Lately

Fall in Pittsburgh! 

My husband made pizza in the Ooni this weekend. The best!! 

Had to get Henry to pose in front of this giant Penguins mural! People often say they don't realize how small Henry is just seeing photos on IG; I think this gives you a good perspective. He's a little guy! 

To start, a happy birthday (yesterday) to my mom! We had such a fun time celebrating her last night. We went to Capital Grille, and I was very happy about it because it is Wine and Wagyu right now, which is their promotional/special menu that has my favorite burger in the entire world. It was delicious, as always. She is very easy to celebrate! 

Otherwise, it's been a pretty typical week. We have had some stunning fall weather, so I've been soaking it up with lots of walks. The leaves are putting on a show, too. There are many things to love about every month of the year, but October's list is the longest for me.     

I had been putting off my car maintenance a bit. My husband does most of it for me, which I sooo appreciate, but we have been busy lately, so it kept getting pushed to the back burner. I called the shop to see if I could make an appointment, and when I did, they asked if I could get there in an hour and they could take care of my car. They usually book out for weeks, so I was pleasantly surprised and thankful I had the flexibility to race in! I am so relieved I got it all taken care of, and so quickly, too.

This weekend, I'm hosting a little birthday dinner for my mom and cousin, whose birthdays are less than a week apart. My cousin also just got engaged, which is so exciting! I love to host, so I am looking forward to it. I am so excited to meet my aunt and uncle's new pup who will be joining us! I got him a cute little gift, and I talked with Henry to be nice. Henry tolerates other dogs... he generally doesn't love them. He and Buddy are not besties. He is the boss of Buddy, and Buddy mostly puts up with it. The two dogs he genuinely *loved* sadly both passed away this year. 

I'm in full-on prep mode with my gift guides, launching the week of November 2nd and rolling out all month long. Let me know if there is anything in particular you are looking for, and I'll be sure to note it! 

I'm also looking forward to the holiday season. It's a lot of work for me, but I enjoy it. I am especially glad that my sister and BIL will be in town for extended periods for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am so appreciative that they have made such an effort to fly back and forth across the country so much since they moved earlier this year. 

Navy Cashmere Turleneck// Suede Belt// Jeans// Ballet Flats

Sometimes it's the simplest outfits that just work. I think the internet/social media may see this as boring and uninspired, but I really think it's such a classic, timeless outfit. I think there is elegance in simplicity. 

Faux Fur Coat// Plaid Dress// Velvet Embellished Shoes

FV just launched their holiday collection, and it's so fabulous! They sent me these beautiful pieces, and they're just so stunning! I can't wait to wear the dress to a holiday party- maybe even for Christmas Eve!

Sweatshirt (soft fleece on the inside)

Printed Pajamas// Solid Pajamas

I didn't realize that HH sold pajamas until they recently launched a whole collection of darling sleepwear for women and children! They sent me two sets that you can see above. They're lightweight cotton pointelle and so soft and comfortable. According to the size chart, I'd be a small, but I sized up to a large in both sets. They run small. Granted, I love my pajamas to be roomy. The printed set has a stretchy cord at the waist that lets you adjust the fit, so it fits perfectly and reminds me of the fit of a size medium in brands like Roller Rabbit and Lake. The solid pair is just a stretchy band without a cord. Since you can't adjust it, the waist is too big on me, but I am thinking once I wash and dry them, they may shrink! So I think medium is probably the better size for me in the solid pink. Sharing all of this so in-depth because I find HH sizing a little all over the place. I've been everything from an XS in some of the dresses, to a medium in some of the pants, to now a large in these pajamas. I'm 5'6", typically a 4/27 in jeans and pants and a small/medium in most tops and dresses, and I don't really like anything to fit me too tightly except for things like leggings. 

Cozy robe season has begun! 

Wearing: I'm really all over the place this week. We turned on the heat, which feels like a real time marker for the season. I've been pulling out my warmer pajamas, robes, and sweaters. It's cold in the mornings and evenings. I got up early yesterday morning to walk Henry before his bath, and I wore a long down puffer, hat, and gloves!  

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse all of my posts here on my website.

My favorite spatulas (made right here in Pittsburgh!)

Eating: One of the few times I bake each year, and it was to make the easiest pumpkin loaf! I've been making this recipe since college. I have the recipe, here. It's not even worthy of being called a 'recipe'! I don't normally make it in a loaf, but that's what I was feeling. The loaf took 50 minutes to bake. It's really dense and gooey, which I love. If you want it fluffier, add an egg or two. You can add in nuts, caramel, other spices, butter, etc. It's a real 'choose your own adventure' situation. You can also make them into muffins or cookies. I typically prefer them as muffins. I don't like baking because it has to be so precise, but with this, you don't have to be precise at all and can kind of just do what you want. I have never put frosting on this, but I think adding an egg to make it less dense and then making a cream cheese frosting would be delish!  

BonBon sent me a cute little Halloween package. I love gummy candy, and BonBon truly is some of the best out there. A very cute Halloween treat for someone special, and a great stocking stuffer, too! I personally prefer the sour mix, but you really can't go wrong. I think they're doing a Halloween sale starting tomorrow, so keep your eyes peeled. 

Sale: These dinner plates and these bowls are by Lenox and on major sale. I cannot get over the price. They remind me of our Wedgwood Nantucket Basket plates. If you need classic, everyday china, this is a great option. 

When I posted about this deal on Instagram, someone asked me how many I recommend getting. I think it totally depends on your storage space, needs, and general preference. I typically buy at least 8 of something, usually no less unless it's very specific and I know just my husband and I will use it. For pieces I plan on using to host, I buy at least 12. Even if you don't have seating for 12, I've easily had well over 12 people over even just for takeout pizza. It doesn't need to be 12 Herend dinner plates! You can get a nice big set from somewhere like Crate and Barrel that isn't all that costly. I'd even go as far as getting 16, if you can, so you have extras if something breaks and enough for larger groups. Of course, if you live in a one-bedroom NYC apartment and don't host much, a set of 6 may work best. But the dinner plates I'm linking are such a good price. You can get 12 for about $135, which is a *very* good deal. 

Watching: My husband and I watched Animals on Netflix, a thriller movie starring Kerry Washington and Ben Affleck. It was good- nothing particularly amazing, but worth the watch! 

Loving: How fun are these swan shoes that my sister ordered?! 

Wanting: This cotton sweater tee looks like the perfect shape to dress down or up. These Christmas tree martini glasses are too cute and festive. I have quite a bit of the Spode Christmas glassware, but nothing for a martini, so I may have to snag these! A new sweater line just launched, and this collared sweater looks so similar to a Frame sweater I've been admiring, but it is a fraction of the price (albeit still not inexpensive). Herringbone ballet flats are something I didn't even know I wanted until I saw these! I'm also drooling over this sweater, specifically in the pink shade. The neckline is classic but unique. The most incredible fringed cape. My code SYDNEY15 should work. I really love the red because it feels so timely and festive, but the 'gilded garden' is another colorway I love, which seems more appropriate for year-round wear. This zip sweater looks vintage and classic all at once. A stunning silk scarf, thankfully without the Hermes markup. A cute take on the classic canvas tote. This giant bow tree topper is so fabulous! This velvet coat is calling my name. It's special, but still timeless enough to wear for many years to come. Tuckernuck does faux fur well, and this coat is perfect. Saw this 3.5' nutcracker in person, and it is as cute as can be. I think a pair would look adorable flanking a fireplace. These brass ornaments are pricey, but wow do I love them! They would look so beautiful hung on a bottle of wine or olive oil. This lace blouse is incredible and a very special dressy closet staple. A beautiful, classic black skirt for the holiday season and beyond. Not to mention, the price is right! These flats have an interesting cut, a little trendier, more modern than a typical ballet flat! I just pulled this cardigan out of the back of my closet because the evenings have gotten very chilly, and it is the best warm sweater. The quality is top-notch. I wish I had an event on my calendar for this blackwatch dress because it is TOO fabulous! Pillbox hats and brooches are making a comeback, and I am here for it! If you have a cocktail party on your calendar, this dress is perfect and would work year-round! These ballet flats are as classic as they come and look just like a certain French designer. This isn't an inexpensive black dress, but wow, is it special! This puffer looks like something Cameron Diaz's character would have worn in The Holiday with a cream cashmere sweatset underneath. 

Pittsburgh: We finally tried Tambellini's Sandwiches in Brookline, and they were SO good. They are totally worth the hype. I loved everything, but the chicken Caesar hoagie was my favorite. I am not one to care for mozzarella sticks. I find them to be so bland, but their giant mozz stick was so flavorful. The meatball hoagie was delicious. I personally would have rather had just meatballs without the bun, but this was delish. My least favorite was the Italian, which is shocking because Italian hoagies are one of my fave things to eat. But even as my least favorite, it was still delicious. I definitely recommend ordering a few and sharing them. It was so nice to try so many different things! 

Amazon Rec: These eye patches were inexpensive and are great. I think they stand up to my go-to patchology, and they are almost as good as my current fave, Yepoda! I try to use these daily; they just feel so good!!

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!

Fig Candle

Smelling: This Fig Candle is definitely a year-round scent, but it has a very cozy feel to it, so I'm really loving it this fall season! 

Traveling: Every year, in college and beyond, we would go to DC around the holidays. My parents would pick me up from JMU, and we would spend the weekend there. We still try to travel, the 6 of us, around the holidays for a weekend somewhere fun and festive. Last year, we couldn't make it work for all 6 of us, so my husband and I went down to DC; we hadn't been in years. It was so fun to just eat, drink, relax, and shop. We had the best time. It's a nice place for us to visit because I've been dozens of times; I don't feel pressured to do a lot and can just relax. We couldn't make a trip with all 6 of us work again this year, sadly, but my husband and I are still going to keep the tradition alive, just us, and go back to DC for another fun weekend. So if you have any restaurant recs, please let me know. We never miss Le Dip, as the warm shrimp salad is something I dream about all year! 

We are actually planning a trip to Scotland for all 6 of us. That's our next big trip  (well over a year away still), but if you have any recs, please let me know. My sister and BIL have already been, since they have a friend from Scotland, so they have a good grip on the basics, but I'll definitely be asking you all for more specific recs next year! 

Quoting: 'Imagine if we measured success by how loved people feel around us.' - Jonathan Dent // 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). 

My Favorite Lip Colors and Combos

Poppy (my code SUMMERWIND may work on this)

My favorite beauty products to collect are lip balms, lipsticks, glosses, and more. I am certainly not a makeup guru or expert. Day to day, I keep my makeup the same. But a new lip product? Ohhh, that's FUN! 

You may find this list a bit boring since I tend to gravitate toward a very similar shade across brands and products. While I wear a lot of different brands and shades, I thought I'd boil it down to the ones I wear most often.

I took these photos in my car, so the lighting is nearly the same in every photo. I didn't edit them or use filters. 

To start, here's the one I wear probably 60% of the time. It's in the shade 'Poppy'.  Because I have so many lip products, I rarely finish one, but I've finished countless tubes of this beautiful shade. I love this product because you get the color payoff of a lipstick, the shine of a gloss, and the feel of a lip balm. You'll see my love for this product, since I have three different shades in this blog post alone. 

The only thing I don't love is that it has a coconut-ish scent. It's not strong, but it's apparent. I really loathe that brands scent or flavor lip products. I just find it so unnecessary. But the color and the product itself are good enough for me to look past the scent.

Poppy leans coral, which I find suits my coloring best. This lasts, but not nearly as much as a matte lipstick or stain. 

Pink Poppy

This is the same product as the first, just a different shade, 'Pink Poppy'. As the name suggests, this is a bit pinker than poppy and more saturated. It's still great for daily wear, but it is also a great shade for evening when I want a little more color than my usual poppy. This unfortunately also has that coconut scent. 

These aren't in any particular order, but this is my second most-worn lip color. 

Plum 1 (my code SYDNEY15 may work on this)

Plum 1 is described as 'muted raspberry'. I think it looks more like a traditional cool-toned pink on my lips. This is a buildable lipstick. A little goes a long way, and you can make the color bolder by applying a bit more. It lasts a long time, sometimes even through eating and drinking. I don't have to reapply this often. 

The texture is between silky and matte. I usually prefer a shiny lip product, but this is creamy enough that it doesn't look dry. I've tried pink 2 and plum 2, which I also like, but plum 1 is by far the one I wear most from the bunch. 

If you remember Kosas Rosewood, this shade reminds me of a slightly more saturated version of that color, which was one of my all-time favorites. Even the texture is similar to the Kosas one I loved so much. 

Just Lipstick in 976

Lipstick in 976// Lip gloss in Guava paired together

This lipstick is a vibrant pink, and it's one I love to wear when I am tan. It is a very creamy lipstick with a shinier finish than many others. You can be heavy-handed with this lipstick as it's not strong in color. It goes on a touch sheer, and I build it to the color strength I prefer. So while it is vibrant, it's still a shade I wear often in the daytime. Because it's somewhat sheer, I don't find myself needing a mirror to apply! 

However, I think this Lip gloss in Guava pairs so well with the lipstick that I most often wear these as a combo. They are nearly identical colors. On its own, the lip gloss is beautiful, too. I should have taken a photo with just the gloss. It looks similar to the lipstick but less saturated. I love the gloss's texture. It's not heavy or sticky, but it's thick enough that it really sticks and lasts. 

Lip Gloss in Pink Beet// Lipstick in September 

I like both the gloss and lipstick on its own, but I most often wear them together. The lipstick is a true brick red that's more cool-toned with very little orange. It's matte, though, which I don't love, so I pair it with the gloss, which tones down the red a touch and adds a bit more pink. The lipstick is also sheer, so to get the opaque color you see in the top photo, I have to apply quite a bit. It lasts a long time, so even though I apply a lot, I don't have to touch it up often throughout the day. 

The gloss itself is a cool-toned rosy berry mauve which looks nice on its own, albeit very subtle. It's more of a 'your lips but better' color. If you don't love a strong lip color, this is perfect. I love the creamy texture. It feels so hydrating. The gloss doesn't last long, so I have to reapply often. 

Lip Stain in Sugie Girl// Lip Gloss in Watermelon 

This lip stain lasts SO long. I love that it has a fine tip so I can line my lips and then fill them in. It's inexpensive, which is great. The color is buildable. Because the tip is so fine, I find I need a mirror to apply it well. It is a pretty pink mauve shade. I don't wear it on its own because it's completely dry and feels like there is nothing on my lips. I always top it with a gloss

Though this brand is Covergirl, do you all remember the Revlon Just Bitten lip stains that were available in the early 2010s? I think I was in college... maybe in my early 20s.  I loved those stains, and this product reminds me of them; it just has a slightly smaller tip, and sadly there's no balm on the other end. 

I switch it up with gloss, but most often, I add this Lip Gloss in Watermelon. It doesn't add much color, but I get that really wonderful shine that I love so much from these Tarte lip products. Watermelon on its own is great, too. I often wear it when I'm not wearing makeup and just want a tiny touch of hydration and color on my lips. 

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).

September Favorites

Sweater Dress// Pajama Set// Lip Treatment Balm// Deodorant

Travel Perfume Atomizer// Acne Gel// Hanging Cosmetic Bag// Sweatshirt + Sweatpants

Orange Handbag// Gold Sneakers// Rugby Fleece Sweatshirt

I round up my favorite things each month for a monthly favorites list. At the end of the year, I pull from each monthly list to create an annual favorites list. In 2025, I broke down my list into three parts: Beauty, Fashion, and Home and Misc. It's how I keep track of the very best things. The lists work because, looking back over the past few years, most of the items on each list are still my favorites. My only rule is that I don't repeat items from month to month or year to year, so there is no overlap. 

Sweater Dress// I love the idea of a sweater dress, but sometimes they can be so bulky and unflattering. This sweater dress is a warm but thinner knit, so it drapes beautifully. The ribbed knit pattern is also very slimming. This runs generously. I got a size small, and it's very roomy. 

Pajama Set// Pajama sets are one of my favorite things to collect. I love a pretty set, but I also need it to be very comfortable. This is a new-to-me brand that I have absolutely fallen in love with. The pima cotton is so incredibly soft, and the construction is the best of any pajama brand I own. 

Lip Treatment Balm// This is a new launch from Allies of Skin: a lip balm treatment with peptides to plump lips and lessen fine lines. I love a good lip balm and have tried a whole host of them, but this one really stands out for the smooth texture and hydration. The Revision balm is still my favorite of all time, but I typically wear it only at night. If you like the Revision balm, I think you'll like this as a daytime alternative, and you'll be glad it's about half the price. My code SUMMERWIND should work on this! 

Deodorant// I've always loved this deodorant; it is the brand I've worn for years. Basil and Neroli is my favorite deodorant, but they just launched a new scent called Ambrette and Pear. The scent is amazing. The website describes the scent as, 'White musk settles against the skin—warm and familiar. Soft linen sheets brush close. Ripe pear. A bite of crisp apple. Jasmine drifts through the open air as clean ambrette and grounding moss envelop, lingering and calm.'

Travel Perfume Atomizer// I bought this in Rome at the Creed boutique. It's one of my favorite scent brands. I'd been admiring the atomizer for ages. It's pricey, so I've always held off. Well, I was sold because, at the Rome boutique, for a small fee, I could have it filled with any fragrance I wanted! That really sealed the deal for me, and I had it filled with Milliseme, one of my favorites. I think this would make such a beautiful under-$100 gift for the luxury lover. There are a few colors to choose from, so it's great for men or women. 

Acne Gel// I have acne-prone skin and have tried everything. I had a stubborn zit and ended up ordering this on a whim, and it worked SO well to get rid of the zit fast. I love the Mario Badescu drying liquid, but that works best when the zit is toward the end. I put this on at the beginning, and it gets rid of the zit quickly! 

Hanging Cosmetic Bag// This is so organized and the perfect size for a week-or-more trip. It holds so much. I took this to Italy, and it held everything I needed for just under 2 weeks! 

Sweatshirt + Sweatpants// This is a new-to-me brand. They reached out and sent me this sweat set. I truly think this is the most comfortable sweat set I've ever worn. The fabric is so stretchy and soft. The inside is fleece, but the fabric is pretty lightweight, so I don't overheat. I haven't slept in this yet, but I think I might as it gets colder outside. The style is classic and basic- nothing particularly special about how it looks, and I wouldn't really go out in this, as it is a true sweat set. But I've found myself doing laundry specifically so I can rewear this. I'll need to get more colors. The fit kind of reminds me of the Lake Relax set, if you have ever tried that, but this is lined with fleece. Amazing and exactly the type of thing I wear at home in the wintertime. If you are shorter, you may have to hem the length. I'm 5'6", and they're long on me, but not too long that I need to hem them. 

Orange Handbag// I just love this fun little handbag. I wasn't planning on getting a handbag while in Italy. I was searching high and low for Chanel ballet flats, but after going in and out of several Chanel stores that were out of stock in my size in the few things I had my eye on, I saw this bag in Ferragamo and just had to get it. I'm not super into designer handbags, but this was the flagship store in Florence, and to me, it felt special, unique, and like something I'll always treasure. An Italian souvenir! My sister got a cute bag, too! If you are in Florence, I highly recommend stopping into the flagship store. It was huge and stunning. They had so many special pieces and even a museum! 

Gold Sneakers// These sneakers are high quality and took absolutely no time to break in. They were comfortable from the start. They have a padded sole and a sleek, minimal look. I wore them all over Italy and loved the gold because they matched with everything. 

Rugby Fleece Sweatshirt// I love that rugby styles are having such a moment. This one is lined with fleece and is SO cozy. This is another one I purposely do laundry for! I sized up to a medium for a cozy fit. 

2026 Monthly Favorites:

- January

- February

- March

- April

- May

- June

- July

- August

Check out my yearly favorites... 

- 2025 Beauty // Fashion // Home and Misc.

- 2024 Favorites

- 2023 Favorites

- 2022 Favorites

- 2021 Favorites

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).

Weekend Wish List

Velvet Tassel Jacket// Printed Velvet Skirt// Fleece Zip Jacket

Yellow Dress// Tartan Fringe Bag// Red Fleece Full-Zip// Embellished Cardigan

Fair Isle Rollneck Sweater// Burgundy Clutch// Gold Chain Bracelet

Some items of note... 

- So many brands are coming out with such stunning pieces with things like cording, tassels, and more. I love the special details that really make something stand out. This Velvet Tassel Jacket is the perfect example. It's pricey, but it has such special details that really set it apart. 

- I go into hibernation mode promptly after Christmas and wear things like this Fleece Zip Jacket basically 24/7. Looks so cozy. 

- I am starting to weave a few holiday items in here and there. I know it's early, but so many of my favorite brands have great holiday items out. This Tartan Fringe Bag was too cute to leave out of today's roundup. My code SYDNEY15 may still work. 

- I'm shocked that this Gold Chain Bracelet is well under $1000. It's hollow, though, so I'd like to feel it in person to make a proper assessment. 

- This Red Fleece Full-Zip is calling for a weekend on the slopes. 

Red Earrings// Brocade Jacket// Hair Tamer Wand Trio// Slippers// Jacquard Coat

Suede Jacket// Fair Isle Cardigan

Tweed Jacket// Pinecone Stocking Holder// Shower Oil// Ribbed Pajama Set// Faux Fur Coat

Some items of note... 

- My favorite gift guide to make is the stocking stuffer guide. Growing up, my mom put so much thought and effort into our stockings. My dad would go all out on my mom's stocking. It was always my favorite thing to open on Christmas Day and still is! I am so ready to share recs with you all like this Hair Tamer Wand Trio. I use it almost daily. It tames flyaways better than anything else I've ever used. These are mini versions, which I would love for a purse or for travel. It comes in a set of 3, so it's a great gift add-on or for 3 separate stockings! 

- Tis the season for this Shower Oil. I originally ordered it because I've heard many people use it in place of the very popular name-brand Almond shower oil to shave their legs. I love the almond shower oil, and this Shower Oil isn't really a perfect match to that, in my opinion. However, it's the most wonderful body wash in the colder months when my skin gets dry. It's so hydrating and soothing. My husband loves it, too. I don't really use it much in the summertime, so I just ordered a fresh bottle for the cold we are about to get this weekend... the weather is calling for flakes; I'm not ready!! It was just 75 on Tuesday! 

- These Slippers are inexpensive and adorable. 

- This Tweed Jacket photo does not do it justice. You really have to head over to the product photos and see it in action. It's stunning. 

- Wow, I love the long length of this Faux Fur Coat. Such a classic silhouette. Very Samantha Stevens! 

- I love this Pinecone Stocking Holder. It's subtle and so pretty. Do any of you have a house in the mountains? It would be perfect for that! 

See last week's Weekend Wish List, here!

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

- Top Picks from Quince

- Lately

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse 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).