a look back at march faves!

i can’t believe we’re in mid-April already! a quarter of 2022 gone. this is my second post of this new series, see first one here. there are some good gems explained in detail so don’t wait another second on clicking the read more button below!

side ramblings: the JD x @J.Crew Spring Styling Event was a success in my books! if you dropped by, thank you! it’s still crazy that i was given this opportunity. i am so grateful - it’s the little victory i needed to keep going. because sometimes, in this arena, it’s easy to get lost and feel as though your content or words aren’t making a difference, or going as far as you want them to, or it’s getting lost in the algorithm. but it just takes that ONE person to see your worth & what you bring to the table. and that ONE person can change the game for you. sounds a lot like relationships and job interviews too! so keep your head up, keep going, keep working, and keep doing you! on another note, here’s my latest contribution to @thesavvylife.co on onigiri!

noteable sales: not sure if this is going to be a permanent section on the blog, but @abercrombie is having a 25% off sale, use code : AFLTK at checkout until 04/12. if you follow me, i’ve been wearing a lot of their clothes!!! here are some summer tops (& others) to get us ready for that 100F weather 😐 but A&F has really stepped up their game the past couple of years. i find myself browsing their site frequently and they have sizing for petites and tall so far! here are some tops i purchased and/or eyeing:

A&F ottoman rib twist tank in yellow
A&F polo collar tank in white stripe
A&F seamless fabric sweetheart top in black
A&F slinky ruched bodysuit in white
A&F elevated knit soft v-neck tank in light orange
A&F double-layered seamless fabric corset bodysuit in black
A&F ultra high-rise ankle straight jeans in white destroy
A&F dressy tailored shorts
A&F tailored wide leg pants

currently on my playlist: every second by Mina Okabe

01 | Paddywax candle in palo santo suede

this. smells. so. good!!! i purchased this at Austin Gift Co. (BTW, if you haven’t been here it is a mecca! a great place when you’re looking for a gift for someone. they also feature a lot of local small businesses!). it smells so good that i haven’t burned it. i know it’s crazy but everytime i smell it, it makes me so happy. top notes include: african ginger, lemon zest, bergamont, crushed red pepper; base notes: cedar, sandalwood, dark teakwood. there used to be a @paddywax here but unfortunately it closed during the pandemic. i loved the make your own candle class so much! but at least you can still purchase them online.

also avail on amazon // re-packaged in yin & yang // and blue glass // this one looks interesting by Target

02 | lululemon everywhere belt bag in pale blue

so… i actually have two of these now. only when something is really good do i purchase another in a different color. this bag went viral on tiktok so i had to see the hype. during the holidays i was able to snag the sherpa one and i ended up loving it more than i thought i would. it fits my mini wallet, puracy hand sanitizer, keys, and there’s a back zipper pocket that fits my iPhone 12 perfectly for easy access. i usually wear it as a sling bag but it goes great with athleisure and the hands-free is SO NICE.

03 | Peace Out retinol eye stick

i looked at a photo the other day and the lines are becoming more prominent around the eye area. so i took immediate action with this retinol stick. i use an eye treatment twice a day but this one has retinol to target the eye wrinkles and the application is interesting being a stick. i warm is up on my ring finger and then slide it across my lower eyes, then i’ll rub what on my ring finger into the same area. i use retinol moisturizers but i think there needs to be one that can help those areas closer to the eye. this is just for that! so far no breakouts or irritation!

04 | Natrium the glow getter multi-oil body wash

it’s crazy to think how much oils are in my routine. after testing out the Le Labo mandarin shower oil, i was on the hunt for something more budget friendly. i found this brand that i’ve heard good things about in regards to the cleansing balm, but i noticed they had a shower oil && they sell it at target!!! it’s not as thick of an oil as the Le Labo but it will do. i’m not super crazy about the smell, it smells like peaches? but it dissipates quickly and seems to leave my skin more moisturized. i can see it coming super handy in the winter.

05 c/o | True Botanicals renew nourishing cleanser

i’ve been using this for a couple of weeks as a morning cleanser and like it! True Botanicals has very relaxing smells to their all-natural products and this one is no exception. it’s the perfect relaxing way to start the day IMO. it has a milky consistency that feels very hydrating on the skin. again, i love the amber glass packaging — so luxe on the vanity!

until next time!,
JD