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 80’s 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.

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I’ve been seeing so many great tote bags lately, especially in rich suede and leather for fall. A roomy tote is one of those accessories that can be both practical and polished, whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or traveling.

Cuyana remains one of my favorite brands for beautiful, timeless leather bags, and I especially love the forest green color of their Classic Easy Tote. Quince has some really great options, including both suede and leather styles that look much more expensive than they are.

And if you’re looking for something more affordable, Target has a couple of faux suede options that are really good!

Generally, bags are trending toward slouchy, oversized, and relatively simple in design, and a timeless tote bag for fall will work for years to come!

The post Best Tote Bags for Fall first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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I’ve been especially drawn to green lately – olive, moss, and those earthy shades that are easy to work into the neutrals I already wear all the time. It’s a really simple way to add a little interest to an outfit without feeling like you have to step too far outside of your usual style (more on my style inspiration here!).

The Parker Thatch Daily Bag in Nylon Olive was gifted to me from the brand. I love the relaxed nylon shape, and the olive color is exactly the kind of green I’m into right now! To no one’s surprise, I’ve also been loving the Shashi Emerald Pinky Signet Ring – it’s such a pretty little way to add a pop of color to an everyday jewelry stack.

And I’ve been living in Pistola’s Sabrina Curved Utility Pants in Meadow since before the summertime, so I can genuinely tell you that they’re a favorite. Pair them with a white tee, striped top, or neutral sweater, and you have an easy outfit for this summer-to-fall transition. The Evereve Heritage Crew Sweatshirt is another favorite from this edit – it’s the perfect shade of green. Easy and classic!

The post Green Crush first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Have you heard the saying “you’re only as good as your tools”? In some ways I think that can be an accurate sentiment, and when it comes to makeup brushes it can certainly play a part in the success of your makeup application and longevity!

Before we get into the six brush types I use most, here is a helpful rule of thumb: tightly packed bristles tend to work best with liquid and cream products, while looser, fluffier bristles work best with powders. Brush size matters too! A smaller brush gives you more control and precise placement, while a larger brush offers more forgiveness and creates a softer, more diffused finish.

I’ve listed all of my tried-and-true favorites for each category below!

1. Foundation Brush

My go-to: Makeup by Mario Surreal Foundation F4 Brush

Use it for liquid or cream foundation and concealer.

A foundation brush buffs liquid and cream products into the skin without absorbing as much product as a sponge can. The Sephora Collection PRO Flawless Airbrush #56 is great for liquid or cream foundation. I like to blend the product using small circular motions for a smooth finish.

Budget-friendly option: Real Techniques Expert Face Makeup Brush

A separate concealer brush is optional. The Sephora Collection Essential Concealer Brush #02 works well for targeted concealer application, but I usually prefer using my fingers.

2. Bronzer + Contour Brush

My go-to: Makeup by Mario Surreal Foundation F4 Brush

Use it for cream or liquid contour and bronzer.

Bronzer and contour can share a category, but the right brush still depends on the product’s formula. Choose a dense brush for a liquid or cream product and a fluffier brush for powder.

I like the BK Beauty 101 Contoured Foundation Brush for cream contour or bronzer. The angled shape fits naturally beneath the cheekbone and offers controlled placement.

The Makeup by Mario Surreal Foundation F4 Brush is a good option for liquid or cream bronzer and contour, especially if you want one brush that can do several jobs. Just remember to clean it before switching to a different color product!

Budget-friendly option: Real Techniques Snatch + Sculpt Contour Makeup Brush

3. Blush Brush

My go-to: BK Beauty 106 Round Foundation Brush

Use it for liquid, cream, or powder blush.

The right blush brush depends on the formula you use. A denser brush blends liquid and cream blush, while a looser brush applies powder blush more softly.

The Sephora Collection PRO Blush Brush #99 works with liquid, cream, or powder blush. You could also use it for cream bronzer or contour, but do not use the same brush for blush and bronzer without washing it between products. Otherwise, the leftover pigments can muddy the color.

The Makeup by Mario Surreal Foundation F4 Brush is, again, a very versatile choice. It works beautifully for liquid or cream blush!

The BK Beauty 112 Small Angled Face Brush is another great option for cream or powder blush. Its smaller angled shape makes placement easy and controlled.

The BK Beauty 106 Round Foundation Brush is technically a foundation brush, but I personally love using it for blush.

Budget-friendly option: Real Techniques Tapered Cheek Makeup Brush

4. Eyeshadow Brush

My go-to: Makeup by Mario EF1 Dual-Ended Cream & Powder Brush

Use it for cream and powder eyeshadow.

If I could recommend only one eyeshadow brush, it would be the Makeup by Mario EF1 Dual-Ended Cream & Powder Brush. The flat side applies cream shadow, and the fluffier side applies and blends powder shadow. You could also use the flat side for concealer and the fluffy side to set concealer with powder. This brush is the GOAT, and I have not found a true dupe for it!

For a traditional powder-shadow brush, the BK Beauty 202 Eyeshadow Brush is one of the best I have used.

Budget-friendly option: Morphe M332 Medium Rounded Eyeshadow Brush

5. Smudger Brush

Kate’s go-to: BK Beauty 204 Eyeshadow Brush

Use it for eyeliner and precise eyeshadow placement.

A smudger brush has short, tightly packed bristles, so it places product exactly where you want it. Use one to apply cream eyeliner, concentrate eyeshadow along the lash line, or soften a liner for a smoky effect.

The Sephora Collection Essential Smudger Brush #10 is great for cream eyeliner or concentrated eyeshadow placement. The BK Beauty 204 Eyeshadow Brush is another excellent smudging brush.

Budget-friendly option: Morphe M382 Detail Smudger Eye Brush

6. Powder Brush

My go-to: BK Beauty 103 Bronzer Brush

Use it for setting powder, pressed powder, and powder bronzer.

The Sephora Collection PRO Flawless Light Powder Brush #50 is a great option for setting powder, pressed powder, or even powder bronzer.

The Sephora Collection PRO Bronzer Brush #80 gives powder bronzer a soft, diffused finish. Neither of these brushes is designed for liquid or cream products.

If you want a larger brush specifically for bronzer, the BK Beauty 103 Bronzer Brush gives powder bronzer a soft, diffused finish.

For powder bronzer, the BK Beauty 103 Bronzer Brush or Sephora Collection PRO Bronzer Brush #80 creates a softer finish.

Budget-friendly option: Real Techniques Ultra Plush Powder Makeup Brush

Once you find the right brushes that work with your makeup routine, not only will it save you time and energy, but you’ll also begin to notice that your makeup will look better, last longer, and give you a final result you’re happy with!

The post 6 Essential Makeup Brushes first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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There are so many fun trends happening this fall, but these are eight of the most wearable pieces that can easily be worked into your existing wardrobe.

1. Layered jewelry, especially mixed metals

2. Sunglasses in either a narrow or oversized shape

3. A roll-neck sweater to wear or tie around your waist (Option #2)

4. Relaxed, mid-rise jeans in a darker wash that aren’t too baggy

5. A striped T-shirt, either short- or long-sleeved

6. Slim, low-profile sneakers

7. An oversized suede or leather bag in a rich, dark color

8. A funnel-neck or stand-collar jacket

The Sporty Edit

If your style leans more sporty or casual, you can make a few easy swaps: choose a nylon bag instead of leather, track-stripe pants instead of dark-wash jeans, or an oversized sweatshirt instead of a roll-neck sweater.

The post 8 Must-Have Pieces for Fall first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Labor Day weekend always brings a great lineup of curated deals all across beauty, fashion, and home products. So you don’t have to dig for the best sales, I’ve rounded them up for you and will be adding more throughout the weekend!

BEAUTY + HAIR + BODY

Kosas: August 29th–September 7th, enjoy 25% off

OSEA: receive a free gift with purchase 9/2 – 9/7 if you spend $125

Sephora: up to 50% off select beauty daily

T3 Micro: up to 70% off hair tools

ULTA Beauty Fall 21+ Days of Beauty: 50% off select beauty + hair products that change daily

FASHION + ACCESSORIES

AYR: up to 60% off select styles, colors, and sizes from 9/2 – 9/5

Banana Republic Factory: 50-70% off everything (+ Extra 20% Off Sale Styles + Take an additional 10% Off w/ code BRAFF. Ends 9/7)

Dick’s Sporting Goods: Save up to 50% on clothing and up to 30% on shoes

Dolce Vita: Up to 50% off with code BYESUMMER (9/2–9/7)

DSW: BOGO 50% off Shoes: 9/3 – 9/7 *Exclusions apply

EVEREVE: 10% off everything through Monday (9/7)

Frame: The End of Season Sale, save up to 70% off – 50% off The Lax Jean

J.Crew Factory: 9/1-9/8: 50% off everything + Extra 50%-70% off clearance – 53% off the Barrel-Leg Jean in All-Day Stretch

SPANX: deals on AirEssentials & shapewear – Up to 70% off – Extra 30% off Spanx’s Lightweight Denim Mini Tank Dress

Madewell: Use code LONGWEEKEND to save up to 50% on sale styles.

Mango: 30% OFF EVERYTHING on orders from $230 + free shipping. Use code: MGN30. Valid from the 2nd to the 7th.

Miranda Frye: 20% – 40% off the entire site until Sept 7

Pistola: Up to 70% off

Ring Concierge: 20% off until 9/10

Tilly Sveaas – up to 50% off

HOME + LIFE

Corkcicle: 25% off site-wide

Leesa: 30% off through 9/15. Use code SMALLTHINGS75 for an ADDITIONAL $75 off!

Lumineux: up to 36% off Teeth Whitening Strips

Rifle Paper Co.: 9/2 – 9/8 – 20% off with code LABORDAY20

Seed: 30% off this weekend only. Use code KATEBRYAN30 at checkout.

Wayfair: up to 70% off

Whether replenishing your skincare, upgrading pieces in your wardrobe, or refreshing parts of your living space, hopefully this can help you make the most of your shopping this holiday weekend.

The post Look Out for These Labor Day Sales first appeared on The Small Things Blog.