RESS: HVN  |  SHOES: Chanel (affordable alternative HERE)  |  HAT: Janessa Leone  |  BAG: Reformation (old, similar HERE)  |  SUNGLASSES: Le Specs

DDRESS: HVN  |  SHOES: Chanel (affordable alternative HERE)  |  HAT: Janessa Leone  |  BAG: Reformation (old, similar HERE)  |  SUNGLASSES: Le Specs

DRESS: Solani  |  SHOES: Tory Burch  |  BAG: Cult Gaia  |  HAT: Janessa Leone (old, similar HERE)  |  BELT: Old, similar HERE)  |  SUNGLASSES: Le Specs

STYLING TIPS

Go with a look that’s put-together but outdoor-friendly and fuss-free.  A maxi dress is a great way to achieve that effortless casual look while still staying comfortable.  With red and white wine sloshing around and lots of outdoor seating (which can be rustic), stay away from white, ivory or anything particularly unforgiving.  Cheers!

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES

To check out the entire 30 Dresses in 30 Days Series, click HERE!

DRESS: Solani  |  SHOES: Tory Burch  |  BAG: Cult Gaia  |  HAT: Janessa Leone (old, similar HERE)  |  BELT: Old, similar HERE)  |  SUNGLASSES: Le Specs

DRESS: J.Crew  |  SHOES: Loeffler Randall  |  BAG: Cult Gaia  |  SUNGLASSES: Le Specs

DRESS: Lisa Marie Fernandez  |  SHOES: Franco Sarto  |  BAG: Patricia Nash  |  EARRINGS: Kenneth Jay Lane |  SUNGLASSES: BP.

STYLING TIPS

Bring on the sun! Summer is here and it’s time for pool parties and umbrella drinks.  Go for an elevated swimsuit cover-up or a maxi dress that can be worn comfortably over your suit. Avoid anything fitted or formal so you can easily whip it off when you’re ready to jump in!

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES

To check out the entire 30 Dresses in 30 Days Series, click HERE!

DRESS: Lisa Marie Fernandez  |  SHOES: Franco Sarto  |  BAG: Patricia Nash  |  EARRINGS: Kenneth Jay Lane |  SUNGLASSES: BP.

It’s no secret that I’m an enormous long-time fan (read: obsessed fangirl) of Trunk Club.  If you haven’t tried this personal styling service yet, first off, shame on you.  Second, take a minute to read this post on why it will change. your. life.  Whether you need general style advice or help finding the right look for an upcoming special occasion, Trunk Club’s stylists (real people who actually get to know you and your style) provide a smart, super efficient way to shop.

After fangirling over Trunk Club for the past several years, I’m ecstatic to report that we’re officially taking our relationship to the next level today, launching the exclusive Memorandum Trunk!  This trunk, which was personally curated by yours truly, was created in response to perhaps my most frequently asked question—what are your top wardrobe staples for the working girl?   The Memorandum Trunk provides a framework for the perfect capsule wardrobe with a targeted list of my closet must-haves.

While everyone’s tastes and body types differ, the Memorandum Trunk provides a guide to the core wardrobe pieces everyone should have in their closet this season, offering a great starting place for you and your stylist to personalize each item specifically for you.  On the Memorandum Trunk’s hit list is a classic midi skirt, a chic white blouse, a timeless pair of loafers, a wear-everywhere staple blazer, and much more.  These are the pieces that not only take you from workweek to weekend, but they’ll also be the wardrobe classics that never go out of style.

You can request the Memorandum Trunk by signing up here or messaging your stylist!

As I previously discussed here, Trunk Club is not a subscription service.  You receive a trunk as frequently or infrequently as you like from a stylist who actually gets to know you and your individual style preferences.  You can be as specific (i.e. I need help finding black pointy-toe flats under $150) or as general (i.e. I need to refresh my wardrobe for summer!) as you’d like and you get to preview your stylist’s selections before anything is sent.  There’s free shipping both ways, you only pay for what you keep, and everything is returnable.  Of course, if you live in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York or Washington D.C., you can try things on with your stylist in person at Trunk Club’s Clubhouses (details on my visit to their NYC Clubhouse here).

When it comes to shopping, I’m all about efficiency and Trunk Club’s service is an absolute no-brainer.  I hope the Memorandum Trunk serves as a helpful resource in making your spring and summer shopping easier and more fun.  Click here to sign up and request the Memorandum Trunk now!

Thanks to Trunk Club for partnering on this post!

 DRESS: Jill Stuart  |  HAT: Janessa Leone  |  BAG: Mark Cross  |  SANDALS: Old, similar HERE

DRESS: Jill Stuart  |  HAT: Janessa Leone  |  BAG: Mark Cross  |  SANDALS: Old, similar HERE

BLAZER: Tommy Hilfiger  |  LINEN SHIRT: Tommy Hilfiger  |  PANTS: Tommy Hilfiger

We sort of skipped Spring and zoomed right into Summer temperatures here in NYC, which means that it’s time to bust out the heat-friendly staples.  For me, this means versatile layering pieces that are breathable in the humidity outdoors, yet comfortable in chilly air conditioning.  Exhibit A: This perfect Tommy Hilfiger linen shirt that I snagged recently at Macy’s.  You know I hoard classic white shirts like nobody’s business, but this one is a particular favorite in both fit and detailing—love the pockets on the front and those metallic buttons!

I have to tell you, these ivory tapered-leg pants (incidentally, also by Tommy Hilfiger at Macy’s) are a REAL FIND.  If you’ve looked for white pants before, you know it’s basically an olympic sport.  They need to have the right cut (super tight white pants don’t look good on anyone), but they also NEED TO BE LINED.  I’m forever mystified by all the brands that make unlined white pants that you can see right through.  These beauties are PERFECT.  They’re fully lined so they’re completely opaque, and that tie detail at the waist is the perfect finishing touch.  You can remove it if you want to wear a belt, but I’m a big fan.

Last but not least, I think my blazer deserves a shout out because it’s another fantastic find.  I absolutely love the white piping, the long cut, and the double-breasted buttons, but am completely obsessed with the fact that it’s knit.  It has fantastic lines and all the polish of a chic blazer, but all the comfort of a cozy sweater.  This will likely be on constant rotation during the workweek, but will also make for a piece that travels easily (knits = no wrinkles in the suitcase!) and makes for the perfect topper when temperatures drop on summer nights.

BLAZER: Tommy Hilfiger  |  LINEN SHIRT: Tommy Hilfiger  |  PANTS: Tommy Hilfiger

DRESS: Mansur Gavriel  |  LOAFERS: Gucci  |  SUNGLASSES: Le Specs  |  BAG: Hunting Season

DRESS: Asos  |  LOAFERS: Alexandre Birman  |  SUNGLASSES: BP  |  BAG: M2Malletier

DRESS: Asos  |  LOAFERS: Alexandre Birman  |  SUNGLASSES: BP  |  BAG: M2Malletier

DRESS: Self Portrait (also love THIS ONE and THIS ONE on sale!) |  SHOES: Sergio Rossi

STYLING TIPS

Sometimes you dress up because the occasion demands it.  Other times, you dress up because damn it, you’re just having a great hair day and you want to wear the slightly impractical dress you impulse-bought from the Net-A-Porter sale.  Cheers to finding every reason or no reason at all to get your fancy on.

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES

To check out the entire 30 Dresses in 30 Days Series, click HERE!

DRESS: Self Portrait (also love THIS ONE and THIS ONE on sale!) |  SHOES: Sergio Rossi

DRESS: Leota Ari  |  SHOES: Golden Goose  |  BAG: Michael Kors (old, similar HERE)  |  HAT: ’47

STYLING TIPS

Baseball games are the quintessential summer activity. Make sure your dress is comfortable (especially if you’re stuck in the bleachers) and not too tight so you can crush a few ballpark hot dogs!  Rep your home team’s colors and bring a light sweater or jean jacket for when it cools down.

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES

To check out the entire 30 Dresses in 30 Days Series, click HERE!

DRESS: Leota Ari  |  SHOES: Golden Goose  |  BAG: Michael Kors (old, similar HERE)  |  HAT: ’47

DRESS: Alexis  |  SHOES: Aquazurra  |  BAG: Patricia Nash  |  HAT: Janessa Leone

Since dads typically enjoy backyard barbecues on their special day, wear a sundress that’s comfortable and casual so you can jump in when footballs and bean bags start being tossed around!

To check out the entire 30 Dresses in 30 Days Series, click HERE!

DRESS: Alexis  |  SHOES: Aquazurra  |  BAG: Patricia Nash  |  HAT: Janessa Leone

DRESS: Carolina K  |  BAG: Reformation (old, similar HERE)  |  JACKET: J.Crew  |  SLIDES: Old, similar HERE  |  HAT: Janessa Leone  |  EARRINGS: BaubleBar 

STYLING TIPS

Celebrate Independence Day with something casual that can be worn over a swimsuit during the day and then paired with a jean jacket for fireworks at night! Make sure to rep the red, white and blue!

ADDITIONAL FAVORITES

To check out the entire 30 Dresses in 30 Days Series, click HERE!

DRESS: Carolina K  |  BAG: Reformation (old, similar HERE)  |  JACKET: J.Crew  |  SLIDES: Old, similar HERE  |  HAT: Janessa Leone  |  EARRINGS: BaubleBar 

What’s better than Casual Friday at the office?  No Friday at the office.  Whether your company has a “Summer Friday” policy that allows you to work remotely (i.e. from the beach) or you’re just planning on taking advantage of your vacation days this season, there’s nothing better than a weekend getaway to enjoy a little R&R.  Today, I’m breaking down three must-have dresses for enjoying your summer jaunts in style (and comfort)!

1.  GINGHAM DRESSES

DRESS: J.Crew  |  SHOES: Loeffler Randall  |  BAG: Cult Gaia  |  SUNGLASSES: BP.

There’s a reason I hoard gingham dresses like there’s no tomorrow: you can wear them absolutely everywhere.  The print is casual enough for a backyard barbecue or weekend brunch, but cute and put-together enough for dinner and drinks al fresco.  I’m also a fan of the print because it’s very forgiving.  The criss-cross pattern hides wrinkles easily if you don’t have easy access to an iron or steamer while traveling.

2.  LINEN DRESSES

DRESS: Lisa Marie Fernandez  |  SHOES: Franco Sarto  |  BAG: Patricia Nash  |  EARRINGS: Kenneth Jay Lane |  SUNGLASSES: BP.

Headed anywhere hot and humid?  Get yourself a linen dress stat.  There’s nothing lighter or more breathable, it feels like wearing nothing at all.  When it comes to linen, specifically, you can fully embrace the wrinkles—they’re all part of the I summer on a yacht off the Côte d’Azur vibe.  Plus, in the humidity, they won’t last long anyway.

3.  KNIT DRESSES

DRESS: Milly  |  SHOES: Chanel (old, affordable alternative HERE)  |  BAG: Mark Cross (unavailable, love THIS)  |  HAT: Janessa Leone  |  EARRINGS: Chanel (vintage, similar HERE)

Knit dresses are always the best travelers because they don’t wrinkle in your suitcase.  No need to worry about ironing or steaming, once you hit the ground, you can throw it on and be ready in no time.  I’m also a fan of a knit dress for summer dinners because they keep you warm as temperatures start to drop in the evening.

Thanks to ShopStyle for partnering on this post!

Like most women, I have a love-hate relationship with heels.  Too often, my feet are crying for help after only a few short hours, while my eyes (couple of idiots) scream but they’re so PRETTY!  Over the years, I’ve found a few pumps that are somewhat tolerable for spending a long work day on your feet, but mostly, I just grit my teeth and fight through the pain.  Sound familiar?

Last month, I came across the Sarah Flint “Perfect Pumps” which purported to finally provide all-day comfort without sacrificing the sleek, chic silhouette that—let’s face it—I’m just not willing to give up.  To be honest, I was very cynical.  If I had a nickel for every email I’ve received from a shoe brand claiming to have finally solved this conundrum, Jeff Bezos wouldn’t be the richest man in the world.   It would be me and my very sore, very blistered feet.

Needless to say, my cynicism was immediately drop-kicked after about 30 seconds in these heels.  They are hands-down the most comfortable pumps I’ve ever. tried. on.  The buttery leather immediately conforms to your feet—no pressure points, no immediate feeling that you need to “break them in”—just complete, utter comfort.  I was shocked.  And then I walked over to the mirror and was stunned by how truly beautiful they are as well.  How have they cracked the code?!  WITCHCRAFT.

Okay, okay.  So they felt great when I put them on for two seconds.  WHAT ABOUT AFTER EIGHT HOURS?  The next day I put them to the test.  I not only wore the pumps all day at work, but I even ditched my typical commuting flats and walked the full ten blocks to my office and back in these suckers.  At the end of the day, there was NOT A BLISTER IN SIGHT.

When getting home, I typically rip off my heels the SECOND I walk in the door.  Ahhh the feeling of liberating your tired, swollen, blistered feet.  When I came in after spending a long work day in these Sarah Flint pumps, I just completely forgot.  I started making dinner and twenty minutes later looked down and realized I was still in the pumps.  WHAT?!

But HOW/WHY are they so much more comfortable than your average pump?  I had to investigate because they seemed a little too good to be true.  Here’s what I learned: Each shoe has an additional 6mm of footbed padding and (as you can see in the photo above) raised arch support (GAME-CHANGER).  They have a rubber sole for grip and a center steel rod heel to ensure durability and longevity.  I didn’t notice this by looking at them, but I also found out that the pumps are made with a wider toe box to ease crowding and add to the comfort.  And, if all of that isn’t enough, Sarah Flint made this “Perfect Pump” in THREE different heel heights—50mm, 85mm and 100mm.

I’m wearing the 85mm Perfect Pump in today’s photos, but after wearing them constantly for several weeks, I also ordered the same pair in nude as well as the black in the 50mm heel height.  They’re the perfect, classic pump that can take you from desk to drinks without missing a beat and after you spend a little time in them, you’ll see why the designer, Sarah Flint, spent two years perfecting the technical and design details until the shoes were really, truly PERFECT—hence the name, the “Perfect Pump.”

The entire collection is handmade in Italy and each shoe is meticulously constructed of the highest quality Italian calfskin.  As you can see, the pumps have that sleek, refined silhouette that you want in a classic pump, but I’m particularly fond of the V-shaped vamp at the toe line which adds such a beautiful touch.

All in all, I can’t recommend these heels highly enough, whether you need a beautiful everyday pump for long workdays and running around town, or just something classic and comfortable for a wedding or other special occasion where you’ll be on your feet all evening.  I’m telling you, your feet will thank you!

SHOES: Sarah Flint   |  DRESS: Hellessy  |  BAG: Theory   | SUNGLASSES: Le Specs  |  EARRINGS: Bauble Bar (sold out, also love THESE)

Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen

We all know the importance of sunscreen (especially in the summer sun!) but it’s not easy to find one that (a) feels good on your face and (b) plays nice under your makeup.  If, like me, you rarely find a facial sunscreen that you like, try Glossier’s Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen.  It’s an invisible gel that leaves no white cast and no greasy residue while providing SPF 35 broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage, which are all equally important for proper sun protection (read more about that HERE).

Reformation now at Nordstrom

You’ve likely noticed that Reformation has been a favorite dress brand of mine for several years, so I’m thrilled to see that they’re now carried at Nordstrom!  Since this means even easier ordering and returns, I recently went hog-wild snagging this stunning dress and these perfect jeans.  Both fit like a dream, but the jeans are especially fantastic for all heights.  They have a raw hem and a 29-inch inseam which means that even if you’re super tall like me, you won’t be stuck with “cropped” jeans that hit you awkwardly at mid-calf or above.  The beauty of these jeans is that they’re long enough for tall girls, but if you’re more petite, all you need to do is cut them to your desired length, no formal tailoring needed.  With a raw hem, that’s all there is to it—it’s supposed to fray naturally with wear.

Glowing Green Smoothie

A girlfriend recently got me onto this smoothie recipe which I’ve been making constantly the last few months with our Vitamix.  Not only are the health benefits phenomenal, but if you read more about it here, Kimberly Snyder aptly points out the important nutritional value of blended smoothies as well:

Blending helps make greens’ full spectrum of nutrition readily available to the body.  Nutrients are encased inside plant cells and getting their benefits requires these cells’ walls to be ruptured. Greens need to be worked down to a creamy consistency, but most people simply don’t chew that much!  Blending addresses this problem, helping your body absorb the maximum amount of nutrition from your greens.

It’s such a good reminder that simply eating veggies doesn’t guarantee that your body is getting all of the health benefits.  For this and so many other reasons, our Vitamix  continues to be one of the best purchases we’ve ever made.

Bluetooth Keyboard

A few months ago I ordered this bluetooth keyboard for my iPhone from Amazon and it has been an absolute godsend.  The keyboard is compatible with iPhone, Android and Windows (along with most tablets), has a built-in stand to hold your phone while using, and folds up into a compact, lightweight brick which makes it perfect for throwing in your bag while on the go.  I originally ordered it because I was having a hard time keeping up with DMs on instagram (#bloggerproblemz)—you can’t access DMs on a desktop—so it was way too time-consuming trying to respond to long questions with my phone.  Since it’s so sleek, portable and easy-to-use, I now take it with me everywhere and use it for writing emails, texts, DMs and even blog posts on my phone while in transit.  Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that it comes in four beautiful aluminum shades to perfectly match your iPhone…

Map Pendant Necklace

I constantly get questions about the round gold pendant necklace I wear almost everyday, which is a Map necklace by A. Jaffe.  In the 2+ years since I got mine, I’ve given them as gifts to my mom and my best friend, and can’t say enough good things.  Not only are they beautiful necklaces, but they make for extra meaningful gifts because you’re able to have a location etched on the pendant with a diamond over the exact spot that is special to you.  On mine, I have the city in which Rich and I tied the knot with a diamond marking the exact location of the church where we were married.  They have a super wide range of styles and prices (there’s a stunning sterling silver pendant that’s as low as $125) but you can click here to see all of the different options!

The 30 Dresses in 30 Days series continues to be my favorite bi-annual series here on the blog, but a close second is when some of my favorite dresses from the series go on SALE.  Below are a few of the dresses featured in this spring’s series that are now on major discount.  You can click directly on each image to go back to the original post, or click on the links beneath each image to shop each dress on sale!

Day 3: Theater Night

DRESS: Alice and Olivia (also on sale HERE)

Day 8: Dining Al Fresco

DRESS: Milly

Day 11: Cocktail Attire Wedding

DRESS: Jovani

Day 14: Baptism

DRESS: See by Chloé

Day 16: Client Meeting

DRESS: Goat

Day 19: Charity Gala

DRESS: Cinq à Sept

Day 24: On Vacay

DRESS: Jill Stuart (also on sale HERE and HERE)

Day 25: Ladies Lunch

DRESS: Mansur Gavriel

Day 26: Baby Shower

DRESS: Three Floor

WRAP SKIRT: J.Crew (similar HERE, HERE and HERE)  |  TEE: J.Crew (one of my favorites as discussed here) |  CLUTCH: Cult Gaia (sold out in black, love the tan version HERE and similar affordable option HERE)  |  SHOES: Loeffler Randall  |  SUNGLASSES: BP.  |  LIPS: Stila  (Fiery)

While your conception of ruffles may be dominated by imagery of childhood nightgowns and/or tragic holiday dresses that your mother stuffed you into (just me?), the fresh, modern ways in which ruffles have resurfaced for the past several seasons have hopefully started to change your mind.  Ruffles are one of the easiest ways to amp things up a notch and look like you’re trying, without actually trying (big win).  Today, I’m rounding up some favorite ruffled pieces that I recently spotted at Nordstrom which can take you from casual Friday at the office to Saturday night dinner dates without skipping a beat.

Whether you’re looking for a fun ruffled skirt like the option I’m wearing today or chic ruffled sandal that can make the simplest outfit look chic and put-together, check out all of my favorites below from Nordstrom!

WRAP SKIRT: J.Crew (similar HERE, HERE and HERE)  |  TEE: J.Crew (one of my favorites as discussed here) |  CLUTCH: Cult Gaia (sold out in black, love the tan version HERE and similar affordable option HERE)  |  SHOES: Loeffler Randall  |  SUNGLASSES: BP.  |  LIPS: Stila  (Fiery)

Now that we’ve busted open common skincare myths, discovered the the right way to wash your face, and taken a deep dive into exfoliation, it’s time to get into the good stuff: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS.  Active ingredients come in all sorts of skincare products, but most commonly, you’ll find them in serums.  These serums deliver powerful active ingredients directly into your skin in potent concentrations which can be crucial in restoring and improving your overall skin health.  Today, I’m going to dive deep into one of the most important active ingredients: Vitamin C.

We’ve all heard of Vitamin C and its role in promoting a healthy immune system, but this vitamin also plays a pivotal role in the health of your skin with a long list of clinically-proven benefits.  According to the Cleveland Clinic (and innumerable other highly-reputable sources), Vitamin C is the only anti-oxidant that is scientifically proven to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, minimizing fine lines, scars, and wrinkles.  In addition to stimulating collagen production, Vitamin C can also reverse and prevent damage due to photoaging, reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin.  It is no wonder Vitamin C has become a holy grail ingredient in cult skincare products and is a must-have step in any skincare routine.

Vitamin C is naturally found in both the dermis and epidermis of the skin but as we age, the amount of vitamin C in our skin can decrease substantially which can make skin look dull, wrinkled, and dry.  To restore the optimal level of Vitamin C in the skin, you can apply a vitamin C product topically to the surface of the skin. When applied topically, this potent product can travel past the epidermis into deeper layers of the skin.

Due to the popularity of Vitamin C, there are many serums and other skincare products on the market containing this active ingredient, but not all Vitamin C serums are created equal.  Currently, my favorite Vitamin C product is the Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum.  This serum contains the highest concentration and most stable formulation of L-Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) along with Lactic Acid (a powerful AHA).

Vitamin C is something I use year-round, but its benefits are especially powerful in the summer and other periods when my skin has increased exposure to the sun. Due to its powerful antioxidant properties, Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals that are caused by sun exposure and other environmental pollutants.  UV radiation is a major trigger of free radicals in the skin and while adequate sunscreen is a non-negotiable any day of the week (make sure yours has both UVA and UVB protection!), Vitamin C has become a must-have addition to my daily skincare routine as well.

How do I incorporate it into my skincare routine?  Vitamin C is unstable and can oxidize quickly when exposed to light so you want to make sure you store your serum in a cool, dark place to limit oxidization (this is true for most skincare products!).  Vitamin C is safe to use in conjunction with other antioxidants, AHAs, sunscreen and retinoids, but it is water-soluble, so make sure to apply the serum BEFORE facial oils or oil-soluble acids.  I apply the serum every morning after using an acid toner, before moisturizer.  However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to use this in lieu of an acid toner as the use of two acidic products may cause irritation for some (and the Vitamin C and Lactic Acid in this product provide acid exfoliation as well).  For me, using the products together doesn’t irritate my skin, and the combination is great because the extra acid exfoliation actually enhances the efficacy of the Vitamin C product.

Hope this helps!  Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!

Rachel Zoe Joins the Trove team!

As announced on Women’s Wear Daily, we’re so thrilled to unveil that Rachel Zoe has joined the Trove team!  As one of the leading voices in the industry whose many hats include celebrity stylist, media mogul, designer and CEO, it’s been a dream to have her as both a business partner and friend.  Rachel is as brilliant as she is stylish and as truly one of the nicest people in the industry on the planet, it is impossible to articulate how grateful we are for her invaluable contributions in building Trove.  Together with her husband and business partner Rodger Berman, we’ve been blown away not only by their genuine excitement for the company, but their eagerness to jump in.  And of course, as husband and wife co-founders ourselves, we couldn’t dream of better partners!

In addition to the app that so many of you know and love, we have several very exciting announcements in the coming weeks and months, so stay tuned!

The Best Hairdryers On The Planet

If you’re looking for a traditional hair dryer, I’ve used T3’s hair dryer for years (they also make my favorite curling wand as well) and highly recommend all of their products.  However, in the past few months I’ve switched over to the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dyer and my gahd.  I’m a total convert.  My hair dries quicker and feels healthier than ever before.  I have thick hair so it used to take a good 15-20 minutes to dry thoroughly.  Now with the Dyson, it takes five minutes max.  Between the time it saves and the noticeable difference I’ve seen in the health of my hair (more shine, better texture, fewer split ends), I would say it is absolutely worth the investment.  You’ll have this sucker for YEARS and your hair (and alarm clock) will thank you.

The Best Portable Charger

Between Rich and I, we now own at least four of these portable chargers.  Since our jobs require the constant use of our phones, we’ve tested dozens over the years, and this model is hands-down our favorite.  The reason is three-fold:

1. It has the highest power storage to size ratio with 20,000 mAh and a compact design that’s still small enough to fit into most handbags (it’s about the length of my iPhone 8 Plus);
2. It has a built-in stand which allows you to prop up your phone to comfortably continue using/watching while it charges; and
3. It has a built-in iPhone AND Android cord.

This last point is particularly key.  There are a ton of models on the market that do not have one built-in cord, much less two, and not only is remembering a separate phone cord a fool’s game, but the extra bulk/congestion in your bag is no bueno (especially if you’re carrying a small purse).  With two different types of cords, I’m able to simultaneously charge my iPhone and my favorite bluetooth headphones (which use the same charging cord as an Android) simultaneously.  The charger gives me a full FOUR charges on my iPhone 8 Plus (same for Rich’s iPhone X) and I never leave home without it.  Oh, and it just so happens to also be super sleek and pretty.  WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED?

P.S. There are a few reviews on Amazon that describe issues with the device’s cords/charging ability after a few months.  If this is the case, the company has a 100% guarantee and will send you a replacement immediately (as confirmed by other reviewers).  I’m guessing there’s going to be one or two bad eggs in the bunch with any product, and people are more likely to review when they have a negative experience than the (likely) hundreds of people like me who have had a positive experience.  We’ve had ours for months and have never experienced any issues whatsoever.

New Google Ad Settings Portal

In the wake of Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica scandal and the resulting widespread discussions about privacy, Google unveiled a new Ad Settings page that gives you insight into and control over the data that Google uses to tailor ads and search results to you.  On this page, you can see all of the different factors that Google is using and adjust any individual interests that you believe to be wrong.  Of course, many people incorrectly believe that turning Ad Personalization off will prevent Google from targeting them with ads, but this is a bad idea.  You’ll still see ads while browsing, they’ll just be less relevant to your interests because Google will have no idea what you like.  In reality, this kind of targeting can actually be incredibly helpful in your online experience (when done correctly and within reason!), so having these additional controls from Google is a great thing.

The Next Skincare Memo

I’ve absolutely loved writing the Skincare Memos over the last several months and have many more in the works!  In case you missed it, last week I broke down everything you need to know about Vitamin C products which you can read HERE.  Before that, I did a deep-dive into exfoliation, how to properly clean your face, and even discussed the top seven skincare myths (that are pretty shocking).  In the coming weeks and months I’ll be tackling many more skincare-related subjects (like retinols, facial oils, sheet masks, etc.), but if there are any topics that you’re particularly curious about, please let me know in the comments below!