Archives for August 2018

GAMEDAY LOOKBOOK

Happy Friday, friends and welcome back! As promised (on my Instastories), I’m back with my first ever Gameday Lookbook! For those of you that know me / have been around a while, you know this is the BEST weekend of the year for me; college football is back and I could not be happier about it. 🙂 When it comes to games and tailgating, I feel like one of the most common questions I get asked by friends and family alike, is “what should I wear to the game?” Y’all know I’m a casual gal, I’ve never even thought about wearing a dress to a game (though I do know many beautiful ladies who have), I tend to keep things simple: jeans, a team tee & a good pair of sneakers! For those of you hitting the quad this weekend to cheer on your favorite team, I’m here to offer you some gameday outfit inspiration! Despite my casual style, I will include a “dressier” option for my girls that want to go the extra mile and REALLY make a statement on gameday! Also, keep in mind that this is just a guideline; if you’re not an Auburn fan, just substitute YOUR team colors into any outfit and you’ll be good to go! With all of that being said, if you’re interested in how I would dress for a game at Jordan Hare, just keep on reading!

*Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links*

Team Tee • BP. Sunnies • Stud Earrings • Olivia Burton Watch

Alex & Ani Auburn Bracelet • Cutoff Shorts • Wristlet • Converse Shoreline Sneakers

Auburn Tumbler • Sunscreen • Jack Black Lip Balm

This is my go-to Saturday look; it’s casual, comfortable and appropriate for the excessive temperatures we have here in the South! Two of the most important things on gameday, are sunscreen and lip balm; seriously, ALWAYS remember to carry a lip balm with you, preferably one with SPF. I promise you there’s nothing worse than burnt, chapped lips, they are the WORST. 🙁 Now while I understand that many stadiums require you to carry a clear bag, some will still let you bring a wristlet like the one shown above. If I’m going somewhere that allows small bags, wallets or wristlets, I tend to go for that option as I find them easier to manage and keep up with. Also, this goes without saying but I 100% recommend choosing a COMFORTABLE shoe; there’s a lot of walking, standing and jumping associated with the college football season and an unreliable pair of shoes will have you dreading every minute of it.

Auburn Sweatshirt • WDE Hat • BP. Tortoise Sunnies • Wit & Wisdom Skinny Jeans

MVMT Bloom Watch • Nordstrom Stud Earrings • Alex & Ani Bracelet

Converse Shoreline Sneakers • Kikki.K Zip Around Wallet • Buxom Lip Cream • Auburn Koozie

Obviously this outfit is more appropriate for a late October / early November game, but I think it’s super cute none-the-less. These Wit & Wisdom jeans from Nordstrom are my new favorite brand; seriously, they’re more comfortable than every other pair of jeans I’ve ever put on! And I love a good classic team sweatshirt; they’re comfortable, warm without being too hot and perfect for the brisk fall breeze. I added an Auburn cap and a classic pair of sunnies to help round everything out.

Express Shaker knit Sweater • BP. Sunnies • Olivia Burton Watch

Alex & Ani Wrap Bracelet • Cotton Navy Skirt •Physician’s Formula Bronzer

Too Faced Lipstick • Auburn Tumbler • Steve Madden Sandals

Auburn Face Stickers • Universal Thread Wristlet Wallet

This last outfit is for my girls that really want to go the extra mile and come through at the tailgate! I paired a plain cotton skirt with a thin, lightweight sweater and added a pair of casual sandals to tie everything together. I also love the idea of adding a cute face sticker/tattoo to this look to keep it team oriented and festive! You can dress this look up even further with a nice watch/bracelet combo and add a nice (hydrating) nude lipstick to complete the look!

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So that wraps up this gameday lookbook! I hope you found this post helpful and inspiring, after all, college football Saturday is for team spirit, good food and lots of fun memories! 🙂 <3

If you’re a college football (or pro) fan, HAPPY KICKOFF WEEKEND; I know you’ve waited a long time for this! I hope you guys have a wonderful holiday weekend; have fun, be safe and make loads of memories!

Also, I have a 21 Days of Beauty guide going live tomorrow morning outlining everything I think is worth picking up during the ULTA sale! So stay tuned!

XOXO,

B

 

LABOR DAY SALES ROUND-UP

Good morning, friends and happy Friday Eve; I hope you’ve had a great week so far, we’re almost to the most glorious Saturday of the year – praise God! Anyways, if you follow me on Instagram (if you don’t, you should), you might have seen (via my stories) that I was planning to upload my August Favorites today; however, as you can tell by the title, I’ve moved things around a bit. With the long holiday weekend upon us, I thought now would be a good time to share all of the Labor Day sales with you guys! If you’re anything like me, then you’re already scheming for Christmas, so why not take advantage of a sale when you can (#amiright?!)! I’ve compiled a list of my most visited retailers to make for an easy and seamless shopping experience! As always, I will leave all store information and applicable discount codes below! So without further ado, let’s shop the sales!

**I will update all codes as new information and sales become available**

*Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links*

**Click the link below to go straight to the retailers website**

  1. Abercrombie: 40% off entire store (some exclusions apply). Free Shipping over $75. NOTE: I love their Sherpa Pullovers <3
  2. American Eagle: 25% of jeans, joggers & tops. 50% off shorts. 60% off clearance (exclusions apply). 40% off Aerie collection. Free Shipping over $50. NOTE: They have my favorite sweatshirt.
  3. Banana Republic: 40% off entire store (some exclusions apply). Extra 10% off for cardmembers with code: BRCARD. Free Shipping over $100.
  4. Bath & Body Works: 20% off purchase w/code: FEELINFALL. Additional deals on wallflowers & body care.
  5. Baublebar: Up to 80% off. Free Shipping over $25.
  6. Bed, Bath & Beyond: Up to 50% off. Free Shipping over $29.
  7. Belk: Up to 75% off + extra 25% w/code: LABORDAY. Extra 15% off home sale w/code: HOMESALE. PLUS, earn $15 Belk Bucks for every $75 you spend. Free Shipping over $99.
  8. Express: 40% off everything + Free Shipping over $50. NOTE: I love their jeans and sweaters.
  9. Fanatics: 20% off (no minimum) w/code: KICKOFF.
  10. Forever 21: Extra 50% off sale w/code: EXTRA50 + $2 deals. Free Shipping over $50.
  11. Francesca’s: 30% off <—- ONLINE ONLY. BOGO 60% off IN-STORE ONLY. Free Shipping over $60.
  12. Gap: Up to 50% off + extra 20% off (Online Only). Almost everything 40% off IN-STORES. Free Shipping over $50.
  13. J Crew: 30% off + extra 10% off w/code: BIGSALE. Extra 50% off final sale.
  14. J Crew Factory: 50% off ONLINE ONLY. Extra 50% off clearance w/code: SALEAWAY.
  15. JC Penney: 25% off $100 + extra 20% off w/ JC Penney card or 15% off with any other form of payment w/code: 7BIGSALE. Free Shipping over $100.
  16. Kate Spade: Extra 30% off sale w/code: ONEOFAKIND. Free Shipping on all orders.
  17. Kohls: $10 off $25 w/code: LABORDAY + $10 in Koh’s cash for ever $50 spent.
  18. Levi’s: 30% off + Free Shipping w/code: SAVE30.
  19. Loft: 40% off purchase w/code: LABORDAY. Free Shipping over $125.
  20. Macys: Extra 10-20% off (select departments) w/code: WKND. Free Shipping over $49.
  21. Missguided: 40% off new-in w/code: babenew. 30% off student discount. Free Shipping over $50.
  22. Old Navy: 50% off jeans, tees, sweatshirts & dresses. Extra 20% off entire order. Free Shipping over $50.
  23. Pier 1: $100 off $500, $40 off $200, $15 off $100 w/code: LABORDAY. Free Shipping over $49 w/code: FREESHIP49.
  24. Sole Society: Up to 60% off select styles. Free Shipping over $50.
  25. Target: 30% off home, furniture & patio + extra 15% off. Free Shipping over $35.
  26. Ulta: 20% off any qualifying purchase (excludes prestigious brands) w/code: 679729. NOTE: Ulta’s 21 days of beauty kicks off September 2nd, so stay tuned for a sales round-up!
  27. Wayfair: Up to 75% off Labor Day sale. Free Shipping over $49.
  28. World Market: 15% off + Free Shipping over $65 w/code: FALLWMR <— MEMBERS ONLY. 10% off + Free Shipping over $65 w/code: FALLSAVE10 <— NON-MEMBERS.

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I hope you found this list helpful and are able to take advantage of some of these fun, end-of-summer sales! I hope you have a wonderful day and an even better holiday weekend! Be safe, have fun and happy shopping!

**Also, I will have a gameday lookbook going up tomorrow as well as a guide to Ulta’s 21 days of beauty going up Saturday, so stay tuned for that!**

XOXO,

-B

SEPHORA APPRECIATION SALE PICKS

Good afternoon, friends and happy Tuesday; I hope you had a great weekend and an amazing start to your week. As you can tell by the title, I will be skipping my typical ‘Tabata Tuesday’ post in favor of the Sephora sale that’s currently going on! For those of you that don’t know, Sephora is currently running an Appreciation sale for Rouge, VIB & Beauty Insider customers! I will leave all dates and applicable codes below; so if you wanna see what I think is worth picking up, just keep on scrolling!

*Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links*

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 SHOPPING DATES & CODES

  • Sephora Rouge Members: 8/24 – 9/3 ——————————————-> code: YESROUGE
  • Sephora VIB Members: 8/30 – 9/3 ———————————————-> code: YESVIB
  • Sephora Beauty Insiders: 8/30 – 9/3 ——————————————–> code: YESINSIDER

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Moroccanoil Root Boost • Buxom Lip Cream • YSL Mon Paris Rollerball

SF Jet Lag Face Mask • It Cosmetics CC+ Cream • Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum • Benefit Roller Lash • Bite Agave Lip Mask

ABH Soft Glam • Nars Orgasm Blush • Tarte Chrome Paint (Top Yacht)

NARS Audacious Lipstick • Coola Sunless Tan Face Serum • Too Faced Setting Powder

Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Mask • Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Okay, I know this seems like a lot but I wanted to share a little bit of everything with you guys; and while I know you’ve seen some of these products featured on my blog before, there are some things that are brand new to me and my collection! So if you’re interested in WHY I think these items are worth picking up, check out my descriptions below! And if you’re not into all that reading, I totally get it :); I have linked everything above to make for a seamless and easy shopping experience!

  1. Moroccainoil Root Boost: If you’re looking for more texture and volume, give this bad boy a try. I use this before blow-drying and styling my hair and have noticed such a huge difference. It adds just the right amount of grit to make my freshly washed hair a lot easier to manage.
  2. Buxom Full-On Lip Cream: Y’all, this is the best gloss ever. It comes in a plethora of shades, my    favorites being White Russian and Moscow Mule, and adds a nice cooling sensation to the lips.
  3. YSL Mon Paris Rollerball: One of my favorite perfumes of all time. You can find my other favorite HERE.
  4. Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask: Is your skin looking dull and dehydrated? If so, you might REALLY like this mask. You guys know that I struggle with alligator-like skin and if I don’t give it enough attention it starts to look really dull and unhealthy. I picked this up on a whim after hearing such great things about it and it’s been a staple in my skincare routine ever since.
  5. It Cosmetics CC+ Cream: Medium to full coverage, SPF 50+ and all day wear; you really can’t go wrong. Also, if you have oily skin, you can find the matte version (:)) HERE!
  6. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder: This is relatively new to my collection but I love it. After hearing people rave about this product for years, I decided to finally try it out for myself. It makes your skin look diffused, airbrushed and incredibly flawless. I have the shades Ethereal Light and Luminous Light.
  7. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum: This in conjunction with the Jet Lag Mask highlighted above has changed the game for my skin. It works well for a multitude of skin types, is incredibly gentle and has helped with luminosity, texture and dryness (HALLELUJAH!). So if you’re looking for a serum to add to your skincare routine, pick up the mini version (HERE) and give it a try.
  8. Benefit Roller Lash: If you’ve been around a while then you know that I used to rave about the Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara, and while I still love that one, this has slowly taken it’s place. 🙂
  9. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask: Okay, I know that $20 seems like a lot to pay for a mask/balm but guys, this stuff is the TRUTH. Again, I struggle with dry skin and sometimes my lips suffer the most. This is quite possibly the most hydrating lip product I’ve ever used; it’s great to use at night before bed or during the day when you’re running out the door. I have the natural/clear shade and would 150% recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for extreme lip hydration.
  10. ABH Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette: This is a neutral girl’s dream! You guys know I’ve been a fan of ABH shadows for years and this palette is no exception. It transitions from day to night and has a mix of matte and shimmer shadows that are sure to stun in any crowd. If I had to pick ONE ABH palette to pick up, this would be the one! <3
  11. NARS Orgasm Blush: Ugh, while I hate the name of this blush, I love the color and finish it gives to the cheeks. It’s the most beautiful pinky/peach shade (with a hint of shimmer), has incredible pigment and works well all year round! There’s a reason it’s a cult favorite!
  12. Tarte Chrome Paint Shadow Pot: I talked about these in my last favorites post (HERE) so I’ll keep it short and sweet. If you’re looking for something sparkly and stunning to put on your lid, look no further, this is IT. I have the shades Top Yacht, Fire Dancer & Steel the Show (swoon).
  13. NARS Audacious Lipstick: When it comes to lipstick I like to keep things pretty simple; I like a cream/satin formula that’s easy to wear and comfortable on the lips. While NARS definitely delivers when it comes to pigment and comfort, that $34 dollar price tag is A LOT (at least for me) to take in. So if you’re anything like me, and you’re interested in trying one of the Audacious Lipsticks, now’s the time to pick it up!
  14. Coola Sunless Tan Face Serum: Ever since I started self tanning (semi-consistently) this summer I’ve been on the hunt for something to help match my face to my body (y’all, the struggle is real). After seeing (and reading) a TON of positive reviews for this face serum, I decided to give it a go. I mix a couple drops in with my moisturizer and have been loving the results so far. BONUS: it’s great for all skin types and hasn’t broken me out! Also, speaking of self-tanner, you can find my favorites HERE & HERE.
  15. Too Faced Ethereal Setting Powder: You guys already know how much I love this powder; it’s beautiful on the skin, lasts all day and never makes me look cakey! 🙂
  16. PTR Therapeutic Sulfur Mask: This is my go-to face mask when dealing with problematic skin; It zaps blemishes, addresses texture and is 1000% worth the money!
  17. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: This coupled with the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask will leave your lips more hydrated then they’ve ever been before. I typically use this at night after I exfoliate, and when I wake up I immediately go in with the Bite mask; y’all I’m telling you, if you struggle with dry, cracked lips, give this stuff a try!

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So that wraps up my Sephora Sale Picks! I hope you found this post helpful and if you’re shopping the sale, I’d love to know what you picked up! Leave me a comment down below and let’s chat!

XOXO,

B

FRIDAY FAVORITES & HATE ITS

Good afternoon, friends and HAPPY FRIDAY! Woo hoo, we made it! Do you guys have anything fun planned for the weekend? Any last minute summer getaways? In a shocking turn of events, I actually DO have plans; I’m having brunch with the girls on Saturday and then showing a friend of my cousins around town on Sunday (he’s new to ATL, he needs all the deets)! Essentially I have to get all my non-football related plans out of the way now because come next weekend, I’m booked until February (lol – I’m only partly joking). Anyways, let me stop rambling; as you can tell by today’s title, I’m back with a new Friday Favorites & Hate Its post! I don’t have a TON to talk about, but I figured I’d hop on here and share what I’ve been loving (and NOT loving) with you guys anyways. Per usual I will list and link everything down below; so if you’re in the mood to try something new, happy shopping, folks!

*Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links*

Born This Way Foundation (Nude) • Buxom Lip Polish (Tiffany) • Benefit Roller Lash

Tarte Blush (Paarty) • Tartan & Twine Makeup Bag • Frank Body Lip Scrub

Morphe Blending Sponge • Tarte Chrome Paint Pot (Top Yacht)

UD Optical Illusion Primer • Eco Tools Bronzer Brush • Cali Contour Palette

I’ve been keeping things pretty simple with my beauty routine lately (I’m sure that’s obvious). I’ve been using the Born This Way foundation (an oldie but a goodie), the Tarte blush in Paarty, the Smashbox Cali Contour palette (LOVE this) and then topping things off with a little bit of ‘Top Yacht’ on the lid; seriously that color is stunning, it makes every makeup look pop!

KL Polish (Zoey) • KL Polish (Miss. Kensington) • Natural Bliss Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Stance Socks • Adidas Swift Run • Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Candle

Gillian & O’Malley Joggers • Travel Tumbler

What do you know, KL Polish makes ANOTHER appearance in a favorites post (shocker). I’ve been wearing Zoey and Miss. Kensington consistently over the last 2-3 weeks and don’t think I’ll be switching it up any time soon. As for the rest of my favorites, you’ve already heard me swoon over the joggers and Adidas sneakers so I’ll save you the boring details, just know that I LOVE them. I don’t know if it’s the warm (sometimes oppressively hot) weather we’re having right now, but I’ve been VERY into cold brew coffee lately. If you guys have been around a while then you know that I like a little bit coffee with my cream, so a sweet cream flavored brew seemed just right for me. FYI, I was right, it’s amazing! Last but CERTAINLY not least, a good ole’ pumpkin candle. Swoon. Full disclosure, I’ve been burning pumpkin candles for weeks; I’m so ready for fall that I think I’m trying to burn my way into it! Also, if you’re interested, Bath & Body Works has all of your fall favorites on sale for $12.95 + $10 off $30 with code: HARVEST. If you’re looking to stock up before the new season, now’s the time!

A New Day Block Heels • Revolution Baking Powder • Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

BP. Lace Cami • Revlon BB Cream • MAC Aaliyah Palette

Benefit BadGal Bang Mascara • Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation

Okay, let’s start with the clothes first; while I love the style of the block heels from A New Day, I found the toe strap to be WAAAYYYY too tight; so despite being super cute, they weren’t anywhere near comfortable…at least for me. The BP. Lace Cami was one of those things that would have been cute if it was approximately 2-3 inches longer. I mean I wouldn’t say it’s cropped, but it definitely wasn’t the length I typically go for. Also, if you’re considering picking this up, I would 100% recommend trying it on IN-STORE (if you can); the sizing can be a bit off, especially if you’re on the bustier side. Now onto the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings. If you follow any other fashion bloggers on Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen these 4235724 times; unfortunately, they just didn’t work for me. They were extremely long (I’m 5’3) and not as comfortable as I had hoped they’d be. With that being said, they definitely suck and tuck everything in, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you might really like them. Switching gears to my makeup misses; y’all, the Revlon BB Cream was a nightmare. It made my skin look super GREASY and started separating within in a matter of hours (I’m talking like TWO hours); if you’re looking for an affordable BB Cream, you can find my favorites HERE & HERE. As for the MAC Aaliyah eyeshadow palette, I was incredibly disappointed in the pigmentation and blendability; maybe I got a dud, but I certainly expected more from a MAC product. 🙁 Moving on…the Benefit BadGal Bang mascara wasn’t terrible, it just wasn’t my favorite; you guys know I live for Roller Lash & Lights, Camera, Lashes! Last but certainly not least we have the Smashbox Studio Skin foundation. Y’all, I really wanted to love this, unfortunately my skin did not. 🙁 I’ve struggled with Smashbox products in the past but wanted to give this a try anyways. After using it 3-4 times with no luck, I returned it. I’m still crossing my fingers for the day I find a Smashbox foundation/concealer that doesn’t break me out. Here’s to hoping.

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So that wraps up this edition of Friday favorites & hate-its. I hope you enjoyed this post and are ready to kick off the weekend ahead! What were you loving this week? Leave me a comment down below and let’s chat!

Before I go, I want to say thank you to all of you that are still here with me and supporting my piece of the internet, I appreciate it more than you know. Also, I’m planning a fun ‘fall favorites’ giveaway that will run on my social platforms early next month, so stay tuned for that!

Until next time….

XOXO,

B

BEST OF TARGET

Goodafternoon, friends and happy Friday Eve; we’ve almost made it to the weekend – hallelujah! I hope this week has treated you well and that the upcoming weekend will be even better! For those of you that have been around a while, you can probably guess that I’m gearing up for the start of football season (War Eagle) so my mood and spirit are in pretty good shape these days (it doesn’t take much). However, before I start rambling on about how much I love football and how it completes me (dramatic much?), let’s get to the point of today’s post! You guys know that I’m a sucker for Target (aren’t we all :)); I could walk around aimlessly for hours, leave with nothing (though that rarely happens) and still feel immense happiness. I have gotten quite a few pieces from them over the last few months and thought now would be a good time to share some of my favorite things with you all. While Target has a generally lower price point than most department stores, I know they can still be a bit higher than what some people are willing to spend. So today I’m rounding up all of the pieces that I think are 1000% worth the $$. I have everything from shoes and fitness apparel, to intimates and fall staples. As always, I will list and link everything down below so you can shop with ease! 🙂 So without further ado, let’s jump into this!

*Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links*

Gillian & O’Malley Robe • Pajama Short Set • Lace Back Bralette

Black Sleep Joggers • Lace Chemise • Moccasin Slippers

As you can tell by the image above, I have a lot of love for the Gillian & O’Malley brand. The material is buttery soft, super feminine and ultra flattering. If you had to get ONE thing, I would pick up the joggers; they’re soft, comfortable and perfect for lounging around the house (and running errands). In addition to the joggers, I think the kimono robe and slippers would make awesome holiday gifts!

Edwina Boots • Leopard Loafers • Mustard Ruffle Mules • Laser Cut Ankle Boots

Canvas Sneaker • Velma Mule • Rebecca Flat • Tassle Mules

Okay, how cute are these shoes?! You guys know I love a good flat/mule situation and Target has been absolutely killing the game lately. They have a plethora of different styles, colors and patterns to choose from and I guarantee that there is something there for everyone! Now let’s talk sizing; for every shoe on the top row, I went up a 1/2 size; I’m typically a 7 1/2 but find that the 8’s fit MUCH better. As for the bottom row, I purchased the canvas sneakers & the red flats in a size 7 (though some people might want to go down a FULL size in the red flats). As for the other 2 pairs of mules, I went up a 1/2 size and picked up the 8s! PRO TIP: For the traditional flats, I suggest using a heel insert; it makes them more comfortable and easier to break in!

Universal Thread Cardigan • Champion Sports Bra • Striped Knit Top • Peplum Tank

Poplin Button Up • Trapezoid Midi Satchel Bag • High Waist Leggings

Elephant Bracelet • Tortoise Sunnies • Universal Thread Jeggings

Layered Y-Chain Necklace • Chenille Throw Blanket

Okay, where do I start?! I have been in love with the Universal Thread Cardigans since they debuted last year and this season is no exception; they fit TTS, work well in and outside of the office and are incredibly comfortable. The striped knit sweater & poplin button up will be perfect for the summer-to-fall transition; they’re lightweight, fit TTS and offer a drapey/slouchy fit. The dropped waist/peplum tank will pair beautifully under a cardigan and look great with a pair of high waisted jeans (like the ones pictured above)…also, I definitely recommend sizing up, especially if you are on the bustier side. As for the Champion workout leggings, they’re high waisted (thank goodness), breathable and fit TTS. Last but certainly not least, the Universal Thread button fly jeggings are the cutest Madewell dupe ever. They come in petite, regular and long, fit TTS (at least for me) and have held up really well in the wash. I will say, despite them being available in a “long” version, if you’re taller than 5’8, you may want to try them on before purchasing them as some people still complain about them being a touch too short. As for the elephant bracelet, I’m in love; I literally wear it everyday….and the black satchel is a classic piece that you can pair with any and every outfit. <3 🙂

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So that wraps up this ‘Best of Target’ post; I hope you enjoyed it and found some things you may wanna pick up and add to your fall wardrobe. Are you ready for fall?! What’s your must-have fall wardrobe piece?! Leave me a comment down below and let’s chat!

XOXO,

B