Category:

Women’s Fashion

Our exciting adventures in South Africa

by Lina Clémence July 15, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

We had the most wonderful trip to South Africa. Initially I stayed with an old school friend who lives in White River. We then went on a very exciting safari at the Idubi game lodge. The itinerary was organised by Diana Granoux of Leopard.voyage. If you are planning to visit South Africa I would highly recommend Diana, she organised our trip superbly.

The tunic dress I am wearing was from Zara, Black leggings from Uniqlo. I found leggings very useful as on safari the morning and evening drives were cold. White lace layering top from MeandEm. Trainers from New Balance. Hat from St.Tropez Market.

We were so excited to find a Leopard. They are becoming very rare. This is a fairly old female leopard, named Ravenscroft by the rangers.

A male lion. One of the big five animals that we were so lucky to see.

The stately giraffe.

We were lucky to see quite a few elephants during the four days that we stayed at the lodge.

I will be posting one more blog post on our Adventures in South Africa next week.

July 15, 2025 0 comments

Women's Fashion

30+ Styled Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Outfits You’ll Love!

by Lina Clémence July 14, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Ready to refresh your closet during the best sale of the year? The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is finally here—and here’s why it’s worth the hype. It’s the only sale where you can buy fall items on sale before the season even starts (vs. end of season leftovers).

This sale is the perfect time to invest in those high quality wardrobe basics that I’m always talking about…for less.

Can you believe this is my 12th year covering the sale? That experience enables me to easily find the pieces that I think are actually worth your time and money. And, also really curate the content in a way that hopefully is the most helpful fo ryou.

So, this year, I thought it might be great to pull together some head-to-toe styled outfits from the sale that you can wear now and later— there’s truly something here for everyone.

Couple of shopping notes: Things do sell out fast so, if something is sold out already, I linked a similar style for you. Also, you can tap or click the graphics directly to easily shop these once-a-year deals!

For more insider’s tips and sale details, make sure to check out this post.

Keep scrolling, and get inspired!

Ready for even more Nordstrom Sale finds? Check out my top 10 must-have jeans from the sale!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Outfits You'll Love 2025, Mother Hustler Jeans

Shopping Notes: You can click or tap the images throughout this post to go directly to the products. Also, do NOT order the VB slingbacks pictured above. The strap does not stay on the heel.

Classic Neutral Base

Lightweight and versatile, this neutral look mixes a soft ribbed tank, perfectly chic, cropped jeans, and a beautiful thin silk scarf for your pop of color. This is one you can wear now or layer up so easily when the temps are lower this fall.

Shopping Notes: Click or tap the images above to go directly to the products. Also, do NOT order the baseball hat. The quality and fit are not quite right.

Sporty Chic Midi

This casual square neck midi dress in activewear fabric will be an effortless everyday option now into fall. Just throw on your favorite chic sneakers and a ball cap and you’re set! Then, you can add a relaxed blazer or denim jacket this fall for a super easy-to-wear look this fall too.

Monochromatic Coastal Vibes

This gorgeous crochet sweater and ecru jeans are the perfect monochromatic neutral look for a chic coastal outfit in a cooler beachside or mountain vacation. Pair it with sandals now, heeled booties later!

Sunny Summer Dress

Feminine and floaty, this striped ruffle front mini dress is perfect for hot summer days with sandals and a sun hat. Later, layer on a cardigan or cropped jacket and add booties or knee high boots to bring it into early fall.

An Edgy Touch

I love an edgy fall look and these jeans with the cool silver hardware at the waistband are definitely a standout! Leave the black vest unbuttoned to show off your silver.

Classy Vest Set

Another on-trend vest look…that I can’t get over! The denim-on-denim and vest trends that we saw last year are still going STRONG and I’m here for it. This outfit is like the classier cousin to the previous look. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale almost always has stand-out pieces from Veronica Beard and this set is my fave this year.

Reminder, do NOT order the VB slingbacks pictured above. The strap does not stay on the heel.

Pretty Printed Mini

This is the perfect wear now, wear later dress by Farm Rio. This is how I would style it now (below is for fall.) This gorge and lightweight standout dress isn’t going to last long in the sale.

Pretty Printed Mini (Fall)

And, here’s how I’d style this gorgeous dress for fall! The transition is a cinch. SImply swap your sandals for tall brown boots. This is one of those dresses that you’ll reach for again and again because of it’s flattering shape, lightweight fabric, standout print and versatility.

Pretty Printed Top

See a theme going on here?? Farm Rio also has this gorgeous print in a blouse for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! I’d pair it with light denim or ecru jeans and it will instantly feel summery, yet can easily be worn well into fall. In the winter, I’d swap the jeans out for a dark wash or even a dark chocolate brown skirt and brown boots.

This one is already sold out, but we typically see a 35% return rate, so chances are good you can still grab it. Just set a restock alert.

Easy Breezy White Top

This puff sleeve white top is 100% cotton and absolutely perfect for summer. I always look for elevated, pretty white tops for warmer weather and this is a great one. You can wear it with shorts right now, and then these wide leg jeans for fall. Easy to wear, easy to transition from season to season.

Reminder: I do NOT recommend ordering the slingbacks above. While gorgeous and high-quality, the fit is off.

Effortless Floral Top

Same idea as the chic white top, this beautiful light floral long sleeve top is one that I’d wear with denim shorts right now, and wide leg jeans in the fall. You can also pair it with a black or chocolate brown midi skirt this fall for a gorgeously elevated look.

Quick note: The strap on the slingbacks above does not stay on the heel. I do not recommend you buying them.

Classic With a Twist

A crisp, classic white blouse is always a good idea… And I love basics with a twist like this! Literally, in this case. The tie front top adds waist definition and elevates anything you pair it with. Jeans, trousers, skirts, you name it.

Crisp & Classic

Now, maybe you just want a nice, classic white button down… This one’s for you! It’s so easy to dress up or down, wear now (with shorts) wear later, with jeans or trousers. It’s a no-brainer!

Polished Modern Classic

This textured green jacket and chic black knit tank create a sophisticated base, and the wide-leg jeans keep the look modern and relaxed. Add in a pair of sleek slingbacks, a structured black bag, and delicate gold jewelry to pull it all together. You can wear this now for dinner out, and later with a trench or wool coat when you need an extra layer.

Shopping Note: The strap on the slingbacks above does not stay on your heel. I would not order these.

Modern Utility Style

This cropped cotton shirt comes in “khaki” which looks much more like a gorgeous olive green, which screams fall to me. But it’s lightweight enough that you’ll love having it to transition from summer into fall this year! It’s so easy to wear, let’s look at another outfit idea for this one!

Edgy Utility Style

To add just a bit of edge to this shirt, I’d pair it with black jeans, cool black aviators, and a gorgeous leather tote bag. Then go ahead and wear this outfit on repeat all fall long! I really want you to see with this post, that these items are so easy to style differently with small changes, and then they feel totally different and fresh!

Please note the size of the black bag online. It’s huge!

Trendy Trench

If you liked the last 2 looks, you’re going to be a fan of this one too! This trendy army green cropped trench is so cool, and paired with a barrel leg jean is just…wow. If you like to step out of the box with your fashion, this is the look for you. Cool girl vibes, yet super comfy and easy to wear. Plus, of course, these pieces can mix and match with so much more for a more sophisticated style.

Shopping Tip: Double check the size of any handbag online to make sure it’s the right size for you and your lifestyle. The bag above is very large and while there was an age and stage of life where the bigger the bag, the better…that is not my preference now.

Perfectly Cozy Cable Knit

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale always has some great cozy sweaters. As it should, since we’re shopping amazing deals on fall merchandise before the season even starts! This crew neck is a super easy to wear, easy to layer sweater. Plus it’s under $50 and comes in a ton of colors! The “Beetle” coated jeans in this outfit sold out SO fast, but check back for restocks if they’re on your wishlist. And I’ve linked a similar colored pair of jeans for you to shop below as well.

Shopping Update: The suede bag pictured above is very large. Please double check the measurements online to see if that large size is right for you.

Cool Cape Detail Cardigan

This next sweater on the list is so pretty. The cape detail caught my eye as soon as I saw it on preview day! Pair it with jeans, skirts, trousers, and it instantly elevates your whole look just on its own. Note on this one… my in-store sources shared that this sweater runs BIG, so you’ll want to size down.

Fall Midi Dress

Next on the list is a gorgeous colorblocked cotton midi dress. While you absolutely can wear it in the summer, the tones lean more towards fall for this style. This is the dress you’ll pick up when you’re ready for fall on the inside, but the weather outside is still way too hot for tall boots and sweaters! Plus, I love the mix of black and brown in this one. I’ve been pairing the colors together for years, but if you struggle to…look for pieces like this that help you out!

Chic Sweater Dress

This gorgeous sweater dress is an easy add to cart…The flattering v-neck and front-tie waistline is going to be gorgeous on any body shape! Layer up with a longline coat and tall brown boots and you’re set this fall and winter.

Tie Waist Blazer

The star of the show in this outfit is the blazer! Don’t you just love that tie-waist detail?? It’s so gorgeous, easy to wear, and one you’ll pick up all year long. It comes in both black and off-white and rings in at a sale price of $112. If you’ve been looking for a casual blazer, look no further! I think you’re going to love this one, and I don’t think it’s going to last long…

Chocolate Brown Turtleneck

This year’s Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is full of chocolate brown. Everywhere you look, there’s another gorgeous, yummy chocolate brown piece to look at! I am a big fan. There’s also a lot of navy, which many of you will be SO excited to see, since you tell me you prefer it over black for a dark neutral. This wool and cashmere turtleneck comes in a few colors, but this look is centered around the “Brown Coffee”.

Wool Blend Cape

This next look is for cold weather only, but look at how stunning this houndstooth wool blend cape is! WOW! Layer it over a simple but warm cashmere sweater, jeans, and boots and you’ve got a simple elegant, gorgeous outfit on your hands. This is truly a stand-out piece!

A Jacket on The Wild Side

Maybe you’ve got your favorite classic winter coat covered, but you’re in the market for something a little different. Well animal print made a major comeback last winter and it’s here to stay! This animal print jacket is subtle, sophisticated, and sure to turn heads. It’s simply stunning! You’ll want to keep this the center of the show, so pair it with dark wash classic jeans, a simple top, and a solid colored bag and booties.

Edgy Vibes

Another edgy look here, with the black studded Topanga jeans by Rails and the gorgeous Oxblood leather jacket from AllSaints. I love the fact that this whole look is just on the edge of classic, with a bit of modern edginess. Perfect for concerts, going out on the town with friends, date night, and more.

Suede Essential

This suede mini dress can be worn so many ways. I love it here with a longline stand collar belted coat, and it would be so chic to pair with sheer black tights in the winter! You can also wear it now with sandals or even cowboy boots for a chic western inspired look. This one is really a versatile wardrobe basic that you’ll wear more than you realize is possible.

Faux Fur Glam

This oversized faux fur maxi coat is so glamorous. It gives off the feel of luxury, at just a fraction of the cost. You can wear this coat over anything this winter, since it’s oversized you don’t have to worry one bit about the sleeves being too tight over sweaters.

Faux Leather Midi

Our last three Nordstrom Anniversary Sale outfits are all centered around this stunning Alice + Olivia faux midi skirt. It’s SO gorgeous in the rich espresso color (remember the browns I talked about earlier??) and it’s made for the cooler months. The slip style skirt has a slit on one side and the smooth warm brown can be paired with almost anything. The first look is super easy to wear with an oversized cozy sweater, low heeled sandals, and a structured handbag.

Blacks and Browns

You may have seen this one coming with the touch of black in the handbag for the first look with this skirt. But we’re going full black and brown in this look! It used to be a fashion faux pas but not it is on-trend and SO gorgeous. Wearing a top and boots in black will help you to feel balanced as you play around with mixing these colors, and the handbag just finishes off the look with intentionality and grace.

Wear to Work

Last, but certainly not least in our lookbook of outfits from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, we’re pairing this same skirt with the crisp white button down we looked at earlier. This is a gorgeous, simple, polished outfit to wear to the office, out to dinner, or out to more elevated shows and concerts. I’m still trying to inch you into mixing blacks and browns, so go with a chic black kitten heel, black handbag, and a black longline coat if it’s cold.

Wow, that was a long one! But I hope you found this post super helpful in seeing how versatile, wearable, and practical your shopping for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale really can be. SO many items are perfect for now and later into fall and winter, making them even more worth it. I’m here to help simplify your life, and help you feel less overwhelmed as you plan what to add to your wardrobe.

I’ve already placed my order and can’t wait to share my in-home try-ons, reviews, and even more outfits very soon—so stay tuned! (All of my new finds will be shared in upcoming posts and my newsletter, so be sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss a thing!) In the meantime, enjoy scrolling through these 30+ styled outfits to spark ideas for your own cart. Happy shopping!

July 14, 2025 0 comments

Women's Fashion

FreeShipping.com Review: Is This Paid Cash Back / Rebate Program Worth It?

by Lina Clémence July 13, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Thank you to FreeShipping.com for sponsoring this post and providing a trial membership so I can share my experience. All opinions are my own.

FreeShipping.com is a paid subscription offering cash back and rebates on online purchases. I have been a member since early May and am sharing my experience so you can decide if FreeShipping.com is right for you.

Here’s the overview: I have earned almost $175 from FreeShipping.com in less than two months. At this rate, the savings I’ve earned just about cover the annual cost of a membership. This is a membership worth keeping.

Your earnings potential will depend on your shopping habits. Dive into the program details below to learn more.

What is FreeShipping.com?

Source: Canva.

With FreeShipping.com, you can earn at least 10% cash back on online purchases made through more than 1,000 retailers on the FreeShipping.com network. You can also earn rebates on shipping charges, return shipping charges, food delivery fees, and price decreases that happen after your purchase.

How much you can earn

The maximum annual earnings by category are:

Online cash back: $1,000
Shipping rebates: $500
Return shipping rebates: $500
Food delivery rebates: $250
Price protection rebates: $1,000

Those add up to a total earnings potential of $3,250 annually.

Cost of membership

FreeShipping.com’s membership price is $19 monthly or $228 annually—about 7% of the $3,250 earnings potential.

When and how you get paid

Your earnings accumulate monthly, and you receive payouts by the 15th of the following month. You can choose to receive payouts to PayPal or mailed check. PayPal is the faster option since no mailing is required.

I received my first PayPal payout on June 11 for cash back and rebates earned in May. No fees were deducted from my payment, so I received the exact amount earned in the prior month.

My FreeShipping.com earnings

Screenshot of Freeshipping.com account activity. — ©Budget Fashionista/Speak LLC.

In May, the first month of my membership, I earned $119 from 10% cash back on four purchases plus two rebates. Here’s the May breakdown, followed by an explanation of my transactions:

$241.91 purchase from Chewy.com
$83.94 purchase from Gap
$671.14 purchase from EyeBuyDirect
$73.95 purchase from Horse.com
$7.99 shipping rebate from Horse.com
$3.92 food delivery rebate from GrubHub

EyeBuyDirect

More than half of the month’s earnings came from the EyeBuyDirect transaction for two pairs of prescription glasses. This is not a purchase I make regularly, so it’s logical to assume my future monthly earnings will be much lower.

Chewy and Horse.com

I will make additional Chewy and Horse.com purchases going forward, though it may not be monthly. I own two horses and a dog that are regularly in need of supplies and supplements. One point to note here is that FreeShipping.com cannot track auto-ship purchases. If you want to earn cash back, you have to click through to the merchant from FreeShipping.com for each new purchase.

Gap

The Gap purchase was to update my summer wardrobe with two modern tops. I shop at Gap often because the clothes have classic, easy styling and the sales are fabulous.

Grubhub

I don’t often have food delivered because it feels indulgent and expensive. But alas, now that I get reimbursed for the service fees and I have a free GrubHub membership courtesy of Amazon Prime, food delivery seems far more appealing. Already in June, I have ordered another GrubHub meal and requested a second FreeShipping.com food delivery rebate.

June earnings

My second-month earnings with FreeShipping.com are still in process, but here’s where my account stands now:

Chewy.com purchase of $68.93 for more horse stuff
The Home Depot purchase of $320.41 for a home decor project
Tractor Supply purchase of $33.99 for more horse stuff
Gap purchase of $102 for my husband’s Father’s Day gift
GrubHub rebate of $3

I earned 10% cash back on each purchase plus the $3 rebate. With no other purchases, my next payout should be $55.53.

How to maximize FreeShipping.com earnings

If you use the FreeShipping.com network for your online shopping and request rebates as needed, the membership can easily produce more cash than it uses. In my case, I nearly paid for a whole year of membership in two months.

That’s the kind of experience you want with a paid cash back program. Follow these tips to make it happen:

Start with bigger purchases you’ve been delaying. I needed glasses, and the 10% cash back helped motivate me to buy them. A big purchase like this pays for itself right away – and keeps you motivated to keep earning.
Read the terms for each retailer. FreeShipping.com shares terms for each retailer. Read them carefully so you know what to expect from each purchase. Some retailers simply don’t allow purchase tracking for their own reasons. This can cause cash back not to appear in your FreeShipping.com savings center. I haven’t had any bad surprises with Freeshipping.com, and all my purchases have been tracked as expected.
Buy online and pick up in store. Don’t want to wait for your goods to be shipped? Buy online and pick up in store — as long as this isn’t excluded from the retailer’s cash back terms. You get your cash back with no shipping delay.
Watch for seasonal promotions. I understand there are seasonal promotions that raise the cash back percentage above 10% for participating merchants. There was a a 20% cash back promotion for Memorial Day and another one is coming in July for the back-to-school season.
Don’t switch browsers or windows. To get credit for your purchases, you must click through to the retailer’s website from FreeShipping.com. You must also complete the transaction in the same browser window.
Don’t buy in apps. Some retailers will redirect you to an app. When that happens, the retailer doesn’t share the data back to FreeShipping.com – which means you won’t earn on that purchase. Before finalizing your purchase, make sure you’re on a website and not an app.
Don’t spend to earn. Resist the urge to buy things you don’t need or want just to earn 10% cash back.
Remember your rebates. The cash back opportunity can be substantial, but don’t overlook those rebates. It only takes a minute to complete the rebate forms, and you can forward necessary documentation by email. I requested rebates on shipping and food delivery charges and everything worked as expected. I have not tried the return shipping or price protection rebates yet.

Pros and cons of FreeShipping.com

Based on my experience, these are the pros of a FreeShipping.com membership:

The earnings rules are straightforward. 10% cash back is easy to estimate when you’re shopping. Many other cash back programs pay variable percentages as low as 1%.
The earnings potential is substantial. As noted, I am earning more than my membership costs. Also, FreeShipping.com pays monthly, no matter what you’ve earned. Quarterly payouts, sometimes with minimum thresholds, are more common across cash back programs.
Transactions are well-documented. FreeShipping.com sends email confirmations after earnings are recorded. You can also log into your account and view your savings for the current and prior months.
Payments are free and punctual. My first payment appeared automatically in my PayPal account. I didn’t have to request it or pay a fee to withdraw.
Customer service is 24/7. If you have an issue, you can reach out to the customer service team at any time.

The cons are:

You must spend to earn. To keep your finances healthy, use FreeShipping.com to offset the cost of items you would buy anyway.
The membership cost is monthly. With an active membership, you pay the monthly membership fee — even if you forget to shop through the links or request rebates. Try putting a sticky note on your credit card that reminds you to check the FreeShipping.com network before buying something online.
Some transactions aren’t eligible for cash back. Some product types, like groceries, may be excluded from cash back. Also, some browser extensions can override your FreeShipping.com tracking so that you don’t earn the 10%. These restrictions apply to most cash-back programs.

My FreeShipping.com Review: Budget Fashionista Approved

In summary, FreeShipping.com is an easy way to earn cash back and rebates on your purchases. Double-digit cash back can add up quickly, which is super motivating. I wholeheartedly recommend this program for disciplined shoppers who are in command of their budget and spending.

My closing pro tip: Consolidate your FreeShipping.com earnings with earnings from other programs and use the funds for your discretionary spending. In June, I collected $119 from FreeShipping.com, plus about $80 from Poshmark, and $47 from selling old smartphones via EcoATM. That’s $246. I can use that for more FreeShipping.com buys to compound my savings. I can’t wait to see how far I can take it!

July 13, 2025 0 comments

Women's Fashion

Prime Days…on bMarkeptlace!

by Lina Clémence July 12, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

With Prime days upon us, what better time to catch folks while they’re already shopping online!

Get your own Prime Day sales, right here on bMarketplace!

This sale will run July 10th – July 15th.

When you opt into b-Sponsored Coupons, you’ll save 5% on your FVF when a couponed item sells! You support your buyers — we’ll support you.

Point your mouse over the Selling link, top of the Bonanza page

From the dropdown menu, select Booth Settings

Select the Discounts & Coupons tab

Scroll down until you see b-Sponsored Coupons

Select the coupon code + discount you want to use
1. PRIMEDAY10 = 10% discount for buyer
2. PRIMEDAY15 = 15% discount for buyer
3. PRIMEDAY20 = 20% discount for buyer
4. PRIMEDAY25 = 25% discount for buyer

Select Publish Coupon

Select Save changes, at the bottom of the page

We have created a special filter for the b-Sponsored Coupons, which buyers can use to search items by discount code!

Hope to see you there!

July 12, 2025 0 comments

Women's Fashion

Opulent Robe Summer | Alterations Needed

by Lina Clémence July 10, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

*This post contains affiliate links.

Robe – OAS Company // size l/xl
Tank – H&M // size xs
Shorts – American Eagle // size 0
Shoes – Amazon “The Drop” (gifted) // size 5
Sunglasses – Ahlem “Pont des Arts”
Jewelry – Vintage/No Brand

The dogs pee on the lemons near the ground. That’s why they’re still hanging there. No one wants to touch them 💦🍋

THE ROBE

Technically bought this robe for my husband but it looks like he’ll be fighting me for it. It is 100% cotton terry cloth making it perfect for cozy days at home, lounging by the pool, or taking to the beach. But what I love is that print. A gold and black large octopus print screams “ridiculous-opulence”, which is my favorite vibe at the moment. Despite the husband-sized sizing, if I give the sleeves a roll and wear with panache, it becomes a fun piece I can stroll around in too. This is NOT petite-friendly, but if purchasing for myself, I would choose the smaller unisex s/m size and still expect quite an oversized fit. Check out the other fun prints by this company as well! Would make a great gift!

THE TANK

These H&M tanks go fast! I’m wearing the the cropped version which already appears to have sold out. Wow! I don’t like to spend a lot of money on summer tank tops, and coupled with the tendency for H&M to run petite-friendly, these fit the bill. Depending on the style, these can run a little large in the arm hole on me but the price is right.

THE SHORTS

All my favorite denim shorts are from American Eagle. I like the fit, fabric, distressing, and price is great especially if you can catch a promo/sale. These 90’s boyfriend shorts are my current faves and come in 100% cotton denim. I like to size up in shorts for a slouchier fit, especially if they are rigid denim, so I ordered a few sizes and choose the one with the best combo of slouch and fit.

THE SANDALS

These were gifted to me by Amazon and left me pleasantly surprised. Normally I stay away from Amazon fashion (cheaply made, lacking in creativity/style, evil corporation, etc.) but I’ve been in need of a decent pair of slides to wear around the house or to the pool/beach for summer and priced in a way that I won’t care if I beat them up or get them wet. They are faux leather, come in as small as size 5 (a perfect fit for me), run a bit narrow, and are surprisingly comfy for such a cheap pair of sandals. The foot bed is nicely padded so you feel like you’re always stepping on a cushy yoga mat.

THE SUNGLASSES

These are my current favorite sunglasses. The narrow width and square retro frames are probably the best looking sunglasses I’ve ever owned. The black is hard to find unless you look secondhand, but Ray-Ban has a similar shape right now for WAY less.

July 10, 2025 0 comments

Women's Fashion

East Village Style – Advanced Style

by Lina Clémence July 9, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Ari Seth Cohen

Photographer and author, Ari Seth Cohen, is the creator of Advanced Style, a project devoted “to capturing the sartorial savvy of the senior set.” He says, “I feature people who live full creative lives. They live life to the fullest, age gracefully and continue to grow and challenge themselves.”

0 comments

Women's Fashion

The Things I Buy Again and Again

by Lina Clémence July 8, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Amazon Prime Days are back, which means the internet is practically daring us to impulse-buy a robotic lint roller or a pack of Bluetooth-enabled salad tongs. Personally, I’m skipping the chaos and sticking to what I know… thoughtful, practical purchases I actually use.

Below, I’m sharing a few recent Amazon finds that have earned a permanent place in my routine—plus a handful of longtime reader favorites that continue to get love year after year. Some may be part of the Prime Day sales, others may not. Either way, these are the kind of purchases that work—no hype, no clock-ticking pressure, just honest recommendations from one well-styled woman to another.

My Latest Amazon Purchases

ISDIN SUNSCREEN

This ISDIN mineral sunscreen is a repeat buy for good reason. It’s one of the few sunscreens that doesn’t sting my face or leave a chalky film behind. It’s mineral-only, fragrance-free, and loaded with “DNA Repairsomes” (fancy science speak for helping your skin undo past sun damage). Yes, it’s pricey. But it’s one of the few I trust on my face daily.

NECESSAIRE BODY RETINOL AMAO PRIME BEAUTY WOMEN OVER 50 60 70 — **NECESSAIRE BODY RETINOL**

Crepey skin is one of those midlife visitors that shows up uninvited and overstays its welcome. This Nécessaire Body Retinol doesn’t erase it (nothing truly does), but it does smooth and soften the texture on the backs of my arms and legs. Worth the repeat purchase, and I buy two bottles at a time. I use it all over my body because it’s gentle enough and helps maintain consistency in tone and texture.

AMAZON PRIME DAY FINDS FOR NECESSAIRE ROSEMARY HAIR DUO HAIRCARE BEAUTY — **NECESSAIRE ROSEMARY HAIR DUO**

I’ve been very happy with every Necessaire product I’ve tried, so I ordered Rosemary shampoo and conditioner set a few months ago and love it too! Rosemary is supposed to help with thinning hair, but I have no proof of that. It’s sulfate-free, which is important to me, smells great, and leaves my scalp feeling clean without drying out my hair, so I’ve reordered.

AMAZON PRIME DAY BEAUTY FIND MAELOVE VITAMIN C — **MAELOVE VITAMIN C**

This MAELOVE vitamin C serum is a standout! It feels nearly identical to the far more expensive versions I’ve used…same silky texture, the same quick absorption, and no irritation. The added benefit is that it’s affordable enough that I don’t hesitate to use it generously on my neck, chest, and the backs of my hands. That’s where sun damage tends to show up first, so I appreciate being able to treat those areas without feeling like I’m pouring money down the drain. If you’ve been rationing your pricier vitamin C, this is the one to reach for daily. Smart skincare doesn’t need to be expensive.

NAOT DYNASTY SANDALS AMAZON PRIME DAY FASHION FINDS — **NAOT DYNASTY SANDALS**

I tried on these NAOT sandals in-store and was immediately impressed, but of course, they didn’t have my size. So I ordered them through Amazon, and I’m glad I did. The cork footbed is supportive without feeling stiff, the low wedge gives just enough lift, and the straps keep everything comfortably in place. They feel stable, secure, and surprisingly flattering for such a practical shoe.

These pair well with wide-leg linen pants, summer dresses, or even tailored shorts (if you wear them). A great option for travel or days when you’ll be on your feet but still want to look polished and put together.

CHAMOIS NAIL BUFFER AMAZON PRIME DAY BEAUTY FINDS DEALS — **CHAMOIS NAIL BUFFER**

The chamois nail buffer may seem glamorous, but I think it’s quietly brilliant. My nails love to peel, and this helps smooth the surface, plus it leaves my nails with a healthy shine. I do this before I apply my polish, and it doesn’t seem to affect the adhesion.

I’ve been using this GrandeHAIR serum around my hairline for several years now, ever since I switched to oral minoxidil. It’s easy to apply, doesn’t leave any residue on my hair, and fits seamlessly into my evening routine. The formula uses the same active ingredient found in many lash and brow growth serums, so it’s designed to support hair growth in those finer, sparser areas, like the temples or along the part. If you’ve had luck with lash serums and are noticing thinning at the hairline, this is a gentle, fuss-free way to give those spots a little extra support.

This Anker magnetic battery attaches directly to my phone, so I don’t need to deal with cords when I’m out. It’s lightweight, so I just pop it in my bag if I’m going out and about for a long day. It also folds into a stand, which I’ve found useful while traveling.

APPLE USB-C EARPODS AMAZON PRIME TECH FINDS — **APPLE USB-C EARPODS**

These Apple USB-C EarPods are a simple, no-fuss option for listening to an audiobook or podcast when I want to avoid fiddling with Bluetooth or if my over-ear headphones are dead. They stay put, and the audio is clear.

ZIMA DENTAL POD AMAZON PRIME DAY FINDS FOR OLDER WOMEN — **ZIMA DENTAL POD**

The Zima Dental Pod is my favorite way to clean my night guard. It uses ultrasonic waves to remove buildup you can’t see…but trust me, it’s there. I used to scrub it with a toothbrush and hope for the best, but this feels much more thorough (and honestly, more hygienic). It’s quick, quiet, and small enough to tuck away on a bathroom shelf. I use it a couple of times a week, and it works just as well for retainers, aligners, and even whitening trays. You just add water and a cleaning tablet, press the button, and walk away. No mess, no fuss.

I have a protein shake every morning and have used Truvani’s Protein Powder for years! They have clean, minimal ingredients and taste delicious. I recently picked up this Lemon Cookie flavor to use in homemade protein snack balls. I love the freshness of lemon, and to be fair, I’ve tasted a lot of their flavors, and they’re all yummy. They’re also sweetened with natural ingredients instead of sugar, which is important for me since I’m mindful of blood sugar spikes.

SOCK AID TOOL AMAZON PRIME DAY FINDS FOR OLDER WOMEN MEN ADULTS ELDERLY AGING — **SOCK AID TOOL**

It’s not the sexiest purchase, but it’s incredibly helpful. I bought this sock aid tool for my husband post-hip surgery, and it made getting dressed so much easier. My sister-in-law was so impressed that I ordered one for her for Christmas. It’s also helpful if you deal with back pain or stiff knees…we’ve all had those mornings.

Previous Amazon Purchases Worth Noting

SUPPLEMENTS AND VITAMINS FROM AMAZON PRIME FOR MATURE OLDER WOMEN ELDER ADULTS — **FIND MY LIST OF DAILY SUPPLEMENTS HERE.**

I take a slew of daily supplements and vitamins. I order most of mine from Amazon because they have virtually everything, and it’s so easy to have them delivered to my door when I’m running low. If you’re curious about the full list, you can find it here: Healthy Aging: Supplements and Vitamins I Take Daily.

I’ve gone through at least seven tubes of AmLactin Foot Repair. It works, plain and simple. My husband wouldn’t be without it now. I use it at night, and it helps keep my heels from drying out.

WARNER'S BRA COMFORTABLE UNDERGARMENTS BRAS FOR WOMEN OVER 40 50 60 70 FROM AMAZON PRIME DAY — **WARNER’S BRA**

This Warner’s bra is wire-free (which I love), lightly lined for just the right amount of coverage, and incredibly soft. The wide straps stay put, and it doesn’t dig in anywhere—which feels like a small miracle. It’s one of those under-the-radar Amazon finds I end up recommending over and over.

CLEAN CRUELTY FREE BEAUTY FINDS FROM AMAZON PRIME DAY SELF TANNER TANNING LOTION — **BEAUTY BY EARTH SELF TANNER**

It’s not easy to find a clean self-tanner. This one from Beauty by Earth is the best I’ve found. The finish is subtle, the scent is mild, and it doesn’t leave streaks.

BEST BROW SERUM AMAZON — **REVITABROW ADVANCED SERUM**

My eyebrows have thinned over the years. My ophthalmologist advised against using lash serums near my eyes but gave me the all-clear to use something on my brows. I was surprised to see a visible difference after just two months of using RevitaBrow. It helped fill in the sparse areas and gave my brows a bit more presence without looking overdone.

AMAZON PRIME DAY BEAUTY FINDS ORGANIC COTTON ROUNDS FOR REMOVING MAKEUP NAIL POLISH EYELINER MASCARA — **SKY ORGANICS COTTON ROUNDS**

These cotton rounds are a step up from the flimsy ones at the drugstore. They don’t shred or leave behind lint, and they’re soft enough to use around the eyes. I use them for everything from removing eye makeup to applying toner—and they hold up well even with nail polish remover.

ANTIGRAVITY SPRAY KEVIN MURPHY VOLUME FINE HAIR PRODUCTS — **KEVIN MURPHY SPRAY**

This AntiGravity Spray from Kevin Murphy gives my fine hair some lift without making it feel stiff or sticky. It’s light, reliable, and one of the few styling products I keep on auto-ship, so I don’t run out.

This time of year, it’s easy to feel like we’re being shouted at from every direction—Buy now! Limited time! Everything’s a deal! It can all start to blur together, especially when half the sale items aren’t things you actually need (or even want).

But that’s why I like using Amazon Prime Days a little differently. Instead of getting swept up in the urgency, I treat it as a chance to restock the things I already know I love. The everyday essentials I use and reorder because they work.

Now that you’ve seen what’s made it into my cart lately, I’d love to hear from you.

What are the Amazon things you buy on repeat?
The unsung heroes you use daily? Or the one little thing you tried once and now won’t go without? Let’s trade favorites.

You May Also Enjoy

July 8, 2025 0 comments

Women's Fashion

Why is cottagecore so blindingly white? – A Curious Fancy

by Lina Clémence July 7, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

Plus size fashion blogger Ragini of a curious fancy styling a cottagecore look against a background of snowdrops. A fat indian woman in her late 30s is sitting in a woodland clearing dotted with snowdrops. she’s reading a book. She’s wearing a white apron dress over a blue dress with puff sleeves. She has shoulder length hair and there’s a birkin style basket next to her. the time is around sunset in early spring.

Wearing ✶ Blue puff sleeved midi dress by New Look last year (similar style here) ✶ Cream linen apron dress by Field Day Apparel ✶ Old Peacocks cable tights ✶ Old Clarks T-Bar flats

We took these photos more than a month ago, and it’s taken me this long to coherently put into words why these images are important. The short answer is: because we pretty much never get to see fat, brown people in this kind of imagery. The long answer made me far too angry for far too long and angry writing doesn’t make for nuanced reasoning.

When I started this blog more than a decade ago, cottagecore didn’t have a name. But it was this aesthetic – pale, svelte nymphs traipsing through woodlands and meadows in floaty dresses and flower crowns – that kindled my love for fashion and led me to try and create a bit more representation for people who look like me. That was 2010. Now in 2022, cottagecore is fairly mainstream and has been so for a while now – yet the bodies that it centres remain as thin and white as ever. Go to any social media platform and search for cottagecore, fairycore, princesscore, dark academia or any related keyword. Then see how long you have to scroll before you come across a) a brown person, b) a fat person, and c) a person who’s both. I can assure you that you’ll be scrolling for a long time. I’ve been asking myself why this is and I don’t have any good answers.

Plus size fashion blogger Ragini of a curious fancy styling a cottagecore look against a background of snowdrops. A fat indian woman in her late 30s is sitting in a woodland clearing dotted with snowdrops. she’s reading a book. She’s wearing a white apron dress over a blue dress with puff sleeves. She has shoulder length hair and there’s a birkin style basket next to her. the time is around sunset in early spring.

The obvious (and simplistic) answer lies within the nature of the aesthetic itself. From a purely visual standpoint, cottagecore overlaps heavily with the tradwife movement – a deeply misogynist ideology rooted in ethno-nationalism that seeks a return to traditional gender roles and a vision of an all white Europe/America. But attributing the lack of diversity within cottagecore to neo-nazis adopting the same aesthetic is far too simplistic an explanation and ultimately not very useful. As a neurodivergent creator I struggle with engaging in conversations online, but even in the limited range of interactions I’ve had with creators in this visual space, I’ve found nothing but warmth, inclusion, and support. In fact the least inclusive thing about cottagecore is social media algorithms (yes, you, Instagram) that consistently elevate and centre thin, white bodies.

We live in a world where being thin and light skinned is aspirational by default, and where people of colour, especially fat poc with darker skin are stereotyped as loud, brash, and unruly. The people who program social media algorithms are far from immune to these prejudices. If developers on Instagram think cottagecore to mean pale, thin figures against European landscapes, then that’s what people browsing the platform see when they search for cottagecore. And when people see only one body type and skin colour in this aesthetic, it inevitably becomes associated with those specific features. Eventually we end up with a feedback loop where cottagecore is thin and white because we only ever see thin and white people in this style of imagery. Fat people of colour who adopt this style as their own remain unseen because that’s not what people are used to seeing.

As a fat, brown creator I constantly resist the pressure of being pigeonholed into the plus size influencer stereotype. People follow plus size influencers to see fat bodies in lingerie and bodycon fits. That in itself has a worthy purpose, which is to normalise fat bodies. But when a fat, brown person decides that, actually, they’re perfectly comfortable with their body and would much rather do something else now please, suddenly no one’s interested. Can we only imagine fat bodies or brown bodies in the restrictive niches we force them into? Does our only worth lie in making statements of ‘bravery’ or ‘confidence’ with our socially unacceptable bodies? Can we not be fully realised people beyond that?

snowdrops in the woodlands at national trust wallington photographed by Plus size cottagecore creator Ragini of a curious fancy.

Naturally I can only speak from my experience as a fat woman, an Indian woman, an immigrant from the third world to the first. When I speak of fat, brown people I’m using my experience of living in this body and navigating the world in this skin to reach certain conclusions. I would never presume to speak for anyone else or any social group other than the one I belong to. This is relevant to my next point about the lack of diversity in cottagecore, which is lack of access. One of the main reasons we don’t see brown people in rugged, romantic, European landscapes is the lack of access to those places. Like I said, I can only speak from my experience as an Indian immigrant to the north of England and what I’ve observed in the time I’ve been here, but as an international student at York Uni 10 years ago, I soon realised that I was completely cut off from accessing the vast swathes of British countryside I dreamed of visiting. I didn’t drive (and still don’t!) which meant that I was wholly reliant on public transport. Just as an example, to get to Owen’s parents who live out on the moors in County Durham we have to drive for an hour and 15 minutes from Alnwick. If we wanted to make the same journey on public transport, we’d have to take 3 buses, 1 train, and walk for half an hour bringing the total journey to 3 hours and 15 minutes. And that’s the most time efficient route according to Google. Ofcourse there are wonderful stretches of meadows and forests much closer to Alnwick seeing how it’s a picturesque market town in the heart of Northumberland with an almost entirely white population. Which brings me to my second point about access – the undifferentiated whiteness of Britain outside of large cities.

When we lived in Newcastle, it was hard not to notice that certain areas were almost socially cordoned off for brown people to live in. This isn’t peculiar to Newcastle, every largish city in Britain will have an ‘ethnic zone’ like this. And you can bet that these areas have some of the worst connectivity via public transport. There are both internal and external pressures that contribute to the phenomenon of these ‘ethnic zones’. Being an immigrant, especially a brown immigrant from the third world to the first, is an intensely alienating experience. You crave and latch on to anything that reminds you of home. It’s natural, then, to want to live amidst people from your own culture who understand your alienation and struggle better than anyone else. This is the internal pressure. But then you find that private landlords simply don’t want to rent to you outside of these areas. Houses that are available to the white students in your course mysteriously go off the market when you contact the letting agents. The only places that become available to you are the ones in ‘ethnic neighbourhoods’ or cardboard coops run by slumlords.

This isn’t an imaginative flight of fancy that I’ve constructed – this was my experience as an international student from India 11 years ago. Later on when I moved to Newcastle to live with Owen, I left the househunting to him and we got the place we wanted without any issues. Being married to Owen conferred a very different kind of legitimacy onto my person. Suddenly I was deemed a whole lot safer, more normal and acceptable even in spaces that weren’t meant for me. People I encountered while shooting with Owen out in the countryside visibly relaxed and took on a friendly demeanour once they saw that I was with him. Driving out to these places where we seldom encounter another brown face can be unsettling but Owen is like a protective charm for my brown, immigrant self. In his presence, I’m a fascinating curiosity instead of a threatening one. While there are many brown people in the U.K. who have this protective shield extended to them by virtue of having a white partner, many others don’t, and navigating these white spaces outside the city as a single brown person or with your brown family in tow can be nerve wracking. The level of stress involved makes leaving the safety of your community in the city very much not worth the pain.

I’m by no means arguing that there aren’t any brown people outside of cities in the U.K. But the sort of racism and prejudice we’re faced with makes it much harder to carve out a life outside these geographically and socially close knit communities, especially if you don’t have a white partner or family. Which brings me to my last point of discussion – cultural containment. Here I can only speak for myself and my own culture – the vast, self contradictory yet self contained melting pot that is Indian culture. I grew up feeling alienated from Indian culture for reasons too numerous to list here (I talk about it a bit more in this Instagram post) and sought refuge in the culture of a far off land dramatically different to mine, yet which had colonized mine for over 200 years. I grew up dreaming of benign woodlands and windswept moors – tropical jungles with “nature, red in tooth and claw” held as little charm for me as the Bollywood films my peers watched and the salwar kurtas they wore. It’s no surprise that I gravitated to this aesthetic that’s so rooted in European/British landscapes and costuming that neo-Nazis aspire to emulate it for wildly different reasons.

If the majority of brown people/south Asians/Indians aren’t drawn to this aesthetic, it could be because most of us have our own, culturally coherent and self contained aesthetic language. Maybe that’s what needs to be explored within the sphere of cottagecore imagery. Sarees and ghagras on brown bodies but out in coastal meadows and bluebell woods (watch this space because that’s something I’m planning!) That still won’t solve the problems surrounding access to the countryside for brown people, especially immigrants, but the visual medium is a powerful one. Maybe seeing a fat, brown person in a jewelled lehenga and bindi musing in quiet contemplation amidst a sea of snowdrops will allow others like them to visualise themselves in a similar setting. Inaccessible as these places are, maybe they’ll feel a little less alien, and a little more like someplace a brown person could visit and feel safe to be themselves. And why just stop at a sea of snowdrops? Why not the green expense of paddy fields, of cloud wreathed rainforests, meadows golden with mustard flowers, rivers so vast under a brooding sky you can’t tell where the river ends and the sea begins? Can’t cottagecore be translated to these landscapes as well?

If you’re interested in reading more about people of colour in the English countryside, I thoroughly recommend The Museum of English Rural Life’s refreshing blog series ‘Changing Perspectives in the Countryside’. For further reading on the intersection of tradwife ideology and cottagecore aesthetics, I recommend this erudite and insightful article on Lithium Magazine. The best way to foster representation in the cottagecore community is to diversify your feed. Follow fat/BIPOC/queer/trans/disabled creators and amplify their work! And finally, if you’ve enjoyed reading this blog post or found something of value in it, please consider supporting my work on Ko-fi.

July 7, 2025 0 comments

Women's Fashion

My Spring Make Up Bag

by Lina Clémence July 6, 2025

written by Lina Clémence

*post includes affiliate links

As the seasons change, much like my wardrobe, my breakfast routine (normally a gentle porridge to granola switcheroo) and my desire for wanting to go for a walk around the park during lunchtime opposed to tucking into an ITV quiz show; my make up bag also likes to have a happy quarterly refresh.

Admittedly, I am a woman who likes what she likes; a creature of habit when it comes to what I put on my face. My own personal shop front! But knowing the way the industry moves, adapts and the marvellous things it comes out with month after month; it’s nice to get a little creative every now and again (even if that means switching up a blush shade or diving in the deep end with a plumping lip gloss rather than hydrating balm- I know, who IS SHE)! But I thought I’d share a handful of my favourites that are coming out every morning around 8am; showing up and giving me a lift, some life and a whole lot of glow too.

(I’m trying to not do that thing that recipe books do when they give you a whole biography about a holiday to Italy with their grandmother when they were ten before they get to telling you about the carbonara you MUST MAKE, and instead just tell you about why these products are brilliant so I will try my very best!)

SKIN

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation: I’ll be honest here; every NARS foundation I’ve tried becomes a staple. Although I’ve been a Natural Radiant Longwear girlie for most of my life; the Light Reflecting foundation is also an incredibly hard worker at giving glow, great coverage and lasting all day.

By Terry Hyaluronic Serum Concealer: The one concealer I am happy to spend over thirty British pounds on because it is that good. Often I am reluctant to spend that on a takeaway, so I’m sure that must be saying something. It works in a way that a foundation does; a little goes a very long way and often if I’m using this my ol’ friend NARS is taking a day off. It’s the perfect cover-up and because of the hydrating qualities steers it away from being drying too.

Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm: The Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm is a new addition to my make up routine, and when all is well on my face this is the absolute perfect base. It’s thicker than I expected but in a very good way; it feels substantial upon application (I use a sponge) but blends to feel light and glowy in the way that Vieve products have the magic touch to do (honestly, if I can get that Jamie Genevieve glow than SIGN ME UP).

BLUSH

Pixi On-the-Glow Blush: This stick blush might be the longest serving item in my make up bag, but also the easiest to use, most failsafe and effective too. You cannot go wrong using this- it’s swipe and go and *always* adds the right amount of sheen and colour, always. It makes me feel like Lisa Eldridge when I use it because I can apply it with all my rings on very quickly and the pay off is always perfect; she’s a MUA guys!

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: A little more for the delicate handed, a little goes a very long way with this- but when it goes OH she shines. This collection of contour, highlight and blush are serious bang for your buck and I do worry with the minimal amount you need I could have this well into the 22nd century. But! If it gives my a Hollywood healthy ‘rogue’ (as my dad would say) then it gets a big tick from me.

EYES & LIPS

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm: The perfect antidote for colour and moisture; the ‘Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balms’ have an almost theatrically dramatic name (for the faint hearted, do not be put off by the use of Phantom here); but are the perfect throw-in-your-bag lippie for gentle colour, intense hydration and a very glossy pout (does anyone say ‘pout’ anymore in beauty writing? Did we leave it in the nineties??)

Pixi Lip Lift Max: I very much have my suspicions with plumping lip products; and trust me, I a not expecting a miracle when I use one. But Pixi do do plumping, great glossy lip products very well for a dewy, natural finish.

Blink Brow Bar Combo: I will admit it, I am very very late to the Blink Brow Bar party and I hang my head in shame because their products are, as everyone has said, really really good. I’ve been using a combination of their Ultimate Arch Definer for filling and Clear Brow Gloss for grooming and have already repurchased. Nothing makes filling in and shaping my brows quite so easy.

Victoria Beckham Vast Lash Mascara: I’m sure I’ve spoken about this mascara before, but she’s just SO. GOOD. Lengthening, flirty fluttery lashes that don’t smudge and look remarkably natural (this is not the mascara if you’re after a chunky sixties lash); but it is the perfect every day ‘are they really your natural lashes???’ mascara.

SCENT

Ffern: If you’re after a truly special seasonal scent, there really isn’t anyone else who creates magic and moments like Ffern. Everything about the way they story tell and create their fragrances feels like a time capsule for the current season and time we are living in. It’s the way I imagine perfume was meant to be created, and has something nostalgic and magical about it. Each of their four yearly scents are released at the equinox or solstice, and are created using natural, sustainably sourced high quality ingredients sympathetic and aligned with the seasons. This spring’s scent is a floral violet scent; with green notes of jonquil daffodil and a softness from ylang ylang. it’s got an encompassing warmness to it whilst also smelling fresh and light. magic.

Jo Malone Beach Blossom: There’s something about a Jo Malone summer fragrance which wraps you up in a sandy beach towel, kisses your skin with a coconutty warmth and hands you a sparkling mojito as you watch the sun start to settle on the horizon; and Beach Blossom is here to sweep you to faraway shores (even if the longest journey you have planned this spring is a slow train home from Victoria at 18:09). This scent is exactly what I love in summer; it’s transportive, feminine and makes me feel like I could be staying somewhere with Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins (admittedly, with a bit less drama) (I haven’t caught up yet).

Miller Harris Rêverie de Bergamote: Perhaps I haven’t mentioned, but in summer, or spring, or actually winter or autumn in fact- I really favour smelling like a bowl of fresh zesty citrus fruit. The kind of smell that lingers after you’ve ripped open a tangerine, all juicy and sticky. That’s what I want to be the human version of! Admittedly, this feels a little bit sexier and grown up. It’s the kind of delicious scent I’d also say smells ‘clean’ too (which somehow always sounds a bit clinical, but is meant in a delicious fresh way) and is perfect for adding a little spritz of sunshine to the every day.

July 6, 2025 0 comments