what it is: e.l.f. Studio Lip Exfoliator
why I love it: It's common knowledge that exfoliating and bright, bold lip color goes hand in hand, but sometimes people don't want to take the extra step or invest the extra money. This exfoliator is not only cheap, it comes in a no-mess, easy to use lipstick packaging and you can FEEL it working. Some sort of colorful lip is in style every season, but exfoliating is especially important during the upcoming dry, harsh, colder months, particularly if you're going to go for a classic red or deep plum that's having a moment. Just throw this in your bag along with your lip color du jour, and you don't have to worry about flakes throughout the day! 
where to get it: Eyes Lips Face, $3.00
-E

A few months ago, my roommate got some sweet kicks, and I couldn’t stop thinking about them once I saw her wearing them for the first time. 

I’d had my eye on the look of high top sneakers for a while now, after I got over being staunchly non-sneaker (except Converses, of course!) for so long. People were wearing them in creative ways, but I thought it would be sartorially hypocritical to go for a pair. I thought it was the only thing I couldn't "pull off" (usually I feel that if you like it, wear it, and being able to "pull something off" is all mental). Well, I got over that. Then I went on a search.

I looked at lots of options at DSW, Nike, Adidas, Foot Locker, Finish Line, Champs Sports, the usual suspects. I was having trouble making a decision, and everything started to look the same. Then I was at H&M and passed the boys department where I found these (Not available on the US website), and that was it. I fell in love, and my love affair is still going strong. Next up: taking out a mortgage for these Dsquared2 beauties. (Kidding. Kind of.)

A note on the hidden wedge sneaker: It wasn’t an accident that I left these out. I don’t hate them, but I was interested in the flat option in terms of comfort and aesthetic. On my search, I also found some fun places to find cool kicks: Be&d, Supra, Michael Kors, Yoox.
-E

I love when an unassuming item that’s usually the opposite of anything fashionable becomes an "item of the moment" in the industry. Thanks to street style, the masses get to see how fashion people get creative with these seemingly lackluster items. I’ve been seeing some creative, unexpected and even daring combinations using baseball hats around blogs and Pinterest lately. They add a very cool element to anything from an ultrafeminine to menswear-inspired look, and seem to be THE pervasive accessory on fashion week loiterers this season.

All these pictures even prompted me to snatch up one of my own from the men’s department at H&M (the perfect incarnation from J.Crew was sold out). It’s just a plain snapback baseball cap in maroon—simple and neutral enough to throw on with a patterned dress and make it a little less girly, or dress down a nighttime look for day. It’s just a bonus that they’re functional! (See: perfect beach accessory or added shade during walks in the park.) I’m also loving the different takes on the classic, like leather, straw and patterned; they’re understated enough to still be stylish and not tacky, but different enough to get a second look.
-E

what it is: Forever 21 Men's "Burnished Button Plaid Shirt"

why I love it: I just purchased a shirt from Forever 21 men not too different from this one, and I love it, but what drew me to that one and the one pictured above was how much I like it for men (and obviously that's who it's supposed to be for). It's the perfect casual button down and can be worn with jeans, shorts, khakis and a number of types of shoes to give it a very different look depending on what you choose. And it's a great layering piece as well. But for me, I've worn this as a "jacket" over a classic striped sheath dress, and it's great tied up over or tucked into a skirt. It works over leggings and under anything from a jean jacket to a blazer. The square, big fit can juxtapose feminine silhouettes and adds a sense of casual ease to any outfit. But that's true with this shirt for either gender. 

where to get it: Forever 21, $27.90
-E

Most people's skin concerns can't be summed up in one simple adjective. It's never just oily, acne-prone, dull or aging; for most of us, it's an unfortunate combination of issues. But whether you're concerned about fine lines, huge pores or dark spots, one of the best tools you can use to improve the overall condition of your skin is an at-home peel. 

There's pretty much a peel designed for every skin issue, and most of them use glycolic acid or other exfoliators to combat a wide range of issues. They're especially great for fighting blackheads, reversing signs of aging, fading dark spots, minimizing pores and exfoliating for a brighter complexion. Just be careful to use these peels as directed on the package, as overusing or applying to super sensitive skin can cause chemical burns. Here are a few of my favorites: 

favorite all-around:
Malin + Goetz 10% Glycolic Acid Pads, $48, malinandgoetz.com

favorite for anti-aging/dark spots:
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, $78, sephora.com

favorite for dull skin:
Origins Brighter By Nature High-Potency Brightening Peel with Fruit Acids, $38.50, sephora.com

favorite for oily or acne-prone skin:
Advanced Home Actives Brazilian Peel Clear, $45, advancedhomeactives.com

favorite for delicate eye area:
Ole Henriksen Truth is in the Eyes Eye Peel, $42, sephora.com
-S

what it is: Zara studded camouflage shirt

why I love it: I'm not really a camo girl, but I saw this hanging not where it was meant to be hanging while at Zara and the thing where I instantly come up with about 1,000 outfits happened. Then I couldn't stop thinking about it for days and eventually went back and got it. I got it a little big so that I can wear it as a "jacket" over pants and a shirt or a dress, or button it and wear it as a modern take on a button down with pants or a skirt (tucked in, left out, sloppy tucked, sleeves rolled, etc, etc I could go on and on). The green is a neutral and the studs and gold accents make a regular casual-leaning shirt more interesting, modern and dressier. It looks great against dark or light solids and is the perfect element for pattern mixing, and it's just right when you're traveling or don't know what to wear; you can just throw on and it basically makes and outfit instantly. 

where to get it: Zara, $79.90
-E

what it is: J.Crew Toni tassel loafers and Mona tassel heels

why I love it: Where do I start? I have a weakness for menswear-inspired pieces (just as I have a weakness for menswear), and both of these shoes strike the perfect balance between menswear elements and a feminine shoe. The black-on-brown color combination makes these shoes able to go with literally anything, and I love the oxford detailing and the tassels as a nice extra touch. I think what made these catch  my eye even more than other well-designed loafers, though, is the shape. Instead of a classic loafer or a trying-too-hard to make a feminine shape out of a classic loafer (read a shortened or too-rounded toe area), these take the shape of a smoking slipper, a shoe I also love. Sometimes hybrid styles can turn out less ideally than intended, but these are perfect. I wish I could stop staring.

where to get it: J.Crew (flat), $238; J.Crew (heel), $268
-E

what it is: JINSoon nail polish

why i love it*: It's fitting that this shiny new line of nail polishes launched in the middle of Fashion Week mayhem; their creator Jin Soon Choi is a fixture backstage, where so much Fashion Week mayhem occurs. She's basically the rockstar of the manicure world: she does all of the top shows and major celebrity photo shoots, and she has three successful eponymous salons in NYC. That's why it's baffled me for so long that she hadn't come out with her own line of nail polishes (yet somehow we live in a world where the Kardashians and Justin Bieber have). This line of polishes couldn't come Jin Soon enough (wow, I'm really sorry about that). Enter Space NK's JINSoon line. I was lucky enough to try out Nostalgia, a pinky-nude color, and I can report that these long overdue polishes don't disappoint. 

First, the shades: between the two "collections" (the "A La Mode" collection has trendier, bolder shades, while the "Quintessential" collection is more classic), there's really something for everyone. I'm pretty anti-shimmer when it comes to by nail polish choices, so I love that there's not one speck of iridescence in any of these shades. They also earn bonus cool points for being named by top models. 

But in my opinion, the formula is really what sets these nail polishes apart. I'm not kidding when I say these lacquers made it feel almost impossible to mess up even a rushed DIY manicure. The nude color I tried was opaque with just one coat, which pretty much never happens with other brands (sorry, Essie Mademoiselle). The polish goes on smoothly and dries with a super shiny finish, so you can pretty much skip base and top coat. 

where to get it: spacenk.com, $18

-S

*This should say "why I really, really, really, really love it." Yes, I am aware that I just wrote a love letter/ode to a nail polish. Try it and you'll understand.

what it is: Keihl's Midnight Recovery Eye

why i love it: This deeply moisturizing cream does exactly what the title claims: it helps your skin recover and bounce back from a late night or a few days of neglect. Light enough that it doesn't feel greasy but hydrating enough that it does its job, this product brightens and smoothes skin around the eyes like Photoshop in a tube. I love to use it as a base before I apply my makeup because it seals in moisture and serves as a kind of primer to help my undereye concealer stay on throughout the day.

where to get it: keihls.com, $34
-S

what it is: Zara long pleated skirt

why I love it: I love maxi skirts, but the normal neutrals like black or white can be overwhelming in long skirt form. My first maxi skirt was a charcoal gray color, and I found that to be more versatile than black, because anything I'd pair it with is automatically less of a stark contrast. That's how I feel about this pretty blush color. It's surprisingly versatile, and the knife pleats and light fabric give the skirt an ultra-feminine feel that allows for more outfit options in a way. The styling in this photo doesn't really show off how flattering the skirt is, but with a white t-shirt and flat sandals the skirt is perfect for a day, and with strappy heels and a silky tank, it can be dressed up. Pair it with combat boots and/or an oversized cardigan or crew neck sweater in colder weather and you've given the skirt a new vibe altogether. Zara isn't the only place to offer a skirt in this style and color, but I love the fabric and perfect blush shade this one comes in, and the price isn't too bad for something that is, after all, a trend.

where to get it: Zara, $89.90
-E