The Best of September 2023

1 Old Navy Blouse

You’ve seen this blouse before (here and here). And it really is worth sharing again! Super cute, lightweight fabric that’s very flowy, runs TTS, only $35. It’s got a designer look without the designer price — something I know we all love! Available in three patterns and three solids. The blouse is shown here with my Wit & Wisdom trousers, another must have.

Reader tip: The washing instructions on the label say hang dry. Also, the fabric on the solid tops is a little different than the patterns, and the solids run a little smaller. Try on in store, or order multiple sizes to find the best fit (Old Navy has free returns).

2 DSW Platform Loafers

I shared these in my list of new fall finds, and I did not expect to like them as much as I did — I now have them in both black and brown. (I couldn’t decide — I liked black with trousers, but I liked the brown with jeans!). They are very comfortable, 3.25″ high, but have a 1″ platform.

3 Travel Makeup Brush Holder

This is a new addition to my travel gear. This makeup brush holder is great for packing your makeup brushes together to keep your makeup bag clean. It has a magnetic closer, easy to open with one hand, cleans easily, and holds plenty of brushes (I had four in mine and could’ve had 3-4 more). There are LOTS of colors to pick from, too.

4 Fenty Poutsicle Hydrating Lip Stain

You saw this purchase from our “walk & talk & shop” at Sephora last week. Lip stain is new to me, and I am impressed! Go checkout your nearest makeup counter and find something new to try! It’s always good to get tips and product recommendations from the experts to freshen up your look.

Pro tip: If you don’t like what you try from Sephora, you can return it.

5 All of my Haircare Products

I started off planning to just share the dry shampoo (it’s getting a lot of use these days — sometimes many days in a row!). But I really do love all of these haircare products in my current lineup! So here’s everything I’m currently using for my fine hair.

Kristin Ess Volumizing Mousse – using this for years; adds volume for fine hair

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo – for those days when a fresh ‘do isn’t happening! Best dry shampoo I’ve tried.

R+Co Outer Space Hairspray – holds your style without being stiff

Kristen Ess Texture Spray – just started using this. Gives extra body and helps keep my style longer. I spray it at the roots.

Olaplex No 4 Shampoo and Olaplex No 5 Conditioner

1 Varley Roxbury Zip Up Sweatshirt

I’ve been searching for a “fancy” sweatshirt and this cutie is IT! Super soft, not too heavy, the lux gold zipper with satin on either side give it just the right about of feminine bling.

2 Fenty Velvet Icon Lipstick

This is the lipstick I purchased during our “Fall Lip and Nails” research trip to Sephora. I love it, it’s the perfect soft pink, the formula is creamy and it stays on longer than my other lipsticks. My color is “C-Suite Heart” and it’s my perfect fall everyday transition color.

3 Gap Vegan Leather Pants

Who would have guessed that brown vegan aka pleather pants would be one of the most worn items in my closet. Not me, that’s for sure. They fit GREAT! Super soft and comfortable (way more comfortable than jeans) and they are warm. Perfect alternative to jeans or black pants, can be dressed up or down. Currently on sale for $62. Don’t sleep on these.

4 See by Chloe Clogs

If clogs and Birkenstocks had a baby this would be it. I LOVE THEM. Wearing with my jean skirt, sweat pants, jeans…pretty much anything. A fall transition hero.

5Olay Super Serum

This gem is on the “Allure Best of Beauty 2023” list as the #1 serum. Now that I’m over 50 my skin is quite dry, so I’ve found myself drawn to serums, lotions and potions. For $30 this one is as good or better than many of the others $$$ I’ve tried. Use it 2x a day under moisturizer for best results. No offensive/strong scent. I will be repurchasing for sure.