Tuesday, August 4, 2026

My Favorite Costume Jewelry on Sale



Baublebar is having a big sale with 25% off sitewide and 20% off custom items! The discount auto applies at checkout. I love Baublebar for fun jewelry, and most of the time it's well under $100, so I thought I'd share my favorites. Everything in this post is under $100 with the sale!

As a sidenote, if you are looking for something similar to the Baublebar brand and price point, check out Evereve. We have a store in our local Galleria, and I swear, every time I go in, I admire some of their jewelry! It's often fun like Baublebar's and unique, and most pieces are under $100. They also have great sales where lots of pieces are aorund $20-$30ish! 

Beaded necklaces have really been having a moment the last few years. I think it's a fun and easy way to add color to any outfit. Some of these beaded necklaces out there can cost hundreds of dollars. This one comes in many colors and sizes and is on sale for around $50ish. 


Bezel Drop Earrings (gold, 10mm round)

These Bezel Drop Earrings are easily my most-worn piece of Baublebar jewelry. They recently launched other shapes and sizes. Baublebar gifted me the other shapes, but I still wear the round pair most often. I wear the emerald shape the second most. My mom, sister, cousin, girlfeiends, and family friends also have the round pair after they admired mine.  My mom and sister also got the oval, and they actually prefer the oval over the round now, so really, it's all just personal preference. They're simple and work with nearly everything. They're a good alternative to a regular stud since they have a slight drop. I love giving these as gifts because, on sale, they are a great price point around $50ish, and they work with so many different personal styles and tastes. 

I think these earrings are amazing and look much higher-end than their price point suggests. They are the perfect vacation earrings and really add something special to outfits. They come in a few colors. My mom and family friend have the pearl 'scales,' and I actually think I prefer those because they are more versatile. The green/blue adds such a nice pop of color to outfits, but I do think they limit what you can wear them with, given that they are already such a novelty to begin with. So I'd suggest maybe going for the pearl option over these, even though they are so pretty! 



Sometimes you just need something big and chunky to finish off an outfit, and this is what I typically reach for. Not only does it look great on its own, but it pairs well with many other bracelets in my arsenal. It's very shiny and the perfect shade of gold. This is under $40 in the sale! 


I love this set of 5 bangle bracelets. I particularly love them for travel as I swim in them, apply sunscreen, and more, and they still haven't shown any wear. My mom got a set, she loved them so much. They mingle well with fine jewelry. They're nice and lightweight. They are bangles, but they actually separate, so you don't have to shove your hand through a closed bangle.

This bracelet is something I wear more than I ever even thought I would. It's SO cute, and any time I wear it, someone asks about it. Since this is a seasonal bracelet, I think snagging this on sale only makes sense. I particularly love that this bracelet comes in different lengths. Many costume jewelry bracelets are so large on my wrist, and this one comes in a 6.15," and it is the perfect size. I think the fact that it fits properly makes it look nicer! I've worn this in the pool, ocean, with sunscreen, etc., and I've had no issues so far. 


These have a similar vibe to the first earrings, but they feature a bezel-set colored stone dangling from a very small gold hoop. They are supposed to be birthstone earrings, but I really like the yellow shade best (called topaz). I have the aquamarine, too, but don't wear them nearly as often as the yellow. These are the perfect wear-daily style and an easy way to add a subtle touch of color to any outfit. 


You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Monday, August 3, 2026

A Favorite Skincare Product: Peel Pads



If you, like me, were a young teenager in the early 2000s, there's a good chance your first 'skincare routine' involved a tub of Stridex pads sitting under the bathroom sink. I can still remember the intense burning sensation that somehow convinced me they had to be working. Back then, the goal was: dry out every blemish as quickly as possible, and the harsher the product felt, the more effective I assumed it was. Thankfully, skincare has evolved quite a bit since those days, and so have I!

Peel pads have been one of the few constants in my routine for nearly two decades, but today's formulas are a far cry from the stripping versions many of us grew up with. Instead of aggressively removing everything in their path, most now rely on balanced blends of AHAs, BHAs, soothing, hydrating ingredients, and barrier-supportive actives that deliver results gradually. Thankfully, not much burning is going on in 2026! 

I never skip peel pads because when I use them consistently, my skin looks clearer. Everyone's skin is different, but in my personal routine, I would argue that they are just as important as vitamin C, moisturizer, etc. 

It is my understanding that skin cells turn over every so many days and that turnover slows as we age. When it slows, the dead skin sits topically for longer, and that's what can create the look of dull skin, and for me, acne. I personally notice that using peel pads helps keep blackheads and clogged pores at bay, smooths uneven texture, and fades acne marks quickly. They're not an overnight miracle, sadly, nothing is, but they're one of the highest-return products in my routine.

If you haven't used a peel pad, it's essentially a cotton round soaked in a serum that usually contains chemical exfoliants, among other ingredients. The goal of a peel pad is to remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother. 

I've tested more peel pads than I can count over the years, and while there are many good options on the market, I've narrowed my favorites to five (in no particular order):



These were among the first peel pads I learned about as an 'adult'. They come in different strengths, and I typically buy the extra strength. It says you can use these daily, though at the extra-strength level, I mostly use them once per week as a 'touch up'. Another way I love to use them is every other day for a week leading up to an important event where I'd like my skin to look its best, and then I return to my daily peel pads. These are expensive, so these are more my 'special occasion' peel pads or when my skin is extra dull, and I really need a big boost. If you are new to peel pads, the extra strength may burn a bit, so it may be better to try a lower strength. Unlike many other peel pads, this is a two-step process: you use the pads with the active ingredients, then a second pad neutralizes and soothes the skin. My code SUMMERWIND may work on these. 

This is a double-ply peel pad. It comes with 45 pads. I don't think the double-ply design is necessary, so I rip the pad in half and get 90 uses out of one tub. Of all the pads on this list, I like the texture of these the most. They have a little bit of texture but are still very soft, and they soak up the serum without being sopping wet. I think this is the best middle-of-the-road option, as the formula seems strong but well-balanced with hydrating ingredients, so I never feel like my face burns or feels dried out. I think these are effective pretty quickly, too.

Like YSE, these are also two-ply, but they're much harder to break apart, so I just use them as-is. There are 45 in the tub. The first week or two, I actually did not love these. I felt like they weren't doing much, and they might have been too gentle for my skin, which is very used to a stronger acid product. However, around week two or three, I was blown away by the results. I felt like my skin looked so clear and very hydrated. Out of all of the peel pads on this list, I felt like these were the most gentle on my skin and the most hydrating. I think it took longer to see results, which isn't always a bad thing. I really love how this is slow and steady. This is the perfect kind of thing to use if you are like me and get pretty dry skin during the winter months. These do not at all dry out my skin; in fact, I would go so far as to say they add a boost of hydration.

There are 60 pads in this tub, all single-ply. These contain lactic acid, which is generally gentler than glycolic. The different acids have different sized molecules which penetrate skin differently. These are very lightly fragranced, which I wanted to note in case that may bother you. Scent doesn't bother me, but I think there is no reason any skincare product needs to be scented. It does drive me crazy when a lip product is scented! I tolerate it, but I truly think every lip product should be unscented! I think these are similar to the InnBeauty in that they are gentler, hydrating, but still very effective. I find these to be a touch less hydrating than the Innbeauty on my skin. My code SUMMERWIND may work on these. 

To me, the M-61 and Dennis Gross are the most similar in 'feel' both of the actual pad (it's more like a cloth) and the serum that the pad is soaked with. This is a single-ply pad and comes in different strengths. This one just has glycolic and salicylic acid, whereas Dennis Gross includes a few more acids. They're individually wrapped. I typically prefer the tubs, but I think the individually wrapped pads are great for travel. These go on sale quite a bit, so if you don't want to shell out for Dennis Gross, I think this is a competitive alternative! 

I also have my eye on SkinMedica's Brightening Pads, which have good reviews and are generally a top-notch brand, and I'm currently testing the Dr. Loretta Resurfacing Peptide Pads, so I'll report back once I've used them long enough to form a solid opinion.

As for how I use peel pads, I reach for them in the evening after cleansing and before serums or moisturizer. I also make sure my face is completely dry before moving on to the next skincare step. 

This is not medical advice. This is my personal experience with these products and what I've learned over the years. Every person's skin is different. Consult your dermatologist for recommendations specific to your skin!

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Friday, July 31, 2026

Weekend Wish List

Some items of note... 

- This Green Ring is so fun and inexpensive. There are several fun colors to choose from, and it's 25% off right now. 

- Love this Fleece Pullover sooo much, but can't bring myself to buy fleece just yet. 

- I love all of the printed pants that have been released over the past several months, including these Printed Pants. I love the colors and the print. However, they're $450! I think I draw the line around $250 for something like this. So I'm the wrong audience for these pants, but I just love love them. 

- This Silver Shell Clutch is SO fun! Silver and tassels are really having a moment lately, and this one actually looks like it would hold a decent amount of stuff! 

- We are thinking about going to Keeneland this fall, and this Equestrian Dress would be perfect with boots! The coolest part of this dress is its detachable cape. 

- These Mini Olive Earrings are adorable and would make a cute gift for a martini lover. They are 25% off.
Some items of note... 

- I've had this Printed Dress tab open for a very long time. It's so cute. It also comes in solid colors. 

- This Handbag is timeless and elegant. It comes in a classic brown shade, but I think this green hue, while not as versatile as brown, is really something special. 

- Speaking of green, how perfect are these Green Ballet Flats?! I love seeing ballet flats with an actual heel instead of being completely flat. I find a small heel much more comfortable. 

- Now these Printed Pants are cute and much less costly than the pair up top! I ordered them and will share once I get them! 

- This Fringed Scarf is a good La Double J look for less! 


For your weekend reading, here are blog posts you may have missed from this week:




You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Lately

Hen loves to play in the hose. I don't often do it because I don't like him running wild, soaking wet in our house, but he was getting a bath the following morning, so I let him run wild. He is so funny, how much he loves to chase it! It brings me so much joy to see him living it up! 

Saw this cute bag, and it reminded me of a much pricier brand! This one is just $68!

My husband was out for dinner one night this week, so I treated myself to some sushi! 

Happy almost weekend! We are spending tomorrow, our 5th wedding anniversary, in the least glamorous way possible: driving 9 hours to the lake. However, that is certainly not a complaint because I love being with my people and being at the lake! We will celebrate next week.

This week was mostly spent working ahead as much as possible, packing, and squeezing in last-minute appointments and errands. This past weekend, I worked basically the whole time except for attending our friends' pool party, which was lots of fun. I love the flexibility to work ahead. I can't fully shut off on most vacations, but whenever I do, I'm able to relax and spend as much time as possible with family and friends. We are only going for a little over a week this time since we have such a packed schedule, so I want to make the most of every minute!

Do you all think this summer is flying by?! By the time we get back from the lake, we will be nearing mid-August. I haven't been in school for almost 15 years, but as August starts to creep in, I can't help but get that back-to-school feeling. I think it's the preseason football that really does it for me. I get SO excited for fall since it's my favorite season, yet this year, I don't want to usher summer out so quickly. I truly want to savor every ounce of the season! I actually think I may have switched from being a winter person to a summer person. This summer has been so beautiful weather-wise, and we sure earned it after the winter we had! We've had a few hot stretches, but it's been nothing compared to years past! 

I think I'll officially be in fall mode once I return from Italy in mid-September. I'm most excited for fall fashion because I've noticed over the last year or so that many brands are leaning back into timeless, classic styles. I remember around 2021/2022ish, it was tough for me to find much of anything I loved, and now I feel like it's plentiful! It makes my job a lot more fun, that's for sure. 

I also think we'll continue to see plenty of Western influences, such as concho belts, turquoise jewelry, bandanas, suede, fringe, and rich chocolate-brown tones. Beyond that, I expect to see lots of taffeta pieces, quilted jackets, frog closures, equestrian-inspired details, plaid, heritage tweeds, chunky gold jewelry, and plenty of textures like velvet.


Earrings// Necklace 25% off!

I was just gifted this handbang, and if you told me it had a $2500 pricetag, I would believe it. Thankfully, it's under $500. It's truly a showstopper. They gave me a code SYDNEY12 for 12% off. It comes with a crossbody strap, too!

Tote that my husband has been using this summer!


Dress (on sale)// Handbag
Wearing: Speaking of fall, are you all shopping for fall yet? Unless I see something incredible that I must have before it sells out, I'm not. I do have my eye on a few things, but I can wait. Like I said in today's intro, I am still fully embracing summertime! However, if you are, I will be happy to weave some finds in. I'm already seeing some things, like this fleece, that are catching my eye! 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

Eating: We went to Sarafino's with my parents and some family friends late last week. I hadn't been in a while, and each time I go, I think, 'I need to come here more often.' It's BYOB and has the most charming neighborhood vibe. It's old school Pittsburgh. I just love it. And most importantly, the food is wonderful, too. 
Drinking: I audibly gasped when I saw this Glassware in the store the other day. I love glassware, but over the last several years, I haven't seen much that I'm willing to give up cabinet space for, but these are wow! I also think this color works so perfectly with fall tones, but it'd work equally well with spring/summer tones! 

Reading: So many of you recommended this Annabel Monaghan novel as a light and happy vacation read, so I just added it to my Kindle. I love a physical book at home, but the Kindle is the best for travel. 

Sale: These sandals are currently 30% off. They're simple and neutral, which is why I love them, because they work with so much. The footbed is slightly padded for comfort, and I love the block heel. They take a minute to break in, but once broken in, they're incredibly comfortable. 

Sue Sartor is 30 off! The code is currently EARLY30, but it may change as the sale goes on! Love this dress.

Alice Walk Warehouse sale launched yesterday, so I am sure a lot has sold out, but it's worth browsing because many classic styles are included and at a pretty good discount, too! Friday is the last day! My top pick is this crewneck cashmere sweater. AW can be pricey, but I find their quality superb, especially in cashmere. 

Watching:
 I just started Desperate Housewives, a popular show from the early 2000s. I had never watched it before, but I have heard good things. I'm only a few episodes in, but I am enjoying it so far. 

Listening: If you all have any good podcasts or audiobook recs, I'm all ears. Preferably, something my husband and I both may enjoy as we make our long trek down to the lake! 








Loving: Tomorrow is our 5th wedding anniversary! It feels like both a lifetime ago and like yesterday all at once. It was the very best day, and I can remember just how incredibly elated I felt when it finally arrived, and everything worked out.

If you're new here, our original wedding date was in April 2020, so like many, we went through all of the postponements and uncertainty that came with the pandemic. My favorite photo is of the two of us standing in the ballroom, getting a sneak peek of the room while our guests were still enjoying cocktail hour. We were finally married, the celebration was just about to begin, and seeing the room, knowing all of the planning had come together and was finally done, was one of the most joyful feelings I've ever experienced.

After the pandemic, it felt like the biggest sigh of relief. Finally marrying the love of my life and celebrating in a room full of people who matter most to us after being apart for so long filled me with a kind of happiness that's hard to put into words. Elation is still the best one I can find, and I truly think you can see it on our faces in that photo. 

Looking back on that day is so special. It really was perfect. But somehow, the five years that have followed have been even better. My husband knows me better than anyone, truly gets me, and is my very best friend and biggest cheerleader. I can only hope everyone gets to experience love like that! Here's to many, many more! And, thank you all for indulging me in going down memory lane. 

Wanting: These vegetable plates are right up my alley! The item that is at the top of my fall wish list is a suede jacket that is loose but not oversized, and this one is really pretty. This toile dress is lovely and reminds me of Staud, but costs a lot less! The most stunning handbag and such a good color, too! I love the color of this tea kettle. This top is very RL but for much less! Love this fleece. It's too early for me to order one, but I know I'll miss out and it'll be sold out by the time it's cool enough to wear one! Oh well. Love the color combo of the stripes on this sweater! Lots of new J.Crew! This denim barn jacket is classic and cool, and these flats are the perfect shade of green. This jacket reminds me of the plaid coat Annie wears in The Parent Trap. Such a gorgeous print on this shirtdress. The color, print, and silhouette of this dress is perfect. This is a beautiful cardigan reminiscent of a quilt pattern. Cute, inexpensive red sandals (on sale). This has La Double J vibes for a lot less! This bag is so much more costly than I would ever spend on something like that, but oh my goodness, it's ADORABLE! I love a novelty handbag. 

Pittsburgh: This is very niche Pittsburgh, but Rick Sebak has a landing page on PBS where you can watch so many of his episodes. You just have to make a donation to watch, and it's so fun to watch the 90s and early 2000s episodes to see things in Pittsburgh that no longer exist! There is one, Pittsburgh from the Air, that is just set to music and montages of Pittsburgh from a helicopter, and makes for a good background if you are, like me, not a fan of working in silence. 

Amazon Rec: This knit set looks so comfortable and cute! 

You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here on my Amazon page, where I am constantly updating it with all of my finds and top picks from home, beauty, fashion, and more!

Smelling: I was recently gifted this laundry detergent, and I really love it. I am a big fan of the Snif brand, particularly in the Rain Check scent. I would guess they're direct competitors, as they both claim to be a 'cleaner' alternative to traditional detergents and are very similar in price. Anyway, I'd say I love both pretty equally! I still keep Tide powder on hand when I feel like something really needs it, but otherwise I try to use these day to day!

Traveling: Well, we are off to Georgia, and after that, we are staying put for August. Next up, a girl's trip to Italy with my mom and sister. I am so excited about the trip, but even more about getting to spend so much time with my mom and sister... all three of us together is priceless. 

Quoting: 'Worrying is like paying a debt you don't owe.' Mark Twain // See more of my favorites, here.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 
 

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