Happy New Years Eve, friends!!

I took a poll on Instagram and it was literally 50/50 for whether you’re interested in sales right now, so I decided to just curate my top finds from my top brands that are on MAJOR sale. I know it’s after the holidays and we all just spent our spending money more than likely, but there’s no getting around that it’s a great time to buy some items you might need. I sifted through over 200 pages on Nordstrom’s site for this categorized list and I hope it helps you.

Right now is without a doubt THE best time to buy any bigger ticket items like a good coat, boots, or watches. Some of my very favorite denim is included in this big sale, too, so it’s a great time to stock up on those! We will be going skiing in Ruidoso in February, so I focused a lot on coats and colder weather accessories as well.

Accessories 

Bottoms

Coats

Denim

Jackets

Shoes

Tops/Dresses

It’s here, it’s here! DECEMBER IS HERE!

The time of year I live for has come once again, and I am giddy as can be. I also happen to have 90% of my Christmas shopping done, which is something I have aimed for every year and only now has it finally happened! I am patting myself on the back and kicking my fit up by the fire for that! 😉

With December 1st comes the official best 3 weeks of the year and -you guessed it- the cutest little red number for all your Christmas festivities. When I saw this dress I just KNEW it had to be the December dress of the month. The mini tux dress is on trend this season… and, well, due to being on trend unfortunately means this dress has nearly sold out since I bought it a few weeks ago to shoot ahead of time. (UGH, COME ON ASOS!) But, I linked it and the mustard yellow version- equally as festive and gorgeous! I also have for you the stunning Gal Meets Glam version of the dress (for real almost identical!) that came out after I had purchased this ASOS one. It’s a little more of an investment piece, but it’s one you’ll wear year after the year that you can have for the holidays.

And with December 1st… here’s my Christmas Playlist! 

Photos by Bryce Glenn for The Cake by Hannah

I get asked usually a couple times a week on Instagram for make-up tutorials, which honestly makes me giggle every single time. I think I get so awkward when someone comments on my make-up, because it makes me feel like a poser. And, here’s why… I AM AS BASIC AS THEY COME with my make-up. Beyond foundation, a swig of mascara, and bronzer… I am pretty clueless. Like, I am not BS-ing… When it comes to make-up I am not only clueless, but I am overwhelmed by the idea of more than 3-5 items MAX on my face… so I just don’t. There’s nothing wrong with it. Shoot, if I could hire someone to come do my make-up daily… I would let them use as many products as they’d like. However, I am stuck with my own clueless self most days, and I stick to 3 items 99.9% of the time. On a good day, I add a lip color. And when I am REALLY feeling it, we go for some eye shadow.

Recently, somebody told me in response to my usual awkward reply that I don’t know what I am doing: “Well, that’s honestly probably why so many people ask. People want basic!”

Touché! So alas, I have my guide to make-up buying for you today. This is for you, #basicgirl. This is for you, girl who doesn’t know how to nail the perfect smokey eye… and, if she’s honest, doesn’t really care to.

A good foundation

I have tried tons, but still always go back to BarePro by BareMinerals. It’s light, smooth, and fairly affordable. My second choice is Tarte’s Double Duty Shape Tape foundation. But if I have a breakout or my skin is dry, I can’t do the Tarte because it’ll hold to my skin weird as a more matte foundation. Pro is consistently just a great wear!

Mascara

I think at this point, I have tried virtually every mascara there is on the planet. Because mascara is 1 of 3 products I wear daily, I don’t mind spending more money on it than maybe you think is necessary. However, as I am with most anything, I strongly believe in quality above all else. My top pick for the last year has consistently been, without a doubt, IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes. IT IS AMAZING. Second, Tarteist Lash Paint Mascara is great. Lastly, Benefit’s Bad Gal is a good choice if you prefer a thicker brush.

Bronzer

For a powdered bronzer, I use  A Little Sun by BareMinerals. It’s technically an all-over color, but I use a cheek brush and apply like blush.

Sephora Collection has a surprisingly good bronzer for under $20, if you are on a budget. I got mine on sale for $13 a few months back and am just getting to the end of it.

Becca has an absolutely amazing bronzer that is my favorite to try to date. The $38 price tag may be a little off-putting, but again… quality. It really does make a difference.

Lip Color

My favorite lip color is Tarte Lippie Lingerie Matte Tint. It’s easy to apply and the deep colors are beautiful. It’s definitely my favorite fall lip color.

For a true “lipstick” I really like MAC’s or BareMinerals.

All photos for The Cake by Hannah by Cottonwood Road Photography

Outfit from Landry Kate

Similar OTK Boot: Here