This Cute Sweater Is Under $50!

Sweater (on sale!); Jeans; Boots (on sale!); Necklace (old, similar and also here); Bag (old, similar--on sale!); Sunglasses, similar.

Boots (on sale!); Jeans; Bag, (old, similar--on sale!). Photos by Lydia Hudgens

I love a good deal, and today I have two pretty amazing ones for you. When I bought this sweater a few months back, I paid full price for it, and even then the price wasn't too bad. But now it's on sale! For $46! It's really comfy and warm and the blouse-y sleeves make it feel just a little more special than your average sweater. It also comes in charcoal, so of course, now I'm considering getting that one, too...!

I really love the sweater worn with skinny jeans and these Nine West boots (yes, Nine West!), which are also an incredible deal right now. Originally $199, they were already on sale for $79, but then right now, you can get an additional 30 percent off, which makes them $56...! And I promise you that they look way, way more expensive than that price. (Love those gold buttons!) They remind me so much of a pair of Loeffler Randall boots that I've had forever, but of course the Nine West ones cost several hundred dollars less. (*Note: I'm wearing the dark brown boots in these photos and they are the price mentioned above. The same boots also come in black, but for some reason that color is $20 more. Still a great deal though!)

Enjoy! (If you own the sweater or boots--or if you just bought one or both--definitely tell me below...)

And, P.S., speaking of deals: Have you seen this one? Free fancy home products!

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My June Favorites

1- dress (on sale!) // 2 - bag // 3 - book // 4 - art // 5 - mascara // 6 - blush // 7 - beauty blenders // 8 - toothbrush // 9 - pancake pan // 10 - chip & dip server // 11 - sunscreen // 12 - moon cheese // 13 - hand vac

There are so many fun things out there right now, and I've gathered a few of my favorites here. Some are on my personal wishlist; a few are things I already own and LOVE. Happy shopping!

1. Tory Burch dress (on sale!) - I've been stalking this dress for months now online. I didn't want to pay the full price ($400!) when it first came out, but now it's on major sale, so I think I might pull the trigger. It would be perfect for vacation, but also dinners out or even just running around the city on a hot summer day.

2. Kate Spade bag - I love a small, crossbody bag in the summer (who wants to lug around a ton of stuff in the heat?), and I'm just dying over the cute red ric rac trim on this one!

3. Do Not Become Alarmed book - I was looking for "best beach reads" online and this one kept coming up. It sounds awesome--and scary! (The premise: Two groups of parents lose their kids--eek!--while vacationing on a cruise ship.) It's been described as a page turner that you'll read in one day. SOLD.

4. "Three Crystals" framed print - The photographer Timothy Hogan shoots these really stunning close-up images of crystals. I really love the details and the colors on this one!

5. Tarte Gifted Smart Mascara - Always looking for a new mascara and this one sounds really great. (Plus, how cute is that packaging??)

6. Benefit Galifornia - Speaking of freaking-adorable packaging, this blush from Benefit could not be better looking. (The actual peachy-pink blush laced with gold is totally gorgeous on, too.)

7. Beauty Blender Summer Fling set - Just ask any makeup artist: Nothing's better for natural-looking foundation application than a Beauty Blender. And, because you know you need a new one (admit it--yours is looking gross, right?), this set of three featuring new summer colors (lime! orange!) is super tempting.

8. Phillips Sonicare Diamond Clean Toothbrush - I started using this toothbrush a few weeks ago, and my teeth have never felt or looked better. It gets them SO clean and smooth. Plus, it's rose gold!

9. Emoji Pancake Pan - This pan makes adorable emoji-shaped pancakes. I want it to seriously step up our weekend pancake game, and of course, for the Instas.

10. Melamine Chip & Dip Server - These melamine dishes look like something you'd find in your favorite Mexican restaurant and they're incredibly, surprisingly affordable. 

11. Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen - This is my favorite sunscreen right now. It's super light (feels like nothing going on and there's zero greasiness) and it smells, deliciously, like licorice.

12. Moon Cheese - My favorite snack! It's 100-percent freeze-dried CHEESE. Sounds kind of odd, I know, but it tastes like heaven. Trust me.

13. Bissel Pet Hair Eraser - I have a dog and a navy-colored velvet couch, and let me tell you, the two do not mix. I had resorted to covering my couch in blankets, but that just looked so stupid. I found this hand-held vacuum on Amazon and it's been a lifesaver. It sucks up the hair easily and quickly, and it's actually kind of fun and satisfying to use.

Do you guys have any of these things yet? If not, which ones are on your wish list now? Tell me below!

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On My Wish List

Sequin skirt; pom pom sandals; necklace; cross-body bag; white-and-gold top; watch; phone case; sunglasses; rose-gold slides; Foreo Luna Cleansing System; earrings

I can't with this weather, you guys. It's so cold, so slushy, so relentless. I swear, all I do with my friends these days is complain about how hellish it is and how we're thisclose to moving to California, Florida, or (in one case) Panama. 

Well, I've had enough. Today I'm going to imagine that it's a warm spring day...if only in my closet. I'm putting my foot down: No purchasing any more sweaters this season. It's going to be all bright, happy, sunny pieces going forward.

Like this pretty cross-body bag--it's so cute and it's somehow under $100! And nothing sounds better than open-toed shoes right now. I'm obsessed with these rose-gold slides and these adorable pom pom sandals. I want to wear them with this cool sequin miniskirt, and--and this is the kicker--NO TIGHTS.

Sigh. Spring, you can't come soon enough.

What is the weather like where you are? Are you stuck in this never ending polar vortex, too? Or are you one of those people I'm severely jealous of who is already wearing flip flops? Talk to me!

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On My Wish List: Black Orchid

"Black Orchid" by Marilyn Minter; Tory Burch top; Clinique Almost Lipstick; Leith bag; Nars Audacious Lipstick; Essie nail polish in Wicked; Splendid dress; Banana Republic triple-wrap bracelet (on sale today only! 40% off with code BRTUES40); Dolce Vita flats

Marilyn Minter is one of my all-time favorite artists--I actually fantasize about owning one of her pieces. "Black Orchid," above, is a favorite. I was staring at it online this past weekend, and falling in love all over again. But until I find an extra $30K+ hiding in my coat pockets (ha!), I'll be enjoying it on the Internet.

So, in the meantime...shopping! Here's a few pretty pieces inspired by my art-drooling: a wrap bracelet that looks just like Hermes (for about one-zillionth of the price--and 40% off today with code BRTUES40), a pretty purple-and-gold bag (on sale for--get this--$28!!), one of my go-to nail polish shades, a cheery yellow dress, and more.

11 Cool Things To Buy Right Now

 wallpaper // blue sweater // sunglasses // sneakers // clutch // ring // coasters // 
eye shadow // vase // striped top // pitcher

Ahhh! There are too many pretty things in the world! Here's a few of the prettiest--a.k.a. the tippy top things on my wish list right now. What's your favorite?

Rifle Paper Co Peonies (Copper) Wallpaper: I have been coveting this gorgeous paper for months now. Those metallic peonies? To die for. After seeing Dominique use it in what is truly the world's chicest baby's room (seriously, it's a must-see!), I've finally decided to pull the trigger and get it. I'll be using it to paper our teeny, tiny powder room, which right now, is a decidedly blah shade of beige. Can't wait to share the results!

J.Crew Merino Wool Tippi Sweater: As I mentioned here, this is probably my all-time favorite sweater. Here's why: It's lightweight so it works practically year round, it looks equally at home with jeans and with skirts, and the cut is really flattering. It also comes in basically every single color in the rainbow; this robin's-egg blue is calling my name right now. (Oh and it's under $80!)

Tory Burch Butterfly sunglasses: Love these! The frame shape is really flattering.

New Balance Precious Metals sneakers: The gray-bronze combo is so cool. And I love that the metallic is subtle, adding just the smallest touch of glitz.

Posen II clutch: I would carry this Deco-esque clutch pretty much anywhere--a wedding, a date night, a party. So pretty.

Ring: Ok, dream item alert! This delicate little sapphire-and-rose-gold ring is so gorgeous.

Coaster set: I need new ones and these are fun. (Note: They have other quotes/sayings available, too, if this one isn't your thing.)

Stila Magnificent Metals eyeshadow in Comex Copper: I still remember the day these shadows arrived in the office. We were all cooing and shrieking because they are so shiny--seriously metallic. Since beauty editors see it all, it's relatively rare that anything makes us go totally nuts, but these did. This warm shade is one of my favorites in the collection--it catches the light so beautifully and looks gorgeous on.

Michael Aram Bark vase: I actually got this vase in silver as a wedding gift and it's one of my favorite things. It looks sleek on a shelf and so pretty holding a bunch of blooms. And now this copper version is making me swoon.

J.Crew Short-Sleeve Sweater: Gotta love a cute top that isn't too tight on the tummy! I'd wear this one with skinny jeans and a cardigan now. Once the weather warms up, it would look really cute with a pair of faded, ripped boyfriend jeans and white sandals or Birks.

Copper pitcher: While entertaining recently, I realized that I desperately need a pretty, grown-up pitcher  to pull out when guests come over. This one is stunning, no?

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. 

The Best Stuff For A Beach Vacation

Top row, from left: Fedora; bikini top and bottom; sweater. Middle row: embroidered shorts; denim shorts. Bottom row: sandals; bag; sunscreen; headphones

My husband and I are leaving this week on a much-needed, much-overdue vacation. To Anguilla! And without kids! So it's actually going to be a vacation! I can't wait. Doing a little bit of shopping--and a lot of daydreaming--has really gotten me excited. Here's a few of my favorite beach-vacation finds--plus why I love each one.

Genie by Eugenia Kim Crochet Fedora - I am not typically a "hat person," but if you don't feel like bringing home wrinkles and skin cancer as a souvenir, it's essential. I've owned this fedora (with a plain cord in place of the sash) for years, and I love it. It's crushable, so I can smoosh it into my suitcase, and it works just as well for pool days as it does for walking around town. This floral one is a pretty update.

Tory Burch Bikini Top and Bottom - I bought this last week and I am OBSESSED. (I can't stop trying it on!) It's so flattering, and the top is very supportive, which can be hard to find. Plus, it's really sexy in the most sophisticated way. I cannot wait to wear it.

Townsen Zuma Sweater - Sometimes I forget to pack a sweater when I'm going somewhere warm, and I always, always regret it. This lightweight one would be perfect paired with blue or white jeans, thrown over a bikini, or worn on the plane.

Topshop Embroidered Shorts - If I wear shorts, they're usually denim cutoffs. But these are convincing me to get out of that rut. I want to wear them with flat strappy sandals and a breezy white tank (like this one!).

Citizens of Humanity Denim Shorts - I have been living in these shorts this summer so far--they are awesome. They are a bit longer than most denim shorts, which means they cover the top of my thighs (where other, too-short shorts tend to bunch up in the most unattractive way), and that makes them infinitely more flattering. I also love how they're a bit loose in certain spots, but still tight in the right places. They're not cheap, but so worth it to me since I wear them so much. 

DV by Dolce Vita Sandals - I live in flat sandals when I'm on vacation. Honestly, if I'm going to an island, I don't even pack heels anymore--they just end up collecting dust in my suitcase. These flat strappy sandals are sexy and comfy, and when you're on vacation, there's no better combo than that.

Foley + Corinna Tote - A good straw bag is a vacation must. One that's cute like this can double as a beach tote and a day bag for sightseeing, shopping, etc. If you want to be a real packing star, you could even use it as your carry-on, too. Plus, aren't the bright stripes just so fun and cheery?

Oscar de la Renta Sunscreen Stick - I've mentioned before that Oscar de la Renta sunscreen is one of my favorite products--great formula and just so glamorous. This stick version is perfect for travel. I'll slip it into my carry-on, so that I can be protected at the pool...even if the airline loses my bag. (This is totally the kind of thing I stress about!)

Frendz Rose Gold Headphones - Best headphones ever. Cushy (so totally comfy for a long flight), loud and clear (even over the deafening hum of the plane), and just so darn cool (those rose-gold studs--swoon!). I've owned them for about a year now, and I'm never going back to earbuds.

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The Best Summer Dresses for Work

From left: Tory Burch (on major sale!); Gap; Diane Von Furstenberg

As you may have read, I had a bit of news this week. And this is the kind of news that brings...new clothes! (It was necessary, I swear!) See, for the past few months, I've been freelancing. And working from home (or the coffee shop) can mean wearing anything from a casual chambray dress to cutoffs to--ok, being real here now--pjs. And considering that last summer, I had just had a baby, and basically lived in sweats, I hadn't really gone shopping for new summer work clothes in, like, forever. It was time for an upgrade--a.k.a. New Dress O'Clock.

I love dresses for work, don't you? They take so much less time in the morning since you don't have to think too hard about what to pair them with. Plus, they're so much more flattering (for me, at least) than separates. Specifically, the most flattering dress silhouettes on my body are the ones that are fitted on top, flared on the bottom, and usually sleeveless, so that's what I tend to gravitate towards. I also love me a good cap sleeve, though, too. And, I have a definite soft spot for an embellished neckline. Case in point: This LBD. (Can't believe it's from Ann Taylor! Looks so similar to a Phillip Lim dress I bought a few years back. Going into the cart in 3, 2, 1...)

Here are a few more dresses that I love for work. There's a few I've actually already purchased (this one, this one, this one, and this one), along with a few more I've got my eye on. Which is your favorite?

SHOP MY FAVORITE SUMMER WORK DRESSES