20 Cool Things You Need to Click (Plus, The Best Black Friday Sales!)

J.Crew Chateau Parka (50% off with code FRIDAY!); Chloe Marcie Small Crossbody Bag ($50 off on Neiman Marcus!);  Such A Fun Age (preorder here), 

Did you guys have a good Thanksgiving? We're down in Raleigh, North Carolina, with my husband's side of the family. Our hotel is actually in a mall (!), so it inspired me to put together these links today. I'm not doing a crazy ton of Black Friday shopping, but I am planning on taking advantage of a few really great deals (sharing those below!). And of course, don't forget about books! I've listed some awesome ones I've read lately, below. Target is doing a 2 for 1 sale on books right now (check it out here), so it's the perfect time to stock up. And Amazon is doing Black Friday deals on select books, as well. Whatever you're up to this weekend--whether it's shopping, reading, or leftovers--here's a few fun links to check out in the meantime.

• Before we get to the clothing Black Friday sales, let's talk books! If you have been thinking of joining Book of the Month, now is definitely the time to start. December is, hands down, the best group of book choices I have seen so far! I have actually already read and loved three of the books: Long Bright River (suspenseful family drama/crime story--and one of my top, top books of the year), Dear Edward (beautiful story of a young boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash), and Red White and Royal Blue (fun, smart romance--more on it below). I also already have a copy of The Wives, which I've heard is an awesome thriller, and the fifth book--The Glittering Hour--is the only one I hadn't read/don't own, so that was my pick this month! I've heard great things about it, so I'm excited... If you would like to join BOTM, you can use this link, and we'll both get a free book!

• J.Crew's Black Friday sale is so good! 50% off (and 60% off sale!) with code FRIDAY. I want this pom pom sweater, this mockneck sweater in like five more colors (I already own the light gray), and these gold slippers. (I already own them in beige and they are so comfy and warm. The gold is way more fun though!) Also, the Chateau Parka is the BEST coat. I've had it in tan for a couple of years now and it has held up perfectly. (That's it in the photo above!) I kind of want it in another color now, too. Hmm...

• My hotel in Raleigh is right across from Anthropologie, so I stopped in this morning and found so much good stuff--all 30% off! Limited suitcase space though, so I took pictures of everything I wanted, and am ordering it online. :) Here's what I loved: this braided velvet headband (cuter and a little more unique and special than the knotted style that everyone is wearing), this green dress (love that it could be worn for three different seasons), and this amazing sequin sweater!! (I love it with jeans, but it would also be so good dressed up with a skirt for a cozy holiday-party outfit).

• There's always so much stuff I want at Madewell, but I feel like they rarely have sales. But the Madewell Black Friday sale is 30% off everything (!) with code GIFTWELL, so I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on this colorblock cardigan, this buffalo check sweater coat, and maybe a backup pair of my absolute favorite jeans: these 8" skinny jeans in the Ames Wash.

• This rainbow sweater is so cute. And it's on sale for $46!

• Christmas tree rings seem to be the cool new thing, and I really love the way they look. This gold tree ring is the one I have my eye on. It's so pretty, and on sale right now for $48!

• These aren't on a Black Friday sale, but I love them so much and wanted to share them anyway. I bought these jeweled combat boots after one of my favorite bloggers Landyn recommended them, and I am obsessed. They are comfy and just so cool. They are my go-to boots for going out to dinner, etc now. They look amazing tucked into skinny jeans, and in person, the jewels are actually pretty subtle. They just add a little something extra. LOVE. 

• I unfortunately didn't get around to doing a "Everything I Read In October" post like I did with September, so here's a mini one. If you're looking for a good book, here are the eight books in October (spoiler: I liked all of them, and LOVED quite a few!): 

- Dominicana - This is definitely one of the best books I have read this year. It's a moving, beautiful story of a 15-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic who is married off to a 35-year-old man and then moves with him to 1960s New York City. It's moving and beautiful with wonderfully developed characters.

- The Institute - I LOVED this latest book from Stephen King about a young boy who is violently kidnapped and then taken to an "institute" where he meets other kidnapped children, all with mysterious powers. This book is heart-stopping, suspenseful, and SO good.

- Red White and Royal Blue - I am super picky about romance--they have to be SMART and non-cheesy--and I really enjoyed this one where the son of the first female president of the United States falls in love with the prince of England. And as I mentiond above, it also happens to be a December Book of the Month pick! (Reminder: If you want to join BOTM, use this link and you'll get a free book!) 

- Twice in a Blue Moon - Another romance that I actually really loved! In this new one by Christina Lauren, two teenagers meet, quickly fall in love, and then the boy breaks her heart in a terrible way. Many years later they meet unexpectedly on a movie set (the girl is now a famous, up-and-coming actress) and they are forced to come to terms with their past--and their future.

- The Other's Gold - This is a story of four female friends from college through adulthood. Each makes a mistake at some point and you learn about these four mistakes throughout the book. I thought the characters were very interesting, and though I had mixed feelings about the book, I did like it. It's not a super page turner, but not everything has to be.

- Toil & Trouble - Another fun memoir from Augustus Burroughs. In this one, he shares how he is actually a witch--!--with psychic abilities. I always love his writing, so I really enjoyed this.

- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - The true story of a black woman who had her tissue taken from her without consent prior to her death. The tissue happened to be very special though, and then went on to lead to countless medical breakthroughs. It's a compelling story and there are so many interesting questions about ethics and what rights we have or don't have over our own bodies.  I did the audio version of this and recommend it!

- The Tipping Point - I'm the last person to read this book, I know. It's interesting, though I'd probably be a little more into it if I worked in a business/marketing type job. Note: I did the audio and the audio version is very short, which was nice.

• In other news: My long-time friend Laney (we worked together at Lucky magazine about a million years ago) has big news. She launched a makeup line called Saie Beauty! And the best part? It's CLEAN!

• My friend Carrie always posts the best quick, EASY meals. I want to make this chicken stroganoff soon. It looks fantastic! 

• If you haven't read it yet, drop everything and read this incredible account of a day in the life of two homeless kids trying to get through a school day in New York City. It will absolutely break your heart, but it's a must-read. And then, after you finish, please visit this Twitter thread for ways that you can donate to help these kids and other's like them. I bought some items off the Amazon Wish List for Sandy's school...

• And in case you missed it, I did an unintentional mother/son photo shoot with my little guy. (And I'm obsessed with the resulting pics!)

14 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

I can't believe it's almost August. I mean, how?? The summer is over half over! It's going by way too fast. My kids are finishing their fifth week of camp today, which is just bizarre. (And it's hitting me how I had hoped to accomplish way more during those camp hours that I actually have. Eek!)

And, now, we're finally doing a little bit of (local-ish) traveling. We visited friends in the Hamptons last weekend, which was great, and are heading to Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore next week. (Believe it or not, I haven't been to the Jersey Shore since I was a kid!). This weekend, we'll be laying low at the lake, which I am definitely excited for. A lazy weekend of reading sounds good to me. 

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

• If you've seen me in person in the past two weeks, there's a decent chance I was wearing this Vici dress, because I have been living in it. It's kind of the perfect dress: It's basically a big, soft t-shirt, so it's super comfy, but the cut is just right, so it's not shapeless or overly baggy. And I love the dusty black color; it looks vintage-y and just a little worn in. I've dressed it up with gold sandals and a long necklace, and worn it running around town with flip flops and a hat. And it's under $50! I'm obsessed.

• I've always been an Anthropologie fan (fun fact: I worked there years ago!), but lately I've been rediscovering it in a big way. They have so much great stuff right now! I recently bought this hat, which I love, and two of these $18 knotted headbands, which are perfect (and much less expensive) dupes of those Lele Sadoughi headbands everyone is wearing. And this lacy top is next on my list. How pretty is it?!?

• Got these blush-pink sandals from Target (!) the other day, and they are even cuter in person.

• As I mentioned a few weeks back in this post about how to increase your reading, I've been reading a ton this year. I'm now up to 64 books in 2019! And in case you're looking for a beach read, here are a few of the very best ones I've read since that post: Recursion (this one actually ranks as an all-time fave. SO GOOD), A Nearly Normal Family, Lock Every Door, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Beekeeper of Aleppo (out in late August, but you can pre-order), and You Were There Too (this doesn't launch until January, but it's worth preordering. I loved it!).

• Speaking of books, I'm super excited about a new podcast coming soon from one of my Instagram buddies, @bookishkatenyc. It's called The Shelf-Care Podcast, and it combines two of my favorite things: books and beauty. (Uh, why didn't I think of that!??!) Kate already told me who the first guest is, too, and it's a good one!

• I went to an Amazon holiday preview earlier this week, and there was so much good stuff. A lot of it is already available, so here's a peek at my three very favorite things I saw there: this amazing gold flatware set (four five-piece place settings for under $95), this stunning serving piece (so good for entertaining!), and this jewelry storage cabinet hidden inside a mirror (I need this).

• I never knew I wanted a "snuggle nook" until I saw this one. Now, I need a snuggle nook. (I mean, how cozy and gorgeous and snuggle-worthy does it seem?!?)

• I hadn't even heard of Electric sunglasses a year ago--and suddenly they are by far my favorite brand. I own three pairs now! My latest is this Honey Bee style in Nude Crystal, which is a big departure for me (I almost always wear black sunnies), but it's so fun. And my absolute favorite pair is the Crasher in Matte Black. So cool! They're definitely not cheap, but they are extremely durable, and just so damn good-looking.

• Besides being a blogger and a beauty-PR wizard, my friend Meghan is a true Paris expert (she has so many dreamy posts of her many trips there on her blog!). She recently launched a new service where she'll help you plan your trip there by creating a personalized, curated list of cool things to do and see including lots of hidden gems you won't find in the guidebooks. If you're heading to Paris soon, 1) I'm jealous, and 2) check out her service, Paris, Perfected. It's only $25!

• Watermelon Mint Frose?! Uh, yes, please!

• After hearing rave after rave from people I admire, I had to check out this much talked about essay. You should, too. It's worth it.

• A photographer asked elderly couples to pose for engagement-style photos--and the results are adorable.

And in case you missed it, I...

• Told you why you must visit Nosara, Costa Rica immediately.

• Shared exactly what I bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Have a great weekend!

21 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

Shirt by Catch A Wave Designs; nail color, Deborah Lippman Laughin' To The Bank

This is one of those days when it's tough to write a post like this. The air in this country feels heavy right now. It is heavy right now. And it can feel wrong to focus on "frivolous stuff" when the world feels like it's burning. But at the same time, I know that I use these kind of things as an escape--and I sure as hell could use one right about now. 

I spent most of yesterday glued to my TV watching the live feed of the Kavanaugh hearings. When they would take a break, I would, too. I'd mute my TV and scroll through Instagram or check out some of my favorite blogs. And let me tell you, those few moments of latte art, perfectly styled outfits, and lifestyle tips felt like a goddamn glorious little respite before the next round of heartache began. 

I hope I can be that for you right now. 

Here's a few links I enjoyed this week. I hope you like them, too. Have a great weekend! We deserve it.

• A few months back, I tested the Aveda Invati Advanced three-step hair thickening system for several months. My review is here, but the Cliff's Notes version: In my experience, it definitely worked. My hair was noticeably thicker immediately and over time. Sooo...if you've been thinking about trying the line, this is the time to do it. With the purchase of any two full-size Aveda Invati products (so, say the shampoo and the conditioner), you can get the third step in the system--the Scalp Revitalizer--for FREE, which is a $65 value. Click here to get the deal and use code ALYSSAAVEDA. Enjoy!

• I did a doubletake when I saw these gorgeous rose-gold loafers. They're from Target! And just $22!

• I had read some mixed reviews about the new Nars Climax Mascara, but I tried it this week myself, and I totally loved it! It has a big, bushy brush that grabs on to the tiniest hairs, so it makes you look like you have a million lashes. 

• Looking for something to read? I've read a ton of good ones lately. I finished The Book of Essie a few weeks back and really enjoyed it. It's the story of a teenager who has grown up in a very religious, Duggar-like reality-TV family. Loved the premise and it was a fun read.

• Next, came Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, which I also loved. It tells an intertwined story from two perspectives--one, a white supremacist and the other, an African-American nurse. Like all of Picoult's book, it's a really good story that's quick to read and definitely tough to put down. 

• Most recently, I finished Yes We (Still) Can by Dan Pfeiffer, a former Obama staffer and one of the hosts of the Pod Save America podcast. It's part memoir of his time working in the White House and part political inspiration for our current times. I loved it, and in an age when it can be hard to feel a sense of optimism, it actually made me feel hopeful. 

• Right now I'm about a third of the way through The Dinner List, which came highly recommend from many of my favorite book people. You know how everyone always asks who you'd have dinner with if you could dine with any five people, living or dead? Well, this is the story of what happens when one woman gets that dinner with her best friend, a college professor, her estranged (and now deceased) father, an ex-boyfriend, and Audrey Hepburn. Really liking it so far, and it's a very easy read, which is nice.

• Love this leather tote bag that doubles as a backpack. So smart!

• Do you remember awhile back when I introduced you to my friend Tia Williams? Well, she just wrote an amazing essay for Glamour about the lessons that black women are passing down to their daughters about hair. A really great piece.

• Remember my quick trip to L.A. this summer? Well, I wrote about what I did there, here: I Got A Facial From Jessica Alba's BFF!

• I shared some of my back-to-school tips with PureWow.

• Funny because it's true: Why is goat cheese packaging so annoying?

• This is one of those stories that seems absolutely unbelievable, and when you realize it's true, you're going to be livid. In nearly all states, it is legal (and common!) for doctors to give non-consensual pelvic exams to patients who are under anesthesia. Yes, really. 

• Another medical story guaranteed to piss you off: For months, doctors wouldn't take this woman's medical complaints seriously. And she died because of it.

• New life goal: Steal this woman's job so I, too, can get paid $6,000 a day to write quotes for Instagram.

• If you've been thinking of joining BJ's Wholesale Club (and this is why you should), for the next one day only, you can get a membership for just $25 (it's regularly $55). Click here to get the deal. So worth it!

• My friend Liana just wrote a powerful essay for Teen Vogue on her time spent at a Catholic girls' school just a stone's throw from Georgetown Prep.

• Are you registered to vote? Are you sure? Go to Vote Save America to double check that you're registered--or to find out what you need to do to get registered. The midterms (which take place in just over a month!) is the most important election of our lifetime. And your vote matters.

And in case you missed it, I..

• Recapped our road trip to Seattle and Portland.

• Gave my tips for getting a great blowout (with inexpensive products!) at home.

• Shared some of my all-time favorite beauty products.

Have a great weekend!

SHOP THE POST

15 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

There's been a lot of sadness in the world this week (Kate Spade, Anthony Bourdain, the current treatment of immigrants in this country--I could go on), so I'm trying to focus on the good moments: those I had over the last few days and those yet to come. My kids had some adorable end-of-the-year school presentations this week (my daugher's class had a big Brooklyn Bridge project and presentation; my son's class studied restaurants and created an actual falafel restaurant for us to eat at!). I feel so lucky that I was able to go to those things. (Perhaps the biggest advantage of working from home!) And this weekend we're heading to our lakehouse, primarily for a little decluttering. (Okay. A lot of decluttering. We even ordered a dumpster for next week!) I definitely plan to make time for some relaxation--and some ice cream--too.

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

• This tassel clutch is adorable--and just $22!

• Speaking of clutches, you know that wooden Cult Gaia clutch that every single blogger seems to own? Here's a dupe for $100 less!

• If you're looking for a the best summer book, I just finished The Heart's Invisible Furies (stayed up until 2am last night to finish it because I couldn't put it down!). It's this amazing, sweeping story that is hilarious and sad and beautiful all at once. It's one of those books that I was SO sad to finish because I won't be living with these characters anymore. OMG. Just buy it. Trust me.

• Madewell dresses are my favorite for summer. You can almost always dress them up or down (I wear many of mine to run around doing errands, and then with a switch of the shoes, to a dinner out at night), and they aren't crazy expensive! I just ordered this one and this one.

• If you're a regular watcher of my Insta Stories, you probably know that I recently became obsessed with Benefit Gimme Brow. It is SO GOOD. I struggle between wanting my brows to look full and groomed, but not super dark. Most brow products are either one extreme (dramatic) or the other (barely there). And the heavy, sharp brow look is just not for me. I want to look natural....but better. Gimme Brow is the perfect thing for that look. You brush it on and it magically fills in sparse spots and makes your brows look way thicker, but still totally real and not at all like you're wearing (say this in a shout-y voice) BROW MAKEUP. It's awesome. And this is how much I loved it when I first tired it: I immediately bought it in the store (instead of having the PR send it to me for free, which is a perk I have) because I wanted to be able to use it RIGHT AWAY.

• I know you want to re-pin this gorgeous braid.

• This story about an immigrant child separated from his father at the border is gut-wrenching. You must read it though. This is happening, and we can't look away. 

• The news about Kate Spade hit me hard this week--partly because I was devestated for her daughter and partly because her bags meant so much to me personally at a very pivotal point in my life. My friend wrote this beautiful essay about the cultural importance of Kate Spade bags back in the '90s. (And I'm quoted in it!)

• I'm sure everyone and their mother has already read the incredible speech Abby Wambach gave at Barnard's graduation. But on the off chance you missed it, drop everything and read it now. (I've read it at least six times!)

• Holy moly: This French Onion Potato Salad sounds incredible.

• Employers often find reasons to fire new mothers because of the misconception that they won't work as hard, but the truth is, having babies actually makes you a better worker. (This was SO true for me.)

And in case you missed it, I...

• Revealed my morning and evening skincare routines.

• Shared my summer bucket list. 

• Talked about the benefits of a self-care shower.

• Cried about my son turning five.

Have a great weekend!

SHOP THE POST

My Holiday Wish List

If you need last-minute gifts for a friend, a sister, or yourself, I've got you covered. Here's what I'd personally love to find under the tree this year.

1. Halogen Wool & Cashmere Hi/Low Tunic Sweater: I already own this sweater in both black and navy, and I'd love another color like this soft pink. It's the perfect length (great with jeans or leggings), it's so soft, and best of all, it's on sale right now for $89!

2. Rebecca Minkoff Slouchy Beanie with Headphones: When I'm commuting or just walking around town, I'm always listening to podcasts. The headphones built in to this cute hat would make it so much easier--and so much warmer!

3. Coravin Wine System: When it comes to drinking wine, I have two problems: 1) I'm hit or miss with corkscrews, so I'm horrible at opening it, and 2) I rarely drink it at home, because I usually just want a single glass and don't want to open an entire bottle only to end up wasting it. But this cool gadget solves both of these problems. It inserts a tiny needle through the cork, so you can get only as much (or as little) wine as you want, and then the cork reseals itself, preserving the rest of the bottle!

4. Eberjey Gisele PJ Set: I was recently given the nightshirt version of this as a gift, and I love it; it is made from what is seriously the softest fabric I have ever felt. But in the winter I need some bottoms, so I'd love to add this pj set to my collection. (Because you know how much I like pjs that are comfy and cute these days, right?) 

5. Balenciaga Metallic Edge Nano City AJ Crossbody Bag: This is a definite splurge, but oh em gee, I love it! Here's why: I've always loved Balenciaga bags, and these days I live for a little crossbody bag, and this is both! A mini Balenciaga crossbody in dove gray leather with GOLD HARDWARE! Isn't it beautiful? [insert heart-eyes emoji here]

6. Mossimo Embellished Satin Sneakers: Ok, truth be told, these are the one thing on this list that I actually already own. (Or will own very soon. I fell in love with them while putting this post together and was really worried they'd sell out, so I ordered them for myself--and also a friend!--immediately. They're in transit!) Because, how great are they? They're comfy slip-on sneakers in blush pink embellished with crystals and pearls, and they cost (drumroll)...$27.99!  

7. Sandisk iXpand Base for iPhone: One of my biggest fears in life is losing my digital photos. Yes, I have the Cloud, but you never know with that! And yes I have them backed up, but I'd be lying if I said I consistently and regularly back them up. That's why I need this cool device. It makes backing up your photos as easy is plugging in your phone. That's because every time you plug it in to charge (so every night, or possibly even more often for me), it automatically backs up all of your photos onto the base. So awesome!

8. Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge Rockstar: I love my iPhone 7+, but I passionately hate that they combined the place where you plug in your headphone and charger. I often find myself on the train or in an Uber with a portable charger in one hand, my headphones in the other, and my phone sitting there between them with 20% juice. I usually end up charging the phone and sitting there in silence. It's the worst! This genius little gadget would save me. It has two little ports, so you can charge and listen with your headphones at the same time. Heaven!

9. Hermes Apple Watch: Another dream item, but...a girl can dream, right? I love my (regular, old) Apple Watch, but I can tell it's on its last legs. I love the buttery black leather band of this one--and it even comes in the signature orange box!

10. Madewell Simple Crossbody Bag: Just realized that I have two Madewell items on this list. And two crossbody bags. And, um...two pink sherpa items...! But it's so cute, no? And not super pricey. Bonus! You can get 20 percent off with code ADDTOCART.

11. Nike Air Zoom Fearless Flyknit Sneakers: I'm obsessed with my black Flyknit Nikes. (They are sooo comfortable!) I've been on the hunt for more colors, and obviously, I love the shade of these. And they're on sale!

12. Madewell Pink Sherpa Popover Top: (What can I say, I like pink, okay??) This looks like an old school Patagonia in a pretty rose shade. So perfect for super cold days. And once again, you can get 20 percent off with code ADDTOCART.

And if you want more ideas, here's what was on my holiday wish list last year, in 2015, and in 2014. And here are the best beauty gifts available right now!

SHOP THE POST

Plaid Love

This post is sponsored by Target.

I've long been a fan of plaid. I love that it can be classic or even kind of punk. I love it in clothes, in accessories, in home decor. And I love the way breaking out a plaid blanket or a plaid scarf instantly telegraphs "fall" just as thoroughly as a pumpkin spice latte. 

That's why I was totally excited to check out the new Adam Lippes collection for Target--as well as the overall plaid explosion that's happening at the store right now. (Seriously, even the bottles of Fekkai shampoo are plaid!)

I quickly bought these great red-and-black plaid trays (I love the way they've fall-ified my newly-charcoal bedroom while we're waiting for our new pink curtains), this heavenly candle (it's a combo of firewood and fig--my absolute favorite candle scents), and this supersoft throw blanket, which feels way more expensive than it really is. (Truth be told, I also bought this plaid sweater to wear while I sit around staring at my new plaid home stuff and drinking that latte. It is seriously SO cute on.)

Inspired? You can shop a few of my plaid picks below. Which one is your favorite?

Will you play by the rules or break the rules with Target plaid? #TargetStyle

Find your style at @TargetStyle.

SHOP THE POST