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Gracefully So

By Lisa Meade

Budget Friendly Moto Jacket

| Fashion

Happy Monday Friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We had perfect fall weather here in DC – 58 degrees and sunny. I love the cooler weather, wearing layers and watching football! I also love all the colors that the fall season brings…give me ALL the warm tones 🙂 One of my favorite colors for fall is nude. If I’m being honest, nude is one of my favorites all year round but I wear it more often in the fall.

Today, I’m sharing this fantastic suede and leather nude moto jacket! Its from an online shop called Shein. Shein is one of those websites where you can hit the ball out of the park with a great quality item for a steal of a price…. OR completely strike out. This moto jacket is a home run ya’ll! (I shared tips to shopping their website in a recent post here.)

It’s the perfect year around jacket to wear to a movie, dinner with the girls, or run a quick errand. The color and fit are very flattering. I love how the zippers and buckles add that little something extra to an already amazing coat. I styled it with jeans and boots, but I also took a few pictures paired with a classic nude heel. You can absolutely wear this $43 jacket with a dress, skirt, or tunic/leggings. It fits true to size. For reference, I’m 5’3 (110lbs) and wearing size Small.  If nude isn’t your thing, it also comes in black.

outfit details: moto jacket $43 / skinny jeans on sale for $39/ tan boots  / similar white blouse / louis vuitton neverfull bag / necklace / sunglasses

Here are a handful of other great moto jackets all UNDER $100!

 

O N E year B L O G anniversary

| Fashion, Lifestyle

 

Outfit Details: Dress (under $28) – Shoes (less expensive shoe here) – Bag – Earrings

Today I am so happy to be celebrating my one year blog anniversary… blogiversary and I’m feeling, well, very emotional. Looking back now, I’m really proud of myself. You can view my first blog post – “Lets Get This Party Started“. I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned in the last year. It has been an action packed 365 days!

I wanted to write a quick note saying I’m so thankful for each and every one of you. I’m thankful for the constant encouragement you give me. I’m thankful for the love and support I feel everyday in this community.

I decided to “start a blog” related to fashion and beauty to just see where it takes me. I love encouraging people to dress their best and showing them ways to do that. I enjoy sharing sale alerts to make sure that you are getting the best price for the things you want. I love making people happy and helping others. I could not imagine doing this without y’all.

Thank you for every purchase, comment, share, tag, for every like and follow on Instagram, for every email asking me to do a certain post, or simply telling me you are encouraged (those are the best). I appreciate you all so very much!

T H A N K  Y O U!

I simply could not do this without you. Just know that no matter what you are doing today, I appreciate you and I am extremly thankful!!

 

XO

Lisa

 

 

LOFT Friends & Family SALE

| Fashion

LOFT is hosting their Friends and Family event right now! This event is amazing because you can get 40% OFF your entire purchase with code FRIENDS. This includes everything!! It’s the perfect time to stock up on new winter wear for the colder months to come!

Don’t forget that you can also order online and pick up in store. This way you can make sure that you have reserved the items in store so you can try them on and anything that doesn’t work can be easily returned. Plus, I’ll get credit this way if you prefer in store shopping. Just make sure to click through one of my LOFT links to start your purchase.

leopard blouse / jeans / boots

tunic sweater / jeans / black boots

leopard sweater / jeans / boots

Sweater / Skirt / Boots

Please let me know if you have any questions about sizing or how their clothing fits. I am 5’3, 110 lbs and at LOFT I usually always wear a XS in tops, 24 in jeans (size down one from your normal size), 00P in pants (size down one from your normal size), 00 or 00P in skirts (size down one from your normal size) and XS or 0 in dresses. Their tops and dresses mostly fit true to size. I suggest sizing down one size from your regular size in the other items for the best fit.

 

xoxo 

Lisa

Sephora Beauty Insider Appreciation Event 2018 – SALE!!

| Beauty

The Sephora Beauty Insider Appreciation Event started on Friday, Aug 24thand ends Sept. 3rd! If you’re not a Beauty Insider yet, it’s super easy to sign up and best of all its FREE! You can sign up here.

 

Here’s the break down:

August 24-29 – Sephora Rouge members can use the code YESROUGE for 20% off everything
August 30 – September 3 – All VIB members can use the code YESVIB for 15% off everything
August 30 – September 3 – Beauty Insiders can use YESINSIDER for 10% off everything  

About each level:

Beauty Insiders– FREE, receive 1 point per dollar, free birthday gift
VIB Members– spend $350 or more in a calendar year, receive 1.25 points per dollar, free birthday gift or 250 points
Rouge Members– spend $1000 or more in a calendar year, receive 1.5 points per dollar, free birthday gift or 250 points

 

It’s not often that higher-end brands have sales on their makeup and beauty products, so now is the perfect time to snag some of those items that you love or have been dying to try. To help get your shopping carts started, here are the must-haves I’m snagging during this sale:

 

#1

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte 

Like so many other people, I’ve been obsessed with IT Cosmetics’ original CC cream for a while now. When I heard the brand was launching a new matte version of its iconic formula, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Like the original formula, it feels lightweight and offers full coverage, but this matte formula keeps my shine under control. Another thing I love is how its longwearing and looks just as great at the end of the night.

MUST TRY! IT Cosmetics Your SKin But Better CC+ Cream Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40, $32.30 (orig. $38);

**If you want to start with the original IT CC Cream you can shop that HERE!**

 

#2

YVES SAINT LAURENT TOUCHE ECLAT Radiance Perfecting Pen

I call this “my magic wand” because it seriously performs miracles. I have used Touche Eclat #2 for a couple years now and it is my go-to daily product. It sets the lid as an eye primer, brightens the under-eye area, & works as a highlighter on bridge of nose.  It’s not cakey, doesn’t settle into wrinkles or pores, and even looks great ten hours after application! I always buy two at a time, because I cannot imagine NOT using this when I do my makeup. There are many products that mimic Touche Eclat, but do not waste your time or money on them, YSL is the first and best.

I use shade: #2

MAGIC WAND! YVES SAINT LAURENT TOUCHE ECLAT Radiance Perfecting Pen, $32.30 (orig. $38);

 

#3

LA MER Crème de la Mer

It’s crazy expensive. I wanted to NOT believe the hype, and hate it… but it’s fantastic!!!! It’s very thick so a little goes a long, long way. After just a couple days of using this moisturize I noticed a huge difference in my skin. My face was less red, a slight glow, felt smooth, minimized the size of my pores, and my acne completely cleared. I also LOVEEEEE the smell of Crème de la Mer. 

PRICEY BUT WORTH EVERY PENNY! LA MER Crème de la Mer, $72.25 (orig. $85);

 

#4

VIKTOR&ROLF Flowerbomb

 I’ve been using Flowerbomb for 11 years and its hands down one of the BEST perfumes ever made. It’s soft smelling, not overbearing and not flowery smelling at all. From strangers at the grocery store to Chris’ co-workers (who then bought it for his wife), I get compliments on it all day long. It’s is one of the only perfumes that stays on my skin all day and smells just as nice at after 8 hours.

THIS IS THE BOMB! VIKTOR&ROLF Flowerbomb, $72.25 (orig. $85);

 

 

#5

NARS Eye Liner Pencil

I love old school pencil eyeliner you have to sharpen yourself. I keep multiple Nars Black Moon eye pencils in my possession at all times, because I cannot live without it. This liner is creamy and goes on smoothly for a great line. The colour is also dark enough to be a bold black, not greyish like some black liners. Perfect for crisp work lines or smudged date eyes.

CREME OF THE CROP EYELINER! NARS Eye Liner Pencil (Color: Black Moon), $20.40 (orig. $24);

 

#6

MOROCCANOIL (Light)

I highly recommend this product! I’ve been using for so many years and it’s a hair game changer. Moroccan Oil has helped make my dry, thin, chemically treated hair so much healthier and less frizzy. It has both long and short term benefits. To apply, after the shower, I put one pump (two if my hair is extra dry/tangled) in the palm of my hands and rub them together. I usually flip my head over and lightly rub it through starting at the ends of my damp hair and work my way up – but avoiding getting too close to my roots. Next I use a wet brush and brush it through. Before Moroccan Oil I had such a hard time getting any brush through my hair. It doesn’t weigh my hair down or make it greasy. The soft fragrance is nice too.

HAIR WOW FACTOR! MOROCCANOIL (Light), $28.90 (orig. $34);

 

#7

BENEFIT COSMETICS Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define

Full disclosure, I’m not a huge brow person and just started to fill them in 6 months ago. This pencil gives such a natural, every day look which is exactly what I want. The color is totally buildable for those who like a more dramatic brow. The tip of the pencil is small and great for the thin, hair-like strokes. I also love the spoolie on the other end to help blend.

I use shade: #4

NEW FAVORITE! BENEFIT COSMETICS Precisely, My Brow Pencil Ultra Fine Shape & Define, $20.40 (orig. $24);

 


 #8

DRYBAR Detox Dry Shampoo

I find dry shampoos to be kind of tricky! Some leave a white residue, make your hair feel sticky, help create volume, create texture, some smell horrible and others smell wonderful.. I could go on. I am really picky about dry shampoo, obviously! This one is really good! It absorbs the oil, increase volume, extends my hairstyle from the day before, and covers any oder. DRYBAR does make a formula for brunettes which I use from time to time, but I find that just gets all over the place – including if I’m wearing a white shirt. To use: I spray on my roots (usually at night – right before bed). I let it sit for 30 seconds so it can activate. It does come out white BUT then I flip my head upside down and use my fingers to work it into my roots. I work it in until the white is gone! If I use it in the morning, I will often use a blowdryer after I work it in to give it a little more volume. After working it into my roots that this truly leaves no white residue which is always a plus if you have darker hair! If you are looking for ONE dry shampoo that can do it all, this is the one! 

BEST 2ND DAY HAIR! DRYBAR Detox Dry Shampoo, $19.55 (orig. $23);

 

#9

LAURA MERCIER Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes

I walked into Sephora and told the lady that my concealer always creased under my eyes. She handed me this powder. Ever since I started using it to set my undereye concealer, my concealer magically stopped creasing. I wish I got her name, because I owe her a BIG thank you. It brightens without being glittery or obvious, and actually helps me look more awake. Other powders define my wrinkles and make me look older. This blurs my wrinkles and I like to think it makes me look younger. 🙂 Love it!

I use color: Radiant finish

YOU NEED THIS IN YOUR LIFE! LAURA MERCIER Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes, $23.80 (orig. $28);

 

#10

TARTE Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer

This is such a sexy bronzer! If you want that beachy bronzed, sun kissed, healthy skin glow this bronzer is a must-have in your beauty arsenal! It’s very neutral golden bronze, not orangey or dirty/muddy looking at all. Just pure bronzed bliss. The powder is excellent quality, easy to blend texture, finely milled and has very subtle glistening light reflecting particles but not at all overly shimmery or sparkly. The packaging is sleek and pretty with a built-in mirror, great for on the go. I will definitely repurchase.

SUNKISSED FROM THE BEACH LOOK! TARTE Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer, $25.50 (orig. $30);

 

AFFORDABLE DRESSES + THOUGHTS ON SHEIN

| Fashion

Dress / Shoes / Bracelet (heres a less expensive bracelet that I love) / Chanel bag (heres a different less expensive one) / Earrings

Dress / Shoes / Bracelet (here’s a less expensive bracelet I love / Bag / Earrings

 

Happy Wednesday!! Hope everyone is having a nice week thus far.  I recently got a hydrafacial and let me tell ya… if you haven’t had one yet, I highly recommend it. I have very dry and dehydrated skin so this was just what I needed. The hydrafacial treatment cleanses, exfoliates, and extracts dead cells from your face. It then rejuvenates the skin by applying a serum infused with antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. I kid you not, my skin tone looked so fresh and radiant after one treatment.

I purchased a couple dresses from Shein and I was surprisingly very impressed with them. When I shared them a few days ago, I received a lot of questions from you all about Shein (don’t blame you). I figured I would share my thoughts on the company for todays blog post. They are a company based in China, which means it can take a while to get your order.  However, the last two times I’ve personally ordered from them, I received my purchase within 4-5 days. The prices are UNBEATABLE but sometimes you get what you pay for. I honestly haven’t had a single problem with them yet (knock on wood). Before I order anything from them, I always read reviews and double check sizing. I NEVER ever order any item if it doesn’t have a handful of reviews, its highly rated, and has pictures from people who have purchased it.

I will say that some of my favorite pieces in my closet are from Shein and these dresses are just a few of them. This website is perfect for those of you (like myself) who want cute trendy pieces but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for them! They also ALWAYS have a promo code so make sure to take advantage of that. The last thing I do is I remove the shipping insurance they automatically add to your order ($2.99). My credit card / bank is my insurance. For whatever reason if my item(s) don’t show up,  I would just deal with my bank directly.

I am linking all of my favorite items from Shein below! I always find myself on their website for unique pieces of clothing.

 

What are your thoughts on Shein? Let me know in the comments below. Thank you so much for stopping by Gracefully So today!

XO Lisa

My Favorites From Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018

| Beauty, Fashion, Home Decor

Happy Thursday anddddd happy EARLY ACCESS to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018 🙂 Why do I love this sale so much? You get fall merchandise at a heavily discounted price NOW! With FREE shipping and returns, it makes sense to jump online, shop and save. Today I will be focusing on what you need to grab immediately before it sells out.

Below I have rounded up so many of my favorite items to kick off this years sale. There’s a little something for everyone in my selection. Over the next couple weeks, I will be doing try-ons from my house and also from the store.  Please be warned that items do sell out quickly and won’t necessarily restock (but occasionally do!!). I recommend if you put an item in your cart to check out right then and there. Good news is that Nordstrom doesn’t have ANY shipping minimum, therefore if you really want to secure that item, I suggest checking out ASAP even if its only a $10 item. Please feel free to drop me a note if you have any questions. Happy shopping friends!!!

xo Lisa