Blog - Page 2 of 802

12.2.19 12

Gift Ideas from Small Businesses.

Happy Monday (and also, happy December, wow!)! I hope you guys had a great Thanksgiving. I was in Charleston with my parents for five nights and it was so nice. The perfect mix of family time, friend time, and reading on the couch. I read SO much, so this month’s reading list (coming on Thursday, I think!) will be packed with a bunch of great recommendations.

Usually on Mondays I do my “what I actually wore” outfit diary but I didn’t take any outfit pics when I was home (no mirror in my bedroom, haha) and to be honest, I didn’t really dress nicely or put on makeup. Sorry! So, because Saturday was Small Business Saturday (yeah I missed the boat on that, oops!) I wanted to showcase some great gift ideas from a few of my favorite small businesses!!! It’s so important to support smaller businesses and designers when we can, so here are some fun favorites of mine.

I should note that I already featured a bunch of my other fav small businesses in this gift guide, so if you missed it, check out that post for even more ideas! This gift guide runs slightly more expensive than my others (I tried to keep it reasonable) but keep in mind, it’s all things that are handmade by artisans with tiny teams.

PS – Most of the Black Friday sales I posted last week are still going strong, so check out that post if you missed it. I am not doing a Cyber Monday post, but if I see anything really amazing today I will be sure to share on Instagram stories.

one // a hand painted ornament from Meg Biram

Meg is a friend and she is just so talented and creative. She has an incredible eye and I love everything she does. She’s been blogging forever, and has started painting these incredible murals all over DC. And now for the holidays, she’s painting ornaments. So you can own a piece of her art (hand painted!) for way, way less. I love what she’s done here – they’re all so gorgeous! Peruse her whole shop here… there are a lot more designs than the ones I’ve shared.

two // anything from my sister, Rebecca Atwood!

Speaking of talented and creative humans, my sister Becca is incredible. Her fabrics, wallpaper, and books are beyond. But did you know she also has zip pouches and bedding? While the bedding is definitely more of a treat yourself/splurge/wish list sort of item (it’s incredible; I’m so lucky to own some), her pouches are beautiful and much more accessibly priced! She’s doing a sale; take 20% off with code GIVETHANKS.

three // Hunt Slonem Bunny Portrait Plates

I am such a huge fan of EVERYTHING Hunt Slonem does. He is one of my favorite artists. I have most of his books, I framed some of his wallpaper, and I bought one of his originals (the very smallest size, ha) a few years ago. I was thrilled to see when he launched the Hop Up Shop, packed with fun new wares. My favorite though, are the portrait plates. They’re incredible and would make such a great gift. You could even mount them to the wall as art!

four // a Custom Charm Necklace from Hart Hagerty

Hart just started selling these custom charm necklaces and they are so so cool. Get your bestie her initials and something meaningful! I love the one above with the initials and the lightening bolt.

five // A vase from Balefire Glass

I learned about this brand from my sister and am just so obsessed. She got me the larger version of the vase above for my birthday a couple years ago and I love it so much. It reminds me of something you’d find in outer space (hence the name, moon rock), or those oil stickers I loved so much as a kid! Definitely spend some time on their site, everything they make is MAGIC!

six // A beautiful mug from Ivy Ceramics

How pretty are these mugs!? I love the marble finish. They’re really special. She has so many other beautiful things though – I recommend checking out the Canyon collection and the Range collection!

seven // a Horse Shoe from Holst + Lee

Have a friend who is a little down on their luck? Give her one of these to hang up in her home. Horse shoes have been considered lucky for years and years. This is a fun take on that, and these are also just really cool – they’ll brighten up any home!

eight // this beautiful bowl from Workaday Handmade

My sister gave me this bowl for my birthday a few years ago and it is still one of my most favorite things. I use it for popcorn. It’s so incredibly beautiful and of course I love the eye motif. (This pattern is also available in cups and a smaller bowl, but spend some time on their site – everything they make is BEAUTIFUL.)

nine // Earrings from Candy Shop Vintage and Nicola Bathie

I put these together to save space but they’re pretty different. These wine bottle earrings are so fun and a great conversation starter (or a great gift for that pal who maybe had a long holiday season!) and I am also just obsessed with everything Nicola Bathie is doing. Her designs are SO BEAUTIFUL!

ten // a blanket from MINNA

How gorge are these throw blankets? (Another fantastic discovery via my sister). Perfect for home… or picnicking… or even the beach!

11.27.19 24

The Best Black Friday Deals to Shop Now!

Black FRIDAY! Today I wanted to share my favorite sales (and what to get) with you now! I will be updating this post DAILY between now and Cyber Monday so be sure to bookmark it and/or check back frequently. I also wrote a post JUST about Dr. Bader and where to get it on sale. That has been my number one question!

The Best Black Friday Deals

I hope this post is helpful. In the meantime, happy Thanksgiving! Other than updating this post throughout the sale I will be taking off from the blog for the next few days… back Monday with regular programming!

Glossier

Glossier never does sales except Black Friday (I think, at least!). I ordered more body hero (read my review but the orange blossom scent is just PERFECTION + $28 for the duo is fantastic) and Lash Slick (the best everyday mascara; only $12.80 with the sale but read my review). I was feeling like trying some new things so I also ordered the lip gloss (in red) and the gold eye glitter.

Beautycounter

Beautycounter is offering 15% off! My personal favorites are this body wash, this blush (the perfect clean dupe for NARS Orgasm – read my post about that!), and of course my beloved Dew Skin (the prettiest tinted moisturizer, with SPF!). Also, the overnight peel!

And if you want to try Countertime (their new-ish anti-aging line), def read my review! My favorites from that line are the cleansing oil, the serum, and the soft cream! Everything was great except the eye cream (made my eyes water).

Sarah Flint

Sarah Flint makes hands down, my favorite shoes! They doing their “buy more, save more” event from Monday to Monday (November 25th to December 2nd)! Buy 2 pairs get $100 off, buy 3 pairs $150 off, buy 4 pairs get $200 off. Their shoes are obviously a bit of an investment but they are the actual best. I would recommend the perfect bootie (70mm), the perfect pump (85mm) or the perfect sandal (85mm). I also really love the Emma slingbacks!

Where to Get Dr. Bader on Sale

This is the question I’ve gotten asked the most. Dr. Bader is not doing a sale on their site for Black Friday. BUT you can get it at Violet Grey during their big tiered sale. I wrote a post with all the details here, and if I find a better offer I will be sure to let you know! I do recommend getting it now as during the last Violet Grey sale, they sold out of it!

Megababe

My friends at Megababe are offering 20% off sitewide with code MEGA20! The happy pits detox mask is my personal favorite (read my review here!), and I always keep a few of their wipes in my purse (they’re not just for “down there,” they’re also great for makeup emergencies, after the gym, or to wipe down your airplane seat in a pinch – there are 1,000 uses for the!) Their best selling thigh chafe stick is also a part of the sale, as is the rosy pits deodorant (full disclosure: this does not work for me which breaks my heart bc I love the fragrance BUT deodorant is all about your body’s chemistry!!)

Holst + Lee

Holst + Lee is my friend Natalie’s jewelry brand and her new stuff is amazing! With code SHOP, you can take 25% off sitewide! My favs are her signature magnetic bracelets (the GREEN!) and all the new heart evil eye stuff (I have + love these hoops, you’ll be seeing a lot of them soon). Her vintage scarf necklaces are also so so gorgeous and the perfect way to instantly elevate a simple tea and jeans.

Equilibria

You know Equilibria is my FAV CBD (read all about it in this post) but the big thing to know is that my usual code (graceatwood) is only good for your first purchase. Today, everyone can use it! I love all of their products. The 25mg softgels guarantee I’ll sleep through the night, the daily drops are great for everyday use, and OH MAN the relief cream is amazing! They also have an incredible holiday set that includes two bath bombs (heaven) and a handy CBD oil roller for instant stress relief. Use code graceatwoodBF!

Nordstrom

Nordstrom has a lot of good things on sale. The most notable thing is that they brought back one of my favorite tunic sweaters from last year (seriously – so happy, I love it so much!) AND it’s on sale. Also notable: my fav Spanx leggings. LIVE in these this time of year. (They’d look great with the tunic sweater!!) I also really love this Topshop coat (only $75!) and this cozy fleece pullover.

There are also quite a few amazing beauty deals. There’s a lot to go through but I have and love this makeup mirror. It’s great if you don’t have good lighting in your bathroom, but also fun fact… it’s what I use to film my beauty videos for IGTV! And it’s so easy – you can just stick your phone to it and record.

Sephora

Sephora’s big sale was earlier this month but now through 12/2, they’re offering up to 50% off select items. It’s worth persusing. I bought this eye palette earlier this year and really like it – the bronzy glitters are so pretty on blue eyes! Or, you can get the Naked Palette 2 for half off. I also love this “next big thing set,” and Bite’s Agave Lip Mask makes a great stocking stuffer!

Margaux

Though I’m mostly Sarah Flint through and through I would say that Margaux is my number two favorite. They NEVER have sales but now through Sunday you can take 20% off using code GAUXFORIT. My two fav pairs of Margaux shoes are these leopard pumps (I’ve had them for a couple years now and they hold up really well!) and these gold sandals!

Night Pillow

Night Pillow gave us our own special Black Friday code for the podcast. It’s BOP30 which will get you 30% off sitewide! Take 30% off your entire order, through Cyber Monday! I love their pillows so much. I have two king pillows. Also, I take their amazing travel pillow on every trip I go on. Lastly, the sheet masks are EPIC. They have gold in them and make you GLOW! I try to remember to bring one every time I travel!

Tanya Taylor

Tanya Taylor is having an archive sale with 70% off select styles from the past!!! (No code necessary). There are so many good things – you don’t want to miss it! I recommend updating the filter to show from new to old. So many dresses that I have and love are included. They err on the more summery side but it doesn’t matter as the silhouettes are so timeless. This red wrap dress and this lilac dress are two favs, and I also have + love this TOP!

Veronica Beard

Veronica Beard is offering an extra 15% off sale styles with code GOBBLE. There’s a lot of great stuff included in the sale. Obviously I am very biased toward their jackets (NOTHING IS BETTER – peruse all sale jackets here) but I’m also loving all of their dresses, too! Honestly though, this little black jacket is classic and chic (and a great price for Veronica Beard) – that’s what my number one pick would be!

BaubleBar

BaubleBar is offering 35% off sitewide! Their new “festive” section is the jewelry equivalent to an ugly Christmas sweater, in the best way possible. I want it all, especially this gift wrap hair clip. My other picks would be my favorite gold hoop earrings (I love them so much – they’re big but really lightweight and the quality is great -I’ve had them for years now and they’ve yet to tarnish)! And though it’s not 35% off, my fav personalized phone case is on sale this year (they never discount it!!)

BaubleBar’s big sale item this year is their best selling Alidia Ring. This ring is SO PRETTY, comes in a million colors and is marked down from $44 to $12. This is a crazy deal and would be a great gift for all your best girlfriends! The twist mini is part of the sale (the clear looks a lot like my favorite Suzanne Kalan diamond band – the one I wear every day) as is the mini version!

Shopbop

Shopbop’s Tiered Sale is always amazing! (Runs Tuesday 11/20 through 11/27) Use Code MORE19 to save up to 25% off. (Take 15% off orders of $200+, 20% off orders of $500+, and 25% off orders of $800+) Some brands are excluded, see more of that here.

a few of my fav shopbop picks: the best sneakers ever (I have in grey, navy, and white!), my current favorite fancy blouse, this dress which I wear to every event lately, my fav little leopard dress (it looks so much more expensive than it actually is), and the best lace top!

J.Crew

J.Crew also started their offer early! Take 50% off sitewide. Use code SHOPFIRST. A lot of things are excluded, but there are some great deals to be had. Also! The chateau parka (my FAVORITE) is a part of this sale (it’s usually excluded from most of J.Crew’s sales) so… if you’ve had your eye on it, snag it now! I have it in red but am seriously considering the other colors, too!

Other favorites from J.Crew (all stuff I have and LOVE): This cozy mockneck sweater, the best snowboots ever (I’ve had for a few years now!), these amazing silk leopard pants (I love wearing these on the plane!), one of my favorite pairs of statement earrings, and of course these cozy (but very chic) striped PJs!

11.26.19 51

Augustinus Bader… On Sale!

I can’t even tell you how many DM’s I’ve gotten asking if/when Dr. Bader would be going on sale for Black Friday and I am about 99.9% sure that the Violet Grey sale is the best place to shop for it! They have a big tiered sale a couple times a year – and last time, Augustinus Bader sold out, so I recommend ordering it ASAP if you want to buy it.

This cream (as you probably know by now if you’re a regular reader!) is my absolute favorite holy grail skincare product. I make sure to use it at least once a day. That being said, since starting to use it, I can tell you – it rarely goes on sale and the only time I’ve ever seen it on sale (besides at Barney’s RIP) is this sale. So here you go!

Here are the sale details!

$15 OFF $100
$50 OFF $250
$100 OFF $500
$250 OFF $1,000+

(no code necessary.)

You can read my review of the Dr. Bader here but I want to give you a mini-refresh:

Dr. Bader is a pioneer in stem cell research. He spent over 30 years researching the body’s capability to heal itself. Back in 2007 he developed a technology for burn victims that would help them forgo skin grafts. The Cream (for combo and oily types) and The Rich Cream (better for dry types – this is the one I use!) are both designed to activate the skin’s renewal process. I use this cream every morning and 3 nights a week (when I’m not using retinol or vitamin C as he wants it to be the first thing you apply – no serum!) and have noticed a dramatic difference in my skin. So it is the BEST!

I know that some of you may be skeptical; if you want to try it (or scoop up a travel size), they also offer smaller sizes! You can shop all sizes of Dr. Bader right this way.

And of course, Augustinus Bader isn’t the only thing included in the sale.

A few more picks from me would be the Hanacure Mask (review + video here), all things Tata Harper, that incredible Chantecaille mascara that makes me hate myself, or SK-II (those sheet masks!).

It’s site wide but some exclusions are in place… but the main thing to know is… BADER IS ON SALE!!!!

photo by Trent Bailey.

11.26.19 25

The Art of the Staycation.

Thank you to Hotel Indigo for my recent staycation… and for sponsoring today’s post.

Last week, smack dab in the middle of a very busy week, I did something for me: I took a staycation! I stayed at the Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side. It was the same night of my meetup with Sarah Flint so it was really nice to go back to my beautiful room, take a bath, and tuck myself into the perfectly made bed.

The Hotel Indigo is an upscale boutique brand. I love that you feel as though you’re staying a little off the beaten path, with a cooler, more community sort of vibe… but all the perks (room service, gorgeous amenities) of a bigger hotel. With a beautiful common area to work and have coffee or a quick bite, an incredible restaurant and bar (I’ve been to so many fashion + beauty events at Mr. Purple for good reason – amazing drinks and food, great people watching, and a beautiful setup!). There’s also incredible art all over the lobby (like the custom mural by grafiti legend Lee Quiñones on the 14th floor!) and in the rooms, it’s just a really chic, INSPIRING place to stay. (PS – with this link you can book your stay at any Hotel Indigo and get the best possible deal with up to 15% off.)

Anyway, today I’m going to share a few tips for how to take your best staycation OR solo trip. They apply either way!

{this bathtub! My room was one of four rooms at Hotel Indigo that has a tub. Highly recommend requesting a tub whenever possible!}

tip #1: Bring lots of books.

I joke that when I staycation or travel alone, I’m on a book a day diet. I basically become attached to my book. Reading in bed, reading on the couch, reading in the hotel lobby, at dinner, and so on and so forth.

Pro-traveling alone tip: I always get asked about eating alone at restaurants and it’s actually really great. Bring a book and sit at a table or bar seat with decent lighting, and enjoy your book. (And probably extra nice service!)

tip #2: Coffee is Important.

Hotel Indigo is nestled smack dab in the best area of the lower east side so there are tons of great coffee shops nearby BUT sometimes you want to be ultra lazy and not leave the premise. That’s one of my favorite bits of staycationing. If you’re ultra lazy, the hotel rooms at Hotel Indigo have the Nespresso Vertuoline machine (my FAV – I have it at home and make one every morning!). And if you go up to the 14th floor they have a really chic little cafe that serves GREAT coffee.

three // common space is also important.

OK so you are traveling alone or staying alone. I am the most introverty of introverts BUT I need some interaction! I love that Hotel Indigo has a beautiful common space/lobby on the 14th floor. Besides having the cute coffee shop and a pool table and a TON of cool art, it’s packed with great spots to work, people watch, read, or maybe even meet a cute guy (hey – one can dream, right?) . It’s the best. The rooms are so nice that you’ll be tempted to stay in bed all day but the common space is so nice that you’ll want to hang out all day.

four // a great place to grab a drink.

It’s always awkward to dine/sip alone but I promise it’s really not that bad – it’s actually fun. Despite my introversion I end up having great talks with the bartender or server (they always know the best local hidden gems) and that in itself is really fun!

Bring a book, bring postcards to write (my trick when I’m traveling solo), etc. and cozy up to the gorgeous bar at Mr. Purple. I recommend going at sunset and soaking up the beautiful views… maybe over a glass of bubbly!

Created in partnership with Intercontinental Hotel Group. // Photography by Carter Fish.

11.25.19 12

What I Wore: 11.16 – 11.22.

happy Monday! Today’s going to be a bit of a manic morning – I have a big brand deadline, I need to finish packing, we’re recording with a guest for the pod and then at 1 I head to the airport as I am off to Charleston for the rest of the week for Thanksgiving!

I’m really looking forward to being “home” in Charleston for nearly a whole week! (I use the word “home” loosely as I didn’t grow up in Charleston but wherever my parents live becomes home.) Some QT with my parents, seeing a bunch of friends (it’s funny, though Charleston isn’t where I grew up I have more friends there than I do on Cape Cod). And probably posing my parents’ dog and Tyrion together quite a bit. Also GOOD FOOD. V v excited.

What I Wore: 11.16 – 11.22

Saturday:

The occasion: a visit with my niece and then sushi at Katsuei with my sister (our fav spot in Park Slope!)

What I wore: Rixo Blouse (highly recommend) // Re/done Jeans (a couple years old but these are very very similar/maybe identical) // Miu Miu Pumps (these are 4 years old – these are kinda similar?)

Sunday:

The occasion: lounging at home LOL

What I wore: Katie Sturino x Stitch Fix Sweater // Dunkin’ Joggers (sorry that they’re sold out!)

Monday:

The occasion: working from home + meeting with the Hallmark Channel in the city.

What I wore: Reiss Sweater // Frame Jeans // Vince Sneakers

Tuesday Day:

The occasion: Breakfast in the city with Lele Sadoughi and Stoney Clover.

What I wore: Sachin + Babi Dress (via Rent the Runway) // Express Tights // Sarah Flint Boots (get $50 off with code GRACE50) // Cinq á Sept Coat (via Rent the Runway)

Tuesday Night:

The occasion: meeting with Fohr (an influencer agency I work with a lot). Dinner at Canal Street Oysters (v v good, and great organic wines!)

What I wore: Club Monaco Tuxedo Blazer // Tibi Camisole // Good American Jeans (a few years old) // Sarah Flint Heels (take $50 off with code GRACE50)

Wednesday Day:

The occasion: breakfast with Instagram at the New York Public Library (SO COOL!)

What I wore: Vineyard Vines Sweater (a few years old but I absolutely love this one!) // Good American Jeans (a few years old) // Salvatore Ferragamo Heels

Wednesday Night:

The occasion: Reader Meetup with Sarah Flint

What I wore: gifted Veronica Beard Blazer (obsessed) // Misa Dress (highly recommend) // Express Tights // Sarah Flint Boots (get $50 off with code GRACE50)

Friday:

The occasion: lunch meeting!

What I wore: Eileen Fisher Sweater (currently half off / still pricy but highly recommend. Size down!) // Re/done Jeans (a couple years old but these are very very similar/maybe identical) // Salvatore Ferragamo Heels// Lele Sadoughi Earrings // Lele Sadoughi Headband (I did some shopping after the breakfast earlier in the week, hahaha)

That’s it for What I Wore: 11.16 – 11.22!