Happy Mid-Week lovelies.
Has this week been treating you well so far?

I'm not sure if I did the best job coming up with a title for this post. I'm not trying to tell you where to shop to get deals (although, that's a post that we SHOULD do). This post is more about what pieces it makes more sense to save and not splurge on.

I've often talked about how I'm a "quality over quantity" type of person. I make a point to get the majority of my pieces from "better" manufacturers. (although, I'm always on the hunt for a sale or special)
Still, there are somethings that it just does not make sense to spend a lot of your hard earned money on.



First up, Flannel Shirts


Adorable for layering and great for added warmth. 
I see JCrew, Nordstrom, Madewell etc all selling them for around $80 or so.
Yet, Old Navy has the softest flannels for $20.  They have many different plaids. You can buy 2 or 3 for less than the cost of one at other stores.


Next up, don't spend a ton on "fun" hats.  Hats are all the rage this season, they are lots of fun and can help you save yourself from a bad hair day. 
When it comes to hats, at least for me they fall into two categories. Those are hats that I need and hats that are simply accessories. Hats that I need, living in New England are warm winter hats. Those, I'll be sure to buy decent ones. 
Hats that are fun accessories though, those are not worth dropping bank on. 
Whether it be a stylish floppy hat like this
Or, a fun lil summer straw hat 
I'm going to opt for a bargain. 
Amazon is a fantastic place to source these.

The next place I always choose to "save" and not splurge is on workout clothing.
I know that companies like lululemon have a huge following.
To me though, it simply does not make any sense whatsoever to spend $110 on a tank top that I'm going to drench in sweat on a regular basis.
Target carried the C9 line. Their stuff is as good as any high-end workout wear, but at very reasonable prices.
C9 Workout Wear at Target



Next up, I never splurge on basic Tees and tanks. I see places like Everlane seeing this type of thing for $30- $45 dollars. all i can think is "Why?" 
I said recently how for this type of thing, I always turn to Target. At Target, basic tees and tanks are normally in the $5.00- $15.00 dollar range. For things that i'm just going to use as layering pieces, this is all that I'm willing to spend.

Target Tees & Tanks



Lastly for today, I never splurge on costume jewelry. Its always stuff that comes and goes in and out of style. 
Recently, I've discovered Accessories Concierge. They are a great place for adorable, on trend jewelry that is NOT over priced.
Accessories Concierge




 Okay, now tell me your thoughts.
What things are totally worth splurging on in your opinion and what is not? I'd love to hear!


XO,
SheShe



Hi there lovebugs, welcome back from the weekend.
Do you like the title of today's blog post? Funny story behind it. There is an old song that I love called "Make Yourself Comfortable". It came out in 1954 by the STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL Sarah Vaughn. Anyhow, a car commercial just stared using a snippet of it, but its totally worth listing to the whole song. Here it is, its worth a listen, I promise.  Make Yourself Comfortable, By Sarah Vaughn

So, as we are getting into the cooler weather I'm all about getting cozy and comfortable.
When I was younger, I would of never considered spending money on dedicated sleepwear.  Oh no, why do that when I could put that money toward another "going out" outfit to be work to some dark club (kids!).  At that point, I'd wear any old t-shirt to bed. Not anymore. Awhile back, I came to the conclusion that having nice pajamas is actually self care. It seems that psychologists agree with me. In alignment with the philosophy that you'll sleep better if you use your bed strictly for sleeping and "naughty time" ;)  the same is true for dedicated sleepwear. Once you slip into those pajamas, you are telling your bring "Its time for me to get sleep now." 

Here are a few pairs of my favorite pajamas.




These had me at "Offline". Its a great reminder to put the phone down, close the laptop and just unwind. These are made right here in America, Los Angeles to be exact. the are the softest cotton. When I wear them, I feel as if I am staying in a fancy hotel.












PJ Salvage Flannel PJ's are so warm and cozy. If you live in a cold climate like I do, GET THESE. Admittedly, this is the style I own, but not the print that I have them in. Mine are in the dog print. You are shocked, I know.





I tossed this set into my Target.Com cart a few weeks ago. Oh my gosh, I'm so glad that I did. These are SO SOFT. In fact, they are made from the same soft cotton that is used for newborn outfits. They are only $19.99. I'm seriously in disbelief over that. They could easily sell for much more than that.



                                                  Jcrew Dreamy Cotton Pajama Set $78


I have this set in two different colors. They hold up so well no matter how many times they have been washed. They are thick enough to be good for the cooler months, but not so heavy that they need to go away as soon as the warmer weather arrives.




A cardigan that's made specifically to be worn with pajamas. I never knew that I needed this until I bought it. Now, I don't know why I didn't have this forever ago.  Does your hubby like the house cooler than you do? Do you have a pet that you need to run out for potty? Do you just love super cozy, lovely things? If you answered "Yes" to any of the above, get yourself this.



What about you? Do you love pajamas?   Even though its only Monday morning, i'm kind of wishing that I was already back in my PJ's! ;)




XO,
SheShe


The Friday Five

October 25, 2019 in ,



Happy Friday my friends.
How is this the last Friday in October?
Truth be told, I'm NOT sad to see 2019 coming to an end.

I'm still dealing with this blasted sinus infection. So I haven't had much time to be perusing all things beauty for you this week.

I figured, its been a few minutes since we've done a Friday Five. so, why not today?

Besides, today's topic is one that I love, cooking.  







1. How do you feel about cooking?
I LOVE to cook. I absolutely love it. Growing up, I loved watching my Aunt Gini make absolute magic in the kitchen. I noticed that everyone was always wanting to be at Charlie & Gini's house. Being able to prepare a great meal has that effect on people.



2. How often do you cook a meal (from mostly fresh ingredients, not something ready-assembled that you just heat)?

5-6 nights a week. On Saturday night, my hubby and I normally go out to eat. Sometimes on Friday we'll do takeout, depending on how busy the week has been.
3. How many people do you usually cook for, when you cook?

Typically, I'm cooking for the two of us. Although, I love to entertain and have friends over for dinner.
 
4. Do you have a favorite recipe book or chef?

My favorite cookbook is one that my aunt made for me as a wedding gift. Its a compilation of her favorite recipes that she put together for us. It was the most thoughtful wedding gift.
My favorite professional chef is Chef Jean Joho. This man is phenomenal, READ ABOUT HIM HERE . 

5. Kitchen tools: use the fewest possible or gadgets are your friend?

I'm middle of the road here.
I don't fall into buying silly gizmos and whatnot (except for beauty related stuff).
However, I do rely heavily on my Kitchenaid stand mixer, food processor and Ninja Blender. I couldn't function in the kitchen without those things.







All of the food images here are my own, meaning I cooked them in my kitchen with my own two hands. If you are curious about any of them, just ask :)


What about you? What are your answers ?


XO,
SheShe


Hi friends, how are you doing so far this week? Me? well, I have an awful sinus infection. I finally caved and went to the doctor's office yesterday and am on antibiotics. Apparently, I let this go too far. I don't want to be that person who runs to the doctor's every time the have a cold   ah, darned if you do, darned if you don't.

Anyhow, I'm hoping you'll put up with me venting a bit today. 

Unless you live in a cave, you have likely heard about "Social Media Envy". It's a thing. Never before have we had such unfettered access to the lives of others. We see their vacations, their relationships, their purchases, their homes, their cars, etc.

This has lead to a whole lot of green-eyed monsters out there. Envy is certainly nothing new, but having the minute details of everyone else's life available with a simple scroll is. 

What I find troubling is now, we all condone this envy.  Just search "social media envy". There are countless articles about how to make yourself feel better when you see others who have a bigger house or who have taken a better vacation than you. 
I swear, I'll throw something the next time I see a meme along the lines of "Don't compare your life to somebody else's highlight reel."

Honestly friends, enough is enough. There is a reason why our grandparent's generation condemned envy.  Trust me, it's NOT a good look. 

Instead of turning to the countless words written to help you convince yourself that "their life really isn't as great as they show", focus on gratitude.
Seriously, do you have a secure roof over your head? Do you know where your next meal is coming from? Do you have a spouse, parent, sibling or friend who loves you unconditionally?  If you can answer "Yes" to those things, you are already far better off than most people in this world EVER will be.

Does someone else having more high-end clothes affect your life in anyway? No, it doesn't. 
Regardless of what anyone else might 'flaunt' or 'show-off", it literally has no bearing on your life. So, please do not give this stuff any power over your life.
There will ALWAYS be someone who has more money than you, a larger home, more stamps on their passport, I could go on and on.
Instead of focusing on the good things other people have in their lives, take an stance of gratitude in regards to the good things that you have in your life. You'll be much happier for it, I promise.

Okay, that's it for today. I need to go sit by my humidifier. 
Be well friends.


XO,
SheShe 

Holiday Makeup Sets To Get

October 21, 2019 in


Welcome to Monday, kids. I hope everyone had a safe and productive weekend.
Have you started your Christmas shopping? If you have, you've likely seen that the holiday makeup sets have started hitting the stores.
This is your chance to seriously beef up your makeup collection for bargain prices.
Before I go any further, you'll likely hear bloggers or Youtubers whining along the lines of "The quality isn't the same in gift sets!" Pay 0 attention to them. They are just trying to get more money (or "credits) as they say off of your purchases. Ignore them, as they are full of crap. The makeup in these gift sets is the exact same thing as its non gift set counterparts.

These are the ones that I'm most excited about for this season.


Two Faced Jerrod's Favorites  Buy It Here





Becca Glow Essentials              Buy It Here

Tatcha Skin Care for Makeup Loves Gift Set    Buy It Here





Charlotte Tilbury Gift of Pillow Talk       But it Here




Hermes Deluxe Coffert Set                                             Buy It Here





Yves Saint Laurent Mini Lipstick Set                                       Buy it Here







Beauty Blender Crown Jewels Essentials                          Buy It Here




IT Cosmetics Super Squad Gift-Set       Buy It Here




There you have it, those are my favorite gift sets that I've seen so far. Maybe there is more to come? I'm not sure.

Are you hoping for some new make up this Christmas / Hanukkah? 



XO,
SheShe 




Howdy, and happy Friday. I hope you guys are all coming off of a great week and are about to have a fantastic weekend.
I can't lie, I'm still SO SAD about losing Bandit. I miss him so much that it physically hurts.
That said, I know that nobody is reading hear because they want to hear me wallow. 

I've always put so much more focus on spring & summer fashion. Which, is silly seeing that I live in New England. I mean c'mon...its cold here 9 months out of 12. 

Anyhow, I've been immersing myself in the fall fashion mags and Refinery 29 TV. Mostly to get my mind off of things. Regardless, it's made me realize that I'm really on board with a LOT of the trends for this fall.
Here are a few of my favorites.



1) Snakeskin
 I'm seeing snake skin EVERYWHERE this fall.
The bag in the photo above, is by Nancy Gonzalez. I bought it two years ago and can no longer find it on-line. But, don't despair This One is very similar.

I just purchased These booties by Jeffrey Campbell
Also, there is This version from Target, which is a total steal.


2) Chunky Cropped Sweaters
I absolutely LOVE  This One, and its at a great price point.

A little pricer, but still adorable is This One . I love the vintage feel.





3) Asymmetrical Necklines 
I can't tell you why, but I've always LOVED asymmetrical tops. This One by Free People looks as comfy as it is cute.

Wait until you see the price on This one! Didn't I just say how great Venus.com is!?


That's it for today. My top three trends of Fall 2019.
What are you loving this season?


XO,
SheShe


Where I Shop

October 16, 2019 in


                                                          -Where I Shop-









I get asked from time to time where it is I do most of my shopping. I'm a creature of habit. At 40, I know what works for me, and what places carry what  works for me. I also know what doesn't work for me and where to avoid. 
Also, in the interest of efficiency, I'm keeping this list to just apparel retailers. Sure, I shop at Sephora, Ulta, Home Goods, etc but for today, we are focusing on clothing and accessories.
With no further ado,




  • Nordstrom - This is where about 75% of what I own has come from. Their customer service is beyond stellar, they have the best return policy and actually carry quality stuff.
  • Target- No shame here. Target is my go to for t-shirts, tanks, leggings and workout apparel.
  • Venus- Venus is an online retailer. They have adorable clothes at very reasonable prices. They are a great resource for when I need a cocktail dress.
  • Revolve- Another on-line retailer, hey are slightly pricier than the other places that I shop, but they are always worth it.
  • Bloomingdales- This is a place that I always wait to catch a sale, but when I do catch a sale, its typically deeply discounted.
  • Hautelook- This is Nordstrom's flash-sale sight. You can get amazing deals here. Just do not allow yourself to fall into the "I have to order it now!" frenzy that flash- sale sites can drive you to.
  • Talbots- My go to for classic, preppy, New England styles.
  • Madewell-Their clothes truly are well made and are classics.
  • Vineyard Vines- I have a "Shep Shirt" obsession. 
  • Kendra Scott-My go to for cute, not too expensive jewelry. 
  • Amazon/ShopBop- Because you never know what you'll find!
  • Jcrew/ Jcrew Factory- so many things I wear to work are from here.


Conversely, there are some places that I avoid and never end up shopping at, they are listed here:

  • Khols- I've never, ever had any luck here. Also, I hate how you never know what the price of something actually is. It's never what is listed on the tag.
  • Forever 21- The documentary "The True Cost" really opened my eyes to how damaging "Fast Fashion" is. Also, as I've talked about before, I would rather purchase one high quality item instead of 3 "cheaper" pieces.
  • Macy's- I find that at (at least the one near me) Macy's, all they carry now are their own brands. Their in-house brands tend to be expensive, yet poorly made. Thanks, I'll pass.
  • Walmart- I know that they have been really trying to push their fashion as of late. However, I have 0 desire to shop at a store that doesn't value my time as a customer. Their constant lack of open lines is all the evidence that I need to know that my time and schedule is something that they could not care less about.

Okay, there you have it. Where do you most enjoy shopping?



XO,
SheShe


Hello:
I'm trying to get back in to a routine after everything that has happened with Bandit. I'm not fully there yet, and still not sleeping well. So, please pardon any grammar, spelling. typing mistakes you might find in this (and the next several) posts. I'm trying my best right now, friends.

Here in Massachusetts, we are coming off of a three day long nor'easter. Those of you not from New England are saying "What in sam's mole hill is a nor'easter?" For an actually definition, read here :What is a nor'easter . For my less technical definition. a nor'easter is crappy, stormy weather.
Like I said, I'm trying to get back into the swing of things and get myself put somewhat together each day. This weather has really challenged me to not look a cast member of "The Deadliest Catch".
Here are a few of the pieces that I've been relying on these past few days.


I have worn these booties every day since Wednesday
Sorel Waterproof Wedge Bootie $200-
These booties truly are completely waterproof. They have a rugged sole for traction, are super comfortable, far more comfortable than wearing rain boots all day.  
Sizing tip: Go up one half size.


Sometimes a cute rain coat is perfect. However, sometimes, it isn't. What to do? 
I found that this adorable little moto jacket with hood is a great choice.

This is (a believable ) faux leather, so there is no worry about the rain ruining it. Its warm enough for a cool, fall rain. Yet, it still gives your outfit more of an "edge" than a traditional rain jacket


Luckily, hats are becoming a "thing" again. Regardless of whether you love 'em or hate 'em, there is no denying that a hat can save the day. I got this one at Nordstrom 

I was nervous as to if my newly naturally curly self would still be able to pull off wearing a hat, its fine though.
This baby has saved me from ruined hair on more than one occasion now.

I have never tried to hide the fact that I enjoy high-end bags. However, I'm not going to risk damaging them in this weather. Therefore, a waterproof that I can toss everything, including my purse into, is a must.


This one by Rush is cure, colorful and durable. I know what's in it will stay dry. This will also be great in the summer for on the water or beach activities. 


So, these are the things that I've been using in this nasty weather. They have served me well this past week.


XO,
SheShe




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