Link-End Round-Up

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You know how around the middle of each month I share a collection of links from around the web that I enjoyed since the previous month? Well, screw that, because that was very lazy of me. PLUS, I read way more articles than that…A WEEK.

So, I’ve decided to test the “weekly links” waters. To kick this new ambitious decision of mine off, here are links to some articles that peaked my interest this week. ENJOY!

Have a great 3-day (if you’re lucky) labor day weekend! See you next week!

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Gift Closet Items…under $50

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One of the best things I started to collect in my 30s are gifts. Not gifts for me from other people, although those are also greatly appreciated, but gifts to give.

A ‘gift closet’ is a just a collection of gifts to keep in on hand for those “Oops, I forget that it’s my dad’s birthday!” or “Crap!! I forgot to go buy a housewarming present!” moments. Believe me, they happen to the best of us, because you know you know…that’s just life and it full of unexpected moments.

Now, the typical and basic ‘gift closet’ tends to be have a few bottles of wine and stashes of blank greeting cards and gift cards to random restaurants and what not. Don’t get me wrong, those are definitely nice to have on hand and are the ultimate clutch player. However, when it comes to close friends and family, a bottle of wine in a gift bag just won’t feel genuine and personable, which is the core of a any good gift.So, to avoid giving impersonal gifts, I like to occasionally pick out random, but unique items that can be great gifts for men and gifts for women and stash them away.

This is the best time of year to start adding more gift closet items, because once the holiday shopping season, you might not have the time or money to buff up your gift stash. So, here are some unique and personable items that will help you always be armed with an affectionate gift.

DIY Smartphone Projector –  Bluetooth Tracking TagCome In, Go Away DoormatAromatherapy Shower Kit

FYI – I have the Tea To Go and is awesome! It has saved me so many morning when I’m running behind. Although, it’s mostly used for brewing tea, I also use it to make quick water detoxes my combining some of fruits with my water. I gifted my brother with the bluetooth tracking tag for his birthday last month and he loves it.

Now, I need to add that shower kit to my life.

 

*Some products were provided for review purposes, but the opinions are all my mine.

 

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LUST-HAVE LIST: September 2015

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Hey September!

September is one of my favorite months. In case you didn’t know, September is my birthday month. Although, I’m not one of those kinda obnoxious people that celebrate their birthday all month, I still have a love when September finally hits. Aside from my birthday, it’s also the month when fall (my favorite season) finally arrives. So there’s that to look forward to, also.

Back to this month’s Lust-Have list.

It’s only safe to assume that my September LHL is just a perfectly catalog birthday wishlist for me. I will admit that usually end up getting 1 or a few items off this list every year. I guess it serves that purpose. So, keep reading to see my birthday wishlist/ Lust-Have List for September 2015.

  • planetbox lunchbox – A lunchbox that guides you in packing a healthy meal quickly and easily. The compartments are great for portion control and the design of a retro cafeteria lunch tray is great! Luckily, they offer different sizes that’s perfect for kids and adults.
  • Rebecca Minkoff Finn Suede Flats – Fall seems to be the only time of year that I embrace a pointy-toe flat. I’m really smitten with these flats by Rebecca Minkoff. Fall-friendly color of oxblood with the mixture of suede and leather material is such a nice look. Plus, these flats can pair well with skirts or pants.
  • Morey Platform Bed – I haven’t had a platform bed since college and I wasn’t the biggest fan of it. In my current life of minimalism, a platform bed seems the ideal way to go. This bed looks so simplistic that I feel like, with a few trips to Home Depot and a good drill, I could build this bed. However, I know that I’m not one to do that. So, buying this bed is the next best option. Actually, buying this bed is the only option.
  • Ole Henrikson Invigorating Night Creme – Other than foundation, finding a good night cream has been very difficult for me. It’s either breaks me out or shows no improvement to my skin. For now, I’ve just been using coconut oil at night (what can’t coconut oil not do?) and it’s been doing a great job at moisturizing my skin overnight. Still, I’ve been yearning to try this new night cream from Ole Henrikson. Not only does it hydrate your skin as you sleep, but improve the texture of your skin, as well. So, I classify this as a need.
  • Eddie Bargo Pyramid Bracelet – Thin, flat, and stackable jewelry is one of the trends from the 90s that’s having a moment is style and I want in on it. What I love about this gold-plated bracelet from Eddie Bargo is that it’s bold enough to stand on it’s own, but designed to look just as amazing when paired with similar styles.

 

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Beauty Products To Keep At The Office

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Sorry for the lack of post last week, but my office was a little hectic, because we relocated to a brand new and much brighter suite. Awesome work selfies are getting concocted as you read this.

With all the packing and unpacking that was going on, I realized that I was running low and even out of my some of the beauty products that I keep in my office desk. Yes, there are necessary beauty products that every woman, no matter your level of beauty-obsessed, should keep in their desk at work to help you be extra presentable, no matter how long a meeting or unexpected conversation with the CEO in passing.

In the office, it’s always best to put your best foot forward, ethically and visually. So, here is the list of beauty items you should have stored in your work desk. Hmm, I wonder can these be considered write-offs or even better, get ordered with the office supplies? Is there hybrid Staples/Ulta somewhere on this planet. Well, I think I need to take a trip to HR.

In the meantime, check out and take inventory of essential beauty products to keep in your desk at work.

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Oil-Blotting Sheets – These are pretty much holy-grail items. Nothing worse than a shiny oily face…in a cool office space. My personal favorite oil-blotting sheets are Boscia Clear Complexion Blotting Sheets, because away excess oil and treat and prevent blemishes without disturbing your makeup

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Translucent Powder – A good translucent powder is a must, especially to touch up spots that have lost the matte affect. Laura Mercier Invisible Pressed Setting Powder is a dream. It’s very light, sets your make-up and last all day, but is also great for little touch-ups here and there.

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Rollerball Scent – I’m so glad that most perfumes and scents are available in rollerball size, because they are the perfect size and shape to keep in your pursea nd desk for a quick little aromatic pick-me up. Ralph Lawrence Romance is my all time favorite scent. Very clean and fresh. Plus, it was my mom’s favorite scent, too.

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Lip Balm – A pink pouty lip that moisturized is an automatic win, office or not. Vaseline Lip Therapy in Rose Pink gives just right amount of pink pout and supple, moisturized lips.

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Travel Manicure Kit – Hang nails, better yet, clipping hang nails and cuticles is lowkey one of my favorite things to do while at work. Mainly, they are annoying, but I feel very liberated to remove them. Therefore, I keep a travel manicure kit in my desk that is has the basic nail trimmer, cuticle clippers and pusher, and nail file. What I love about this manicure kit from Crabtree & Evelyn is that it also includes a side nail clipper. Mind-blowing awesomeness!

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Hand Cream – The soap in the bathroom of my office building is really drying…really drying. So, I keep multiple containers of Nivea Extended Moisture Hand Cream in my desk draw. It’s very moisturizing and long-lasting, even after washing my hands many times throughout the day.

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Face Mist – Over the years, I’ve had an emotional relationship with face mists. There have been times when I just didn’t feel the need for them and the next thing you know, I’m questioning my sanity as to why I didn’t think I needed this. Well, for the past few months, it’s been the latter. This summer was a rough one for me and my mke-up’s pursuit to not slide all over my face…before lunchtime. My boo, Mario Badescu Facial Spray has really been magical by setting my makeup to stay pretty much all day and provided me instantly sprays of refreshment throughout the day. The scent? Just awesome.

 

Do you have any beauty products that you keep in your desk at work and are a must? Please share!

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10 Closet Staples for Fall 2015

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Every season, like the weather, your wardrobe changes. Some people shop throughout the season, which I tend to do,too. However, at the beginning of each season, I usually select 8-10 “foundation pieces” that I can easily switch in and out to create multiple looks and build with various accessories and other pairings that I already have or pick up later on.

For fall, it’s all about looking put together with pieces and silhouettes that look polished and classic. Therefore, you will notice that my foundation pieces this season are very simple and easy to wear and play around with for endless moments of classic fall style. Check out my 10 closet staples for fall 2015.

  • Structured blazer – A well-made, structured blazer is a must for a tailored look, but it can also primp up a casual look of jeans and a tee shirt. This clean blazer from Zara is perfect and has enough warmth to carry you from fall all the way throughout winter. Such a great addition to any closet.
  • Boyfriend Cardigan – Is it really fall without buying a new sweater? Well, it is, but not for me until I find, buy, and wear daily a brand new sweater; preferably boyfriend fit and roomy enough to layer. I usually get a safe neutral color, but this year, I’m planning to venture off and seek more colored sweaters. First color I need is a red one, like this one. Great to have for a pop of color in a monochromatic look.
  • Button-down Blouse – There is nothing like a white button-down oxford blouse. Very crisp. However, the iconic blue one is just as crisp, but a little more relaxed and casual. This one from L.L. Bean is extra relaxed, because it’s wrinkle-free and washable. Great for those mornings when you over sleep, but still need to look like you have job…that you want to keep.
  • Classic grey tee – Grey is definitely the forgotten neutral color that’s flattering on most complexions and is a great way to add a chill and cool factor to your look. H&M recently (and finally!) opened up a store here in Memphis and I instantly loaded up on their jersey tees, including a couple of grey ones.
  • Khaki Chino – Realistically, every closet should have a pair of khaki chinos that are sleek, minimalist friendly, and timeless. J. Crew’s broken- in boyfriend chinos fit the bill, but they also have a relaxed and comfy feel that would make them perfect for casual Friday or running errands.
  • Boot-Cut Jeans – Boot-cut are going to have a great season. A dark rinse pair of boot-cut jeans will get you anywhere and everywhere this season.
  • A-Line Skirt – Every seasonal wardrobe needs to have the opp for a skirt moment. This season, it’s all about the a-line skirt. Straight-line knee-length is great style to aim for, because it perfect for flats and tall boots, when that awesome time finally comes around. Marc by Marc Jacobs has the the perfect a-line skirt that chic and classic.
  • Nude watch – After over 5 years, I’m over the chunky, men’s watch inspired look. It was an awesome time or chicness with just the right touch of gaudiness, but now I’m all about the minimal design for a watch that’s a perfect blush shade for everyday wear, like this Kate Spade Second Hand Spade Metro Watch. Subtle and timeless.
  • Utilitarian tote – One of my favorite totes is my Madewell Transport tote. Clean lines and goes with everything. Pretty perfect. However, Madewell recently reworked the transport bag to make it extra functional by adding outside compartments and zipper closure. Definitely my next everyday bag.
  • Leather loafers – When I initially started thinking about what I wanted to add to my fall wardrobe this year, a classic pair of penny loafers were one of the first things I knew that I needed. Bass is renowned for their high-quality and classic leather shoes including their wayfarer loafers. Although black would be safe, there is just something about a burgundy or deep cognac color that does it for me.

Those are the first 10 items I’m buying for fall, this year. Along the way, I’m going to pick up some more accessories like scarves, a cognac satchel, and I’m thinking about looking into re-introducing pearls in my life. I’m not sure, yet. Right, it’s just a thought.

If you have any suggestions for “foundation pieces” for a fall wardrobe, please share them below.

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