- Level Up Your Loungewear for Less
I know I’m not the only one that’s been living in workout and loungewear for that past year. Not having to get dressed was fun at first, but if you’re anything like me, you’re wearing holes in the same 5 tshirts and getting a lil too quarantine thick for your favorite leggings.
I realized it was time to re-establish my loungewear stash with better fitting, more presentable items, so I started searching for deals! I wanted to share my three current favorite loungewear sets with you all, all under $50! If you want to add any of these sets to your wardrobe, click the photos for links (some may be affiliate).
Set 1: Sweater Weather
This was a follower favorite over on my Instagram this holiday season. I love this set because it gives you the warmth of a sweater set without the restriction of sweater leggings. And the cropped top adds such a cute touch! Pick it up for about $35!
Set 2: Get Your Taupes Up
This lightweight waffle-knit set is perfect for transitioning weather. For a shortie like me (I’m five feet) the joggers fit high waisted and the top is a flowy and relaxed fit. The pieces are sold separately but I purchased them on sale at $20 each from Francesca’s! That sale was so good, they sold out of the pants, but the top is still available- click below!
Set 3: How Bout I Sage the Room?
I actually think this third set is meant to be a sleep set, but who gone check me, boo? I love lounging in this loose sage number because I feel so free! As the weather gets warmer, I can definitely see this set becoming my go-to to chill around the house. This set was a gem found on the sale rack for $11 at my local JCPenney. They’re sold out now, but I’ve linked a comparable set in the photo below!
Loungewear doesn’t have to be lazy! And if you’re going to live in something, might as well do it fashionably, right? Let me know if you’re adding any of these sets to your quarantine uniform below!
Leisurely,
- A Very Merry at Home Manicure
Blogmas 2020 Day 8
Tis the season for fabulous manicures! Whether you just want to look amazing for Christmas dinner, or you’re expecting a little blue box under your tree this year, treating yourself to a manicure is a great idea.
Since she does everything for our family year round, I wanted to give my mom a special experience this holiday season. She’s not quite ready to go back to the nail salon, so I decided to treat her to an at home spa service- budget babe style. Her very merry manicure consisted of a peppermint sugar scrub, aloe and honey hand mask, and full set of luxury press-ons.
Peppermint Sugar Scrub
I put a holiday spin on a classic sugar scrub for the first step of the manicure. I simply pulsed a couple candy canes in my food processor to create “sugar” and added in coconut oil little by little. The result was a festively fragrant exfoliant/moisturizer perfect for remedying rough, dry winter skin. (P.S. – This peppermint sugar scrub would make for wonderful handmade gift this holiday season. You don’t have to spend a lot to let your loved ones know you care!)
Aloe & Honey Hand Mask
Next was the hand mask. It was just as simple as the scrub- just two ingredients. I combined fresh aloe vera with some regular honey from the pantry and warmed it slightly in the microwave. I then poured the mixture into latex gloves (which we have an abundance of since, you know, COVID). My mom then sat for 20 minutes and soaked up all that moisturizing goodness. After rinsing the mask, we moved on to the last step!
Luxury Press-Ons
The final step is to add some glam! My mom usually goes for a plain gel polish, but since it’s the holidays, we agreed to go for a special touch. For less than $10 and in less than 10 minutes she had a manicure that rivaled an $80 set.
Bonus- Whipped Peppermint Hand Cream
Keeping in theme with our two ingredient manicure elements, I took my off brand Cerave (gotta stay bougie on a budget), added some peppermint oil, and used my hand mixer to whip it up! Whipping is completely optional, but it gave the cream a more luxurious feel, and you all know I’m all about luxury. This cream would also make a great gift! Pair it with the sugar scrub, a nice nail color, and a nail file, and it will make the cutest (and most cost effective) at home nail kit!
In the midst of a pandemic, you can pamper yourself from the comfort of your own home and for a fraction of the salon price. If you’re ever in the need for an inexpensive, yet fabulous manicure, give this routine a try!
Merrily,
- Get the Look for Less: Classic Holiday Glam Makeup Routine
Blogmas 2020 Day 6
Makeup is a skill I’ve been practicing for a while now, and it’s safe to say I’ve mastered the natural beat with drugstore products. But I always seemed to fall short when it came to glam looks. Christmas/New Years and glam makeup go hand in hand, so I was determined to get the look for less this year!
What is a classic holiday glam look? I’d say there are 3 parts- a full coverage foundation, a smoky metallic eye, and a bold lip. Here’s my rendition:
Let’s break it down! (Before we begin, note that I purchased every product with my own funds and this post was not sponsored in any way. Links to the products on Amazon, however, are affiliate and I may receive a small commission for purchases from those links).
Full Coverage Foundation
When you’re doing a dramatic look like this, priming your face is not optional- unless you want it to crack and slide off in an hour. I used my tried and true Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser for this job.
Lately the foundation I own has needed a little tweaking to match my skin tone. I don’t know if it’s from being indoors for months on end, or just the seasons changing, but my skin appears a lot lighter than usual. So for foundation, I mixed two different colors- Black Radiance Color Perfect Liquid Makeup in Espresso and the Black Opal True Foundation Stick in K46 (Hazelnut). It was still a little warm, but nothing a little highlight couldn’t fix.
Since glam looks require full coverage, I went for both a creme and powder highlight and contour. I highlighted with L.A. Girl PROconceal in Warm Honey, and set that with my original Sacha Buttercup Setting Powder. For contour, I went in with Maybelline FITme concealer in Dark Coffee and set it with the darkest shade in my Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Palette. To finish the face, I used the glitter highlight from the same palette.
Smoky Metallic Eye
I won’t spend too much time on the frame of the eyes- the eyebrows. I used a beauty supply pencil and filled them in to the shape and thickness of my linking. Then I cleaned them up with PROconceal (Toast on top, and Warm Honey on botttom).
For the eyes, we had to go dramatic. I am definitely not on “loose glitter cut-crease” level, but in three simple steps I achieved this look! I started by placing the sculpting shade from the True Complexion Palette in my crease. Can you tell that this is the holy grail of my makeup routine? Next, I dipped into my Hipdot Zion pallette and grabbed the dark brown shade Vibration to smoke out the outer corners of my eye. Then, I took the shade Virgin (in honor of mother Mary, lol) and pressed it all over my eyelid. To blend all of that in, I tapped into the browns once more and went on top of the glitter.
Next are lashes. One of the reasons why I am so proud of this look is that for the first time, I applied falsies with no assistance! For this look, I used Ardelle Demi Wispies in the style 025. Demi wispies are perfect for smaller eyes like mine, and give you all the glam, minus the fly swatter action.
Bold Lip
There’s no argument that red is an OG Christmas color, so of course I went red for my bold lip! I did a heavy lining of my lips in brown lip pencil, and went in with Milani’s Amore Matte Lip Creme in Devotion. Check out my review of the color and other melanin-friendly lippies here!
That’s the look! Full glam can definitely be achieved with affordable drugstore products, it just takes more creativity. Stay bougie on your budget this holiday season and give it a try!
Glamourously,
- 3 Ways to Style an Ugly Christmas Sweater (With Things You Already Own!)
Blogmas 2020 Day 5
Christmastime is the only time of year where its actually fashionable to wear something “ugly”. I have been searching for the perfect ugly Christmas sweater for years- one that’s not too obnoxious, but also something more ornate than your typical fair isle print.
I found the perfect sweater at Walmart for under $25, and I’ve styled it 3 fun ways with staple pieces I already owned. Because of this, this style guide is bougie on a budget and “nice list” approved!
Style 1
Jeans – $25 (sale price) | Boots (similar) – $32 This simple, preppy look can be pulled together in minutes. I layered the sweater with a white button down, and threw on dark wash distressed jeans and cognac booties.
Style 2
Mini Skirt -$14.99 | Booties – $24.99 My personal favorite look came together completely from TJMaxx. The skirt coordinated with the brown in the sweater perfectly. But its the boots for me. The boots really sell this outfit and I am here for them! The white patent leather and block heel modernize this ugly sweater look.
Style 3
Joggers – $23.99 For a more casual ensemble, I paired the sweater with a pair of fuzzy joggers and Converse. I added the trench to make this more of a streetwear look. But honestly, when I slip on these pants, it’s a Netflix and chill day. Either way, you can stay cozy and comfortable when styling your ugly sweater!
Wearing an “ugly” Christmas sweater should be a fun experience, but you can still look fabulous while doing it! Let me know if you try any of these styles, or if you have a favorite way to rock a Christmas sweater!
Cozily,
- Festive Fashion: Affordable Holiday Party Lookbook
Blogmas 2020 Day 4
I always look forward to the the opportunity to get all glammed up, and holiday parties are a great place to show off. That said, the last thing you want is to splurge on your party outfit and not have enough to spend on gifts for your loved ones!
I’ve put together three glamourous and affordable looks that scream bougie, but are easy on your budget. They’re suitable for just about any party setting you might encounter this season. Let’s get into the details!
Look 1: Evergreen with Envy
The Details
This stunning satin jumpsuit will make the other party guests green with envy (had to). I am in love with the slightly puffed sleeve shoulder and cuffed wrists. And did I mention it has pockets!? I paired it with my favorite pair of sparkly Steve Madden sandals in the style Michele. Drop earrings that I’m pretty sure came from the beauty supply wrap this classy look up!
Look 2: Santa Baby
Sweater (similar) – $14.99 | Leggings – $14.99 | Boots – $49.99 | Bag – $4.99 (Goodwill) | Earrings – $2.99 (Local Beauty Supply) The Details
This look is for your more casual gatherings where you still want to wow the crowd. A simple sweater, legging, and boot ensemble gets a little holiday cheer with the subtle sparkle of the sweater and some one shoulder action. I layered a black moto jacket for warmth, and to bring the heat! ( See what I did there?)
Look 3- Silver Belle of the Ball
The Details
This final look is byfar my favorite. There’s something about sophisticated simplicity that can never be outdone. The sheer sleeves and mock turtleneck on the blouse add a feminine touch, while the metallic skirt demands the spotlight. I did something a little uncharacteristic with this look, and pulled out my kitten heels! I felt the pointed toe was necessary for such a classy ensemble, but I did not want the a high heel to take away from the rest of the ensemble. In line with the kitten heel, I grabbed my mini satchel and that’s the look!
After a year of sweatpants and t-shirts, it will feel good to step out in style this holiday season! Whether you’re attending gatherings virtually or in person with a small group, you can slay the game and not your budget with this lookbook!
Glamorously,
- The Ultimate Fall Fashion Edit (2020)
When I woke up and it was 30 degrees in Atlanta, I knew this post was WAY overdue. But as I looked in my closet, I didn’t see a whole lot of inspiration to draw from. It was the perfect excuse to go shopping! Of course I wanted to stay bougie on a budget, so I had to shop smart!
Before going on a shopping “spree”, I did an audit of my closet. If you’re a CC Community member, that video is on my freebies page. And if not, subscribe for access! Taking inventory of last season’s items is my number one tip for not over-shopping and overspending when you’re revamping your wardrobe. There may be things you already own that you can still fit and that you love!
After the audit, I decided what categories of clothing I needed, and went shopping for particular styles, colors, and silhouettes. That leads me to tip #2. Making a shopping list gives you clear direction and always helps save money as well!
So let’s dive into my list of fall fashion must-haves for this year!
Tops
Turtleneck Sweaters
Seven year old me is cringing, but I have actually come to love turtlenecks. The way I’ve adjusted is by wearing “mock” turtlenecks- which are less restricting and easier to style than a traditional turtleneck. Now I can comfortably enjoy the quintessential fall top!
Top- Missguided Denim Button-Down
Denim tops are so versatile and stylish, I could write a post on them alone. They are a staple in any fall wardrobe and perfect for layering!
Button Down- Old Navy Oversized Silk/Satin Blouse
Silk and satin blouses are super trendy right now. And anything tastefully oversized is automatically chic- it’s a rule. They can be dressed up or down, and are definitely a must-have.
Blouse- SheIn Bottoms
Pleather Pants/Leggings
These can be controversial, but when done right, faux leather bottoms can be absolutely fabulous. I find they look best when paired with a sheer or flowy fabric top, for contrast.
Leggings- SheIn Mini Skirts
It seems odd, but mini skirts are essential in fall. With or without tights, in leather, corduroy, or denim- mini skirts never go out of style.
Skirt- Windsor Wide Leg Trousers
These really make a statement. I especially love pleated trousers in bold colors for that extra pop!
Trousers- Target Dresses
Sweater Dresses
Another trend from my childhood that is making a comeback! This time though, there is a *grown* twist to it! Sweater dresses hug your figure in all the right places, but are still comfy enough for all-day wear.
Dress- Francesca’s Wrap Dresses
Wrap dresses are always in season, but fall is when they really shine! During this season especially I love to experiment with patterns and fun sleeves on my dresses.
Dress- Shein Outerwear
Blazers & Trenches
These pieces are a given for cooler weather! Stay warm and stylish by adding this layer to your favorite fall outfits. Goodwill and other thrift stores usually have blazers and trenches in abundance, which is another way to stay bougie on a budget! (Pro Tip: Browse the men’s section too!)
Trench- H&M Faux Fur
Faux fur is my go to when I want to add a little luxury to my look! It’s such an easy way to take an outfit from 0 to 100! My favorite way to rock faux fur is in the form of a vest.
Vest- Ross Moto Jacket
What is fall without a motorcycle jacket, seriously? They add a feminine edge to any ensemble, and you just look plain cool while wearing one. A classic black moto jacket is a staple!
Jacket- Target Footwear
Boots & Booties
Knee-high and over the knee boots are the show stoppers. They will become the focal point of any outfit, so make sure they are bomb! I gravitate toward neutral colors in my knee and over-the-knee boots so they can match everything!
For those days when you don’t want to commit to a full boot, but still want to add a little “kick” to your fit, booties are the way to go! I like to invest in different colors of booties to spice up any look.
Booties- ForeverXXI | Boots- TJMaxx Mules
A mule is any shoe that doesn’t restrain your heel. They are very popular this time of year, and usually you’ll see them with a block heel. I love wearing them with jeans and a sweater to give an outfit some added class!
Shoes- Target Accessories
Fedoras & Floppy Hats
I’ve never really been a hat person, but you can’t do fall fashion right without the a proper headwear. A hat can not only provide warmth during cooler weather, but it also adds visual interest to your outfit!
Hats- ForeverXXI Scarves
This one is a no-brainer, but fall is the perfect time to break out the scarves! Infinity and blanket scarves are personal favorites of mine because they are easy to style and can make even the most casual looks super cute!
Infinity Scarf- Amazon | Blanket Scarf- ForeverXXI While I’m still building my wardrobe, if you have even half of these items in your closet, I think you’ll be set for a pretty fashionable fall!
How many of these clothing items do you already own? Are there any essentials you think I missed? Let me know below!
Cozily,
- For the Love of Lip Color: Melanin-Friendly Fall Lippies
If there’s one thing fall is famous for, it’s the beautiful hues it brings. From the leaves to the lipsticks, fall colors are unmatched.
Now, I’ve already disclosed that I am more of a gloss girl than lipstick, however, this time of year I like to switch it up some! But since I’m on a budget and I don’t even wear lipstick year-round, you won’t find me splurging on a MAC or NARS lippie. Instead, I opt for high quality drugstore brands that keep me bougie on a budget!
In autumn, I stick to four main lip colors- nude, red, plum, and mauve. I feel they are the most widely-used and appropriate for the season. So when shopping for my seasonal lippie collection, I sought out these specific colors.
First things first, before we get into any lip color, we’ve got to start with a base- lip liner. Lip liner is a must when dealing with both bold and neutral colors, and it is especially complimentary for brown girls. While the YouTube makeup gurus might tell you that MAC Chestnut is the perfect lipliner, I’m not shelling out 19 bucks for that. Basic brown liner from your corner beauty supply store will give you the exact same result for about $2.
Now on to the colors! I’ve chosen lippies in both satin and matte finishes for each color category to give you options. (I would like to ask for your forgiveness in advance for the enlarged pores, uneven skin, and girlstache. The changing of seasons is great and all, but it can also do a number on the skin!)
Nudes
News flash- nude isn’t universal. Since I’m a brown girl, my perfect shade of nude is, you guessed it- brown! If you have a fairer complexion, brown is still a perfectly acceptable fall lip color for you too!
Satin Finish
L’Oreal Colour Riche in “Le Beige” (106) – $10.99
Le Beige is not your typical, chalky nude. Smooth and glossy, this lippie is great for everyday!
Matte Finish
NYX Lip Lingerie in “Beauty Mark” (05) – $7
Beauty Mark is more of a “greige” but it still classifies as nude! It blends effortlessly with my skin tone, and would make a great base for an ombre’ lip.
Reds
There is no need to fear red lip color! Yes, it’s bold, but red works for everyone. Personally, I lean more toward crimson shades- I love the richness of the color.
Satin Finish
L’Oreal Colour Riche in “Rouge St. Germain” (120) – $10.99
Like the coating on a candy apple, this lippie is bold and sweet! Not to mention, super moisturizing too!
Matte Finish
Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme in “Devotion” (14) – $8.99
This lip color made me fall in love with red. It’s dramatic and sultry, and it transitions very well from fall to winter.
Plums
Berry colors were my introduction into bold fall lipsticks. I found plum was the easiest shade to swallow when I was just sticking my toe in the water of the color world. Now, vampy looks are a must!
Satin Finish
Milani Color Statement Lipstick in ” Sangria” (25) – $5.99
This wine-inspired lippie is simply perfection. It’s fun and flirty, but it can be worn whether you’re at work or at play.
Matte Finish
L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Liquid Lipstick in “Plum Bum” (362) – $10.99
This matte lippie has the most hydrating formula I have ever used. On top of that, it’s the longest-lasting too! Plum Bum definitely passes the all day wear test.
Mauves
Mauve is an interesting color that has become popular in the last few years. A cross between pink and purple, it is unique and on-trend, but can also be quite difficult to wear for melanated girls. Here are my mauve matches!
Satin Finish
Milani Color Statement Lipstick in “Naturally Chic” (25) – $5.99
This lippie is more pink than purple, and has a lovely shimmery undertone. Either way, I say it’s a win!
Matte Finish
Victoria’s Secret Velvet Matte in “Perfection” – discontinued
This lippie is one from a season ago that I’ve never gotten rid of! I usually stray away from pink matte colors because they can read very ashy, but this one doesn’t. It can still be found on various third party sites, and it’s worth the hunt.
Finding the perfect lip color can be difficult for someone on a budget, and even more difficult if you’re a brown girl like me. But you don’t have to dip into your savings to look fabulous this fall! Drugstore makeup is just as good as the big brands. So the next time you’re picking up a prescription, take a stroll through the makeup aisle! You’ll be surprised at what you find!
Kisses,
- Bag Talk: 5 Must Have Handbags for the Frugal Woman
Handbags are hands-down my favorite accessory. As a teenager, I had a pretty mean collection of cheap, almost disposable handbags, but as I got older, I learned that quality is better than quantity. Even so, you don’t have to break the bank when shopping for a new bag!
When sorting through my wardrobe for donation items, I realized the bags I kept fit into some pretty specific categories. Read on for the 5 bags you’ve gotta have, and click the photos for deals, because you know I shop bougie on a budget!
*This post does not contain affiliate links*
“The One with the Unique Shape”
Bags aren’t just for holding your phone and keys-they should give some visual interest too! A uniquely shaped bag will have everyone asking “where’d you get that purse?”. This trendy halfmoon bamboo bag is only $10 at TJ Maxx! It also comes in pink and red, so for the price, buy ’em all!
“The One with the Pop of Color”
It’s wise to keep your handbag choices neutral in color so you can match them with any outfit. But if you’re anything like me, you gravitate towards pretty colors (okay, mainly shades of pink). It’s totally okay to spoil yourself with a bag that you won’t use every day, just make sure you don’t spend an arm and a leg on it! This handbag from JCPenney could pass for designer, but will only set you back $34!
“The One with the Funky Pattern”
Great for days when you’re keeping it simple with your outfit, a patterned handbag can really make your entire look. My personal favorite pattern is faux snakeskin. Pair it with an all black ensemble for an effortless slay. For $40 you can grab this beauty from Target!
“The Carry-All Tote”
An oversized tote is an essential in your handbag arsenal. What my mama would call a “poca-book” can hold any and everything you need. Your everyday purse contents plus a laptop, planner, and even a pair of flats when you’re out in heels can fit in this baby! I added this embossed croc tote to my cart when shopping at Missguided for just $24! It’s sold out now, but check the site for a restock soon!
“The Everyday Crossbody”
A black crossbody is my everyday handbag of choice. It’s simple and timeless, and convenient when you’re on the go! I ordered this one from a Black owned boutique and I can’t wait for it to arrive so I can put into rotation! $35 is well worth the use I’ll be getting out of this bag!
That’s it! Those 5 bags should be the foundation for every woman’s handbag collection. And with selections all under $50, these suggestions will keep you bougie on a budget.
How many of these types of bags do you already own? Do you need to add some to your collection? Or maybe you have paid way too much for your bags and want to switch them out for more affordable options like the ones above! Let me know in the comments!
Fashionably (and frugally) Yours,
- Round Face, Right Frames: Affordable Eyewear Shopping with Warby Parker
Before we begin, this is NOT a sponsored post. Keep reading for my unfiltered experience!
I’ve worn glasses since I was six years old, and I’ve had a round face since, well, birth. It has always been a challenge to find frames that were flattering on my face. As a child I hated wearing glasses, and once I was old enough for contacts, I would literally wear them 18 hours a day. Crazy, I know. I still wear contacts from time to time, but I got more comfortable with wearing my frames when quarantine began. (Not leaving the house + staring at a screen for 10 hours straight = glasses ALL the time). And wearing those glasses so frequently will certainly reveal when its time for a new prescription and frames!
Now the thing about being adult~ish is, I actually had to consider the cost and budget for my new eyewear. News flash: Glasses are expensive! I couldn’t afford to purchase frames at big box stores like my parents had done for me in the past, so I was searching for other options. I decided to look into Warby Parker, since their ads have been everywhere lately, and I was pleasantly surprised at what I discovered! Most of the frames started at $95, and I just knew it was too good to be true. I decided to complete their home try-on process, since it was 100% free, to see if I would uncover the fine print.
The Process
The home try-on process was one of the most unique things I’ve experienced. I started by going to Warby Parker’s website and taking a short survey. The survey asked about your preferences in eyewear shape, material, and color. Then it generated a list of frames based on your preferences to choose from! You choose 5 frames to be mailed to your home (with demo lenses), and you’re done! I actually did this process twice, because there were so many options I wanted to compare!
The Options
My second home try-on box had the most contenders, so below you will see all the frames I had to choose from!
Ava
These dainty metal frames have a very pronounced cat-eye, which is super flattering for round faces. Their rose gold color is a great compliment as well.
Front View Side View
Chase
These rectangular frames make my face appear slimmer, and the neutral two-toned acetate is modern and versatile. Chase is a solid option!
Front View Side View
Welty
These frames are the boldest of the group. They are very square, and honestly remind me of Spongebob’s jellyfishing glasses.
Front View Side View
Daisy
Another two-toned look, the Daisy frames are smaller and more skin toned. Their hybrid rectangle/cat-eye shape is the best of both worlds!
Front View Side View
Louise
The Louise frames are the most trendy of them all. The clear acetate material and unique shape make them very hipster!
Front View Side View
The Selection
Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for…the selection! The frames I chose were…
Daisy!
From the moment I put the Daisy frames on, they just felt like me. They were very flattering for my round face, and complimentary to my small eyes. I loved these frames so much, I popped some contacts in and wore them with the demo lenses to work one day.
The Customization
After sending my home try-on kit back (with the shipping label provided by Warby Parker), and selecting the frames I wanted to purchase, I had to customize my lenses. I had already been to the optometrist for an updated prescription, so I simply uploaded a copy of it into my Warby Parker account!
The next step is where I found out the fine print really didn’t exist. *Gasp!* The glasses, including prescription lenses, really were $95! I was in total shock.
Because I have a very strong prescription and work on the computer often, I decided to purchase high index (+$30) and blue light filtering (+$50) add-ons for my lenses as well. That brought my total to a jaw-dropping $175! And shipping was FREE! (That matters, people). Talk about a deal!
Whether you’re uninsured or just on a tight budget, if you’re in the market for new eyewear, I would definitely recommend Warby Parker. The process was quick and simple, and they have a variety of options to choose from. For being budget and round-face friendly, Warby Parker gets an A+ in my book! Try them out for yourself and share your experiences with me!
SEE ya next time! (see what I did there?)
- Summer 2020 Fragrance Faves
I believe you’re never fully dressed without a fragrance (ya’ll thought I was gonna say a smile, huh?). I’ve been collecting perfumes since I was about 9 years old, when I started stocking up on Love’s Baby Soft from CVS. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve also taken a liking to luxury scents. Since luxury scents can be pricey, my strategy is to stick to a few seasonal favorites, while also mixing in more affordable everyday scents.
Below I’ve listed the designer and bargain fragrances I’m currently obsessed with. I hope you find some things to add to your collection!
Luxury Fragrances
I caught an awesome Nordstrom fragrance sale earlier this summer! Both of my luxury picks were around $75 for 3oz(ish) bottles! Under normal circumstances, I might have opted for the rollerball versions to keep it budget friendly.
Mon Paris x Yves Saint Laurent– This first fragrance is easily becoming my signature scent. It’s described as “sensual and feminine” and when I am wearing it, that is exactly how I feel! Notes of grapefruit, rosebud, and patchouli make it alluring and addicting. If you invest in Mon Paris, prepare to become a cult follower. Seriously.
Candy Sugar Pop x Prada– This is a more playful, flirty fragrance, but still very *grown up*. The formal description is “powdery floral”, and I think that’s spot on. In my opinion, it could pass as an adult version of Love’s Baby Soft. This scent is definitely more daytime appropriate, and is perfect for the summer months!
Everyday Fragrances
These more affordable scents are great for every day wear, but are by no means less lovely! You can find them at stores you shop at regularly, and I enjoy them just as much as luxury scents.
In the Stars x Bath and Body Works– This scent is not exactly a dupe for Mon Paris, but it has similar fragrance notes. Like Mon Paris, In the Stars is a bold, warm scent. Amber and tangelo are the stars (pun intended) of this perfume. It can easily transition from day to night, and being regularly priced at $12.50 per .23 oz you can’t go wrong!
Queen Bee x Good Chemistry– This scent is described as “vibrant and bold with a touch of sass”. I don’t think you could describe me any better! I love anything related to honey, and a few spritzes of this fragrance will have you smelling like you’ve been dipped in honey and sprinkled in sugar! Available at Target, a 1.7oz bottle retails at $24.99. It’s totally worth it.
That’s all for this season! Leave a comment and let me know if you’ve tried these, and leave some of your favorite summer scents too!]
Creatively,