15 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

Snap from my Snapchat (alyssahertzig)

Geez. This week, you guys. It was craaaazy busy. But for all good reasons! I spent most of it working on an exciting project with a beauty brand, which I'll be sharing with you soon. But of course, if you follow me on snapchat (@alyssahertzig), you already know that because you got a sneak peek! ;) (And if you don't follow me yet, hurry up, because the snaps from last night's shoot will be there until 7pm or so tonight!)

What else? Oh! Hard to tell in the photo above, but I got highlights! (Breaking news, I know! haha) My hair feels so different--so much lighter! Big thanks to Jacob at the Serge Normant at John Frieda salon for my new look. 

This weekend we're taking the kids to an indoor waterpark, which means I have to get into a bathing suit way earlier than I ever thought I'd be getting into one (help). Then, I'll spend Sunday recovering, and hopefully, finally taking a nap...!

Whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you have a great one. Here's a few fun links to check out in the meantime.

• At the shoot I mentioned above, I wore these lace-up flats in gray. They were purchased by the stylist, but I totally fell in love with them, so she let me have them. Woo hoo! They are so comfy, SO cute, and they look so much more expensive than they are. (They're actually under $80!) They remind me so much of these Loeffler Randall shoes, but of course, they're over $200 less!  

• This dress is really cool--and so different!

• My former boss wrote this and it's so funny: Self-tanner tips for Donald Trump.

• It's such a surreal time in the magazine industry these days, you guys. Every day, it seems like there's another title closing or laying off people. This week, it was More magazine shutting down. So many talented people--including my friend and beauty editor legend Didi--worked there, so it's just so, so sad. Please don't forget to buy print, people!! 

• Little kids reading to timid shelter dogs is the cutest thing ever.

• This pretty, frothy pink dress is expensive, but I cannot. stop. thinking about it.

• Ahhh! I want this dress, too! Love how a couple of ruffles make a simple chambray dress feel so special.

• You're welcome: This male model looks exactly like a young Leo DiCaprio.

• So cool! Mattel is launching a 3D printer for kids, so that they can print their own toys! It won't be available until the fall, but you can preorder it now.

• Can't wait to try making this Thai Shrimp Soup. It looks so easy and so good.

• Then, I'm going to make Hitha's Secret Ingredient Chili. Love her sneaky addition--such a smart idea!

• Gah! When these sunglasses hit stores, I want them so bad!

And in case you missed it, I...

• Showed off my favorite new dress...and got photobombed by my daughter.

• Gave a glimpse into my birthday party--my surprise birthday party!

• Rocked my winter uniform: skinny jeans and a cozy, oversized sweater.

My Favorite New Dress (Plus the Cutest-Ever Photobomber!)

On me: Dress, Club Monaco; boots, Steven Madden (plus similar here); bag, Loeffler Randall; necklace, Lulu Frost (old, similar here and less expensive here) On mini-me: Top, Crewcuts (old); skirt, Target; boots, Clarks (on sale!).

Photos by Brenda Armendariz

Imagine this: It's a Sunday afternoon, on an unseasonably warm day. You're in the middle of an outfit post shoot and it starts out normally. You take a few shots, standing awkwardly on the sidewalk. Then, suddenly, the littlest, cutest photobomber comes onto the scene. She's dressed in her closest approximation of a mini-me version of your outfit and she's got quite the bag of posing tricks up her eggplant-colored sleeve. 

But, really, if someone's going to steal my thunder, at least she's pretty cute, right?

So...on to the outfit. This is probably my favorite new dress. I love how it looks like a sweater and skirt that I just happened to artfully style myself (ha), but it is, in fact, a (super-comfy) dress. I wear it with these combat boots on days when I'm going to be running around all day to events. For a dinner out, it's also cute with heels or my favorite heeled boots. 

And the bag! I lusted over this studded-black hobo bag for ages and finally broke down and bought it. Finally, can we just talk about my daughter's boots? They're from Clarks and I'm obsessed. She is, too.

What do you guys think of the outfit? And how about my little photo-bomber?

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Wish List: Black and Gold Awesomeness

sweater // skirt // lip balm // sneakers // necklace // eyeshadow palette // boots // bag // fragrance // book

For today's post, I've gathered a few fun things I'm craving these days. There's a little black, a little gold, and lots of leather (both real and fake). Plus, here's the best part: The three most expensive things on this list are all on major sale right now. Best. News. Ever. Enjoy!

1) Anthropologie sweater: I want to throw on leggings or skinny jeans and just live in this sweater. It's got that cute-meets-comfy thing that you know I love and I totally dig the textured pattern.

2) J.Crew Faux-Leather Midi Skirt: I'm SO into midi skirts right now, and this one is (faux) LETH-UH! Love it with a sweater, a statement necklace, and chic flats (or even sneakers!).

3) Moroccan Magic Lip Balm: Recently, a company sent me this new organic, argan-oil-infused lip balm to try out. Coincidentally, it was right around the time that the weather was getting way colder, and my lips suddenly started to get seriously chapped. And I'm talking the cracked, super painful, not-cute kind of chapped. I gave this balm a go and it actually eliminated my chapped lips completely in two days. Sold! (BTW, not sponsored--just awesome!)

4) Nike sneakers: Oh em gee these are so freaking cool.

5) Lulu Frost Jabrosa Spike Necklace: Um, this ridiculously amazing necklace was originally $410 and is now $165. I'm so, soooo tempted.

6) Gwen Stefani Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette: Urban Decay makes some of my all-time favorite eye shadows; the texture is unbeatable! I love this Gwen-designed palette because it's got all these great neutrals punctuated with a few fun, nighttime-y shades. Also, the outside is just so cool-looking, and sorry, but THAT MATTERS.

7) Stuart Weitzman Cinchboot Boots: I am having an existential crisis with these boots right now. On one hand, they are AMAZING. On the other hand, I need another pair of black boots like I need a a hole in my head. But then there's the fact that they are on ridiculous, 50%-off sale right now. Normally $745, they are on sale for $343. HELP. 

8) Loeffler Randall Hobo Bag: I'd had my eye on this bag for weeks (I mentioned it here!), but wasn't ready to pull the trigger. Then, I happened to find it on sale on Amazon, of all places--for $75 off!!!--and I scooped it up right away. It just arrived yesterday and I'm already in love. It's the perfect size--not too huge, but holds a ton--and it's so, so cute. (Also, it's still full-price everywhere else, so the Amazon thing is an especially awesome deal. Run, don't walk!)

9) Michael Kors 24K Brilliant Gold fragrance: A few months back, I was working on a fall fragrance story for the magazine where my team and I sifted (and sniffed!) through basically every single new perfume launching for the season. We narrowed it down to just nine favorites for the story and this was one of them. The mandarin-vetiver scent was universally loved and the gold bottle is just so glitzy-cool.

10) The Gilded Razor: I don't remember exactly when my social media friend/entertainment reporter Sam Lansky and I started following each other on Twitter, but I couldn't imagine my feed without him. He's absolutely hilarious! So, of course I had to order his brand-new memoir as soon as it came out. I'm now halfway through it, and--wow. It's the true story of his struggles with addiction and the writing is incredible. I can't put it down.

So, there you have it: my current wish list. Now, tell me what you're wanting right now. I'd love to hear!

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Gift Guide: What's On My Holiday Wish List

I'm definitely at a point in life where I don't need many things. But that doesn't mean that there aren't a few things out there I'd love to have! Here's what's on my own personal holiday wishlist this year. 

Clockwise from top left:

Suite One Studio Rose & Gold Dessert Plates: I have wanted these stunning, handmade porcelain plates for months, but they are nearly impossible to get! Every Tuesday night at 7pm, they do a restock and then sell out in like 30 seconds. (No joke.) Maybe Santa can pull some strings? I'd like eight of them, please. Kthanks.

Loeffler Randall Ambra Flats in Black: You've seen these before, I'm sure--and I've been eying them forever. I have needed a new pair of black flats for an embarrassingly long time, and these are just too good. I'll wear them with everything!

Loeffler Randall Callie Wedge Oxfords: I actually did not even realize I chose two Loeffler Randall shoes until I was writing these captions. Oops. Guess I'm just really into them this season? To be honest, I have always loved their shoes though. These will look so cute with dresses and skirts when I want to be extra comfy.

Twig New York Petals Platter: Love the sunny colors and the photorealism of the petals in this platter. So pretty and special for entertaining! 

Anthropologie Rosedust Cardigan: I basically want to live in jeans and oversized cardigans this winter. Love that this one has a bit of structured, fashion-y shape to it, so it's not overly schlubby. And of course, the blush pink color is just gorgeous.

Day Designer Gold Foil Stripe Planner: I've maintained my calendar on my phone for the last two years or so, but I kind of miss being able to jot things down in a paper planner. I've heard great things about this one, so I'm hoping to nab one and get my schedule (and life!) in order for 2016.

Kate Spade Rose Gold Hostess Set: I really need more serving utensils for when we entertain, and what's better than having them in sleek rose gold? Such a beautiful set.

Yonanas Elite Healthy Dessert Maker: I'm obsessed with the dairy-free fruit "ice creams" at places like Chloe's Soft Serve and Amanda's Bananas. This is a way to recreate the yumminess at home: This nifty machine makes frozen dessert that tastes almost exactly like soft serve ice cream using only fruit. Healthy and delicious. YES.

Clean Eating With a Dirty Mind: I've heard great things about this cookbook that's chock full of healthy, Paleo-inspired recipes for normally unhealthy things like brownies, cookies, cakes, and more. 

Catbird Snow Queen Ring: It's always fun to put a long-shot wishlist item on your wishlist, right? Well, this is mine. Such a cool twist on a classic diamond band. I love how the diamonds look almost like shards of glass!

Gift Cards: I love gift cards! What's better than the gift of guilt-free shopping, after all? This year, I'd love cards from DryBar, Up & Out Beauty Bar, or (shown) Refresh Body, an awesome new service that lets you book massages and yoga or pilates sessions IN YOUR OWN HOME. Heaven!

Lumee Phone Case: I became intrigued by this thing when my friend, celebrity mega hairstylist and social media superstar Jen Atkin, raved about it on her Snapchat. It's an light-up phone case that gives off a super flattering glow for selfies and iPhone photography. NEED.

That's it! So, what's your favorite item? Anything here that you're going to add to your own wish list? Tell me below!

Check back in over the next week for more gift guide goodness! And be sure to check out my previous guides: The Best Gifts for Book Lovers and The 9 Hottest Holiday Toys.

Monday Wish List

Wrap dress; clutch; necklace; maxi dress; ruffled top; muscle tee; travel mug; earrings; sunglasses

Today New York is supposedly getting a snowstorm they're predicting to be "crippling and historic." Oy. But before I start psychologically preparing myself for being cooped up inside with two bored children (send help! and extra iPad chargers!), I'm taking a moment to dream of warmer, sunnier times. And that's making me covet this dress (it's perfect for work or even drinks), this pretty top (I'd wear it to dress up these--under $100!--jeans), and these cool, blue Marc Jacobs sunglasses (such a fun twist on the classic aviator shape).

Here's a few more things I'm looking forward to busting out once the Snowpocalypse is over. In the meantime, stay warm!
 

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The Best Scalloped Flats At Every Price

From top left: Loeffler Randall (also love this nude version- *ALSO: Use code FALL20 for 20 percent off!); J. Crew; Loeffler Randall; Chloe (also here); Ugg (on sale!); Ugg (on sale!); Mia; Chloe (also in red and this amazing gold); J. Crew; Chloe (plus this bronze pair is amazing--goes with EVERYTHING)

I received a pair of bronze Chloe scalloped flats a few years ago as a gift, and I have basically rarely taken them off my feet ever since. I wear them to the office (so great for days when I'm running around and can't deal with heels--they still look fancy and put-together), on the weekend, to playdates, really anywhere and everywhere.

I don't know what it is about a little fancy edging, but these flats are super chic, feel so much more special than a plain pair, and I always--always, even years later--get compliments when I wear them. And, of course, they're crazy-comfy. 

Now, admittedly they are not cheap, by any definition, but I can attest that they last forever (in fact, mine still appear nearly brand-new despite an almost abusive level of use). Plus, they have a very timeless look that's goes with almost anything in your closet. 

But really, you don't have to spend Chloe dollars to get a very similar look. The flats above come in a range of prices like $34, $128--that amazing silver pair is on sale for $80! 

Which one is your favorite? 

P.S.- Speaking of shopping, you can get 20 percent off some of the key fall pieces at Piperlime with the code FALL20....including those great magenta Loeffler Randalls in the top left above (which also come in nude)! Such an awesome deal. Enjoy!

When Your Game of Thrones Obsession Takes Over Your Closet

Gown, Tory Burch; headband, Jennifer Behr for J.Crew; Dragon clutch, Charlotte Olympia; necklace, Baublebar; boots, Loeffler Randall; arrow earrings, Gorjana

I know I'm probably the last person on the planet to become obsessed with Game of Thrones, but you guys...I'm obsessed with Game of Thrones! I did quite a bit of traveling this summer, so I packed all four seasons into the past two months or so, and just finished the season four finale last week. OMG...SO. GOOD. Great characters, crazy-good action, amazing costumes and sets, and those braids? Epic. 

You know what else I'm obsessed with right now? This dress. Yep, when I saw this gown, my heart skipped a beat. I love the rich color, metallic details, and dramatic silhouette. And maybe it's just that I've got GoT on the brain, but the fact that it kind of looks like it came straight out of Cersei Lannister's closet doesn't hurt either. 

I loved the dress so much that it inspired me to gather a few other Game of Thrones reminiscent pieces: the delicate gold headband, my all-time favorite Loeffler Randall boots, the dragon clutch--I'd wear every single one. Maybe not all at once, but weaving the individual pieces into various outfits I already own? Now that seems very House Hertzig to me. 

Do you guys watch Game of Thrones? Are you as obsessed as me??

P.S. - This Game of Thrones tee made me laugh. 

Studs, Skinnies, Sunnies--and Bump!

Loeffler Randall Bag

Tee, A Pea in the Pod; Faux-fur vest, DKNY; Jeans, Joe's Jeans Maternity; shoes, Sole Society (similar here and  here); sunnies, Dolce & Gabbana (similar here); bag, Loeffler Randall; necklace, Lulu Frost (similar here) 

Makeup c/o: Dolce & Gabbana The Foundation Perfect Luminous Liquid Foundation, Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Color Balm in Super Strawberry; Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips in Lust-rous

These shots were taken a few weeks back, so truth be told, my belly is waayyy bigger now, but nevertheless, this outfit has become one of my go-to maternity looks: a great pair of stretchy skinny maternity jeans and a 3/4-sleeve tee that I then pile with accessories to change it up from day to to day. Here, I wore one of my favorite Lulu Frost necklaces, a big comfy (faux!) fur vest, and some killer studded booties. And of course, I couldn't be without what has truly become one of my absolute favorite accessory purchases of the season: this amazingly cool studded Loeffer Randall bag. I'm obsessed because it's deceivingly compact, but still holds a TON. (Even an iPad!) I'm pretty sure you'll even find me stashing a diaper or two in there in about a month. ;) 

Yep, I only have a month left to go! Can you believe it?!?

xoxo,