Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Skincare Gift Edit


Thank you to Dermstore for sponsoring this post! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

You saw my top 10 Dermstore recommendations last month, and today, we are chatting about gifts that appeal to most people and will arrive in time for Christmas! Tomorrow, December 17th, is Dermstore's shipping cutoff for gifts to arrive by Christmas!

You can use my code SUMMERWIND at checkout to save up to 15% on all of these products!

These recommendations need no shade matching, no fragrance preferences; they are very giftable, universally appealing, and all things I use and love! 

Dermstore has long been one of my go-to destinations for beauty because it carries such a wide range of brands and products in one place. From dermatologist-recommended skincare to haircare, makeup, tools, and everyday basics, Dermstore has it all!

I *love* the limited edition 'Best of Dermstore' kits. They come out with different ones throughout the year, and it's how I discover incredible products and get great deals on the ones I already use and love. It's always an incredible value. This particular set is $75 when you use my code SUMMERWIND, but has a retail value of $345. This has a mix of both beauty products and skincare. It's particularly impressive to me because it contains my favorite Obagi Vitamin C serum that I already use daily. It also includes my mom's all-time favorite skincare product, the Paula's Choice collagen peptide booster. I just got this set, and I love it. I plan to gift my mom the serum as a part of her Christmas gift! That's another thing, I love to break up a set like this to give as individual gifts! There are 7 products in this set, so if you added one to 7 different stockings, it would cost just under $11/stocking! This set costs LESS than the Vitamin C serum alone. This is perfect for the beauty lover who enjoys discovering new products or for someone who wants a little bit of everything without having to choose.

This is one of those products that makes your skin look noticeably better almost immediately. It helps smooth texture, brighten, and give that fresh, polished glow. I love it for nights when my skin feels dull, and I want results fast. This is best for the seasoned skincare lover who appreciates a hardworking, results-driven product, and isn’t afraid of actives.

This is one of my favorite things to keep in the shower, especially during colder months. It cleanses without stripping and leaves skin soft, hydrated, and never tight. It lathers, but less than a typical body wash. The texture feels soooo good in the wintertime. The large bottle lasts forever, and the product itself is unscented. This is one that my husband also uses and loves. They also make a smaller size if you want something that would fit into a stocking! This is great for anyone with dry or sensitive skin, or really anyone who loves practical self-care, or prefers unscented products. 

I love this sunscreen, and it's my husband's favorite. I just ordered this large bottle to give to him as a gift. We keep it near the door in the summer months as an easy reminder to apply before going out! He particularly loves to have this on hand before he runs out the door to go golfing in the warmer months. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and doesn’t leave that greasy feeling that makes people skip sunscreen. I love that you can use this on both your face and your body. This is perfect for anyone who wants good, no-frills sunscreen.
I don't even want to know how many times I've ordered these over the years. I LOVE them. In fact, if you only get one thing on this list, it should be these, and luckily, they are one of the least costly items in this roundup! These eye patches are perfect for mornings, travel days, or before a night out when you want to look a little more refreshed. They feel instantly cooling and hydrating, and really help when the under-eyes look puffy or dull. I always keep a pack on hand to give as a gift, and I keep the tub in my fridge for myself for an added cooling effect. This is ideal for someone who loves to pamper themselves. 

This is such a fun little luxury to travel with- the 'fancy' toothpaste! The mint flavor is fresh without being overpowering, and the packaging just feels chic sitting on a bathroom counter. The travel size is especially convenient. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone, but especially great for someone who travels often. 
This is the kind of lip product that actually does something rather than just sitting on your lips. It feels hydrating and really helps keep lips soft, especially in cold weather. I like using it during the day. I keep one on both levels of our home so I can reapply throughout the day. So many lip balms are scented these days, but this one is unscented, and I love that! This is great for someone who always has dry or chapped lips and looks for science-backed skincare.

This lash serum helps create longer, fuller lashes. It’s easy to apply, lasts a long time, and with consistent use, you really do see a difference in how your lashes look. This is what I use on my lashes. This is perfect for someone interested in this kind of serum, as it's one of my go-to brands for brow and lash growth products because it truly works. 

Thank you to Dermstore for sponsoring this post! All thoughts and opinions are my own! 

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, December 15, 2025

Gift Guide: My Wish List Part II


Second to the last gift guide of the year! The last one is last-minute gift ideas, which will be on Friday, and then that's a wrap! This is another 'my wish list' guide which can be a bit fanciful, but it's fun to dream! 

Fair Isle Sweater// I've been very into Fair Isle lately. It's such a classic winter pattern and always feels so fun to wear in the snowy weather. 

Candy Dish// This candy dish costs less than the candy I want to put it in it, ha! I love the Swedish candy craze. I'm a big gummy candy gal, and I think this little dish is so fun to store some sitting out. 

Earrings// I have these earrings in the larger size and wear them several times per week. My mom and sister also have them and wear them often. I love that they have come out with a few different sizes. I 

Cashmere Sweater// I have this sweater in the beautiful pink shade and love it. It's so cozy and well-made. I love this green color. It's so happy and bright! 

Pewter Salt Cellar// A little something to store the Maldon salt we love to sprinkle on so many dishes! 

Martini Glasses// I've been eyeing this glassware for years, but we don't have the cabinet space for much more, so that's why I've held off. But I just love the shapes and colors of this brand!

 Earrings// These earrings are simple and classic- the perfect everyday earrings. 

Belt// I don't actually like wearing belts as I find them annoying and uncomfortable. However, I love the look, and recently I've been drawn to them. I really love this one. It's the type of accessory that would add the perfect touch to a very simple outfit. 

Nutcracker// I collect a piece or two of holiday decor every year, and I've got my eye on a beautiful, quality Nutcracker in the coming years! 

Leather Pouch Duo// I have the leather heart pouch, and the quality is beautiful. This set is a duo of two different leather pouches, perfect for travel. 

Earrings// I've been browsing for dark earrings for months now. I keep coming back to these. I think they are beautiful and could work paired with both brown and black outfits. 


Paper Geranium Arrangement// I think these paper flower arrangements are beautiful works of art and make for such unique and interesting decor. 

Fish Bag// I'm a sucker for a novelty bag, and this one is just too fun and interesting. It looks like something someone would have carried in the '60s. 

Walking Pad// We've gotten quite a bit of snow already this winter, and it has me wanting a walking pad so that I can get my steps in indoors. I run at Orange Theory, but it's not really enough for me! We have a neighborhood gym, too, but there is something about the convenience of just rolling out of bed and onto the walking pad that is really tempting. This is the one I am eyeing because it is under $200, the reviews are decent, and it is slightly longer than some. 

Martini Hand Towel// I have the Christmas tree hand towels and the plain monogrammed hand towels, but I think it would be fun to put out the martinis whenever I am hosting! 

Perfume Set// Aventus for her is one of my favorite perfumes of all time, and I love this little trio, perfect for spritzing on at home or on the go. 

Hat// I love the simple and elegant shape of this hat! I love to collect hats for the summer months, and this one is so stylish. 

Coffee// I discovered this coffee during our stay at the Jefferson Hotel in DC. It was so good that I had to ask our waiter one morning what it was, and he took a photo of it in the kitchen to show me. It was Illy! I have had Illy before, but not anytime recently! We started to order tins of this, and it has made me so happy! This is exactly the type of thing I love to find in my stocking. 

Crossbody Bag// I've been eyeing this bag for over a year. I've been between this and the Toteme T-lock. I love the look of both, and they both come in many different colors and leathers. I still can't fully decide, but I'm leaning toward the Savette over the T-lock now! 


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, December 12, 2025

Weekend Wish List

Some items of note... 

- I've been hearing good things about Allies of Skin, which is a newer-to-me skincare brand. I have this Nighttime Brightening Serum in my cart right now. My code SUMMERWIND doesn't seem to work on it but maybe it will soon?! My Dermstore code expires on 12/31! 

- I think this Silk Scarf is a great subtle take on the bandana trend- it's subtle enough that it won't look dated in a few years. 

- I love the shape and color of these Brown Leather Booties.

- This Tissue Box Cover is adorable and a great price. 

- This Red Striped Sweater is such a good color combo. It's my favorite style because it doesn't have dropped shoulders. I size up! My code SUMMERWIND10 should work on this! 
Some items of note... 

- I love the exaggerated print on this Puffer Vest. They have this print on a few pieces. 

-  This Pink Fleece is the most perfect shade of bubblegum! My code SYDNEY20 should work on this! 

- The most gorgeous Pearl Kitten Heels. I love moire fabric so these caught my eyes immediately!

- My sister had the coolest suede jacket from Sezane when I saw her last. It's sold out, but this Suede Jacket looks so similar. Pricey, but I'm thinking about it!  

- I had no idea S+S made Body Lotion with a pump dispenser! I ordered this for my mom for Christmas. Santal and Vetiver is her favorite! 


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, December 11, 2025

Lately

This handbag is on repeat through 12/25! 

Cozy lounge top and bottom


Hen waiting patiently at the vet. He loves it there! 

Hope you are all having a wonderful week! It's a busy one for me as I have a lot on the calendar.  We went out to dinner and to see Stella Cole at City Winery on Tuesday night. My mom loves Stella Cole, but I didn't really know much about her. Well, I am her newest fan. She is a singer and SO talented. She sounds very similar to Judy Garland, and I couldn't believe that she is only 26! 

Tonight I have a girlfriend's yearly holiday party where you bring a holiday home decor gift, and it's kind of like white elephant, where you have it wrapped and open one by one, and can steal, and that kind of thing! It's always nice to get together with gals I don't often see! 
 
We also have fun, festive plans for tomorrow night, which I am really looking forward to. I'm hoping we can carve out some time on Saturday or Sunday to drive around and look at lights. That is one of my favorite things to do!

Poor Henry has an ear infection, but we caught it very early, so it wasn't bad, and he is already on the mend and seems much better! He has never had one before, so I'm hoping this was just a one-off thing! I love our vet- they are all so kind and really thorough. 

I'm so looking forward to taking a holiday break between Christmas and New Year's. I don't feel as burnt out as I usually do by now, which is great, but I really enjoy taking time away from screens. I think it is so freeing!  

If you are still shopping for gifts, I'm going to leave my gift guides here for you to check out! The shipping cutoffs will roll out over the next few days, so keep an eye out! 


 


Belt (mine is from last year, but linking similar)// Sequin Skirt (It's VV but sold out, so linking similar)

Wearing: This is what I wore to Stella Cole earlier this week! It was SO cold, which always throws a wrench into outfit plans, especially when downtown, because a bit of walking is sometimes necessary. I was able to wear these Booties, which I have had for many years and love to wear with dressy outfits in the winter, because I can wear cozy socks. I also wore a simple, plain black long-sleeve tee underneath the sweater for an added layer, which helped a lot! I was warm and comfortable while still feeling festive, so I consider that winter outfit a success! 

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: My social media algorithms have been filled with Cheesecake Factory reviews. I hadn't been in ages, so my mom and I went, and my goodness, it did not disappoint. I don't know why I ever stopped going!!! It was delightful. We got the cobb salad and chicken katsu bowl and split them. Their portions are huge, so we weren't in the mood for dessert, but I got a slice of the Oreo cheesecake to-go to split with my husband, and I nearly shed a tear of joy when I ate it. It was SO good. I'm not even a big cheesecake person. It was definitely sweet, but you could still really taste the cheesecake's tart flavor, and it had the perfect texture. It was beyond decadent and such a treat. It's a blessing and a curse that there is no Cheesecake Factory conveniently located near me, ha! 

Sale: If you are a Sephora Beauty Insider, you can get 20% off with code SAVEGIFTS through 12/14, but it's a *one-time* use! 

Watching:
 This weekend, I watched Miracle on 34th Street (the 1994 remake), and I was FLOORED that so many of you didn't know about this movie! Of course, the original is a classic, but the '90s remake is SO good. Even one of my girlfriends texted me after watching it, saying she had never seen it, but she loved it so much! If you have not watched it, add it to your list. The outfits, the sets, and the storyline are all so warm and festive. It's quintessentially '90s but also has a lot of late '40s details to pay homage to the original. 
Loving: I bought a bunch of DIBS makeup because I love all of the products I already used. One of the things I got was this eyeshadow palette, and it is so pretty! Although some of the colors are dark, most of them are subtle. I love the bottom right dark color because I use that to line my eyes- it gives a really natural look compared to a pencil.

Loving: I just got these boots in the mail this week, and I love them. They were one of my Cyber Week purchases! I love the color and the lug sole! 

Wanting: Love this fair isle crewneck in the blue colorway. Speaking of Fair Isle, this one is so good, too! If you are heading to a New Year's Eve party or hosting one, these tinsel headbands are adorable! Drooling over this handbag and it's under $300! This tartan shirt is holiday party perfection. When I originally saw this scarf, I assumed it was Hermes, but it's under $100! The most perfect pearl- embellished shoes! A gorgeous houndstooth coat. This pair of denim looks perfect. I love the Roller Rabbit 12 days of printmas where they launch a new print daily... fun! This serving platter is beautiful and on sale for under $30. I can't believe a few colors of this scarf are still in stock. They usually sell out in minutes! An adorable ski hat that would be a perfect gift! A very elegant cream coat. The perfect little skirt for New Year's Eve! The most random thing in today's blog post, but I LOVE it. 

Amazon Rec: I just reordered my go-to physical exfoliant. It's inexpensive, gentle yet effective, and a tube lasts forever. I could not recommend it more! It could be a fun little stocking stuffer for a skincare lover! 

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: This perfume is from the same brand that makes my favorite foundation of all time. It made Oprah's favorites list, too. It's a very light scent that smells clean and crisp, but it is supposed to smell different on everyone because it adjusts to each person's pH. I love it. I ordered my mom a bottle because I thought she would love it, too (shhh, don't tell her!!)

Traveling: With how cold it has been lately, I'm already looking ahead to our Florida trip in February/March. We are spending a few weeks in the 30A area, and I cannot wait! If you have any recs, especially during that time of year, please let me know! I have been a handful of times, but it has been quite a few years since I've been! 

Quoting: 'With mirth and laughter, let old wrinkles come.'- Shakespeare// 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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