Friday, November 13, 2026

Weekend Wish List

Some items of note... 

- Moire, fringe, and a cape, this Red Cocktail Dress has it all!! 

- I never take off this Dainty Diamond Tennis Bracelet and it's hopefully about to be on sale! Makes the *best* fine jewelry gift. 

- You'll have to click over to zoom in on this Black Button Down becuase the texture is beautiful!

- This Color Corrector Conealer has been all over my feed lately, and I'm so curious to try it! 
 

Some items of note... 

- This Colorful Necklace is such an easy and beautiful way to add color to any outfit. It's on sale! 

- These Ski Print Pajamas are calling my name and they're 25% off! 

- I need to order a few more of our white wine glasses and stumbled upon this crazy good early Black Friday deal on a set of both Red and White Wine Glasses. These are the exact glasses we have and love. They are great quality is so elegant... thin rim, beautiful stem! 

- This Cream Cable Sweater is absolutely timeless! 


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’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).

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Lately

Received the most beautiful gift from Urban Stems! 

Treated myself to a Little Tokyo lunch the other day! A rarity. I should do it more often. 

Gave my makeup brushes a much-needed scrub. I always share this as a reminder for everyone else!

Still snacking on a few errant bags of peanut M&Ms from Halloween.

Banana cream pie at my parent's this weekend! 

Handsome men's sweater! 

Happy almost weekend, friends! It was another gorgeous week here. We were once again so spoiled with sun. I think you all must think I'm crazy going on about sun in November, but truly, from November through March, Pittsburgh barely ever sees sun. Last winter was particularly abysmal. Pittsburgh was actually just ranked as the cloudiest city in America. Let me tell you, from first-hand experience, it's not something to brag about!! So when I see so much sun in a row, it's remarkable, and such a mood booster. It also makes my job so much easier, as I prefer to share things via photo and video with natural light. 

We had a fun weekend as my aunt and uncle were in town. This week was pretty typical- lots of walks, work, and workouts! We have been good about cooking at home lately, which is always the goal, but we rarely meet it!

One thing that's been driving me nutty is that I tried a new moisturizer a few weeks ago. A brand sent it to me in a PR box. I randomly decided to try it. It was a very expensive moisturizer, and my face broke out so much after just a few uses! I stopped using it, and thankfully, nothing new has popped up since. I don't necessarily think the product is 'bad' as everyone's skin is different, but I try a lot and can't remember the last time I got breakouts from a specific skincare product! This is exactly why I rarely share anything skincare-related unless I've had plenty of time to use it and get really familiar with it. It is also a reminder that the price tag on any skincare product isn't always indicative of its efficacy or quality (and that goes for a lot more than just skincare).  

This weekend, we have a black-tie event to attend, which I am looking forward to. I love any excuse to get gussied up! Though I ordered 5 dresses and, as of writing this, I have received none. Most are supposed to arrive today. I have an old backup, but I'm hoping one of the options that arrive today will work. It's a fat chance, since a gown usually requires some sort of tailoring, so we shall see. 

It's hard to tell in this photo, but if you love the look of taffeta pants, you may want to try these. They're more of a satin jacquard but have the prettiest sheen! 

Did a sponsored post for Tuckernuck on IG, and I styled this velvet jacket top and this tassel top as dressier outfits, then more casually with jeans! Love both tops, but if I had to choose, I'd pick the velvet peplum as it just feels so polished! 

Fleece full-zip. I got one for my mom, too. Lightweight and good for layering. Very inexpensive and on sale! 


Heavy Fleece with a soft jersey knit lining. This acts as more of a jacket than a sweatshirt. 


Fleece Pullover that Talbots sent me, and I couldn't love it more. Very Patagonia-esque, with a sweater exterior, but the interior is the softest, coziest fleece! I sized up to a medium. 

Wearing: I'm either styling dressed-up holiday outfits or wearing workout clothes; it seems there's been very little in between this week! 

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.

Eating: My husband made these Korean beef bowls the other night, and it was incredible. It was so flavorful, and all of the veggies added such freshness. It made a huge portion; we are still eating it days later! 

Sale: The brand that makes my microcurrent device that I use many times per week gave me a code ZPSYDNEY and WINDZIIP for 20% off. Not entirely sure why there are two, but it's worth trying one or the other, since things change so quickly during November! This was lost in my suitcase when I got back from Italy, and I was missing it SO much. I added one to my cart because it would've been the first thing I replaced if my luggage was truly lost! 

I have a washable rug code SYDNEY10 for 10% off. 

My go-to red light mask brand gave me a code for 20% off: SUMMERWIND. My goal each week is to use it 5x per week. I end up using it anywhere from 3-5 times per week. I love it!! 

One of my favorite clothing/fashion brands for gorgeous, classic pieces gave me a code SYD20 for 20% off full-price items. 


Watching: I recently started re-watching Gilmore Girls. When I was in high school and my early 20s, I watched all the seasons 100 times over, but I haven't watched it since 2016. It's so interesting how I perceive it so differently now that I am older! It's still so good, just different.

Speaking of more early 2000s media, I loved Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld, and Netflix is turning it into a series! 

My sister just recommended 'From' on Netflix for me to watch. She said it's very good. I still want to watch Phony, but just haven't had much time for TV lately!


Listening: I just stumbled upon this Chris Botti Christmas playlist, and it is so calming and peaceful!! 

Loving: As a big gummy candy fan, I order BonBon for myself from time to time. I somehow landed on BonBon's PR list and get a box here and there as a surprise on my doorstep, and it's quite literally the definition of a treat!! If you like gummy candy and haven't tried this, you should because I really think it's the best. It's pricey for candy, no doubt, but it makes a really nice gift! A pound of sour mix is my usual order; it's enough for me to grab a piece here and there for probably 2 months-ish. 

Wanting:
If you are headed somewhere warm over the holidays, this under $50 pareo is the perfect swim cover-up. I love the colors. This red bandana sweater is fun and unique! This martini olive brooch is adorable and on sale for under $15! You can pin it onto a ribbon as a gift topper! If you have a golden retriever, do not walk, RUN! Love this white dress as a nightgown and/or cover-up! This is such a beautiful, classic fair isle cardigan. I love the blue shade of this fleece pullover. Someone in my DM's this week asked for a recommendation for champagne flutes, and I'd recommend these and anything from the Sensa line! This red cocktail dress is incredible, and how about this moirĂ© pouch bag?! I really love this stunning suede jacket. Such a good button-down! The perfect stocking stuffer for the gal on the go! Well, this coat certainly looks warm! My code SYDNEY20 may work on the coat! 

Pittsburgh: I went to Kabob G in Castle Shannon for the first time, and I truly cannot believe I had never been. HOW?! It's definitely some of the best food I've ever had in Pittsburgh, and I am annoyed I only have this salad photo to show for it, but even this salad, which doesn't look like much, was out-of-this-world delicious. My favorite thing was the babaghanoush. It comes with pita, but I could have just lapped it up with a spoon! It was so velvety, fresh, and flavorful. Easily the best I've ever had. It's BYOB and the interior is very barebones, but you could put me in a dark dungeon, and I wouldn't care; the food is truly that good! 

Amazon Rec: I mentioned on Instagram that I want to start a junk journal. I love the idea of having a tangible place to put 'scraps'. I love branding and memories, and I think this will be a fun project to keep me off my phone! I just ordered this jounral to get started. 

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!

Quoting: 'Discipline is the art of not betraying yourself.' - Marcus Aurelius// 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). 

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

Gift Guide: For Him


Today is for the men in our lives! I find it hard to shop for men. As always, this guide is inspired by my dad and husband. Both love golf, skiing, traveling, dogs, a stiff cocktail, live music, classic/preppy clothing and accessories, and sports. So, if this sounds like any guy in your life, this gift guide may help. If you need more ideas, check out my Father's Day guide from this year, and the 2025 gifts For Him.

Some items of note... 

- Both my dad and husband are nuts for anything by Smathers and Branson. My parents got my husband a Needlepoint Driver Head Cover for his birthday, and my dad loved it so much that my mom ended up getting my dad one shortly after. You can never go wrong with a Needlepoint Belt. My dad and husband have collected several over the years. The Life Belt code is LB$50 for $50 off. They are custom-made with so many unique items. I got my husband one, and it truly is such a special gift. 

- This Canvas Tote is small (though they do make it in a larger size, too), so it's perfect to throw in a change of clothes and/or necessities. For example, he will bring it to the locker room to change his outfit after golf for dinner. 

- My husband doesn't leave on a trip without this Weekender Bag. The separate shoe compartment is brilliant, and it holds so much. 

Some items of note... 

- As much as we women gripe about pants and how hard it is to find a great-fitting pair, I have to say, I think men might have it equally as hard. My husband has ordered and returned so many pairs of ill-fitting pants. These Classic Fit Jeans are easily the best-fitting jeans I've ever seen on my husband, and the quality is perfect. 

- My dad got these Corduroy Pants in a few colors, and they look fantastic on him and are a more modern style than he typically goes for! My code SYD20 should work on these! 

- This Quilted Quarter Zip is so soft and a great layering piece. It comes in many colors and fits true to size. 

- These are the best-fitting Swim Trunks. My husband found them in a store in Charleston this summer, and they are relaxed but tailored at the same time. 

- My husband thinks these are the most comfortable Jogger Sweatpants. If he's going to wear sweats, I like these because they are more tailored and polished than so many men's sweats out there. 

Some items of note... 

- My husband wants this Espresso Machine. As someone (me) who prefers drip coffee day-to-day, this doesn't thrill me a ton, but my husband has done a lot of research on the subject, and this seems to be a very good one (and I would hope so considering the price!). But this is his #1 want. I'm over here perfectly happy with our Nespresso machine when I want espresso, ha! 

- This Pizza/Baking Steel is one of my husband's favorite things. You can make incredible pizzas in a regular oven. This is really heavy-duty and high quality and crisps up the crust like no other. 


2026 Gift Guides:



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).

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Holiday Pajama Roundup

Holiday Pajama Roundup

Cue Mariah Carey, 'It's Time!!!!' I cannot get over the fact that Christmas is 45 days away. 

For me, I've sort of been in holiday mode since the beginning of October, planning gift guides and holiday content. October is my favorite month, but the holiday season is just the very best! I could list 100 things that I enjoy about this season, and one of them is holiday pajamas. 

Though I will say, and I wonder if any of my fellow Pittsburghers feel this way, I'm not feeling like Christmas is just 45 days away. We have had the most gorgeous weather lately. We have enjoyed so much sun (which becomes a rarity from about November-March) and warmer-than-usual temperatures, too. I'm loving it, but it doesn't exactly make me race to put up my Christmas tree! Though this weekend may just be the perfect time because I think we are supposed to get a few days of more seasonally appropriate weather.

If you have been reading for at least a year, first of all, THANK YOU, and second of all, you may know my mom, sister, and I have the yearly tradition of wearing matching pajamas on Christmas morning. Honestly, as much as the pajamas are so fun, I am endlessly grateful that we still all get to wake up together on Christmas morning. That's the real highlight. 

It's so much fun to look at my winter pajamas and have a Christmas memory attached to most of them. It's also fun to browse with my mom and sister as holiday pajamas come out from some of our favorite brands. It also makes it easy because every year, my mom and sister know that one of my gifts to them is a pair of pajamas. 

I'm a pajama-loving gal. I truly think there is nothing better than a cute, comfortable pajama set, and you can never have too many. Plus, they eventually get a bit tattered, and you have to eventually retire them. I wore the heck out of some of the pajamas in the photos above and no longer have them. 

We usually take our group photo over Thanksgiving, since my sister is home then and we can fit it in before the busyness of Christmas week. We've tried to take a photo on Christmas morning, and it more often than not doesn't work out because we forget! If you have the chance, take the photo! I love that I have so many photos of the three of us over the years. 

I actually just ordered our pajamas yesterday. I was browsing for this blog post and came across a crazy good deal that got me exactly what I wanted and saved me over $200! They haven't arrived yet, but my fingers are crossed that it's as good as it seems!

I thought I'd put together a quick little list of my favorites! The roundup is below the list! 

- Lake 


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).

Monday, November 9, 2026

Gift Guide: My Wish List


This guide is always such a fun one to put together. Most of my other gift guides feature items I already own or that someone in my family has and loves, but this one is purely for things I’d love to receive (or treat myself to someday). Many are fanciful, some frivolous, quite a few are in my dreams, and some are more practical.

I once read a piece of data about influencer gift guides that said most people actually shop for themselves through them rather than for others. I’m curious if you all agree with that? Over the years, I’ve heard from many of you that my guides help you decide what to ask for at Christmastime. This 'My Wish List'gift guide is always my most popular of the year, so I'm excited to share it now as we head into the heart of the holiday season. I always create a second 'My Wish List' guide in December as well. 

I also wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that while these gift guides are filled with beautiful things, at the end of the day, they are just that: things. 

Giving gifts is one of my love languages. Finding the perfect gift for someone, something that makes them feel truly seen and loved, is nearly priceless. 

But as much joy as I find in giving gifts, I also think it's important to remember that the magic of the holiday season has little to do with what gets wrapped up in ribbons. It's the time spent with the people we love and the traditions we look forward to year after year that stay with us long after the gifts have been torn through. 

I hope these guides provide inspiration and make your holiday shopping easier, but more than anything, I hope this season brings you time to enjoy the people and moments that matter most. After all, time spent with the people we love is the greatest gift.

Some items of note... 
- I'd love this Sheer Button-Down Shirt in every color. It feels like 'me,' but the sheer fabric feels edgy and unique. 

- This Faux Fur Trimmed Coat is a dream!! The details are stunning; it truly looks like a coat I pulled from my grammie's closet in the 1960s. The price tag is a bit steep, but it's truly a special piece. 

- I'm on the hunt for an everyday small black crossbody bag. I have so many fun, colorful bags; I'm honestly just lacking something very basic. I'm eyeing this Black Crossbody Bag.

- My favorite Face Cream is pricey. It unfortunately works so well!! 

- I'm Petite Plume's newest and biggest fan. I'd love this Navy Pajama Set in every color! 

Some items of note... 

- I want Hot Rollers to play around with. I'm not exactly sure if I'll love them, so this lower-priced set is all I need! 

- I have these Printed Colorful Pants in two colors, but I love this kind of Florentine design! 

- I'm going to start junk journaling as a little something to keep me off of my phone! I'm not a big DIY gal, but I think this is simple, fun, and a unique way to document memories. This Junk Journal seems like the perfect thing to get started. 

- I've put so many miles on these Sneakers, I think it's time for a new pair. The BEST sneakers. They are so bouncy and cushion my feet like no other. 

Some items of note... 

- I drink a cup of this Green Tea daily! So deliciuos! 

- We have these White Wine Glasses but a few have broken over the years, so I need to restock my arsenal! 

- I had the tab for this Fleece Lined Coat open for weeks. The other night, my husband and I were talking, and he pulled out his phone to show me this same coat and said he was thinking of ordering it! It is not the prettiest coat, that's for sure, but my goodness, is it practical. It kind of reminds me of those swim parkas that you'd wear during swim practice and meets. I just know throwing this coat on over whatever to walk Henry would be perfect, no matter what the winter weather brings. 

- Now these Monogrammed Hair Clips are purely frivolous, but how fun!! The perfect thing to get someone who has everything, because there is a good chance she doesn't have her own monogrammed, no-crease hair clips! 

- I think this Dog Cocktail Table is the most expensive thing on here, but I've been dreaming about it ever since I saw one in person in Charleston! 


2026 Gift Guides:



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).

Friday, November 6, 2026

Weekend Wish List

Some items of note... 
- This Velvet Button Jacket and Red Jacquard Pants with flats or heels make for the prettiest holiday outfit. 

- This Black Embellished Cardigan also comes in cream, and both are an easy way to add some sparkle to any outfit. 

- I love that this Black Jacquard Coat/Dress is a 2-in-1!

- I can't believe these Olive Cocktail Napkins are $15 when they are on some websites for $48! 

- This Ski Shawl Cardigan Sweater is wintertime perfection. 

Some items of note... 

- This Personalized Brush is 25% off, making it under $50 and an adorable gift for any age! 

- I think a tuxedo shirt is so chic, and this Tuxedo Tunic Shirt is the perfect length to pair with a skinny cigarette-style pant. 

- Love that this Fleece Robe is now available in a darker color. I have it in cream and love it so much, but I think the darker green shade would hide some coffee splatters better! 

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).

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Lately


I've been wearing shorts on my walks all week!!



A little pre-trick-or-treat snack!



Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup season! Trader Joe's Red Pepper Tomato Soup is my favorite. 


Hope your week is going well and that you enjoyed a nice holiday weekend! My mother-in-law came to stay for the weekend, which is always nice! We had a great trick-or-treat evening as the weather was gorgeous. I went to see a movie with my parents on Sunday, and it was great. 

This week has been very typical, but it's busy season, so I'm basically glued to my phone and computer! I started rolling out the gift guides this week; so far, the first two are the host and hostess guide and the cool girl guide, which my sister curated! More to come next week. 

We have had the most glorious weather. It's been 75 and sunny for days, which is unusual for November in Pittsburgh. I am here for it, though it seems that today is the start of some cooler, less sunny weather. Par for the course. 

This weekend, we don't have any huge plans, but my aunt and uncle are in town, so we are going to have dinner at my parents' with them one night! We also need to tackle a few chores around the house. I'm trying to decide when I want to put up our Christmas tree. I was thinking this weekend, as I love the decorations, but at the same time, it's been so warm and sunny that I'm not really in a Christmas-y mood! 


Red Pants (use code SYD20)
Tried these red pants on. They run big; I'm wearing a size 2. Love the dupioni texture, and they are a touch stretchy, so they're very comfortable! 



Black Sweater (back in stock)// Black jeans on sale under $100// Orange Loafers

Wearing: I've worn mostly casual things all week long! 

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.

Eating: Sweet treats we snagged at Bartram House Bakery. The top left strawberry pastry was incredible! 

Sale: 25% off personalized items at Baublebar. They have a longer lead time, so they always do this sale early so you can order and get items in time for holiday gifting! 

The Sephora sale is open to everyone now! I shared my full makeup routine here, with a few products that are included in the sale. My top 5 picks are this hair-taming wand, this concealer, this eyelash curler, these eye patches, and this thermal barrel iron. 

One of my favorite brands is doing 25% off jackets, coats, and boots! I saw this suede jacket in the store the other day, and it is incredibly stunning. Though, even at 25% off, the price is spendy! For everything else, you can use my code SYD20 for 20% off full-price items. 


Watching: I haven't been to a theater in ages, but Everest: The Other Side was playing in IMAX, and I had to see it. I'm absolutely fascinated by mountaineering, especially the eight-thousanders like Everest. I have no real interest in actually hiking; I don't think I'd enjoy sleeping in a tent, I love a hot shower, and I loathe being cold. So I don't necessarily consume mountaineering content because I want to climb mountains, but I'm so inspired by mountaineers' strength and grit. I've read and watched so much on the topic, I feel like I could talk to a hiker or mountaineer and they might actually think I own hiking boots, ha!! Anyway, the only IMAX in Pittsburgh is at the AMC in Waterfront. I truly think the last time I was in that movie theater, I was 12, but it looks pretty much the same! The documentary was one of the best things I've ever seen. I felt so immersed in the whole thing watching it on the massive screen. The story is a complete and total emotional rollercoaster. It was heartbreaking, gripping, stressful, and thrilling. The cinematography was stunning, and the storytelling was poignant and engaging. I've been thinking about it ever since. It's a heavy story, but if you're interested, I'd recommend it. I don't want to say too much and ruin it, but it was just so moving.

Loving: I just love these little nutcrackers!

Wanting: This little beaded bag is so pretty
. I love the navy because I think it would work beautifully in all seasons! This tartan jacket is incredible! This feather top is so fun and gives me 'going out' top vibes. Such a gorgeous jacquard coat! Very into this tote. In my family, I am known as the bull in the china shop, so these socks are making me chuckle. Pretty sure this is the best mascara ever! New J.Crew this week, and I love this fleece jacket, these velvet flats, this scarf, this feather-embellished button-down, and this embellished collared sweater. So into these red pants for the holidays and beyond. Just ordered this velvet top. A fringe purse begging to be taken to a festive fete. These sunglasses look perfectly classic. This sweatshirt + sweatpants lounge set is back in stock. The most comfortable lounge set I've ever worn! This clutch is gorgeous and so unique. Such a fun cardigan to add lots of color to your world this winter! A festive top that would look great with jeans or a skirt! Now this is a fun little mini dress and this is the most fabulous cocktail dress!! A cozy and cute vest. 

Pittsburgh: My husband and I were invited to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's black-tie gala, and I'm so looking forward to it. You can still snag tickets, here! We have so much talent in this city, and it's great to celebrate and support it! Plus, I love any excuse to dress up. I ordered quite a few dresses and am hoping one works out! 

Amazon Rec: It's soup season! These are the soup/cereal bowls we use day to day! 

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 found one of my favorite perfumes of all time on TJ Maxx's website! It's still pricey, but hugely discounted from its full price. I'm shocked to see it on sale! 

Quoting: 'Both fear and faith ask you to believe in something you can't see.' // 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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