what (who) it is: Ruthie Davis

why I love it: I was fact checking something for work last week when I first found out about Ruthie Davis, and I instantly felt FOMO for not knowing about this amazing shoe collection before. The above are just three shoes from the fall collection, but each style comes in multiple colors/color combinations. I love how the styles and colors take traditional shoe styles and add a little excitement to them without making them too crazy. The color combinations are just right. Any one of these shoes adds instant interest to an outfit while still being very wearable. They can serve as both an outfit maker or a great complement to a great outfit, and that is a balance that is incredibly hard to strike.

where to get it: pre-fall and fall collection not yet available, but shop available shoes at Ruthie Davis
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what it is: J.Crew Tippi sweater in polka dot

why I love it: When I was about 14, I went through a polka dot-loving phase. This was when my interpretation of matching included colors, as well as patterns. I had a white tank top with pink polka dots that I would always pair with a white scarf belt that also had different shades of pink polka dots in the same size as the tank top. Those were dark times. Anyway, this phase came and went (I think it lasted a little too long), and since it ended, that "outfit" I used to wear with pride is what usually comes to mind when I think about polka dotted clothing. This makes me cringe. That is, until I was at J.Crew the other day and I saw this sweater. I'm not sure what color combo I love the best, but I love the contrast in this pink and gray option, even though I'm not much of a pink person. The polka dots are just large enough to be sophisticated but not so big that they could be part of a circus costume. The sweater itself is perfectly classic and a great weight for both layering and standing on its own. The kind of random placement of the dots I think was what sold me in the end. They are populous (yeah, I used that word) enough to make this a polka dotted sweater, but not so systematic that I feel like I'm in 8th grade shopping at Delia's. Per usual, my mental outfit generator is going crazy, and per usual, I think I'll be staring at this from afar for a while. Though, an extra note, if I go back and they have only an XL on sale, this is a sweater that works just as well in an oversized look!

where to get it: J.Crew, $89.50
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what it is: Face Stockholm for J.Crew lipstick in Chili Flake

why I love it: I was doing a little browsing to escape from the NYC heat the other day, and obviously ducked into J.Crew to see what's up with pre-fall over there. I usually don't gravitate to the beauty products because of the backhaul I have at home, but at the sight of a shade called Chili Flake, one of my favorite seasonings of all time, I had to see what was inside. The picture above doesn't fully capture how amazing this shade is. It is a red, but with a touch of orange and the slightest hint of a coral that makes it more striking than almost any other red I've seen. I kept taking the top off of the lipstick and looking at its amazingness. At the time, I was just taking mental inventory of what's in store for the season, but this has been on my mind for almost a week now, so I think I might have to go pick one up, even if my lipstick collection is heaping over the tray where I store it.

where to get it: J.Crew, $20
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what it is: Zara printed mini skirt

why i love it: This skirt has all of the elements I'm craving in a fall wardrobe: texture, an interesting tribal print and a monochromatic color scheme that balances out the other details perfectly. Paired with more casual layers or boots, it has the potential to work as a great transitional piece for in between the seasons. Plus, it's a prime example of what Zara does best: expensive-looking statement pieces for impressively affordable prices.

where to get it: zara.com, $59.90
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what it is: Estée Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

why i love it: This lightweight illuminator is the one thing missing in your skin care routine, trust me. Here's the reason: whenever you see a photograph in a magazine where the model's skin looks amazing, the trick behind it (besides Photoshop) is always lighting. This product creates a similar effect on your skin, even if you don't have a professional photography team following you around at all times. It evens skin tone and fades dark marks while leaving behind a light scent and subtle shimmer.  I especially love what it does for skin's texture and overall luminous-ness; you really do end up needing to use less makeup, which is always a plus. 

where to get it: esteelauder.com, $145
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what it is: Zara appliqué shirt

why i love it: You can never really go wrong with a classic, androgynous button down. This version is every bit as sophisticated as its Brooks Brothers counterpart, but the metal hardware detail on the collar gives it a more current, stylish feel. I can see this shirt being worn a wide variety of different ways, styled more casually (as in the photos above) or for the office. 

where to get it: zara.com, $60
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what it is: Bite Beauty High Pigment Matte Pencil in Grapevine

why i love it: You know how you have that one shirt that people always compliment, without fail? This lip color is the beauty product equivalent of that. Every time I wear it,  at least one or two people compliment me or asks what brand it is. I love this product because the fuchsia color is rich and saturated, but it's also blendable and buildable, so you really can achieve whatever look you want. The pencil applicator also helps with precision and the texture of the lip color itself is smooth and matte without being drying. It's the perfect final touch for a night out, and something I always keep stashed in my purse.

where to get it: sephora.com, $24
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If I had to choose my favorite hair product, it would undoubtedly be dry shampoo. I love my serums and sea salt sprays, but the many benefits of dry shampoo sets it apart. Besides the obvious lazy girl aspect of not having to wash hair as often, it also adds texture, breathes life into styles and doesn't strip hair of its natural nourishing oils. A truly great invention, hair scientists. 

But that said, there are tons of different dry shampoos on the market. Within the past few years, almost every brand has come out with their own version. I've tried quite a few, from the expensive salon versions to the cheapest products from the drugstore, so now I bring to you the dry shampoo throwdown. See how each of these different brands measures up. Rankings are based on a scale of 1 (don't put yourself through that kind of torture) to 10 (absolute miracle in a bottle). 

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what it is: Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25

why i love it: My skin is far from perfect, but I absolutely hate the feeling of wearing heavy foundation to even it out. My belief is that heavy makeup that can sink into pores is far worse than no makeup at all. This BB cream is pretty much the best of both worlds, because it evens skin to perfection but feels weightless, almost like you're not wearing any makeup. If you still don't know what BB cream is, it's pretty much the best invention ever. Think of it as the Swiss Army Knife of foundation or a tinted moisturizer on steroids: it's an all-around over-achieving makeup, moisturizer and treatment in one. I especially love this "Water Fuse" formula because it forms a dewy barrier on the skin, regulating moisture (so your skin stays nourished but doesn't get greasy). Dr. Jart, whoever you are, I commend you.

where to get it: sephora.com, $34
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what it is: Tarte The Bright Side Double-Ended Eye Brightener

why i love it: Are you awake yet? No? Meet your new best friend (that can't be ordered at Starbucks). First, a tip: to de-puff tired eyes, refrigerate your eye cream. The cold moisturizer will help tackle puffiness and also feel amazing. Then, use this handy product to fake a wide-eyed look. 

After applying under-eye concealer, use the less intense daytime highlighter on one end to brighten anywhere you might need it: tear ducts, brow bones, cheek bones. The powder is super blendable and subtle, and the applicator allows for precision. The nighttime brightener has more of a purple hue that catches the light even more, which means you can use it more sparingly or when you want a more dramatic look. 

where to get it: sephora.com, $20
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