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An honest review of Dries Van Noten sneakers

2026-05-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

Ever since I went to fashion school and learned about the Antwerp Six, Dries Van Noten has been one of my favorite designers. I've picked up a few of his pieces over the years, but lately I've been accelerating the pace with these pants that I wore most recently in Morocco—the brand is experiencing a renaissance under new designer Julian Klausner, and I am here for it. Like most thriving luxury brands nowadays, Dries Van Noten has a signature sneaker, and after first seeing them IRL in the New York store last year, I've been thinking about acquiring a pair ever since. When I came across a sale at Liberty of London last month, it was like a sign from the universe. I've been wearing the shoes pretty much nonstop since then, and the following are my honest and unfiltered thoughts.

The Dries Van Noten sneaker

First hitting the market in early 2025, the Dries Van Noten sneaker quickly went viral, especially among fashion insiders. The shoe has a retro '70s feel with a thinner sole and a contrasting swoosh on the sides. So far the basic version has been offered continuously in suede with leather trim; there tend to be seasonal variations in leather, mesh, and various other materials, as well as a mule and a heeled iteration. Neutral combinations like black and white or tonal brown are offered on repeat, with new color combinations debuting each season. I figured I'd eventually get a pair in a goes-with-everything gray or camel, but when I saw this deep, bluish purple at Liberty, I thought, that's it. Sure, a classic color is a safe bet, but why not have a little fun, especially when it comes to accessories?

My honest review

I'm afraid to say that I've been wearing these shoes, so much, they're becoming my entire personality. I had a moment of panic soon after I bought them that I don't have a lot of purple in my wardrobe, but the color is so rich and saturated that they really pop against anything you're wearing, especially neutrals. In terms of comfort, they are not nearly as cushy as a typical athletic sneaker, but I can easily wear them all day long, and they required no breaking in at all. I think the slimmer, more streamlined profile makes them more versatile—I've worn them with skirts and dresses as well as jeans and trousers. I've found they fit true to size; I took my usual 39 (I wear an 8.5 in US sizes) and while they're a bit long at the toe, I think a 38.5 would have been too narrow. The one drawback to these shoes is the suede, which is a little more high-maintenance than leather; I gasped the first time I got a little schmutz on them, but it thankfully came out with a suede brush. I am thankful I went with a darker color, which should hide dirt a little better.

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the price: currently $630, which is less than most luxury sneakers but much more than, say, a pair of Nikes. You can find gently worn styles at a slight discount on The Real Real, and the seasonal colors do tend to go on sale. I was lucky to score a pair for 30% off, and coupled with a favorable exchange rate and international pricing, they came in just under $400. I suggest stalking the sites below to find your ideal pair at a price that fits your budget.

Where to buy Dries Van Noten sneakers

And don't forget The Real Real!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Frame blazer (similar here) | H&M sweatshirt | Agolde '90s jeans | Chanel reissue bag | Dries Van Noten sneakers

What I wore in Morocco

2026-04-22T05:30:00.000-07:00

In case you've been wondering where I've been, I took a weeklong trip to Morocco, with a few days in Paris and London on each end, respectively. I'd been wanting to go to Morocco for ages, so to celebrate our tenth(!!!) anniversary, Sean and I finally decided to make the journey. Packing for it presented somewhat of a challenge, especially with the stopovers in Europe; like many parts of the world, Morocco's weather can also fluctuate quite a bit in springtime, and this year has been especially cool and rainy. But when in doubt, layer up! I was a little bummed that I didn't get to wear the fabulous Alemais dress I bought specifically for this trip (that is, until our very last night in London), but I did manage to put together a few looks that I really loved. Here's what I wore in Morocco.

Day 1: Marrakech

It was raining when we arrived, but by the next morning, things were starting to clear. We booked a tuktuk tour to give us the lay of the land, and one of our favorite stops of the trip was the Bahia Palace. I started the day with lots of layers—I'm wearing a blouse, a blazer, a scarf, and a trench coat—but I was able to ditch the heavier ones by lunchtime.

Day 2: Marrakech

One of the many reasons I wanted to visit Marrakech is that it was where Yves Saint Laurent spent a lot of time; a highlight of the trip turned out to be our visit to Jardins Majorelle, which Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought and restored in the 1980s. We had some of the best weather of the trip on this day, although I did swap out my T-shirt for a cashmere sweater when we went out for dinner later.

Day 3: Essaouira

After Marrakech, we hired a driver to take us to the town of Essaouira, on the west coast of Morocco. After the chaotic energy of Marrakech, Essaouira felt like a breath of fresh sea air. It can be incredibly windy here (kite surfing is incredibly popular), but in a way, it kind of reminded me of home, minus the fog!

Day 4: Essaouira

One of Essaouira's claims to fame, other than being a UNESCO world heritage site, is that parts of Game of Thrones were filmed there—you may recognize this setting as Astrapor, where Khaleesi purchased the Unsullied army. The ramparts offer a lovely view of the sea and make for a great photo op too.

OUTFIT DETAILS: A.P.C blazer | old Gap blouse (current season) | Dries van Noten pants | Carro Positano bag | J.W. Anderson sandals

Day 5: Agafay Desert

I mean, did you even go to Morocco if you didn't ride a camel? It's kind of a must, although I should warn you that camels are incredibly flatulent, which I was not expecting. Still, they're pretty cute! I recommend wearing jeans and long sleeves when you ride them, even in the desert (which, yes, looks green here because it's been raining so much). Totally worth it!

OUTFIT DETAILS: old Gap blouse (current season) | Agolde Riley jeans | Veja V-10 sneakers

An honest review of Jones Road Miracle Balm

2026-03-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

I have always had full cheeks—family lore is that when I was a baby, they stuck out so much that you could see them from behind my head—but a couple years ago, I noticed a few changes to my face. One was that I began losing volume along my cheekbones and, two, as a result, powder blush started to look cakey and would sit on my skin in an unnatural way. It was then that I made the switch to cream blushes, and while I haven't tried every product on the market, I've definitely developed some strong opinions along the way. One of the most noteworthy formulas I've tried is the Jones Road Miracle Balm, and while it is a bit ballsy to call something a miracle, turns out they have a good point. While I received this product for free, the following are my honest and unfiltered opinions.

First, a little about Jones Road

Jones Road was founded by the world-famous makeup artist and entrepreneur Bobbi Brown basically on the day her non-compete clause with Estée Lauder (which acquired Bobbi Brown the makeup line) expired. Unlike her namesake line—which to this day makes some of my all-time favorite makeup—Jones Road uses clean formulations, and while they've expanded into fragrance, skincare, and body products, the makeup line itself is a tightly edited number of SKUs, which is somewhat rare in this day and age. The ethos is that we need better makeup, not more makeup, which is an idea I can get behind. I've only tried a limited selection of products so far, but the two I have tried—What the Foundation and Miracle Balm—are Jones Road's hero products, e.g. the iconic, innovative bestsellers that brands become known for.

Jones Road Miracle Balm

It's hard to describe exactly what this product is—depending on the shade and consistency you choose, it's some combination of highlighter, blush, and/or bronzer. It currently comes in 15 different shades, from colorless to deep bronze, and they're further categorized as tint, blush, highlight, or colorless. I use Dusty Rose, which qualifies as a tint. It's more pigmented than a highlighter, but definitely less pigmented than a traditional cream blush—to me, it's just enough color for my cheeks, which tend to lean a little flushed anyway. What makes this product so unique, of course, is the texture, which is truly a balm in that it's very emollient and, like a lip balm, it's meant to stay on top of the skin versus sinking in, leaving a light-reflecting finish that translates as a healthy glow. It's available in a full size for $38 or a $20 mini, which drops down to $19 if you buy 3 or $18 if you buy 6 (tempting!).

My honest review

I can understand why this product has over 76,000 reviews, most of them overwhelmingly positive. I have never used a blush that has produced such a pretty, natural-looking flush, but what truly makes it a "miracle" is that my aging cheeks look plump and smooth, with a lit-from-within glow. It's not a fountain of youth, but more like a your-skin-but-better scenario. There is a bit of a learning curve with Miracle Balm; the website suggests applying with your fingers, but I've found it goes on more smoothly and evenly with a brush, which I then use to blend out the color as well. The texture can also be a bit polarizing; it's a little sticky until it dries down a bit, and my hair can get stuck in it for the first hour or so of the day if I'm not careful. To me, that's a minor inconvenience for a product that lasts nearly all day (especially with a setting spray) and has made such a drastic difference in minimizing how my loss of volume appears. I use Miracle Balm around 4–5 times per week and while I'm starting to hit the pan, I've been using the full size for over a year, so you definitely get a lot of product for $38. That said, I'm eager to finish it so I can try more shades—I will definitely be repurchasing and would be happy to spend my own money on Miracle Balm. It's that truly that good.

Where to buy Miracle Balm

In the U.S., it's available exclusively on the Jones Road website. For readers in the UK and EU, Liberty of London stocks Jones Road.

What I wore in New York in February

2026-03-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

I never turn down a trip to New York City, even if it's cold and snowy. Sean had a work trip starting on my birthday, so we left a few days early for a weekend getaway celebration. NYC has been having a rough winter, and while signs of spring were on the way—the sun was shining and the snow was starting to melt while we were there—I still needed to break out my winter gear. Here's how I layered for the weather.

A shearling jacket was maybe overkill—and to be fair, I was a little warm on the first day, when it was in the upper 40s—but it kept me nice and cozy when temperatures dipped down into the 30s. I did live in NYC for 13 years, however, and remembered the problem of wearing too warm of a coat, which is that whenever you go inside, you're blazing hot because of the blasting heaters. I solved that problem by wearing my new Naked Cashmere polo sweater, which is soft and cozy but not suffocatingly hot. I do wish I had remembered to pack a nude bra, though!

When I go to NYC in the winter, I like to bring pants that are roomy enough for my Uniqlo Heattech leggings underneath; my Citizens of Humanity Ayla jeans fit that bill. I was also glad I packed my Freda Salvador Brooke boots, which have a chunky lug sole that was perfectly walkable in the snow, plus you can just wipe them off when they get all schmutzy from the salt. Winter boots for the win!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Quince shearling jacket | Naked Cashmere Jemma polo | Citizens of Humanity Ayla jeans | Loewe Puzzle Bag | Freda Salvador Brooke boots

The best YSL Le Loafer dupe

2026-02-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

The first time I saw a YSL Le Loafer, my initial thought was "What in the Serge Gainsbourg are these?" But the next time I saw them, I couldn't get them out of my head. They felt like a softer evolution of the classic loafer, a pair with a little more personality and point of view—a classic with a twist, if you will. But that twist comes with a hefty price tag: currently around $1,200 give or take $100 depending on the leather. Oof. As much as I love Saint Laurent, I don't love paying four figures for a pair of shoes that are not exactly reinventing the wheel (to be fair, they have truly refined the design of the wheel, though). So I went in search of the best dupe I could find. Here's what I discovered.

The dupes I tried first

The Tony Bianco Gatsby loafer (pictured below) came highly recommended by Brooklyn Blonde, whom I tend to trust because she has strong convictions and is around the same size I am. However I found the sizing to be a bit off—the 8.5 (my usual size) was too long and felt like wearing clown shoes; my toes were ready to burst out of the size 8. Banana Republic's Moc Toe Loafer was a strong contender, however without the band across the instep, it made my foot look comically long. I really wanted to try the Sydney loafer by local SF brand Freda Salvador—especially in that gorgeous burgundy color—but they've been sold out for months, and such is life when you're an independent brand. I also looked at an option from dupe king Steve Madden, but they were reading almost too moccasin-y and were lacking the structure of the YSL pair. In trying on so many different styles, I realized I wanted textured leather à la eel skin versus suede.

The best dupe: Massimo Dutti Embossed Leather Loafers

A hot tip from one of my favorite Substacks led me to Massimo Dutti, a higher-end sister brand of Zara. Their Embossed Leather Loafers are the closest I found to the eel skin YSL Le Loafer in terms of texture, design, and overall vibes. The color is a very dark brown—it almost looks black—with a subtle texture (I should note these are cow leather, not eel, but stamped to look as such). I ordered my usual size 39 (again, I'm normally a 8.5 US) and can report they were incredibly comfortable from the first wearing—no break-in period required, although I have been wearing them with socks since it's winter.

Massimo Dutti Embossed Leather Loafers vs. YSL Le Loafer

In terms of overall shape—from the ruching around the toe to the low stacked heel—I think the Massimo Dutti shoes are a pretty good dupe of the YSL design. The biggest difference is the lack of YSL logo, but to me, that's a plus—I don't love big branding on my accessories. There are also some subtleties in the design, like less refined stitching along the sides and heel, which you'd expect considering the price difference. They also aren't quite as soft or as broken-in-looking as the original, but I have a feeling they will develop a nice patina over time. But considering the Massimo Dutti loafer is less than a fifth of the price of the YSL, the tradeoffs are worth it to me.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Karen Kane fringe jacket | COS tee | Agolde Riley jeans | Massimo Dutti Embossed Leather Loafers

My 2026 birthday wishlist

2026-02-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

We're more than halfway through February, which means my birthday will be here very soon (it's March 2nd for the record). I do a birthday wishlist every year, and while my original intent in posting it was to drop a not-so-subtle hint for family members, it's evolved into a sort of pre-spring shopping list for myself. (For the record, I now own everything but the dining table from last year's list, and depending on what my tax return looks like, the table might be coming soon too.) Here's what I'm hoping to manifest in 2026.

1. I've discovered I love a perfume sampler set—they're an excellent way to experiment with various combinations of a brand's scents, as well as a way to confirm whether you're willing to commit to a full-size bottle. What I love about this Regime des Fleurs set—other than that it contains a whopping 15 fragrances—is that it includes a coupon for $60 off a full size, which is an excellent incentive.

Regime des Fleurs deluxe discovery set $98

2. I saw this skirt in the West Hollywood Toteme boutique over the holidays, and while it seems like a somewhat obscene amount of money for what it is, I've found so far that my Toteme pieces are among the most-worn in my closet and hence they tend to be worth the investment.

Toteme striped silk skirt $720

3. I have wanted a Chanel reissue bag for years and I thought I wanted one in black until I saw the mini version of this bag in red at a local consignment store on Saturday. This one is my holy grail: I want the 255 size with gold hardware in burgundy. Now I just need to come up with $6k lol.

Chanel 2.55 reissue $6,250

4. Apparently every content creator featured this room freshener in their holiday gift guide, and as a certified Santa Maria Novella stan, I am not sure how I missed this product, but now I totally want it. I wish it came in either the Rosa Gardenia or Rosa Novella scents, but Melograno is my third favorite so I'll take it.

Santa Maria Novella Melograno Terra Cotta $95

5. I saw a bracelet just like this one at Dover Street Market over the holidays, and because I was in DSM, I was afraid to even ask the price. A reverse image search led me to this one by Aurate, which has lab-grown stones and gold plating, but the price is much more palatable (I'm assuming!).

Aurate ombré rainbow baguette tennis bracelet $608

3 life-altering tips for washing your face

2026-02-02T05:30:00.000-08:00

I have a friend with exquisite, poreless skin and I nearly died of shame when I found out that she never washed her face. At the time, I was—unbeknownst to me—stripping the hell out of mine every night with a harsh glycolic acid cleanser that my dermatologist had recommended to keep my acne under control. This was many years ago and while I've thankfully since figured out that my skin reacts best to a gentle cleanser, it took me awhile to learn how to actually use it effectively. But after many, many years on this planet, I've finally honed in on three life-altering tips that have transformed how I cleanse my face.

It all starts with a good cleanse

Tip #1: Pick a gentle yet effective cleanser

This is the hardest part, and to be honest, it may take a little trial and error. The two biggest things to take into account are 1) your skin type and 2) how much makeup you wear. Your skin type will influence what cleanser format you choose. For oily skin, you usually want a lightweight gel; combination can do a cream or pretty much anything; sensitive tends to go for a balm; and dry works well with something thicker like an oil. That said, personal preference can play into this as well, in terms of texture—you could have oily skin and prefer a balm—so that's where you may have to experiment a bit. That said, I always advise you to choose a cleanser that simply cleanses; you absolutely do not need any active ingredients (retinoids, vitamin C, acids) because they are on your face for such a short period of time that you are literally pouring them down the drain. As for the makeup factor, if you tend to wear a full face every day, you will likely want to do a double cleanse of some sort. In full transparency, the most I ever do is take off my eye and lip makeup with a micellar water (Bioderma is my favorite), then follow with my usual cleanser—which, for the record, is Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm.

If you need a recommendation, these are my all-time favorite cleansers:

Gel cleanser: Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

Cream cleanser: Fresh Soy Cleanser

Cleansing balm: Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm

Cleansing oil: OneLove Organics or Biossance

Micellar water: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water

The double-cleansing dream team

Tip #2: Cleanse your face for 60 seconds

I was embarrassingly old when I found out that to effectively cleanse your skin, you need to do it for at least a minute. I can't tell you how long I was doing it before, but I can tell you once I started counting to 60 while washing my face, my skin showed an immediate improvement in terms of clarity and brightness. An important thing to note: you do not want to scrub your skin. Think of moving your hands lightly over your face one at a time, like you're doggie-paddling through water.

Swim, don't scrub

Tip #3: Use a washcloth to exfoliate and remove the cleanser

I am maybe a big weirdo because I like to apply my cleanser directly to my skin without any water, then I remove it with a wet washcloth, but this is because I have very dry, rather reactive skin that's prone to eczema, and for whatever reason, this is what works for me. You may love to lather up then rinse away your cleanser by splashing water on your face. Personally, I find that removing my cleanser with a warm, damp washcloth is the most effective method, because it has the added benefit of exfoliating the dead skin cells that live on your face—removing these on the regular keeps your skin soft, smooth, and glowy, and doing this physically (versus with a chemical, like AHA or BHA) in combination with a moisturizing cleanser is the perfect gentle balance. I buy cheap-ass gray washcloths at Target in bundles of 6 (trust me, you want a dark color) and use one per cleanse. Do not reuse your dirty washcloths without laundering them—you are just smearing oil and bacteria around your formerly clean face. Another bonus of using a washcloth is that I feel like it really removes all of the cleanser—I usually take a couple of passes over my face, rinsing the washcloth in between. The cleaner your face is, the more effectively it can absorb the serums, treatments, and moisturizers you put on it afterward!

An honest review of Nili Lotan Shon jeans & pants

2026-01-26T05:32:00.000-08:00

One of my most-clicked but lowest-converting links is for my Nili Lotan Shon jeans (formerly known as Emerson jeans). I think I know why: While these jeans are truly unique-looking in terms of fit, they are definitely an investment. I feature both my Shon jeans and pants on the blog frequently because I actually wear them a lot in real life. I've been trying to buy fewer but better-quality pieces over the last few years, and while I obviously still love a bargain, when I find a truly transformative, holy grail piece of clothing, I'm willing to spend accordingly. Here's why the Shon is worth the splurge.

The Shon jean vs. the Shon pant

While I'd like to say the Shon pant was my Nili Lotan gateway drug, it was actually the Flavie trouser—a pleated, wide-leg silhouette—that I tried first (and now own in two colors). After seeing it all over IG and Substack, I decided to try the Shon pant, and while I have yet to try a pair of Nili Lotan pants that I haven't loved, the Shon is definitely my favorite. The silhouette is what I'd call an articulated barrel cut. The waist is high, the thighs bow outward, then a stitched dart at the knee brings the calf back inward. The overall shape makes you look a little bowlegged to be honest, but in a so-wrong-it's-right kind of way. I have a straight body with narrow hips and I like the curved effect that the silhouette creates. My Shon pants are 98% cotton2% elastane and it's the softest brushed twill fabric I've ever felt; my Shon jeans are 98% cotton/2% polyurethane, and the denim is on the lightweight side, with a nice slouch to it. I wear both all year round.

This is the Shon pant

And this is the Shon jean

What size to order

If you have the opportunity to try the Shon on in person, I encourage you to do so. Advice on the Internet ranges from taking your normal size (or even going up a size, which honestly seems nuts to me) or going down up to three sizes—which, considering the smallest size the Shon is offered in is a 24, that might be difficult for those of you on the lower end. I am almost always a size 6; my Shon pants are a size 2 (e.g. I went down two sizes) and my Shon jeans are a 27 (e.g. I went down one size). I probably could have gone down two sizes in the jeans, but I find that the denim fabric doesn't have as much give as the brushed twill. Two things to note: One, in spite of sizing down, both pants still fit pretty roomy. I tend to wear a belt with both, and even if I'm feeling bloated, I still have space to breathe. Two, that said, your body type—and how you like your clothes to fit—will likely influence what size you end up with. This is why I recommend trying them on in person if possible, but if not, you may have to do a little return-and-exchange to find the right fit.

My honest review

Yes, the Shon jeans are expensive (for the record, they've gone up in price since I've bought them); they occasionally do go on sale, and you can also find them on The Real Real. And while I haven't tried on every barrel jean or pant out there, I've tried on quite a few and nothing else fits as well as the Shon. There's just something so cool about the shape. It's slouchy and a little arty, but not too weird. It feels like a true classic with a twist, and it elevates whatever you wear with it. These pants are so comfy, I wear them all day and even when I'm traveling. And, if I'm being honest, having to size down is a little self-esteem boost. I would honestly buy these in a few more colors, like black and green, but Sean told me I needed to stop after two pairs. Then again, when you find something you truly love, it's ok to buy it in allll the colors!

Where to buy Shon jeans

Nili Lotan

Net-A-Porter

Saks/Bergdorf Goodman

MyTheresa

Shopbop

The best things I bought in 2025, part 2

2026-01-12T05:32:00.000-08:00

Last week I shared my best fashion buys of 2025; this week we're onto beauty. While I receive a lot of products for free—I work in the beauty industry and get a lot of gratis at work, and brands send me a lot of stuff to try as well—I do actually buy a lot of things myself, so most of what I've included here is stuff I've spent my own money on (with a few exceptions that are noted below). Here are my top 10 favorite beauty buys of 2025.

From left to right:

AquaFlor Giardino di Boboli diffuser

It's hard to describe the magical experience of shopping at AquaFlor in Florence (although I tried here) and perhaps even harder to describe the scent of the diffuser I bought there. It's still going strong more than six months later, and whenever I pass it, I'm reminded of our amazing Italian vacation—warm, citrusy, luxurious. I will likely pay through the nose in tariffs for the refill, but it will be 100% worth it.

Violette FR Bisou Balm

A lot of influencers have been raving about this, so I decided to investigate and completely agree it's worth the hype. The texture is unlike anything I've tried before. It's matte yet not thick or drying; the color payoff looks kind of like you applied it a couple of hours ago and it's softened into a lighter version of itself. That said, the color is buildable and longer-lasting than you'd expect. I love this so much, I definitely want to try it in more colors (this is Betise and I have my eye on Mon Cheri).

Oribe Straight Away Smoothing Blowout Cream

I have fine, naturally wavy, color-treated hair that I know I should let air dry, but I prefer to blow it out twice a week. I have tried a gazillion straightening sprays and lotions, but this one is by far my favorite (it's what my stylist uses on me as well, which is how I discovered it). It manages to keep frizz at bay without weighing down my hair or making it look stringy. This is the smaller size and it's lasted me the better part of a year; I will definitely be repurchasing...once Sephora finally restocks it, fingers crossed.

Matiere Premiere Discovery Set

Buying perfume sampler sets is generally an unwise way to spend money unless it comes with a bounceback coupon for a full size. That said, I have truly enjoyed this set of minis that I picked up in Florence. I don't know that I'd commit to full sizes of any of these scents, but I love wearing them occasionally to mix it up, particularly Santal Astral.

Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin

Full transparency: I hate the name of this product and I'm not a big fan of the shiny bronze twist-top packaging either. But the formula itself blends into my skin seamlessly and you can build it up on days when you're looking extra blotchy. I've been using it daily for months and it barely looks like I've made a dent, so it's an economical buy as well.

Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Butter (c/o)

Having been burned (literally—I'm talking rashes, folks) by the cellulite creams of the early 2000s, I tend to be skeptical of any cream claiming to firm the skin. But I did notice that my arms and chest looked noticeably tighter while using this one. The texture is thicccck, which I love, and the scent is citrusy and light, which I also enjoy. It's not a miracle, but it's a damn good body butter.

Tatcha Longevity Serum (c/o)

In full transparency, I work for Tatcha and received this product for free; my opinions don't reflect those of my parent company, but I will say, this is by far my favorite product we launched this year. It makes your skin look plumper and feel smoother; it's no fountain of youth, but it may just be the next best thing.

Casa dell'Unkown hand soap

I ordered this after trying it in the restroom at Kitchen Istanbul, one of my favorite restaurants in San Francisco. It's a liquid pumice soap and it makes your hands so soft, plus the scent I bought, Anacapri, smells like heaven (they offer it in several others). It's still somewhat pricey for hand soap, but it's at least a lot less than Aesop and I love the scent even more!

Sarah Creal Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment

I have reached the age where my lips have begun disappearing, particularly on top; keeping lipstick in place is a real challenge. I don't know what wizardry is in this formula, but it manages to grip whatever color I put on my lips and make it last much longer. I went through this embarrassingly quickly and promptly bought another tube as I can no longer live without it.

Chillhouse Chill Tips (pictured below)

I don't know if I'm a long-nails kind of person but I definitely can be with these. More sophisticated than the press-on nails of our youth, they also last much longer—mine held on for 14 days with only my thumbnail popping off once (I re-glued it and it stayed put from then on). I wouldn't recommend this particular design as the gold tips started to wear off after a couple of days, but I would definitely try a solid color.

The best things I bought in 2025, part 1

2026-01-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

It's not that I'm in denial about it being a new year—I'm always happy to welcome a new one, particularly after the roller coaster that was 2025—but in spite of having the last two weeks off and doing absolutely nothing for the last half of it, I am somehow amazed at how quickly time passed. So before I mentally adjust to 2026, I thought I'd take a look back at the last year and acknowledge some pretty solid buys. Here are my favorite things I bought in 2025.

Citizens of Humanity Ayla Jeans

After reading on Line Sheet that power stylist Elyse Winter considers this one of the best denim fits of all time, I ordered a pair and concur. It's the rare wide-leg jean that doesn't overwhelm you, and it looks good with all kinds of footwear, from heeled boots to flat loafers. I sized down in these.

Isabel Marant printed top

I saw this top in a consignment store in Vancouver back in January but ordered it off of The Real Real and loved it so much, I bought the matching skirt. It's a grown-up going-out top and just the kind of whimsy I need more of in my wardrobe.

Madewell studded belt

While I've found Madewell's fashion to be a bit lacking the last few years, they've been killing it in the accessories department, and this studded belt was the latest in several statement-makers I've added to my lineup in the last few years.

Zara printed jacket

This was a total impulse buy but ended up being one of my most-worn pieces of outerwear, particularly since we had an abnormally cool summer (and fall) here in San Francisco. It's sadly long sold out, but never fails to attract compliments.

Spanx underwear

I had a pair of Spanx Lace Hi-Hipsters that I rarely wore but reached for on a very bloated-feeling day last year and as soon as I put them on, I was like, "Ohhh, these are good." So I ordered a bunch more and will gradually add more whenever they go on sale—they are indeed undetectable and hold you in just enough.

H&M moccasins

I own a lot of shoes and try to be conscious of not buying too many new ones, especially considering that I end up wearing sneakers or flats 95% of the time. That said, I wear these a lot—the fringe adds a little fun to whatever you've got going on, but most importantly, they're comfy AF.

Toteme flannel top & J.Crew slip skirt

I spotted a variation of this Toteme shirt on women all over New York back in May and when this flannel version went on sale, I pounced. It's actually the perfect weight for the perpetually cool climate that I live in, and I wear it nearly every week. The skirt made me fall in love with J.Crew all over again; it's the basic-but-better piece I reach for repeatedly.

Gap pointelle sweater

2025 was the year Gap made a comeback, and with super-versatile pieces like this pointelle cotton sweater, you can understand why. I wore it nearly every day on my vacation to Italy and well into fall here.

Roxanne Assoulin necklace

After vowing to stop buying cheap jewelry in 2025, I kind of blacked out and bought this semi-custom necklace on my trip to NYC. It's still costume jewelry but high quality and it brings a smile to my face whenever I wear it (whch is frequently).

Coming next week: my best beauty buys of 2025!

2025 year in review

2025-12-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

Halfway through January 2025, I seriously thought I wasn't going to make it through the entire year. That may sound a little dramatic, but January was a rough month for me. I started the year with an intense respiratory infection that would not go away and had a very unexpected professional development arise mid-month. And then there was the inauguration and the chaos that ensued (and is still ongoing, to be honest). Thankfully things got better from there. While I am fairly dependent on the Internet for my livelihood, I slowly started living more of my life offline and re-learned how to be more in my senses. I spent most of May traveling, first to New York, then to Italy. I started a new job in June that I am so much happier doing. I tried (tried!) to save more money and spend more consciously. I feel so much more calm and balanced than I did at this time last year, when I basically went on a bacchanal in NYC to blow off some steam (note: it did not work). You may notice that I'm not on Instagram as much as I used to be; that is intentional and I highly suggest trying it. In a world that's quickly moving toward AI slop in so many places, I want to embrace what's authentic and human. But before I do more of that, here's a look back at 2025.

This is an outfit we shot back in October and never used on the blog—the season has passed, but I still love this transitional look!

My favorite post

This is more for outfit reasons than content reasons, although I do value my ongoing partnership with Inez shoes—I really love what I'm wearing in this honest review of Inez sandals. It's simple yet very me, and while I don't wear heels as much as I used to, this pair is really, truly comfortable (and you can use cheryl15 for 15% off your purchase).

Your favorite post

I got incredible results from the Revitalash eyelash conditioner and my before-and-after shot went viral, making my honest review by far and away this year's most-read post. Which reminds me, I need to start using this again!

My favorite item

I made a lot of great purchases in 2025, but my favorite ended up being the Isabel Marant blouse I'm wearing here (and here)—I loved it so much, I picked up the matching skirt. Both are sadly from a past collection, but you can often find them on The Real Real.

Your favorite item

I first featured Madewell's skinny western belt in a post about Khaite belt dupes from last year, but I wear mine at least once a week IRL and obviously the style has staying power, because it was hands down 2025's top-selling item.

What I'm doing less of in 2026

I felt the need to defend the idea of trends in my most recent trend reports, and while I still think it's not a dirty word, for some reason those posts don't seem to resonate with you (in other words, you're not clicking on or buying a lot from them). Maybe they're too specific? That said, they're a high-effort, low-reward type of content for me, so consider them retired.

What I'm doing more of in 2026

I tried out a few new types of content this year and it seems like you're more into sale guides like this one and product roundups. So expect more in the vein of mini reviews and store guides. Thanks, as always for your feedback, and if there's anything else you want to see from me in 2026, leave a comment below. I'll be taking the next few weeks off for some much-needed R&R, but I'll be back in January with more reviews, dupes, and more of what you love. Happy holidays!

The perfect red party shoes: Bells & Becks Nadia

2025-12-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

There's a lot to love about the holidays—quality time with loved ones, a general sprit of joy and celebration—but I particularly enjoy getting dressed up for all the parties. I own far too many sequined pieces in proportion to how many events I actually attend, but few things put me in a more festive mood than a little sparkle. What's been missing from my holiday wardrobe, however, was the perfect pair of red party shoes. I have an older, more casual pair of red suede slippers that I break out for more low-key events, but I wanted something that made more of a statement. Thankfully I found the perfect pair at Bells & Becks, an indie shoe brand that makes really sophisticated, refined shoes that you don't see every day. Meet the Nadia in crimson, my new go-to party shoe.

The Nadia (use code cheryl10 for 10% off)

If you're not familiar with Bells & Becks—I wore the Aurora in this post—it's a brand founded by my former coworker Tamar Miller; I can attest that Tamar has incredible taste and an amazing network of family-owned Italian factories where the shoes are made. All Bells & Becks shoes have a little detail or two that just make them so unique, and as someone who values comfort, I appreciate that they tend to have lower heels and lightly padded footbeds. The Nadia is kind of a cross between a Mary Jane and a d'Orsay, with a dainty little button and a devastatingly sexy pointed toe that does not at all pinch. It comes in four different colors, but I love how the crimson leather has a texture to it that makes it look like velvet—and that made it the obvious choice for the holidays. I've worn these shoes several times already, including on a five-hour holiday bar crawl, and can attest that they're surprisingly comfortable; I ordered my usual European size 39 (I'm an 8.5 US). Read on for some of the ways I've worn them.

Dressed down

Sometimes sequins and lace aren't the best choice for a daytime event; for, say, a work party, my advice is to wear what you'd usually wear, then throw in a festive accessory or two, like the Nadia—the pop of red goes a long way but doesn't feel over the top.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Quince leather jacket | Naked Cashmere sweater (similar) | IRO pants (similar) | Bells & Becks Nadia shoes (c/o; use cheryl10 for 10% off)

Dressed up

While not the most dressed up I tend to get—that would require sequins—I do love a mix of faux fur, silk, and lace, with a cozy sweater thrown in for good measure. I also maybe didn't need the red tassel earrings with this look, but I do love how this pair brightens up my face, especially when I'm otherwise wearing all black.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Vintage faux fur jacket (similar here) | Modern Citizen Hadeel sweater | J.Crew slip skirt (current) | Bells & Becks Nadia shoes (c/o; use cheryl10 for 10% off)

The Cheryl Shops 2025 holiday gift guide

2025-11-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

Every content creator and media outlet on the face of the planet puts out a gift guide, and since I've been doing them since 2009, why stop now? Getting a gift guide together is a lot of work, but it's also very fun and for people who know me personally, very helpful this time of year. As always, everything I've included here is something I would actually love to give and/or receive, but more importantly, I hope these suggestions help you check off your gift list. Here are my favorite holiday gifts for 2025.

Gifts under $25

1. I feel like socks as a gift used to be a punchline—like ties for Father's Day—but I honestly love getting socks as a gift, because they're something I generally hate buying for myself. These Pendelton socks are classic but fun and come in a bunch of different colors, although I'm partial to the classic combination.

Pendelton National Park Crew Socks

2. I watched a documentary on the Carlyle Hotel in New York and was fascinated to learn that during your stay, each guest is given pillowcases embroidered with their initials. That's classy AF and something I'd like to re-create in my own home. You can customize these with anything you want, and they're even less than a drink the Carlyle's Bemelmans Bar.

Custom embroidered pillowcases

3. Crankycakes Shop on Etsy has the best ornaments on the planet—they're a little kitschy, very well made, and have so much personality. There are so many hilarious options to choose from, but my favorite is this GLP-1 syringe. Just make sure whomever you give this to has a hearty sense of humor.

Injection pen syringe ornament

4. When I entertain, I tend to put out single-use cocktail napkins, which make cleanup easier but are more expensive over time and do create waste. I feel like an upgrade to this reusable set with a groovy '60s pattern would be a more sustainable choice.

Eames dots cocktail napkins set

5. I have a coworker whose nails always look amazing; she has two young kids and I marveled at how she had time to sit in a salon for hours. Turns out she uses these at-home press-on nails (they're reusable!), which sure look like salon quality to me.

Glamnetic premium press-on nail kit

6. I have apparently been living under a rock, but John Derian did a collab with Target and it's filled with a bunch of housewares that look vintage and/or imported from Europe—this serving platter is a dead ringer for something I saw in a gorgeous ceramics shop around the corner from our hotel in Venice.

John Derian for Target stoneware leaf serving platter

Gifts under $50

1. Speaking of Italy, one of my favorite discoveries was the brand Ortigia Sicilia; this soap in particular is not my favorite scent (that would be Fico d'India) but the reusable dish that it comes on is fabulous AF and would make the most gorgeous trinket dish.

Ortigia Sicilia Ambra Nera soap dish set

2. This T-shirt has been following me around the Internet—I think I was first served an ad for it on Instagram—and every time I look at it, I laugh. I'm usually not one for parody tees, but this one is just so good. (It also comes in a sweatshirt version.)

Polychrome Goods Saint Croissant tee

3. I'm getting to the age where I've found a little color around my face does a world of good to brighten things up. This necklace is just so fun; it reminds me a little of the edible candy necklaces I used to get as a kid, now upgraded to (non-edible) semiprecious stones.

Baublebar Amaris necklace

4. Of all the books Michelle Obama has written, her new one is the one I'm most interested in—she was by far the most stylish First Lady since Jackie Kennedy, and her impact on American fashion to this day is undeniable.

The Look by Michelle Obama

5. I have a somewhat gnarly old hairbrush that I love but I think is starting to disintegrate. I have a smaller version of this one that I love and keep in my purse, but I think it's time to upgrade my daily. I love all of the glamorous patterns this one comes in, particularly the leopard print.

Solar Eclipse Perfect Daily Hairbrush

6. When you live in a house with four silver MacBooks—and you accidentally show up to work with your partner's personal laptop, not that this has ever happened to me—this laptop case is the answer. Note: it's normally a bit above $50 but is currently on sale for Black Friday, so take advantage!

Heavenly Mayhem laptop case

Gifts under $100

1. I say "Not my circus, not my monkeys" several times a week at least, so I love that someone else appreciates this phrase enough to put it on a pillow. While there's something a little "live laugh love" about it, I dig the kitschiness.

Furbish Not My Circus needlepoint pillow

2. Have you ever seen a prettier colander? Or even one that comes with a matching plate? I worry that the enamel on this one will eventually start to chip off, but what a gorgeous way to rinse your greens or drain your pasta! Note: this one is on sale at the moment but is normally over $100.

Golden Rabbit Herbs enamelware colander set

3. The Gen-Z fascination with the '90s has moved into its grunge era, and I'm starting to see a lot of striped and baseball tees, just like I wore in high school and college. While I generally tend to sit a trend out the second time it comes around, there's just something so classic about a tee like this.

Madewell vintage jersey baseball tee

4. I tend not to use powder highlighter and blush because it cakes on my skin, but the case of this palette is so lovely, I almost wouldn't care if I didn't use it—and there are three other designs that are just as striking. FCC disclosure: I work for Hourglass' parent company, Unilever Prestige, however the choice to include this here was 100% mine.

Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked palette

5. I find most winter hats—specifically beanies—to be problematic, as they smoosh my hair and make my head itch. So the prospect of a proper bucket hat rendered in a knit feels like a good compromise for winter weather. This one also comes in a more neutral gray-white combination that's sadly sold out at the moment.

COS tipped wool-mohair bucket hat

6. I have been dying to try Westman Atelier's lipsticks but the $50 price tag just seems hard to swallow. For some reason, three minis for $60 feels like a better deal, although I worry that these are probably tiny and you're likely better off committing to a full size. Still, I want.

Westman Atelier Mini Lip Suede trio set

Splurge gifts

1. I made it through a few episodes of With Love, Meghan on Neflix and my biggest takeaway was that I need a classic Le Creuset Dutch oven—she uses hers in literally every episode. Why I didn't register for one of these years ago when I got married is beyond me, but it's never too late, right?

Le Creuset enameled cast iron Dutch oven

2. Dries van Noten's perfumes are almost worth it for the gorgeous bottles alone, but the scents are so richly layered and expensive-smelling (because they are expensive). I am a big fan of tester kits before committing to a full size; you can also sample the entire line in this under-$100 set.

Dries van Noten signature scent Nomadic set

3. I fell in love with another aquamarine ring by this designer at Love Adorned back in May; that one is unfortunately gone from their website, but this splurgy beauty is still available. I've featured several aquamarine rings in years past, but I'll keep including them until my want has been satiated. (Someday!)

Kika Alvarenga aquamarine ring

4. Traveling to Italy twice in two years really ignited my love of high-end housewares; one of my local favorite shops had a block-printed tablecloth by this brand on sale a few months ago and even though I still don't have a proper dining room table, I'm kicking myself for not buying it (yep, it's long gone). This one is similarly (but not quite as) stunning.

Stamperia Bertozzi jungle linen tablecloth

5. I absolutely do not need another purse, but all of the cool girls in NYC were carrying a similar big slouchy hobo during my trip earlier this year and I've been thinking about getting one since. I love the color and soft shape of this one in particular.

A.P.C. Le Neige hobo bag

6. I think nearly every influencer I follow has recommended these slippers; consider me influenced, because I need a new pair and these look damn near perfect. I also love supporting locally based brands—Rothy's is a San Francisco company, and this is the first pair of their shoes that I've been into. P.S. Their sale is on!

Rothy's The Casual Clog

An honest review of Inez boots

2025-11-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

Use code cheryl15 for 15% off your purchase at Inez.

When it comes to your fall-winter wardrobe, one of the most versatile things you can buy is a pair of black boots that go with everything. While fashion trends can definitely influence my choices, I personally like a low heel that's not too chunky, an almond-shaped toe, and a streamlined shape—a classic black boot, if you will. The funny thing is, I can't remember the last time I actually bought a workhorse black boot, so I decided this was the year. Thankfully, it didn't take me long to find the right pair. I've been partnering with Inez shoes for the last year and their footwear strikes the elusive, perfect balance between style and comfort. They gifted me this pair of Andrea boots, but the following are my honest and unfiltered opinions.

Are Inez shoes really comfortable?

Yes! This is my third pair—I also own the Caro boot and the Isa sandal—and while it has the lowest heel of the three, they're all shockingly comfortable. (I say this as someone who used to wear at least three-inch heels most days but since the pandemic wears mostly flats or sneakers.) The secret is that all Inez shoes have a proprietary shock-absorbing foam insole that stabilizes the foot and supports the arch. Plus the entire line is made in a family-run factory in Spain and designed by a shoe-industry veteran who gets that women need comfortable shoes that actually look good. For more on the brand, you can read my reviews of the Caro boot and the Isa sandal.

The Andrea boot

While I usually gravitate toward a zip-up boot, I loved the ankle support of Caro so much that I wanted to try a similar style, and I chose the Andrea boot because it checked all of my boxes. The heel is an ideal 50 mm or 2 inches, and while it looks like a block heel from the side, there's a nice tapered effect to it from the back, which makes it feel a little more refined. The toe is a classic almond shape, which never goes out of style, probably because it's a happy medium between a pointy and a square toe. The Andrea is a Chelsea boot, meaning it has elastic gussets on the side instead of laces or zippers; this allows for a snug fit, and I find it to be very supportive through the ankle. As a bonus, there's a subtle yet substantial tab on the back that makes it easy to get the boot on and off. The Andrea also comes in a nice chocolate-brown shade of calf leather, and is available in sizes 6–10.5.

My honest review

I hate to play favorites, but the Andrea is my favorite pair of Inez shoes so far. The heel height is perfect, and the support level—through the shaft and in the sole, thanks to that signature memory-foam construction—is just right. It took a few wears for the leather to soften a bit (you can always speed this up with a little leather conditioner) but now that I've broken them in, they're the pair I've been wearing most often this fall. I never considered myself a Chelsea boot person, but this sleek interpretation works so well with jeans and trousers and feels so timeless. I couldn't have dreamed up a more perfect pair of boots. Like all Inez shoes I've tried, they run true to size—I'm in my usual 8.5, and while a little break-in period was necessary, they've molded to my foot nicely. Highly recommend—and don't forget to use cheryl15 for 15% off your purchase.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Banana Republic leather moto jacket | Xirena Scout shirt (c/o) | Nili Lotan Emerson Jeans | Inez Andrea boot (c/o) use cheryl15 for 15% off your purchase

An honest review of the Oura ring

2025-11-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend is not exactly hard to shop for, but I definitely agonize over what to get him for his birthday or Christmas, and while gifts aren't his number-one love language, I always want to give him something that he'll use and enjoy. I will award myself a pat on the back for giving him an Oura ring last year at Christmas; he immediately loved it and I could tell that he was using the data it provided to help him make subtle improvements in his health. I decided to get one for myself after seeing him enjoy it so much, and while not every data point has been a big surprise, I've learned some interesting things about my health.

I have the Oura ring in gold—as you can see, it's a little more yellow than the 14k gold ring on my middle finger.

How it works

It's pretty simple—you wear the Oura ring 24 hours a day (especially while sleeping!) and it communicates via Bluetooth with an app on your phone. It provides you with a daily assessment of your baseline health and tracks several key data points:

This is what you see when you open your Oura app

Readiness: This is an assessment of how much mental and physical energy you'll have for the day based on how well you slept, how much activity you did on the previous day, and some vital stats like body temperature and resting heart rate.

Sleep: One of my favorite things about the Oura ring is its tracking of your sleep quality, including various stages, timing/consistency, how long it takes you to fall asleep, and the associated vitals. After a month or so, Oura will provide you with a chronotype, which gives you guidance in terms of sleep-wake schedule, physical activity, and mental alertness. For the record, I'm a late morning type.

Activity: While I walk frequently and work out several times a week, I thought I was pretty sedentary until I got the Oura ring. It tracks all movement you do, including frequency and volume, and if you've been sitting too long, it sends you a push notification suggesting that you "stretch your legs a bit." I discovered that even blow-drying my hair counts as activity (I classify it as "housework") and in spite of not doing much cardio, my cardiovascular age is 5 years younger than my actual age.

Cycle: If you've never tracked your body temperature in the name of natural family planning (a.k.a. the rhythm method), this may be the biggest surprise, but Oura is very accurate in monitoring your menstrual cycle from follicular phrase (your period and fertile days, roughly the first half of your cycle) to luteal (after you've ovulated but before your period starts, when your temperature spikes a degree or so). This may be TMI, but I've discovered I start my luteal phase a little late, around day 18, and my period tends to start on the 2nd day after my temperature drops. While I'm not looking forward to perimenopause, I feel like it will be somewhat fascinating to track!

Heart rate & stress: Of all the stats that Oura tracks, this one might be the most controversial, at least on Reddit. Oura doesn't disclose what exactly goes into the stress assessment, but I think it's mostly heart rate or as they call it, physiological stress. I've often found I'm "stressed" when I'm excited or having fun; I also got that warning when I had food poisoning. I'll go into a little more detail about this in a bit, but this is the vital stat that I try to pay the least attention to, because it's the one I have the least control over.

Clockwise from top left: my readiness score, sleep score, cycle, and activity score

What I love about the Oura ring

The ring itself: It took me a couple of days to get used to it, but now I barely notice I'm wearing it (I put mine on my left index finger). I never take it off, except to shower and to charge it, which I do about every 5 days. It's so much more subtle than wearing a watch. My one quibble is that the gold finish I chose is a little too yellow next to my actual gold rings, but I think it's already mellowing out a little with time.

The data tracking and analysis: I love that I can easily monitor all of the vitals I mentioned above, and that if I'm getting sick or if I slept like garbage, Oura gives me a plan of action—or inaction—for the day. It sounds silly, but sometimes I push myself too hard and "power through," and it's reassuring to have an informed source telling you that you need to take it easy—or conversely, to get out in the world and maximize your energy.

The mothering: I've known for awhile that if I have more than a couple of drinks, my sleep is negatively impacted. What I did not know was how much, and now I can see that my body temperature is elevated, my resting heart rate is high and drops late in the night, and I have less deep sleep (and am awake more). I then have data points correlating to why I feel like crap the next day. Maybe I didn't need a fitness tracker to tell me this, but I do feel that it holds me accountable for my actions, and I've been consciously making healthier choices.

I like the little pep talks Oura gives you!

What the Oura ring could do better

I have one grievance with the Oura ring and it's very small in the grand scheme of things but worth mentioning nonetheless. Maybe it's because I'm very relaxed when I'm doing this, but nine times out of ten, Oura thinks that I'm trying to sleep when I stretch out on the couch to watch TV or a movie. Thankfully you can manually adjust the time you actually went to sleep—no, Oura, I did not call it a night at 8:30 p.m.!—but the moment of panic when you get a mediocre (and undeserved) sleep score is really annoying.

The other thing worth mentioning is that Oura's stress tracking is a little nebulous. From what I can tell, it's physiological stress based primarily on your heart rate, and Oura is able to tell when it's elevated due to activity or for other reasons. I've found that mine rises when I'm drinking, especially during the day, and when I'm hot—on Labor Day weekend, when I was both very hot and day drinking, my stress level was elevated for like 8 hours straight, which was a little alarming. Sometimes it goes up when I'm having fun, or for reasons I can't figure out at all. Either way, I try not to get too hung up on this metric, but I do wish Oura would detail what goes into it—and maybe call it something other than stress.

I was stressed on this day because it was a little warm outside and the bus was crowded

My honest review

An Oura ring likely won't tell you things you don't already know about your health, but if you let it, it will hold you accountable for changing them. I looking at my data, assessing it for the day, and adjusting accordingly. It feels gratifying when I get an alert that I've hit my activity goals for the day, and while I don't always have control over how well I sleep, I love waking up to an optimal readiness score. It helps me feel like I'm taking charge of my health and taking care of myself, and that, to me, is worth the monthly subscription fee—which, like the ring itself, can be paid for with an FSA or HSA, if you have one.

Where to buy the Oura ring

I got mine on Amazon, which tends to discount them frequently, but you can also purchase Oura rings on their official site, at Target, and at Best Buy. No matter where you buy yours, I highly recommend ordering the ring sizing kit first (its cost will be applied toward your ring), as I ended up wearing a bigger size than normal.

Fall trends: polo sweaters

2025-10-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up in the '80s, polos and rugbys were everywhere...and I hated them. As a very individualistic child, they felt like trying to be something I wasn't. I still have an aversion to actual polos, but polo sweaters I can get behind. They tend to come in softer, more neutral colors and more sophisticated fits, plus they don't have an annoying little logo embroidered on the chest. Polo sweaters have been around for a few years now, but I'm including them in this year's trend report because they've evolved a bit. Whereas a few years ago they all had open collars—technically called a Johnny collar—this year's batch has buttons at the placket, the deeper the better in my opinion. My original intent was to wear one of the latter, but you'll see I'm in the former for reasons I'll explain in a minute. Long story short, I'm a big believer in this season's polo sweaters, and I've got my eye on a bunch of great options.

But first, I have a problem that it seems like a lot of other people also have, which is that I tend to think the answer to "I have nothing to wear" is more clothes. I saw a polo sweater that I really wanted and thought I'd build an entire post around it; I ordered it, tried it on, and realized two things. One, the silhouette didn't work for my body type—I have big boobs and a short torso, so a fitted, slightly cropped sweater makes me look totally out of proportion. Two, I already own a striped, collared sweater that I love, and while it's not exactly what I had in mind, I'm wearing it in this post to illustrate a point, which is you should always shop your closet first before going out and buying something new. This one is from Gap and is several years old; sadly they're not selling anything similar at the moment, but the good news is that I found a bunch of really great options below and full disclosure, I will probably end up buying at least one of them.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara blazer | Gap sweater (similar here) | Citizens of Humanity Ayla jeans | New Balance 327 sneakers

More polo sweaters

1. Not a secret but almost feels like it should be: J.W. Anderson, who's now the head designer at Dior, does a line of preppy-with-a-twist basics for Uniqlo, and a new collection just dropped. At $50, this merino wool(!) polo is pretty much a no-brainer, especially in Life of a Showgirl orange.

J.W. Anderson x Uniqlo Lambswool Polo Sweater

2. This Zara sweater is mostly synthetic, which I don't love, but I'm including it because the burgundy shade is so good (it also comes in gray and navy) and I like that it has a ribbed hem, which makes tucking into pants much easier.

Zara Plain Knit Polo sweater

3. Aligne is a newer brand that's making really, really good classic pieces with that little something extra that elevates them. This is what looks like a basic sweater but the ribbed sleeves, collar, and hem set it apart in the best kind of way.

Aligne Jill Knitted Polo Jumper

4. Sometimes it's all about the details, other times it's all about the fit. This one doesn't look super remarkable laying flat, but click through to the model shots and you'll see it has a perfectly drapey, relaxed fit that hangs away from the body just so. Love the rich chocolate color too.

Almina Concept Polo Wool Sweater

5. Everlane and I have had our ups and downs over the years, but they've always done really good knits, and this polo sweater is no exception. I love how deep the placket goes on this one, and while the burgundy is my favorite, the color offerings all feel spot-on.

Everlane Oversized Polo

6. Of course I had to include a cashmere option, and this may be a best-for-last situation. The shape on this one feels so versatile—the ribbed hem helps it hang perfectly and the overall fit is relaxed without being sloppy. Bonus points for the interesting seam detail and voluminous sleeves.

Loulou de Saison Homere Cashmere Sweater

Fall trends: fringed suede jackets

2025-10-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Suede has been surging in popularity for a few years now—I included it in last year's fall trends—and we're either about to reach Peak Suede or maybe it's just a sign that it's here to stay. I am a fan; because of the natural nap, it has a richer, softer texture than leather and it takes dye beautifully, particularly in autumnal colors like brown, which has also been trending for awhile now. That said, suede can be a little more high-maintenance than leather—it stains more easily and I find it to be harder to keep clean—but for what it lacks in ease of care, it makes up for in pure luxuriousness. And yet there's something inherently boho about suede, which is what appeals to me—it's the ultimate rich-hippie essential. Which brings me to my latest, very specific fall trend: the fringed suede jacket.

I was inspired to seek out a brown fringed suede jacket after seeing A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothee Chalamet and Monica Barbaro, who plays Joan Baez and wears several fantastic jackets in the movie, including this one. I was so inspired by the outfit she's wearing in this scene, I decided to re-create it for this post.

While I ideally wanted a vintage fringed suede jacket, I found most of what's out there to be rather stiff and heavy, so I then honed in on a Massimo Dutti jacket, which I featured in my birthday wishlist earlier this year. That jacket was originally $590, so I added it to my shopping bag then waited (and waited and waited) for a sale. Long story short, my patience paid off and I finally scored it for 60% off in July. The wait was worth it; this jacket is buttery soft and the cropped fit is *chef's kiss*. It's finally getting cool enough to actually wear it, and while I love the more transitional way I've styled it here, I can't wait to pair it with high-waisted wide-leg jeans and a great pair of boots. This exact jacket is sadly long gone, but read on for more great options.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Massimo Dutti jacket (similar here) | Madewell tee | Old Navy skirt | Sojos sunglasses | Vicenza Mary Jane shoes

More fringed suede jackets

1. Madewell had a really great suede boyfriend blazer last year that I had my eye on; I think this shirt jacket might be even better, albeit in a slightly different style. The caramel shade is really versatile, and the fit of this looks generous enough that you can layer a big, thick sweater underneath and still have a lot of room.

Madewell Fringe Shirt Jacket

2. While I'm generally not a fan of faux animal hides, I wanted to include a few faux suede options here for price sensitivity and because real suede can be challenging to care for. But this jacket is so unique, I would have included it regardless—it's definitely the most '80s-inspired option here, but in a more refined way than you'd expect. I love the placement of the fringe and the cropped fit.

Zara Faux Suede Fringed Jacket

3. I will admit, I didn't realize that Lucky Brand was still around, but this fringed suede jacket feels very on-brand (pun intended) for them. I like the tonal whipstitching around the edges—it's a very Western detail that works here. Also, I should note that this jacket is currently 50% off, making it an excellent deal, especially for real suede.

Lucky Brand Fringed Suede Jacket

4. If you want to try this trend but like a more streamlined look, this zip-front jacket reads more minimalist than boho—it has a sleek, almost '90s-inspired aesthetic that feels a little more elevated and polished than the rest of the jackets here.

Lysse Candence Fringe Trim Faux Suede Jacket

5. Edikted is a brand I keep reading about—apparently it's huge with Gen Alpha and younger Gen Z—and if this jacket is indicative of their line, I get it. The oversized silhouette feels a little '80s (I think my sister had a jacket like this, but in white) but it feels young and fun, and the price is right.

Edikted Evonka Fringe Faux Suede Jacket

6. I've had Nour Hammour's outerwear on my radar for awhile now; these are definitely investment pieces, but they're so uniquely detailed that they're kind of in a league of their own. This jacket reads '70s thanks to fringe but the belted silhouette feels so refined and I can only imagine how buttery-soft the suede must be. This is a textbook example of a "rich hippie" jacket.

Nour Hammour Cassidy Oversized Suede Fringe Jacket

Fall trends: leopard print bags

2025-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

I've said it more than once and I'll say it a thousand times: leopard print is a classic. So it's perhaps a bit disingenuous on my part to call leopard print a trend, but what's trending about it for me at the moment is a particular accessory in a specific shape: a slouchy bucket bag. There are several really, really good ones out there right now, but before I get to them, I wanted to give a shoutout to my Clare V mini tote, which has been with me for years. She still makes the larger version of the bag in a slightly different print, and if you're ok with a handheld or crook-of-the-arm tote, it would make a fantastic work bag. But for the rest of these, the shape I'm after is a shoulder bag with a more elongated silhouette. Read on for my favorites of the season.

OUTFIT DETAILS: old Banana Republic blazer | Agolde 90s jeans | Clare V simple tote (big version) | Birkenstock Buckley clogs

More leopard-print bags

1. I've already featured this bag in my Substack but here it is again because it's so good, especially for the price (it's under $300 and often goes on promo). The shape is very simple (it reminds me of The Row's Park tote) but what's really smart about it is that the haircalf is only on one side; the side that faces your body is regular leather, which is ideal because that way the texture won't rub off. Proof that J.Crew is back!

J.Crew Berkeley bucket bag

2. This bag is YSL and before you get mad at me, it's amazingly under $100, because it's cotton and probably on the more lightweight side. BUT the placement of the print is what really gets me—I love how it gets darker in the middle—and in spite of not being a truly slouchy shape, I think this is still a solid option.

YSL leopard tote

3. This is the bag that most of the Internet and I are currently drooling over. It's by Toteme, which makes excellent everything and obviously knows it because their prices keep creeping up (or maybe that's just inflation and/or tariffs). Anyway, I love the shape, the buckle detail, the print, the fact that there's no blatant branding...10/10 no notes.

Toteme belted tote

4. Wait, when did Reformation start making bags? I really like the asymmetrical shape of this one—it's just subtle enough to make a difference, and the overall wider profile of this one reminds me of one of the most underrated bags of all time, the Hermès Picotin.

Reformation Silvana bag

5. I appreciate a brand that makes a well-crafted luxury bag but prices it somewhat more within reach; this one is definitely still a stretch, but from what I've heard about this brand, the quality is well worth it. I also like the more east-west flared shape, which reminds me of Phoebe Philo–era Celine.

Demellier The Midi New York bag

6. I also featured this bag on my fall shopping list; as I've mentioned many times before, Isabel Marant is my favorite (and most-worn) designer so of course it makes sense that I love her interpretation of a leopard print. Ideally this bag is big enough to fit my laptop, I hope?

Isabel Marant Oskan soft hobo bag

Fall trends: harem pants

2025-09-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

Lately "trend" has become a dirty word, and I can kind of understand why. Fashion has always had trends—the definition of the word itself means something popular or current—but social media has definitely sped up the lifespan of a trend, and fast fashion retailers, particularly those of the drop-ship variety from overseas, have been happy to comply with this lightning-fast cycle. Not to mention, we're coming out of a longer "quiet luxury" moment that emphasized more timeless, neutral, trend-agnostic pieces versus novelty. This is not a dig on minimalism; I understand why so many people gravitate toward a look that feels more classic—there's a certain ease to it, and figuring out what to wear can be challenging enough. That said, quiet luxury itself is a trend, and sure, it's fun to cosplay as old money. Which is exactly the point: Fashion should be fun. It's fun to try on something new—a trend!—and see if fits. If it doesn't, or if you don't even want to try it on, you don't have to participate! As I always say, life is short and you should wear what you love. But sometimes you don't know what you love if you're not trying new things. Case in point, I thought the mere idea of oysters was gross until I was starving and at a party where they were the only food that was being served. Out of desperation, I tried some. Guess what? Oysters are delicious. Which brings me to the harem pant.

The Old Navy harem pant

Harem pants have come and gone in and out of fashion several times over the years; I feel like we may have recently had a drop-crotch moment about 14 or 15 years ago but not a full I Dream of Jeanie harem pant moment. I started to notice a few of my favorite forward-thinking bloggers like Leandra Medine wearing them recently and wasn't actively seeking a pair until I was on Old Navy's website to buy the baggy denim shorts (also a trend!) I featured a couple of weeks ago. The shopping-cart algorithm surprised me by suggesting a pair of harem pants and since they were half off at the time, I thought why not? In spite of the fact that the rusty color is not one I'd normally gravitate toward, I took a chance and you know what? I love these pants. I was worried that the amount of fabric would be overwhelming, but it's not at all—the wide ruched waistband plus the tied ankles keep the silhouette under control. Pants this comfortable should not be so flattering, but they are. I've worn them out three weekends in a row and have a feeling they're going to be one of my favorite pants of the season. And I'd never know if I hadn't tried this trend on for size. Speaking of which, size down in these—I'm in a small.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Gap denim jacket | Zara crochet cardigan (similar here) | old Alexander Wang tee (similar here) | Old Navy harem pants | Gucci Brixton loafers

More harem pants to try

1. Some brands call this style a "balloon pant" because...maybe they think harem feels like an outdated (and kind of gross) term? Fair. If you search for balloon pant, however, you may find a bunch of what I'd call a horseshoe or barrel pant. Let's get our terminology straight, fashion industry! Anyway, I like the slinky texture and gold color of this pair.

Ronny Kobo Dickens Balloon Pants

2. Like many trends, this one started on the runway, and I particularly liked Alaia's sheer version. I should note that these are incredibly expensive but if you have the disposable income, most likely impeccably constructed.

Alaia Sheer Balloon Pants

3. As you might expect from a brand that skews heavily boho, Free People has a lot of harem pant variations. This one veers more into a loungewear category as a knit pant, but I thought the pointelle pattern was really feminine and soft, and would look really interesting paired with something more structured, like a blazer.

Spell Rhodes Knit Pants

4. If you really want to make a statement, these printed harem pants are the way to go. The paisley pattern reminds me of a really groovy moth, in a very '70s hippie kind of way. These are also an investment, but I've found Zimmermann to be generally worth it.

Zimmermann Hypnotic Silk Harem Pant

5. Chocolate brown is the fall color that's here to stay, so these Mango pants get you two trends in one. The stretch jersey fabric makes them feel a little more minimalist versus boho, but I should note that they're polyester, which is to be expected at this price.

Mango Balloon Pants

6. To be honest, I kind of forgot about ASOS, but here they are with a very voluminous pant in a really rich plum color. These might be pushing it in terms of shape—there's a lot of fabric in those legs—but sometimes you just have to make a statement.

ASOS Design Cotton Balloon Pants

10 things to buy during the Madewell Insider sale

2025-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Madewell has been around for almost 20 years now? J.Crew's millennial spinoff debuted in 2006 and pretty quickly eclipsed its older sister just as the Jenna Lyons era was coming to an end—to the point that Madewell was almost spun off into a separate, publicly traded company. I feel like it has had a few ups and downs over the last few years, after its head designer (and secret weapon) Joyce Lee—who has a great Substack, btw—resigned in late 2023; its brand president recently stepped down too, but Madewell has reportedly brought in the jean-ious (bad pun, sorry) Benjamin Talley Smith to revamp its denim line. I've remained a fairly enthusiastic Madewell shopper throughout—they do elevated basics really well, and they've recently been churning out some great dupes of accessories from more high-end designers like Khaite and Toteme. And while Madewell's prices are pretty reasonable to begin with, they have special sales for Insiders several times a year, and to enjoy the discount, all you need to do is sign up for their email list. The current Insiders Event is 30% off sitewide and runs through September 29th. I've already got a shopping bag full of items I can't wait to try, but first, here are the pieces I wear the most and highly recommend.

The Kick-Out Crop is one of my all-time favorite jeans

The Triple Keeper, Skinny Western, and Studded Western belts

I own four Madewell belts, and they're all Khaite dupes. The skinny Western in particular has been a Cheryl Shops bestseller for the last couple of years; I still have all of these on heavy rotation and highly recommend for their power to really elevate whatever you're wearing. I'm in the Triple Keeper below.

Denim, particularly the Kick-Out Crop and the '90s Straight

Madewell has always had great denim; my Kick-Out Crops are one of the most flattering and comfortable pairs of jeans I own, and while they're starting to thin and fade (I've had them for close to 10 years), I still wear them all the time. For both that pair and the '90s Straight, which I'm wearing below, I recommend sizing down!

The Dimes boot

Also a Khaite dupe, I like this one even more than the original and can attest it's comfy AF. This year they're also offering a Chelsea boot but I'm partial to the original back-zip version.

The Whisper tee

Based on the price and low stock, I'm guessing that Madewell is about to phase this one out, which is too bad—I own it in several colors and all have aged beautifully, getting perfectly soft and worn-in without losing their shape or pilling. Hopefully their new Perfect Crewneck tee can live up to its name.

The Harlow Pant

It looks like this one might be on the way out too, which is too bad. This was the first wide-leg pleated pant I was able to tolerate after years of skinnines, and to this day, it's one of my favorites to wear to work.

What's on my shopping list

Lace Pintucked Top

This looks like Isabel Marant and I'm not mad at it. I love tops like this for work—they look feminine under a blazer—and this is such a great price point.

The Essential Bucket Tote

This looks like Toteme, but is a fraction of the price. Suede bags make me nervous, but I'm absolutely in love with the deep maroon color of the leather version.

Longline Cardigan Jacket

I don't really know why they're calling this a jacket when it's clearly just a cardigan, but I love the sleek '90s-inspired shape just the same—it'll be a great layering piece.

Ribbed Polo Sweater

I have a game I like to play, called What Would Kate Moss Wear?, and I think this sweater would definitely qualify. Plus, it's just the right thing to pair with big, baggy pants.

Smocked Waist Miniskirt

I am probably too old to try to pull off a plaid miniskirt, but that's not going to stop me, as this one has strong Isabel-Marant-goes-to-prep-school vibes.

What to wear with baggy denim shorts

2025-09-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

I remember my first pair of denim shorts. I had just seen Dirty Dancing and was obsessed with the pair that Jennifer Grey wore as Baby. Like hers, mine were long and fitted almost to the knee with a rolled cuff. I wore them religiously until they didn't fit anymore, and while I have owned many denim shorts since then, I haven't loved any of them as much as that first pair. While I was very into them at first, I don't find myself reaching for the Madewell shorts I bought a few years back and as the years pass, I'm feeling more wary of shorter shorts. That said, I do enjoy shorts as an option when the weather is warm, and as a denim lover, I'm always up for an alternative to longer jeans. I was influenced to buy a pair of uncharacteristically (for me) baggy denim shorts from Old Navy—I sadly can't remember which Substack newsletter had recommended them—and when I first tried them on, I thought these are not for me. But then on a warm Saturday afternoon when I just wanted to be cool and comfortable, I decided to give them another try. This time I was wearing a slim-fitting tank top and all of a sudden it came together: You can wear baggy denim shorts without looking sloppy. It's just a matter of getting the proportions right.

Amy Smilovic's Big, Slim, Skin philosophy

I've followed Amy Smilovic, the designer of Tibi, for years on Instagram, and her whole aesthetic is informed by what she calls creative pragmatism. One of the reasons she always looks so cool is that she pays close attention to proportion, or balance, in an outfit. She calls this Big, Slim, Skin and not only is it easy to remember, it's a foolproof way to put together an outfit that just feels right. It's pretty easy to understand: you need one big part, one slim part, and to show some skin—as much as you are comfortable with. As I tried on my shorts a second time with a top that worked proportionally, I realized that Big, Slim, Skin was the way to wear my new shorts without them wearing me.

The big: shorts

While I've enthusiastically embraced wide-leg jeans, this was my first foray into baggy denim shorts, and as I mentioned, I was a little wary at first. This pair in particular feels very '90s to me—there's an outward curve to the thigh that you don't normally find in cutoffs or any typical pair of shorts, to be honest. The inseam is also a generous 9 inches, which hits me just above the knee. I was worried that these would be stiff being 100% cotton, but they're actually quite soft and the fit is on the relaxed side (they are true to size; I'm in my usual size 6). In other words, they are comfy AF, but that's because they're baggy and, for lack of a better term, big. So to prevent them from veering into big blob territory, balancing the other elements in your look is key.

The slim: tank top

When I re-tried on the shorts, I happened to have been wearing my favorite lazy weekend tank top—it has a built-in bra, which is the only way I can get away with wearing a cut-in tank like this, because, let's face it, there's no way I'm wearing a strapless bra with a tank top. This was a big unlock for me, because I realized I needed something snug and small to counter the big. I could also have worn my fitted ribbed-knit sweater on top, or a bodysuit, or even a shrunken tee; instead, I chose to layer with a blazer because I didn't want to show too much skin, which brings us to the next step.

Some skin: the shoes

Because these are shorts, obviously a significant portion of your leg will be exposed when you wear them. Unless it's really hot out and I'm dressing for cooling comfort above anything else, I tend not to expose both my arms and my legs (and to be honest, my arms aren't my favorite feature). So I opted to cover my upper half with a tailored blazer—it's oversized, but it fits me well in the shoulders, so it kind of bridges the gap between the big and the slim—and really play up my legs with a pair of heeled sandals. This pair has a level of sexiness I'm comfortable with (not to mention they're actually comfortable), and the tension they create really works with the big, baggy fit of the shorts and the more masculine, tailored look of the jacket. It's all about the balance—and I think I got it right.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Uniqlo C blazer (current version) | Uniqlo halter bra tank | Madewell studded belt | Old Navy baggy denim shorts | Inez Isa sandals (use code cheryl15 for 15% off)

An honest review of Versed makeup

2025-09-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, makeup is getting more and more expensive. (I'm looking at you, $160 Louis Vuitton lipstick.) But while the luxury brands are luxuriating, thankfully, there are a lot of brands looking out for us girls on a budget. One of my favorite drugstore, or mass, brands is Versed. I never hesitate to recommend their skincare products—you can read my honest review here—which have been around for several years and top out at about $21. Versed recently branched out into makeup, and while I haven't tried the entire line yet, I've definitely found some favorites. Versed sent me a bunch of products to try for free, but the following are my honest and unfiltered opinions.

I'm wearing all the products reviewed below in this photo

From left to right, and also from favorite to least favorite:

Day Lash Lifting + Defining Mascara $14.99

While I am pretty picky about mascara, I'm not at all loyal to any one brand, and I will keep trying new formulas in search of one that makes me look like I'm wearing false lashes without clumping, flaking, or smudging. Mascara is also a smart thing to save on, because it tends to dry out over time and the tube can collect bacteria from your eyes (gross but true). I am a big fan of the wand on this one, which has rubber bristles, helping the formula go on smoothly and without clumps. I need to use at least two coats to get the amount of volume I like and I definitely recommend using a setting spray, as I've found this one can smudge a bit early in the day. But otherwise, this is a pretty damn good mascara, especially for the price.

Skin Solution Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 $19.99 & Multi-Tasking Brush $14.99

I already featured this product in my roundup of summer-friendly foundations; as I noted there, this reminds me a lot of Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint minus the weird smell and tendency to separate. In other words, it's even better. The consistency is a little thicker than you'd expect, and I've found I have to work it into my skin with the brush, but once it's there, it stays put all day without caking and with a nice, natural-looking finish. Bonus points for the SPF 40 coverage! I wear shade 4W and it's a really good match for my skin.

Cashmere Color Smoothing Lip Blush $10.99

Speaking of Ilia dupes, this one reminds me a lot of Balmy Tint, which is one of my all-time favorite everyday lip colors. This formula isn't quite as pigmented and it's a little more soft-matte in texture, but I've found it doesn't slide around as much and the color is still surprisingly buildable. I keep this in my weekend bag and use it for touchups throughout the day; it works nicely layered over other lipstick. I am wearing the Spice shade, which is a sheer brick red.

Shade Swipe Blush Stick $14.99

When I first put this on, I was like, Ohhhh boy. The texture is a little drier than I would normally gravitate toward—I have incredibly dry skin and tend to stick to very creamy blush for that reason—and the color at first appears very bright and pigmented. However it blends out into a nice, sheer wash of color. As someone with a healthy natural flush, I tend not to wear blush very frequently, but I like this enough to make it part of my regular rotation. I'm wearing Pinch, which is a peachy pink.

Soft Gloss Tinted Lip Serum $11.99

This is an interesting product; it's a little goopier in texture than Cashmere Color, and the shades are slightly more pigmented. I'd describe it as a gloss, and it's more hydrating than sticky, which is a good thing, however I am not the biggest gloss lover so probably not the best person to assess this. It has a sort of minty-tingly finish, which I'm not a huge fan of, and the tube and cap tend to get really messy because of the applicator, which is a push-click situation that dispenses the product through a hole in the top. That said, I really like the shade I have on, Compliment, and I'm wearing it layered on top of Cashmere Color in the photo above.

Skin Solution Serum Concealer $14.99

Of all the Versed products I tried, this is my least favorite, but it's more a matter of personal preference when it comes to concealer—I gravitate toward more lightweight stick formats as I find them easier to blend. This is a traditional liquid concealer with a doe-foot applicator; Versed calls it medium coverage but I'd say it's on the heavy end of medium; it requires a lot of blending although, to be fair, it doesn't settle into my fine lines. Another issue is that I somehow ordered this in the wrong color; I have 3P when I should have gone with 4W, which is the shade that works so well for me in the Skin Solution. If you like a more creamy concealer, this may be for you, but just make sure you order the right color!

Versed makeup and skincare is also available at Ulta, Amazon, and Target!

A Madewell dupe for Toteme heeled flip-flops

2025-08-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

By most accounts, 2025 has been the summer of the flip-flop. The Row's $750 rubber-and-grosgrain flip-flops were perhaps the most egregious example; while I wore Havianas back in the day, I need a little more refinement (and arch support) at this point in my life. Toteme's heeled flip-flops, on the other hand, were something I could get behind, especially in this year's red suede, which I saw in person on my trip to New York and have been pretty much lusting after ever since. I am a big fan of Toteme—I own a bunch of tops from the brand, including the monogram shirt I wore in this post, as well as the T-lock bag—but, I'm sorry, $450 for a pair of flip-flops is a bit much, even if they are leather. Due to the simplicity of the design, I figured this would be a pretty easy item to knock off, and I was right. I found a great dupe of the Toteme heeled flip-flops at Madewell.

The Chiara Thong Kitten Heel Sandal

Sure, a flip-flop is pretty simple when you think about it—it's a couple pieces of leather and a sole—but there are all kinds of variations to work with: sole shape, strap thickness and placement, and heel height. Thankfully, Madewell's Chiara sandal honors the '90s minimalist vibe of the Toteme original. The straps are thin, as is the squared sole, and the kitten heel is a just-right height. The Chiara is available in black leather, as Toteme offers every summer, as well as the red suede that I wanted—and ordered. When I first put them on, I was worried that the thong was a little tight in between my toes, but it loosened up right away. While the shoes are comfortable—it feels like there's a thin layer of memory foam in the sole—they are not supportive, nor are they ideal for walking anywhere quickly. They do make a clackety-clack sound, but I find it much less annoying than the thwomp-thwomp of rubber flip-flops. They're true to size—I'm in my usual 8.5 here.

Madewell vs. Toteme

In terms of shape, Madewell's Chiara thong is a pretty good dupe of the Toteme sandal: the straps have a similar thickness and placement, the kitten heels are nearly identical, and while Madewell's toe has a slight angle to it, it's more or less very close to Toteme's squared-off shape. If you get the black leather version and keep it on your foot, it's virtually indistinguishable from the original. Having seen the red suede version up close, I can say that Madewell's red is brighter and has a tinge of orange to it; Toteme's is more of a deep blue-red. However, I have tried on Toteme's sandal and found it incredibly uncomfortable with no padding whatsoever, so Madewell comes out ahead in that department. Even at full price, or $118, it's a quarter of what the Toteme pair costs; Madewell is currently running a sale and while each color has a slightly different price, they're both under $60 (which means you could get two pairs!).

What to wear with them

Unlike regular flip-flops, which almost always read casual-vacation, the heel makes the Chiara sandals feel a little fancier, but in an approachable way. I've worn them with jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses, and they work with everything, although my advice is to watch out if you wear them with a more fluid trouser, as the heel can get caught up under the leg of the pant. Here, I wore them out to dinner—yes, I walked—with a linen maxi dress and denim jacket. I love the pop of color that the red brings to any outfit—a little goes a long way!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Gap denim jacket | J.Crew cabana dress | Isabel Marant Lecce belt | Toteme T-lock bag | Madewell Chiara sandals

An honest review of the Nood Flasher 2.0

2025-08-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, I spent thousands of dollars on laser hair removal for my underarms and bikini line. Not only was it a financial commitment, but a time commitment as well: 6–8 appointments every 6 weeks, including schlepping to a salon, waiting for numbing cream to take effect, then the procedure itself. It's been about 15 years since I went through this whole rigamarole, and while most of the hair removal was permanent, I have a few stubborn hairs that refuse to go away, so I just keep shaving them occasionally. Speaking of shaving, I really hate doing it and always have. I had contemplated laser hair removal on my legs, but even with all of the competition and advances in laser hair removal over the years, I'd be looking at a four-figure bill. What's really been holding me back, however, is that my leg hair is blonde—yes, I am a real blonde—which tends to have mixed results with laser hair removal (it works best with a high skin-hair contrast). But then Nood reached out to me and offered to send me The Flasher 2.0, their at-home IPL device and I figured I had nothing to lose, except maybe some hair. While I received The Flasher free of charge, the following are my honest and unfiltered opinions.

A little about Nood

There are a lot of laser hair removal devices out there on the Internet, especially on Amazon. (I tried a different brand a few years back and it was completely ineffective, primarily because the device kept overheating.) Nood is a legit company with devices designed by dermatologists and cleared by the FDA. They also have great, cheeky branding, which, as someone who works in marketing by day, I appreciate. Their hair-removal devices are backed by a 90-day guarantee, and they claim to have over 750,000 happy customers. The reviews on the site do seem real, and Nood has received press coverage from traditional media outlets like InStyle magazine. It took a week for my device to arrive, and communication was steady. All good signs!

The Flasher 2.0

Nood claims that The Flasher 2.0 is the world's best-selling IPL device, and while I can't confirm that, it does have an impressive stat sheet. It flashes once a second at 10 ms, which is four times longer than similar devices and means that the light is more likely to be absorbed by your hair rather than your skin, which makes the treatment safer and more effective. The Flasher has 7 intensity settings so if you have sensitive skin, you can build up over time (or you can hang out at 1—you do you). It's very simple to use: You plug it in, hold it against your skin lightly, push the button, then move on to the next section. Smaller areas like underarms or bikini line take 5–10 minutes; larger areas like arms and legs take 20 minutes or longer. (I like to listen to a podcast while I Nood.) They recommend using the device two times a week for the first two months, then once a month for the following 3–6 months for touchups.

My honest review

I was able to use The Flasher on its highest intensity setting from the get-go—I'd say I have a high pain tolerance, but honestly, this felt like a walk in the park after professional laser treatments. The laser itself feels like a quick, hot snap against your skin; it's not exactly a pleasant feeling, but it doesn't really hurt either, with the exception of when I go over the patch of keratosis pilaris on the back of my leg, which I just try to breathe through as quickly as possible. The device itself has never overheated on me, which is a bonus, and I found it easy to glide from area to area. As for how well it actually removes hair, Nood says you can expect visible results in four weeks, but I saw a significant reduction after two sessions.

I used The Flasher twice a week religiously for the four weeks leading up to my vacation; since I've been back, I have not kept up with the prescribed schedule—it's been more like once a week at best, to be completely candid. That said, I estimate that about 80% of the hair on my legs is gone, and that's pretty amazing. My knees have been the most stubborn in terms of areas, then there are a bunch of stragglers throughout my lower legs, primarily on the back and around my ankles. If I had stuck to the recommended schedule, I'm almost certain I would have had even better results, but I'm going to keep doing the touch-ups in the hope that I'll get to a 90% reduction. I'm still giving my legs a quick, light shave about once every other week, but wouldn't it be nice to never shave again? A girl can dream.

TL;DR: The Flasher 2.0 is easy to use, relatively painless, and produces solid results, but the best part is the price: $199, which is less than the cost of one professional laser hair removal session, and thus a total no-brainer, as you can use it nearly everywhere on your body. Plus, you can use code CHERYLSHOPS for $50 off your purchase. Buy yours here.

A J.Crew dupe for the Dôen slip skirt

2025-08-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Lace-trim slip skirts are everywhere this summer; we most likely have The Row to thank for that, but also Dôen, who's had a slip skirt in their lineup for awhile now. I owned several slip skirts in the late '90s, including one from Dolce & Gabbana that I luckily dug out of storage recently, and while the most logical thing to do would be to wear something vintage, what makes The Row's and Doen's version so modern is that they have a wider band of lace around the hem and they come in more substantial fabrics—The Row's is silk charmeuse; Doen's current version is cotton poplin although their Giuletta skirt, which is sadly sold out, is also 100% silk. I combed vintage fairs and resale sites (as well as my own closet) for awhile in search of something similar, thinking that secondhand was the ideal place to find a good dupe, but ran into a little Goldilocks syndrome: everything was either too long, too sheer, and/or didn't have the right amount of lace at the hem. I'm sure I could have kept looking, but when I popped into J.Crew recently with my mom and saw the Gwen skirt, I knew she was The One.

The J.Crew Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt

I had not been in a J.Crew in awhile—their San Francisco store closed last year—and I've obviously been missing out, because I was really impressed with what I saw. Like in olden days, I got lucky on the sale rack, where I found a Gwen Skirt in my size for an extra 60% off sale (it's currently an extra 50% off on the website, but the price is even lower than when I was there). The skirt currently is available in navy and black; it came in white à la Dôen, but that color seems to be long gone. And while it's offered in sizes XX-small though 3X, I should mention that many sizes are sold out at the moment, however there is a white linen version as well that has a lot more sizes in stock. My version of the Gwen is 100% acetate with a crinkled texture, and while I normally don't go for synthetics, it has a really nice weight and sheen to it, and it looks and feels much more expensive than it is. It has an elastic waistband that is a bit on the looser side, but I think if I had gone a size down, the skirt would have been too tight through the hips (I'm wearing a medium here). This feels like the perfect summer skirt; I wish I had it for my trip to Italy a few months ago!

J.Crew vs. Dôen vs. The Row

The Gwen skirt is definitely not a 1:1 dupe for The Row—it's shorter, it's the wrong color, and the lace is too exaggerated—and while it's not a perfect dupe of Dôen's Giuletta either, it's pretty damn close. For both, the wide elastic waistband is hidden (this helps it lay more flat and not dig into your waist as a more traditional thin band of elastic would), the scalloped lace trim at the hem has a very similar proportion, and the above-the-knee length looks about the same. Dôen's skirt, however, has a slide slit (although this one does not) and a smooth texture, versus J.Crew's crinkled one. I actually prefer the crinkle as it makes the skirt look less like an actual slip and, as I discovered, makes it great for traveling too (no iron required!). Most importantly, even at full price, J.Crew's skirt is less than half the price of Dôen's and a tenth of The Row's—and while some things are definitely worth the splurge to me, a slip skirt is not one of them.

What to wear with it

More like what wouldn't you wear with it? Since I bought this skirt a few weeks ago, I've paired it with everything from tank tops and T-shirts to more polished blouses like I'm wearing here. In terms of shoes, everything from a flat, chunky sandal to a higher heel works, and I particularly like wearing the skirt with sneakers, as it makes it look more low-key (it's all about contrast!). I think it will even work well into fall and winter with tights and/or knee-high boots and a big chunky sweater on top. I'm amazed I've made it this long without such a versatile piece, but better late than never!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Toteme monogram shirt (on sale!) | J.Crew Gwen Skirt | Toteme T-lock bag | old Isabel Marant sandals (similar)