The absolute best dresses for traveling...
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Travel Day
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Hanukkah
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Two Exciting Announcements: Brand New 30 Dresses Giveaway + A Big Surprise Tonight!
For details on the outfit pictured above, click here.
To me, there’s nothing more exciting than giving back to you, the amazing community of readers and followers all over the world who, for reasons beyond my comprehension, have loyally followed Memorandum for so long. Your continuous contribution of thoughtful comments, likes, messages, and shares across the blog and social channels has not only meant an enormous amount to me personally but, more importantly, has enriched the entire community of Memorandum readers. Whether it’s leaving an insightful comment with your own styling tips, offering advice on travel skincare, or posing a thought-provoking question about challenges in the workplace, I have learned SO much from all of you and am indescribably grateful for your contributions to this space.
In the lead up to the launch of the ongoing 30 Dresses in 30 Days series, I’ve been trying to find a way to convey my gratitude to all of you, and today I’m excited to share my two-pronged plan of attack to give back:
1. SURPRISE GIVEAWAYS
Every week throughout the 30 Dresses series, I will be giving away five $100 gift cards to readers who leave comments on the blog or instagram. You don’t have to use a certain hashtag, comment at a certain time, or post in a specific place. All you have to do is leave a comment—any comment—on any blog post or any instagram post sharing your thoughts, asking a question or tagging a friend. My goal is to use this giveaway as a way to thank those of you who take the time out of your busy day to contribute to the conversation and engage the community. It can be something as simple as tagging a friend on instagram and telling her how amazing the dress would look on her, or posing a question about additional ways to wear an item featured in the post. I absolutely love to hear from you and love it even more when this blog serves as a platform for you to connect with each other.
2. MONDAY NIGHT INSTAGRAM LIVE AT 8PM EST
Starting tonight and continuing every Monday night for the rest of the 30 dresses series (the entire month of November!), I will be doing an instagram live where I will not only announce the 5 giveaway winners, but where I will also share another super exciting surprise for all of you! I’m going to keep the second piece a secret for now so I can unveil it all tonight! Be sure to tune in on instagram (@maryorton) at 8 PM EST TONIGHT to watch live, hear if you’re one of the first five winners and see it all unfold!!
Again, my most sincere thanks to each and every one of you for following along, whether you started following yesterday or have been following since day one. I wish I had the ability to see and thank each of you in person, but, until I find a method of teleportation that will take me to each and every one of your doorsteps, I’m hoping this series of giveaways and instagram lives will be the next best thing! See you tonight!!!
And if you haven’t checked out today’s new 30 Dresses in 30 Days post, click here!
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Dinner Party
A dress this versatile can take you anywhere...
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Interview
Four tips for a winning interview look...
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Business Conference
At a business conference, comfort is just as important as style...
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Nordstrom’s Fall Sale: The 12 Things I Bought
Hear ye, hear ye! In case you haven’t heard, Nordstrom’s KILLER fall sale is happening RIGHT. NOW. You can save up to 40% on tons of awesome stuff (we’re talking clothing, shoes, accessories, home, ERRYTHANG) now through November 12th. And, since friends don’t let friends miss out on perfect discounted Rag & Bone (!!!) skinny jeans, I thought I’d share the wealth and let you in on the 12 things I couldn’t say no to… Click any item in the below image to shop!
- You have to take a closer look at the details of this midi sweater dress. I’m in full swoon over the elegant fold-over neckline and knit banding. Spoiler alert: it comes in FIVE colors…
- This perfect staple sweater comes in 14 different colors… I bought them all (KIDDING… kind of).
- If you’re looking for a cozy blanket for long Netflix binges on the weekend, look no further than this cashmere throw.
- You probably recognize these ankle-strap pumps because I wear them here on the blog every other day, so it probably comes as no surprise that I had to snag them in navy while they were on sale.
- When it comes to candles, the limit does not exist, amiright?!
- I can not WAIT to use these stemless wine glasses all season long. Cutest EVER.
- Last but not least, I’ve been eyeing this coat for quite some time, and couldn’t say no to this baby on sale!
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Client Meeting
Take your professional style from worker bee to #girlboss...
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Everyday Work Dress
Just another day at the office... in a super chic dress that's only $83. YOU'RE WELCOME.
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Office Holiday Party: Business Casual
Make even the most casual holiday party merry and bright...
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Office Holiday Party: Cocktail
Your company is pulling out all the stops at a swanky venue, and you've gotta dress the part...
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The Biggest Hole In My Winter Wardrobe
In honor of this revelation, it is my new-found mission to show the quintessential longline cardigan the respect that it deserves. I’m determined to no longer subject myself, my family, or (most importantly) my trusty Seamless delivery guy to the old, dilapidated cardigan of yore (and of questionable provenance).
Whether you’re throwing it on over a sheath dress for a day at the office, your favorite denim and a classic t-shirt for weekend errands, or leggings and a tank for a netflix and chill sesh, there will be no better, more heavily worn layer in your winter wardrobe. I just purchased this cardigan and this cardigan (SO SOFT AND DELISH) but check out the full list of my favorites below!
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Hanukkah
The perfect frock for celebrating the Festival of Lights!
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The One Clothing Item That Will Be Your Holiday Season MVP
MOCK NECK BLOUSE: Aqua | METALLIC MIDI SKIRT: Hobbs | SHOES: Jimmy Choo (sold out, also love this similar pair in red and these classic black pumps!) | BELT: Gucci (also love this waist belt!) | CAT EYE SUNGLASSES: sold out, similar HERE | RED LIP: Nars (Fire Down Below)
The only redeeming trade-off for the onslaught of frigid temps is that holiday season is just around the corner. I know, I know. I just used the H word and it isn’t even Thanksgiving. However, I’ve come to accept the fact that my holiday planning has to begin in mid-November if I’m to retain any sanity at all come early December when the onslaught of holiday parties begins and I inevitably am left in the fetal position on the floor of my closet assuring my sweet husband that I really, truly, have nothing to wear.
(His enduring sweetness is worth mentioning because, in moments like these, he graciously refrains from pointing to the walls of overstuffed hangers that surround me in aforementioned closet and the sheer impossibility that none of said hangers contain “something” to wear.)
With the holidays looming, I immediately snatched up this pleated metallic skirt, knowing that it would be the perfect piece for holiday soirees, cocktails, and gatherings galore—especially when these events call for a little extra sparkle but you don’t want to be the girl that goes overboard. However, I was also drawn to the versatility of this midi because after the holiday party circuit, this beauty’s wearability will continue throughout the season thanks to how subtle the metallic is. The skirt could be easily paired with virtually anything on top (chunky sweater, turtleneck, blouse, you name it!) and worn anywhere. You’ve also probably seen pleated metallic midi skirts like this all over your instagram feed with a white sneaker and graphic tee for some real coolgirl weekend street style.
Speaking of versatility, this midi skirt’s subtle sparkle could even fly at the office. I’ve gotta give a shoutout here to the Metallic Trend from the Fall/Winter Trend Memo, ’cause today’s look is a perfect example of a how to incorporate metallic into your work wardrobe without raising eyebrows.
Aside from the metallic midi, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shoutout to this gorgeous Aqua blouse. If you’ve been following along over the past few months, then you already know the Aqua brand has been blowing my mind recently. It’s an in-house exclusive brand at Bloomingdales and all Aqua products are super affordable, without sacrificing quality or style. In FULL swoon over the Swiss-dot detailing, victorian mock neck, and sheer sleeves. This elegant blouse screams romance without feeling too girly, which you know, is my sweet spot. Complete the look with gold and black accessories, like classic black pumps, a black waist belt, and black cat-eye sunnies.
It’s worth noting that both the blouse and skirt I’m wearing today are from Bloomingdale’s 100% Exclusives collection, which as I’ve said before, is INSANELY good. It’s stuff that is only sold at Bloomingdales (how stunning is this blouse?!), so it’s worth an extra look at items that you won’t come across at any other retailer.
MOCK NECK BLOUSE: Aqua | METALLIC MIDI SKIRT: Hobbs | SHOES: Jimmy Choo (sold out, also love this similar pair in red and these classic black pumps!) | BELT: Gucci (also love this waist belt!) | CAT EYE SUNGLASSES: sold out, similar HERE | RED LIP: Nars (Fire Down Below)
Thanks to Bloomingdale’s for partnering on this post!
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Holiday Shopping
Go for a look that's as comfy as it is stylish...
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5 Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without
PSA: Sephora’s Beauty Insider Event is happening RIGHT NOW through 11/15 (Wednesday!), which means it’s time to stock up while everything (YES EVERYTHING) is 15-20% off. Sephora Rouge and Sephora VIB members receive a fat 20% off all purchases (with codes 20FORROUGE and 20FORVIB, respectively), and Sephora Beauty Insiders snag 15% off everything with code INSIDER15. Since I’ve been getting TONS of questions about beauty and makeup products lately, today I’m dishing on the five MVPs of my makeup bag—the five beauty products that are true game-changers for me.
If you’re looking for the complete, exhaustive list of every single beauty product I use, check out My Beauty Routine post, which I just completely overhauled and updated! It gives the comprehensive details of every single makeup product I use, how I use it, when I use it, and even what brushes I use to apply everything!
But first, let me highlight (pun intended?) my five beauty bag MVPs (which are all on sale at Sephora right now!)…
1. // Make Up Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation
My color: Y335
Allow me to introduce you to the heavyweight champ, Make Up Forever’s HD foundation. My love for this foundation runs DEEP. I’ve been known to tout this as unequivocally the best ever foundation on the planet, and I may or may not have joked about naming my first child after it (was I joking though…?). It’s lightweight, looks truly invisible (yet still hides everything you need it to hide), has the most natural finish, and literally doesn’t budge all. damn. day. I’ve been using it for more than 3 years now, and I’M NEVER TURNING BACK. EVER.
2. // Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
My color: Translucent
Application: Sephora Collection PRO Precision Powder Brush #59
I only started using a setting powder a few years ago, and can’t believe what a true game changer it really is. I honestly look back on years of wearing foundation or concealer without a setting powder and cringe. This Laura Mercier powder is an honest-to-goodness MUST-HAVE. After applying my foundation and concealer, I dust it all over my entire face (using this brush!), making special efforts to thoroughly cover the areas under the eye where I applied concealer. When it comes to keeping everything in place for the whole day, keeping oil under control, preventing your under-eye concealer from creasing and everything from fading, this will be your new best friend.
3. // Laura Mercier Velour Lovers Lip Color
My go-to color: Currently alternating between Lover and Seduction daily…
If I had a dime for every DM I’ve received about the lipstick I’ve been wearing over the past few months, I’d be on a private jet right now bathing in Birkin bags. As you’ve probably noticed, I can’t get enough of a bold red lip this season, and my number one go-to lipstick has been: Laura Mercier’s Velour Lovers Lip Color. Not only is it insanely long-lasting, but it also keeps my lips moisturized all day long. For a more exhaustive list of all of my favorite lip products (including the lip pencil that I always wear under this lipstick!), check out the full My Beauty Routine post here!
4. // Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
My color: Taupe (formerly called “Ash Blonde”)
After years of searching for the perfect eyebrow pencil (that actually works for blondes…or dirty ash blondes in my case), I’ve officially reached the conclusion that Anastasia’s Beverly Hills Brow Wiz is the best there is, plain and simple. It’s completely smear-proof and the super fine tip allows you to mimic actual hair when you’re filling in gaps, yielding super natural results. Everyone I know—brunettes to redheads to blondes—is obsessed with this eyebrow pencil. Conclusion: There’s a reason this baby has 420,000 “loves” on Sephora.
5. // Smashbox Matte Exposure Palette
Application: Sephora Collection Eyes Uncomplicated Brush Set
The second most-frequently asked question on instagram and instastories is what eyeshadow I use, and for the past nine months or more, it’s been this palette! The shades are universally flattering, apply easily, stay perfect forever and never crease. Especially for everyday use, I prefer a matte shadow to something with a lot of shimmer, so this is the palette for me. My typical everyday look typically involves dusting the “Grounded” shade from this palette into the crease of my eye, and that’s it for eyeshadow!
Be sure to check out My Beauty Routine for the (newly updated!) complete, exhaustive list of every single beauty product I’m using right now.
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The Jewelry Brand Every Working Girl Needs to Know
WHITE BLOUSE: Rag & Bone | PLAID MIDI SKIRT: A.L.C. | MARY JANE PUMPS: Jimmy Choo (sold out, also love these!) | CAT EYE SUNGLASSES: sold out, similar HERE | DIAMOND BEZEL NECKLACE: c/o AUrate | BAR DROP NECKLACE: c/o AUrate | GEOMETRIC BAR EARRINGS: c/o AUrate | TRIBAR CUFF: c/o AUrate
This season I’ve been having lots of fun with statement earrings and bold chokers for special occasions, but at the end of the day—or, the beginning of the workday in this case—I end up reaching for those classic pieces that go with everything and make every ensemble understatedly chic. I recently discovered a jewelry brand that every working girl under the sun NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT. By some unfathomable twist of fate, the jewelry masterminds at AUrate manage to bring the best of quality fine jewelry, without the painful price tag. I hope you’ve got a minute, because you need to hear me out on this one.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m ALL about snagging a piece of trendy costume jewelry, but when it comes to the jewelry I wear every. single. day, the green earlobes, chipped gold plating and constant tarnishing just gets old. Cue AUrate, the jewelry line of my dreams that is reshaping the fine jewelry industry by offering designs that are fair priced, ethically sourced, and locally crafted (i.e. all the good things and all the good feels).
Each and every piece is crafted with real gold, diamonds and pearls, and just in case you have any doubts, they offer a LIFETIME warranty, no questions asked. They’re able to sell top-quality jewelry at a jaw-droppingly low price point because they sell directly to the consumer, avoiding middlemen (and their markups). AND, if all of that isn’t enough (did I mention EVERYTHING is ethically sourced?) they also donate a book to a child in need for every purchase. Sooooo, I think I just gave you enough reasons to jewelry shop for yourself today…
Just about every single day since I opened the box, I’ve worn this stunning AUrate diamond bezel necklace layered with the slightly longer bar drop necklace. The contrasting lengths make for the perfect, timeless, everyday combination. To bookend the necklaces, I’m wearing these stunning geometric bar earrings and last but not least, this amazing asymmetrical tribar cuff pulls it all together.
These classic, delicate gold pieces make for the perfect everyday staple jewelry that will take you from the office to drinks to a holiday soiree in a cinch. Especially when it comes to jewelry in the office, less is always more, and these dainty pieces add that subtle yet powerful finishing touch. Run don’t walk, y’all.
WHITE BLOUSE: Rag & Bone | PLAID MIDI SKIRT: A.L.C. | MARY JANE PUMPS: Jimmy Choo (sold out, also love these!) | CAT EYE SUNGLASSES: sold out, similar HERE | DIAMOND BEZEL NECKLACE: c/o AUrate | BAR DROP NECKLACE: c/o AUrate | GEOMETRIC BAR EARRINGS: c/o AUrate | TRIBAR CUFF: c/o AUrate
Thanks to AUrate for partnering on this post!
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Night at the Theater
Pull out all of the glamorous stops...
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Holiday Entertaining
Pause the hustle and bustle...
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Christmas
It's the most wonderful day of the year...
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