Sale PSA: A mini raffia tote from Loewe, now 30% off, a linen workwear shirt from Everlane, now $30 (I just bought this – final sale which I hate but I like these kinds of shirts), and super pretty green sandals from Aquazzura, now $300.
Hi! Happy 2023! I wanted to share some less expensive items I’ve been enjoying lately. All of these are item I’ve bought in the last few months or so – I’ve been trying to acquire less (same tune very year) but sale season is definitely my weakness. All of the items below were $100 or well under that, and I’ve been using them quite a bit. Enjoy!
Gap fleece track pants. I got these for about $35 with code for going on ski vacations with the family and they are great. I had purchased another pair of fleece pants from Athleta last year, for like $100, and I like the Gap ones way more. I love the split apart which makes them go over my snow boots. They are great and one of my favorite items Gap has made. I got a petite and the waist is true to size to generous.
Quince Bold Hoops. Okay I know these are technically a little more but I like them and I think they are a great price! I bought them on a lark, and it turns out I really like them. I started with the white gold first and liked them so much I added the yellow. I wear them almost everyday and they get a lot of compliments. I know they’re not a direct comparison but they’re also a tiny fraction of what fine jewelry luxury brands cost…I mean these are less than the TAX on the cheapest pair of VCA earrings. And still 14K gold. You can get them for $80 with my referral code.
One more photo of them in a jewelry box, so you can see their size. They are super light and comfortable to wear – I’ve slept with them on. Also, this box is actually another one of my favorite less expensive items – it’s a little travel jewelry case. I wanted a very little one and found this on Amazon. My only beef is that it doesn’t have earring holes but I usually travel with only one or two pairs so it’s not a big deal to me. There’s also a slightly larger one with way more features.
PS: I get a lot of requests for other Quince recommendations – I have some favorites and will do a post one day but you can also check out Elaine’s blog, because she has a ton of reviews!
elf eyebrow pencil: I discovered these are Target and I love them. I bought a bunch more to keep in my bags all over the place, as I’m constantly putting my head in my hands out of stress and rubbing off my brows, haha. They aren’t as good as my #1 favorite pencil, from Hourglass, however way less and I am less agonized when I accidentally break off the tip.
PS does anyone have those brow tattoos (microblading)? What have been your experiences? I’ve been thinking about it but like many things, am a coward.
Zara cotton rib dress. This dress keeps coming in and out of stock in sizes so I thought I would post. It was less than $20 and know I said no multiples but I wear my black a lot so I got another color (navy, seen above) as well. It’s really easy to wear and I think chic while keeping a lot of skin covered. I’ve been trying not to buy from Zara except for when it’s an item of natural fiber – that’s kind of my rule and it’s worked out well and I think this may be the only item I’ve bought from Zara this year. It’s a great workwear dress too. Again, I am 5’1, so this might be shorter/longer on you, depending on your height!
Okay – that’s it for now! If you’ve had any favorites lately, please share!
7 Comments
JY
January 9, 2023 at 7:11 pmMicroblading is very common in Asia – I’ve done it two times so far (the last time was in 2017). The funny thing is that while I’m getting them done, I tell myself that never again will I do it (because it creeps me out that they’re cutting my skin) but I really love the effects and convenience. My brows look 70% done without makeup (now about 40% given that it’s been more than 5 years), but I do top up with a pencil or brow gel daily (so it’s not like a “one and done” procedure as some like to pretend it is!). I would probably do it again at some point in the next couple of years – apparently the techniques have improved since.
Amy
January 10, 2023 at 5:59 pmHappy new year, Kat! Definitely do it! I find that it doesn’t hurt at all with numbing cream and a Podcast in my ears. However, like JY said before, it doesn’t mean zero eyebrow pencil — you do need to fill in once it starts fading a bit (after 3 months for me, I have to get it done once every 9 months or so) — but on a make-up free day you’re good to go, and on a day when you want to look a bit better, you already have a stencil to work with so it’s super fast and brainless.
Sammie
January 10, 2023 at 10:58 pmHi Kat! Love all of the recommendations.
I’ve had my brow microbladed twice in the span of 8 years and I absolutely love them. It’s not as painful as you may think (if at all) and it’s just great to wake up and not have to worry about your brows! Find a good brow artist and go for it!
CC
January 11, 2023 at 2:13 amHi Kat,
Happy New Year!
Here’s another brow pencil recommendation, Laura Mercier in ‘Blonde’: https://www.lauramercier.com/products/eye-brow-pencil?variant=43486643945711
I have been using it for over 10+ years. I have similar coloring to you… and looks great. Also, stays put… even through naps/etc. I have tried cheaper drugstore ones, and find the consistency too soft/etc and wipes off easily. This one lasts me at least 6 months or more.
When I want ‘no make-up’.. I usually just use this and concealer under the eyes.. then I feel ‘awake’.
Kat
January 12, 2023 at 9:27 pmOoh thank you!! I’m going to try this too!
Michelle
January 28, 2023 at 11:15 pmCheck out nano blading as it doesn’t go as deep as micro blading. Google Feather Haus in the bay.
Kat
February 2, 2023 at 9:16 amThank you!!!! Yours always look perfect!