3 Products to Share With Your Boyfriend

I love Fridays even more when I have the afternoon off to head up to the cabin! I'm so excited for sweats all weekend long, fall colors and booze cruisin' on the pontoon. Before we take off, I'm sharing 3 products you and your boyfriend will both love—it makes sharing a medicine cabinet a little easier! Have a great weekend—I'll be sharing mine on my Insta stories. :) 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye | Clean Reserve Smoked Vetiver Eau de Parfum | Maple Holistics Tea Tree Oil Shampoo (c/o)

Eye Cream: The best! Chris uses it to reduce dark circles and puffiness (he's at work for a 7:30 call with India every morning), and I use it to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. #foreveryoung

Eau de Parfum: I wear a little fragrance every day and like to switch it up for fall. Smoked Vetiver is made for men and women (how great is that?)—described as "woody, floral and fresh with a smoky sweetness," it's musky and intoxicating, but light and not overly masculine. I'm obsessed, and there's something intimate about wearing the same fragrance as your S.O. (at $95 a pop, sharing is also a win for our wallets!).

Tea Tree Shampoo: I only wash my hair about twice a week, so I love this $9 all-natural clarifying shampoo for getting rid of all the product buildup and leaving my scalp really refreshed (read more about why you need a clarifying shampoo here). Chris has noticed it makes his hair less oily, and we both like the invigorating scent for a little mental AM energy. A must-have to prevent irritation and dryness this winter. (Get your free sample here.) 

Clinique Even Better Glow™

Happy Friday! It's been awhile! Work is busy and I've been happy just going to the gym and hanging out after a full day at the office. But I had to pop in because I found the best new foundation, and there's really not much better than finding that perfect shade and putting an end to the relentless experimentation.

The Even Better Glow™ display caught my eye when I passed the Clinique counter at Southdale the other day, returning a bottle of OUAI spray (I thought this new-gen wave spray would be different, but I didn't care for the sticky feel and haphazard look; and since my hair already has texture and wave, it seemed pretty unnecessary). The moisturizing oil-free formula has luminizing pigments to create natural radiance—and promises that over time, skin glows on its own thanks to brightening vitamin C. Sign. Me. Up. I love knowing that something I wear every day is helping it long-term, not hurting it. Clinique has always been a favorite of mine because of its skin care focus and whenever I stray from the brand I wonder why—my skin just loves it. (Plus, $28 is way easier to swallow than super prestige brands like $47 NARS.) I've only been using this for two days, but was instantly obsessed. It makes my skin visibly dewy and feels light, natural and healthy (if you're super oily, this is probably too dewy for you). I'm wearing Cream Chamois—the best part is that the color blends in so well with my natural skin tone. With 30 shades, you're sure to find your best fit, too. Clinique is offering free 10-day samples right now, so swing by this weekend and try some!

Quick life update: last weekend, Chris and I visited my grandma in the U.P. with my mom. We stayed on Fortune Lake, a really beautiful chain of lakes—the kind where trees jut up right from the rocky shore and you can see straight to the sandy bottom—and I made it through my first round of golf at the Iron River Country Club. I have today off and we're heading up to Moose Lake to camp with  friends for a few nights; I'm excited to try these low country boil packets. Even though this post is about makeup, it'll be nice to go without for a few days, hang out around a fire and just relax. Hope you have a good one! 

City Guide: Girls' Night Out

WELL, it felt good to get back into normal clothes yesterday after Sunday's "octogenarian" bash! I'm all for a theme party—and bingo—but I'll pass forever on the double-wide, elastic-waist shorts (pants?) I pulled off a Goodwill rack to wear to the occasion. Skinny jeans have never felt better! 

Today's post is a little different! Bea, who blogs at ExploreMPLS, is sharing five fun spots for your next girls' night. Having good girlfriends is so important, and I love that her ideas prioritize that relationship. I had never heard of Gyst (which has been open for over two years, where have I been?) until reading her recs and had to try a wine flight for myself at the quaint fermentation bar right off Eat Street (see below! Lol to my friend Jackie quietly admiring the spread in the last photo. We were kind of dying over the butcher block tables, Olivia Pope wine glasses—even the glowy, pinkish light pouring into the windows). Scroll for all of Bea's picks. And cheers to girlfriends.

THE DAY TRIP

Wedge & Wheel | Stillwater

Go for the cheese. 

This cute cheese shop curates the best cheeses and meats of the moment—a great way to try new flavors you might otherwise skip over. I recommend the Big Board to share as a meal. My favorite part is you can buy and bring home anything you like.

THE NEW HOT SPOT

Lynhall | Lynlake

Go for the community. 

With long tables and high ceilings, this welcoming and charming spot has a modern cafeteria feel. Walking in for the first time, I was immediately greeted by a server who explained how to order. Some of my favorites are the Steamed Bun, Beet Farro Salad and French Silk Pie. 

THE ACTIVITY

Lab Mpls | Loring Park

Go to get your hands dirty. 

This requires some planning ahead because you need to purchase tickets and some classes sell out fast! My sister and I did the Cocktail Lab for my birthday and it was so fun! We learned how to make 3 different kinds of cocktails and the supplies were set up in the most Instagram-worthy way. 

THE CLASSIC

Café Lurcat | Loring Park

Go for the ambiance. 

This is one of the prettiest restaurants in the city—I love it because I feel like I'm in a different city. In the summer the patio is filled with white furniture and umbrellas and twinkling lights in the evening. My favorites on the menu are the Pot Roast, the Apple, Cheese & Chive Salad, and—of course—the Cinnamon Sugar Donuts. 

THE ADVENTURE

Gyst | Eat Street 

Go for the wine flights. 

With Kombucha on tap and a drink called Brine & Soda, there is something new to try every time. I tried a sparkling wine flight, the Motherboard and Grilled Cheese and all were delicious—plus, they serve extra bread so you don't have to ration your bites! They also focus on sustainable farming, which is just one more thing to love.

Thanks, Bea! 

My Nightstand: Gel Moisturizer

FRIYAY! This week was sneakily busy, and I haven't been getting much sleep. I was randomly awake until 3AM on Monday and had to force myself to finally close my eyes at midnight Tuesday and Wednesday. Some days there doesn't seem to be enough time to do everything and fully unwind before getting up and starting all over again. 

 Hopefully this sleep schedule doesn't continue, but in the meantime, I'm counting on my skincare regimen to save me from looking like a total zombie. A few weeks ago, I got a makeover at Sephora (here's the recap if you missed it!). I told the consultant that my cheeks get really dry and flaky in the winter and she prescribed Algenist SPLASH Replenishing Gel Moisturizer—a beautiful, silky blue gel. Cooling and soothing, it just sunk into my skin. I wanted to buy it that day, but held off because of the $58 price tag. I'm glad I did—I since read an article (I think on Byrdie, but I can't find it now!) about how you should stop overpaying for moisturizers, cleansers and SPF because the drugstore versions typically do the trick. 

So, I swung through Target and excitedly picked up Neutrogena's new Hydro Boost Water Gel. It's packed with hyaluronic acid to moisturize from the inside out, delivering that plump, dewy skin we all want. The same sky-blue as the Algenist formula (and in a pretty, luxe pot!), it's lightweight and so refreshing—and my skin feels hydrated all day. Thirst: quenched! I've even seen some sites recommend lightly sweeping it over your makeup for a glowy finish. Love a multipurpose product! And at only $17.99, I feel good about committing to it. I'm also super excited to use this once summer rolls around, when my combination skin gets oily in the T-zone. More absorbent than heavier cremes, it'll keep me from looking too shiny throughout the day—the worst. 

I'm a total gel moisturizer convert—and feel pretty savvy for finding this drugstore deal. If you're interested in test-driving one or two yourself, click through my picks at a range of price points right here.

P.S. I'm also using the Hydro Boost Cleanser!—very purifying without drying out my complexion. 
And—if you are super dry this time of year, I suggest trying the Hydro Boost Gel-Cream instead of the Water Gel. 

shop all Neutrogena Hydro Boost | shop all gel moisturizers at Sephora

My Newest Beauty Habit

photo via refinery29

Real talk: this gloomy, gray weather is depressing AF. The Minneapolis forecast shows more of the same the next seven days and I'm quietly crying into my coffee. Please send a heat lamp. Over the weekend, a fizzy French 75 at Red Rabbit and bright acai bowl from Whole Sum Cafe brightened my mood—but it would still be nice to see some sun! Need an emergency trip to Mexico NOW.

On a more positive note, I've adopted a new beauty habit, inspired by a conversation on one of my favorite podcasts, Fat Mascara. Have you heard of the "French face"? We all know moisturizing is key to preventing fine lines and wrinkles, but if you're like me, you don't religiously apply serums and cremes south of your chin. French women go there—somewhere between baguettes, the ladies of Paris and Provence manage to give their neck and decollete as much attention as they do their faces.

In your twenties or thirties, it might feel like overkill to slather expensive products all the way to your bust—before you start seeing lines, it's hard to imagine having them, right? Plus, it's easy to forget about skin that's been hidden beneath turtlenecks since October. But just as we buy special cremes for eyes, delicate neck/chest skin requires a special kind of maintenance. And they say once you have lines on your neck, good luck getting rid of them. It freaks me out that I already have a few. Blaming #techneck.

Now, I'm turning to tarte's maracuja neck treatment in an effort to stay smooth. Over time, it improves elasticity and promotes cell regeneration while reducing the appearance of those pesky lines—oui oui. Here's to being a bit more French! Now, about Mexico . . .

Shop all neck and decollete products at Sephora. 

Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx™ Peeling Gel

Sephora Triple Action Cleansing Water | Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx™ Peeling Gel | Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer | Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask | Algenist SPLASH Absolute Hydration Replenishing Gel Moisturizer | Tata Harper Illuminating Eye Creme | Algenist Drop & Glow Luminizing Duo

Back to reality today! I haven't been to the office since December 21—and even though I'm anxious to open my inbox, I'm ready to get back into a more productive routine. Before you settle into your cubicle, grab some coffee—if you're in the mood for fresh starts (isn't everyone this time of year?!), you're going to want some of this..

Over the weekend, I popped into Sephora for a free makeover. I almost didn't go, having had less than stellar experiences with professional application in the past—but I had the afternoon off and thought if nothing else, I could snag a new lipstick as one last Christmas gift to myself.

I'm so glad I went! I hadn't realized skin care was part of the consultation, but it was actually the best part. My beauty advisor began by wiping away my foundation and concealer with a cleansing water (such a great way to get rid of gook pre-wash)—then the magic happened: the Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx™ Peeing Gel.

Carly spent a few minutes massaging the gel into my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, then told me to look in the mirror—my face was covered with dead skin cell flakes, like I'd been caught in the crossfire of a whipped cream war. GROSS, I know, but it felt so amazing to lift and sweep all that residue away. My skin was instantly baby soft and the congestion around my nose gone—a far deeper clean than I've gotten from a mask—a layer had literally been shed to reveal cleaner, more luminous skin. The new smooth surface let the moisturizer she applied later sink in more readily and the makeup look more flawless. I've never been so convinced I needed a product (I mean, the results were palpable); I'll use the gel once a week to keep the fresh-faced look alive all year.

Get yourself some peeling gel, shop the other products that are helping me feel hydrated and glowy this morning—and have a great day back at the office!

Celebratory Beauty Splurges

I got some really good news last week that was both a thrill and relief! The reality hasn't hit—I feel too lucky!—but I'm beyond excited for this new challenge and chapter. I celebrated on Friday night with crisp Champagne and a savory dinner at The Copper Hen, but feel like I deserve a more lasting reward for my hard work and good fortune than a hot pot pie. The first things that came to mind are right here—it seems the beauty department is where I spend all of my money lately. I feel that good skin, healthy hair and daily pampering rituals are better investments than a closet cluttered with the latest fashion fads, and this round-up reflects that outlook.

one | Amazing Grace Luxurious Multi-Use Body Oil—This multipurpose oil can be used for body moisture, massage and the bath. Working a few drops into my hands and shoulders at the end of the day has become my recipe for a relaxing night's sleep—with a warm bergamot fragrance, it also adds an element of luxury to your morning meditation ritual.

two | REN Flash Rinse 1-Minute Facial—Billed as the sixty-second facial for firmer, younger-looking skin, this caught my eye as Kaley Cuoco's secret for glowing skin at the Grammys.

three | Bamboo Waterlock Mask—This bamboo sap-enriched aquagel works as a ten-minute treatment or overnight mask for skin that feels smooth, hydrated and plumped with water. Nothing feels more indulgent to me than falling asleep with a beauty balm seeping into my skin.

four | Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder—This sheer strobing powder with micro-pearl particles is designed to sculpt the face with light for a natural highlight. I have fair skin and have been looking for something less intense than a traditional bronzer for definition.

five | Egg Pore Blackhead Steam Balm—Blackheads haven't been a huge issue for me, but I've noticed pollution on my nose. This trending K-beauty balm acts as a steamer to open pores and remove dirt and oil faster than a Bachelor commercial break.

six | NARS Nail Polish in Zakynthos—I get my nails done for special occasions, but can't justify the expense every two weeks. In the lull between the holidays and summer wedding season, I'm committing to at-home manicures with this caramel beige and Dovima, a peppery red.

seven | Juice Beauty Illuminating Primer—Some serums and primers make me break out, so I perked up at Byrdie's report that this age-defying, botanical-rich one from Gwyneth Paltrow-approved Juice delivers that photoshopped effect without causing blemishes.

eight | fresh® Black Tea Age-Delay Firming Serum—Age Delay (or "early action") is a term to describe products manufactured for the burgeoning millennial market. This moisturizing oil inhibits free radicals—which are responsible for 80% of skin aging, according to Caudalie founder Mathilde Thomas—and contains peptides for a firm, contoured complexion. I only occasionally use a serum, but need to make it a post-cleansing habit, like flossing after brushing.

How do you treat yourself for accomplishing something major? 

4 Routes to Radiant Skin

Do you have a warm-weather getaway coming up? I'm itching for some Mexico sun, but have so far procrastinated clearing my calendar to cash in PTO (anyone else feeling busy, busy?). With how quickly the first part of 2016 has flown, it will be May and the worst of winter past before I get real about scheduling some R&R. So in lieu of languishing on a beach, I hunted down beauty potions that grant an instant post-vacation glow for those of us who are landlocked and freezing. They don't come with turquoise waters or coconut shell cocktails, but these hot products deliver real radiance that won't fade in a few days—plus let you bypass a long flight and wrinkle-causing UV rays.

If you're like me, you have exfoliating, toning and moisturizing down. Infusing your skin with radiance (buzzword alert) is the next frontier—and just the boost mine needs to beat winter dullness and dryness. As a supplement to superfoods like blueberries, salmon and spinach, there are a range of ways to cultivate a youthful, radiant complexion, whether you love winding down the day with a mask or want to add a facial mist to your regimen.

hero image via Gal Meets Glam

THE MIST | Caudalie Beauty Elixir with grape extracts, rosemary & rose oil

Forbes calls facial mists the "must-have beauty trend of 2016," and Caudalie's is a cult favorite. 

It can be used as a priming base or to revive skin midday (see ya, 3:00 slump) with just a quick spritz at your cubicle. 

THE MASK | Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque with turmeric & cranberry 

I try to do a face mask at least once a week and have been expanding my collection. A brightening and invigorating one that restores radiance both instantly and over time is the perfect complement to the two I use regularly: charcoal (for clarity) and coconut (for hydration).

THE CLEANSER | Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser with tourmaline & mango

I upgraded to Aveda shampoo, conditioner and style prep last weekend after cutting corners with drugstore brands recently and am obsessed with how soft and healthy my hair feels. I know the skincare will be equally worth the splurge. 

Shop the Tourmaline Collection

THE MOISTURIZER | Origins GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Moisturizer with coffee beans & ginseng

I've been using GinZing™ eye cream for a few months—at first just mornings when my eyes were puffier, but now, almost daily. I'm addicted to the light, pearlescent formula and awakening effect. 

Shop the GinZing™ Collection

Natural Beauty Beginner's Kit

Don't you love when people surprise you?

I recently met someone from middle-of-nowhere Wisconsin—she wears just a whisper of mascara, knits on weekends, owns a three-chamber slow cooker from which she serves hearty Midwestern meals, and drives a manual transmission Ford. She knows where to find the best pho in Uptown and is currently planning a Thai getaway complete with cooking lessons so she can really learn the culture.

As we walked home from our monthly dinner club under softly falling snow on Monday night, stomachs full of drunken noodles and spicy curry, I learned she used Aveda hair products exclusively for three years straight. I had pegged her a Head & Shoulders girl for sure (to be clear, there's no shame in drugstore shampoo—my shower's stocking $6 Tresemmé), and was surprised by her allegiance to such a luxe brand. But I realized: beyond the intoxicating aromas and relaxing sensations that are truly universal (crockpot in the kitchen or not), Aveda's commitment to using pure flower and plant essences perfectly aligns with my friend's natural beauty inclinations, savvy disposition and worldly spirit.

Immediately, I wanted to get back aboard the Aveda train.

The brand, so much more than haircare, is the perfect supplement to the natural remedies I've recently started adding to my beauty arsenal (apple cider vinegar to clarify hair, peppermint to invigorate the senses, coconut oil to moisturize, rosewater to tame razor burn). I feel like an old-world herbalist in the best way with those jars and bottles lining my medicine cabinet—plus, they're cheap and effective. But I also love convenience and am not crafty; so piecing together an aloe-kelp-jojoba-buckwheat wax concoction, Albert Einstein-style, on a weeknight when my complexion's lacking luster isn't realistic. For those nights, I look to my Aveda lineup—complex masques and cremes ready to go in pretty packages, saving me from bumbling DIY disasters, but still so natural and so indulgent.

apple cider vinegar rinse | peppermint oil | coconut oil | rosewater | image via

Shop my hot-off-the-press natural beauty winter survival system below, focusing on treating dryness & dullness and including some of Aveda's signature wellness products—because it takes more than a fancy face cream to get through this cold, gray weather with a smile.

Hope you have a fun weekend ahead. After a busy week and bit of sickness, I'm simply looking forward to a fresh haircut and lots of rest!

How to Start Meditating  |  Make Moments in Your Week Joyful

Winter Lip Exfoliators

Following the Packers' Saturday night loss, I'm begrudgingly shifting my attention from football to film. The Oscars airs in a few weeks and I'm seeing as many of the nominations as I can before the Feb. 28 show. On tap tonight: The Revenant. While the storyline is dramatic in itself, Leo's cracked and bleeding lips in the trailer (whoa) left as much of an impression on me as his harrowing quest to survive winter and seek revenge. I'm in a solid routine of exfoliating my face twice a week, but forget that same technique should be used to nourish lips (and make color last longer). Mine aren't QUITE as ravaged as Leo's (wink), but they could still use some TLC—especially in these sub-zero Minnesota temps. Sara Happ's peony formula is my current favorite, gently sloughing away deadness and leaving the kisser as soft and fresh as a spring bouquet. I'm also a big fan of bliss® after waking up to a couple of the brand's moisture creams in my Christmas stocking, so I have high hopes for fabulips.

photos via: one | two | three | four

Shop the best exfoliators below and get those lips lookin' more Angie, less Leo. You can also find the peony lip scrub on my new SHOP page! It features the products I'm using and loving IRL—stuff for the guys, too!—updated on a rotating basis, so bookmark it and be sure to stop back. Have a great Tuesday!

Fall Home Fragrances

The weather was BEAUTIFUL to welcome October this week—crisp, bright and colorful—but chilly! I actually had to start wearing a jacket to work in the morning and close my windows at night. In addition to fall going full-swing this month, it's prime pumpkin season. While I'm not a huge fan of the popular PSL, I love the warm and spicy fragrance in candle form. Woodsy notes reminiscent of outdoor bonfires and frosted forests, rosemary and pomegranate are a few other scents I seek out for a cozy, festive feel as the weather turns cool and the holidays approach.

Spicy Apple doubles as a stunning centerpiece, Frasier Fir has such a strong and bold aroma—a longtime favorite in my family, and Ski House conjures up idyllic winter vacation memories and aspirations of those to come! Winter is no one's favorite season, but with a few of these candles burning warmly when you come in from the cold each night, there's certainly something to look forward to.

one | spiced apple 

two | brown sugar

three | spice

four | pomegranate, blood orange, champagne

five | rosemary

six | pomegranate, pine, cinnamon

seven | wintertime fire 

eight | dark rose & smoky wood

nine | frasier fir

ten | balsam & fir

eleven | burning wood & mountain spruce

twelve | fire irons, birch 

found. james jeans satin combo blazer.

Let me preface this post by saying I originally created this series for aspirational, probably-out-of-my-price-range pieces that the fashion lover in me can't help but flirt with (so if you see $600 boots and wonder whether I know my audience, there's my answer). I will also feature lower-end items that really strike me, but FOUND is an end-of-the-week, we've-made-it-to-Friday, free reign safe space for me (and you) to go gaga over a really amazing boot, bracelet, beret—or in today's case, blazer.

So let's gaga.

Both menswear and velvet were identified as discrete trends for fall, meaning this James Jeans Satin Combo Blazer kills two sartorial birds with one stone. And the type A in me loves that efficiency. Satin lapels add a level of luxury to an already fit-for-a-queen velvet garment that will have the masses gathering at your knees and yearning for a feel. There's something about a tailored jacket that makes you feel like snapping some whips and capable of commanding a room, right? The business-minded silhouette mixed with festive, here-to-party fabric means this cold weather must-have will stun for work or play—versatility that I say justifies a little splurge.

Get inspired with more ways to wear velvet this season from Vogue.

end-of-summer entertaining

While the weather this week is certainly fall-like, I'm in denial that it's back-to-school time! Classes at the University of Iowa—my alma mater—kicked off yesterday, which makes me reminisce. It honestly feels like another life that I walked along College Street, through the ped mall and past Panchero's to EPB and Adler for lectures. Where did the summer (and five years) go?!

If you're hitting the books this semester, The Container Store is the holy grail for all things dorm, storage, bath, lockers & lunches. That's a no-brainer. But for my fellow young professionals for whom academia is a fading memory, this time of year is about last-blast bashes before summer sputters out, and, of course, sprucing up the apartment for the guests. These endeavors may not require the classic plastic bins that are the face of TCS, but still, a certain degree of organization that the tidy retailer recognizes—and nails.

Below, shop a handful of products I plan to pick up in preparation for some end-of-season celebrating. If you're also in the mood to party, use code TCSLOVE now through Saturday, 8/29, to take 15% off your next online or in-store purchase! Shop all here.

1| Fridge Binz Wine Holder 2 | Herringbone Bamboo Trays 3 | Chalkboard Place Card Holder Stands

4 | Glass Refrigerator Pitchers 5 | Microfiber Filament Duster 6 | Lotus Acrylic Bowls 

7 | Weekly Glass Magnetic Dry Erase Board—plan grocery and errand runs before the event
8 | Converge POP Charging Station—juice everyone's phones before going out later!

9 | Marble Artisan Journal—list-making doesn't get more elegant 10 | Giara Water Bottle—filled with water or flowers, these are a pretty way to decorate the table—I'd use one color for a consistent look. 11 | Fridge Binz Soda Can Organizer 12 | Glass Slant Jar—pour Swedish Fish and M&Ms into a few of these for an easy dessert bar 13 | Stackable Square Glass Containers—fill with pistachios or cashews for pre-dinner snacking

lip service

I don't regularly introduce new products into my makeup regimen—all about keeping it simple (and my current tubes and compacts cost enough!). But a recent Sephora email made me reconsider lip plumper. While I've been well aware of the media attention poured on Kylie Jenner and her famously fat pout, I never thought twice about recreating the look—maybe because her "overlined" style looked more blow-up doll than beauty queen to me. And, I guess, I'm not actively seeking to emulate an 18-year-old reality star.

But little Kylie isn't the first woman to use lip liner, and the product existed long before she started blowing up the Internet as its unofficial spokesmodel. Liner goes a long way in creating definition and prolonging color (read more). The size of my lips isn't one of my insecurities, but what's wrong with using a plumping potion to boost 'em a bit, just like you'd layer on high-definition mascara for dramatic lashes?

I tested out Dior Addict High Volume Lip Plumper (thank you, free sample!). Cool and tingly, it made me hyper-aware of my lips, and in turn, feel sexier, so there is certainly some fun—and value—in that. As this interview with Rent the Runway founder reminded me, you should "dress for the day you want to have and the person you want to be... Putting on an outfit or makeup that makes you feel like the best version of yourself fundamentally changes the course of your day and gives you that extra boost of power/happiness/attitude you need." Intangibles aside, the Dior plumper's collagen formula promises actually fuller lips in fifteen days. Intrigued.

I normally stick to Burt's Bees, so the biggest challenge for me will be remembering to give my lips some attention before dashing out the door. But on days I have time for extra effort, I'm all for subtly enhancing the kisser with a combination of liner + stick for a more matte, daytime look OR liner + gloss for an after-hours, seductive situation. Flirtatiousness will likely swell proportionately with both options!

one | Laura Mercier lip pencil in Chestnut + Dior Addict Lip Plumper

two | Givenchy lip liner in Lip Blackberry + Guerlain tinted balm in Crazy Bouquet

three | NARS lip liner in Nihiwatu + NARS lipstick in Annabella

four | NARS lip liner in Patong Beach + NARS lipstick/pencil in Bahama

Read more on technique here from Byrdie

affordable throw pillows

Target works hard to constantly surprise and delight shoppers, and its throw pillow selection had just that effect on me when I stopped in over my lunch break a few weeks ago. I hadn't seen the "show room" floor pad concept yet, which I was impressed by, and upgraded fixtures really made the Home section look more like a Macy's than a mass discounter.

I've had essentially the same apartment decor since graduating five years ago, and I'm not at the point where I regularly redecorate, but a few new pillows would go a long way in giving my tiny space a necessary facelift. I found several that would have popped perfectly against my mocha microsuede sofa—coordinating Aztec combinations of soft lime, peach and evergreen—but I resisted what felt like an impulse purchase and left the store empty-handed (save for pride in my will power).

I'm now a little regretful that I didn't get them, and went online to course-correct. I didn't find the styles I'd loved in the Eden Prairie store, but was AGAIN surprised to find a ton of other cute options. I'm over my comfy-but-cliché leopard pillow, but for my current bachelorette pad, think accent pillows should still be fun and whimsical. Some of these are a little too young for me, but I love a colorful mix of prints and patterns—especially the teal/lobster pairing in the last row!

Today my company is doing lunch & lawn bowling at Brit's downtown so I'll be contemplating these decorative combinations all afternoon—going to be 80º and sunny! Also I may have dreamt about grilled cheese last night (#notashamed), so I cannot wait to get one...! Happy hump day, guys!

one | two (pretty cheesy, but how can you not feel happy when you see it?) | three

four | five | six 

seven | eight | nine

shop all Target pillows

firmoo fashion frames

I spent the early part of this week in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan so the past few days have been a blur. It's always nice to be in Iron River, despite this trip's sad occasion, but I'm looking forward to getting back to my routine, sleeping in and taking it easy after a lot of time in the car and emotionally exhausting events.

Sweatpants and a side braid is my go-to look for lazy days, but I have a lot of friends whose first step is to swap contacts for glasses when they shift into low gear. I don't require vision correction (yet...), but I thought it'd be fun to try out some fashion frames as a finishing touch for a casual afternoon running errands, doing laundry and answering emails after arriving back in Minneapolis on Wednesday.

Firmoo's square and tortoise frames are really cute, felt well-made in my hand, and had a completely transformative effect. I looked so different in them—and felt kind of hipster!—so if you're interested in mixing it up (or actually have a prescription), check out Firmoo. The site hosts a ton of different single vision, multifocal and non-Rx frames (and sunglasses, too). You can customize your pair with lens color, coatings and thickness, and there's a "try on" option so you can see how each pair sits on a face. I found myself wanting several styles, and with retails considerably lower than popular Warby Parker, I wouldn't feel guilty picking up a few.

Ultimately, I wouldn't wear them to work or on a date, but making dinner at my apartment and watching SNL on Netflix, these trendy frames helped me transition into "relax mode" just like my favorite sweats. Considering these for another option. What do you think—would you wear glasses as a fashion accessory or save the "disguises" for Halloween? Get the details below!

Shop all Firmoo Glasses | New Arrivals  | 15% OFF Styles

Firmoo Glasses c/o | Hive & Honey Dress | Leopard Loafers

Essie polish in Bahama Mama | NARS lipstick in Heat Wave | Coach Wallet

photos by Andrew Saxum

13 must-have summer swimsuits

Happy Monday! Despite some late-night insomnia—worsened by a prolonged lightning show—I feel ready for a new week. It was one of those full yet relaxing weekends. Minneapolis was super humid as storms built, so naturally my thoughts revolved around stripping down and going swimming—which is how I wound down on Sunday afternoon.

It may seem late in the summer to be hunting for an annual addition to your swimsuit assortment, but I think the tide is high: more styles are on sale, you've had time to develop a tan and tone up, and it's far enough into the season where you know the trends and which you want to tackle.

Personally, I'm bypassing the popular maillots and high-waist bikinis in favor of sporty cut-away tops, strappy high-neck styles and classic bandeaus. Whatever your taste, the fun thing is that all swimwear has become so stylized and designed—today's options far surpass simple triangles and scoop-neck Speedo onesies. Hitting the pool is now as much a chance to express your style as hitting happy hour. Forget about freaky tan lines for a few hours and slip into something a little edgier, a little sassier, a little more FUN. What else is summer for?!

p.s. I'm super picky about cover-ups and managed to find some really cute ones while swimsuit searching that I had to share. Keep scrolling for beach day extras!

1 | Mikoh black bikini 2 | Kate Spade flamingo bandeau

3 | Red Carter high-neck bikini 4 | PILYQ embellished bikini

5 |  Tess Giberson wrap bikini 6 | Mara Hoffman reversible bikini
7 | Madewell bandeau 8 | Prism Okinawa top (30% off)
9 | Rip Curl Bomb Warrior bandeau 10 | Melissa Odabash swimsuit (30% off)
11 | Rip Curl bralette bikini 12 | Mikoh Barbados bikini 13 | Suboo panelled swimsuit

1 |  Sadie Dress 2 | OndadeMar Tunic 3 | Chica Cover-up
4 | Love Sam Embroidered Dress 5 | Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen
6 | Toya Dress (30% off) 7 | Rash Guard — cute with tapered joggers, too!
8 | Turkish Beach Towel — 11 colors! love the simplicity.
9 | Beach Chair — necessary for when you want to sit up and read
10 | Colorblock Wetsuit — I can pretend I surf, right?!
11 | Clinique SPF30 Face Cream — doesn't make my face break out!
12 | Maya Pouch — perfect size to grab and go to the palapa for lunch

found. club monaco rina vest.

There are really only a handful of "fashion moments" I remember in my life, as my style has always been pretty simple. And—as my older sister recently reminded me after looking through old photos with a friend—I didn't have any style to speak of until after high school. Cringe. I'd blame the Catholic dress code, but it really wasn't that restricting.

I do distinctly recall, though, the beginning of senior year of college, when blazers from H&M, Topshop and Zara became something casual to wear to Mug Club nights at Brothers and the Blue Moose, rather than stuffy corporate cover-ups for our mothers. See Exhibit A. It was a combination of feeling, on the brink of the "real world," mature enough to pull off the sophisticated style and these then-fringe fast-fashion stores registering on my primitive Midwest retail radar.

I still think blazers are chic—a wardrobe staple—though I don't turn to them as often for bar nights with friends anymore. The Club Monaco Rina Vest, though, a kind of sleeveless version in stretch crepe, is appealing for such outings—the next evolution of workwear turned playwear. It's a grade more mature and cooler than a standard blazer, something confident women with a secure fashion sense would effortlessly slip on, and I feel ready to go there. Plus, its minimalism is perfect for hot summer weather, and the drapey, lengthy silhouette has a relaxed vibe that jibes with the season. I'd wear the Rina Vest over a white mini dress or short-shorts to play with proportion and add some height with espadrille wedges.