As the Thanksgiving food is finally setting, a new focus has come into play - GIFTS! Let's be real for a sec - the holidays can be stressful. What you see on Instagram are toasty warm hot cocoas and hanging the ornaments on our freshly cut tree, but what you don't see? A girl in her sweatpants on the couch, hair unwashed, trying to find the very best gifts on the world wide web. It wasn't pretty, but it had to be done. So instead of you worrying about finding the best gifts for your family, your special someone (or yourself!), I'm sharing all my favorite finds with you! Be sure to check out my holiday playlist (perfect for wrapping those gifts) at the very end!
Best Cyber Monday Sales
Alice + Olivia
25% off everything (applied at discount)
Anine Bing
Extra 20% off with code BING20
Ann Taylor
40% off full price styles on Sunday night with code THANKS40
Anthropologie
25% off everything with code: SHOPTOIT from 11.27-11.30
ASOS
30% off casual looks for men and women with code: BLESSED
AYR
25% off your order with code CYBERNATE25
Banana Republic
Everything 40% off using code: BESTCYBER
Bluemercury
Free ground shipping (my favorite spot to buy makeup!)
Denada
Major sale on tons of winter essentials (she's local!)
Everlane
Free shipping on 2+ items
Express
Up to 40% items and free shipping on orders $50+
Free People
25% off all sale items and free shipping on all orders
Furbish
20% entire site from 11.27 – 11.30 using code: CYBER
GAP
Cyber Monday 50-70% off everything from 11.23-11.30
Goodnight Macaroon
50% off store-wide with code: blackfriday2015 on 11/27-12/3
(I just ordered this gorgeous scarf!)
J.Crew
In stores & online: 40% off 507 styles for everyone* & 30% off everything else.** Plus, extra 40%–50% off sale styles.*** Use code MONDAY
J.Crew Factory
50% off everything
LOFT
40% OFF almost EVERYTHING! (only exclusion: Lou & Grey new arrivals) from 11.27 12AM EST to 11:59PM EST with code: BF40
M. Gemi
$50 off every pair of shoes 12AM 11.30 – 3AM 12.1
Madewell
25% off your entire purchase with code: Calmdown
Nars
Receive an exclusive 20% off purchase with code TAKE20 + free shipping on purchases of $50+ from 11.27 – 12.2
Neiman Marcus
Extra 33% off already reduced items + $50 off when you spend $200+ with code: THANKFUL
Nordstrom
25% off selected items + Free shipping and returns
Old Navy
40% off everything (this is the softest scarf ever and I'm also love this sweater I have!)
Paige Denim
20% off sitewide (excludes sale items) from 11.27 – 11.30 using code: CYBER20 (one of my new favorite denim brands!)
Rag & Bone
Cyber Monday take an extra 25% off sale items using code: CYBER!
Revolve
Extra 20% off with code: BLACKFRIDAY20
Cyber Monday up to 80% off + 20% off all sale (11.29), 50% off final sale items (12.1) using code: CYBER50
Sam Edelman
Buy more, save more with CYBERSAM15 (+ free shipping and returns)
Shopbop
Spend $250+ and save 15%, Spend $500+ and save 20%, spend $1,000+ and save 25% , (S’well and Stuart Weitzman style level exclusions) from 11.24 – 11.30 with code: GOBIG15
THE OUTNET
Free shipping using code: SNOWMAN15
Victoria Secret
Buy 1 bra get 1 50% off (from now until 12/2) using code: DOUBLEUP
Cyber Monday free tote with $65 purchase (excludes clearance) online only using code: CYBER65
Vince
Extra 25% off from 4PM EST 11.26 – 3am EST 11.29 using code: BFEXTRA25
Cyber Monday 25% off using code: WRAPUP25
Waiting on Martha
20% off everything minus fine art from 11.27 – 11.30 using code: SHOPSMALL
Thankful
Just wanted to write a little note to you guys thanking you for being the most epic readers and friends EVER. I've had such a blast through these past two years sharing stories, discovering the things that make me look fat (haha) and sharing the coolest brands I find with you.
This year, I’m especially thankful for friends. I’ll be honest - when I started my blog, I didn’t have many friends. I secretly hoped that I’d meet some awesome, like-minded girls to call my BFFs through blogging (not really something you hear very often.)
And two years later, I feel like the luckiest girl alive to call so many amazing women my friends. My dear friend, Jen, took these photos when we grabbed lunch together at Malmaison (one of my favorite Georgetown spots) earlier this Fall. It’s days like this that make me realize how important it is to take time for people you love. And to be forever grateful for those moments.
I’m challenging myself to look past the things I don’t have and focus on the things I do today, and everyday.
Wearing C/MEO culottes (sold out, but these are next on my list!), Anthropologie blouse, old (almost identical), VASKA purse via Estiletta c/o, Sophie Blake necklace, Hanuel bracelet c/o, Free People espadrilles.
Fashion Math
When you see an outfit you love, what makes it special? It’s funny - I was just thinking today about fashion…(well that’s like very day but in particular today) and wondered, what makes a look great?
And after flipping through magazines and scrolling on Pinterest, I figured it out. It’s BALANCE. I may have mentioned it before but it’s truly the formula for success!
Just take a look at what I’m wearing:
My oversized jacket is balanced by tighter-fitting skinny jeans.
My black ensemble is balanced with white pumps.
My edgy leather top is balanced by a feminine scarf.
SEE WHAT I MEAN?! It’s fashion math.
Do you follow the balance formula? Does it work for you? Until next time!
Wearing Citizens of Humanity jeans via South Moon Under c/o, vintage scarf (similar Lanvin one for $40!), Justicia Ruano leather top via Estiletta (you can rent it!), Finders Keepers pumps (similar), Hanuel bracelet c/o.
Dessange Paris
It's a very exciting time for hair. During the holidays, we invest a little extra time in curling it just right, inserting those Bobby pins in just the right place. Finding the perfect products that'll hold our hair in place without smelling like we've doused ourselves in it.
But it all starts at the core, doesn't it?
Dessange Paris has been around for a while, but it's new to me. They recently sent over a few of their newer items to try and I must say, I'm impressed!
Usually when it comes to hair products, once you've tried a more expensive version of something, you can never go back. I'm so happy to report that isn't the case with their shampoo and clay mask.
Their clay hair mask (they make masks for everything these days!) goes on before shampoo'ing, something I'm not used to! But turns out, it strips the hair of impurities so it's all prepped for taking advantage of all the nutrients in their shampoo. It also helps to minimize oily roots while moisturizing ends Use the applicator brush that you use to distribute into your hair before you shower and you’ll leave in for 5-10 mins.
The shampoo is pretty straightforward. I put this in after I washed out the clay mask and I felt like my hair was getting a spa treatment! It helps balance the oils in your roots and smells heavenly.
I styled my hair as usual and went to work. Can I JUST say - three people (THREE!) asked me if I had just gotten highlights. Honestly, I was kind of shocked. I had them done months before! The mask and shampoo had totally brightened my hair! Just like magic.
Have you tried Dessage Paris before? If not, you can pick it up at Target or order them online below.
