Best Buys of 2018

Happy New Year! 

I was planning on writing something reflective and deep and then was over it. ha 

SO much happened this year and yet nothing that was not overcome or not enjoyed to its fullest extent. 

So good and bad, we can handle it, right? 

At least I hope to keep that feeling going into 2019. 

Stay active, eat healthy most some of the time, laugh with friends, appreciate family, and enjoy these kids before they get too big to want to hang out. 

And when the bad stuff happens, it is going to be fine. 

Eventually. 

Seriously, it will. 

Looking back on the blog this year, I have to say there were times I was working on it and just did not feel that it was worth keeping up. But then per usual, you all surprise me by clicking around and showing me that you are still there and enjoying it. So thank you SO much! You are what motivates me to keep it up and as I expand my real estate and design services this year (exciting stuff!), I hope to bring you a better site and instagram experience to encompass it all. 

I know you all love the posts with the hidden gems, best values, and life hack type products. So I thought I would round up my favorite and most used buys of 2018. Would love to hear some of your favorite buys in comments!

1. A few drops of this magical serum each morning actually makes a difference in my skin. Less wrinkles and a bit of a glow. 

2. GUYS, if you do not own these faux leather leggings, BUY THEM. They are magic and absolutely anyone can pull them off. 

3. This open front sweater blazer has been on rotation all year. With jeans, dresses, leggings, everything. Comes in other colors and is on mega sale. 

4. So I am an eye cream enthusiast and this one is the real deal. Worth the investment, friends. 

5. This red wine mouth blocker came with me everywhere this year. Easy to put on and completely works! 

6. These faux suede leggings are AMAZING. They look like real suede and are basically free. Also come in other colors. 

7. This non-foundation foundation is the best light, but full coverage make up I have ever used. One little dot added to your regular moisturizer creates the perfect tinted moisturizer. 

8. I make a big latte in the morning and this keeps me caffeinated well until lunch by staying warm. It also actually fits in the cup holder of my car and comes in cute colors. 

9. These block heel sandals are super comfortable, come in a million colors at a great price. Love them more than most of my pricier shoes and going to order the closed toe version too. 

10. These boot cut cropped jeans feel like pajamas and look cute with any shoes. On sale. 

11. These Valentino sandals are plastic, but you cannot tell in person. So you can sport them to the pool or dinner just the same. 

12. I have noticed a difference in my skin and hair, tummy, and general health since putting a scoop of collagen in my coffee. It is totally tasteless too. 

13. This sun hat is the best. Albeit a little grandma-ish, it packs easy, keeps you cool, and blocks a lot of sun from face and chest. 

14. For those like me that loathe an underwire, this bra will change your life. 

15. Custom canvas totes are the answer to every bag problem you have for yourself and your kids. Love all the sizes and you cannot beat the price point. 

xo

Erin 

The Best Designer Post Holiday Sales!

So we made it. Wow, it was something, right? This year I tried to take a step back and not go crazy with anything. The schedules, the commitments, the presents, the cooking. Of course, it was all still madness but a hair less, which made for slightly less stress. And in all the very best parts were laughing with friends, feasting with family, and seeing the happiness in my kids through it all. 

Now you would think that shopping is the least of what anyone is thinking about, but actually it is one of the best times! So many sites have crazy good sales that include some of the best designers. I rounded up a few items from each site, but be sure to browse around for your favorites because I assure you they are there. So Netflix and chill and gift yourself a pat on the back. 

1. Valentino / 2. Tom Ford  / 3. Chloe (obsessed) / 4. Balenciaga / 5. Charlotte Olympia (obsessed) / 6. Joesph / 7. Alexandre Birman / 8. Valentino / 9. Maje / 10. Isabel Marant (best boots I own!) / 11. Proenza Schouler / 12. Valentino / 13. Mui Mui / 14. Veronica Beard / 15. Valentino (or these) / 16. Self Portrait / 17. Alexandre Birman / 18. Golden Goose (or these) / 19. Aquazarra  

xo

Erin 

2018 Gift Guide: Under $200

So we are getting mighty close to the big day. Are you done shopping? 

I just got started and fine with it. 

In the age of 2 day shipping we can do that, thank goodness. 

So you still have all most of the time in the world. And hopefully with a little help here to make it even easier. 

These under $200 gifts are all super solid. A few cozy things, a few practical (but also fun) things, and something shiny. You honestly cannot go wrong. Loving this list. 

1. The coziest sherpa jacket $200 (on sale!)

2. A satchel/crossbody that comes in every color $168 (on sale!)

3. Google Home HQ that will help her do everything $129 (on sale!)

4. For the La Croix obsessed, a cute bubbler $143

5. A big heart ring that is so great $125

6. Chic silky striped pajamas $136

7. A wireless Bose speaker in rose gold $200

8. A cashmere wrap that will always feel special $198 (plus 25% off)

9. Cashmere slippers for coxy toes $154

10. The softest, comfiest robe there ever was $189

11. An Instant pot to make her life a snap $119-$147

12. A wide angle lens for her iphone $110

13. For the girl who cannot open the bottle, ever $100

Check out all the other gift guides here! 

xo

Erin 

2018 Gift Guide: Under $100

So would you be alarmed if I told you my tree is not up and I have done zero holiday shopping??? Yea, it is kind of scary to say out loud. I am pretty sure I am going to get my stuff together in the next couple days, but until then here I am avoiding it all on the blog! Way more fun to put together gift guides than do any actual to do list crossing off. ha 

When it comes to gifts, it is really just this simple. If you can imagine the person smiling when opening it, you've done good. I love all of these gifts so much and really try to knock out options that could be perfect for so many, but also feel super special and unique. 

1. The sweetest tiny star studs $35

2. Crisp old school pajamas you can monogram $95

3. Killer big cat eye sunglasses $68

4. A beautiful brass tray for jewelry $20

5. A chic velvet clutch $98

6. The best sweat pants there ever was $84

7. A pom beanie in a sweet hue $75

8. A super special coffee mug (psst: get 4 to make it a set) $23

9. A market backpack for your framers market lover $98

10. The coolest mixed media hoop earrings $80

11. A monogrammed oversized scarf $49

12. Super cozy slip on slippers $83

13. Glam gold ear buds $55

Check out my other gift guides HERE! 

xo

Erin 

2018 Gift Guide: All Things Beauty

Each year there are so many new products to dazzle us, plus the tried and true favorites, that make the best gifts. And truly it is the gift that keeps on giving every time she reaches for it.

 There are a lot of ways to make a girl feel great depending on her taste. Here I tried to cover them all, from the luxury lover to the holistic healer. 

I am truly swooning over it all...

1. This is the ultimate La Mer  set, this one too. / 2. I have heard first hand that this Dyson hair dryer is life changing and worth every penny / 3. These lip masks are an Insta sensation and actually work! / 4. This Herbivore set smells amazing and the products are so beautiful / 5. If you want to give GOOP products a try, this is the perfect starter kit / 6. The Glossier serum set to cure whatever is ailing your skin / 7. The ultimate Charlotte Tilbury set in her most loved hues / 8. Collagen and Glow supplements to give her morning coffee super powers / 9. The OG in green beauty, Tata Harper , that always is at the top of every beauty list,/ 10. The brand new Goop Glow powder that Gwyneth is raving about / 11. A Dybar set for her very best hair day, this one too / 12. This lighted mask looks scary, but is supposedly life changing for skin! / 13. The most amazing shower and body essentials from Glossier / 14. An assortment of the very best sheet masks.

Check Out the Other gift Guides: 

Under $25

xo

Erin 

2018 Gift Guide: Under $25

Gifting season is here!

 Have you started yet? I wish I could say that I am "shop in advance" type person, but I am still getting things together days before the big day. 

Which is fine for those living inside my house, not so much for those that I need to gift during the month. Specifically the amazing teachers, friends, hosts, co-workers, and overall helpers in our lives. And while you want to spoil them, budget certainly comes into play when you have a lot of people on the list. So here are eleven great ideas that anyone would love that are under (some way under) $25. So gift away and enjoy that smile on their faces when they open it. 

1. Slippers never fail! Love that these come with an eye mask / 2. Rainbow chocolates perfect for snacking / 3. Cozy mittens in a fun print / 4. Because one can never have enough of this hand cream and balm / 5. An initial catch all for their desk / 6. Eye masks that are magic / 7. The softest socks there ever was (other colors) / 8. An initial key chain to her heart / 9. The perfect travel kit for the one that is always on the go / 10. A luxurious Kiehls duo that feel super special / 11. A monogram pencil holder for all the things

xo

Erin 

Check Out My Other Gift Guides

All Things Beauty

Finally, Time for Spring Shoes

Now I do not want to be too optimistic, but I am putting my cozy boots away. If I have to bust them out again I may cry, but until then I am going to relish putting pretty shoes again. 

There are so many fun, girly shoe trends this season. 

Lots of bows and knots and plenty of different hues of pink to make us smile. There is something about Spring that really brings out the most femme pieces which is delightful. 

So far I am wearing these and these the most, but here are some other fun pairs that would be perfect through Spring and into Summer. 

Note: Almost every single one of these shoes comes in multiple colors. 

1. These lace up wedge espadrilles are so pretty / 2. A slim slide with just sweet enough bows / 3. I worship this pink mule / 4. The perfect dressier flip flop / 5. Liking sneakers with a little platform  / 6. Block heeled mules are everywhere and so comfy / 7. A bowed skimmer to pull any outfit together / 8. A bow tie ankle strap is so sexy / 9. Apparently these are one of the comfiest sneakers ever made / 10. The transparent trend done just right. These too / 11. Beautiful laser cut details on this espadrille / 12. LOVE these pool slides / 13. A robin's egg blue loafer / 14. Gorgeous heels for night out. Or these / 15. These espadrille wedges would look great with anything / 16. Simple, but chic slides / 17. The perfect on the run slide

Also, if you haven't yet, download the LIKEtoKNOW.it app! You can find my profile here and follow along to shop my posts on your phone. 

You can always find me here too of course. 

Love you my sweet readers! 

xo

Erin 

Best & Worst Dressed: Oscars 2018

Did you watch last night? Honestly I watched the show to see the song from The Greatest Showman sung and it was towards the darn end! I digress... 

So I know the Oscars is supposed to be the big show. The one we all wait for and all the dazzle it brings. But this year felt a bit subdued and pulled back. Plain even? Maybe it was because of the recent political and cultural stances that have been taking place on the carpet. But regardless, I missed seeing some real stand out and risky dresses tonight. Even if it is a miss, at least it happened? There were some really beautiful moments though and not too many misses. Although you can be sure I found them and will be pointing them out. 

First My Top Three: 

J. Law is giving us disco queen and I love it. The dress fits perfectly and she really went for the whole vibe. Margot is STUNNING in this white off the shoulder. The fit and drape is beautiful and I love the hair so much. Nicole rarely misses and this was one of those statement dresses I needed. The color is SO good. Even her pose is perfect for it. The hair bugs, but other than that it is perfect. 

Other Favorites: 

Zendaya is so beautiful in this. I think it has a smidge too much volume. But, the entire look from the hair, jewels, tone of dress, I am in love with it. Allison was looking painfully thin on the last carpet, and she may well be still, but is looking more like the girl we love here. Glam hair and makeup with a beautiful classic gown. Jen went for siren and I love it (see ya Ben!). This is exactly the kind of statement she needed to make. I have never seen her this vamped up and it suites her. 

Gal's look is pretty. There is something about it that I do not love, but cannot even put my finger on. She really cannot do wrong and clearly pulls it off. It was gorgeous on stage. Viola does color so well. To wear this color is risky, but the simple silhouette and fun hair and hoops rounds it all out perfectly. The hem of Saiorse's dress is driving me nuts, but the shade of pink is beautiful on her and the bow is the perfect touch. 

Helen is kind of a snooze, but per usual stunning and I love her hair. Laura also kept it so simple. Which I can appreciate, but she could have done something so much better. Her hair is so pretty. Jane is 80. That is all. 

Metallic can be such a good way to go on the carpet, but these missed the mark for me. 

Molly just had baby number 3 I think, so clearly she is an alien. But I think the chest is not doing her justice. Also, why was she there? Lupita's dress goes too costume for me. If this was just a gold lame in an interesting cut I think it would have been stunning. Sandra's hair kills this look for me. It is so severe. And I wish the neck of this did not go up and was a subtle scoop. So minor because clearly she looks amazing, but would have helped. 

Some other lovelies. 

This gorgeous girl's name eludes me, but this is the perfect shade of blush. Keala was in The Greatest Showman which might be on my top 10 fave movie list now. She was amazing and looks so pretty here! Greta pulls off yellow, which is so hard. This has an orange tone and I love it paired with an unexpected red lip. 

These are two head scratchers, but...

This is the dress that Rita wore 50 years ago when she won an Oscar. Which shows that if you wear the right dress it becomes a classic. She rocks. And I KNOW that you will think this on Audrey should be on the absolute bottom, but you guys, I kind of like it! lol The sleeves are a bit much, but it is interesting and she went for it. You think I am insane, right? 

Ok, so my worst dressed of the night...

Selma's dress was clearly a couture gown, but it needed to be reigned in. There is too much and those ruffles on the bottom cheapen it. Whoa there Lindsey. This is like a futuristic saloon girl who wants to punch someone int he face. She should have stayed to her sportiness and showed off that all american girl style she is known for. While I like Emma's suit, it is NOT DRESSY ENOUGH. There is probably a way to do a tuxedo on Oscar night and it could be amazing. This is not it. 

Leslie's is not that bad. Just came off cheesy to me and I did not like the fit of the front. She is the coolest still though. Taraji's dress is just all wrong with too much going on. The draping, mesh and long sleeves with the slit is not a good combo. Oh and Maya. Also a favorite who never gets it right and this blows my mind. I think it is actually a jumpsuit? But it just looks like a bag. With some tailoring this maybe could have been ok???

The worst were not even that bad, right? 

What did you think???

xo

Erin