Definitely my favorite time of the year to stock up on essentials, shop for gifts, and look for great sale finds, I thought I’d do a special post dedicated to all the great pieces on Sale I’m loving at the moment but also to some of my favorite places to find great deals & steals.  Scroll to the bottom of this post to see more! 

Favorite Places to Shop for Deals & Steals:

NORDSTROM – Up to 60% OFF | SHOPBOP – Up to 75% OFF | Net-a-Porter – Up to 50% OFF | REVOLVE – Up to 50% OFF | FORWARD – Up to 65% OFF | BARNEYS NEW YORK – Up to 60% OFF | OFF FIFTH – Up to 90% OFF | LAST CALL – Up to 80% OFF | ASOS – Up to 25% OFF with Code EPIC25 | URBAN OUTFITTERS – Up to 50% OFF

P.S. Also, you know what a huge fan of Michele watches I am, the one I’m wearing in today’s post practically never comes off my wrist! Well, I’m happy to say that Michele is running a rare Black Friday Sale ( Up to 40% OFF ), so if you happen to love Michele watches as much as I do, now may be the time to get your favorite style on sale!

Wearing what are 2 of my favorite trends at the moment: a knit dress & a mini bag. Perfect for day, great for night, I love that ease & casual appeal that the right knit dress brings to a look. The one I am wearing in today’s post is definitely a favorite at the moment, mainly because of the cut (hello turtleneck and side-slit) but also, I am never not a sucker for this particular shade of blue. Sadly it is sold out everywhere, but if you scroll down to the bottom of this post, I’ve found a few similarly pretty options in tons of cute colors and shapes.

This mini bag from Jacquemus is my other obsession du jour! Love, love, love suede in this particular color because it pairs so well with Fall/Winter color palette of grays, blues, creams, browns and caramels, but I think the reason I’ve been wearing it non-stop lately is because it adds that very clean finishing touch to an outfit. Basically it never overpowers a look, yet adds a bit of an interesting touch to an outfit! Love that! Once again, if you scroll to the bottom of this post I’ve managed to find a very similar option on sale!

Also, since there are a ton of amazing SALES going on right now (I know I’ve been shopping like a crazy person these past 2 days), I thought I’d give you heads ups on some of the best Deals & Steals going on at the moment.

NORDSTROM – Up to 60% OFF | SHOPBOP – Up to 75% OFF | Net-a-Porter – Up to 50% OFF | REVOLVE – Up to 50% OFF | FORWARD – Up to 65% OFF | BARNEYS NEW YORK – Up to 60% OFF | OFF FIFTH – Up to 90% OFF | LAST CALL – Up to 80% OFF | ASOS – Up to 25% OFF with Code EPIC25 | URBAN OUTFITTERS – Up to 50% OFF

Jacquemus Dress (also love this, this, and this one) and Bag (also love this, this, and this one) | Gianvito Rossi Boots (similar here, here, and here)

I don’t really think it’s a secret that my love of all things plaid runs deep, but this year in particular, I just can’t get enough of this classic fall/winter print. First as far as prints go, plaid is rather subtle which means that it’s demure enough even for those who are not necessarily print-crazy, second plaid does a great job of breaking up the monotony of solid-colored outfits, and third, it just looks so darn good with all the fall wardrobe staples!

The one from & Other Stories I am wearing in this post is my latest find and current favorite! Love me a longer blazer period, but one is slightly cinched at the waist which means that it looks equally great belted or not. Sadly it’s sold out, but if you scroll down to the bottom of this post, I found a few very similar options on SALE at Nordstrom ( CLICK HERE to check out their Cyber Monday promo ).

P.S. I’ve gotten a lot of questions about the lip color I am wearing in this post on my insta stories, and it’s actually L’Oréal Infallible 2 step Lip Color in Cherry Noir. Another similar option I am loving at the moment when I want to go for a more matte look is Ulta Matte Lip Crayon in Cheers.

& Other Stories Blazer (similar here, here, and here) | Esteban Cortazar Slip Dress (similar here, here, and here) | Saint Laurent Boots (similar here, here, and here) | Belt (similar here, here, and here) | Jacquemus Bag (also love this, this, and this one)

When it comes to Holiday make-up, drama is what I normally look for. I love bold colors and textures, rich and bright shades, basically, anything that helps take my Holiday make-up to the next level. Yet I also look for products that are quick and easy to use since I rarely have a lot of time to get ready during the busy Holiday season. If you read my blog on the regular, you probably already know that I love Marc Jacobs Beauty in general, and though I’ve discovered it relatively recently, already have more than a few favorites. Why do I love it? Well first, the colors and textures are super rich, second the shade range is beautiful but most importantly, because they make it so easy to get the look that I want. And so with that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of a few of my favorites at the moment. My go-to little helpers to get that make-up game on point when I don’t have a lot of time! 

O!mega Gel Powder Eyeshadow in the shade Prim-O! – have been loving this eyeshadow so much; the staying power and color pay off are great and there is no fall out which is amazing. I either wear this eyeshadow on its own for a little sparkle on my eyelids or pack it on top of other eyeshadow for a pop of shimmer (usually in the center of the lid). This shade also works great as an inner corner/brow bone highlight.

Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara – if you are looking to add volume to your lashes, this mascara is your best friend. I’m a bit less about length and more about fullness when it comes to my lashes so I have been loving wearing this mascara. If you want really dramatic lashes, wait about 30 seconds after applying the first coat and go for a second (you’re basically waiting for the first coat to get a bit tacky and not entirely dry before going for that second coat).

Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner – love how easily this pencil glides on; it doesn’t tag or pull on your eyelid making the application process so easy. I’ve been loving using this liner under my eyes and smudging for a smokey eye look (but be sure to smudge right away, it stays in place when it dries). I’ve also used it to create my signature cat eye look and the staying power is so good.

Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick in the shade Magenta 224 – I’ve raved so much about Marc Jacobs Beauty lip products and this one is no exception. Super creamy, rich in color, long wearing, and very moisturizing, it’s one of my favorite lipsticks ever. The shade range is amazing – so many beautiful colors, there’s one for everyone. This particular shade is just perfection for fall and the holidays – a gorgeous deep burgundy that would look amazing with a shimmery eyeshadow look.

Lip Lock Moisture Balm – love this lip balm, super moisturizing for your lips making it a perfect thing to have in your purse especially now that the cold weather is upon us. I wear it on its own or use it as a base for my lipstick (especially if I’m wearing a matte one, I like to moisturize my lips before since matte shades tend to be drying). It has SPF and delicious minty flavor which makes me want to reapply it every 5 minutes!

Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss in the shade 346 Rah Rah! – absolutely love these glosses and have them in so many shades. The shine and glossiness of these is the best I’ve tried for sure. This particular shade is a new favorite. It’s a melon shade that I have been loving to wear over a nude lip creating a perfect shade of slightly nude slightly coral lip, which is my favorite kind of lip to wear on daily basis!

Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick in the shade One Mauve Time – another killer lip product from Marc Jacobs Beauty. It’s really unique because it’s solid (like a lipstick) but it applies as a gloss (super shiny). It’s non sticky and feels like I’m not wearing anything which I love. I have it in a few shades but my favorite has been the one pictured here – it intensifies the color of my lips making it a super natural shade perfect for every day.

Are you guys into sports? I wasn’t always, in fact it wasn’t until the first year of college when I met my best friend that I really started appreciating football. She was a huge fan, so she got me into it, and now, I can’t imagine my life without it! She was from Denver, so naturally she was rooting for her home team, and since I was new to the sport, I basically started following them as well. Now, even though I moved to LA, I support the Broncos because it always makes me feel closer to her. We don’t see each other as much or as often as we would like, so it’s our way to staying connected in between the visits!

Later on this love of the sport is what brought my husband and I together in many ways! When we first started dating, that was definitely one of the things we did quite a bit of. We would watch the game then go to a sports bar to play pool, and hang out with our friends. Now, it’s something we love to do together as a family. In fact, one of the biggest reasons I enjoy football so much is because of the memories I make watching it with family and friends on Sundays. Nothing better than getting together with your loved ones and rooting for your favorite teams. We have some die hard fans among us rooting for different teams so it’s always fun to watch together. My hubby being a Los Angeles Rams fan is having a time of his life right now since his team is doing so well this season (I’m a bit jealous to be honest)! Another reason I appreciate football so much is because of the Super Bowl – I feel like it’s such a unifying event here in the US with millions and millions of people getting together that day to watch THE game of the season, and I can’t wait for it every year no matter which teams make it.

I like to wear my Denver Broncos jersey out for a few different reasons. The main reason of course is to show support for my team. Watching their games brings me so many good memories that I get to re-live every time I put it on. I wear it out not only on game days, but on pretty much any other day of the week – I think it all depends on how you style it! Another reason I like wearing it is because it brings me a certain sense of community – wearing it out on the street makes you bump into other fans of your team, and I love having those little conversations with total strangers about football!

Since I’ve always been such a big fan of mixing dressy and casual pieces, for day, I normally pair my jersey with either skinny denim or leather pants and often layer a black turtleneck underneath. Love the way it adds a polished element to this casual piece, but also the way it makes bright colors pop! Finishing touches – a cute bag (I am living for belt bags right now, because they add a touch of cool and edge to practically any look imaginable) and my Nike black and white sneakers. Sadly, the pair I am wearing in this post is sold out, but I found a few equally appealing options (here & here).

For night, I usually pair my jersey with mini skirts and boots! Patent leather is a must-have this season and it looks very “off-the-moment” paired with sportier pieces. Chic, feminine, yet very nonchalant and easygoing-love the way it helps to dress up a casual piece like a jersey yet gives an outfit a decidedly dressier look and feel. My choice of footwear is almost always boots, and sportier versions like sock booties is what I opt for most of the time, though I’d say that most ankle boots work just as well.

What about you guys, how do you normally wear your jerseys?

Special thank you to Nike for partnering with me on this post.

One of my favorite colors, orange and especially burnt orange is proving to be the hue to wear this Fall. Pantone’s color of the year, love this particular shade because it’s so versatile! First, it works really well with autumn’s earthy/warm tones (think creams, caramels, browns and burgundies). Second, it’s a much softer, subtle shade than the bright orange we’ve seen some much of this summer, which means it’s easier to wear even for those who are color shy. Third, it works equally well for day and night – perfect color choice for cocktail hour, yet just as cute for day-time ( think a cozy knit or a pair of corduroy jeans).

In a perfect world I’d love to have two hours to get party-ready, but in reality, during the busy Holiday season, I’m lucky if I get half an hour. This particular look took about 25 minutes only because come crunch time, I always reach for my time tested favorites that I know will get me the look I want quick! What I find, is that when you don’t have a lot of time but want to look pulled together and festive, metallics are definitely the way to go! Something about that glow gives your make-up a night-time look and feel, yet application is simple and easy, so your makeup doesn’t take all day to create! So, without further ado, here are my favorite Holiday Glow Getters, or my little helpers as I like to call them.

See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadows in Icy Opal and Topaz Flash – love these glitter eyeshadows! Perfect option for that dramatic Holiday night-time eye looks. Love that the shadows glide on the lid super smoothly and can be packed on for extreme pigment and glitter or applied lightly for just a bit of shine. Today I used the Topaz Flash shade all over the lid and used the Icy Opal to highlight my brow bone and inner corner of the eye. The Icy Opal shade is a very stark white so if you’re looking for a dramatic highlight shade, this is it. I’ve also been adding it in the very center of the eyelid for a pop of highlight.

Enamored Hydrating Lip Gloss Stick in the shade Uh-Huh Honey Enamored – another killer lip product from Marc Jacobs Beauty. It’s really unique because it’s solid (like a lipstick) but it applies as a gloss (super shiny). It’s non sticky and feels like I’m not wearing anything which I love. I have it in a few shades but my favorite has been the one pictured here – the prettiest nude metallic color that creates that perfectly shimmery pouty lip effect!

Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss in Shine a Light – The lipgloss has been my favorite for some time now – perfect amount of shine and pigment, I love the way the Shine a Light shade adds a bit of sparkle and dimension to any lip color I’m wearing, yet looks just as pretty on its own. In today’s post I dabbed a bit of this gloss on top of the lipstick I was wearing to instantly add more shine and dimension to my lips. I also love to dab it on my cupid’s bow to highlight it. I’ve even used this gloss as an eyeshadow! This one is definitely a must for your holiday makeup kit.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator – I like to apply it on my cheekbones as well as collar bone and high points on my shoulders. It’s a beautiful highlight, and I love the compact design that I can take with me anywhere for a quick and easy touch up. It comes in super handy during Holiday season since so many dresses have exposed shoulders and I love a shoulder highlight! Adding a little body glow is such an easy thing to do, but I feel like it makes a huge difference and pulls your look together.

Stello Los Angeles Dress | Ranjana Khan Cascade Gold Tone Velvet And Crystal Clip Earrings | Sydney Evan Small Gold & Diamond Moon Necklace, Gold & Diamond Fringe Drop Moon Necklace, Yellow Gold & Diamond Mini Key Necklace, Yellow Gold & Diamond Safety Pin Necklace, and Gold & Pavé Diamond Crescent Moon Studs

One of my favorite ways to add a bit of WOW to my Holiday looks, unlike any other accessory, jewelry really is the best/easiest way to take your evening look to the next level. Though every season brings many jewelry trends, this year, I think we can definitely narrow them down to the 3 major ones: Statement Earrings, Hair Bling & Embellished Ankle!

Statement Earrings – the number one trend this season, the reason why I love STATEMENT EARRINGS so much is because they can literally transform any outfit from ordinary into something extraordinary in 5 seconds flat! So easy to wear, you can pair them with practically anything from evening gowns and cocktail dresses to more casual options like pant-suits, denim with elevated tops or chunky knits, and somehow they never fail to add just the right touch of sparkle to a look. The one thing to keep in mind though, bolder is definitely better when it comes to this particular trend (current loving THIS PAIR & THIS ONE).

Hair Bling – probably the quickest and easiest way to update your Holiday hair game, for me personally, hair bling is a life saver when I don’t have a lot of time to get my hair game on point before an event. Think headbands (especially the EMBELLISHED VELVET KIND), CRYSTAL PINS & FANCY HAIR CLIPS. Perfect with pretty much any Holiday look imaginable, love that you can wear hair bling with both very dressy looks and more casual ones. Personally, I love the way an evening gown looks with BOLD EARRINGS & a few crystal HAIR CLIPS, yet a fancy HAIR SCRUNCHY or ELEVATED HEADBAND can be a very simple & easy way to dress up your more casual Holiday outfits. Think high waisted black skinny jeans, a dressy top and a pearl headband!

Embellished Ankle – though leg wear is having a major moment this season in general (how gorgeous are these GLITTER FISHNETS! Also, living for THESE BABIES!), it is the TULLE SOCK trend paired with PUMPS or STRAPPY SANDALS I just can’t get enough of! Such a fun way to add a bit of drama to your evening look, love the way ankle socks help give an outfit a slightly edgier, modern and fashionable look and feel! The combo I am wearing in today’s post is definitely my favorite! So good with little black dresses, 80’s inspired numbers and even evening pant-suits, something about the tulle sock/embellished sandal pairing never fails to take a look to the next level. The sandals I am wearing in today’s post are from last year, but I found a very similar pair on SALE HERE.

If you were to ask me this question a couple of years ago, my response would have definitely been a version of “not for me”, but thanks to a stirrup option from Balenziaga I got my hands on recently, I find myself a firm believer in leggings as pants trend.

One thing to keep in mind though is that not all leggings are created equal. You’re definitely looking for a dressier option, like this pair from Tory Burch for example. Something that fits like leggings yet has a bit more thickness and has enough design elements to make it into more of a pant/legging hybrid (another favorite here & here).

Why I love them? Well first, they are a really cool paired with longer blazers (like this one for example) and sportier toppers like raincoats & puffer jackets (LOVE this one), especially if you opt for a dressier shoe option like sock booties for example. Secondly, they look really now and modern worn with long coats and sneakers, and third, they are basically the new skinny jeans and are definitely here to stay given how comfortable they are! So, I guess it’s definitely a YAY to leggings as pants for me. What about you guys?

Balenciaga Hourglass Houndstooth Wool Blazer (also love this, this, and this one), Jogger Fuseau Stretch Ponte Stirrup Leggings (also love this, this, and this), BB Reporter Bag (similar here and here), and Pointy Toe Sock Bootie (also love these, these, and these ones) | Roberi And Fraud Doris 2.0 Sunglasses

Do you guys have a signature scent for the Holidays? I always do, and this year, my personal favorite is the new Muddled Plum Collection from MOLTON BROWN LONDON created especially for the Holiday season. What I love about it the most is the fact it’s very different from any other Holiday scent I’ve ever experienced, because it pays a very grown-up homage to the Holidays and isn’t at all what you typically expect from a Holiday fragrance. Opulent and rich, the scent is a perfect combination of sweet and fruity, and has that certain aura of sophistication that gives this fragrance longevity to be worn well past the Holiday season.

Yet another reason to love the Muddled Plum  Bath & Shower Gel, it leaves my skin feeling soft and pampered and the aroma is just intoxicating. The Body Lotion was love at first sight & the scent goes on very light yet makes your skin super soft! The Single Wick candle  is another big selling point for me! Oh, another obsession is the scented glitter! Honestly a first for me, this pretty purple  Scented Glitter can be sprinkled over pretty much everything to add a touch of the Holidays to your gifts, decorations, Holiday table setting or your vanity table (love the way it puts me in the Holiday mood when I do my make up in the morning)!

Also, since this is the season when gift-giving is never far away from our minds, the Muddled Plum Collection makes for a wonderful gift! The packaging is just gorgeous and the boxes are so pretty I’m keeping them to store my jewelry during Holiday season. The scent is divine and as you may already know, beauty products such as body-care are what I love to gift the most. Aside from thinking that gifts should always be a little indulgent, a gift of beauty allows a person time to pamper themselves and take a break from the hustle and the bustle. And I know we can all certainly use a bit of that!

Special thank you to MOLTON BROWN for partnering with me on this post.

When you get that email that Net-a-Porter is having 70% Off SALE… Basically, favorite time of the year, because there is nothing I love more than snagging that coveted designer piece for a fraction of the price! Enter today’s outfit for example, almost everything I am wearing in today’s look is on SALE right now. Though technically speaking I was shopping for staples, at least that’s what my usual strategy is, there is always that surprise find ( just couldn’t pass up on these Jacquemus earrings) and honestly that’s probably one of my favorite parts!

Though it’s hard to choose a favorite, I mean how BOMB is this bomber jacket (added bonus is that it’s lined in faux shearling so not only is it pretty, it’s also pretty warm), I can never resist a great pair of white boots. These particular ones from Attico are just on another level! Love them with casual looks, love them with dresses for night, basically, love them with everything and especially love them because they were 60% Off!

P.S. If you still haven’t found that perfect Holiday outfit, Net-a-Porter got you covered! A few favorite labels to shop below:

CLOTHING: Self-Portrait, GANNI, Alice McCall, Caroline Constas, RIXO (especially this dress), Isabel Marant & Alice + Olivia

ACCESSPRIES: Sophia Webster (I die a little every time I look at these heels), Attico, Theory, Loeffler Randall, Aquazzura & Gianvito Rossi

All Access Tour Color Block Quilted Shell Down Bomber Jacket (more sizes here) | Attico Betta Croc Effect Leather Knee Boots (also love these and these) | Jacquemus Les Perles Yasmin Gold Tone Clip Earrings | Frame Ali Distressed High Rise Skinny Jeans (also love these and these) | Dior Saddle Bag (also love this, this, and this one) | Sydney Evan necklaces

I said it before and I’ll say it again, accessories, or rather the right accessories, can really make an outfit shine. Aside from having the power to take a look from day to night, add that dramatic element to some of the more casual/simple looks, the right accessory helps to elevate your style and add that polished, sophisticated touch that makes any outfit look high-end. The latter, being the number one reason I tend to invest in accessories the most. When it comes to investment pieces, there are a number of things I look for. First and foremost is longevity (I tend to look for pieces that don’t go out of style quickly), second is versatility (a good investment piece should be easy to style) and third is that WOW factor!

Though there are certainly a number of designer brands that I absolutely adore and that never fail to deliver to all three accounts, CHANEL has got to be my absolute favorite. The definition of timeless classic, I have CHANEL pieces from 10 years ago that look just as relevant today as the day I got them. In fact, I often opt for vintage pieces because they are more unique, which in my opinion makes them that much more special.

Where do I shop for CHANEL (vintage, new and hard to find pieces)? Well, I came across LePrix as I was searching for the CHANEL chain belt I am wearing in this post. One of the largest online luxury consignment markets, I was really impressed with their selection of CHANEL, HERMÈS, LOUIS VUITTON and old CÉLINE. The gorgeous metallic CHANEL bag I am wearing in this post was another recent LePrix find! Love the color and the size, it’s a perfect option for cocktail hour, yet equally impressive paired with distressed denim and tweed blazers. The chain belt is my unicorn of sorts, I’ve been searching for just the right one ever since I came back from Paris. I came across a vintage Paris Vogue issue and the one I am sporting in today’s look was featured in an editorial paired with simple blue denim and a striped t-shirt. I was obsessed the moment I saw it! Now that it’s finally mine, I am planning on wearing it with everything and everywhere, so you may be seeing quite a bit of it in the near future!

P.S. If you happen to be CHANEL obsessed not unlike yours truly, CLICK HERE to check out a special curated collection of some of my current obsessions & favorites!

Chanel Gold Medallion Chain Belt (also love this and this one), Silver Flap Bag (similar here, here, and here) | Saint Laurent Niki Glossed Leather Over The Knee Boots | Rag & Bone 10″ Skinny Jeans | Theory Power Jacket | Jennifer Behr Kamille Earrings | Magda Butrym Lubeck Feather Trimmed Blazer | Sydney Evan necklaces

Combining different textures has become a bit of a thing for me lately, and leather and tweed is definitely my favorite pairing at the moment. Love it because it adds that extra layer of richness to a look, a great pair of leather pants (such as these ones or these burgundy babies) worn with a tweed blazer (love this textured one or this oversized number) just never fails to impress or looks out of place.

Another styling trick? Add a pretty chiffon blouse (like this one, this one or this gorgeous ruffled number) to soften this combo and finish the look with statement jewels (current obsessions here & here) to add a feminine touch to this otherwise rather strong pairing.

Chloe Buckled Tweed Blazer (also love this and this one) | Etro Leather Shorts (similar here, here, and here) |  Iro Utopia Top | Fendi Prince Of Wales Checked Coated Canvas Knee Boots (also love these, these, and these ones) | Dior Mini Saddle Bag (similar here and here)

Though every trip to Italy I’ve ever taken was a favorite in some way, my last one to Florence will always be one of the most special ones. Aside from the fact that this time around we’ve actually had a chance to explore a bit more of Florence and the beautiful Tuscan countryside, somewhere between getting a private cooking lesson at the gorgeous Relais Villa Olmo food & wine resort, brunching at J.K. Place (the uber chic boutique hotel and definitely the place to stay if you’re ever in Florence), and shopping till I drop at The Mall Luxury Outlets (best selection of Balenciaga & Gucci goodies at 50% off I’ve ever seen) I’ve discovered a few Italian skincare & body care lines I simply cannot get enough of!

Santa Maria Novella Enzymatic Exfoliating Mask – exfoliating is a huge part of my skincare routine so I am always on the lookout for masks and products that would do that for me. Definitely one of the best exfoliating masks I’ve ever tried, my skin feels baby soft after, yet it doesn’t irritate my skin or make it dry. I’ve been using it twice a week and so far loving the results I’m seeing!

Santa Maria Novella Bubble Bath – you guys know how much I love the rose scent, I literally will get my hands on anything rose, so naturally I had to get this bubble bath. What I love about it is that it’s not just bubble bath but also a shower gel. Such a relaxing and soothing experience to sit in a bubble bath with this amazing rose scent filling the room.

Santa Maria Novella Black Rose Tea – as much as I love coffee, every once in a while I try to reach for tea instead to boost my hydration. Somehow, when your tea is rose flavored and comes in such a cute jar, I tend to reach for it more frequently! This tea has been my coffee replacement in the afternoons – love taking a little break and brewing a cup.

Perlier Imperial Honey Imperial Drops Body Cream – huge fan of creams, lotions, and anything that’s going to moisturize my skin, this cream has been such a good find for me. Even though I live in Los Angeles and the climate here is very mild, I still notice that my skin tends to get drier during the fall/winter months. I’ve been using this cream for the last couple of weeks and haven’t noticed a single dry patch.

Skin & Co Eye Concentrate – our eye area is so sensitive and delicate, I am always super careful about what products I use around my eyes. I’ve been loving this concentrate because it does not irritate my eyes, is not too heavy, and I’ve noticed a difference since I started using it – my fine lines are smoother and under eye area is tighter.

Skin & Co Face Toner – face toner is an essential step in my skincare routine. I feel like my face is not 100% clean until I go over it with a toner. Love this toner because it removes the impurities left behind (which includes impurities in the water we use to wash our faces) and leaves my face squeaky clean. It’s also packed with anti-oxidants for a little extra boost of vitamins my skin needs.

Santa Maria Novella Body Milk – another great body moisturizer. Does the job really well, absorbs super fast, and does not feel heavy or greasy. Love using this one especially after I exfoliate, it replenishes the moisturize and my skin is silky smooth after.

Santa Maria Novella Rose Water – another one of my favorite toners to use. Love this one for when my skin is irritated because it’s very calming and refreshing. And obviously I love the scent of this product. I just put a little on a cotton ball and dab on my face (as opposed to swipe). Love using it throughout the day for a little refresh.

Santa Maria Novella Scented Candle – I love a good scent around the house and Santa Maria Novella has an amazing collection of candles. I have tried quite a few and love them all! The scent is very long lasting and lingers around long after you put out the candle.

Etro Udaipur Eau de Parfum – love this fresh and vibrant scent from Etro. Have been getting a ton of compliments when I wear this perfume because of how unique the scent it! Another reason I’m obsessed is because it transforms throughout the day. It starts very fresh and floral but as the scent warms up, it definitely becomes much richer, spicier and playful. Love that!

Teal is about to be everywhere! Literally! From clothing to accessories, beauty and home decor, I’d say teal could easily be one of the biggest color trends for 2019, and personally I couldn’t be happier. Aside from the fact that I’ve always been partial to blues, this particularly elegant shade of blue/green is actually really easy to wear. Great for summer or winter (opt for brighter shades come sunshine time, and deeper, richer ones during winter), it works equally well for clothing and accessories, for years I loved wearing teal eyeliner because it adds such an interesting punch of color to your look.

Today’s look is a combination of a few current teal favorites (and also non-teal faves, I’m talking about these Stella McCartney Pu Pumps). That’s actually another thing I love about teal, obviously great with other colors (fave pairings include grey, black, white, cream, caramel and brown), I love the way shades of teal pair together. Case in point, the darker Tibi Mendini Twill Shirred Pants combined with a lighter, brighter Alpaca Pullover. Though definitely a strong color statement, the colors compliment each other perfectly, my only advice if you opt to combine several shades of teal is to keep your accessory game neutral. A clear PV belt such as the one from Tibi I’m wearing in today’s post is always a great option, and of course this Danse Lente Bag does a great job breaking up the blues a bit yet works well to compliment the overall look.

Tibi Mendini Twill Shirred Pants (also love these, these, and these) and Cropped Alpaca Pullover (also love this and this) | Stella McCartney Pu Pumps in White (also love these) | Danse Lente Phoebe Bis Bag (also love this, this, and this) | BaubleBar Marisela Hoop Earrings | Shiseido Kajal Ink Artist Pencil

As much as I love trying out new beauty products and finding new faves to love, it is actually my time-tested staples that I live for. I think 2018 in particular has been a year that gave me some of my best makeup bag must-haves. Aside from the fact that I am more than ever in tune with my beauty mantra (less is more, and beauty products should enhance not overpower your look), 2018 gave us a few amazing products that have become a very welcome addition to my makeup routine. The products listed below are my current bottom-of-the-jar, can’t live without must-haves and here are the reasons why!

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer – This non-sticky formula delivers super shiny finish, but the biggest reason I love it, is because it’s the most amazing lip conditioner. When my lips get dry (most of the time it happens during winter, on the plane, or whenever I travel to colder climates) this product is a God send. Oh, and the peach-vanilla scent is downright addicting!

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder & Sigma Flat Kabuki Brush – The right setting powder is basically everything! Not only does it help to set your foundation, it also helps to blur imperfections and keep your make up in place throughout the day. This one by Charlotte Tilbury is simply the best I have ever tried! Practically invisible, nothing works better for my oily skin than this product, so LOVE! The brush is a fairly recent discovery but probably the biggest game changer this year. I’ve always used a beauty blender to apply my foundation and powder, but now I completely switched to this Flat Kabuki Brush. It creates a much more natural looking finish when it comes to foundation and is perfect for buffing in the powder!

Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Rose Twist Layering Oil  – completely obsessed with anything rose this year, this fragrance is just so soft, feminine, delicate and elegant. Normally I apply it to my wrists and the scent lingers and follows me throughout the day. Simply obsessed!

Dior Dior Addict Lip Maximizer  – Simply the best plumping lip gloss I have ever tried! I am currently on my 6th or 7th one and I don’t think there will ever come a day when this product is not in my makeup bag. Gorgeous on its own, great under lipsticks (especially the ones that tend to be a bit of the dry side), I wear this product religiously at night and always wake up to baby soft lips.

Boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens  – Banish oil without messing up my makeup! Seriously! I am so obsessed with these blotting linens, I always keep a few around (my bag, my desk and even in my car because they are so perfect for using on the-go).

Marc Jacobs Beauty Poutliner Longwear Lip Liner Pencil in Cream and Sugar, Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, and Enamored Hi Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss (shade Rah Rah!) – On days that I don’t have a lot of time to do my make up, these are pretty much my go-tos! A bit of mascara, a bit of pretty peach lip gloss and you’re good to go! Special mascara mention: I think I must have tried every mascara out there, and this volumizing formula is just the best in every possible way! If you’re not a fan of false eyelashes but looking for that dramatic, maximum impact look, this mascara is definitely for you!

Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover 24 Hour Full Coverage Water Based Foundation – Favorite foundation of all time, what I love about this water-based formula is how light-weight it is. Love the natural-looking matte finish, love the fact that it’s full coverage, love the fact that it looks and feels like you’re wearing nothing at all!

Nars Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer & Tom Ford Soleil Contouring Compact – Bronze, blush and highlight in one, what I love about this compact is the fact that it creates a very natural “just came back from a fabulous vacation” look. I wear it year-round to add just a touch of warmth to my skin! The Lip Lacquer is more of a recent find, but I can’t imagine my evening makeup without it! Great on its own, perfect for layering, I’ve also worn it as an eyeshadow to create that wet-lid look. Love the way the particles catch the light at night to create a very glamorous effect.

Naked Cashmere Sibyl Pullover Sweater | Lelet NY Patent Leather Hair Tie | AWE 80Mm Diamond Cut Hoops | J’Adore Les Fleurs Flower Arrangement | Marc Jacobs Beauty Poutliner Longwear Lip Liner Pencil in Cream and Sugar, Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, and Enamored Hi Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss (shade Rah Rah!) | Ouai Anti Frizz Hair Sheets | Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover 24 Hour Full Coverage Water Based Foundation | Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer | Boscia Peppermint Blotting Linens | Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder | Viktor&Rolf Flowerbomb Rose Twist Layering Oil | Dior Dior Addict Lip Maximizer | Nars Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer | Tom Ford Soleil Contouring Compact

My favorite color of all time, I love seeing mint making a comeback this Spring. Though technically speaking this softer/pastel shade is typically reserved for summer, there is definitely a way to incorporate mint into your wardrobe right now. In fact, I love wearing it during winter to add a bit of softness to winter’s typical darker color palette. So good with browns and grays, striking with black and white, soft and pretty with blue denim and creams, the possibilities of wearing it are absolutely endless, not to mention the fact that this particular color is universally flattering and works great on absolutely everyone.

If you’re not ready to commit to head-to-toe mint just yet, you can always inject a bit of this shade into your wardrobe with accessories or even beauty! Mint looks great on nails (all time favorite shades here & here) and adds a bit of sparkle to your gaze when you wear it as an eyeliner (love this one). Basically, if you happen to love mint as much as I do, scroll down to see a few current favorites!

P.S. Nordstrom is having their Half-Yearly 50% OFF SALE at the moment, so if you’re looking to add a few staples and great sale finds to your wardrobe, now is the time to shop. The selection is amazing, CLICK HERE to see amazing under $50 finds, CLICK HERE for great under $250 goodies and CLICK HERE to shop Designer Staples on Sale!

Tibi Oversized Tuxedo Blazer (also love this, this, and this) and Beatle Menswear Pant (also love this, this and this) | NARS Larger Than Life Long Wear Eyeliner in Barrow Street | Stella McCartney Faux Leather Trimmed Pu Pumps in White (also love these and these) | Danse Lente Phoebe Bis Bag (also love this, this, and this) | Sydney Evan Small Gold & Diamond Moon Necklace, Yellow Gold & Diamond Mini Key Necklace, Gold & Pavé Diamond Crescent Moon Studs, and Yellow-Gold & Diamond Evil Eye Fringe Stud Earrings

Just when I think I couldn’t love accessories any more than I already do, I go and discover yet another reason why accents really pull everything together and make any outfit just a bit more special. Current obsession: patterned or embellished tights! Aside from being rather practical (I was all about the bare leg trend until tights became trendy and I realized they do tend to keep you warm), I love the way embellished tights add that dramatic element to a look. Case in point the outfit I’m wearing in today’s post. Though always a fan of head-to-toe black, this particular look requires a special touch or two in order to make it a bit more chic. Normally, I opt for metallic accents (something that I’ve done in today’s post as well), yet I believe it is the pearl embellished tights that really help take it to the next level.

Though embellished leg wear looks really great for cocktail hour (chic with a little black dresses yet equally stunning with slinky jewel-toned numbers), patterned tights can work rather well for day as well. Personally, I like to pair them with slouchy coats (like this one) or oversized cardigans (LOVE this number on SALE now) and mini dresses or skirts and casual boots. What about you guys, how do you guys feel about embellished leg wear?

Alexander Wang Dress (similar here, here, and here) and Sandals (similar here, here, and here) | Wolford Pearl Net Tights (also love these, these, and these) | L’Afshar Kuro Acrylic Clutch

Of all the different shades of blue out there, cobalt has to be my favorite one! Bright and cheery, cobalt is universally flattering and pairs well with a variety of colors. Another reason to love it? It’s a statement maker regardless of how you choose to wear it. Though I often opt for a single cobalt piece when styling a look, tonal dressing has become a bit of an obsession lately!

Since I am currently packing for a vacation, I though this would be a good time to mention some of my time-tested, can’t go anywhere without makeup and body-care faves. Often times I find that when I travel, quick, easy and versatile is what I look for and the below products certainly deliver in that department!

Moroccan Oil Dry Body Oil – you guys know how I am all about anything that will give me moisture. Taking care or your body is just as important as taking care of your face! Trust me, you older self will thank you for all the body lotions, creams, and oils. I love using dry oils especially on vacations. This particular one is a current favorite because even though it’s super nourishing and makes my skin feel silky smooth, it’s absolutely  weightless and really fast absorbing. Also love that it’s a spray so the application is super easy and quick.

Moroccan Oil Shimmering Body Oil – can never have enough body oils! A shimmering one is an absolute must for me when going on a vacation. This one is non-greasy, moisturizing, and gives just enough sparkle without being too much. I use it on its own or mix it up with the dry body oil if I feel like toning down the shimmer. It has the signature Moroccan Oil scent which I am still so obsessed with.

Tom Ford Radiant Perfecting Powder (in Gilt Glow and Luna) – a couple of good highlighting powders to take on a trip is another must for me. Often times I avoid foundation altogether and just apply a little bronzer and highlighter and I’m good to go. I love the shade Luna for my cheekbones (shoulders and collarbones as well!) because it gives me that glow from within look. The shade Gilt Glow creates a rather stark highlight for me (since I have a bit of tan) so I use very little of it on my cheekbones on top of Luna if I want an extra pop of highlight (looks really pretty at night). It’s also a great powder to highlight inner corner of my eyes, the brow bone, and cupid’s bow.

Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Eye Kohl Duo (in Aurora and Solaris) – love taking kohl pencils with me on vacations. I found that liquid eyeliner can be a bit messy and honestly takes too much effort that I don’t want to be putting in while I’m on a vaca! These pencils glide on super smoothly yet have great staying power. I like to smudge them a bit and create a light smokey eye (have to smudge them before they dry though!). Love these pencils because they are 2 in 1 so I’m saving room in my travel makeup bag and have multiple colors to play with.

Tom Ford Lumiere Lip Color in Glimmer – love these lip balms because they are universal and work with your own skin tone creating a color based on your own natural undertones. Wearing a lip balm and protecting your lips from the sun is so important so I always have one of these on me. They are super moisturizing, plumping, and luminous making them my beach vacation best friend.

Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Color in Exuberant – these ultra shine lipsticks are one of my favorite lipstick formulas ever. They are creamy, glossy, moisturizing, and slightly transparent making them a bit more natural looking which I love for every day use and vacations. The shade Exuberant is so stunning – it’s a beautiful pink color with a slight hint of coral making it a perfect shade to wear out to drinks in the evening or beach dinner. Definitely my go-to vacation lip color! It’s funny, at home I typically shy away from bright lip colors but since I tend to go minimal with my makeup when on vacation, I really appreciate the way bright lip pulls a look together! Not to mention the way bright coral lips look against a good tan! Basically EVERYTHING!

Tom Ford Soleil Eye and Cheek Palette in Winter – when packing for any trip, maximizing space is important. I hate overpacking makeup and taking a bunch of different palettes with me. This palette is ideal for a vacation. In this compact palette, I get a blush, a highlighter, and 4 different eyeshadows, not to mention the fact that the colors are absolutely gorgeous! The blush and highlighter combo work perfectly together for pink sun-kissed cheeks and I can create so many eye looks with those 4 shadows (the gold and bronze are absolutely stunning together), I basically don’t need anything else!

Tom Ford Soleil Glow Drops in Liquid Sky – this is probably the best liquid highlighter I have ever tried. It blends in so smoothly and looks so beautiful, I cannot travel without it. I’ve tried liquid highlighters that looked chalky and patchy and for a while I gave up on them altogether (until I got this one, that is). The shade Liquid Sky is the perfect iridescent glow. I like to mix in a few drops into my foundation (if I’m wearing any that day) or just wear it on my cheekbones alone – literally the perfect glow. But the biggest reason I never travel without it is because it’s one of my favorite little multitasks of all time! Dub a bit on your lids to add a slight shimmer to your gaze, apply a tiny amount on your lips just before a lip balm or gloss for that golden sin kissed lip color, or mix it with your body cream or body oil for an overall glow! Basically it does it all and of course you know how much I love that!