My Monthly Edit

READING
We are still awaiting the results of my Dad’s kidney scan from last week – but, regardless of the outcome, he will still need to have his left kidney removed sometime in the next month.  One thing I’ve learned through this cancer journey is that things are always changing – just when I think we’ve adjusted well and have gotten into a good groove with his treatment plan, there’s something new to address.  I’m doing my best to be strong for both my mom & dad when things get tough…but I’m human and there are times I don’t handle situations like I should.  I’ve been doing lots of research & reading because I want to do the best I can & serve them well.  This article is probably the best one I’ve come across & has given me so much to think about – if caretaking is likely in your future, I highly recommend reading it!

LOVING
Lug heel boots are a huge trend this season and, while I definitely wouldn’t consider my style to be “edgy”, I love the idea of pairing these with more feminine pieces for a cool girl vibe.  This heeled pair is currently on my personal wish list – I think they’ll be perfect for wearing with fall dresses, skirts and denim.  I’ve rounded up dozens of affordable options for you below, including some lace-up, combat & hiking boot styles!

TESTING
I might have the most stubborn lashes of all time – not only are they stick straight, but I usually have to curl them 4-5 times during the process of getting ready (and the curl still falls by the end of the day!).  I looked into getting a lash lift, but wasn’t thrilled about the cost of the procedure.  So, when I heard a beauty blogger friend of mine rave about this heated lash curler, I couldn’t buy it fast enough.  After trying it for a couple weeks, I can honestly say that it was worth every penny!  It works best for me when I apply one layer of mascara first (I use this one), let it dry and then use the tool.  I can finally get the curl to last all day & there was no weird “kink” that a traditional curler can sometimes cause.

USING
I’ve talked before about my ongoing struggle with hyperpigmentation, but this vitamin C serum has been a total game-changer for me.  I was previously using a different brand and I had no idea it wasn’t as potent until I switched to this one & saw my dark spots begin to fade after just 2 weeks!  The only thing I’ll caution you with is that it does smell like hot dog water (very common for this type of product) – it bothered me at first, but the scent fades as it absorbs into the skin…and it works so well that I don’t mind.  This serum is normally $98 if you buy it at Sephora, but I found it for under $50 here – I ordered multiple bottles so I don’t run out!  If you want to add more to your cart to get free shipping, I recommend this exfoliating scrub, this pretty fall nail polish, this lip mask & these eye patches.

BUYING
I haven’t been shopping as much as I normally do this time of year, but I have found a few pieces recently that I couldn’t resist!  They include: this plaid puff-sleeve top (so cute with high-rise denim & booties), these high-rise distressed skinny jeans (such a good fit & an amazing price!), this quilted jacket (the perfect weight to wear for dog walks & for layering over my workout gear) and this oatmeal cable-knit cardigan (I removed the buttons & sewed on vintage buttons to give it a one-of-a-kind feel).

CRAVING
I’m a sucker for simple, elegant jewelry so this twisted gold necklace is calling my name!  I think it’s pretty enough to wear on its own, but would also be stunning layered with this link necklace. Other affordable pieces I’ve got my eye on are this braided necklace, this dome ring & these twisted hoops. For those of you who are starting to think ahead for the holidays, any of these would make great stocking stuffer gift ideas!

SHOP LUG SOLE BOOTS