One of the best ways I simplified my life over the last year was really dialing in my personal style so I could not only shop smarter but also speed up my getting-dressed time. Focusing only on clothes that I feel like myself in, instead of leaning into all the trends, has allowed me to feel confident and comfortable in everything that I wear!

Working off of a style board like the one above also helps me stay aligned with the goal–dressing in a casual americana with a french lean (ChatGPT says that is my style inspo!)!

Browns, blues, creams, greens, and cozy textures when I need a little something extra are the elements I like to wear. All of those colors work together, so it makes mixing and matching really easy too!

Here are links to some of the items in my style board:

Knit Oversized Crop T-Shirt

Small Ruched Tote in Soft Suede

Bryanna Ivory Longline Knit Jumper

Arnaud Trench Coat

Gold Moi + Toi Cluster on Clipt Belcher Necklace

Tennis Classic Hoop Earrings

Andrea Plum Choc Cupro Midi Dress

Long Connery Coat

Lucy Williams Knot T-Bar Charm Hoop Earrings

The Una Shoe

Giselle Trench Coat

InterLock Cotton Pegasus T-Shirt

Denim Forum 003 Relaxed Lo-Rise Baggy Jean

Clementine Bag

Oversized Midweight Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater

The post My Fall Style Inspiration first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

If you are in the path of the hurricane, I truly hope you stay safe. We’re supposed to be getting rain this weekend, and while we need it desperately, I hope it doesn’t cause any problems!

I had a big win this week, and if you follow me on Instagram, you already know that I ran 19 miles on Wednesday, and it went really well. I couldn’t be happier about that win because the long run I had scheduled before that was really rough. I had tried a few new things and completely fell apart at mile 12. In fact, the only way I think I even *got* to mile 12 was because I was with a friend!

So to be able to do 19 confidently and comfortably was truly a gift. My marathon is coming up soon, and while I’m a ball of nerves about it, I’m also getting excited. This has been the greatest physical effort I’ve put forth toward anything, and I am ready for race day to get here.

My mindset going into this marathon is that I will do my best, but I have no specific time goals or anything. I have a rough idea of what I think my time will be based on my average pace when running long distance, but I don’t want to get too locked into that and let it get in the way of me enjoying the experience. I hear the NYC Marathon is a party, and I want to be able to really soak it in!

Recent blog posts:

This week’s Amazon favorites:

Here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Mini Marina Sweater by Laligne

Crown Affair Volumizing Shampoo – Smallthings15 for 15% off site-wide

Oribe Magnificent Volume Shampoo

R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo

Pureology Hydrate Conditioner

Lifelines Flow Art

Birdie Light

$15 Ribbed Long Sleeve

Natasha Denona Gift Set

Makeup By Mario Cream Eyeshadows Gift Set

Armani Eye Tints Gift Set

Una Ballet Flats

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

by/ rosie jane: SMALLTHINGS20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for 20% off

Crown Affair: Smallthings15 for 15% off site-wide

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off site-wide

Laura Mercier: 30% off with code Smallthings30

Leesa: SMALLTHINGS75 for $75 off your purchase

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off one case

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS for 15% off

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

SURI: 15% off the Pro Brush

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

YISE Beauty: 15% off at yisebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

ZSupply: 15% off using code ZS-K8FALL15 (valid for 1st order on their website only until Oct 28) 

Please note that some of these codes are not stackable with other discounts and promos.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

If you need to stock up on tried-and-true beauty, now is the time! Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are October 6th through 7th!

The list of products included is quite extensive, but we’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best, and the products I personally recommend!

BEAUTY + SKIN

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Liner Stick

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Color Corrector

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer

URBAN DECAY Tube Job Mascara

Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm

Summer Fridays Dream Lip Oil

Summer Fridays Lip Oil Set

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Full Coverage Concealer

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Natural Matte Foundation Makeup

Lancôme Lash Idôle – Volumizing Mascara

Peter Thomas Roth | Water Drench® Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer

Anastasia Beverly Hills – MicroStroke Brush Fine Tip Eyebrow Detailing Pen

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops

Lumineux Teeth Whitening Strips, Peroxide Free, 21 Treatments (3 Months)

EltaMD UV Daily SPF Face Sunscreen Moisturizer

tarte tartelette tubing mascara

e.l.f. SKIN Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit

Saie Dew Liquid Blush for Cheeks

BK BEAUTY 101 Contoured Foundation Brush for Liquid & Cream Makeup

HAIR

Bumble & bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil Leave-In Conditioner

BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Ultra-Thin Hair Straightener

amika fluxus touchable hairspray

amika the shield anti-humidity spray

amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner with Hyaluronic Acid

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Conditioner

Pureology Color Fanatic Leave-In Conditioner & Detangling Anti-Frizz Spray

Living Proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray

Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray

SexyHair Big Creme 2 Powder Play All Over Volumizer and Texturizer

T3 SinglePass Smooth X Flat Iron, Professional Hair Straightener

L’Oreal Paris Elvive Hyaluron Plump Shampoo and Conditioner Set

Shark SpeedStyle Hair Dryer

Shark FlexStyle, Air Multi-Styler & Drying System

Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Styling Mist

FHI Heat UNbrush Detangling Brush

HOME, KIDS + CAT

Toniebox 2 Audio Player Disney Princess Bundle

YOTO Mini

Potaroma Cat Toy

FITLY Soft Flask Running Water Bottle

The Correspondent: A Novel

Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones

Zevo Flying Insect Trap

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB

Levoit Air Purifier

Ninja Crispi Pro Glass Air Fryer, 6-in-1

Dan&Darci Magic Gel Water Pets Kit

Goli Ashwagandha & Vitamin D Gummy

Kitsch Satin Pillowcase

Carrie Soto Is Back: A Novel

Dyson V8™ Cordless Vacuum

CLOTHING

Men’s Second Skin Underwear

Amazon Essentials Women’s Slim-Fit Camisole

JOE’S JEANS Women’s The Meg Vegan Leather Top

Heel Grips Liner Cushions Inserts

Madewell Women’s The Boxy Crop Tee in Soft Slub

perfectwhitetee Women’s Inside Out Fleece Shrunken Sweatshirt

Stitch Gun for Clothes

Madewell Women’s Embroidered Lace-Insert Top

Madewell Women’s The Perfect Crewneck Tee in Allday Jersey

VANLINKER Vintage Square Metal Polarized Sunglasses

The post Amazon Prime Big Deal Days – If you asked me, I’d say add these to your cart! first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Styling for summer was easy, but adding layers in without making the look feel too cluttered took a bit of thought. See some outfit ideas below if you’re looking for some inspiration!

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The post 4 Looks with Green Utility Pants first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

It’s over 80 degrees here in Raleigh on this fine October 2nd. I don’t know why I feel annoyed that we’re still hitting the 80s– I have lived here long enough to know this is what we do, and the end is coming, but it is not near quite yet.

I did a little in-store browsing up in North Hills this morning, which is a really nice shopping destination in the area. I was looking for public restrooms, though, and asked the concierge in the elevator area where to locate them, and he informed me that there are none.

No public restrooms at an enormous, high-end shopping and dining destination? I was shocked! Anyway, I asked the wonderful people at Evereve if they had a restroom that I could use, and they did. So, if you happen to be in that area shopping, be sure to browse around at Evereve because they have some of the best selection around, and also know that they have a public restroom you can use too!

I left empty-handed, but there is a pair of green pants by Sanctuary taking residence up in my brain. I’m not really a track stripe girl, but these have a single stripe down the side that feels simple enough that I could style them easily.

I hope you had a nice week!

Recent blog posts:

This week’s Amazon favorites:

Here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Commentary Pants

Courderoy Pants

Fall Handbag Under $35

Long Skirt

Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner – Smallthings15 for 15% off site-wide

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

Drunk Elephant DBronzi Drops

Armani Dolce Blush in shade 5

A great clarifying shampoo by Chris McMillan

J.Crew Factory straight jeans with stretch

Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Straight Leg Jeans

Yellow Sweater

Favorite Lip Mask

J.Crew Factory Jeans under $50

Tower28 Lip Liner

Kosas Lipstick in shade Hot Beach

Tilly Sveeas T-Bar Earrings

Sarah Creal Lipstick in SheEO

Morphe Cheek Thrills

Patrick Ta Blush in She Goes to the Gym

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

by/ rosie jane: SMALLTHINGS20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for 20% off

Crown Affair: Smallthings15 for 15% off site-wide

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off site-wide

Laura Mercier: 30% off with code Smallthings30

Leesa: SMALLTHINGS75 for $75 off your purchase

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off one case

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS for 15% off

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

SURI: 15% off the Pro Brush

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

YISE Beauty: 15% off at yisebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

ZSupply: 15% off using code ZS-K8FALL15 (valid for 1st order on their website only until Oct 28) 

Please note that some of these codes are not stackable with other discounts and promos.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Everything I’m wearing above is from Target! I have struck gold with Target finds recently, so take a peek at the things I’ve bought and loved below!

Straight-leg jeans – the “dark wash” is more of a medium in my opinion, but color aside, they are a perfect straight-leg style that works all the time.

Mock neck tank top – this looks so chic with a simple pair of jeans and flats. I love a mock neck so much!

Dark blue canvas jacket – looks much more expensive than it actually is.

Blue oversized bag – it’s such a pretty bag, and it comes in brown too!

Basic v-neck tank top (in 3 colors!) – it’s hard to beat a classic ribbed tank in a flattering v-neck.

Ponte barrel pant – love these much more than the viral Ruti pants, and wow, they are a much better price point too.

Brown barrel jeans – I only like the brown and black options of this style; the denim colors have a seam down the front that makes the jeans look a little cheap to me. But the brown is what I own, and I really love the fit. Go up 1 size; they fit snug through the waist!

The post Everything I’ve Bought and LOVED from Target Recently first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Our temperatures dipped a bit yesterday, and I wore a SWEATER! OUTSIDE! It was incredible. I’m sure we will bump back up to the 80s soon enough, but it was a thrill to see my kids riding their bikes in sweatshirts up and down our street. They were happy for the break from the heat as well! 

I shared a handful of straight-leg denim recommendations on Instagram Stories yesterday, and linked a few of my personal favorites! I saved the stories to highlights if you’d like to refer back to it! 

I’ve been listening to The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett and loving it! I only have about 2.5 hours left, and I already know I’m going to be sad it’s over. I’m sure I’ll have a book hangover too, so I don’t know what to read after I’m finished. If you have any recent favorite books, please let me know! 

Pistola asked me a few questions about my personal style, my favorite jeans, and what I like to focus on when I’m getting dressed in their “In Her Jeans” Substack article!

Recent blog posts:

This week’s Amazon favorites:

Here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Cat Spatula

Homemade Apple Fritter Recipe

Mane Thermal Brush

Goop Beauty Body Wash

Aritzia Cropped Tee

Ranger Pant – 25% off until Sept 28

Miranda Frye Charm – 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

Commentary Pants

Calamity Club Book

Sweed Lash Serum – Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off from https://sweedbeauty.com/

Madewell Mylie Ballet Flat – 25% off as a Madewell Insider until Sept 27

Greta Glove Flat – 25% off as a Madewell Insider until Sept 27

Kenra 9 Hairspray

2-inch Curling Iron

Quince Lo Profile Sneakers

Cute Bag

$7 Target Tank

Barrel Pants

Frame White Jeans – 25% off until Sept 28

Quince Button Down Sweater

Pureology Gift Set

Kérastase Gift Set

Armani Eyeshadow Gift Set

YSL Lip Combo Gift Set

Brumate

Pistola Lexi Bowed Straight – SMALLTHINGS for 15% off

Target Straight Leg Jeans

Aritzia Straight Leg Denim

Frame Essential Jeans – 25% off until Sept 28

Artizia 90s Biggie Lo Rise Baggie

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

by/ rosie jane: SMALLTHINGS20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for 20% off

Crown Affair: Smallthings15 for 15% off site-wide

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off site-wide

Laura Mercier: 30% off with code Smallthings30

Leesa: SMALLTHINGS75 for $75 off your purchase

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off one case

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS for 15% off

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

SURI: 15% off the Pro Brush

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Tower28: SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off until Oct 2

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

YISE Beauty: 15% off at yisebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

Please note that some of these codes are not stackable with other discounts and promos.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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Chocolate brown bags are having a moment right now, and I love how rich they look with everything from denim to black to softer neutral outfits. There are so many pretty options in this roundup, whether you’re looking for a small everyday shoulder bag, a polished tote, or something a little more special for fall.

The Horse bag is one of my favorites in the bunch – the shape is so chic and the coffee color is gorgeous. The cinched detail gives the bag a casual feel too, which I love. The Evereve clutch is such an easy grab-and-go option that still makes an outfit feel pulled together, and the Quince shoulder bag is a wonderful full-grain leather option at a really approachable price point!

The post Chocolate Brown Bag Loves first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I am swooning over this swing clutch from Veronica Beard. Is it not the perfect date night bag?! Raleigh continues to be a hot swamp, so honestly, even the idea of dressing up a little bit for a date night feels a little daunting because I know I’ll be sweating the moment I step outside.

We’re close to a break in the heat (I saw a high of 70 degrees on the weather app for next week) and I’d just be happy to be able to play pickleball outside and not pass out from heat exhaustion! I’m also in the thick of marathon training right now, and the heat is kicking my butt.

A few things to note: FRAME is doing a friends and family sale in case you’ve had your eye on anything, and Madewell is doing 25% off as well. I just bought the Greta Glove Flat in the black leather, and they’re really nice- no break-in time required!

This quilted jacket from Madewell has caught my eye as well–I love the quilted pattern in the rich chocolate brown.

I hope you have a nice weekend!

Recent blog posts:

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Cotton Cashmere Tank

Sweater Tank from Madewell

Dark Brown Stand Collar Jacket

Slim Barrel Denim with Stretch from J.Crew Factory

Crown Affair Leave-In Conditioner

Kanes Footwear

Mauve Blush

Green Shoulder Bag

Gorgeous Tank with Detail

Mixed Metal Earrings

the Unbrush

Blue + Brown Stripe Tee

Stripe T-Shirt

Find Your Way Compass Charm from Maya Brenner

The Bright Years book

Stripe Long Sleeve Polo

Frame Essential Jeans

Slip on Adidas Sneaker

Billie Jean

Plaid Bomber Jacket

Raw Hem Jeans

Elf Brush Cleaner

Phenominal Swimsuit

Utility Pants from Pistola

Chris McMillan Clarifying Shampoo

Buffing Bar

Polishing Pads

Osea Products

SURI Toothbrush

Kérastase Hair Mask

BaBylissPRO 1.5-inch curling iron

Yellow Shirt

Photo Printer

Aritzia Low Rise Jeans

Jelly Shoes

Green Bag

Miramar Track Pants

Blue Bag from Target

High Rise Straight Denim

Leather Bag

Suede Bag for fall

Thermal Brush

Leather Jacket from Paige

White Shorts

Blue Dress

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Armani Beauty Eyeshadow in 22M

Anastasia Microstroke Eyebrow Pen in Taupe

Dream Body Lotion

Linen Tank

Sporty Bag

Wooly Jacket

Long Sleeve Sweatshirt

Funnel Neck Jacket from H&M

Lounge Pants

Best 90s Style Tank Ever

Straight Leg Jeans from Target

Heritage Sweater

Mules

Brown Strappy Sandals

Sunglasses Under $20

NYX Lip in Petal Poppin

Portable Apple Watch Charger

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

by/ rosie jane: SMALLTHINGS20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for 20% off

Crown Affair: Smallthings15 for 15% off sitewide

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off sitewide

Laura Mercier: 30% off with code Smallthings30

Leesa: SMALLTHINGS75 for $75 off your purchase

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off one case

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS for 15% off

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

SURI: 15% off the Pro Brush

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Tower28: SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off until Oct. 2

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

YISE Beauty: 15% off at yisebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

Please note that some of these codes are not stackable with other discounts and promos.

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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If you’ve owned denim or any piece of clothing from FRAME, you know how good it is. The quality is incredible, and it’s no wonder the brand has such a cult-like following. I am a fan and have had the pleasure of working with them since 2024 (although I’ve worn their denim for much longer).

FRAME is doing a friends and family sale right now where you can save 25% until Sep 28th!

Some of my favorites are linked above, but I especially love the Bow jean (in ANY color) and their boxy Tees.

The post FRAME: A Favorite Retailer (+ big sale) first appeared on The Small Things Blog.