I’m not trying to brag too much here, but I’m pretty certain that I have one of the coolest, most enviable jobs around. Reason being? I scour the internet for the best shopping deals and coolest trends every day, and get to test out so many amazing new clothing pieces, beauty products, and home goods. I’ve been a shopping writer and editor for a few years now, and have developed a knack for determining which products are worth every penny, and which ones are better left in the virtual cart. 

This month is all about stepping into the fall comfortably. Stores like Target are beginning to roll out their fall home lines and sites are seeing increased search interest in moisturizing and clarifying products (makes sense, given that temps are sadly going to plummet and the air is about to dry). Amazon’s Movers & Shakers page—a section that shows what items are rising in popularity—is filled to the brim with soothing lotions and oils. Google is being inundated with “fall fashion” inquiries and people on Pinterest are starting to search for pumpkin recipes and candles once more. 

My shopping carts fit the bill for these fall trends perfectly. I’m shopping for nourishing face masks, sleek platform loafers, and cozy throw blankets to start my cold weather months off the right way. Check out the eight essentials I’ll be buying this September below: 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy: Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo

I don’t know what it is about spending so much time indoors, but ever since the pandemic began, my scalp has been a mess. I’ve experienced more dandruff and dryness these past two years than I have collectively my entire life. My one saving grace? This simple clarifying shampoo. It removes icky product build-up from dry shampoos and conditioners without stripping my hair of its natural oils. For best results, I swap this product with my typical purple shampoo once or twice a week. 

Courtesy: Sam Edelman.

Sam Edelman Laurs Platform Loafer 

I’m of the belief that if you have a good pair of loafers, you can wear them across every season. I love the androgynous vibe of the shoes. They’re punk and sexy at the same time. Unfortunately, most quality pairs are a few hundred dollars. That’s why, when I found these Sam Edelman ones, I squealed out loud with glee. The Olivia Rodrigo-esque shoes platforms come in black, tan, or green and pair them with practically every dress or pair of pants you’ve got hanging in your closet. 

Courtesy: Target.

Cable Knit Chenille Throw Blanket

There is no problem that curling into a cozy throw blanket can’t solve. This is why at the beginning of every fall season, I gift myself a new one. I love the look of all things cable knit. The sophisticated design makes tops and accessories like this blanket, which is just $25, look so much more expensive than they are. 

Courtesy: Nest New York.

Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle

It’s time for society to pass the point of calling everything pumpkin scented or flavored basic. Let’s all just agree that pumpkin anything is delicious and should be celebrated, not mocked. This September, I’m going all in on candles. Nest’s Pumpkin Chai candle is everything I want to cover my space. The spice scent is decadent without being overwhelming. Plus, the candle itself is a warm orange. You can’t find a better fall candle than this. 

Courtesy: Mr. Coffee.

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

I’m fairly certain that this clever coffee invention was made for me. It ensures that slow sippers (moi) won’t ever have to deal with lukewarm drinks ever again. To use it, all you have to do is flip the switch on, and the base will warm your cup’s bottom and keep the liquids inside nice and hot. I’ll be keeping this accessory on my WFH desk at all times. 

Courtesy: Free People.

Free People Picnic Sweater Romper

This fall, I don’t want to wear anything that requires more than a little effort to put on. Jeans? Absolutely not. A button-up shirt? You’ve got to be kidding. Heels? Please, don’t make me laugh. But this sweater romper? Sign me tf up. It’s like wearing a stylish and socially acceptable set of onesie pajamas. I plan to keep it on at home during work and lounge time, then dress it up when I go out with tights and combat boots. It’s such a simple look, but those are the best ones to style again and again.  

Courtesy: PÜR.

PÜR 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer 

There are very few people I trust with makeup advice. One of them is Rachel Nussbaum, InStyle’s beauty writer. She knows everything there is to know about the ingredients that comprise popular foundations, hairsprays, etc. Her vast knowledge comes with a lot of heartbreak. She often tells me (and her readers) of the harmful irritants that are too-often included in name brand products, so when there’s a brand she approves of, I take note. Rachel told me that Pur is on her list of A-Okay concealers, so I’m hopping on this 4-in-1 color corrector faster than a kid on a trampoline. It comes in 16 shades, costs under $25, and is free from the nastiness of phthalates, aluminum, and talc.

Courtesy: Summer Fridays.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

I’m a writer living in New York. Translation: I don’t have an income that gives me the means to spend hefty amounts of cash on skincare (nor do I want to). Spending close to $50 on a face mask would physically and emotionally pain me if I didn’t already know and love this one so much. I’ve been using Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask for years. It saved my skin when I was on Accutane, and continues to be my secret to non-greasy hydration. I’d say I have to stock up on it about every five months, and this September is one of them. I’ll be using it to prevent cracked winter skin, and before date nights or brunches to give me a Hailey Bieber-esque glow.

Sutton Stracke’s Pink One Sleeve Lace Dress on The RHOBH After Show

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Fashion

Sutton Stracke put it perfectly in saying her pink one sleeve lace dress on the RHOBH After Show is cute and fun. She also said she was inspired by whatever was available in her suitcase and now our next outfit is inspired by her. And for those of you that do look at how much $ things are (same) we have amazing Style Stealers of this dress to shop below.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Stella McCartney Dress

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock

Click Here to Shop More Stock

Originally posted at: Sutton Stracke’s Pink One Sleeve Lace Dress

I’m not trying to brag too much here, but I’m pretty certain that I have one of the coolest, most enviable jobs around. Reason being? I scour the internet for the best shopping deals and coolest trends every day, and get to test out so many amazing new clothing pieces, beauty products, and home goods. I’ve been a shopping writer and editor for a few years now, and have developed a knack for determining which products are worth every penny, and which ones are better left in the virtual cart. 

This month is all about stepping into the fall comfortably. Stores like Target are beginning to roll out their fall home lines and sites are seeing increased search interest in moisturizing and clarifying products (makes sense, given that temps are sadly going to plummet and the air is about to dry). Amazon’s Movers & Shakers page—a section that shows what items are rising in popularity—is filled to the brim with soothing lotions and oils. Google is being inundated with “fall fashion” inquiries and people on Pinterest are starting to search for pumpkin recipes and candles once more. 

My shopping carts fit the bill for these fall trends perfectly. I’m shopping for nourishing face masks, sleek platform loafers, and cozy throw blankets to start my cold weather months off the right way. Check out the eight essentials I’ll be buying this September below: 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Courtesy: Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo

I don’t know what it is about spending so much time indoors, but ever since the pandemic began, my scalp has been a mess. I’ve experienced more dandruff and dryness these past two years than I have collectively my entire life. My one saving grace? This simple clarifying shampoo. It removes icky product build-up from dry shampoos and conditioners without stripping my hair of its natural oils. For best results, I swap this product with my typical purple shampoo once or twice a week. 

Courtesy: Sam Edelman.

Sam Edelman Laurs Platform Loafer 

I’m of the belief that if you have a good pair of loafers, you can wear them across every season. I love the androgynous vibe of the shoes. They’re punk and sexy at the same time. Unfortunately, most quality pairs are a few hundred dollars. That’s why, when I found these Sam Edelman ones, I squealed out loud with glee. The Olivia Rodrigo-esque shoes platforms come in black, tan, or green and pair them with practically every dress or pair of pants you’ve got hanging in your closet. 

Courtesy: Target.

Cable Knit Chenille Throw Blanket

There is no problem that curling into a cozy throw blanket can’t solve. This is why at the beginning of every fall season, I gift myself a new one. I love the look of all things cable knit. The sophisticated design makes tops and accessories like this blanket, which is just $25, look so much more expensive than they are. 

Courtesy: Nest New York.

Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle

It’s time for society to pass the point of calling everything pumpkin scented or flavored basic. Let’s all just agree that pumpkin anything is delicious and should be celebrated, not mocked. This September, I’m going all in on candles. Nest’s Pumpkin Chai candle is everything I want to cover my space. The spice scent is decadent without being overwhelming. Plus, the candle itself is a warm orange. You can’t find a better fall candle than this. 

Courtesy: Mr. Coffee.

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

I’m fairly certain that this clever coffee invention was made for me. It ensures that slow sippers (moi) won’t ever have to deal with lukewarm drinks ever again. To use it, all you have to do is flip the switch on, and the base will warm your cup’s bottom and keep the liquids inside nice and hot. I’ll be keeping this accessory on my WFH desk at all times. 

Courtesy: Free People.

Free People Picnic Sweater Romper

This fall, I don’t want to wear anything that requires more than a little effort to put on. Jeans? Absolutely not. A button-up shirt? You’ve got to be kidding. Heels? Please, don’t make me laugh. But this sweater romper? Sign me tf up. It’s like wearing a stylish and socially acceptable set of onesie pajamas. I plan to keep it on at home during work and lounge time, then dress it up when I go out with tights and combat boots. It’s such a simple look, but those are the best ones to style again and again.  

Courtesy: PÜR.

PÜR 4-in-1 Sculpting Concealer 

There are very few people I trust with makeup advice. One of them is Rachel Nussbaum, InStyle’s beauty writer. She knows everything there is to know about the ingredients that comprise popular foundations, hairsprays, etc. Her vast knowledge comes with a lot of heartbreak. She often tells me (and her readers) of the harmful irritants that are too-often included in name brand products, so when there’s a brand she approves of, I take note. Rachel told me that Pur is on her list of A-Okay concealers, so I’m hopping on this 4-in-1 color corrector faster than a kid on a trampoline. It comes in 16 shades, costs under $25, and is free from the nastiness of phthalates, aluminum, and talc.

Courtesy: Summer Fridays.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

I’m a writer living in New York. Translation: I don’t have an income that gives me the means to spend hefty amounts of cash on skincare (nor do I want to). Spending close to $50 on a face mask would physically and emotionally pain me if I didn’t already know and love this one so much. I’ve been using Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask for years. It saved my skin when I was on Accutane, and continues to be my secret to non-greasy hydration. I’d say I have to stock up on it about every five months, and this September is one of them. I’ll be using it to prevent cracked winter skin, and before date nights or brunches to give me a Hailey Bieber-esque glow.

As someone who has been (fake) blonde for decades, I know a thing or two about brassiness. These unwanted warm tones can make blonde look too yellow or even red-orange. Purple shampoo can help neutralize these tones but it can be seriously drying to strands. Enter: Olaplex’s first purple shampoo. No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo, to be exact.

“A purple shampoo is designed for blondes, anyone with blonde highlights, and all hair types including gray hair,” said colorist Christin Brown. “Brassy hair can be caused by everything from hard water to time elapsed in between color sessions and even exposure to [the] sun.”

Purple shampoo works by depositing pigments of purple color into the hair to neutralize yellow tones. But not all purple shampoo is created equal.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Olaplex.

Since many toning shampoos can dry strands, Olaplex finally released its own enhancer to brighten blondes while hydrating and repairing strands. It contains the brand’s patterned bond-building technology to rebuild broken and weakened bonds. That way, you can repair damaged hair while you tone.

While I’m nothing close to a colorist, I fancy myself a bit of a blonde pro and a purple shampoo connoisseur. Here’s how I used Olaplex’s new version. I washed my hair with my own regular shampoo first. I find this helps get rid of product build-up first. You can totally use Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo ($28 at Sephora) but you don’t have to. Then, I massaged a quarter-sized amount of No. 4P into my hair, concentrating on where I have the brightest blonde (the front of my hair and my ends).

Now, this stuff is concentrated. What does that mean? Well, the darker the purple shampoo, the better it will brighten. (Those lavender hues don’t do much.) This one is dark — so dark, in fact, you should move quickly because it temporarily dyed my nails and hands. Don’t worry, it washes off. The color concentration is worth it.

The directions say to leave it in for 2-3 minutes or up to five minutes for more intense toning. I was too lazy to set my phone timer so I guessed it was ready after about five minutes. I washed it out and followed up with my regular ultra-hydrating conditioner. Again, you can use Olaplex No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner ($28 at Sephora) but that’s totally up to you.

Before, I was wearing scarves and headbands until I see my colorist again.

Elizabeth Denton.

While not drastic after just one wash, I did notice my hair looked a lot brighter. I snapped a quick selfie at brunch thinking my color looked really good! You can see how the front pieces have much fewer orange tones. Even better, my hair didn’t feel dry at all.

Elizabeth Denton.

While the brand says you can use No.4P as often as you’d like, I think I’ll use it every few washes. Those with platinum or gray hair might want to use it a little more often as they’ll want to neutralize more yellow than my golden strands. My hair is pretty fine so I prefer to only use bond-building products a few times a month.

No.4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo just launched and I have a feeling Sephora will have a hard time keeping it in stock. Grab it online now while you can.

Clutter in our technology is not that
different from the clutter we maintain in our home. The more unorganized we
get, the more overwhelmed we are, and the more ineffective technology becomes
to us.

It doesn’t take long for our devices
to be stuffed with unused apps. Photos, emails, and files are strewn, without
order or a system, in various places. Once it becomes apparent we are lost, we
don’t even know how to clean it all up. Here are some tips to help avoid
digital chaos.

Keeping a Tidy Inbox

Many of us are guilty of maintaining
thousands of emails in our Inbox. Your Inbox isn’t a storage bin. Treat it like
your mailbox at home. Likewise, your Inbox should only have the new email that
hasn’t been read or processed.

The best way to avoid having an
overflowing Inbox is to empty it every day. Make it a habit. It’s best practice
to review email and then either respond to it, delete it, or move it to the
appropriate folder for future reference.

Email providers give you the option
to create folders to help keep your space organized. Use this feature! You can
create folders by a person’s name, a topic, or an entity.

If your Inbox is already overflowing,
start the clean-up process by bulk deleting emails, especially junk, to take
control of your email situation.

On any device you can select all or remove multiple emails all at once. This will help you get back to zero, or at least a manageable number.

If it’s crazy, search the Inbox by a
sender’s name, and then delete the bunch. Devote half an hour, once a week, to
the cleaning up process and stay out of overwhelm.

When it comes to email, like with
snail mail, junk mail is unavoidable. Fortunately, the spam filter can catch a
lot of the garbage, so you don’t have to deal with it. To get the most out of
the spam filter, you must train it.

If an email in the Inbox is spam,
don’t just delete it, mark it as junk. It is also good to get in the habit to
check your junk/spam folder once a week to make sure relevant emails are not
accidentally caught by the spam filter.

Once you have cleaned up your junk
email, start unsubscribing as new unwanted emails come in. Or use a free
service like Unroll.Me that helps you to unsubscribe from newsletters or
organize them into one email delivered daily or weekly.

Smart Photo Management

One of the most significant benefits
of having a smartphone is that you have a camera everywhere you go, so you
don’t miss out on life’s little moments.

The downside is that you have photos
of every moment, and if you are like me, you have multiple shots of the
same thing to ensure you got the perfect one.

The technology running our phones has dramatically improved. On most phones, you can search by person, place, or categories (i.e., dogs, Manhattan, or beach) to find a photo, but that doesn’t mean you should let your photos get out of control. There are a few things you can do to stay organized.

Sift Through the Bulk

Take some time after a vacation or
special event to go through the photos and delete the non-essential images.
Only keep the best pictures.

Use Special Recognition Filters

Facial recognition is a technology
that makes organizing photos easier. With Apple or Google Photos and multiple
other apps, you can assign faces to named people. Your photos are automatically
sorted into albums by names. All it takes is a little time to get it organized
and set up.

Get Cloud Storage

Cloud storage has gotten very
affordable and easy to use. It is best to back-up your photos to a cloud
service in case something happens to your device.

Some of the more reliable options are
Apple iCloud, Google Photos, and Amazon Photos. Once you choose which service
you prefer, make sure it is set-up to sync with your device automatically.

Better File Organization

Organization is vital to file
management and being able to retrieve things when you need them. The search
function on your device or computer can be handy to find files, but you
shouldn’t merely rely on that. Having a few critical systems in place will make
your digital life much more functional.

• Set
  up a naming method for your files that is detailed and consistent.
• Use
  dates and keywords in file names.
• Create
  folder structures for high-level categories such as Kids, Finances, Home, or
  Medical. Don’t make it overly complicated.
• Put
  digital files in the appropriate folders quickly when saving.

Make it a practice every few months
to clean up your device. Get rid of every app, game, and file you haven’t used
in 90 days. Ask yourself: do I really need this? If not, delete it!

What is
your biggest frustration with keeping files, photos, or emails organized? What
is the best tip you know of for getting organized? We would love to hear from
you.