Black Friday & Cyber Monday Gift Guide

‘Tis the Season! It’s Black Friday time! I did five roundups of gift ideas for your viewing (and shopping) pleasure. :) The first 2 are for the hardcore beauty lovers, one is the best sets of both makeup and skincare from a variety of Black Friday specials ranging from Ulta to Sephora and others. The second is for small gift-giving ideas, ranging at prices points from $20 to no more than $75. The other three gift guides are fashion, home, and pet-related, where I picked up items not only I’d grab for myself, but would love to give to someone else even more. Several items, mostly from the beauty boards are of limited edition (holiday collection/item) so don’t miss your chance to score big, as there’s so many deals to be had with these items I’ve listed! Lots of sales I’ve listed are from Nordstrom, Shopbop, Bed Bath & Beyond, and others along with Sephora & Ulta and even Amazon. If you’re interested in one of the products mentioned in my gift guides, hover over the number with the mouse to click-through. Happy shopping and happy loads and loads of turkey and love.

BEST HOLIDAY GIFT SETS 2018 MAKEUP & SKINCARE

1. Marc Jacobs Beauty Waterproof Eyeliner & Volumizing Mascara - Fall Runway Edition, $49

2. IT Brushes Your Glam Must-Haves 5 Pc Brush Set + Exclusive Clutch, $125/30% off at Ulta

3. NYX Professional Makeup Sugar Trip 24 Days Of Beauty Advent Calendar, $30

4. Lancôme Definicils Mascara Collection Holiday Set, $35

5. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Gift Set, $76

6. Mario Badescu Spritz. Mist. Glow. Set, $12

7. Sephora Favorites Lashstash, $48

8. OUAI Swing Both OUAIs Kit, $48

9. Urban Decay Naked Cherry Vault, $100

10. LANEIGE Sleep & Glow Set, $39/$52 value

11. Ole Henriksen Glow Brightly™ - Radiance-Boosting Super Set, $49

12. First Aid Beauty Skin Summit, $48/$112 value

BEAUTY HOLIDAY GIFTS UNDER $75

1. Diptyque Black Friday Candle Limited Edition, $75

2. Lime Crime Diamond Dew Liquid Eyeshadow, $20

3. Philosophy Fresh Cream Warm Cashmere Eau de Toilette Mini, $18

4. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Pink Grapefruit, $18/$42 value

5. boscia Luminizing Black Charcoal Mask, $20

6. Bobbi Brown Snow Glow Mini Highlighting Powder, $25

7. Jin Soon Encore Collection, $42

8. Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray Mini Ornament, $15

9. Givenchy Prisme Libre Loose Powder - Limited Edition, $60

10. NARS Heartbreaker Blush Palette, $42

11. Stila One Step Correct, $23

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THE HOME

1. Crosley Radio Cruiser Deluxe Turntable, $70

2. Nordstrom at Home Kennebunk Bliss Plush Throw, $40

3. CALPAK Ambeur 20-Inch Rolling Spinner Carry-On, $135

4. Mikasa® Swirl 16-Piece Dinnerware Set in Blue, $80/$150

5. Nordstrom 5-Piece Stainless Steel Bar Tool Set, $69

6. KitchenAid® Artisan® 5 qt. Stand Mixer, $280/$380

FASHION BLACK FRIDAY GIFT IDEAS

1. Comme des Garçons PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor® Hidden Heart High Top Sneaker, $135

2. AKIRA Teddy Hug Midi Jacket, $40

3. Topshop Sela Crossbody Bag, $48

4. DL1961 Farrow Jeans, $199

5. Gucci Double-G Buckle Calfskin Belt, $350

6. kate spade one in a million initial pendant necklace, $35

7. Shopbop Escapade Sunglasses, $59

AMAZON BLACK FRIDAY DOG GIFT GUIDE

1. Lanyar Dog Reindeer Holiday Pet Clothes Sweater for Dogs Puppy Kitten Cats, Classic Red, $15

2. Christmas Dog Bone Ornament - Set of Three, $8

3. Petist Professional Pet Nail Grinder, Electric Pet Nail Trimmer, Clippers, File with 3 Different Gen, $26

4. West Elm Found My Animal Adjustable Dog Leash, $54

5. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Squeaking Toys Dogs, $16

6. Chuckit! Dog Ball Launcher, $9.45

7. Christmas Dog - German Shepherd Naughty List Shirt, $20

LOVE & XX’S,

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Must-Have: Snake Print Booties

WEARING: APRICOT COAT | GREEN WOOL SCARF | SNAKE PRINT BAG | BLUE JEANS | SNAKE PRINT BOOTS |

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY PUBLIC DESIRE & THACKER NYC BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Hi, everyone! How was your weekend? Hopefully it included a lot of fun and snuggles during this fall weather! And perhaps some pumpkin-spiced anything lolol. In today’s post, I’m sharing my latest favorite print - one that’s been around for ages, but is still such a versatile fall/winter print, and can you believe it… I’ve never had this in my closet?! It is definitely trending and comes in a variety of sorts, but I’m only styling accessories today, especially your girl’s ultimate fall staple, a classic bootie! Continue reading to see more photos along with a special appearance by my best friend and partner-in-crime, MaQ!

What can I say… Autumn in New York is the look of love. It is my favorite season for a million reasons. Fall fashion is no exception when it comes to staples: Outwear, handbags, denim and yes, ankle booties. And I think one of the fall must-haves every girl should have in her closet are a great pair of snake print booties. The ones featured in today’s post are from Public Desire - a UK-based shoe brand that I absolutely adore, are super sleek pointed ankle boots featuring exposed zip and a sock style fit. Frayed hem denim and an oversized striped shirt or black sweater keep this look fresh. The heel height is 4.5”, which is a bit on the high side for some, but that extra half inch for petite women such as myself go a long way.  

I couldn’t resist but style the snake print booties with a similar print when it came to my handbag, but the trick is that it’s not the exact same print. Undeniably feminine, strong, and chic, the Ladybird clutch has a roomy triple gusset construction and a large interior hidden zip pocket, with plenty of space for all of your fall necessities. Wear crossbody by the detachable leather and chain shoulder strap, or carry as a clutch. I’m a fan of contrast and I think the hints of green from the bag go well with the olive-green scarf and apricot coat. MaQ doesn’t hurt the photos haha - isn’t he such a handsome stud? Wishing you a great week. Drop a comment down below and let us know how you’d style these great snake print booties for fall!

LOVE & XX’S,

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5 Ways to be a Fashion Rule Breaker

WEARING: MEN’S PLAID JACKET | PLAID SUIT VEST | PLAID CAPRI PANTS | PUBLIC DESIRE BOOTS | CHLOE BAG | NAVY BLUE HANDKERCHIEF

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Happy Friday, you guys! Today’s look definitely reflects my overall style in fashion - rebellious, maximalist, chicness if you will, but today’s post also discusses the ways to do it. One of the key rules in fashion, in my opinion, is taking risks and trying something new. I think when we do this, it helps us hone in on what our style is, and though it is constantly evolving, there are always a few keen elements that resonate within one self. I tend to break the rules, in general. And just like it has in life, I have made some mistakes and I’ve also had some successes by now following the usual norm/rules. Continue reading to see more of this strong masculine outfit and the top five ways to be a fashion rule breaker.

1. DO YOU – AND ONLY YOU

It’s easy to scroll through Instagram and be ‘influenced’ by an outsider. A complete stranger. But I think what really helps is focusing on what styles you truly love. What makes you feel really good, confident, empowered. Anything positive. Because I too have had my fair share of uncomfortable outfits for the sake of some trend or vibe I was trying to go for, if it’s not me I know right away. But the way to be is to have the desire to impress yourself rather than for anyone else. Don’t develop your style based on other peoples’ opinions of yourself.

2. EMBRACE CHANGE.

When I was going through a lot of personal stuff a couple years back, I went to the hair salon and got bangs. At first, it took some getting used to but now, I can’t imagine my hair any other way than the way it is. For those that are not in the know - I have jet black hair and took nearly a year to get to the color I have now. I had really originally wanted platinum blonde hair but my hair colorist was so honest and trustworthy in the fact that that kind of drastic color would utterly fry my hair. So instead of walking around with damaged locks of frizz, we reached to this kind of color. And I find it unique and never had a hair color like this that I love so much. So it just goes to show, embrace change. Take a chance. Worth the risk. If not, it’ll grow back lolol.

3. IT TAKES TIME

Rome was not built in a day. And neither will your style. It’ll take years of trial and error to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. This comes with taking chances, but it takes time to build up confidence in knowing what your style is. So be patient, have fun with clothes, and don’t take it too seriously. Fashion after all is a form of playing dress up, is it not? So don’t be shy in expressing yourself to the world!

4. DON’T KNOCK IT TILL YOU TRY IT

In order to figure out what works for you, it’s not a bad idea to step outside your comfort zone when it comes to your style. Maybe try a style you may not usually wear, just to see how you feel and look in it. I tend to mix/clash between what I’m confident in, and other styles I may not normally do and put them together to see the result. Sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised and other times it’s, “What’re thinking?!” Haha! So don’t be shy in experimenting.

5. STUDY FROM THE PROS

Not, not your favorite influencer with a million followers. We’re talking legendary icons in fashion like Coco Chanel, Diana Vreeland, Grace Coddington, Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele and others. These are those one can learn from. It’s like anything else, the more knowledge you have in something, the better off you are in it. So this definitely applies to the world of style, in all aspects - not only fashion.

What do you guys think of this masculine power suit look? I deliberately mixed three different patterns of plaid and to be quite honest, I love it so much! I styled it with a crisp white blouse and burgundy accessories like my handbag and boots. The added contrast is my navy blue silk handkerchief that always makes me feel European for some reason. I think this outfit is an absolute fashion rule breaker, how about you?

LOVE & XX’S,

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October Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: NARS HEARTBREAKER BLUSH PALETTE | BVLGARI SPLENDIDA FRAGRANCE | LANEIGE FRESH CALMING TONER | LANEIGE MOUSSE MOISTURIZER | MAC STUDIO FIX FOUNDATION NC30 | WUNDER2 PERFECT SELFIE | URBAN DECAY NAKED CHERRY EYESHADOW PALETTE | ESSIE NAIL POLISH FALL/WINTER COLLECTION 18 | bareMINERALS BAREPRO GLOW HIGHLIGHTER IN WHIMSY | SKINMEDICA LUMIVIVE SYSTEM

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Happy Hump Day! I know, I know… I’m way overdue on my monthly beauty favorites! I’m so sorry that it’s been MIA - August and September were extremely busy for me and I honestly did not have time to do the posts. Instead I went into more detail with specific brands that were launching a new collection of products that I felt would cater to my readers. I did one on higher-end skincare (HERE) and another travel-minded one that was more on the affordable side. (HERE) So, I hope you enjoyed and without further ado, here it is, finally back where it should be, my October beauty favorites is up! From a blush palette that’ll want you to shout to heavens thanking them for such a creation to a great skincare brand fighting against blue light (Hi, cell phones), there are a soiree of goodies that you’ll definitely want to get your hands on ASAP. Continue reading to learn more about my latest monthly beauty faves!

Only at ULTA!

Add seductive warmth with iconic matte and shimmer blushes sure to bring the passion. NARS Heartbreaker Blush Palette includes three lustworthy shades. Limitless intrigue. The packaging features a metallic red textured design on the compact for a special standout touch.

The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's bestselling, most iconic shades for cheeks. NARS blush delivers healthy-looking color that enlivens the complexion and provides a natural-looking flush to flatter any skin tone. Iconic shades include a range of translucent, natural tones, each with a subtle pink undertone for a natural-looking blush to highlight the complexion. Silky, superfine micronized powder pigments in matte and shimmering shades ensure irresistibly soft, blendable application. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush. These soft, buildable shades deliver a wide range of effects, from ultra-sheer to powerful pops of color.

Spiked with color. Studded with style. Uncover your inner rebel with a covetable collection inspired by the iconic punk fashion of the 1970s. Stud your style with daring shimmer and shine; spike it with explicitly bold shades for a look that's authentic. Irreverent. Always relevant.

A $66 value!

Shades include:

• Luster (sheer golden apricot)

• Orgasm (peachy pink w/ golden shimmer)

• Amour (matte rose pink)

Mysterious & seductive, the Splendida Magnolia Sensuel fragrance by Bvlgari is definitely one to fall for and is my new favorite autumn scent. Neroli freshness, splendid magnolia and the heart of patchouli collide for a feminine fragrance that embraces the playful passionate and sensual side of being a woman. 😍 Scents: zesty freshness, splendid magnolia, and chypre woods. And can we just admire the gorgeous packaging on top?! So luxe.

TONER

Pure Deep Sea Water balances and visibly strengthens skin's moisture barrier to hydrate while Lychee Peel Extract offers soothing comfort and antioxidant protection. Perfectly suited for sensitive skin types, this toner is formulated without oil and alcohol and has only 10 must have ingredients.

MOUSSE

Blended to perfection with the nutrient-rich Deep Sea Water and polyphenols from Lychee Peel Extract quickly whip into action to deliver instant soothing relief to visibly stressed skin. The non-sticky, mousse formula makes it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive.

Find your perfect M·A·C Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation shade!

Embrace Every Shade of You with the Studio Fix lineup. This 24 hour wear foundation combines a matte finish with full, buildable coverage, with broad spectrum SPF 15 protection. Applies, builds and blends easily even while controlling shine. Comfortable and extremely longwearing, it helps minimize the appearance of pores and imperfections, giving skin a smoother, more flawless look and finish.

Benefits:

• Longwearing, 24 hours

• Reduces appearance of pores

• Controls oil and shine

• Nondrying

• For all skin types, especially oily skin

• Provides staytrue colour

• Nonstreaking

• Noncaking

• Nonsettling

• Photofriendly

Wunder2's Perfect Selfie HD Photo Finishing Powder is the easy way to filter-flawless skin in real life. Formulated with High-Resolution Powder Technology, this ultra-soft, bouncy powder magically transforms the skin to become poreless and pixel perfect. Perfect selfie formula contains a high performing blend of perfecting powders, which are uniform in particle size. It provides a smooth feel and soft-focus finish without masking the skin, leaving it looking natural. A combination of specially treated silicone and nylon eliminates the appearance of pores, wrinkles and shine whilst promoting an elastic-like effect so the skin is able to expand and contract with facial movements without the powder setting into fine lines, creating a photo perfect finish. The ultimate finish to your makeup look in under 2 minutes without the use of a photo filter.

In Stores 10-26!

This is the wildest way yet to look better Naked...Urban Decay's Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette has a sexy vibe that's more tart than sweet. With 12 never-before-picked neutrals, this vamped-up cherry-hued palette is sure to bring out your sultriest, most tempting eye looks ever.

These 12 all-new shades include of-the-moment soft mattes and sizzling metallics, ranging from creamy ivory and shimmering rose gold to the most intense black cherry. Urban Decay is addicted to Bing - a deep mauve matte that is right on trend. And they can't get enough of Drunk Dial, a shimmery metallic burgundy that takes smoky looks to a smoldering climax.

Because serious staying power and shadow that doesn't flake or fade out on you are non-negotiables, each shade is made from our mind-blowing formula that gives its velvety texture, rich color and blendability.

Adorned with a row of metallic cherries, the crimson compact includes a full-size mirror and double-sided brush - ready for precision application on one end and seamless blending on the other. Whether you're at the office, in between flights or getting ready at the apartment, Naked Cherry spices up everything from chill neutrals and sexy shimmers to super smoky eyes.

Urban Decay is 100% cruelty-free.

Urban Decay is beauty with an edge.

Shades:

• Hot Spot (ivory matte)

• Caution (soft neutral beige matte)

• Bang Bang (shimmering pink with gold shift and iridescent micro-sparkle)

• Feelz (soft dusty rose matte)

• Juicy (soft warm peach)

• Turn On (pale metallic rose shimmer)

• Ambitious (metallic rose copper)

• Bing (deep mauve matte)

• Devilish (reddish plum matte)

• Young Love (metallic cranberry)

• Drunk Dial (deep metallic burgundy)

• Privacy (deep brownish-plum matte)

Essie nail polish never fails me. A fall/winter shade nail polish collection that will have you in love for NYC. Exclusive easy glide brush for quick, even application. Shiny, smooth appearance. Extensive color palette with hundreds of nail polish shades. Uptown, downtown or crosstown-these variated colors will sizzle in any of the concrete jungle neighborhoods. I’ve been really into deep reds and metallics for fall! Which ones would you go for first?

BAREPRO Glow Highlighter by bareMinerals is more than just a highlighter, this versatile formula with light-reflecting mineral pearls provides a veil of natural-looking luminosity when used alone as a highlighter, and can be used to transform the finish of your favorite liquid foundation, tinted moisturizer or skincare products to add customized luminosity.

This light as air bi-phase liquid is infused with oat sugar to instantly smooth the appearance of wrinkles, and green lentil extract and bamboo extract to smooth the appearance of pores and even skin's texture. Mineral lock technology prolongs wear up to 16 hours.

Energize your skin with LUMIVIVE™ System from SkinMedica by clearing imperfections, alleviating damage and restoring vitality. Formulated with a blend of antioxidants and coenzyme Q10, this face serum works to reduce uneven pigmentation, free radical damage and redness. 

The LUMIVIVE™ System includes: 

• LUMIVIVE™ Day Damage Defense Serum: an antioxidant serum that defends skin from damaging environmental aggressors such as blue light (HEV) as well as pollutants in the air

• LUMIVIVE™ Night Revitalize Repair Complex: an evening serum that revitalizes and detoxifies the skin while reducing the appearance of environmental damage

Key Ingredients:

• Cacao Seed Extract: offers blue light Protection

• Bioflavinoids: create a bio-barrier on the skin

• Alteramonas Ferment Extract: provides environmental pollution protection

• Mirabilis Jalapa Extract: detoxifies skin

• Pentapeptide 34 Trifluoroacetate: supports endogenous coenzyme Q10 and ATP levels to recharge and invigorate skin

Key Benefits:

• Protects against blue light and environmental aggressors

• Promotes radiant and even skin tone

• Decreases visible redness

• Discoloration

• Detoxifies skin

LOVE & XX’S,

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Fall Makeup Look with Bobbi Brown

BOBBI BROWN COSMETICS: HYDRATING EYE CREAM | EXTRA REPAIR MOISTURE CREAM | EXTRA REPAIR MOISTURIZING BALM | PRO FACE PALETTE | NUDE FINISH ILLUMINATING PALETTE | CAMO LUXE EYE & CHEEK PALETTE | BURNT CHERRY LIPSTICK | BROW PENCIL | LONG-WEAR GEL EYELINER | BRONZER IN DEEP

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOBBI BROWN.

My favorite season is here! Crisp air, leave foliage and everything pumpkin, your girl is a little too excited for it all! Fall makeup is supposed to be subtle but with a touch of the dramatic. Some classic favorites? Black eyeliner, rich red lips, and overall warm tones. I've been wanting to create a look that's not too difficult to do but at the same time, also super gorgeous and still quite natural. Think of a very underplayed smokey eye with a cherry autumn lip and some gold highlight glowy-ness. Which is why I'm thrilled to partner with Bobbi Brown to share this fall makeup look with you guys! Continue reading to learn about every single product we used to achieve this look along with a quick fun makeup video!

When I met Analise Traficante, the Bobbi Brown BDA & Brand Ambassador at Bloomingdale's in SoHo, during NYFW, I knew we had to work together! She and I instantly connected and along with her talent, her personality is what really drew me to her. Filming didn't even feel like work, but more like two girls just hanging out in our bedrooms (like teenagers) playing around with makeup. When I gave her my vision of the look I had in mind, she instantly got me. Say no more, she went with a very subtle smokey eye with hints of dark brown and purples along with a gorgeous rusty red lip and highlight to boot.

We used one of my favorite illuminating powders of all time: The Nude Finish Illuminating Powder from SS16. The warm, gold tones are perfect for transitioning from summer to fall makeup, plus I think warmer highlights for olive skin is more flattering than cooler tones in terms of overall skin complexion as well as hair (but we can talk about hair in a whole other post.) The color we chose for lipstick shade is called, "Burnt Cherry" in Bobbi Brown's newly launched Luxe Matte Lip Color Beauty. These luxurious matte lipsticks feature oil-infused powders and pure matte powder pigments that deliver full coverage, a comfortable, lightweight feel and 12-hour high-impact color.

Skin prep also included products from the Bobbi Brown line, such as their hydrating eye cream which has CHANGED my life. If you're looking something to rid of those bags, this magic potion in a jar IS IT! We also moisturized with face cream as well as a primer before setting in the foundation and concealer. Other favorites as well are the Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil in Dark Brown, the Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Chocolate Truffle, and the limited edition Camo Luxe Eye & Cheek Palette - A modern spin on iconic camo that features six matte, metallic and sparkle shadows for multidimensional eye looks, plus a light-reflective highlighting powder to instantly illuminate skin—all in one versatile palette.

I've added direct links to shop this fall beauty look in the top and end of this post, so feel free to check these items out! Remember, some items are limited edition, so you should take a look now rather than later. Got a question about this makeup look? Drop yours in the comment section down below or come find me on Instagram! Special thanks to the wonderful Analise for her makeup wizardry, you are amazing! Check out her Instagram here as well (@misstraficante)!

LOVE & XX’S,

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