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.

In our 60s, attending to our needs and improving our relationships is more important than ever before. Time is of the essence, but making the most of our time takes practice. One way to enrich our lives is by applying boundaries to accommodate what is essential.

We intentionally mark our choices that honor our values. This article will explore the necessity for boundaries and how this helps us be our most aligned selves.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

“No is a complete sentence.”

—Anne Lamott

Defining boundaries, bear in mind that we use the word “no” without fear of reactions from others. Your ability to create, set and maintain boundaries originates in your beliefs and values. If you value your wellbeing, you bring your needs into the mix even when others need you to save the day for them.

Indeed, I’m not suggesting we turn our backs on others. However, our behaviors swing back to honor our needs as a priority.

Not too long ago, I needed to create and maintain a boundary with my daughter, who happened to call me at the final hour, requiring me to babysit. Of course, during an emergency, I would be there as best I could. The pattern was that she had not prepared an alternative person to get my grandson off the bus if she would be late getting back from work.

So, on more than one occasion, in came the call, usually while I was still working. If I didn’t answer the phone, I would see her text, and I immediately envisioned my grandchild unattended. It wasn’t fun.

I cleared my schedule and ran to get him. But then it happened again, and I knew I had taught my daughter that I would help at the final hour when she poorly planned. It was time to take out my training and create a boundary.

I needed the courage to accept she might resort to her typical past teenage behaviors and have a verbal meltdown. That usually didn’t end well. I identified my misbelief that being a good mom and nana meant I was there to save the day when needed.

First, I identified my misbelief and my fears regarding her reactions. My boundary to her was a gentle solid statement. “I realize you are accustomed to me being there to help when you need to get Jonny off the bus on short notice. I am responsible for not mentioning I cannot do that. Moving forward, I ask for at least twenty-four-hour notice.”

Her reaction wasn’t ideal, but I knew not to absorb her behavior as being my responsibility. Luckily, I haven’t had to deal with any violations to my boundary, which would have been limiting my availability even more. Maintaining the boundary means saying “no” each time, barring an urgent situation not tied to her poor planning habits.

Courage and Strength to Do Our Best

Creating and maintaining boundaries can be difficult, especially if we allow ourselves to act on our fears. Those we need to set boundaries with are usually not pleased by our statements, and the price of discomfort may be high. Finding our courage and strength to remember that we have been through difficult situations before will help us do it again.

We might have taken the stance of placing others’ requests and their urgency over our own needs. I learned that allowing myself to rescue my daughter by dropping my commitments left me to work longer hours which caused me stress. If I value my wellbeing and honestly believe that I am the only one responsible for caring for me, then my behaviors will reflect those values.

Mindset Shift 101

Logical in principle but not always simple to navigate. It takes a mindset shift that committed self-care, including mind, body, spirit, and emotions, is not selfish. It is essential. We choose to care for ourselves by honoring our time and values deliberately. Boundaries bring us closer to those we love, even ourselves, with respect, not fear.

If we are hesitant to dive right into a firm stated boundary, we can start by giving cues or gestures. Facial expressions are a signal to them that confirms our stance. We can also choose not to answer the phone or not reply to the text immediately.

Got Secret Sauce?

It is beneficial to have supportive relationships to encourage us to honor our well-being. Having friends that remind us that it’s ok not to overextend ourselves is critical. It takes courage to tell others you struggle in this area and ask for support. Our genuine connection with other women is the secret sauce to wellbeing.

When we care for ourselves and others, we can compassionately say no with resolve. There is no need for self-critical judgment. If we toggle between feeling undeserving and knowing we count, it’s time for a mindset shift.

Got Comfort?

Remember your values and celebrate your unique self. In my morning routine, I remind myself God loves me. God’s love and acceptance bring me great comfort. I tend not to argue with God about this fact. I know God is infinitely wiser than me; I am secure in who I am. This comfort provides permission to have a healthy intimate relationship with myself.

Value Self-Love

No doubt, relationships can be challenging to navigate. Especially our relationship with ourselves. How do we balance our needs that honor our values and beliefs? Perseverance, open-mindedness, kindness, and loyalty are all values. We often think of our values relating to others. Have we applied values to our well-being?

Boundaries are about knowing when to say yes and when to say no. Healthy boundaries guide us to connect with those we love respectfully. Yes, self-love too! Boundaries open the door for more beneficial relationships that include your voice and your needs. It takes courage to implement and enforce limits so that you can meet your needs.

Five Tips to Creating Boundaries

1. Examine your values and beliefs regarding your role in relationships. If you’re being alerted, there are some glitches in your views. Meditate, journal, and/or speak to a trusted friend or professional and process your beliefs. Do the self-talk, remind yourself that your needs are essential and valuable.
2. Permit yourself to attend to your needs compassionately. We are not mean or selfish when we say no; it makes us wise.
3. Start slowly by resurrecting your assertiveness skills. Decide to make your voice heard despite your fear of repercussions.
4. Create a game plan to communicate your boundary. Healthy boundaries are clearly stated, easy to remember, and can be adhered to.
5. Extend empathy, kindness, and respect as you would like to receive. When your boundary is respected, let the person know your appreciation.

What are your experiences of creating boundaries? What made the boundaries necessary to establish? Can you share a story where you needed to create healthy boundaries with a friend/family member?

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.

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.

There is one thing we can come to expect from Miss Olivia Rodrigo and it’s for her to show up and show out in an absolute lewk. The singer-songwriter responsible for half of our emotional breakdowns (and break-throughs) this year can be photographed at the grocery store, and the whole world stops to take notes about what she’s wearing. So, as expected, the entire galaxy paused when she stepped onto the Met Gala steps this year wearing an iconic Saint Laurent number.

The edgy pop-punk look took us back to the ’90s in the best way possible. The all-black feathered ensemble paired with chainlink earrings and cuffs and sky-high heels made us grateful for our contact lenses, because without our 20/20 vision, we would not be able to see every fine detail—including her pristine hair.

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.

RELATED: Shoppers Swear This $10 Shampoo Leads To ‘Thicker, Fuller, Better Looking Hair’ In Just A Few Weeks

We know that Hailey Bieber has put in work popularizing the sleek bun style, but Olivia put to bed any doubt that the look isn’t fabulous and worth your time and tutorial training. To make it easier for you, we got the low-down from the expert who styled the songstress, hairstylist Clayton Hawkins.

Source: Instagram

Olivia’s look was crafted to ensure that “her beauty speak for itself,” according to an email from Hawkins’ team. To do this, he used the Ferrari and Bugatti of hot tools, the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer and Dyson Corrale hair straightener to smooth out her locks. But the real secret to the slicked-back look is a more affordable hair essential—Oribe’s Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil.

The high-end hair product is a favorite among shoppers and stylists alike. Close to 1,000 Amazon reviewers have given it a perfect rating, many of them noting its ability to diffuse dryness and frizziness.

“I suffered from severe damage and breakage for a long time after years of heat styling my hair and bleaching it light,” wrote one five-star reviewer. “I’ve tried every popular product you can think of, some in the hundreds of dollars. So believe me when I say that this oil is worth the money and should be purchased by anybody with damaged, frizz-prone, unruly hair that needs a pick-me-up!”

Courtesy: Oribe.

Hawkins relied on this fan-favorite oil not once but twice throughout the styling process to ensure that it kept tangle-free and looked glossy.  The first time around, he used it after straightening out Olivia’s locks. Then, after twisting her hair into a few edgy knots and securing those down, he used the smoothing oil again to touch up her hairline and ensure even more sheen.

All of these intricate steps certainly didn’t go to waste—Olivia looked absolutely stunning. Good 4 Her.