This week started out on a high note by being Upstate for a little fresh mountain air but took a turn for the worse when I learned of a loved one being diagnosed with cancer and another person in my circle also awaiting results having had cancerous cells biopsied. News like this always has a way of shaking you and reminding you how precious life is and how work stress (of which I’ve had a ton this week) and other things all can be put into prospective. I’m heading into the weekend feeling a bit solemn as one might expect but glad my plans involve a lot of friend time. Anyhow, not to start Friday off on a downer note but as positive as this space usually is, there’s also times where I have a hard time keeping up appearances.

In lighter news, I’m going to do a big beauty giveaway by randomly drawing from my newsletter subscribers early next month. If you don’t already get new posts to your inbox (+ my monthly newsletter) you can subscribe here.

WHAT I DID THIS WEEK:

• Went back to The Catskills and Scribner’s Lodge with Carly for a little mountain air and R&R and so much good food!
• I started Season 3 of Serial and you guys, it is riveting. So concerning, so eye-opening. Anyone else listening?
• I added a Paris category under the Travel section of the site’s menu! You can now find all my Paris-related content there. I honestly had the best time sharing recommendations with you guys during a Paris-related Instagram Q&A last week and I loved hearing how much of you also share such sweet sentiments about the city of lights.
• Checked out Everlane’s new outerwear collection which was made with 3 million recycled plastic bottles! They’ve committed to using only renewed plastic by the year 2021 which is just another reason why I love this brand so much.

READ + LOOK + LOVE:

• The other day I saw Amazon has opened a 4 Star Product store in Soho – such a good idea! You can shop products that all have a 4 star rating or higher. I can’t wait to check it out when I have time.
• This is the time of year I start to crave roasted veggies and this brussels sprouts recipe sounds so good!
• Movies to watch when you’re having a bad day (or month! or year!)
• Yessss, The Cut launched a podcast!
• I loved reading Carly’s app recommendations. (I, too, love Unfold!)
• A few frequently asked finance questions answered.
• Tips for applying blush.
• Podcasts that’ll motivate you.
• 14 festive cocktail recipes to bookmark for upcoming fall dinners & holidays.

SHOP AND LOOK LONGINGLY:

• So many good arrivals at J.Crew: This coat, this blouse, this sweater, this fuzzy cardigan and this velvet top. (And you can score 25% off your purchase right now!)
• These boots look more designer than Sam Edelman and have great reviews. (The black suede pair looks super similar to my beloved Loeffler Randall booties I wear non-stop.)
• I’ve been dealing with super congested skin lately and have been reaching for this Kiehl’s mask each week. I really love how my skin feels less clogged and more taught after use.
• I love the look of this slouchy sweater.
• This is a great, classic car coat from Gap.
• Also from Gap, this versatile blouse has the prettiest feminine details.
• I love this striped sweater.
• Always love a little ruffle detail on a sweater.
• How good is this dress!?
• This Uniqlo cardigan is super similar to the one I wore here.
• I saw a girl wearing this skirt in my neighborhood this past weekend and she looked so chic.
• This plaid coat is so great and an even better price.
• This is such a chic sweater dress. I love the color and the length.
• How cozy do these sweats look? Same with these!
• So much yes to this cozy teddy-style bomber jacket. Perfect for weekends.
• Jonathan Adler just launched an exclusive-to-Amazon line! So many good finds.
• Before my Paris trip I popped into Everlane and bought this sweater in black and then traveled to/from Europe wearing it and it so soft, so cozy and perfectly slouchy in a Medium. I love it.
• Love love love this polka dot top.
• For those of you with holiday travel coming up, this organizer and travel case are so good and you can monogram them!
• Lots of great new finds are in the Fall section of the shop.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

• How to handle a career rut.
• Beauty products I’ve been loving this month.
• Why I’m excited for the next few months.
• Random facts about me.
• Tips for part time bloggers.
• Great scarves to top any outfit.
• Fall trends you can wear on a budget.

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