bows & sequins

My U Beauty Review

Jessica — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:56:51 +0000

Update February 2026: This post was originally published in February 2024 and has been updated with new images, links, and an active promo code. My exclusive U Beauty promo code is STURDY20 takes 20% off, for new customers shipping to both the US and the UK! After using these products daily for several months, I wanted to share my U Beauty review! I’ve used the Resurfacing Compound, Super Hydrator, and several Plasma Lip Compounds consistently and wanted to break down what’s worth it — and what’s not. Here’s my review… A Brief History of U Beauty U Beauty launched in the fall of 2019 with one product, their Resurfacing Compound. A year later, they released their second product, the Super Hydrator, and the rest is history. I had seen the brand mentioned over the last few years, but I watched an online interview with the founder, Tina Craig, in October and was so intrigued by the entire brand that I had to try it for myself! When Tina started the brand, she wasn’t thinking of a full skincare line. She began testing products in 2017 with one goal in mind: to make the best product she couldn’t find on the market.…

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The Best Cinnamon Rolls

Jessica — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:16:31 +0000

I made the best cinnamon rolls on New Year’s Day and am so excited to finally share the recipe with you. These are espresso cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting, and they’re soft, fluffy, and ridiculously delicious. Perfect for holidays or indulgent weekend mornings! Why You’ll Love These It was my first time making homemade cinnamon rolls, so they weren’t the prettiest. The rolling part got messier than expected and I wish I could go back and tell myself, “Don’t panic — they’ll still turn out deliciously!” Not only was the taste knock-your-socks-off, but I also couldn’t believe how well the texture turned out. So fluffy with the perfect amount of flavor and texture! I didn’t create this cinnamon roll recipe, but found it on Instagram back in 2024. It took over a year to finally try making them and they were totally worth the wait! I’ll definitely be making these for Christmas morning next year. Much like my shortbread pecan bars are a Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving staple, these espresso cinnamon rolls are now must-haves over the holidays. The cream cheese icing is TO DIE FOR! You get that classic cinnamon sugar flavor, but it’s totally elevated with buttery espresso. Truly…

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Color Crush: Pink & Green

Jessica — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 16:05:34 +0000

The color combination of pink and green has been at the forefront of my mind lately and has me itching to incorporate more color! Everywhere I look, I feel like I’m greeted with the cutest pink and green pieces. Maybe it’s the Wicked effect?! I ordered Marley this monogrammed bandana a few weeks ago and it’s even cuter in person. The bright pink hearts on the green background are so cheery and fun! Last Spring, this pair of Adidas sneakers was all the rage, so I’ve included a few updated versions in the collage below! 1. Matouk Bath Towels | 2. Small Dish | 3. Nike Sneakers | 4. Kerri Rosenthal x AQUA Cardigan | 5. Striped Cardigan | 6. Salad Servers | 7. Jia Jia Bracelet | 8. Adidas Sneakers | 9. Silk Scarf | 10. Reversible Vase | 11. Beaded Olive Bag | 12. Foggy Dog Bandana | 13. Striped Cotton Placemats | 14. Charm Necklace | 15. Glass Candle Holder | 16. Dolce Vita Sneakers | 17. Sam Edelman Sneakers Splurge Worthy: Borgo de Nor Pink + Green Printed Trousers and Crepe Blouse Left: Raglan Sweater + Pink Cords, Right: Embroidered Cotton Vest + Wide-Leg Trousers Boden…

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Cyber Monday: My Favorite Things on Sale

Jessica — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:37:42 +0000

I’ve been compiling the largest list of Black Friday & Cyber Monday promotions over the last few weeks and have been keeping it updated around the clock. While that exhaustive list has my favorites buried in there, I wanted to share another list… This time, it’s all of my favorite things that are currently on sale! I hope it serves as inspiration as you’re gift shopping and while scoring some things for yourself, too. ‘Tis the season! 🎁 Away Travel: 25% Off I recently got this travel bag from Away that’s currently marked down to $88!! It’s totally worth it at full price, but you can’t beat the 25% discount. Large Featherlight Tote I didn’t get my tote monogrammed because I didn’t yet know how much I would LOVE it (or realize how massive it was) and I wanted the option to be able to return it. But it’s safe to say I regret not getting it customized! This would make such a nice gift. I also just got Away’s Weekender Bag which I plan to use for the safari portion of our honeymoon in South Africa in a few months! I’ll definitely report back on it. Tuckernuck: Up to…

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The Best of Black Friday

Jessica — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 21:06:12 +0000

Happy Friday, friends! I hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving celebrations with your loved ones and are feeling both full and grateful. The holiday season is officially here and the entire internet is on sale to celebrate. I’ve been obsessively updating my Holiday Savings Guide between meal courses, family games, and football plays. I realize an exhaustive list could potentially make your eyes glaze over, so I wanted to share a curated list here broken down by category. There are only 26 days until Christmas, but even fewer days to shop when you factor in shipping times. Now’s the time to make your list and check it twice! There are sooo many ways to save on Christmas and Hanukah gifts, holiday party accessories, NYE outfits, and even winter wardrobe basics that you’ll need over the next few months. Happy Shopping! xx Best Black Friday Deals: FASHION J.Crew — 50% off Old Navy — 50% off Madewell — 50% off Lululemon — up to 50% off Sam Edelman — 35% off with code GIFT35 Hill House — 30% off with code EVERYTHING30 Tuckernuck — use code MERRY to save up to 30% Shopbop — 25% off Beyond Yoga — 25% off…

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12 Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

Jessica — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 22:59:11 +0000

If you’re trying to plan your Thanksgiving outfit this year, you’re in the right place. To me, Thanksgiving Day is one where you want to marry fashion and comfort. Every family has their own traditions and ways of celebrating, but everyone can agree that a large feast is usually the main event! I styled twelve unique Thanksgiving outfit collages to help get your creativity flowing! Hopefully, you can find inspiration to shop your closet or find a new piece to order before the holiday. No matter if you’re meeting your boyfriend’s parents for the first time, hosting family at home, or lounging on the couch watching football all day, there’s probably an outfit here for you! Flowy dresses, loose jeans, and pants and skirts with elastic waistbands are all aplenty. PS: If it’s chillier where you are, a gorgeous camel coat will pair well with each outfit! Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas Printed Blouse ($98)Olive Green Knit Skirt ($168)this skirt is similar for only $97Western Belt ($138)Navy Bag ($545)Earrings ($115)Velvet Flats ($195) Layered Sweater + Blouse ($168)Faux Leather Skirt ($168)Gold Hoop Earrings ($98)Leopard Sneakers ($145)Metallic Party Purse ($148) Tweed Dress ($278)Orange Bag ($585)Gold Earrings ($138)Brown Tights ($18)Brown Croc Loafers ($285) Ikat Dress…

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Amazon Big Deal Days: My Favorite Prime Deals

Jessica — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 22:45:34 +0000

I have to admit that my mind absolutely cannot be wrapped around holiday shopping at the moment. Coming off of a busy two months of wedding events, I’ve yet to even begin decorating for Halloween. It’s also been in the 70s most days lately and feeling like summer in the afternoons! But here we are… It’s the week where every single retailer decides to have their big fall sale before Black Friday. I think it comes from a good place, as it’s meant for those who want to get a head start and not have to wait until Thanksgiving to get the best deals. But man oh man, all of the holiday talk really snuck up on me this year! Enough about me, though… Let’s get to the good stuff! I’m breaking down my favorite Amazon Prime Day deals into categories… Beauty, Home, Gifts, and Fashion. I hope this helps you sift through all of the noise and makes shopping a little bit easier! Amazon Big Deal Days: Beauty Favorites Dyson AirStrait — I bought the Dyson Hair Straightener during Amazon’s Prime Day in July and it’s honestly the best thing I’ve ever done for my hair. It blow dries…

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A Complete Guide to Nordstroms Anniversary Sale

Jessica — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 18:19:10 +0000

Here it is, my friends… The ultimate guide to Nordstroms Anniversary Sale! I combed through every single product in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalog so you don’t have to. Yes, all 5800 products on all 82 pages. 😅 It’s a labor of love, though, because I truly geek out over the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Click here to skip over the details and go directly to my favorite picks! Well, most years anyway. To be totally transparent, there have been a few years in the recent past that I wasn’t very wowed by Nordstroms Anniversary Sale merchandise. But this year, it feels like the good ol’ days! Back in college and those few years after, I used to stay up until 2am until the clock struck midnight on the West Coast. Back then, there wasn’t a digital sale preview, but instead just a Nordstrom Anniversary Catalog you got in the mail with a sneak peak of some of the merchandise. Once everything was magically live on Nordstrom.com at 2am central, I’d basically pull an all-nighter and comb through every single product and start adding to cart. I’d narrow it down the best I could, but still spend every single dollar I’d made at my summer job in…

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Tuckernuck Sale on Sale: Two Days Only

Jessica — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:11:06 +0000

For two days only… You can shop the Tuckernuck Sale Section with an extra 20% off using code: HEATWAVE! Ends July 10th at 11:59pm. There’s $6 flatrate shipping for all orders placed in the United States, but FYI that doesn’t appy to the United Kingdom or Canada. As I tend to do, I went through every single product to narrow down the best of the best! I put together a fun list that you can browse right here. There are tons of great summer wedding guest dresses (some very similar caftan-like styles as the dress I wore to my friends wedding), tons of work wear and dresses to wear to the office, and I even curated a little section of little white numbers for any brides-to-be. There is SO MUCH by Loeffler Randall on sale, which is always my favorite time to scoop up their high-quality shoes, bags, and accessories that will last you for years to come. Blouses, going out tops, and even some basics like Wolford body suits that rarely ever get marked down. If you’re one for planning ahead, there is actually a plethora of classic holiday pieces that always seem to be sold out when you need to…

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What I Wore Last Week

Jessica — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 20:44:28 +0000

The past two weeks were packed with plans… From a good friend’s wedding weekend with a black-tie celebration at Chicago’s Field Museum to the 4th of July’s many festivities, Dave’s birthday, a Cubs game, and a Girls’ Night Out. So much fun!! But I have to admit, I’m looking forward to a week of R&R and getting back on track with work and my health & fitness goals, too! LA DoubleJ Roy Dress I wore this silk one-shoulder dress to a friend’s Black-Tie wedding at the Field Museum in Chicago and received so many compliments! It was a very hot and humid day in Chicago so this breezy caftan-like dress was a dream to wear because I didn’t have to worry about Spanx. I wore my hair up in a low bun because of said humidity and accessorized with simple heels and affordable accessories. I’m all about that high-low mix! PS: I found this dress on Rent the Runway, too. Ulla Johnson Ruched Dress I wore this dress out to dinner at Charlie Martin’s in Chicago (which is a cute little date-night spot in River North) before the wedding welcome party. This dress is very lightweight and breathable, which makes…

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What I Wore This Spring

Jessica — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 04:27:26 +0000

It’s the first Monday of the Summer! And with that, some fresh outfit inspiration awaits. While the 90 and 100-degree temperatures in Chicago have definitely felt like summer, last week officially marked the Summer Solstice! It feels like summer has been in full swing for the last few weeks since Memorial Day, but now we’re officially changing the page on the seasons. My What I Wore Last Week posts used to be a weekly series that I hope to return to someday! I’ve bitten off way more than I can chew this year and am trying my best to keep all the different balls in the air. While I wish I could have made the time to share these outfits weekly, here’s a look at all of the outfits I’ve been wearing and repeating over the last few months! Please bear with me — this post is LENGTHY! But I tried to include lots of sizing details, restaurant recommendations, and even a celeb sighting. 😉 We’ve had a really wonderful spring here in Chicago, which I believe can be attributed to it being an El Niño year. Since it was warmer than usual, I’m hopeful that you can take inspiration…

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The Wayfair Chicago Store is Now Open

Jessica — Fri, 24 May 2024 13:13:15 +0000

The new Wayfair Chicago store is now open in Wilmette, just north of the city! I couldn’t be more thrilled about this news, as I’m always searching for new decor and furniture stores in the area. I stopped by to get a look at the space during their Friends & Family opening this past weekend and couldn’t have been more wowed! The store completely shattered all of my expectations, in the best way possible. Where is the Wayfair store in Chicago? The new Wayfair store in Chicago is in Edens Plaza, just off the highway at Lake Ave, which makes it super convenient if you’re coming from the city or the northern suburbs. The exact address to plug into your GPS is 3232 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. This store is Wayfair’s first large-format brick and mortar store! And it’s in Chicago… Beyond exciting. The grand opening is on Thursday, May 23rd, and exciting in-store events and activities will be happening all weekend long. The store opens at 10 am Monday through Saturday and 11 am on Sundays. The Wayfair store in Chicago is absolutely huge — it’s very spacious and so well-merchandised. Unlike a lot of large stores where you can…

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