11 Clothing & Beauty Winter Essentials

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Despite growing up in the south, I have learned a thing or two about the winter. I have lived in the midwest for five years, and am in the beginning of my first Chicago winter. These things are NO JOKE! The negative wind chills really aren’t my thing, but I know some essentials that help make the cold days even a little bit better. While yes, coats and hats are needed to bear the cold months, there are other items that make them just a little bit better (:

Beanies

Let’s start out simple with beanies – everyone always has them, everyone always needs more. Now that I walk everywhere, I almost always wear a beanie as I walk out the door – so my collection is growing. This season, The Ganni beanies are all the rage. BUT, they are pricey sitting at just under $100.

Luckily, I have found them for $68 on SSENSE.

Blanket Scarves

Again, starting out with the basics. But surprisingly, I didn’t have a solid scarf until I moved to Chicago. And now that I have one – the addiction begins. Acne Studios scarves have been the star of every fall and winter for the past few seasons, and they have not gone anywhere. The colorful blanket scarf is essential to your winter wardrobe. I went into Madewell to buy one and the employee there said it best – “If a scarf isn’t swallowing my face, then I don’t want it”.

If the beloved Acne Studios scarf is out of reach but you love the look of it, try these affordable options from Madewell, Forever 21 and Saks Off 5th.

Weather Proof Boots

Okay, yes, Uggs are back in. And I love that. I have worn my Uggs non stop, but once we got our first big snow my boots were basically destroyed and had to dry for days. SO, I resorted to my 2017 Sorel’s that definitely need an upgrade. Having a cute weatherproof shoe is key to getting through the months of January through April.

Some boots that I have had my eye on are there Sherpa Sorel’s, and the 90’s cult favorite Moon Boot.

Quality Skincare

As I have began to make my own money you pick and choose where you prioritize your extra spending money, and I have found mine to be skincare. Buying quality skincare that works for you is worth every penny – especially in the winter. My skin dries and breaks out out horribly as soon as it hits below 30 degrees, and the fix to this for me has been Sunday Riley. While I use Sunday Riley in other forms of skincare such as acne treatment, anti-aging, etc., some of their products have saved my skin from completely drying out. The two products that help my skin the most in the winter the Juno face oil and Tidal water cream.

Vest

I talked about the comeback of the vest in my 2021 Trend Forecasting article and I was (decently) spot on. Puffer was huge again this winter, including puffer vest. Aside from a puffer, any oversized vest is the perfect combo between style and warmth. This vest from Storets has been seen everywhere, and is on sale in multiple colors.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses in the winter sounds weird, but are much needed when the sun reflects off of a fresh layer of snow. And, what is better than a new pair of sunglasses? These are Devon Windsor from Revolve, and remind me of a lot of top designer sunglasses from Bottega, Dior and Celine.

Other sunglasses on my list are the Rayban Burbank, and the Rayban Julie.

Skin Tight Layers

Layering is everything in the winter, and at the base of every good layering is a skin tight turtleneck. I have this shirt from Aritzia in three colors, and wear this on its own or under crewnecks.

Another skin tight layer that I love is again, from Aritzia, and is the TNA Cropped Ribbed Long Sleeve.

Big Bags

The micro bag trend is cute, but definitely not practical in the winer. For Christmas I got a larger bag that carrier more than my debit card and lip balm, and it has been a game changer. Especially when wearing a large coat, these small bags don’t cut it. I have loved the Puffin Bag from Simon Miller, and for winter the black sterling puffin is unreal.

Other larger bags that I love are the By Far Amber Bag, Stand Studio Lola Tote, and vintage designer totes.

Lip Balm

I am sure you have seen this lip mask all over TikTok, but it truly has kept my ultra dry lips in check through the past few months. I apply this mask in the morning and at night, and sometimes put it on with a lip liner before I run out the door to go to a dinner or drinks.

If you want a more on-the-go lip balm that is just as shiny and nourishing, try the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm.

The Super Puff

Yes, not just any winter coat. THE Super Puff from Aritzia. If you know me at all you know that there is nothing more that I love than this jacket. They are such good quality for the price that they are, which is why I have continued to purchase multiple. Save yourself the time and order one online now.

Hydrating Body Wash

You know the feeling when you get out of the shower and IMMEDIATELY need to put on lotion? The worst. This body wash is my favorite because it is so hydrating, and the ingredients are clean which is perfect for sensitive skin. Pair this with the Necessaire exfoliator and body lotion afterwards and your winter skin will be unmatched.

Gifts For Her Under $50

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While shopping is one of my favorite pastimes, I have such a hard time thinking of what to gift people for the holidays. Some people are so easy, and other are extremely difficult just depending on their personality. If you are shopping for someone where it is hard to take the “personal” approach to gifting, you may find yourself in a rut. And when you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money, things get near to impossible to find a good gift. When I am put in this position, I try to think gifts I would love to receive, and think, what is something that I wouldn’t buy for myself? Taking that into consideration, I have curated a list of gifts for her you can find under $50.

Slippers

Slippers are something that everyone loves and wants, but they just seem impractical to buy since you never wear them outside of the house. So what better way to get a pair of slippers than being gifted them? I love these from Madewell as sherpa is a staple this fall, but I have included links to others as well.

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

Lululemon really knew what they were doing calling this the everywhere bag, because the people that wear these wear them everywhere; workout, errands, bars – the list goes on. The green color is perfect, but if you’re not a fan check out the fifteen others.

Kosas “Take The Site Home” Kit

For the beauty lover that has everything – this is it. This is one of my all time favorite brands as I have their skin tint, concealer and bronzer. With this $35 kit, you are able to test every shade of every product from Kosas. If you find a product you like, you can use the $35 you used to purchase the kit as a gift certificate on their website. Definitely one of the coolest ideas I have seen in beauty, and it is only available on Kosas website.

Luxury Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is one of those things I hate to buy because it can be so expensive for no reason. SO, this would be a great gift to receive. The Le Labo detergent smells amazing, and another favorite of mine is the Glamorous Wash in the scent Diva.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk On The Go Kit

If you have been on any social media, you know that Charlotte Tilbury was the beauty brand of 2021 – for a good reason. The cult favorite Pillow Talk line is the perfect makeup-no-makeup for glam or day to day wear. This kit retails for $50 and consist of a mini eye pencil, mascara, lip liner and lipstick.

The Five Minute Journal

I can’t even count how many times I have talked about The Five-Minute Journal on this website, so you know this has to be worth it. This daily journal is the perfect gift for anyone no matter their age, as it practices gratitude and reminds us of the importance of each day. Highly recommend.

Nice Candles

As a very new adult, I love burning candles but I hate buying them, as buying candles I love are just not in my budget right now. This Kacey Musgraves candle is hands down my favorite candle I have had over the past year, and it has 50 hours of burn time. I have linked some of my other favorites as well, because no one is ever upset if they are gifted a candle.

Skims Mock Neck Tank

I know that it is winter, but it is never too cold to layer. I personally do not own this tank, but have heard beyond amazing things about. Skims has many affordable pieces under $50, if you if are wanting to gift a set instead of just one piece you are looking at about $60 depending on the items you select. This red color came out for the holidays and is stunning. Wearing this under a blazer with jeans and sneakers sounds right up my alley – and about half of the population’s alley too.

Fun Earrings

Buying new earrings can add up, especially if you don’t want them to turn after a few wears. Studs has the best earrings at a good price point, and they are great quality. They have so many fun earrings like these cowboy boot huggies, alphabet studs, square hoops and more.

Claw Clips

Girls basically exclusively wear their hair in claw clips now, so receiving one is always appreciated to add to the collection. Emi Jay makes the best clips, and you can find these all on Revolve.

Venus Et Fleur Le Mini

While yes, it sounds steep to pay $40 for one rose, this one rose will live all year and yes, it is real. This singular floral arrangement is the perfect gift for the person that actually has everything and is a ~material girl~

Pajama Set

Run, don’t walk, because J.Crew’s pajama sets are only $39. If you missed the sale do not worry, they are running sales all through Christmas. Thank me later!

If you have any gifts for her under $50 you would like yo recommend, please reach out and I can add them to the list (:

Happy Holidays!

Pink Outfits To Wear Even After Valentine’s Day

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One of my new year’s resolutions is to incorporate more color into my wardrobe.

Here is my attempt!

  1. Crewneck: TNA Cozy Mega Fleece Crew Sweatshirt
  2. Shorts: TNA Cozy Fleece Boyfriend 5″ Sweatshorts
  3. Bag: By Far Croc Embossed Mini Bag
  4. Headband: Lele Sadoughi Faux Leather Padded Headband
  5. Shoes: Nike Blazer Mid 77 Infinite
  6. Socks: Fiorucci Angel Socks
  1. Swimsuit: Bond Eye The Mara Swimsuit
  2. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Blaze Aviator
  3. Shoes: Off-White Micro Beach Flip Flops
  4. Shorts: Agolde Black Denim Criss Cross Shorts
  5. Necklace #1: ASOS Design Gold Link Square Necklace
  6. Necklace #2: Off-White Silver Logo Necklace
  7. Necklace #3: Shashi Maui Two Toned Necklace
  1. Shirt: Réalisation Par Zodiac Tee
  2. Sunglasses: Emporio Armani Aviator Sunglasses
  3. Jeans: Ganni Straight Leg Jeans
  4. Bag: Balenciaga Nano City Bag
  5. Shoes: ASOS Design Melon Chunky Black Loafers
  6. Jacket: Aritzia TNA Super Puff Shorty
  1. Dress: Avavav Mini Ruffle Short Sleeve Dress
  2. Sunglasses: Illesteva Mykonos II
  3. Earrings #1: Natalie B Jewelry Reese Huggy Hoop Earring
  4. Earring #2: Uncommon James Beaded Hoop Earrings
  5. Bag: Jacquemus Le Chiquito Bag
  6. Socks: ASOS Design Ankle Socks
  7. Shoes: Marc Jacobs The Jogger Sneakers
  1. Bag: Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag
  2. Earrings: Gorjana Nico Huggies
  3. Shirt: WSLY The Rivington Tank
  4. Pants: Agolde Black Leather 90’s Pink Waist Trousers
  5. Necklace: Martha Calvo Icon Necklace
  6. Shoes: Comme Des Garçons Converse

Winter Outerwear To Keep You Looking and Feeling Hot

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As much as I don’t think so, it’s still winter. For some reason as soon as January hits I want to buy all of the spring and summer pieces. BUT, I live up north for most of the year, so shorts are out of the question until May. Whether you live in the freezing cold or not, coats are a necessity during the early months of the year. Dress these up, dress these down, here are some of the coats and jackets you still need this winter & spring season.

Aritzia Super Puff

This is the ultimate puffer. Aritzia’s infamous Super Puff coat comes in many color, lengths, and is made for men and women. I have the Super Puff Midi Coat in red to spice up my very bland wardrobe and I could not love it more.

Stand Studio Aubrey Coat

I don’t own this jacket, but it is my ultimate dream coat. With shearling making a huge comeback right now, this has just a peak of the material around the stitching of the coat. P.S., this won’t be the last Stand Studio coat you see in this post.

Boys Lie The Inside Out Jacket

This fall and leading into this year the “shacket” look has bee all over Instagram. This shirt jacket combination is perfect if you live in a warmer climate and don’t need a down coat to keep you warm. This Boys Lie take on the shacket doubles as chic and comfortable – what more could you want?

Tularosa Lundun Vegan Suede Jacket

Last year we saw plenty of western flair in cowboy boots, and I will never stop wearing them. But, now western-like style is being shown through clothing items like this fringe jacket. Fringe will be seen all over bags and other clothing items this year, so get ahead of the trend with this jacket from Revolve.

The Frankie Shop Down Belted Overcoat

If you’re looking for anything oversized, The Frankie Shop is it. I am swooning over this puffer overcoat. The detachable belt allows you to cinch the waist, or remove it to maintain the oversized “Hailey Bieber” look you are going for.

Lioness Staten Island Jacket

Another warm(er) weather jacket. I love the look of an oversized leather jacket, and love the one of a cropped one even more. This very on trend brown jacket would be perfect to style with any pants, shorts, skirt, you name it. This is definitely on my shopping list and I may have to style this one too.

Stand Studio Cleo Coat

See, told you there would be more Stand Studio. This is such a unique coat and I am always so drawn to it. If you are someone who wears only neutral colors, jackets like this are the perfect thing to add life to your wardrobe.

Nike Faux Fur Oversized Swoosh Jacket

I have been chasing this jacket since the moment I saw it on Instagram at the beginning of the season, but it has sold out. Everywhere. And now it is finally back in stock at ASOS. So RUN, don’t walk to purchase this before it sells out again. This is the perfect jacket to wear with a matching workout set – almost even better than jeans and a sweater.

& Other Stories Boxy Coat

This is a classic long work coat. The oversized fit allows you too pair it with bulky sweaters and sweatshirts with ease, or again just wear this as an oversized look. The grey goes with black or brown accessories so it is the perfect happy medium.

Cotton Citizen Brooklyn Oversized Hoodie

I couldn’t even count the amount of times I have reached for a zip up hoodie this break and don’t have one to grab. This dyed zip up from Cotton Citizen is perfect for any casual outfit for days you don’t want to do anything, but still look put together. This comes in multiple colors, but I personally love this combination of warm and cool colors.

Trend Forecasting For 2021

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2020 was an unexpected year for fashion. Vogue and Harpers Bazaar predicted trends such as feathers, multi-tiered clothing items, waistcoats and more, but these forecast did not make it out of many people’s homes. With the pandemic hitting at the beginning of the year it forced everyone to stay home and adjust to new fashion norms. Since we were (and are) home longer than expected, working professionals needed to find a daily routine that kept them moving and motivated. And what is the first thing you could do to shift your mood in the morning? Change your outfit.

We said goodbye to many trends forecasted for 2020 and made our own. Clothing items such as matching lounge sets, bike shorts, casual leather and more were closet essentials to fulfill a trendy stay-at-home wardrobe. Seeing this transition shows the power we have to shift fashion norms within society.

As we enter 2021, there are trends that I see carrying on into the new year and beyond. Spring and summer runway shows have shown what will be released this year, and while they are amazing, they don’t always fit with everyone’s lifestyle. This is based on my studies and admiration for the fashion industry , but here are my trend predications you’ll actually wear in 2021.

***Again, I do not have any education on this subject, just a high interest. There is never a need to follow trends, always wear what you feel comfortable and confident in (:

style fashion vest puffer vest clothes outfit inspo

Vest

Yes, VEST. My preppy fourteen your old self is screaming. Not your old J.Crew puffer vest, but more of a sporty, boxy look. Oversized is everything and in the colder months it starts with a puffer vest.

knitwear turtleneck skims Kim Kardashian long sleeve

Tight Knitwear

Second-skin tops will be everywhere. I am SUCH a fan of this as tight long sleeves turtlenecks are my favorite. Snug knitwear will give you that warm, second skin layer that you can definitely transition into the spring and summer months.

athleisure outfit work workout outfit sweatshirt sweat set

Acceptance of Athleisure

COVID really changed the game with this one. Now, matching sweat sets are seen as “put together”, which is socially acceptable to wear in many places. Specifically, it is changing in the workplace. I wrote an article for VIM Magazine on this topic that you can read about here.

pink green blue style dress sweater

Powerpuff Girls Color Palette

While this may seem an odd way to describe it, bubblegum pink, french blue and lime green will be all of the rage in the spring and summer months. Slowly incorporating these colors into you basic, neutral wardrobe will be seen everywhere from the runways to Instagram.

flip flops Chucky slides sandals shoes

Chunky Sandals

I will never be mad about a chunky shoe. Chucky sneakers were the first wide-footbed sandal to come back in recent years, and now we are leaning more towards sandals. Chucky thong sandals seem to be leading in this category, but slides will be right up with them.

nail inspo nail polish French manicure

Natural Nails

No, this does not mean giving up your bi-weekly manicure. 2020 was all about the colorful nail art, but has slowly been leading into more natural styles like French tips. And while the French tip trend has incorporated plenty of color, this will continue to trend in a natural direction. Translucent polish will definitely be something you need to pick up on your next grocery store run.

monochromatic outfit vest skirt shirt fashion style

Monochromatic

Another color scheme trend, and not mad about it. Pairing different shades of the same color together looks chic – whether that is a workout or suit set.

sustainability athleisure workout clothes eco earth friendly

Sustainability

I have talked about this before on my blog and I have continued to learn more about sustainability and how it takes such a toll on retail. Brands such as Sporty and Rich, Girlfriend Collective, Pangaia, and more will rise against their competitors this year as they take more eco-conscious steps in materials and production.

trousers dad pants jeans oversized

Your Dad’s Pants But Better

This was a trend in 2020 and it is sticking around this upcoming year. From denim to trousers, extra oversized pants are not going anywhere. And trust me, they will be paired with plenty of tiny tops.