dakota Blouse / BB Dakota Sweater Dress

It feels like August just started but we're already closer to mid August than the beginning and before you know it, it will be September. So with that in mind, I've started to think about my fall wardrobe and the things I want & need for the upcoming season! I've started to do a bit of shopping, and above is a combo of things that I've already purchased and things that I'm eyeing!

And best part? These are all super affordable! 

The olive green Free People thermal is a total win. I have other free people tops (the ventura thermal, and a couple others) and I've always ordered a small, but I decided to go for a medium with this one and I'm glad I did - the fit is perfect! I wanted it a little long & loose to wear with leggings for comfy days. 

I also ordered the two BB Dakota items - the lace up black blouse and the sweater dress. I have to admit I'm not happy with the fit of the sweater dress for my body type and will be returning it. As is often the case with me, the top is baggy and the bottom hugs my hips and butt too much for the bagginess of the top. Womp womp. The blouse, however is adorable! I wish I ordered a size small instead of a medium, but now they're totally sold out in the black. It does still come in ivory, though!

Joe Fresh has also started to roll out their fall things and I am in LOVE with this skirt and top. They pair PERFECTLY together. I bought the skirt, and plan to go back for the blouse soon. Also, online it doesn't look like much but that olive plaid scarf is SO cute in person. Also need to snag that in my local store before it sells out.

And I always seem to swoon over Kate Spade studs. These black & gold ones are so me. I have the solid emerald green version of them and I wear them so much through the fall & winter. Might have to get these as well! 

What's on your wishlist for fall?? 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now PUBLIC!

If you follow blogs at all, I'm sure you were flooded with posts about the big Nordstrom Sale that's been happening! BUT, up until now, it was only open to Nordstrom cardholders, which I am not.

But todayyyy, the sale officially opens to the public, so you all can start taking advantage of this killer sale whether you have a nordstrom card or not! 

I've rounded up some of my favorites - not gonna lie, this all makes me a litttttle bit excited for fall. Too early?

The idea of wearing that forest green Eliza J dress with those black wedge boots is just too much for my little heart to handle right now - perfect fall work outfit! And cozy gray knits seemed to be a thing for me, too! I've seen a couple of bloggers post about the hooded cardi and it just looked so cute on. I'm also obsessed with the Vince Camuto boots - they look like the perfect OTK boot! 

I have a different faux leather jacket from Cupcakes & Cashmere that I LOVE, so when I spotted this one with the cute quilted shoulders I knew I wanted to include that one to show you all.

What about you? Have you shopped your hearts (and savings) out? 

Shop all the items below!

Best Drugstore Products for Rosacea / Redness

As some of you know, I've been struggling with rosacea for the past couple years and have been on a quest to figure out a skin routine/products that work for me! I've discovered some products that really seem to work for me over the last 6 months or so, so I thought I would share in case any of you are struggling with it too! Even if you don't have rosacea, these products are great for sensitive skin in general or those prone to redness!

I should preface this by saying that I did go through a round of antibiotics 2 years ago and then used a prescription gel (metro gel) to help get it under control. The antibiotics worked great, though I didn't find the gel did much at all. Unfortunately one cannot stay on a high dose of antibiotics very long...

The first product discovery I made was Avene's anti-rougeurs line. Here in Canada I find this at Shoppers Drug Mart, and while pricey in my books (about $32 for a small tube) it did really seem to work in getting my redness under control. It took a couple weeks to notice a difference, but I definitely noticed my skin was significantly less red while using it.

Finding it hard to justify the price of that month after month, I tried out Aveno's Ultra-Calming line after seeing Merritt recommend it. I picked up the day moisturizer and the foam cleanser and during my very first use I noticed how NICE they felt on my skin. I just had a little "Ahhh..." moment when lathering up my face with the cleanser. After a week I noticed my skin was looking and feeling much better, and these have been my go-to since then. They are super affordable, available pretty much everywhere, and work as good if not better than the more expensive Avene line. I'm completely sold! Love love love these products. I also picked up their night cream as I really don't need to be putting SPF on to go to bed.

So beyond cleansing & moisturizing, I had a hard time finding makeup that would cover my redness and last all day. Enter Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation. You guys, this stuff is so good. Full coverage without being cakey and covers my redness all day long. I absolutely love this stuff.

And this is not so much rosacea related, but while trying out the foundation I picked up a couple other Maybelline products and found the best concealer I've ever used next to Benefit's Erase Paste. Maybelline Master Conceal is thick and creamy and goes on so nicely.

So there you have it! This isn't to say I don't still get flushed with redness sometimes (hello, red wine...one of my worst triggers but who can say no to wine?) but these products have definitely helped me treat & cover and generally just feel really good on my skin. 

Have you tried any products for redness or rosacea? I'd love to hear your experiences & recs!!