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Thursday, November 30, 2017

The Best Madewell Gifts







top (major sale!) // jeans // shoes // clutch c/o (under $20) // sunglasses

UPDATE: Madewell is having a huge sale with 30% off! Everything but jeans and their transport collection is included. Code: LATEBIRD

We all know I'm a die hard Madewell lover and with all the trying on and shopping I do there, I felt inclined/highly qualified to put together a list for you (or maybe it's secretly for my family). And, yes, Madewell can be a little on the pricier side, but you'll find something at every budget here. Trust me, anyone obsessed as I am will appreciate the time you put shopping at her favorite store. I might have these already or items that any gal would love to unwrap (and keep for years)! 




And don't forget to linkup with us! We love seeing your latest posts and connecting with you! We are obsessed with Kate from The Student's Wife and Kristina from The Kontemporary!





Thursday, November 23, 2017

Holiday Sales Worth Shopping

best holiday sales

Let's face it, our inboxes are flooded with all the sales going on. It's exciting. It's exhausting. It might be a little too much. But then again there are some really good deals! And if you're anything like me, you might find these prices so good, you buy one as a gift and for yourself. So here's the sales that I'm actually shopping and think are worth your time:

MADEWELL (I mean how could I not?) // 25% OFF SITEWIDE except their leather transport line and third party items CODE: DONTSTRESS

TIP: This is the perfect time to shop the sale section because you get that additional 25% off. Normally, this sale does not include denim, so this would be the time to pick up some jeans for yourself.



ABERCROMBIE (dare I say this is Madewell's cheap sister) // 50% OFF SITEWIDE no code needed + FREE Shipping

TIP: Stock up on their basics like their cardigans, sweaters and tanks! Trust me, the quality is so good for the price!



LOFT // 50% OFF SITEWIDE CODE: THANKS

TIP: If there's a time to stock up on Lou & Grey, it's now. Their leggings are gold!



OSEA MALIBU (My go-to skincare I'm obsessed with and non-toxic!) // Get a FREE full-size cleanser of choice (value $48) + a large sample of the Vitamin C Polish when you spend $125 + Free Shipping

TIP: There sets are a great way gifts under $50 and a nice way to test the line, too!




Hope this helps you navigate the sales and gives you more time to spend with family!
Happy Thanksgiving!

P.s. We still have the linkup going! Hope you'll join us!



Monday, November 20, 2017

Gift Guide for Her Under $50

best budget-friendly gifts for her

Whether you are still trying to grasp it is time to start shopping for all those people on your list or not, it is time! Every year I say I will get a head start on my presents and usually does not happen, but this year I actually have! Starting with those who I think are easier has made a huge difference. For me, it is the women in my life that are the easiest. There are a lot of them, so finding some unique pieces that are budget-friendly has been key. I want to share these with you because all these are perfect for friends to even the pickiest woman on your list. Don't miss the giveaway going on towards the bottom. It just might help you with all your holiday shopping ;)

1. Foreo Set - Personally, I received this last year and have loved it! To me that makes a great gift when you use it and know how good it is. It comes in a cute makeup case and for $39, you get the two small cleansers. The brush alone is regularly $39.

2. Copper Wine Glasses - Forget giving regular glass wine glasses, these in copper look like you spent a ton and look special. They also come in gold.

3. Stripe Pouch - You can never have enough stripes! It is coated, so good for wiping down. Give her the option to use as a clutch or use for makeup. And for the price you could still add in a Starbucks gift card! #winning

4. Sigma makeup cleaning mat and brush - Another raved about item that comes with the bonus brush! This is one of those gifts that every woman needs!

5. Mustard Crossbody Purse - It's just the right size to fit everyday essentials and she won't forget this punchy color. They'll never know you scored this for only $25. It also comes in a hunter green, too.

6. Cozy Stripe Scarf - This classic scarf from last year was brought back in these soft blush tones and it's adorable. Cashmere might be out of the budget, but this soft cozy scarf is the next best thing. You can bet it will be their new favorite scarf! The solid colors are great, too!

7. Plaid Cape - The lighter shades of gray make this a gift that works for any age or style.

8. Chenille Sweater - If you're looking for a basic sweater with an upgrade, try the season's hottest fabric-chenille. It's the closest thing to being wrapped up in a blanket all day.

9. Knotshine Dainty Necklace - Giving jewelry can be tricky, but the design is sophisticated enough to work for someone who is a teen to an adult. It comes in three metals.

10. Neutral Stripe Cardigan - You might have a hard time not buying this for yourself because how good are the stripes done? The neutrals can work for the weekend to office, making it a great pick!





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Thursday, November 16, 2017

Cute Sweaters Under $100







sweater (size xs) // jeans // booties (go up 1/2 size) // purse // bandana // sunglasses

Is anyone else trying to grasp the holiday season is starting in 7 days? This girl really is.  It's such a fun filled time and so many places to go. From traveling to holiday dinners to shopping, the calendar is full these days. Personally, I love to keep my looks easy, so I can stress focus on holiday events and food. Normally, I'm a dress girl, but with all the running around and prepping a fun sweater and favorite jeans are my go-to. If you ask me, they're also an excuse to buy one for yourself and scoop one up to gift. This recent mustard sweater (last seen here) is the type you'll reach for all season long. It's a high contender to be my Thanksgiving Day outfit, but I'll definitely be switching out to these cozy pants. Do you have your outfit picked out?

Here are more sweaters under $100 (for you or gifting):


Thank you for linking up with us! Our picks are Stefani from The Style Safari and Joi from In My Joi!






Monday, November 13, 2017

Gifts Under $50 for Green Beauty Lovers

green beauty holiday gift guide
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

It's been a minute too long since the last time I talked about green (non-toxic) beauty, but the holiday season is the perfect time. Whether you have someone on your list or you're trying to dabble into cleaning up the skincare and makeup, there are so many great green beauty gifts all under $50. Trust me, I wouldn't be mad if this all showed up under the tree. All these brands are trust worthy and truly are non-toxic, which is something so The value for the price is really a steal and even better for you!

This is 3-piece set that comes with a full size Coco Rose Body Polish and two sample size products. A great set especially to keep skin hydrated during these colder months. 

This is a new to me brand, but all the ingredients are clean. This set is their sensitive skin just to be on the safe side. For $32, you get travel sized cleanser, a lavender mist, and moisturizer. The perfect socking stuffer!

Just like the other brand who makes those famous Naked shadows, this palettes are a great way to try 100% Pure's makeup and neutral colors anyone would love. I have so much of their makeup and love that it's all fruit-pigmented and works!

One of the top green makeup brands is Vapour and this duo comes with their best selling highlighter and a flattering lip gloss. 

There aren't enough good things I can say about the California brand for delivering products that are clean, work and good for the planet. Their main ingredient is ethically harvested seaweed that provides incredible hydration and nutrients to the skin. 

For under $40, you are getting an 8-piece curated selection of some the top rated green beauty items! It just doesn't get better than that. 

No matter if green beauty is your thing or not, Tata Harper is a name we all know. Her products are luxurious and this is one you give and grab for yourself.  

What's better than one polish? Two perfectly nude polishes! These are 5 free, which is cleaner than most polishes. The truth is that you can't have a fully clean polish, but these are a good option and nice stocking stuffer. 

Top rated and the go-to hair brand in the green beauty world. This duo is a great way to try the brand yourself or put in someone's stocking. They also have other duos for other hair types like this here

Do you have any green beauty lovers you're shopping for?


Thursday, November 9, 2017

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspiration






jacket (similar) // dress (on sale!) // purse (similar) // booties

While all the texts and emails coming in about turkey and who's making what, you can find me over here planning what I'll be wearing for Thanksgiving. The chances I'll get my outfit right are a lot higher than me trying to nail down those brussel sprouts again. So I'm just going to stick to what I know best (unless someone has a fool proof recipe for me). With family all local, that makes for a lot of food hoping and the chance for me to have my outfit really seen ;) Truthfully, everyone tends to dress down at all the lunches and dinners I'll be going to (I think it's three as of now), but I feel like holidays are meant for a special dress. This is one of my favorite dresses I've picked up and has the cutest sleeve detail! Pairing it with the jean jacket is my compromise so it's not over the top when everyone else is in jeans and a tee or sweater. So how does one eat at three Thanksgiving feasts? Well that's where the tights come in. They're a solid reminder that you cannot over do it because these tights are only going to keep pressing into your stomach. Does your family do a casual or dressier Thanksgiving?

Here's some more dresses that would be perfect for your Thanksgiving look:



Thanks so much for linking up with Jessica and I! How amazing are Sarah from Sew Sarah R and Laurie from Vanity and Me!




Monday, November 6, 2017

Madewell Try On's: Early Winter PT 2

best madewell winter finds

UPDATE: Madewell's Sale is happening! Everything in this post is 25% off with code: DONTSTRESS (it excludes their leather line and third party brands).

While I'm not one to miss the Madewell store when there are new arrivals, I totally got behind about posting my review for you-oops! But I actually tried these pieces on before this post here. These pieces are worth a review because they would look great for the holidays and keeping cozy. Plus, I do think you could wear these in the years to come (so important). 



NORTHROD PULLOVER SWEATER (ORG $69.50) NOW $49.99 // SIZE XXS

If you're looking for something cozy, this piece is perfect. It's oversized and has some texture to it. It is more on the lightweight side and comes in a two other colors. It's was also just marked down, so scoop it up if you need some good basics.



It's the print that really caught my eye. I didn't think much of it online, but looks so special in person. While I am not found of the drop waist on this, it is a nice dress if you don't have fuller hips. There is a top version that I prefer more (I'll show that soon).





Whenever I try Madewell skirts, I always size up. I'm 5'4 but I want some length in them. I'm sure I could get away with a 2, but felt good with the length. Now, let me just say these pictures do not do this skirt justice. The color is a really lux sterling grey. Truly, I'm on a velvet kick, but this skirt would be amazing for the holiday season-dress it up or down.



As I mentioned earlier, this print is perfect! The wrap cut is more flattering in my opinion. It is shorter in length, so wouldn't wear this with lower waisted pants. This cut is something Madewell tried at the end of summer with a cotton version (seen here), but the silk is actually better. While I could have done an XS, I didn't want it to be too tight at the bottom where it is more fitted. 



SILK TIERED BUTTON-BACK TOP IN HEART FLIP $98 (Now $69.99 + 25% off) // SIZE XS
So you might recognize this top from this post, but I still wanted to review it for the sizing. Clearly, you know I love it. While you can see it's a relaxed, loose fit, I will say that it is a little small in the shoulders. I know I could do a size smaller because it's loose, but found the bigger of the two sizes I wear to offer enough comfort to more my arms in. And know that's coming from someone who has small shoulders. It also comes in solid colors in a different fabric, too.