Fashion
November 30, 2019
17 Comments

November Favorites + Things I’ve Worn That Are On Sale

Is anyone else confused about which day it is? Holiday weeks like this always mess me up. It feels it’s been one, long, continuous weekend since last Friday.

I didn’t have enough try-ons for a dedicated post today, so I decided to share my November Favorites and lump them together with things I’ve worn that are on sale this weekend.

November Favorites + Things I've Worn That Are On Sale

It’s also Small Business Saturday, so I encourage you to get out and shop local if you can. But don’t feel bad about shopping online through your favorite blogs. When you shop through our links, even at big box retailers, you are also supporting small businesses. That’s what bloggers are, after all!

I’ve been working practically round the clock for days, keeping my shopping guide up to date, sharing deals as I see them on Instagram in my Facebook Group, compiling gift guides… I hope my coverage of the the Cyber Week sales is helpful to you. Please feel free to let me know if there is anything in particular I can help you with.

As always, this post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you.

So let’s get started! Here are some new finds and old favorites that I’m particularly loving right now . . . and they all happen to be on sale this weekend!

November Favorites

REI is running a Cyber weekend sale, with savings up to 50%.

A few items from my outdoor gift guide post are included.

Rei Co-Op Women’s 650 Down Jacket 2.0 $69.89 (reg. $99) // I love this lightweight, packable down jacket. It’s a lot warmer than it looks, and it comes in some great colors. This washed red is so fun for a change from all my black and grey coats.

It was already priced well, but at 30% off, you will definitely want to grab one! Makes a good gift for a college-age girl as well.

Sorel Women’s Slimpack II Lace Winter Boots $108.69 (reg. $169) // These are the perfect all-weather boot. I like the rugged vibe, but they’re still on trend so they look great with jeans and sweaters.

They’re a nice style for Pennsylvania winters. We rarely get more than 4 or 5 inches of snow, but we also get a lot of rain, and these work well for both. They feature waterproof leather uppers with knit collars that have seam-sealed waterproof construction, plus there’s 100 grams of synthetic insulation to keep your feet dry and warm. They have a comfortable microfleece lining, EVA footbeds with arch support, and rubber shells with a 1.5 in. leather-wrapped heel for good traction on wet surfaces.

I wore these all day yesterday, and they were comfortable all day. Size up, though. I had to go up to a 9. (I’m usually 8 or 8.5 in boots.)

Sorel Men’s Madson Moc Toe Boots $134.99 (reg. $180) // Paul’s Sorel moc toe boots are also 30% off, and again, these are great because the style is appropriate for street wear but they’re also weather proof for those who live in areas with messy winters. He wore them all day yesterday as well, and reports that they’re very comfortable. They run TTS for him.

Lord + Taylor also has some great prices on Sorel boots right now.

Sorel Joan Of Arctic Faux Fur Suede Boots $150 (reg. $200) // If you want to take your winter style quotient up a notch or two, these Sorel boots with the faux fur trim are soooo gorgeous.

Plus, they have all the features that make Sorel so popular for winter climates — seam-sealed waterproof construction, removable recycled felt inner boot to keep feet warm down to -25°F, and rubber outsole for good traction on wet and slippery surfaces. Size up! I needed a 9 in these as well.

Dolce Vita Tierra Suede Ankle Bootie $36 (reg. $120) // This is an INSANELY good deal on quality booties. You can wear them all winter if you live in a warmer climate, but they’re still a nice spring and fall bootie for those of us in the north. They also come in black and grey, and they run TTS; I have the 8.

You also won’t want to miss out on these cashmere sweaters at Lord + Taylor — they’re down to $49!!!

Lord & Taylor Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater $49.99 (reg. $160) // These cashmere turtlenecks are such a great closet staple, and they comes in a myriad of gorgeous colors. I recommend sizing up in these; I have the medium.

Lord & Taylor Essential Cashmere Crewneck Sweater $49.99 (reg. $160) // This is the v-neck counterpart to the turtleneck above. Another solid closet staple, available in tons of colors. I recommend sizing up in these; I have the medium.

En Thread Long-Sleeve V-Neck Sweater $20.70 (reg. $69) // This one isn’t cashmere, but it’s very soft and cozy, and I love the pastel green and blue options for winter. It’s TTS; I have the small.

Larry Levine Faux-Fur Hooded Coat $79 (reg. $220) // This coat is such a gorgeous shade of off-white, but it also comes in other colors. It’s flattering and comfortable to wear, and very warm. I love the quilted pattern in the back and the vertical zip pockets in the front. Size up if in between, I have the medium.

Anthropologie is running a rare 30% off sitewide sale.

A few of my favorite sweaters are included, plus they have a nice selection of premium denim.

Anthropologie Vera cardigan $82.60 (reg. $118) // This cardigan is soooo soft and thick and cozy and WARM. I also love the color palette. It’s TTS; I have the small.

Maggie bell sleeve sweater $62.97 (reg. $130) // This sweater is trendy and fun, and it’s also soft and comfortable. It comes in 3 colors, and it runs TTS with a generous fit; I have the small.

Ethan camo sweater $84 (reg. $120) // This sweater has been hugely popular with JLS readers, and sizes are getting low, but they did restock a few overnight.

I love the subtle camo print; it almost reads as an animal print. It’s a really nice quality with lovely details, and it pairs well with blue jeans as well as grey and black.

Madewell is also doing 30% off this weekend.

I love their sweaters, and they also do a good pair of jeans that won’t break the bank.

Madewell Donegal Evercrest Coziest Yarn Turtleneck Sweater (also at Nordstrom) $52.50 (reg. $75) // This sweater is pretty with slimming lines. I’m wearing the medium, but I think a small would be more flattering and easier to layer under a moto jacket.

Either way, it works, it’s just a matter of preference on how you want it to fit. Use code GIFTWELL to get the discount.

Madewell Kent cardigan $54. 60 (reg. $98) // I wore this cardigan a ton in the fall, and they’ve come out with a new version, so I decided to spring for it.

I really love this color palette for moving into winter. It runs a little big, but I still purchased the size small. Use code GIFTWELL to get the additional discount.

Madewell Varick turtleneck sweater $78 (reg. $98) // This is another good one from Madewell — a pleasing thick and chunky knit with a cool ribbed detail at the neck, cuffs, and hem. And traditional on-shoulder seams! Those are hard to find. It runs TTS; I have the small. Use code GIFTWELL to get the discount.

Madewell 9″ Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans in Pendale Wash $77 (reg. $128) // Madewell is known for doing quality denim that has good shape retention, and these are really nice on. They’re a nice lower priced alternative to the AG and Mother brand skinnies I often wear.

I feel like the fit is really flattering, and it’s a nice even mid-indigo wash that is more casual than dressy. The 9″ rise is high enough to be on trend, but still flattering on those of us who are short-waisted. The material is soft and stretchy and very comfortable. These run TTS; I have the 29. Use code GIFTWELL to get the discount.

J.Crew is at 40% off right now, but I expect them to go 50% off on Monday.

This is a great opportunity to update your winter coat, and they also have a great sweater game going right now.

J.Crew pointelle turtleneck $58.80 (reg. $98) // This is such a pretty color (it comes in others) and I like the shape of it — relaxed without adding visual weight. I like that I can dress it up or down — it’s really pretty with grey jeans. This sweater runs TTS; I have the small. Use code FRIDAY to get the discount.

J.Crew Mockneck Sweater in Supersoft Yarn in Spicy Jade $53.70 (reg. $89) // This sweater is verrrry soft and cozy, it fits close to the body without clinging, and I love the knit detail at the shoulders and sides. Also, yay for on-shoulder seams! (As opposed to the drop sleeve style that is so popular right now.)

I went with the medium, and I like the fit. It’s pretty body-con in the small. Even if that’s how it’s supposed to fit, I prefer the medium, so decide how you want it to fit, and choose your size accordingly. Use code FRIDAY to get the discount.

J.Crew Cocoon coat in Italian stadium-cloth wool $219 (reg. $365) // This classic coat is such nice quality, and it’s currently 40% off! (I do expect it to go up to 50% off on Monday… so you may want to hold off. But it’s still a great deal on a quality coat that will last many years.)

It also comes in a bunch of other colors, and it’s available in petite and tall sizes. It runs TTS; I have the 8. Use code FRIDAY to get the discount.

FYI, the flower drop earrings I’m wearing are also 40% off this weekend, with code FRIYAY.

J.Crew Pointed-toe flats in leopard calf hair $106.80 (reg. $178) // I love these flats — they’re so chic with the pointed toe and black trim. I love that they have just a tiny heel. I did size up half to accommodate the pointy toe (reviews are mixed on whether or not you should size up.)

They haven’t been included in J.Crew’s more recents sales, although I did score mine for 40% off last spring. I was so excited to see them still available and included now! Use code FRIDAY to get the discount.

J.Crew Fuzzy fringe scarf with watercolor stripe $45 (reg. $75) // This scarf is so thick and soft and cozy — very fun for livening up a neutral outfit. It would make a fun gift too. Use code FRIDAY to get the discount.

J.Crew Tartan Scarf $41.70 (reg. $69) // I also love this tartan scarf. It’s not as thick as the one above, a little more traditional. It comes in two other plaids as well as this pretty pink/grey combo.

J.Crew Factory Leopard Open Cardigan $46.50 (reg. $118) // This sweater is a really nice quality knit, kind of a tight weave, and a little dressier than your typical cardigan. It also has a flattering slim fit, and a nice length — shorter than a lot of the cardigans that are out right now. This is definitely a nice work wear piece.

P.S. The mixed jersey tank that I’m wearing underneath is 50%  off! I have it in ivory and black, and it’s my favorite layering piece for under cardigans.

J.Crew Factory Open-Front Cardigan in Extra-Soft Yarn $35.50 (reg. $89) // Another winner from J.Crew Factory! This one isn’t quite as soft as I was expecting, but that didn’t prevent me from keeping it. I really like this shade of camel, and the shape of this sweater is slimming… for a cardigan, anyway. Plus pockets!

Tory Burch Kira Tote $418.60 (reg. $598) // This luxe tote has a Chanel-esque vibe, but with a much more palatable price tag. Still an investment, but on sale it’s a good deal.

The leather is like butter, and the gold hardware is bold without crossing the line into garish. It’s really a gorgeous bag, and a nice size for taking from day to night.

It also comes in a gorgeous taupe, and both are included in the 30% off Tory Burch sale. Use code THANKS to get the discount.

LOFT ribbed open cardigan  $32.25 (reg. $64) // I’m really impressed with this LOFT cardigan. It’s a nice thin ribbed knit that is slimming, the on-shoulder seams are flattering, and it is a pretty shade of camel that works on those of us with cool undertones. It’s TTS; I have the small. Use code FRIYAY to get the discount.

FYI, the checked blanket scarf is also 50% off with code FRIYAY.

LOFT Tie Cuff Sweater $27.49 (reg. $59) // This is a really pretty sweater, the tie cuffs are fun, and the neckline is flattering.

I love this pastel teal, but it also comes in a pretty light grey. It looks nice with grey, and I also think it would be beautiful with winter white pants. It’s TTS; I have the small. Use code FRIYAY to get the discount.

LOFT shimmer v-neck sweater $34.75 (reg. $69) // This is such a nice one for holiday, the color isn’t your typical red or green or even ivory or black… but it’s still festive, and the shimmer makes it even more fun. It’s TTS; I have the small. Use code FRIYAY to get the discount.

Victoria Emerson bracelets BOGO FREE // I have so many, it was hard to decide which one to choose to feature here, but I enjoy them all, and they’re currently BOGO free!

Rag & Bone Women’s Margot Waxed Suede Ankle Boots $297 (reg. $495) // These booties are so, so good. I managed to snag them on sale a few years ago, and they are always in regular rotation all fall and winter. I love the slightly edgy vibe, and because they’re a hard waxed suede, they’re very weather resistant.

Yes, they’re pricey, but Rag & Bone quality is outstanding. They are entirely leather lined on the inside, so smooth against the foot. (I rarely wear socks with them, but sometimes I do in the dead of winter.) Gorgeous booties.

AG Farrah Skinny Ankle Jeans up to 25% off with code MORE19 (reg. $225) // I purchased these during the last Shopbop sale, and I’ve been wearing them to death. They’re on sale again — up to 25% off with code MORE19.

Sizes are limited, but Shopbop has other AG Farrah skinnies on sale. I love the higher, but not super high rise, and they fit just like my old favorites — the AG legging ankle jeans — through the hips, rear, and legs.

FYI, my Tory Burch Minnies in the suede tiramisu is also on sale at Shopbop — sizes are limited, but if they have yours, they’re on sale for $159.60 (down from $225), plus then they qualify for the spend more, save more sale.

Also find suede Tory Burch Minnies on sale at Bloomies and Tory Burch.

DL1961 x Marianna Hewitt Instasculpt Farrow High Waist Crop Fray Step Hem Skinny Jeans 113.40 (reg. $189) // These jeans have a great fit and feel and a fun step hem. The inseam is 26″ so they’re more on the cropped side, and the rise is 10″ so perfect for those who like a higher rise. They’re very flattering and comfortable due to DL’s 4-way stretch, and they just went 40% off!

BlankNYC Suede Moto Jacket $125.96 (reg. $188) // This is one of my favorite moto jackets — the taupe suede is so pretty with light neutrals, and also with navy, burgundy, and black. Size up if in between; I take a medium in all BlankNYC jackets.

Spanx faux leather leggings $78.40 (reg. $198) // These Spanx faux leather leggings have been the talk of the town, so I was excited to get a pair in my last Trunk Club box. These are the small, and I would rather have a medium, but they are definitely a great quality and have a chic look about them.

I’m not much of a leggings girl, but if any would change my mind, it would be these. They rarely go on sale, but they’re currently 20% off at Nordstrom and Spanx.com.

Marc Fisher hiker boots $129 (reg. $259) // I just got these, and I LOVE them. You wouldn’t expect it to look at them, but they’re soft, lightweight, and flexible. The padded collar is really comfy, and I love the styling.

They also come in brown suede, but I really wanted leather so I can wear them in inclement weather. They run big; I recommend sizing down half.

Splendid thermal flight cardi $58.80 (reg. $98) // This cardigan has been a reader favorite for YEARS, and it’s often excluded from promos because it’s so popular, but it’s currently 40% off! I have it in black and stone, and I love them both.

I keep these out all year-round and wear them over my pajamas in the mornings, I usually travel with one, I’ll throw it on over a tee and shorts if I’m chilly in the summertime, and I also wear it with jeans in spring and fall.

I wear a medium in these. Use code THANKS40 for the discount.

Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel $25 (reg. $54) // This ultra-hydrating eye gel uses all clean ingredients to reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness. I’ve just started using it, but so far I’m really impressed with how it helps reduce under-eye puffiness I struggle with.

It’s on a flash sale this weekend only. Get it for more than 50% off the retail price — it’s usually $54, but it’s on sale for $25!

Dyson Hairdryer with stand $320 for Amazon Prime members* (reg. $399) // I am LOVING my new Dyson hair dryer. I know the price tag is daunting, and certainly no one NEEDS a $400 hair dryer, BUT. If you have hard to manage hair, or delicate hair that is sensitive to high heat, or you just enjoy luxury beauty products… this hairdryer truly is deserving of the hype.

I am working on a full review, so I won’t go into too much detail here, but it has made a huge difference in the texture and manageability of my hair, and I feel like it has to be better for it because it’s not as hot as other dryers.

*You’ll need to be signed into your Amazon Prime account, add to cart, and proceed to checkout to see the discount.

Orolay Thickened Down Jacket (a.k.a. The Amazon Coat 30% off* // This coat was a fun surprise. I didn’t get the hype, so I ordered it to see for myself, and I fully expected to hate it, but I don’t!

It really is fun if you like the oversized look that is trending right now, and it is amazingly warm. I’m wearing the small, but it was a bit tight over the hips, although I unzipped the sides and it was fine. Some say to size up . . . it’s preference, I think. I don’t wear a ton of heavy layers, so the small works for me.

*Prices vary, but if you plug in your size and color, you will see a box to check off to apply a coupon to get 30% off.

WHBM Sequin-Front Tank $59.40 (reg. $99) // I think this sequin tank is so fun and flattering, and I love that I can wear a regular bra with it. Perfect for holiday!

WHBM High-Rise Coated Skinny Jeans $59.40 (reg. $99) // These are great pants, very flattering, and comfortable to wear. The coated denim gives them a leather look, so they’re perfect for those occasions when you want a little extra edge to your outfit.

These run big, and they do stretch out some with wear, so I recommend sizing down. I have the 6, but after wearing them all night, I really need the 4. I am usually between a 6 or 8 in pants, for reference. Use code 36115 for the discount.

Holiday Dress Roundup

Eliza J Sequined Capsleeve Sheath Dress $96.60 (reg. $138) // This dress is so pretty and flattering, perfect for a black tie optional winter wedding, or a semi-formal holiday party. It’s TTS; I have the 8.

In Conclusion . . .

I could go on, but this is a good place to start!

All of the retailers I’ve featured above are running spectacular sales this weekend. Some may get a little better on Monday… but I can’t see any going more than an additional 10% off by then.

It’s a gamble if you buy now or wait, but if you wait, I’d love for you to revisit this post on Monday before you ADD TO CART! 

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Beauty
November 29, 2019
13 Comments

A New-To-Me Clean Skincare Brand and A Flash Sale!

As I get older, I’m becoming more in tune with my skin and what it needs, and I’m getting better at judging which products work… and which ones don’t.

While my skincare routine certainly isn’t 100% clean, what I put on my skin matters to me.

I’m trying to educate myself so I can be well-informed and make better choices, and I’ve started using a few new clean beauty products that I want to tell you about… plus one is on major sale this weekend!

Biossance (buy-oh-sawnce — rhymes with renaissance) is a company on a mission to make all beauty clean. Their products are formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, and over 2,000 other ingredients that are potentially toxic.

I was invited to choose a few of their products to try out, including their cult-favorite Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel.

Most of us know what peptides are, but you may be wondering: What is squalane???

Squalane is the essential ingredient in all Biossance products. It’s a weightless, non-comedogenic oil that instantly hydrates the skin while locking in essential moisture, and it makes other skincare ingredients work harder for you.

Our bodies produce a version of this compound, known as squalene, but our ability to produce and retain it decreases as we age. Biossance products help replenish our skin with this mega-moisturizing molecule.

Best of all, they derive their 100% plant-based squalane sustainably from sugarcane, so it’s sustainable and safe for the environment.

I have an issue with under-eye bags, so I was super excited to try the Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel because it’s formulated to reduce the look of dark circles and puffiness.

My first impression was I love how quickly it absorbs. But it also seems to rejuvenate that delicate skin under the eyes, making me look fresher and more awake. I can feel it too — it feels mildly cool and tingly.

Best of all, this best seller is on a flash sale this weekend only for $25!!! It’s originally $54, so that’s more than half off.

This product has NEVER been discounted like this before, and the promotion is only good through Sunday, so I recommend grabbing one while you can.

I also tried out their Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, Squalane + Omega Repair Cream, and Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm.

I’ve shared before that I have issues with extremely dry lips, and this Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm works as well as anything else I’ve tried at preventing peeling and cracking, plus it has lip plumping properties for a more youthful appearance. #yesplease

Then there’s the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil — a vitamin-C-rich face oil that targets dullness and discolorations, which I have in spades.

It happened suddenly — just this past summer, really. Suddenly I have these patchy brown spots all around my jawline, and dark spots are starting to appear in random places on my face. Joy!

I like the texture and moisture of this product so far, and it definitely gives my skin a healthy glow, but it will take a while to see its full effects on my dark spots and melasma. I’m excited to see how it works for me over time.

And finally, the Squalane + Omega Repair Cream is an oil-free moisturizer designed to hydrate, plump, and smooth skin.

This cream is formulated with lipids that mimic and support skin’s natural moisture barrier, and the result is dewy, healthy-looking skin without a greasy after-feel.

I love how it leaves my skin with a matte texture, a perfect base for applying makeup.

I’m excited to integrate these products into my skincare routine over the next few months and see how they work for me.

I’ll keep you posted, but I highly recommend grabbing the Biossance Squalane + Peptide Eye Gel while it’s on this mega sale!

Looking for holiday gifts? The Biossance Holiday Gift Shop has gift sets, stocking stuffers, limited edition deals, and more!

I also have an exclusive discount code to share with you! Use JOLYNNE25 to get 25% off your Biossance order. The discount can be applied to all products except the Eye Gel and the Lip Balm, and is good until 12/25.

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photos: Alison Cornell

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Diary
November 28, 2019
19 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving!

Good morning, and happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans! (And happy last weekend of November to the rest of you!) How do you plan to spend your day?

Paul just came into my office and surprised me with homemade peach Bellinis. Cheers to Turkey Day!  🥂

We’re having kind of a lazy Thanksgiving weekend. I will miss seeing my family in Virginia, but I’m so grateful not to be traveling.

We hung out with friends last night and celebrated a birthday, so that was fun.

This morning, I slept in till 7AM (that’s late for me!) and I’ve been updating my Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopper’s guide. A few new sales have dropped, and I cleaned up some of my shopping widgets, deleted some items that were sold out, and added a few new items I discovered.

The Ultimate Shopper's Guide to Black Friday & Cyber Monday Sales & Deals

I still have to get to the grocery store and pick up a few things before we head down to my brother-in-law’s home for family dinner later this afternoon. Procrastinate much?

I figured the grocery store would be less crowded this morning than it was the past couple of days, so I just decided to wait.

Anyway, it’s always a good time, and best of all, I don’t have to cook! (I’m bringing a charcuterie plate and dinner rolls, and C is making jalapeño popper dip.)

Yesterday, she made a homemade cherry pie, and it was delish. Yes, I broke my gluten-free diet to have a taste. (I’m not celiac, just gluten-sensitive if I have too much.)

I’ve been working pretty much round the clock all week, between sponsored posts that were due, gift guides I wanted to get out to you, and the Cyber Week deals that started early. It will be soooo nice to have today to rest and relax.

Then tomorrow, I will hit the ground running at the crack of dawn, updating my Black Friday shopping guide with the latest and greatest sales and deals. I’m curious to see where they go from here — some are already as good as they were last Cyber Monday!

I’m trying to keep this shopping guide highly curated to the best deals, not just listing everything I can find, but it keeps getting longer and longer as new sales crop up! I hope it’s helpful.

Remember, if you’re on Facebook, my Facebook Group is the best place to get of-the-moment sales and deals. I am always adding new things as I find them, and others are sharing their finds too! JOIN HERE!

We’re also planning to get our Christmas tree tomorrow.

I already set up our two faux trees — one in the living room, and a small one in a corner of the kitchen — but we always cut down a live tree for the family room, and that is the one we decorate with all of our family ornaments from over the years. We are all looking forward to that.

Hopefully the weather will calm down before then. It’s crazy windy out there right now. I thought for sure we were going to lose some shingles last night.

I’m also aiming to get our Christmas photo cards ordered this weekend, AND to put together the photo book I always make for Paul’s parents.

Yeah… that’s pretty ambitious, but I’ve learned from experience that Cyber Monday deals are the best of the season on Christmas photo cards and photo books, so I like to take advantage of that if I can.

I usually use Minted for our holiday photo cards, but I may go with some that are a little more economical this year since I’m just using a snapshot from my iPhone. Who do you usually use?

Any-WHO. That’s my plan for the Thanksgiving weekend. I’d love to hear about yours! Do you cook or go out to eat, or go to a friend or family member’s house?

Will you be shopping tomorrow or doing something festive with family? Hopefully you don’t have to work…

If you’re not in the USA, I hope you have some festive plans for the weekend just the same.

No matter where you hail from, I want you to know that I appreciate you more than words can say. When I started this blog on a whim back in March of 2006 — almost 14 years ago — I couldn’t have possibly imagined it would turn into what it is today.

Not only is it my full-time job that helps support our family, but it’s an amazing community of supportive women — many who I consider friends.

Thank you for being here, for commenting and pinning, or just showing up and reading along. I appreciate you!

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

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Lifestyle
November 27, 2019
11 Comments

The No-Brainer Holiday Gift for Everyone On Your List

If you’re looking for a fun and unique gift that can be personalized and is practical too, this is the post for you! Tervis tumblers can check off so many people on your list.

Whether it’s your child’s favorite teacher, a holiday gift exchange, a group of good friends, the kid going off to college, or that person on your list who seems to have everything… a Tervis tumbler makes the perfect gift.

I love that you can personalize these clever cups to your recipient’s interests.

We’re huge Philadelphia sports fans in our house, so we love their sports & activities designs.

I ordered a Sixers tumbler for my 14-year-old, and I got this Phillies tumbler for my college-age son. It will be perfect for him to take back to his apartment.

Not a sports fan? Tervis also has designs inspired by popular movies & TV shows, sarcasm & humor, seasonal themes, and more.

My 16-year-old is getting this Rescue Dog tumbler.

These tumblers are a must-have in a house full of teens because they’re non-breakable. They also don’t “sweat” and leave rings on your furniture. #nocoastersneeded

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lectured about using coasters, but with Tervis, I don’t have to worry about it anymore.

These tumblers are also perfect for outdoor use. We have a no-glass-by-the-pool rule, so we use these rather than flimsy disposable cups.

It’s better for the environment, and they’re more fun to drink from too.

All Tervis products are BPA-free, made in America of at least 50% recycled material, and they come with a lifetime guarantee. Seriously!

That makes these clever cups are a pretty good investment. I talk about cost per wear all the time when it comes to clothing and accessories, but the same logic applies to household items as well.

FYI, returned Tervis drinkware is upcycled into new, usable materials to prevent any contribution to the waste stream.

I love that these reusable tumblers now come with lids, so you can take them to go, further reducing the use of disposable products.

They can hold hot or cold drinks, and the insulation helps keep the desired temperature.

And I have a special code for you to use! Save 30% on your Tervis order with code JOLYNNSHANE. (This code is not stackable with any other offers.)

Because each product is made to order, shipping does take a little longer than average, so take that into consideration. December 17th is their shipping cutoff date, but to be safe, I recommend placing your order well before that.

Check out the Tervis Gift Guide for even more clever gift ideas, and wrap up your holiday shopping with plenty of time to spare!

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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Fall/Winter Fashion
November 26, 2019
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Black Friday Sale at Lord + Taylor

Black Friday is starting early at Lord + Taylor!

Get 50-80% off orders with code FRIDAY, and be sure to look for their Smart Steals — coupon-excluded buys at amazing price points for a limited time only.

This faux fur hooded coat makes a lovely gift for someone special, and I love this cement color.

In a sea of black coats, this elegant neutral is sure to stand out in the best possible way.

It has such a flattering shape — I love the quilted pattern in the back and the vertical zip pockets in the front.

Plus, the faux fur hood is a beautiful detail.

It’s currently one of their Smart Steals, and it’s marked down to $79! For size reference, I needed a medium in this coat.

These taupe booties by Dolce Vita are an amazing price! They’re very comfortable, and I really like the lower shaft and almond-shaped toe for pairing with skinny ankle jeans.

I also love how they went with a lighter wood grain on the stacked heel.

And at the risk of sounding like a broken record, you can never go wrong with the gift of cashmere.

The Lord + Taylor Essential V-Neck cashmere sweater is a great closet staple, and it comes in a myriad of gorgeous colors. I recommend sizing up in these; I have the medium.

This also comes in a crewneck, a turtleneck, and a classic cardigan, and you won’t believe the prices. Shop all L+T essential cashmere here.

There are also tons of great options for the jewelry lover.

This Sole Society necklace and earring set makes the perfect gift for your sister or a gift exchange with friends.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

There are tons of great gifts ideas for men, women, and kids at the Lord + Taylor Black Friday sale. I’ll round up some of my top recommendations below.

Outfit Details:

fur trim puffer coat // cashmere v-neck // similar jeans // taupe booties // necklace & earrings

Shop these and more women’s gifts at Lord + Taylor:

(Be sure to scroll right to see more options!)

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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Fall/Winter Fashion
November 25, 2019
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2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Cozy Gift Ideas with Nordstrom

There’s nothing I love more in the wintertime than to cozy up next to the fire and watch TV in my comfiest PJs and fluffiest socks, with my softest blanket.

Who’s with me?

I put this gift guide together with myself in mind… cozy, comforting gifts that make you want to stay inside.

I particularly like to shop their Nordstrom Made family of brands because you get an excellent value for the price point.

I’m a huge fan of pajamas.  They are my favorite gift to give and get.

In fact, my 14-year-old daughter even said to me the other day, “Mom, you have too many pajamas!”

No such thing, says I.

Funny story… the other night, I came downstairs to watch TV in my newest pajamas, and said daughter was wearing the EXACT SAME PAIR… just a different pattern. (I gave them to her last year for Christmas.)

She was mortified, of course. To be seen wearing the same pajamas as her mother… horrors!

Then, she proceeded to ask me if she could have them!!! #noshame

But seriously, these pajamas from Nordstrom’s BP. brand are super soft and cozy, and I love the variety of patterns and colors they have to choose from.

Get a pair for every woman in your life. You can thank me later.

SIZING NOTE: These run a bit small; I have the medium — my usual size in pajamas, but they aren’t as loose as some.

Another great option is this set by Nordstrom Lingerie. I love the contrast of the menswear styling with the feminine floral print.

I actually picked up a pair of these for my mom. Shhh…

They’re lightweight and incredibly soft with a really nice drape, and they come in several pretty colors and patterns.

Another one of my favorite cozy gifts to give and get is a throw blanket.

I discovered the Kennebunk Throw from the Nordstrom at Home line during the #NSale last summer, and I’m obsessed. It’s affordable, soft, cozy, machine washable, and it doesn’t shed. #hallelujah

Everyone I know is getting one of these for Christmas.

It comes in tons of colors, and it’s the perfect size for curling up with on the couch –not to big, not too small.

I also love gifting scarves/gloves/hats. If you live in a cold weather climate, you can’t have too many of those.

This pom beanie & plaid scarf set comes wrapped up in a bow, perfect for gift giving.

And when I came across these fleece lined fingerless gloves from Treasure & Bond while I was shopping at my local Nordstrom, I had to have them.

“To me, from me” gifts are the best, don’t you think?

While in this picture, I’m sitting in a chair holding coffee, I really wanted these for wearing while at my computer.

You know how your hands can get really cold when you’re typing? These keep your hands and wrists warm while allowing your fingers to be available for typing.

Give these to anyone you know who is cold natured and works at a computer. She will love them!

Finally, butter socks make great stocking stuffers or White Elephant gifts. I always put them in my girls’ stockings, and I have a whole stash of my own that I wear with my pajamas in lieu of slippers.

I mean, I love good slipper, but I like to wear socks when I’m going to be curled up on the couch and not walking around.

I always know I can find just about any gift I’m looking for at Nordstrom, plus shipping and returns are free, which makes it super easy if your recipient needs to return or exchange your gift.

I also love to take advantage of their curbside pickup for online orders, especially when it gets so busy at holiday time.

Plus as a member of the Nordy Club, I basically earn money to shop. If you’re not already a Cardmember, you can sign up today and get a $60 Bonus Note!

And if you’re looking for outfit inspiration this season, check out my brand new Nordstrom Looks page where I’ve curated outfits for all occasions to help you get through the holidays!

Shop these and more cozy gifts from Nordstrom:

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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Fall/Winter Fashion
November 25, 2019
10 Comments

Holiday Party Dress Roundup

Who has dressy holiday events on the horizon? I’ve rounded up a bunch of gorgeous holiday party dresses for your shopping inspiration, along with shoes and accessories to complete your look!

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten

In years past, I would need cocktail attire for my husband’s office holiday party, but this year the party is at the Philadelphia Zoo. (I know… it’s a little unconventional, but evidently they have a cool LumiNature exhibit for the holidays.)

I have to admit, I was bummed I wouldn’t have an excuse to dress up this year, but at least I don’t have to stress over finding the right dress and all the accouterments.

If you, however, have a fancy event coming up and still need something to wear, I hope this post is helpful. (I included a few jumpsuits as well.)

These suggestions also work if you have a black tie optional wedding this winter.

As usual, I tried to find a good variety of price points. The images in the graphic above are only a sampling of all the dresses I found.

In the interest of time, I’m not going to discuss each one, but hopefully this gives you some ideas if you’re still on the hunt for a great dress. At the end, I’ve got some accessories for you as well!

Once you have your dress, don’t forget jewelry, shoes, a bag, and proper outerwear. Your dress is only 50% of the package. If you neglect to plan out the rest of your holiday party look, you won’t feel complete and put-together at your event.

Here are some suggestions.

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

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Fall/Winter Fashion
November 23, 2019
24 Comments

Winter Try-On Haul + Best Weekend Sale Picks

Well, hello Saturday! Fancy seeing you again so soon!

Today I have my usual Try-On Haul for you, and then I’m hoping to get my Gift Guide for the Women Who Has Everything posted this afternoon. That’s basically Jo-Lynne Shane’s Favorite Things, ha! (I was thinking of doing a Favorite Things theme for my first Facebook Live… would you all like that?)

Yes, I’m bringing Lives back! The first one will be Tuesday, December 3rd, at 1PM EST, and I’m going to do my best to have them every Tuesday at 1PM after that. The holidays may be hit or miss, but I’ll be able to be consistent with them starting in January.

For today, I have a smattering of try-ons from various retailers. I don’t have a ton of things to show you, but enough that I didn’t want to put it off till next week. Then at the end, I’m rounding up some of the best sale items I’m seeing so far this weekend — including the best deal on the highly coveted Dyson hair dryer.

WINTER TRY-ON HAUL + BEST WEEKEND SALE PICKS

Try-On Haul: White House Black Market, Everlane, LOFT, & Gibson

For size reference, I’m 5’5″ and 140#, give or take. I typically wear a small in tops, 6 or 8 (28 or 29) in pants and jeans, and an 8 in dresses. All descriptions are below the pictures.

White House Black Market Try-Ons

First up, an order from White House Black Market. They were running a flash 40% off sale for WHBM Rewards members, so I got a good deal on these pieces because I also got the additional 5% off for being a WHBM Rewards member.

It’s free to join and definitely worth it. You also earn points you can apply to future purchases. Also, WHBM is Shoprunner eligible, so I always get free shipping.

White House Black Market Sequin-Front Tank (size S) // I’m starting with my favorite fashion find from this week — this draped neck tank sequin-front tank is holiday perfection.

I love the fit, it’s lined for comfort and coverage, and the back is a comfortable jersey material. It runs true to size, or size down if in between; I’m in the small.

VERDICT: KEEPING!!! Cannot WAIT to wear this.

WHBM High-Rise Coated Skinny Jeans (size 6) // I really like these pants, way more than I thought I would. They’re thinner than the coated jeans I had in the past (I finally donated those after last season) and stretchy and comfortable.

They have a comfortable 10″ rise; and they come in regular, short, and long lengths (I’m wearing regular with a 30″ inseam.) The website actually says: Designed to hit below ankle, so while these are longer than the jeans I typically wear, this is the right length for these, and I love how they create such a flattering long, lean leg line.

SIZING NOTE: I would say these run a little big. The 6 fits me fine, and if they stretch out at all, they could be too big. I’m currently at the tippy-tip-top end of my comfortable weight range… which is to say I’m not comfortable at all, ha! In the past, I would struggle at WHBM when I’m this weight, and find myself in between 6 and 8. So my point is, if at all in doubt, size down in these. (They’re great pants tho!)

VERDICT: KEEPING!

ALSO WEARING: My leather jacket and pumps are old.

WHBM Metallic-Jacquard Slim Ankle Pants (size 6) // I am pretty sure I ordered these with a specific top in mind… and when they arrived, I couldn’t remember what I wanted to pair them with. I do that a lot. #occupationalhazards

At any rate, I thought they were a nice alternative to the plain black pants so many of us wear with our dressy tops at holiday time. They’re still dark enough and conservative enough to wear to the office or church events, but the metallic-jacquard print gives them a little extra pizzazz, and they allow you to wear them with a black top.

That said, I don’t love the fit. They seem a little matronly — and yes, I know that is a controversial word, but I am not yet a matron, and don’t want to look like one. If you are, these may be gorgeous on you.

And I don’t say that to be insulting at all. I do think these pants would be very nice on those who want something not as snug-fitting or as edgy as the coated jeans above.

SIZING NOTE: These run big, for sure. They are too big on me in the size 6 (see how they sag in the crotch area. #hatethatword) And as I said above, I am not at my thinnest right now, so I would recommend sizing down one in these.

VERDICT: Returning.

ALSO WEARING: My turtleneck and pumps are old.

WHBM Plaid Boot Skirt (size 6; need an 8) // I used to love skirts like this back in the day… when our tops were designed to fit nicely with them. HA! I didn’t have anything quite like I wanted so I put it on with this chunky turtleneck — that does seem to be the style du jour, although I’d prefer a more fitted top.

Anyway. The skirt itself is adorable… but short. I would DEFINITELY wear black tights with this. I just didn’t have time to deal with them the day I was doing these try-ons. I recommend a thick, opaque black tight. My go-to are these Spanx because they double as shapewear.

SIZING NOTE: This skirt runs true to size; it’s a big snug on me in the 6. I would like to try an 8.

VERDICT: Returning; I may try an 8 if it goes on sale again.

ALSO WEARING: My boots are old… sensing a pattern here? All of the “also wearing” pieces are closet staples I’ve had for years. #costperwearbaby

Gibson Look Try-Ons

Gibson has rolled out some new pieces for winter and holiday, and the ones I’m most excited about are part of the collab with Gibson and Cyndi Spivey!

Cyndi Spivey Velvet Lace Mix Holiday Top (size M; need a S) // Super excited for Cyndi’s collab with Gibson. She’s been wanting her own clothing line for a long time, and hopefully this is just the beginning! This top is a really pretty mix of velvet and lace.

She designed it to be worn with a regular bra (I wore nude so the straps don’t really show because the lace is busy enough to distract from them — but you could wear black if it has pretty straps, and make it look more intentional.)

It’s on the longer side so I would do a front-tuck, but I also showed it untucked so you can see the length. It has a gathered neckline, a keyhole closure in the back, and a curved hemline.

SIZING NOTE: It runs TTS for Gibson (size down if in between in other brands.) I’m wearing the medium because that’s what they had available, but a small would be a better fit.

VERDICT: Keeping, of course!

ALSO WEARING: LOFT flower drop earrings with WHBM High-Rise Coated Skinny Jeans, old pumps, and Rebecca Minkoff Leo clutch

Gibson Look Cozy Fleece Convertible Crossover T-Neck (size S) // This top is supremely soft, has a great drape, so so so comfortable! It comes in a bunch of colors, and it’s on sale.

It’s longer than the tops I typically wear, and because the crossover back I wouldn’t front-tuck it, but it’s fun if you want something cozy and comfortable with a relaxed fit.

ALSO WEARING: Frame Le High Ankle Skinny Jeans with Rebecca Minkoff mules (similar)

Gibson Look Fuzzy Teddy Bear Hooded Pullover (size S) // I love, love, love this top. It is so comfortable, not as thick as some of the teddy bear hoodies, so it doesn’t add so much visual weight. Plus it actually has some shaping through the waist.

It also has a really soft lining inside. It’s TTS; the small fits me perfectly.

The moment my 14-year-old laid eyes on it, she starting making a case for it. I wore it on Wednesday, loved it, but then I caved and let her have it. She wore it to school yesterday and loves it.

(I realize that probably makes her sound like a brat, but she is not. I often let her have things I’m done with, since I cycle so many pieces through my closet. I figured she will get more wear out of this than I will, so I went ahead and let her take it.)

VERDICT: Keeping, of course. In fact, I’ve got a good mind to order another one for myself. I’m kinda digging that pink blush…

ALSO WEARING: AG Farrah skinnies (sale option) with UGG Quincey boots (LOVE; size up!)

LOFT Try-Ons (40% off sitewide or 50% off for LOFT cardholders)

Just a couple things from LOFT this week. I shared most of the items from this order in last week’s try-on haul, but a few came in this week.

LOFT Bow Mules (size 8) // These shoes are so fun, and I thought they were really fun with the Cyndi Spivey top and blue jeans. Unfortunately, they are totally un-walkable. I do not recommend for that reason. I wish they made them with backs on them — the toe on them is so cute.

VERDICT: Returning.

ALSO WEARING: Cyndi Spivey velvet & lace top with AG Farrah skinnies (sale option)

LOFT Tie Cuff Sweater (size S) // I think this sweater is adorable. It’s got 3/4 sleeves, so perfect for those of you in warmer climates, and the color is so pretty and unexpected. I paired it with grey jeans, and I like it, but it would also be nice with winter white cords.

It’s soft and comfortable, and runs true to size.

ALSO WEARING: Frame Le High Ankle Skinny Jeans with Rebecca Minkoff mules (similar)

Everlane Try-Ons

Everlane sent me two of their pieces to try, and you know what a fan I am of this brand!

Everlane The Cashmere Crew (size S) // This is a gorgeous sweater, such good quality, and I love this loden green.

Crewnecks aren’t my favorite neckline, but they do make a nice layering piece for under leather jackets with scarves. I don’t like to wear a scarf with a turtleneck — too bulky — and they sometimes look weird with a v-neck. Thinner scarves don’t always cover the exposed skin.

SIZING NOTE: This sweater runs true to size, and the small fits nicely but snug to the body. I might prefer to size up for a more relaxed fit.

VERDICT: Keeping!

Everlane Authentic Stretch High-Rise Skinny Button Fly (size 8 ankle) // I’ve tried a lot of Everlane jeans, and I’ve never really cared for a pair of them until now.

These have a really nice fit and feel — they’re very stretchy, like to the point that I thought they were too small, but once I got them buttoned up, I loved how they felt and looked on, and they have away of holding me in in all the right places.

I got the ankle length, which is a 26.5″ inseam, and I really like them. They also look good with ankle boots, although I didn’t get pictures wearing them that way. I did some live try-ons over on my Insta Story, and they’re saved to highlights, if you want to check that out.

This off-black color is trending right now, and I really like it for a casual-cool vibe.

ALSO WEARING: Rebecca Minkoff mules (similar)

VERDICT: Keeping!

Weekend Sale Picks

Before I let you go, I wanted to round up some of the best sale items I’m seeing so far this weekend. These are specific items that I think are a really good deal and might sell out, so I don’t want you to miss them.

20% off Dyson Hair Dryer + Stand {Gift Set}

The first and most notable is the highly coveted Dyson hair dryer. I borrowed Cyndi’s when I was in Nashville, and I was blown away (see what I did there???) by the difference in how fast it dried my hair and how smooth and manageable my hair was.

The most impressive part was that it lasted through an entire day of air travel, and looked just as good when I got home as it did that morning.

I had never considered this hair dryer before, I’ve been perfectly happy with my T3, but the difference was so noticeable that I decided to see if I could find a deal on it.

Lo and behold, I found the Dyson hair dryer on Amazon with 20% off for Prime members, AND it’s a holiday gift edition that comes with the stand! (Usually the stand is sold separately.) I do like to keep my hair dryer on my bathroom counter, so this was a huge bonus. It holds all the attachments too.

I decided it was too good to pass up — even if there are better deals over Black Friday weekend, I hear it sold out last year, so I figured I’m better safe than sorry.

And here’s the craziest thing. I ordered it at 9AM on Thursday morning, and it was on my doorstep that night before I went to bed. Not that anyone needs same day shipping, but I thought that was nuts!!!

So anyway… I share all this because I’m sure this hair dryer is on a lot of holiday wish lists, and this is an excellent opportunity to get the gift set with stand (a $435 value) for $320.

And please… if you are reading this and are tempted to vent about the insanity of a $400 hair dryer, there is no need to comment and say so. I am well aware that there are people who think it’s ridonkulous. I did too before I tried it, but when I saw other bloggers reviewing it, I didn’t tell them so. I just kept scrolling. #pleaseandthankyou

Winter Boots on Sale

Okay, moving on to boots!

Bloomingdale’s has TONS of boots on sale, plus they’re running a $25 every $150 you spend promo. There are some pretty sweet deals on Stuart Weitzman boots and shoes, including these Ledyland OTK boots.

I also found these Marc Fisher LTD. Idella Shearling Hiker Boots for 30% off PLUS an additional 25% off that.

I really love his styling, but the retail price tag is pretty hefty. This is the first time I’ve seen them on sale. In fact, there are several Marc Fisher styles on sale at Bloomingdale’s.

And at Nordstrom, the Aquatalia ankle boots from the #NSale are on 40% off and fully stocked in the black suede. (They also come in navy, grey, and burgundy.) I don’t remember what price they were during the sale, but I’m sure they weren’t less than that.

These boots are waterproof suede, and they’re known for their comfort and durability. They’re perfect for those of us in messy climates.

I’ve seen other reviews and the shaft is very soft and comfortable, and it fits close to the leg so you can wear them under all styles of jeans — skinnies, straight, boot, all of them!

And because time is running out, I’ll add a shopping widget below with these and the rest of my top picks of the weekend!

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

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Fall/Winter Fashion
November 22, 2019
4 Comments

Outdoor Gift Ideas with REI

I have many fond memories of spending quality time with my family in the great outdoors.

Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, my family often took short day hikes when we had a long weekend, and then I grew up and married a guy who loves to hike and bike.

Outdoor Gift Ideas with REI from Patagonia, Sorel, Smartwool, and more!

Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with running, and we love to hike as a family when we’re on vacation in Maine. There are actually lots of great hiking trails around where we live, but work and other obligations often get the best of us.

We really should make it a priority to get out more around here on the weekends. There’s no better stress relief than a brisk walk in the woods or a strenuous hike in the fresh air. Plus, you know, togetherness… smartphones and all. #keepingitreal

If you’re an outdoorsy family or need gifts for one who is, there are tons of great outdoor gift ideas available at REI.

They have everything from clothing and shoes to hiking and camping gear, and they only carry brands that are high quality and sustainable. Plus, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Paul is a big fan of their Radikl pants.

They’re lightweight and stretchy, so perfect for wearing alone on a mild day or layering over thermals in colder weather.

These pants also have several pockets for stashing essentials, including this drop-in pocket that is the perfect size for a smartphone.

And you can’t go wrong with a Patagonia fleece jacket over a good base layer.

These zip-up jackets can be worn with street clothes or for outdoor activities, and they make nice gifts for teen boys too. They come in a bunch of colors as well as a quarter-zip option.

Good boots are an outdoor essential as well, and these weatherproof Sorel moc toe boots are both stylish and practical.

The Nubuck leather is waterproof and fully seam-sealed, and they’re lightweight with rubber outsoles for gripping wet pavement. Plus, these boots last for.ev.er. He will have them for years.

And for the outdoorsy women in your life, this lightweight down jacket is just $99, and it’s super lightweight and compressible. In fact, it packs into its own left-hand pocket!

I love the washed red color, but it comes in a bunch of other color options too.

It’s also water repellent and wind resistant, with an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. I can attest to that, as I was wearing this around the house for a bit before we left, and I was overheating after just a few minutes.

Once outside, my legs were chilly in these leggings, but I was toasty warm on top between this coat and my smartwool base layer.

I absolutely love this top, and it makes a nice gift for a woman who likes outdoor activities because the Merino wool helps maintain comfort whether the climate is warm, cold, or in-between. It also has UPF 50+ fabric and flatlock stitching for extra comfort, and it’s very soft — not itchy at all!

The details are really pretty too, and it comes in several other colors and patterns.

It should be perfect for running this winter, and it also makes a nice base layer for the outdoorsy activities that tend to crop up around holiday time — Christmas tree hunting, ice skating, or visiting outdoor holiday exhibits.

And mama got new boots too! Sorel never lets me down, and these lace-up winter boots are perfect for all the winter weather.

They’re waterproof with knit collars and synthetic insulation to keep your feet dry and warm, and they have arch support and rubber soles for good traction on wet surfaces.

I have a taller pair that I wear when we get a lot of show, but I like this shorter version for everyday wear when it’s slushy and messy outside.

Lace-up hiker boots are trending right now, so these will be just as cute with jeans at the mall as they are with leggings on the hiking trail. You could also wear these to the office and change into regular shoes if your commute requires any amount of walking outside.

FYI, you’ll want to size up in these boots! I needed to go up to a 9, and I usually wear 8 or 8.5.

These leggings are incredibly comfortable with a high compression waistband, ergonomic seam placement, and 4-way stretch for ultimate comfort. They’re moisture-wicking too, and they don’t slide down when you run — I tested them!

They aren’t super warm, though, so if I need that, I recommend the Smartwool fleece tights. I also recommend Smartwool socks; they have a thicker pair as well.

Now that we are all set with the proper gear, we’re going to have to make sure to get outside and get moving. In fact, I love that REI closes all their stores on Black Friday to give their employees a day off to #OptOutside with family and friends on the busiest retail day of the year.

That’s the day we usually go outside and cut down our Christmas tree, and that’s what we plan to do this year, so you’ll probably see this outfit again soon!

Our Outfit Details:

Shop More Outdoor Gift Ideas at REI:

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This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, it helps support my business (at no additional cost to you) so thank you!

photos: Alison Cornell

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Lifestyle
November 21, 2019
4 Comments

Holiday Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

This is a collection of holiday gift ideas for teen girls that I compiled from my own daughters’ wish lists and some crowd sourcing I did on Facebook.

A couple days ago, I released my holiday gift guide for teen boys, and now it’s time for the girls to have their turn!

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen // fifteen // sixteen

While girls seem more easier to buy for than boys, it actually makes it harder to come up with a good gift guide. I really had to work hard at paring this one down! I hope it’s helpful.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Teen Girls

one // Hydro Flask water bottles are popular among the teen set, and they make useful gifts too. They really do keep your water cold all day, plus they’re made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, and they’re BPA-free and phthalate-free, so much better than drinking from plastic.

two // My 14-ear-old asked for and received one of these magnetic dry erase calendars for her last birthday, and she loves it. She fills it out with colorful dry erase markers and uses the magnets to pin up pictures and notes and things.

three // Personalized jewelry is always a hit, and I love these custom handwriting bracelets… what a beautiful way to preserve a loved one’s handwriting in a personalized message.

four // Teen girls love pajamas, and these are so cozy and comfortable. My daughter and I both have a pair.

five // What girl WOULDN’T want this blush faux fir “hang around chair” with matte gold accents in her bedroom?

six // Scrunchies are back, and this velvet set turns this throwback accessory up a notch or two.

seven // Holiday butter socks make the perfect stocking stuffer.

eight // This portable printer is on my 14-year-old’s wish list — they can hook it up to their smartphones and print out social media pictures that look like Polaroids. They can even customize their photos before they print with text, borders, emojis, and more.

nine // Apple AirPods are super popular, so if your teen is an iPhone user and doesn’t have any yet, these are sure to be a hit. When I asked on my FB page what people’s teen daughters are asking for this holiday season, these came up more than anything else.

ten // Speaking of what teen daughters want, this limited edition Tarte makeup palette came up several times as well.

eleven // If your teen hasn’t already bombarded you for a Disney+ membership, this will make any Disney lover’s Christmas. It allows you to stream all the Disney classics and new releases all in one place. (This includes Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.)

It’s downloadable so they can watch on the go (my kids love to download movies to watch when we’re traveling), and there is a kid mode that removes inappropriate content, if that’s important to you.

You can get a 7-day free trial, and then it’s $69.99/year or $6.99/month. Click here to start your free trial.

twelve // These fleecy pullovers are popular among teen girls, and it’s a practical gift as well. My younger daughter often wears one of these instead of a coat.

thirteen // This wooden tech caddy is a stylish way to store and charge all of her devices.

fourteen // This cozy beanie-and-scarf gift set is cozy and warm as well as stylish. I purchased this as a gift for someone else, and when my daughter spotted it, she immediately asked if she could have one, so I knew I made a good pick!

fifteen // Another popular item among the younger teenage set are these Vera Bradley lanyards that hold an I.D. and a few bills. They love all the different designs to choose from. College-aged girls might like these university ones.

sixteen // This cozy throw is a favorite in our house, and since everyone always fights over it, I’m getting each person his/her own for Christmas! These are also great gifts for college students.

seventeen // For the kid always running low on cell phone battery life, this small, lightweight portable charger provides almost three-and-a-half iPhone 8 charges or two-and-a-half Galaxy S8 charges. It would make a great stocking stuffer.

eighteen // Ivory Ella is a mission-driven apparel and lifestyle brand that supports elephant conservation, and their tees are popular among the teenage set. My daughter asked for one of these for Christmas last year, and she wears it all the time. There are tons of designs to choose from, with sports themes and more.

nineteen // This selfie ring light is an under $10 gift (or stocking stuffer) that she can attach to her smartphone to get better selfies. I just ordered one for myself!

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Fall/Winter Fashion
November 21, 2019
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Classy Camel and Black Outfit

A camel and black outfit is such a classic look — if ever in doubt, you can’t go wrong with this duo. This outfit came together rather by accident, but I absolutely love it.

It’s this scarf that actually inspired the look.

Camel and Black Checked Blanket Scarf

I saw it at LOFT while shopping with my daughter a couple weeks back, and I was immediately drawn to the large check pattern and the classy camel and black color palette. I felt like it was begging to be styled into a camel and black outfit.

It’s also really soft and cozy, and it’s 40% off right now!

I grabbed the scarf and threw it over my arm, knowing I would be purchasing it, and then I turned the corner and practically ran into this ribbed open cardigan. It was fate!

How to style a camel and black outfit for a classy fall look #fashion #fallfashion #falloutfit #scarfoutfit

I drawn to this cardigan not only because it would complete my camel and black outfit so perfectly, but also because it has such lovely cool undertones. It’s hard to find a cool shade of camel.

It also has a super flattering fit. For some reason, a ribbed cardigan tends to fit slimmer and straighter than most cardigans, which helps to create a long, lean silhouette.

I also like how this cardigan has on-shoulder seams, slim-fitting arms, and a versatile length. Longer lengths are trending, but cardigans that extend below the knee can be overwhelming on those of us who aren’t super tall.

This one is long enough to look current, but not so long as to overwhelm.

Loft Open Ribbed Cardigan in Warm Neutral Melange

If you struggle with cardigans, you might like this post: How To Wear Cardigans Without Looking Frumpy.

See, even from the back, it fits close to the body (but without clinging) so as to not add visual weight.

And before you ask me about wearing a coat… they do make long coats!

Ideally, I would prefer my coat extend past this cardigan, but if an inch or two were to show, I wouldn’t let it bother me.

This cardigan is also 40% off right now! It runs true to size (I have the small, for reference) and also comes in a gorgeous shade of blue.

Underneath, I’m simply wearing a silky black tank and black jeans.

My suede mules are old, but these are similar. Of course, you could also wear black boots or pumps or any semi-dressy black shoe with this outfit.

How to style a camel and black outfit for a classy fall look #fashion #fallfashion #falloutfit #scarfoutfit

For accessories, I wore pearl earrings and this black on black Victoria Emerson 5 wrap bracelet.

I love the understated elegance — it has just hint of sparkle and adds another element of interest to the camel and black outfit.

Victoria Emerson Midnight Mist 5 Wrap Bracelet

To tie this scarf, I simply wrap it around my neck and dunk the long end inside. Super simple!

I did a demo on my Insta Story if you want to see it live and in action. It’s saved to my highlights — those circles across the top of my feed.

Unless I’m in a super cold environment, I wouldn’t wear this scarf indoors because it’s pretty thick, so this outfit really needs a necklace underneath. I didn’t think to add it for these pictures, but I would probably wear something like this or even this.

I actually think the longer, layered necklace would look best with this outfit because the black column created by the tank and jeans can be kind of plain.

How to style a camel and black outfit

Outfit Details:

checked scarf // ribbed cardigan // black tank // black jeans // similar black mules // similar earrings // Victoria Emerson 5 wrap bracelet // optional necklace

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photos: Alison Cornell

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Fall/Winter Fashion
November 20, 2019
31 Comments

My Daily Looks: What I Wore

Greetings and happy hump day! Every other week on Wednesdays, I share my daily outfits from the past few weeks, and it’s that time again.

Since I did some traveling last weekend, this week’s post has some more variety than normal, so yay for that! Let’s get started.

MY DAILY LOOKS: WHAT I WORE

For size reference, I’m 5’5″ and about 140#. I typically wear a small in tops, 6 or 8 (28 or 29) in pants and jeans, and an 8 in dresses.

This first look is from two weeks ago. Normally I have choir rehearsal on Wednesdays , although we ran into a snag that week.

It’s a long story not worth sharing, but I tried to wear this ivory ribbed sweater and my calf hair d’orsay flats in the brown pebble pattern.

Here’s a look from the back — it shows the shoes and the sweater a bit better. I love the details on this sweater.

It’s spendy, but a good one! I also wore it for our first afternoon at the conference last week with these same jeans and snake print ankle boots.

Everlane v-neck sweater (size S) // AG Farah skinnies // J.Crew calf hair d’orsay flats // Lagos pendant & earrings

I’ve been asked if Everlane is having a Black Friday Sale, and they are not. However, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, they are having a free shipping promo tomorrow: Free 2 day shipping on all U.S. orders, Wednesday, 11/20 at 9pm PST – Thursday, 11/21 at 9pm PST. (I have been waiting for one of these, and I plan to order this sweater in the medium, since the small was a bit snug on me.)

As for Black Friday, this is what they said: Our annual Black Friday Fund kicks off on Friday, November 29th. This year we’re partnering with Oceana! Everlane will be donating $10 from every order on Black Friday, until we hit our donation goal of $300,000.

Okay, back to outfits!

On Thursday, I got all dressed up to go to Bible study, and then I decided I really needed to stay home and get work done. Oh, well. I looked cute doing it!

This poncho is sold out, but this one is the same design, just a different color. I really love the ivory flecked knit; if I didn’t already have the black one, I would probably buy it.

And a back view, to show you how the poncho hangs from behind. I like it because it’s not so boxy.

I also like the 3/4 sleeves, but not everyone does, so I wanted to point that out. You could wear a long sleeve tee under, but I kind of prefer it like this. (I just wore a black tank top underneath, tucked into my jeans.)

black LOFT poncho (ivory flecked option) // AG Farah skinnies // J.Crew leopard flats // Lagos earrings // bracelet c/o Victoria Emerson

I wore this next look to the mall with C on a Friday, and then out to dinner with Paul and the girls that night.

It was a chilly day, and while I was fine at the mall, I was really wishing I had my coat that night! I think it’s time to put my denim jacket away till spring.

Which way to you like the sweater better? Front-tucked, or untucked?

I tried it both ways, and while I like the clean, tidy look of the untucked look (below), I think it looks more modern and more balanced with the front-tuck (above).

camel cashmere crew (size S) // AG black skinnies // Vince Camuto denim jacket (size S; my favorite!) // LV Neverfull MM // Lagos earrings // bracelet c/o Victoria Emerson

This next look is from the next Saturday, and I wore this to run errands and visit a friend in rehab. These Everlane sneakers are soooo comfy!

Keep Me Warm sweatshirt (size M) // Rag & Bone Cate skinnies (similar) // Everlane Trainers (Avenue in Raven) // Lagos earrings

The next day was Sunday, which means church for me. I had on this outfit, had even taken a pic, and then I got a text from my daughter that it was super cold inside our church building and I should wear warm layers. So I changed.

But I wanted to post the picture anyway because this is a great work wear outfit. I love the fit of these pants, and this blouse comes in a bunch of colors/prints.

Halogen v-neck blouse (size S) // 1901 ankle skinny pants (size 8) // similar pumps // Anna Beck necklace // pearl earrings (faux option)

This is what I ended up wearing to church, and here’s another front-tucked vs un-tucked comparison.

I think a belt would look nice with the front-tuck and complete the look. I even have one with a gold buckle; I wish I’d thought to try it!

These jeans are basic black skinnies, and I wear them over the sock booties.

It’s hard to see because both are black, but I like the long, lean leg line it creates. Plus it’s warmer than booties that show some ankle, and I can wear socks!

J.Crew mockneck (size M) // black AG skinnies // similar black booties // TB shoulder bag (option) // pearl earrings (faux option)

After church, I threw on one of my favorite fall outfits to visit with some friends.

This rust sweater and my AG Primas are both from the #NSale and have sold out, but I linked up similar below. The Primas at Amazon come in a bunch of different wash options.

rust sweater options here and here // AG Prima cigarette skinnies // TB Minnie flats // pearl earrings (faux option)

Then this was Monday, and I had a photo shoot that morning. I put this on afterwards to run errands and do work.

Anthro camo sweater // AG Farrah skinnies // Vince loafers // Lagos earrings

The next day was rainy and cold; supposedly we even had some snow flurries. I took the opportunity to break out my Sorel wedge booties. These boots are so comfortable, I didn’t even take them off after I got home. I wore them all night, cooked dinner in them, and everything.

This sweater really needs a necklace, but I was going in for a massage (trying to work out some kinks in my lower back and right leg) so I didn’t bother with it.

similar grey v-neck (option) // Mother Looker skinnies (option) // Sorel wedge booties (also at Back Country and Zappo’s) // Lagos earrings

I wore this last Wednesday. I was at home most of the day, and I wanted to be cozy.

Then I wore almost the same exact thing yesterday (different jeans), and I didn’t even realize it until I started working on this post and found this picture. I have a feeling this outfit is going to be on constant repeat this winter.

cowl sweater // AG Farrah skinnies // UGG Quincy boots (so good! size up tho) // Lagos earrings

Last Thursday, I was up and out to the airport bright and early to fly to Nashville for a blogging conference. I took this picture of my travel outfit as I was on my way to my room.

I had intended to wear my Minnie travel flats in the airport, but these boots wouldn’t fit in my suitcase, so I wore them instead. They’re comfortable to a point, but I hadn’t broken them in well enough, and I ended up with a blister by the end of the day. Should have worn the snake print ones.

rust sweater options here and here // AG Farrah skinnies // Vince Camuto booties // Everlane scarf

I changed into snake print booties and the ivory v-neck sweater to head over to the conference center to register and for a few afternoon round table sessions, but I didn’t get any pictures.

That night, I went to dinner at a steakhouse nearby with these lovely ladies. I wore that v-neck blouse for real this time, along with my black jeans and black pumps.

v-neck blouse // black jeans // similar pumps // Stella & Dot earrings

And Friday was the first full day of the conference. After wearing heels all day on Thursday, I decided to be kind to my feet, and I wore my Tory Burch Minnie flats with this casual outfit.

FYI, this sweater has been restocked, and it’s 40% off! You can find it at both Nordstrom and Madewell (shipping and returns are always free at Nordstrom, and they’re also free for Madewell Insiders!)

Also, they’ve released a NEW COLOR!!! It’s more of a winter color palette, so be sure to check it out if you don’t care for the earth tones in this one. Both are 40% off, use code STARTEARLY at Madewell to get the additional discount.

Madewell Kent striped cardigan (restocked and 40% off; more sizes at Madewell) // ivory tank // grey Frame skinnies (yes, I kept them) // TB Minnie travel flats // LV Neverfull MM // Lucky Brand necklace

I changed into these booties (tortilla suede) that evening to go to the hotel restaurant for dinner with some friends.

The next day was Saturday, and it was another long one. Cyndi and I went to a couple morning conference sessions, then we took a break at lunchtime and ran to the mall for a few things we needed for blog posts this week, and then we came back to more conference sessions that afternoon.

I guess I didn’t get a picture of that outfit, but I wore my camo sweater with grey jeans and black suede mules. I also wore my black leather jacket, which I removed during the conference sessions.

It was basically this, but with my hair down and curled, and the addition of the leather jacket. I also wore my new Frame grey skinnies — I’m really liking the higher rise.

Anthro camo sweater // similar grey jeans // similar mules

Then that night, Rhoda, Cyndi, and I took an Uber down to Broadway (the main strip in Nashville with the infamous Honky Tonk bars) to hear some live music.

It was mobbed, which wasn’t surprising for 8PM on a Saturday night, but it reminded me that when Paul and I were there a few years ago, we started earlier, when it was easier to get a table and you could actually sit and enjoy the music.

We had a good time, but we only lasted an hour or so before heading back to the hotel. We agreed if we ever do it again, we’ll start at 4PM and get back to our hotel before things get too crazy.

Anyway, this is what I wore for that. (I should have front-tucked my top. I don’t like how it’s the same length as the jacket.) But anyway…

leopard sweater // similar jacket // black jeans // booties // earrings

And this is Sunday, the day I flew home.

This is the day I used Cyndi’s Dyson hairdryer, and ohmyword, I am hooked! I really thought it was a bunch of hype, but my hair has never looked so smooth and silky. The best part is, it still looked amazing when I got home that night, after a full day of travel.

I’m watching for a sale, but I’m definitely going to spring for one when I see a good buy.

v-neck sweater (small) // AG Farrah skinnies // snake print booties (option) // Lagos pendant & earrings

And here I am, packed and ready for the airport! This time I wore my snake print booties, and my feet were very happy with me.

So this was Monday… I had a photo shoot that morning, and I just left this “outfit” on for the rest of the day.

It’s incomplete, but I was too busy to change. I love all these pieces, but they need some accessories to pull it all together. (I wore a scarf for the blog photos… coming soon!)

And forgive the grainy picture, I took it right before dinner and this is the “night mode” on my new iPhone 11. I also can’t help but notice how frizzy my hair looks compared to the pix from Nashville with the Dyson dryer. It bugged me all day, lol!

LOFT cardigan (size S) // black tank (size S) // similar black skinnies // similar mules

And this was yesterday… I was at home most of the day and wanted to be cozy… Glasses and 2nd day hair, but I did at least throw on some makeup.

cowl neck sweater // Mother Looker skinnies (option) // UGG  Quincy boots // pearl earrings (faux option)

And that’s a wrap!

Since I get a lot of questions about accessorizing, you may notice that with the exception of a few GNO looks from the conference, I’m pretty much always wearing simple studs for earrings. This isn’t just because I’m lazy. (Which I am — I usually take them out when I’m taking my makeup off, and they’re sitting on my bathroom counter the next morning, so I often end up just putting them back in again.)

But it’s also a conscious decision to keep my jewelry minimal. Especially with turtlenecks and crewnecks, I just like the elegant simplicity of a large ball stud earring, so I’ve been alternating between my pearls and the Lagos pair.

I got these pearl earrings a few years ago when they were on sale for $480, and I’ve never seen them lower… until now! They’re still an investment at $325, but these are 11mm cultured pearls, and they are GORGEOUS. One day I’ll pass them down to one of my daughters.

If you’ve been wanting a pair, this is a great time to get them… or ask for them for Christmas!

Alright! I’m off to meet a friend for coffee. Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

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