September has always felt more like a beginning to me than January ever has. And apparently, I like to mark a beginning by buying things, shocking I know. (Listen to our latest episode of Lipstick on the Rim where we break down ALL our September back-to-school secrets).

Not a lot of things, necessarily. I’m not talking about replacing my entire wardrobe or suddenly deciding my house needs to look completely different (though I am in a major home updating mood, more on that another time). It’s more of a shift. A few small things that make me excited about what’s coming next. The fashion equivalent of a freshly sharpened pencil, except now the pencil is a suede bag and costs considerably more.

By the end of August, I’m ready for clothes again. Real clothes. I love summer, but there are only so many variations of a t-shirt and sandals I can get excited about. Fall is when getting dressed becomes interesting again. The layers, the textures, the colors - they are all where I come alive.

This year, I’m thinking less about buying a whole new wardrobe and more about the pieces that will make everything I already own feel current. And speaking of what I already own, I am SO excited to wear some pieces I invested in last year. That’s how I know investing in the right items is completely worth it. I am counting down to being an outfit repeater. But it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t add things of course, because we all need a little refresh. This is what I have added to my closet so far - and it definitely leans accessory heavy (which is so insightful I realize in how I actually dress).

A great new jacket, an equally amazing one for more than half the price.

Purple mary janes, this pair also similar for a lot less.

A bright colored sneaker, I’m obsessed with these and have already started wearing them, they are so comfortable and make an outfit if you can believe it. If you want yellow sneakers but don’t want to break the bank on them, these from Varley scratch the itch.

The Chanel bucket bag from Matthieu Blazy has been one of my favorite bag purchases in a long time. I live for a bucket bag. These are some similar options that are equally fabulous. I’m obsessed with this one - the quality of this brand is next level, I actually just got my first bag from them and I can’t wait to use it for travel.

Denim is my uniform and I have a stupid amount of pairs. Of course my Nili Lotan Shon’s are on repeat again, but I added this updated style from her that is 10/10. It’s a softer barrel, doesn’t read like a barrel but still manages to pull off the flattering aspect of the barrel. It’s also longer for my taller friends.

These red suede loafers are the exact pop of color that changes my whole vibe. Size down, I got mine too big which is annoying but they are so good I’ll make them work.

I am so in love with this belt. I saw it at the Miu Miu store last week when in the city with my friend, and immediately had to have it. I had seen it online but it exceeded my expectations in person. It works over a dress, with jeans, etc. It’s such an incredible piece I will have forever.

I ordered this blazer from Liberowe and it is fabulous. It gives Chanel, but not at Chanel price points.

It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t add some leopard into my closet, and the Nili Lotan skirt I am in love with just got re-stocked. This is the time of year where you can wear bare legs, a skirt and a great sweater on top. It’s a window in time and it’s my FAVORITE window in time.

I did JUST receive this red and white striped long sleeve tee and it’s a fun way to keep playing with my favorite pop of color.

And then there’s fragrance. I don’t know if everyone changes their fragrance with the seasons, but I absolutely do. I always keep my signature scent on hand (it never fails me), but I love to try and play, layer and mix scents up all the time. The light, clean things I reach for all summer suddenly don’t feel quite right anymore. I want something warmer. Muskier. Maybe a little woody or vanilla-y. Something that smells particularly good when you’re wearing a sweater. This checks all the boxes.

I shared a reel the other day of some of my fall favorites that I’ll leave right here.

The definition of quiet luxury in a scent is this one - a cashmere sweater in a fragrance.

This woody, peppery, vanilla was the scent I wore when I met my husband and it’s insanely delicious. It gets me stopped multiple times a day when I wear it. But it’s not remotely overpowering.

My signature scent has been this one for years. When people smell it anywhere, they literally assume I’ve been there. It’s kind of funny. Don’t wear this if you don’t want people asking you what you’re wearing. It is the most skin-like scent you can imagine.

If you like to mix scents, this is an amazing musk that doesn’t smell like a typical musk. Sandalwood and magnolia give it a different depth. It smells beautiful on everyone and layers really well.

Fall is also when I can dip my toe in some vanilla. Not the gourmand type, but a more sophisticated elevated one. This one is exactly that. Also excellent for layering to warm up any scent in a really subtle way.

The same thing happens in my bathroom. Summer beauty is all about less. Less makeup, lighter skincare, air-dried hair, SPF and whatever can survive heat and humidity. By September, I want the ritual back. My tan starts to fade, I need a little help (and bronzer).

I need something to clear out my skin from layering sunscreen on day-after-day, hour-after-hour. I want the serum that feels slightly indulgent and hydrating. A richer moisturizer. A lip color that actually looks like I’m wearing something.

This mask launched just in time - I have been using it weekly and holy moly. It is an at-home peel we can all get down with. Talk about exfoliating your face and brightening your skin. I have been using this cleanser (stealing it from my girls), and it’s honestly become my favorite. It cleans the skin without stripping it. For serums this one is rebalancing and hydrating my skin while also making it so pretty and bright. I have to maintain a tan, and self-tanner is epically important to me. I alternate between this and this.

Need to talk makeup because I have had so many amazing discoveries for fall that I am excited to finally wear a full face of makeup again (I mean not caked on, but actually more than concealer and sunscreen). This Gucci Westman foundation is what dreams are made of. Skinlike, stays the day and comes in a wide range of shades (I’m T2). My cream bronzer is also Westman, and I layer it with these sun tone drops (both in shade 2). If you want to look like a beach goddess this fall, this trio is your winning combo. Blush is moving into something warmer and more terracotta. I just ordered this blush from YSL in Toffee Temptation which has been IMPOSSIBLE to get my hands on. Fall is also when I definitely play around with eye shadow - Saie launched these shadows in rich shades of browns and taupes and I love every single one. I can’t pick a favorite (ok, Affogato if I HAD to choose). For lips, these Eadem glosses are everything.

And all of this is why I love September. And the fact that my kids are back on a schedule wink wink. In all seriousness though, these things feel like a reset - they don’t demand that you become a new person. January always arrives with so much pressure. New habits, new goals, new body, new life.

You can keep the same life. The same closet. The same routines. You can just change a few things around the edges, add a few yummy things into your life/routine and of course closet.

So this is the bottom line: wear the jacket. Light the candle. Switch the perfume. Attempt to meal-plan for the first week of school.

Maybe that’s why I love this time of year so much. The September shift isn’t necessarily about buying things. It’s about anticipation, that feeling we had when we were getting ready for the first day of school. Although, if a new pair of shoes or a bag helps usher in this new era, I’m certainly not going to fight it and I will 100% be the friend that tells you you deserve it. xx Emese

There was a time when having a cell phone meant someone could get in touch with you. Now it feels like everyone has access to you all the time. And somewhere along the way, I think we started confusing the two.

Between my kids, my husband, school emails, sports schedules, work emails, Instagram DMs, brand texts, group chats and whatever app I’ve apparently downloaded because one of my children needed it for something, there are days when I feel like I have 200 people standing outside my front door gently knocking. And they all arrive in the same place, with the same little buzz, as if they are equally deserving of my immediate attention.

Your child needs to bring something to school tomorrow. Someone sent a meme to the group chat. A brand needs an answer. Dinner is at 7:30. Your credit card bill is ready. Your package has shipped. Your package is six stops away. Your package has been delivered. YOUR PACKAGE IS SITTING ON YOUR FRONT PORCH. Thank you. I got it.

And because everything comes directly to the tiny computer we carry around in our hands all day, there’s this strange feeling that we’re supposed to do something about all of it immediately. The text comes in. You see it. And now you know it’s there. That’s the part I find exhausting.

Because once you’ve seen something, even if you don’t answer it, it’s taking up a tiny bit of space in your brain. Need to respond to that. Need to sign that form. Need to answer that email. Need to order that thing. Need to send her that link. None of these things is particularly difficult. Most of them take less than a minute. But there are hundreds of them.

Some days I get to the end of the day feeling like I have been incredibly busy without being entirely sure what I actually did. I think that’s the thing that’s changed the most. It’s not that we didn’t have phones before. It’s that our phones weren’t everything.

There was a point when my phone was mostly a phone. Now it’s my office, my camera, my calendar, my inbox, my map, my wallet, my entertainment, my shopping cart, my family command center and, because of what I do for a living, a significant part of my actual job.

I love a lot of that. I love being able to text my husband. I love knowing where my kids are. I love FaceTiming my dad from anywhere. I love being able to order something I forgot while sitting in the school pickup line. And I genuinely love that my job allows me to connect with people through this little screen every day. I’m not anti-phone. I’m certainly not moving to a cabin in the woods.

But when your phone becomes everything, where exactly do you go to be nowhere?

Because there are almost no natural stopping points anymore. Waiting for an appointment used to mean waiting. Now it means answering three texts, checking your email, looking at Instagram and somehow ending up on a stranger’s page learning about the renovation of a house in Connecticut you didn’t know existed twelve minutes ago.

Sitting in the car while your kid is at practice used to just be sitting in the car. Now it’s an opportunity to “catch up.” There’s always something to catch up on. That’s the phrase, isn’t it? I’ll just catch up.

Except I don’t think you ever actually do.

There will always be another email. Another text. Another DM. Another notification. Another school form. Another thing you could be doing because the entire administrative infrastructure of your life is sitting six inches away from you at all times.

And the weirdest part is that we’ve started to treat availability almost like good manners. If someone texts, you should respond. If someone emails, you should respond. If someone DMs, you should respond. And preferably quickly, because everyone can see that everyone else is on their phone all the time.

We know you’re in there.

Which is probably why not responding can somehow feel worse than it used to. It’s hard to claim you “didn’t see” someone’s text when you’ve posted seven Instagram Stories since they sent it. Not that I’ve ever done that. Obviously.

But I think there’s a bigger cost to all this access that I’m only starting to really notice. Our attention is constantly being broken into tiny pieces.

You can be sitting at dinner with your family and see an email come through. You don’t even have to answer it. You’ve already thought about it. You can be talking to a friend and feel your phone buzz. You don’t look at it, but for half a second you wonder who it is. You can be watching a movie and pick up your phone to check one text, and twenty minutes later you’re reading reviews for a hotel you’re not even planning to visit.

None of these interruptions feels significant enough to matter, and I think that’s exactly why they do.

I’m starting to think uninterrupted attention might be one of the greatest luxuries we have left. Not the kind of attention we talk about online, the views, likes and followers. The other kind. Giving your full attention to one person, one conversation, one book, one dinner, or one completely mediocre television show that you actually watch from beginning to end instead of simultaneously scrolling through your phone.

Or, God forbid, absolutely nothing.

When was the last time you stood in line somewhere and just stood there? No phone. No podcast. No scrolling. Just you and your thoughts. Actually, never mind. That sounds horrible. But you know what I mean.

I don’t think what I’m craving is a life without technology. I don’t even think I want to be literally unreachable. I have kids. I want them to be able to reach me. I want my husband to be able to reach me. I like knowing that if something happens, the people I love can find me.

What I miss, or maybe what I’m realizing I need more of, is the feeling of being undisturbed. There’s a difference.

I want to be reachable without feeling perpetually available. I want to remember that just because someone can contact me instantly doesn’t mean they are entitled to an instant piece of my attention. Receiving a message is not the same thing as receiving an obligation.

I can answer later. I can let the phone ring. I can leave the email until tomorrow. I can drive somewhere without using those twenty minutes to “catch up.” I can sit at dinner and have absolutely no idea what is happening on Instagram for 90 entire minutes. The world will continue.

And I don’t think this requires a dramatic digital detox or some elaborate set of rules. I’m probably not putting my phone in a lockbox every night. I’m definitely not buying one of those minimalist phones that only calls five people and plays Snake.

I just want to create a few more moments where my attention isn’t available to whoever, or whatever, happens to demand it. Where the people I’m actually with get me instead of whatever happens to arrive on my screen. Where boredom is allowed, waiting is just waiting, and I don’t automatically fill every empty moment with something.

Maybe that’s the thing we’ve lost as our phones have gotten better and better at giving us everything: empty space.

I want to get better at deciding who and what gets access to me, and at remembering that not everything requires my immediate attention simply because it has the ability to ask for it. Not everything is of the same importance.

Maybe being unreachable isn’t rude. Maybe it’s a boundary we forgot we were allowed to have. And maybe it’s one of the incredibly important things to teach our kids as they grow up in a way we never could have imagined.

I would love to hear your thoughts (I just shared plenty of my own lol), because obviously this isn’t changing any time soon - this is the world we live in, and maybe we just need to share tips and hacks on how we can take a deep breath and manage it in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. xx Emese

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about these shoes. I tried them on in person and finally pulled the trigger on them after a few days where I caught myself putting outfits together with them. They have safely arrived and are in my closet now awaiting their debut.

This body cream for $125 is something I first tried months ago at Molly’s house. I fell in love with how it made my skin feel, but then I looked up the price online and immediately found myself at CVS buying Nivea. But then I tried her again this summer and finally pulled the trigger. Here’s the deal: if you are in perimenopause or are on a GLP-1 you will find your arm skin specifically can get crepey. It ain’t cute. This has been like a healing cream for that problem, and I hate to say I will now be keeping this stocked on my counter. You also get some cute samples when you order from their website so there’s that.

I get sent a lot of sleepwear. I have drawers full of it. But this set from Eberjey had me as soon as I saw it on the mannequin. Obsessed and think I need in the ivory color too. I’m over the pima cotton, it’s not flattering on my ass. Give me (washable!) silk or straight up cotton poplin, cuter and more attractive on boobs over 40. Yes it gets a little wrinkled after you have perimenopausal sweats in the middle of the night, no I don’t care. It’s still cute.

I love a bougie sweatshirt. When you live on the sidelines in the fall, a cute sweatshirt under a fleece jacket or barn jacket makes you feel a little more dressed up. Or even on it’s own as I wore the other day. I first saw this on my friend Andrea Lublin (aka Andrea’s Lookbook, who you need to follow immediately) and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I wore it with these adorable little red shorts from La Ligne and my trusty red Nili Lotan Teekees. Eggs courtesy of Whole Foods, available nationwide.

I love a cashmere sweater. I love a navy cashmere sweater even more. Make the sleeves shorter and give it a slight scoop neck, and it may be the best cashmere sweater in my closet. I get sent a LOT of knitwear. So for me to purchase something it takes a lot. This one from White + Warren was an immediate yes, and I even bought it in ivory. It’s that good. Don’t think twice. I paired it with my favorite R13 jeans (something I also purchased last fall and have a back up pair just in case) and this cute little Jenni Kayne bucket bag I was sent for the summer.

And last but not least, another pair of Jacques Marie Mage sunglasses (my exact pair are linked - they are SUPER limited only 300 are produced) made their way into my cart and arrived on my doorstep. When Molly calls me and tells me to purchase something, I immediately listen because she is usually my voice of reason telling my I DON’T need something (she’s far more fiscally responsible than I am FYI). Are they stupid expensive? YES. Are they the best sunglasses you will ever own in terms of lens quality? YES. They make them in limited batches, so if you want them, you need to snag them because once they sell out in a specific color/style they won’t remake them. Even my husband has now said he might want a pair because of how good the lenses are. TBD if I will buy him some because he tends to lose them. If you lose sunglasses, don’t buy these. If you can take care of them, they are a forever classic amazing brand that people constantly will stop you about.

Ok, that’s all for now (or at least enough for my bank account to allow for). I’m counting down the days for September…it truly feels like January in my books. The start of a fresh new year. xx Emese

I want denim. I want suede. I want a jacket. I want a flat with a bare ankle. I want to put on an outfit that consists of more than two pieces and not immediately regret it because I’ll be dying of heat.

I am ready to get dressed again.

And I think that’s what I love so much about fall fashion. Summer is about ease. Fall is about styling. It’s when getting dressed becomes fun again because you can actually play with proportion and texture and layers. You can take something incredibly basic (hello jeans and a white T-shirt!) and suddenly make it feel like an outfit because you added the right jacket, shoe and belt. So while I’m not quite ready to pack away the summer wardrobe yet, these are the things I’m already thinking about wearing.

Suede. Give me all of it.

If there is one texture that immediately says fall to me, it’s suede. Although I do love that suede bags have become acceptable to wear in the summer thanks to Chanel, I have a real weakness for suede jackets and shoes.

A great suede jacket over jeans. A chocolate brown suede bag. A loafer. A ballet flat. Even just a suede belt. There’s something about it that makes everything around it look richer.

And I especially love suede with denim because you really don’t have to do much else. Jeans, a white tee, a beautiful brown suede jacket, great sunglasses. That’s the outfit.

Suede jackets aren’t something you need to break the bank on. This one from Reformation is simple and chic and $748. I love the designer Rôhe, they make great jackets, but this suede one looks so much more than the $1100 it is.

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Starting with a stripe tee (I have three that I packed everywhere with me: the one above; this one and this one). These shorts I loved so much I purchased a 2nd pair - they are SO flattering and can be dressed up or down. I bought my first pair last summer in navy, and now own the color above in 2 pairs :) My wicker Prada bag was one of my favorite purchases and you guys actually sold it out. I found one available here, and I also got this one that is back in stock for a second. This gives a similar look for under $500.

One of my most worn items this summer were my linen tees from Alex Mill. They sold out of the red online, but I found them in-store in Martha’s Vineyard and purchased 2 back up ones. That’s how much I love this tee. It’s fit and feel are 10/10. I also have it in chocolate brown and they too were packed everywhere I went. These shorts were a sale (I found them on sale for you too) find that I bought in Amagansset. My sandals (Chanel so I can’t link sorry :() were also one of my most worn items that just added an extra pop to anything I put on - it’s why I bought them in this cranberry red, I knew that they would become an outfit maker and they didn’t disappoint. I did find as close as possible a pair here that do the same job for a lot less. Also this pair. The Prada bag is the one I linked above. Around my shoulders is probably my most favorite sweatshirt of all time and it’s back in stock, you’d be remiss to not buy the matching pants to it.

It was the summer of sets for me. This one was the easiest and most flattering and I’ll keep wearing the shirt into fall with a pair of straight leg jeans. In a very un-me move, this rainbow bag was the true star of every outfit I wore, and somehow, the multicolored, multistriped number worked with EVERYTHING. We need a fall version of it I think. This Etsy version gives the same look for 1/10 the price.

This was easily the summer of the jorts for me. I have 3 pairs that were heavily in rotation and will be in the fall as well with cashmere sweaters and ballet flats. This is my number one winner, followed by this one and this one. A belt with a great buckle is what breaks this whole look up. Mine is Dior, but there are so many amazing options that give the same look for less. This is a great one for $78 if you’re looking for the buckle look.

Never underestimate a simple pareo. One of the best investments you’ll make - whether you wear it as a skirt (with a tee as above), a top or a dress, there are creative ways to give one you have invested in a lot of different looks. With my trusty linen tee I wore it just this weekend to a party and it was perfect. Mine is sold out, but here is one for less that looks super similar. I do have my eye on this Pucci one because I LOVE the combo of colors. The key for me is to find one with ton of colors in it that gives me more options on how to pair it. Earthy tones with black make the most sense because when I actually want to wear it to the beach I’ll wear it with a black swimsuit and I truly can’t think of anything chicer. A beaded bag gives a whole different look, this one I’m wearing is a great option worth being on the waistlist for simply because of the price and quality. This one from Staud is also amazing and still available.

Someone came up to me the other day and said that one of their favorite things I do is when I mix prints and go a little wild. For someone who is relatively a neutral dresser 80% of the year, this was a compliment and made me think about how I plan on putting outfits together in the fall. But this outfit above was on a whim and it might actually be my favorite one of all summer. The shirt was something I had my eye on and waited for it to go on sale. The shorts are pajama shorts from The Great and sold out (here is a similar pair) and my favorite Nili Lotan flip flops in this cherry red (I have them in brown, black and tan as well). Somehow the crazy prints and colors together just work. I found the shirt here (sadly not on sale) but also one similar here for a lot less. I also found a pareo in the same print on sale.

I could keep going with outfits, but when I had to pick my favorites these rose to the top. I’ve already filed them away for outfit repeating next summer. Hope everyone is enjoying the last licks of the season. xx Emese

Starting with the simplest, a classic white button down that’s also under $150. I actually purchased this on my own one night while scrolling and may end up ordering another because it’s that good. The fit is perfection, not too big, not too slim fitting. It also comes in other colors which I may explore too.

Sticking to the shirt category, this winner from Zara was one of my only successful Zara purchases in the last year. It is so good, I have thrown it on multiple times with jean shorts and it just looks effortless and cool. I’ll definitely be wearing it straight into fall with jeans.

A bright terry sweatshirt is the perfect cozy layer of happy in the summer. This sweatshirt I found on sale on Net, but you guys sold it out. If you love it as much as I do, you may consider paying full price for it here (you won’t regret it). I also have it in the red and blush color, so any fun color is something you’ll reach for daily (wearing on as I type this at my kitchen counter).

I recently just got The Row version of these, and quite frankly there is not much of a difference other than the price. Which with you could buy 10 other things. Don’t get me wrong, the love The Row but if you don’t care what the label is, buy this one. No one will know the difference. They are also still on sale for $80 so act fast.

A consistent hero item for me, this undereye miracle worker has been in my rotation for about 16 years. On days when I am trying to look as low maintenance as possible, this hybrid eye cream with a concealer in it is everything and more. I’ve never gotten ONE person send me a negative message about it. 1000/10, trust me.

This was a new discovery for me. I received it in a PR mailer and threw it in my bag for a weekend at the beach. I spritzed it on after my shower and I was blown away. It hydrates and smells amazing (and I’m not a vanilla gal per se, it’s leaning more santal for me). It’s just an easy way to get hydrated smooth skin all over your body in a few sprays.

I love when my scrolling stumbles on a winner-winner-chicken dinner like these sandals. They look so much more expensive than they are (they are $80 on sale), and so many of you ordered them and then messaged me to say they are even better in person. If they have your size, snag them for the last few weeks of the season and be excited to whip them out again next year.

Sadly I now rely on readers more than I used to. The upside is I have found some adorable ones that I own multiples in. They restocked my favorite style in my favorite color (and you guys sold it out in the cool new color so keep an eye on a restock of that). They are BOGO, so stock up and get two (it’s what I do so I can keep multiples everywhere).

And last but not least, let’s not forget to Hydrate our skin. This $49 serum is an easy one to sandwich into the mix for me (I put it on before my Plasma and Dewy Peptide), and you guys love it as much as I do. Whatever Mrs. Derm says, I listen and apparently so do you guys. It’s the perfect skin prep for me in the morning to make me look like I had a facial and makes my makeup look amazing throughout the day.

Ok, that’s all from me. These are the greatest hits from July and it makes me SO happy to see you guys loving all the things I do as well. Have a beautiful rest of the weekend xx Emese

For a long time, I assumed that was something people were born with. Now I think it’s something entirely different.

I think taste is a muscle.

The older I’ve gotten, the more I’ve realized that developing your own sense of style has very little to do with keeping up and almost everything to do with paying attention. Not to what’s trending, but to yourself.

We spend so much time asking what’s new that we rarely stop to ask what’s consistent. What are the pieces you reach for over and over again? What colors make you feel like the best version of yourself? What silhouettes do you instinctively gravitate toward? Which outfits make you feel confident before you’ve even left the house? Those answers tell you infinitely more about your personal style than any trend forecast ever will.

My trick for the last few seasons has been simple: when I like an outfit I am wearing, I feel confident in it, I make sure I snap a pic and file it in a folder of Outfits. When I’m feeling uninspired, I just peek in it and either repeat an outfit or get inspired to put something similar together.

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The truth is, mine never did.

When I started university in Toronto (we called it university, not college), my immigrant parents thought there were only two career paths: medicine or law. I was terrible at sciences, so law it was. My father signed me up for my classes without any input from me. To make a long story short, I flunked out of all my classes - even managing to get an 18% in one, and found myself on academic probabation. Something I managed to hide from my parents by forging my report card for two years in a row. It was the year that I got caught doing it by my father that I actually was freed to focus on what I wanted to do and have some hard conversations. I had always loved fashion, probably from the time I could walk sitting with my grandmother who was a seamstress in Montreal. I would devour and collect magazines and pour over the pages knowing all the brands, the products, the skincare, everything. So when I got to finally share with my parents what I wanted to do - PR in the fashion industry, it felt amazing for me, but didn’t land the same with them. I had to prove myself. So I hustled my ass off to get an internship at a company called Roots. That turned into a fulltime job by senior year, so I moved my classes to night classes, working 9 to 5, then taking a bus to campus to finish my degree. On gradutation day I snuck out of the office to get my diploma, take pictures and ran back to the office. My friends were all lost trying to figure out how/where to get a job and I felt so fortunate that I was already living my dream. I was completely captivated by an industry that felt creative, fast-paced, and endlessly inspiring. I made the switch to Club Monaco in 2000, when the company was acquired by Ralph Lauren, I packed up my life, left Toronto, and moved to New York City.

It was equal parts exciting and terrifying.

Looking back now, I realize that was the first time I bet on myself.

For more than twenty years, I built a career in marketing. I loved understanding brands, telling stories, launching products, and figuring out what made people connect with an idea or a product. Every role taught me something I still use today, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.

Then, in 2021, another unexpected opportunity came along. My best friend, Molly Sims, and I launched Lipstick on the Rim. At first, it was simply a chance to have conversations we genuinely wanted to have—about beauty, wellness, fashion, aging, relationships, and all the things women actually talk about. I had no idea how much that experience would change me and how much I would fall in love with the role.

Podcasting taught me that people don’t just connect with expertise. They connect with honesty. They connect with curiosity. They connect with people who are willing to keep learning. When people come up to me saying they are avid fans of the show, I am floored every single time and so appreciative.

Somewhere along the way, I started sharing more online. Not because I wanted to become an influencer. Honestly, that title still feels a little strange and makes me cringe (I prefer content creator for some reason lol).

I started creating content because I genuinely loved helping women discover products worth buying, styling pieces they already owned, and making fashion feel a little less intimidating and a lot more fun. And I LOVE fashion and beauty. My picture is probably next to the word “consumer” in the Webster’s dictionary.

The more I shared, the more I realized I had spent my entire career preparing for this without even knowing it.

Marketing taught me how to tell a story.

Fashion taught me how to edit.

Podcasting taught me how to have conversations.

And all of it came together in a way I never could have planned.

Today, at 47 years old, I’m doing something I never imagined I’d be doing. I’m a content creator. It’s my dream job, a pinch-me moment. I have a career that allows me to do what I love to do every single day, allows me to be at home with my kids, discover new brands before they become big hits. But it isn’t always easy. There are days when I feel old, or feel like someone else does content so much better. Or I feel uninspired or burnt out. But I stay the course and keep doing things the way I know how.

Social media can make it seem like everyone finds success in their twenties. It can convince you that if you haven’t already built something, you’ve somehow fallen behind.

But I’ve slowly come to believe the opposite. Everything I did before this made me better at what I do now. Every meeting. Every campaign. Every risk.

None of it was wasted.

In fact, I think my age is one of my biggest advantages. I’ve learned to trust my instincts. I’ve learned to care a whole let less about what people think of me - if you don’t like me, move on and find someone you do, my feelings won’t be hurt.

I know what (and who) I like—and what I don’t.

I’m less interested in trends for the sake of trends and more interested in helping women build wardrobes, routines, and lives that feel authentic to them.

Would I have had that perspective at 27?

Probably not. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that reinvention doesn’t erase who you’ve been. It builds on it.

We tend to think changing careers means starting over.

I don’t think that’s true anymore.

You’re simply bringing every chapter of your life into the next one.

The skills come with you.

The relationships come with you.

The confidence comes with you.

Even the failures come with you.

Especially the failures.

So if you’ve been thinking about making a change—whether it’s a new career, starting a business, going back to school, or finally trying the thing you’ve talked yourself out of for years—consider this your reminder that there is no expiration date on becoming who you’re meant to be.

I’m still figuring it out.

I’m still learning.

I’m still taking risks.

And honestly?

That’s what makes this chapter so exciting. I can’t get over how amazing a community I have built. The fact that there are thousands of you reading this little snippet of a story of my life is something I still can’t get over, and frankly don’t think I ever will. Grateful feels like too trite a word to describe it. But can’t think of anything better. So if you would have told my 22 year old self THIS would be my life, I probably would have said “yeah right, I wish!”. But alas, here I am. I’m so happy I took that bet on myself, over and over again.

I’d love to know: Have you ever reinvented yourself—or is there something you’ve been dreaming about that you’ve been too afraid to try? Hit reply and tell me. I read every message, and I’d love to hear your story. xx Emese

My Adina Reyter Omega Chain - with the evil eye bead. I get asked SO many times a day about this piece, it really is that special. And I love that you can change the look of this chain with so many different beads, charms or wear on it’s own. It’s a really clean and understated look. Here is a similar look for a lot less, with a chain and charm that gives the same look.

While I hate the word “skort” I do love the concept. A mini skirt I can wear without feeling like I’m flashing my ass or trying not to look 20? Yes please. You guys all loved this Isabel Marant as much as I do (in fact I’m being inspired to order at least one more, I have my eye on this one - love the colors). This is a gorgeous option for less in white - I love this with a simple white tee or pretty white lacy blouse.

These earrings. I get it, I don’t really take them off, and then layer in the fact that they are this big and sparkly, you will be impressed with the price (they are lab grown diamonds). They also don’t make your earlobes look droopy which is SUCH a bonus I’ve learned. If you can’t pull the trigger on this option, I recently discovered this brand and ordered a pair of hoops and am blown away by the sparkle, quality and price. You’re welcome.

I came home one afternoon a few weeks ago to the most delightful package from Le Jean. Obviously a huge fan of their Barrel jeans - they are comfy and look great and come in such an assortment of colors. This butter yellow version is so gorgeous for summer, whether you go monochromatic or not, it’s just the prettiest color.

My love for a raffia bag is bordering on unhealthy. Thank God I found this adorable one for under $200. You guys sold it out, but they are available for pre-order and I think well worth the wait. I did find it here in stock in a different color combo. The other raffia bag (though more a wicker if I’m being honest), is this one that I haven’t taken off. Yes an investment, but so many of you trusted me on this one and sold it out online. Only available in black. This is my newest Prada wicker obsession, so if you’re hankering for it, I’d get it before it sells out.

But if Prada isn’t on the menu, this wicker option is so good too and a fraction of the price.

I live for a cotton sweater in the summer. Because while it can be 100 degrees during the day, at nighttime it can cool down and if you’ve been in the sun all day, it feels even cooler. This sweater for $135 on sale is the perfect cut, color and weight. You will live in it, even into the fall.

This linen dress is amazing, under $200 and one you’ll wear on repeat. My yellow color is sold out, but it’s available in the cream color. A classic shirt dress in linen is a summer staple for me and the button details on this one on the side make it a little special.

Thank God we still prioritize our health apparently - you guys seem to like Sakara as much as I do! I have spent the last few weeks on the road most of the time, and these fiber bites and metabolism bites have been a staple in my bag. Code EMESESAKARA will save you 25% off for new customers.

You all love a good eye cream as much as I do apparently. This one has been a best seller for a reason: it hydrates, it plumps and smooths and works under concealer. It sells out almost every time they restock, so preorder because it WILL sell out again. I also happen to love the night cream, it’s been my go-to for over 6 months now.

And last but not least, every time I wear these jeans, you all ask me. I have yet to receive a message from the hundreds of you that have bought this that you DON’T like it. Not one. There is something universally flattering about these jeans, which is no small feat. It’s probably why I keep buying them in more washes.

Ok, that’s a wrap on all your favorites (and mine!) from the last few weeks. I know you guys love these, so I’ll keep doing them. One of the things that I keep seeing is that you guys are willing to invest in great pieces, and I think that’s one of the things that I have learned as I’ve gotten older and more confident in my style. I’d rather buy ONE great thing than a bunch of crap. I get SO excited to wear it season after season and year after year. And if there is ever any doubt, just girl math the cost per wear. That will always get me! xx Emese

SKINCARE

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Here’s the deal: every summer I find myself reaching for raffia bags. It didn’t happen overnight, but rather was something that happened when I finally started buying the right ones. Here’s why: they instantly make a simple summer dress feel more interesting, add whimsy to a denim shorts and a tee, and somehow make even the most basic outfit feel like vacation.

But after years of trying them all, I’ve learned that not every raffia bag deserves a place in your closet. In fact, there are more sad and sloppy ones than great ones. Some look beautiful online but don’t wear well. Some are too trendy to feel relevant next summer. And some become the bags you reach for over and over again.

Here are the styles I’d spend my money on—and the ones I’d personally skip.

Skip Anything Too Trend-Driven

Shell embellishments, excessive fringe, and novelty shapes can be fun, but I’ve learned they often have a very short lifespan. Save your money and put it towards a forever one.

Instead, I look for clean silhouettes and subtle details that feel timeless. A raffia bag should complement your wardrobe, not compete with it.

This Tôteme hobo in raffia with leather trim does double duty - you can carry it as a daily purse, but also doubles as a chic beach bag. A bag you’ll reach for not just this summer, but many summers to come.

Structure Matters More Than Price

One of the biggest differences between a raffia bag that feels luxurious and one that feels inexpensive is structure. Something that has a bottom and straps that don’t flop over, like this one.

If it collapses the moment you set it down, chances are it won’t age particularly well either. The only exception to this rule is my bag from The Row - while it lacks structure, the quality and thickness of the weave makes it feel more substantial and elegant, not sloppy.

I gravitate toward bags with leather trim, beautiful hardware, and enough structure to maintain their shape season after season. Any interesting details that make it stand out.

This is a great under $500 option.

This feels like a classic L.L. Bean tote but with raffia.

My Favorite Everyday Styles

The Tote

This is the bag that earns its keep. Big enough for sunglasses, sunscreen, and everything else summer requires, but polished enough to carry to lunch or dinner.

Here are some favorites:

A classic beach tote with leather handles like this one is a win at $100.

This feels fun and easy to dress up and down. The charm and leather details, and also the fact that it comes in different color options.

My first investment raffia tote was this one and it still holds up. This is the updated version that I have seen people carrying for the last few summers and I love it.

The Crossbody

Vacation perfection. Easy, hands-free, and endlessly versatile.

This one is such a winner, I can’t even begin to tell you. Perfect crossbody, over the shoulder or a sloucht clutch. Beyond versatile. Oh, and it’s under $200. Do the pre-order, it’s worth it. When I first shared it, they sold out but they are making more!

The Evening Option

A smaller raffia bag with elevated details feels so chic with linen dresses and simple summer separates.

This one is stunning and for Bottega feels like a find.

This one is on my wishlist.

At under $150 this is a no brainer - everyone will think you spent more like $1500.

What I’d Avoid

• Flimsy handles

• Cheap hardware

• Overly logo-heavy styles

• Bags that feel too trendy

• Pieces that only work with one type of outfit

If I Could Only Buy One…

This is the bag I have on repeat this summer. I’m in love with it. It’s an investment bag for sure, but one I will carry forever. A true classic in a style that feels fresh and fun. A bucket is probably my favorite bag style and this one checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of purchase that justifies itself because you reach for it constantly. It works with denim, white dresses, linen trousers, and everything in between.

Gentle reminder, that the best purchases aren’t always the trendiest. They’re the ones that quietly earn their place in your wardrobe and come back out summer after summer.

And that’s exactly what I’m looking for. Happy raffia bag shopping! xx Emese

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The biggest seller has been these earrings. They are seriously the most stunning, comfortable pair of huggie/hoops I own. A statement piece all on its own. And they sparkle like you wouldn’t believe. I also have a code - EMESE10

My bandana silk printed shorts were a huge hit. Found them here for cheaper by a few bucks than anywhere else! They are chic, comfy and breezy. And so dang versatile.

This Madewell x Shopbop tote - giving Row vibes for under $150. An absolute must for the summer. And you guys bought a TON of them and love it according to my DM’s.

I don’t think I can truly admit how much I have worn this sweatshirt (with the matching shorts) because it is bordering on gross and embarrassing. But I have worn it almost every single day to leave my house to take the kids to school and run errands. Like…every.single.day. And you guys seem to love it as much as I do.

I can’t get over how many of you love this eye cream as much as I do. It sells out every single time and it’s clean, organic, made in Italy and a 10/10. Enough said. If it’s in stock do not even hesitate.

I bought these shorts last year in black, and then got them in this khaki (they are currently sold out online) this summer and DANG they are maybe the most flattering perfect short of all time. I found a super similar pair on Madwell for under $100.

This is an investment piece that plenty of you have realized is something you will wear all the time (like I do). You can pick your charms, but the one that stands out the most for me is the pearl - it feels super unique and special and gives it such a pretty vibe.

This has become a non-negotiable serum in my morning routine, and I think I have talked about it so much you all agree. Don’t think twice, the price is right and it makes your makeup and skin glow all day long.

The other serum that I have used for over 2 years is this plasma from Dr. Diamond. If you don’t believe me, order the smallest bottle to try - pretty confident you will be back for more. And for those that will ask - I use it UNDER my peptide YSE serum.

This dress - Dôen vibes, Madwell prices (under $100). It’s a yes. Easily a dress you can live in all summer long.

I feel confident that almost my entire community now owns the Shon pants. The only pair of pants I actually wear these days. I have them in 8 colors. Need I say more? Pro Tip: size down! Unless you want to wear them looser! I am 5’4 and order them in a 0 and they fit perfect, length and waist.

This Balenciaga bag majorly on sale. It’s a winner. Super impressed by how many of you pulled the trigger on this one. And loved it as much as I do.

This skirt was a similar version to my beloved Chan Luu which is back in stock. I will be living in this skirt all summer long.

This sweater that I shared you all bought - but for those that didn’t, it’s now on sale. And available in all sizes. The perfect summer sweater in the most gorgeous camel color.

The perfect Bottega clutch and under $2000 sold you guys on it. You sold out almost all colors.

One of my most worn sunglasses that happen to be univerally flattering. Whenever I wear these, you all ask what I have on, and apparently you immediately ordered as well.

This tee - I haven’t taken the red off, also have it in chocolate brown. It’s linen, it’s the perfect fit and the price is right. I LOVE ALEX MILL.

And last but not least - this has been a best seller month after month and the amount of messages I have gotten is next level. It’s manuka honey essence. Everyone says it is a staple in their skincare now - it’s the first step when you get out of the shower, it’s magic. You then apply serums on top. Trust the process. You will forever be hooked.

Can’t wait to see what you all love next. Have a great rest of the week/weekend. Love you all!! xx Emese

But when I looked again a little closer, I realized that I’m actually using the same styling formula over and over again. I have been trying to figure out how to explain my thought process when I get dressed, because frankly I don’t “think” about it, outfits literally pop in my head as something that might work and 99% of the time they work perfectly. It took me zooming out at the big picture to actually see it, and once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.

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Ok, Substack is telling me this is getting too long. Thankfully I touched on all my greatest hits! xx Emese

As I have shared plenty of times I have been on Zepbound for 2 years now. It’s a miracle drug IMO for more than just weighloss - inflammation, cardiac health, reduces risk for a plethora of other diseases. But drugs aside, there is so much more to do and hacks that so many people gatekeep, that I refuse to.

In addition to my medication, I have used a combination of supplements. Sakara is brand that I feel so confident and comfortable with and have known the founders personally for years. They put the work in to develop a brand that really makes us feel better on the inside, and look better on the outside. I know you have heard me speak about their Fiber Bites, which are a must for me daily because of Zepbound (IYKYK), they taste delicious, keep me regular and give me 6 grams of fiber in one quick hit. I also love their Metabolism Bites - whether I am traveling, or just on-the-go all day, I keep a pouch of them in my bag at ALL times and they are just a great way to tame any hunger and help me not grab a bag of chips or something naughty. Bonus - I have a code, EMESESAKARA if you want to try it out. I also JUST ordered these Arrae Bloat gummies - frankly I have heard Molly rave about the bloat capsules for years, so getting these in a gummy form is very exciting (I prefer gummies to pills, like a child). I will report back after I have tried. There is no worse feeling that feeling bloated after a meal (i.e. sushi which is my favorite lol). These claim to reduce bloat in under an hour! Sign me up.

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Let’s talk Mini Skirts. I love a mini skirt (and yes, I’m 47 years old) but the key is to wear it in a very specific way so we don’t look ridiculous. I personally love wearing them with a flat sandal (RARELY a heel, and if it is, it’s a kitten one). The key to being “older” and wearing a mini skirt is to know your proportions. If you’re wearing slightly shorter, pair it with an oversized tee (this is my favorite I have it in black and white). The sleeves, length and boxier fit balance out the mini-ness, so you don’t feel inappropriate.

I love wearing a mini with a crisp white button down (my favorite and it’s finally back-in-stock), it feels a little more elevated.

Please don’t wear a wedge with a mini. It dates you, it RARELY looks good and you just end up looking silly. In fact, I’m going to say it.

So what shoes work? I love an ankle wrap like this one that’s under $300. A chic little flip-flop like this one (for $125 I bought them in 3 colors).

A Pucci skirt is an investment, but one you’ll have forever. It’s so chic and makes me feel like I’m on the Italian Riviera. This is a great Pucci inspired alternative for a lot less. I love tucking a simple tee in (this one) and pairing it with these old Dior ankle-wrap sandals (similar here). In the meantime, I’ll be dreaming of these suede ankle wraps and trying to do the girl math on them.

One of the most important elements of a miniskirt for me is that it be more A-line - not like a tube top on my lower half. I think it’s overall more flattering and slimming and feels a bit more elegant.

The bottomline: Don’t be afraid to wear a mini, it’s not just for younger gals. Just wear it thoughtfully and appropriately - and I think soon enough you’ll be like me and collecting a whole closet full of them.

xx Emese

A great pair of earrings. I haven’t taken these off since I got them - if you want a pair of hoops that are a little different and stand out, these are not only stunning but under $1000 for lab grown diamonds. The other pair that I just got are these ones - they are eye-catchingly stunning. A bit more expensive, but they are a BIG look and still a great value for how sparkly they are. These were designed specifically for women who feel like their earring hole sags a little - they don’t droop in your ear which is a huge win because I have now found myself facing this problem with some of my favorite pairs of earrings. This tennis bracelet for $70 is a must. Trust me on this please - it sparkles and looks like it’s $7k. Buy two and stack them, even better.

One of the most special things I have received lately is this stunning pendant (in pic below) with my daughters initials on them - custom made by The Gold Album. It is a standout piece.

Ever mom loves a gorgeous pajama to sleep in. These make me happy. I’m personally ordering these ones because I love the little contrast piping. I got this bathrobe from Missoni for Christmas and I think I live in it every morning - it just got re-stocked and you guys always ask where it’s from, so finally I can share it.

A beautiful handbag that doesn’t break the bank is always a win. I just got this one yesterday (and I have a code EMESE12) and can’t get over how stunning it is. I also think this one is amazing and under $300 but looks like it’s more around $3000.

Most moms don’t have time to pamper themselves the way they deserve. So having the right products and tools on hand is always the best way to ensure we can still take care of ourselves. An LED mask is the best thing you can do for your skin. This one is currently on sale and an extra $10 off for Mother’s Day. I watched Charlize Theron talk about the one non-negotiable to looking as good as she does and she said daily use of her LED - so there you go. I heard about Angela Caglia serum from Marci Hirschleifer - it’s a Violet Grey staple so I was very intrigued. I did some digging on how it’s different from the other serums I have and here is what I learned: it’s the ONLY serum that uses human stem cell-derived exosomes and growth factors that signal molecules naturally released by stem cells. It’s basically designed to mimic what happens during skin healing at a cellular level. It’s the closest you will get to in-clinic regenerative medicine and it focuses on deep repair, inflammation reduction and skin regeneration. It gives the MOST clinical feeling results. SOLD. I also started using this eye serum from Dr. Diamond and it’s really good - I layer on this eye cream (FINALLY back in stock, it sells out every damn time) on top and I swear my undereyes have never looked smoother or more hydrated.

Cotton sweaters are such a spring/summer staple and I think treating yourself to one (or having your kids “pick” one out for you) is a perfet gift. I have my eye on this one, just can’t decide what color. I got this one the other day and have already worn it (see below pic). I love the red/white combo. One of my favorite Mother’s Day gifts was a few years ago and it was a pair of shoes - this pair is a winner, and when I posted them the amount of people that told me they have and love them was bananas. So I know I secured a good one.

And then there are the gifts that don’t require a dollar. Breakfast in bed (my personal favorite), sleeping in, and always snuggles in bed with no time limit on it having to end. As much as we try to do it all, we aren’t super heroes - we just do the job of one.

Wishing all of you mama’s, aunties, Godmama’s, hoping to be mama’s the best Mother’s Day. I will celebrate with my girls and Mike, and be thinking of my own mom and honoring her - knowing that I learned everything from her and only wish she was here to be a part of it. But I know she is watching us and guiding us every moment. Sending love to you all! xx Emese

1. These Sakara Fiber bites. True fact: they sent them to me to try, I did a partnership with them, they helped me poop while I traveled which NEVER happens. So to be transparent, what was a paid partnership turned into a love affair I am not giving up anytime soon. Whenever I travel I suffer for at least 2-3 days. This trip? Not a blip of an issue. It was like I never got on a plane - even on the way home. Just stayed on track as if I never left home. They taste great, are free of added sugars, and give you 6grams of fiber per serving. So whether you have “issues” or not, this is just a win all around as a woman in her 40s.

2. This face spray. While in Paris I met up with my friend Gregoris who is the Creative Director of Hermes Beauty. He is a gem of a human. We of course talked beauty and products and he told me that he loves this face spray. In true Emese fashion I ordered it while sitting across from him at Le Bristol drinking rose - it was delivered to my house that same afternoon. It is amazing - it’s a serum spray that I started using when I get out of the shower to mist my face and before I apply my actual serums. I also use it now as a finishing spray on top of my makeup. The finish and glow it gives is bananas. It’s also like $16 so just buy it and thank me later.

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Where We Stayed:

This trip we stayed at The Ritz. It’s an iconic hotel, in the middle of Place Vendome. The service is off the charts. From the moment you step off the plane (they send a greeter waiting for you as you get off your flight bleary eyed), to the second you step into your room. Full disclosure, I booked the least expensive room and got lucky with a double upgrade to an “apartment” as they called it. It was huge - we were definitely over the moon. The bonus of this hotel is that they include a beautiful breakfast-for-two every morning in your room rate, which if you love breakfast of you can take full advantage - insane croissants, pastries, eggs, etc. Fuel up to start your day! The last two trips we took, we stayed at Le Meurice, which is around the corner and also insanely gorgeous. Whereever you book, I highly recommend using a travel agent so you can get the extra “perks” - I’m pretty sure that’s why we got the mega upgrade, the greeter, etc. They are worth their weight in gold and you don’t pay an upcharge, so don’t overthink it. I LOVE my travel agent, Lauren Saiger, her and her team make every detail seamless and perfect. I can’t recommend her enough.

Where We Ate:

I truly believe that the meals you eat in Paris are as important as the sites you see and things you do. There is so much insanely good food to be had, it’s kind of hard to pick. Our first evening we ate at Loulou - which is basically in the gardens of the Louvre. It wasn’t warm enough for the patio to be set up which is apparently the fun part to eat, but inside was beautiful and the food delicious - Italian. We ate pizza, salad and a spicy vodka pasta that was off the charts (think Carbone in NYC but dare I say better). The next day we slept late and missed breakfast but needed to eat so we wandered to Magdalena which the hotel recommended. I will forever dream of the French Onion soup there - the perfect broth, not too cheesy, just right. And the bread wasn’t inside the soup, but rather a phyllo pastry over the top of the bowl. Just divine. Chez Janou is a must - the food is so authentically French (Provencal to be exact), but the star of the show here is their chocolate mousse that is maybe one of the best things I have ever had. They serve it out of a huge pot onto your plate to share. There is a reason it’s all over Instagram - and truth be told, I think the restaurant HATES that it has become a thing, because apparently it used to be a locals spot, but now has a lot of tourists like us. But the food is still good, so don’t be afraid to go. L’Avenue is probably my all-time favorite lunch spot. People watching, the ambiance, the food - 10/10. If you go when you can sit outside, I highly recommend. It was a gorgeous Sunday, a lot of locals at their “regular” tables - we sat next to the most adorable couple who spend every Sunday there for brunch. The spring rolls and steak tartar are my favorites on the menu. You can then stroll around Avenue Montaigne and window shop or go into some of your favorite designer stores - they are ALL there. One of our most memorable meals was at Le Voltaire - it’s a favorite amongst the fashion crowd, full of locals, and just a true Parisian dining experience, right on the Seine. We ended up sitting next to the owner who joined his friends for dinner, and it was such a fun night. Their steak was out of this world in a mustard sauce, and the green beans may have been doused in butter but were worth every decadent calorie. Our last meal of the trip was sushi - we were French fooded out lol and my girlfriend and I have a weakness for sushi. We went to Saku around the corner from our hotel - and as soon as I walked in I realized I had eaten there in 2012 when I was there for fashion week, and the food is just as good as it was then. Another great sushi option that we didn’t go to this time but did on our last trip to Paris two summers ago is Bar des Pres - a little diamond of a restaurant. Siena is also another incredible restaurant we didn’t go to this time, but I definitely will on my next trip.

What We Did:

Full disclosure, this trip was about wandering around shopping and not as much “cultural” stuff as we have in the past. Our favorite department store is definitely Le Bon Marche - it’s just the most gorgeously curated, stunning visually and shoppable department store I have ever stepped foot in. Think Barney’s on crack during it’s prime. They have 2 separate beauty floors - the one not on the main floor has a lot of up and coming brands, and is also where I found my new favorite foundation from Suqqu. They also have a little Call it by your Name boutique for the bandana bags, pouches, shirts, etc. that everyone is sporting these days (they ship to the US, so if a trip to Paris isn’t in your future I highly recommend ordering online). La Prestic Ouiston is the French silk brand that I wear all the time and you guys always love - they have a nice assortment here so definitely check it out. I didn’t make it to their stand alone store this time, but I definitely will next time. They are such unique and special pieces and I treasure each one because you rarely find it on anyone else. Where you will save money in France is shopping the more traditional French designers - think Celine, Goyard, Alaïa, etc. - you can save up to 40% off with your VAT back. Hermes is also at least 20% less expensive. The hardest part about getting your Hermes bag is securing the appointment - either your concierge can help you or if you have a friend who has a sales person (how we got ours), then you can go and pretty much ask for a bag. We got the exact bags we wanted to right off the bat which is crazy. A hot tip we got from a local was the following: do NOT go to the Honore store, go to George V or Sevres and don’t be afraid to be rude, apparently they respond better to that lol. So if you can’t secure an appointment, try those two locations and simply walk in say you want to buy a bag and be a bit arrogant about it (I cringe at the idea of that but would definitely have given it a try had we not gotten an appointment). Celine and Goyard offer the most savings I think - Chanel you can save about 10-12% depending on the exchange - so still less but not earth shattering. Kujten is a contemporary brand that is WAY less expensive in Paris - they have a store in NYC on Madison that I have shopped at and the Paris stores are almost 50% cheaper which blew my mind - they have 15 locations in Paris so you’ll definitely stumble across one. Definitely stock up on high quality gorgeous cashmere while you’re there and their signature scarves. Berenice is also a local brand that I love and is actually very inexpensive but gives such a cool French girl vibe. I got the most amazing baby pink crinkled slip skirt that I can’t wait to wear this summer (and it was about $100). Vintage shopping in the Marais is a must - so many cool stores, I still regret not buying a Chanel bucket bag that was $2500. You can wander the area and just pass store after store that has some real treasures. My friend found a Valentino slip dress that was under $200 (she didn’t pull the trigger because it was a little risqué lol but you get the gist). Galeries Lafayette is a tourist trap but one you should go to no matter what. It’s a gorgeous department store that you can spend the whole day in. They have every designer brand, but also a ton of French and European brands you’ve never heard of but want to. Le Bonne Brosse is a French hair brush store that I am obsessed with - now own three of their brushes. They are beautiful but also just a dream.

Honestly, this is just the tip of the iceberg on all you can do, see and eat in Paris. Seeing the traditional sites is of course a must - we had done that the last two trips we took together, so this wasn’t that trip. But we did wander around the Marais for the first time ever and I fell in love with that part of town. It’s so special and cool. The energy there is unparalleled. I’m still on a high even though I’ve been home for a few days. Hope this helps you if you’re planning a trip there soon, or inspires you to book one ASAP - because Paris is ALWAYS a good idea.

Bisou et bon weekend! xx Emese

My go-to concealer for almost 2 years is this Sarah Creal - I wear shade 4.0 - if you are over 40, this was literally designed for you. I recently discovered this eye brightener from her in the shade Power Nap, and it’s a 10/10, I look rested and bright eyed. While you’re at it, throw in this concealer brush. There isn’t anything better for your undereyes, in fact I can admit I have 4 of them.

The only setting spray that I now use since I got my hands on it in November (I got to test it out pre-launch and got hooked), is the City Set from Saie. It sets your makeup, makes it glow and last for 16 hours (I’ve pulled it off many, many times), and it’s clean - a true winner. Also from Saie: you MUST own this blush in Chilly in your kit (trust me, please please please). And if you want glowing skin (not sure we can be friends if you don’t), then everyone needs at least ONE Glowy Super Gel. My kids steal mine all the time, so I need a re-stock.

If you haven’t been living under a rock, then you know all the cool girls use this Clarins mask to de-puff. I didn’t want to believe it worked, but damn it, it does.

The only shower-gel I use (I’m also indulgent and use it as bubble bath), is this one. The scent Saffron Cedar lingers on your skin in the best way. I catch myself sniffing my arm all day. This little discovery kit is a great item to buy as hostess gifts. I’m stocking up and keeping them in a little cabinet for gifting in a pinch. It’s chic and useful.

Once we have stepped out of the shower, it’s time to moisturize people. This “Stone” has gone viral many, many times over and there’s good reason for it. I can’t explain it, but once you use it you get the hype and can’t go back to regular cream. It’s this beautiful simple stone (that smells incredible), and you just rub it over your body and it doesn’t just moisturize, I swear it reverses aging on your arms and legs. And I just used this Bug Repellent (safe for kids!) in Cabo and I only got one bug bite on my ankles, while others got eaten alive.

I know I talk about Crown Affair an awful lot. If I have to pick my favorites, it’s definitely the Dry Shampoo, the Leave-In Conditioner (I use it every morning to detangle my girls hair), and the Air Dry Mousse for days I don’t want to get a blowout.

Sticking with hair, these Virtue Labs products have rehabiliated my broken hair, IYKYK. I cannot emphasize enough how this Scalp + Root serum healed my broken hair. I would see these insane pieces of breakage when I would film content and want to curl up and hide. This WORKS. I pinky promise. Then this Damage Reverse serum helps seal your roots and smooth your hair overall. It’s bananas. It’s all so good that when I went and got my color done a few weeks ago, I told my colorist he needs to recommend it to all blondes. He noticed a difference in the health of my hair. I also have used this oil for years to smooth my hair and make it smell amazing.

I was sent this blow dryer from T3 before Christmas and I ended up giving my AirWrap away. It’s half the price, and then add in the extra savings and you can’t not pull the trigger. It also helps me dry the girls hair so much easier and faster. And while you’re at it, layer in some beach waves with their curling iron. I’ll share this week how I make my airdried hair look better with this beauty.

And if you’re in the mood for a gorgeous slick back, then this is the only wand for me. It smells incredible and works like a charm. Fly aways disappear, your slick is snatched. I’m also lowkey obsessed with his Glassy Smooth Blow Dry Spray.

One of my favorite mascaras is easily this one from Kosas. I have waxed on about it since it launche last year. I have no notes on it - lengthens, volumizes, stays put and has a lash serum in it to boot. Another favorite from Kosas is this blush, which every single time I wear on IG, you all ask me to share what I have on my cheeks. The shade I wear mostly is Blissed. I also purchased this setting powder (shade Candy) for myself last month and the way it sets my concealer and brightens the under eye area in one quick swoop is next level. Don’t be alarmed by the pink - it neutralizes and brightens.

The perfume on everyone’s mind these days is this one. I bought a bottle for my babysitter recently and I couldn’t stop smelling her in every room she was in. Sounds creepy I realize, but it’s that addictive. This handcream with the Xtra Milk set and the Travel Size spray is a must. Buy one for yourself and one for someone you love.

You can’t shop at Sephora and not buy Summer Fridays. Your tween/teen girls will think you’re cool and you will also love everything you buy. I personally love this lip balm in clear (I actually stole it from Maeve). I’ve been on a plane a lot lately and this Jet Lag Hydration Spray is the first thing I spray on my face when I get in my seat, and then continue misting through out the flight. It’s like a mini facial mid-flight. And it’s a cute travel size so TSA safe. And in full transparency, I did just order this new lipstain (color Rosette) last week before I realized this damn sale was starting. It looked really pretty on someone I met and immediately had to have it. It hasn’t come yet, but I know it’s going to be good.