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Gift Guide: The Guy In Your Life

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Did everyone have a great Thanksgiving? What about Black Friday Shopping? I got a few things (including that super soft faux fur throw from Target I mentioned HERE), but I still have a long way to go to have my Christmas shopping done! I have gone back and forth on a few things to get my boyfriend for Christmas. One thing I know for sure I’m getting him are these Marc Anthony button down shirts. Everytime we go to Kohl’s he eyes these, but he never wants to spend the money on himself. Luckily they are on sale for under $30, so I’m going to pick a few up for him.

These are ideas you can get for any guy in your life: your boyfriend, dad, grandpa, etc. My boyfriend’s dad loves this Polo cologne. Also, how awesome is this Self Stirring Mug!? My boss at work has this and he absolutely loves it! And it actually works!

Of course, another idea everyone always loves getting are gift cards. Uber gift cards are the perfect Christmas gift. You can literally use them for any occasion, like a ride home from the airport or a night out. Go HERE to order an Uber gift card for your loved ones!

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Valerie

This post was sponsored by Uber. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Styled Muse possible!

Black Friday Sales

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For the past couple years, Black Friday (or Gray Thursday?) has become a tradition for my boyfriend and myself. We start out Thanksgiving morning by looking at the online deals before heading out to dinner at my parents’ house. A lot of the deals you can find online in the morning, but they seem to go pretty fast. So we get everything we can, and then will get the rest at the stores. After we finish Thanksgiving dinner at my boyfriend’s parents’ house, we head out to do a little bit of shopping. With our tight budget, this is the perfect time for us to get most of our Christmas shopping done. Last year we got about 90% of it done on Black Friday!

How we plan:

We always look through all the Black Friday ads as soon as they start coming out. We make a list of all the items we want to get, and check the times the stores are opening or their online deals start. If stores open at the same time, we try and figure out which deal is the best and are priority over the others. Since both of us are not huge fans of crowds, we usually wait until the line goes inside the store, then we will go in. I noticed last year that a lot of stores had maps that showed you where all the deals were. Make sure you get one as soon as you walk in the door, and plan your route. It’s best to have more than one person with you, because you can split up to get everything if they are on opposite sides of the store. Once you have all of your items, expect to wait in the checkout line for a while, so wear comfy shoes! Last year it was about a 30-40 minute wait at Target, and the line was all around the back of the store.

Here are a few of my favorite deals I found so far (I will update this as soon as more are released) and what time they start. I also linked all the Black Friday ads so you can view them yourself!

Kohls:
Opening 6pm Thursday. Deals are also online (time not specified) 

-Get $15 Kohls Cash for every $50 you spend.
-LC Lauren Conrad select jewelry, key chains (cute poof ball ones!), and trinket trays ($6.99 each).
– 10-20% off all fragrances for men and women.
-All Nike 25% off (they literally never have Nike on sale!)
-Select boots 50-60% off.
-60% off select styles of handbags and wallets.
-60-70% off all outerwear for women.

Target:
Opening 6pm Thursday, with some deals starting early. 

-Tuesday November 22nd all beauty 25% off!
-30% off ALL apparel, shoes, and accessories.
-30% off all designer fragrances.
-Faux Fur Throw ($19.99)

Old Navy:
Online now, 4pm in stores. 

-50% off EVERYTHING in store and online.

Nordstrom:
Online Thursday, in Store Friday. 

-Too many good deals to list!
-View the women’s deals HERE.
-View the beauty deals HERE.
-View handbags and accessories HERE.

Macy’s:
Opening 5pm Thursday. Starts online Wednesday. 

-Select shoes and boots 40% off.
-Select handbags starting at $19.99.
-Urban Decay Shadow Box Palette ($18).
-A lot of beauty sets on sale, see them all HERE
-Michael Kors Top Zip Tote ($149.99).
-View all deals for women HERE.

 Bath and Body Works:
Online now. Hours vary by location. 

-See the VIP Tote HERE ($25 with any $30 purchase)
-Entire store and website buy 3 get 3 free.

 Ulta:
Opening at 6pm Thursday, online deals start at 5pm Thursday (central time)

There are SO many deals here, that I will just name a few. Click the link above to view all of them!
-NYX Box of Goodies Advent Calendar ($24.99) (this would make a perfect gift!).
-Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potions ($10).
-Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel, Bubble bath ($12).
-Select Lorac eyeshadow Palettes ($18).
-20% off Clarisonic Holiday Kits.
-OGX Hair and Bath buy 1 get 1 free.

Sephora:
Online now. Hours vary by location.

-Tarte Intro to Tarte Deluxe Discover Set ($10)
-Make Up For Ever Artist Palette Volume 2 ($25)
-Will update more once it is released.

Tarte:
Online now. 

-Everything 25% off.

Kendra Scott:
Online now. 

-20% off everything with code SALE20

Charlotte Russe:
Online now. Hours vary by location in store. 

-Entire store $20 of less.
-Free shipping, no minimum.

Starbucks:
Online only.

-Entire website 25% off with code THANKFUL.
-$20 off $100 purchase
-Free shipping, no minimum.

Tory Burch:
Online now. 

-30% off $250 or more with code THANKS.

I will update this list once more deals are released. What stores do you plan on going to? Let me know in the comments! As always, thanks for reading!

Valerie

 

 

Thanksgiving Outfit

~ styledmuse ~ 7 Comments

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Dress: Similar/Similar (Under $40!)  //  Faux Fur Vest: Similar  //  Clutch: Under $30!  //  Boots: Similar  //  Bracelets: Similar/Similar

Does it even feel like next week is Thanksgiving? The end of 2016 is just flying by. Didn’t 4th of July just happen like last week? Haha! This year for Thanksgiving we are doing the usual: visiting my family and my boyfriend’s family. Which means LOTS of food. Then of course doing a little shopping afterwards. I will have a post up this weekend with some of my favorite Black Friday sales! What stores would you like to see on the list? Let me know in the comments!

It’s always hard finding an outfit that looks dressed up but comfy at the same time. But this dress fits that perfectly! It’s somewhat oversized, so you can easily hide that full belly, while also staying comfy. I absolutely love the bell sleeves on this dress. They have been a huge trend this year, and I don’t see them going away anytime soon! I paired this dress with a faux fur vest (my favorite fall item) and ankle boots. If you plan on going shopping Thanksgiving night, just grab a pair of flats to change into! If it’s going to be chilly where you are, you can always wear a pair of black tights to stay warm.

Unfortunately, most of these items sold out really fast (I literally bought those ankle boots 2 weeks ago, and they are already gone…), so I tagged similar items. Both of the dresses are under $50! The leopard clutch is an exact duplicate to mine and is under $30!

What are your Thanksgiving plans? Are you going shopping Thanksgiving night? Let me know in the comments!

As always, thanks for reading!

Valerie

Holiday Drinks

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Happy Monday! Is anyone else having issues with how dark it’s getting at like 5:00 now? Today I shot a few outfit photos for blog posts, and we had to rush because we were running out of sunlight! But that does mean one thing, Christmas is coming! With it being so warm lately, it’s kinda hard to get in the holiday spirit. One of my favorite ways to get in the spirit is by drinking my favorite holiday drinks! Sometimes I have a hard time finding the perfect one that everyone will like, so I’m rounding up a few of my favorites that I found on Pinterest! All of these are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years! The first half will be non-alcoholic and the second half will be alcoholic:

Non-Alcoholic: 

Hot Cocoa: This one is super simple, but always a favorite. I start out by adding hot water (you can always use milk heated up on the stove or microwave) from my Keurig to my favorite mug, then stir in a packet of Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa. I top it off with Jet-Puffed Mini Peppermint Marshmallows. You can even put crunched up candy canes on top. SO good!

Christmas Morning Punch: This is a mixture of orange juice, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and ginger ale! This is perfect to drink Christmas morning while opening presents. You can even add a little champagne to make it a mimosa!

Sparkling Cranberry Pineapple Punch: This one is similar to the one above, but more for parties! I will for sure be making this at my next Christmas party!

Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider: Pretty self explanatory, but sounds so delicious!

Salted Caramel Egg Nog: I’m not a huge egg nog fan, but this sounds so good!

Alcoholic: 

Cranberry Moscow Mule: A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, but with cranberries!

Apple Cider Moscato Sangria:  Sangria isn’t only for summer! This one is perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas parties.

Apple Cider Mimosa: This one is only two ingredients! A win in my book.

Rudolph’s Cranberry Fizz: Not only does this sound delicious, the Rudolph marshmallows are so adorable!

Jingle Juice Holiday Punch: I think I might make this one for New Years!

Which one do you plan to try? Let me know in the comments!

Valerie

This post was sponsored by Kraft and Swiss Miss. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Styled Muse possible!

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

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It’s that time of year! Has anyone started Christmas shopping yet? Last year I got all of my Christmas shopping done on Black Friday. It was the first time I have ever done that, and it was such a relief! I was able to spend the rest of the weekends leading up to Christmas decorating the house and spending time with family, which is really what Christmas is supposed to be about.

When I was younger, my little sister and I would always get stockings full of little items. My dad worked nights, so he would sleep in for the most part on Christmas morning. My mom would always let us open our stockings to kind of “hold us over” until my dad woke up and we could open the bigger gifts. They always picked the cutest items out, like nail polish, socks, candy. I included some of those items in the gift guide above. These are perfect gifts you can throw in a stocking for your mom, sister, friend or co-worker. All of these items are under $20!

My favorite item on that list is the gold pineapple candle. I have had my eye on it for months, but it was always out of stock! When I found out H&M finally restocked it, I knew I had to add it to this list. The Forever Red Bath and Body Works lotion is my favorite scent by them! My boyfriend got it for me for Valentine’s Day this year, and I wear it every day. A huge trend this year has been the poof ball key chains. I have three so far that I change out on my purse everyday. They are a cute accessory that any girly girl would love to add to her purse or key ring.

What was your favorite stocking stuffer when you were a kid? Let me know in the comments!

Valerie

Velvet Moto Jacket

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Jacket: Soft Surroundings // White Tee // Jeans // Choker Necklace (similar) // Clutch (similar) // Boots

I have lived in the St. Louis area my whole life. So when Soft Surroundings contacted me to help them celebrate the 11th birthday of their St. Louis store, I did to not hesitate to say yes! They are headquartered right here in St. Louis.

I just love the atmosphere of St. Louis. There is always something going on every weekend, most of it being free! My favorite spot is The Loop. There are so many restaurants and shops for every occasion. Lunch with friends? Go to Blueberry Hill! Girls night? Go to Moonrise! In the mood to hear music? Check out The Pageant and Delmar Hall! Pretty soon they are going to have a trolley going down The Loop, and I’m so excited to try it out!

On November 11-13th, pay a visit to the Soft Surroundings St. Louis store (at The Boulevard, across from The Galleria), to help them celebration their 11th birthday, and enjoy drinks, treats, and a complimentary make over while shopping!

Soft Surroundings sent me this Velvet Moto Jacket to give you a taste of what they have to offer. They are known for their extremely soft fabrics. This jacket is SO soft and comfortable. The velvet trend is one of my favorites this fall. I paired this jacket with an oversized white tee, jeans and booties. Of course I had to add my leopard clutch! It has become my everyday bag (leopard is a neutral in my book).

What do you love about your city? Tell me in the comments, and let me know if you are going to the birthday celebration at Soft Surroundings!

Valerie

In collaboration with Soft Surroundings. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Styled Muse possible!

P.S.: If you are planning to move to STL, or are just wanting a new house, two of my sorority sisters just got their real estate license! Check out their website HERE.

My Skin Care Routine

~ styledmuse ~ 3 Comments

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I have struggled with acne since I was in 4th grade. I was always told that once I got older I would grow out of it. Well, that has yet to happen. I tried Proactiv, and it seemed to work for a little while. But after about a year or so my face seemed to get used to the product and my face started breaking out again. I went to the dermatologist and found products that seemed to work a little more, but they were so expensive and my insurance wouldn’t cover all of the cost.

Within the last year I think I have finally found a routine that works for my skin. I still get those pesky breakouts before my time of the month, but other than that my face stays pretty clear. This routine works great for those who are acne prone and/or have oily skin.

Face Wash: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser (found in drugstores). The active ingredient in this is benzoyl peroxide, which is the active ingredient found in most products you get from the dermatologist and Proactiv, but this face wash is more than half the cost! I wash my face in the morning and night. I take nightly showers, so when I first get in I wash my face and let the face wash sit on my face like a mask while I wash my hair and body. This gives your skin the chance to really soak in all the product. I learned this trick from my dermatologist, and I have really noticed a difference after doing it!

Face Cleansing Brush: Clarisonic Mia 2. Clarisonic sent me this face brush about a month ago to try out, and I absolutely loved it, so of course I had to add it into my routine! I use it in the morning and at night, and it really helps to get my face cleaner, especially if I have makeup on! It cleans out my pores of all the excess oil, dirt, and makeup. My face is always so much softer after using it!

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Before using the Clarisonic brush, make sure your face and the brush are wet (it’s waterproof, so you can use it in the shower!). Next, apply the product directly to the brush (shown below) or rub on your face.

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Once you have your face wash on the brush, turn on the brush by pressing the bottom button and going in a circular motion on your face. The cleansing brush is gentle, so you don’t have to worry about your face being red and irritated afterwards! The Mia 2 is timed for each section of your face (chin/nose, both cheeks, and forehead), so it pause for a second so you can move to the next section to clean. I always start with my chin/nose, then each cheek and ending with my forehead.

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Clarisonic facial devices would make a great gift for Christmas! Clarisonic is offering Styled Muse readers a 15% off coupon code to try a facial cleansing brush out for yourself or to gift to a friend or family member! Go here and use code: HERCAMPUS

Toner: Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Toner (found in drugstores). I apply this to my face with a cotton pad or cotton ball after washing it. It helps with oily skin!

Spot Treatment: Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel (found in drugstores). Whenever my face starts to break out, I apply this directly to my pimples, and it helps with redness and swelling and they tend to disappear quicker.

Face Mask: Clarisonic Detoxifying Clay Mask (found here). Twice a week I use this face mask to remove impurities from my pores.

Moisturizer: ELF Nourishing Night Cream (found in drugstores). At night I apply this to my skin, especially during the winter. Since I have extremely oily skin, I don’t have to apply a moisturizer as much. This one doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy after applying it and doesn’t break out my skin. I also love using their eye cream at night!

What is your favorite product in your skin care routine? Let me know in the comments!

Valerie

This post is sponsored by Clarisonic and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Styled Muse possible!

Girls Night Ideas + GIVEAWAY!

~ styledmuse ~ 5 Comments

Sometimes you just really need a girls night. Am I right? But, what is there to do? Coffee? Drinks? Girl, I gotchu. I’m giving you a few ideas that are perfect for girls nights, plus a giveaway to have your very own girls night!

  1. Movies in: I know it may sound lame, but this is the time you can watch all those chick flicks you haven’t been able to see because your boyfriend just isn’t about that life. Grab a few of your favorite snacks, bubbly (it can’t be a girls night without that), and your PJs.
  2. Paint night: Whether you are painting at home or at a painting party, it’s a fun way to catch up, drink wine, and get a little crafty. My local coffee shop hosts these every few months, and I have it on my to do list to sign up!
  3. Spa night: Manis, Pedis, Facials, you name it. Take this time to pamper yourselves and have a glass of wine… or 5 ;).
  4. Shopping: This is an obvious one, right? But be adventurous and try on something you normally wouldn’t!
  5. Comedy club: What’s better than having a few drinks with your girls, while laughing until your stomach hurts?
  6. Coffee: Some of my best girls nights are sitting on the couch at a coffee shop, drinking a latte, while catching up.
  7. Out for drinks: One of my favorite places to go and have drinks and appetizers is Elephant Bar. They invited me to try some of their new signature cocktails and appetizers and they are SO good! My favorite cocktail was the Jungle Colada, it literally tastes like ice cream! For appetizers you have to try their Parmesan Crusted Green Beans!
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    I partnered with Elephant Bar to give TWO Styled Muse readers the chance to each win a $25 gift card to have your own girls night! Head on over to Instagram to enter!

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    What are some of your favorite things to do at your girls nights? Let me know in the comments!

    Valerie
                  In partnership with Elephant Bar. All opinions are my own.

Fall Cocktail

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I love trying new cocktails. Especially if it’s for a good cause! West Elm and Whole foods asked for me to try one of their cocktails from their blog to share with you all! If you post your own photo of a cocktail or appetizer on Instagram and use the tag #westelmxwfm they will donate $1 to the Whole Planet Foundation that helps alleviate poverty worldwide.

Now onto the cocktail! This one is called Apple Pomegranate Fizz. The original recipe is found on the West Elm and Whole Foods blog here.

Apple Pomegranate Fizz
Serves 6

This festive drink is easy to prepare for a crowd. Consider making one batch with nonalcoholic sparkling cider and the other with hard cider to satisfy everyone.

      ¼ cup sugar
      1 (4-inch) piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
      2 cups chilled unsweetened pomegranate or açai juice
               1 quart chilled sparkling cider or hard apple cider

Combine 1/2 cup water, sugar and ginger in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain out ginger; you should have about 1/3 cup syrup.

Have 6 cocktail glasses ready. Pour about 2 teaspoons ginger syrup and 1/3 cup pomegranate juice into each glass and top with sparkling cider. Reserve remaining syrup for another use (or more cocktails!).

I absolutely love this cocktail, and it’s perfect for Thanksgiving! If you are in a rush (like I was the other day) you can create this cocktail with 1 part Ocean Spray Cranberry Pomegranate Juice and 1 part Johnny Appleseed hard cider. Just add a few apple slices to top it off. SO good and super simple!

Do you have a favorite cocktail for fall? Let me know in the comments!

Valerie

Fall Inspiration

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Happy Wednesday! Does anyone else have a hard time getting into the fall spirit when it’s 90 degrees outside? In the morning we have to turn the heat on, but in the afternoon we switch the AC back on. When can I just leave the windows open and enjoy the fall breeze?

My favorite way to get in the fall spirit is by buying pumpkin coffee, fall candles (hello, Bath and Body Works!), and shopping for fall outfits. To help you get in the spirit with me, I decided to do a roundup of some of my favorite items for fall! Of course, boots will always be in style during the fall and winter months. My favorite boots to wear are the ankle booties. The open toe ones are perfect for transitioning into fall, while the over the knee boots are perfect for chilly days that you can always wear during the winter months. I pair the OTK boots with a bell sleeve dress. Bell sleeve dresses and tops are huge this fall.

One trend that won’t be going away anytime soon (and I’m so happy about!) is off the shoulder tops. This off the shoulder sweater is perfect for fall and winter. Just pair it with leather leggings or white skinnies. Blanket scarves are also back again this year! They are so warm and cozy, and are perfect to wear with any fall outfit.

A few colors that will be on trend this fall are olive and burgundy. I’ve also noticed a lot of dark nail polishes, like this dark purple “Kimono-onover” polish from Essie, and dark lip colors like this YSL lipstick in “Dark Pink”.

What are some of your favorite fall trends? Let me know in the comments! As always, thanks for reading!

Valerie