Thanks so much to everyone who wrote in & submitted questions for this month’s post! Remember that you can email me anytime with requests, style inquiries & more and I will either get back to you quickly or I will let you know that I plan to include my answer in this series. I hope this type of content continues to be helpful for everyone – now, onto the questions!
1) As much as I wish I could, I simply cannot wear heels anymore for my day to day activities – I’d love to see some spring outfit ideas with flats that aren’t sneakers or espadrilles.
I completely understand this struggle – as I get older, I find myself reaching for flats more often too! This is a question I get quite frequently and I actually did a similar post in the fall here. Since it’s not quite open-toe weather yet, I put together 6 outfits below with classic & versatile flats for spring. And I’ve also included a shoppable widget with some affordable options for the season.
ONE: Cardigan Sweater // Floral Print Cami // Cropped Jeans // Blush Saddle Bag // Metallic Flats
TWO: Striped Fit & Flare Dress // Red Bucket Bag // Tweed Flats (40% off w/ code STEPTOIT)
THREE: Denim Jacket // Button-Front Midi Dress // Textured Clutch // Cork Ankle-Strap Flats
FOUR: Olive Jacket // Sweater Tank // Coin Necklace // Printed Pants // Croc Clutch // Cap Toe Flats
FIVE: Tie-Front Top // Floral Print Skirt // Circle Straw Bag // White Perforated Loafers
SIX: Trench Coat // Striped Shirt // Printed Scarf // Skinny Jeans // Woven Bag // Red Bow Flats
SHOP SPRING FLATS
2) My favorite concealer was discontinued so I’m on the hunt for a replacement – can you share some options that you’ve personally tried & would recommend?
It Cosmetics Perfect Lighting Radiant Touch Magic Wand // Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer
Both of these have a creamy consistency with illuminating properties – I will switch to using this in the summer because it has a lightweight consistency with a dewy finish that’s perfect for the warm weather months. I personally prefer the It Cosmetics formula for myself, but when my daughter kept “stealing” mine, I ordered the Maybelline version for her to use and she loves it.
Benefit Boi-ing Hydrating Concealer // Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Treatment Concealer
What I love about this Benefit concealer is its hydrating properties – I use this as my first layer of undereye concealer to help add moisture before moving on to a heavier duty formula. Nothing highlights crepey skin like added dryness so I’ll take all the help I can get!
These aren’t a perfect dupe for one another, but I wanted to mention the Maybelline option because it’s one I use regularly for covering up blemishes. But, if you’re looking for a more affordable exact dupe of the Benefit concealer, you could try this Neutrogena option (I haven’t personally tested this so I didn’t include it in the collage above).
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer // NYX Hi Definition Photo Concealer
If you’re in need of a full-coverage concealer, these are your best bets! When I started using the It Cosmetics one over a year ago, it was a total game-changer for my dark circles (warning: a little goes a long way). Then, a few weeks ago, NYX sent me a PR package of goodies including this concealer and I was seriously impressed. It’s not quite as thick as the It Cosmetics version, which makes it easier to blend, but it has a drier finish so you definitely want to moisturize well before applying.
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder // e.l.f. High Definition Undereye Setting Powder
It’s so important to set your concealer with a fine milled powder (especially in the undereye area). This helps prevent it from creasing and ensures that it stays put all day long. I’ve used the Laura Mercier powder for years, but when I accidentally forgot to pack it on a trip last fall, I picked up the e.l.f. powder at Target and was shocked by how similar the formula was! There is a slight difference in texture, but it’s long lasting & a great option if you don’t want to spend as much.
3) I’m going on vacation to Europe later this spring and am in need of some wardrobe suggestions. I’m pear-shaped, so I would love to see pieces that are affordable, comfortable & will flatter my figure.
Since I’m assuming you already have the basics (like jeans & tees), I focused on pieces that will be easy to wear for many different activities and climates. I always recommend taking one casual jacket, a printed scarf (that can double as a wrap) and a lightweight cardigan for chilly evenings. In addition to the items below, I’d pack a classic striped shirt, a chambray button-down, some solid color tees and a white blouse. Here are some options that you can easily mix & match with items you already own:
Printed Wrap Dress // Chambray Dress // Embroidered Dress
Ribbed Cardigan // Floral Scarf // Panama Hat // Utility Jacket
Eyelet Skirt // White Denim Skirt // Floral Print Skirt
Autumn Hues
Simply Sophisticated
Best Laid Plans
20 Under $20