Socially Sarah

A lot can happen in 10 years. A lot has happened to me in the past 10 years. I started Style It in October 2016 as an outlet for all the things I loved that I couldn’t talk about with any of my friends. A decade later, I don’t believe the girl who loved writing about lip balm & Olivia Palermo lives here anymore. At 33, I’m an incredibly different person than I was at 23.

March 1, 2017 marks a decade of living in New York. For the past 10 years, I’ve lived in Brooklyn, in the same neighborhood (Bushwick), in the same zip code, and with the same landlord. While the abusive boyfriend that I started the journey with is long gone, the dog that I adopted 13 years ago in Arkansas remains my most loyal friend.

This space has given me every professional opportunity I’ve ever had. Whether it was through relationships grown from shared interests, networking opportunities, or recognition for my work, this blog has changed my life. If I hadn’t lived in NYC, things might have been very different, but this site is also what gave me the confidence to leave Arkansas. This site fueled my dreams.

And for the most part, I achieved everything I thought I wanted. Whenever I feel this way, I can’t help but think of the lyric from Wicked “happy is what happens when all your dreams come true – well, isn’t it?”. I’ve worked with incredible brands and had unbelievable experiences. I was part of the team that executed the first runway show streamed live from Bryant Park. I was also backstage at the last show in Bryant Park. I was part of a group of women who changed how, why, and when fashion and beauty brands used the internet to reach customers. YouTube beauty gurus wouldn’t be taking trips to Bali if it wasn’t for our hard work, risks, and innovation.

I’ve sat front row at New York Fashion Week numerous times. I’ve been yelled at by Kelly Cutrone. I had to cry so I went outside. Tens of millions of people have seen me in my underwear because a good friend connected me to a brand that was looking for “plus size models”. Little did I know she meant me as the model, not a professional model. But then I modeled in lookbooks and brand campaigns. I got into an internet fight with Oprah – and won. I changed the way plus size brands spoke to and serviced their customers. I helped a brand expand their size range to include even more marginalized women. I wrote for Glamour, Lucky (RIP), Time, and Teen Vogue. I was on CNBC live and managed not to use one single four letter word. I’ve met my idols and icons, and also met the people I love most in the world – all because of a domain that I bought for a handful of dollars that literally and figuratively changed my life.

But I have changed. The world has changed. The things that used to be important to me, like the fashion industry and being “cool” enough for a brand to want to fly me across the globe, don’t hold the same meaning for me anymore. I love the people I’ve met and the communities that I’ve been fortunate to be part of. They’ve made me better every day by challenging my beliefs and showing me alternative points of view.

But now it’s time to discover what’s next. The next 10 starts now.

  If you want to be updated on what’s next, sign up for Love Letters below. I still feel incredibly connected to the people that receive these emails and I will continue to periodically send updates as I uncover what’s next.

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The post 10 appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

The pace at which beauty products are released is relentless and the hype around each release has turned into pure noise. Sifting through the fancy press trips, PR packages, and ad campaigns can make it difficult to distinguish between the gimmicks and the gems, even for the professional beauty consumer. These are the innovative new concepts, product formulations, and friend recommendations that have caught my attention this month.

1: Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation, $42

Over brunch, my delightful friend Alle (of Revelist viral beauty tutorial fame) and I were digging through our makeup bags and discussing our favorite products. Naturally, the conversation turned to foundation, prompted by my recent love of It Cosmetics Confidence In A Compact serum foundation. I’ve been a longtime lover of Revlon ColorStay, L’Oreal Infallible & Lancome’s Teint Idole long wearing formula’s, so when Alle sang the highest praises of Smashbox’s Studio Skin Foundation, it quickly bounced to the top of my wishlist.

2: Ouai Dry Shampoo Foam, $28

Expensive dry shampoo, I wish I could quit you. The $22 I spent on the Living Proof dry shampoo might have been the gateway to expensive dry shampoos, because the $28 on Ouai’s Dry Shampoo Foam didn’t even make me think twice. Both Ouai and Drybar released similar cleansing foam products, but Ouai takes the advantage because you can apply their formula onto dry hair. As someone with oily roots & dry ends who washes her hair two to three times per week, if foam can clean my roots more effectively, then I will gladly give away every can of my dry shampoo.

3: Bite Beauty The Lip Pencil, $18

It has taken me a long time to come around to Bite Beauty, but after the perfection that is the Amuse Bouche Lipstick, I’m a total convert. To determine the shades for the Amuse Bouche range, Bite leaned heavily on data collected from their Lip Lab locations, so I hope they’ve taken the same approach in creating shades for their lip liners. Bite’s neutral tones are some of my favorite, and their pigmentation is always on point, so I can’t imagine that this launch would disappoint. If you have color recommendations, please leave them in the comments below!

4: Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer, $9

Self-tanners have come a long way since the streaky, orange-tinted disasters we used to have in our showers. I’ve long been obsessed with the Jergens Natural Glow line of gradual self-tanners, but the latest launch takes it to a whole new level. They’ve combined the convenience of an in-shower moisturizer with gradual tanning technology. it’s the ultimate lazy girl product and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

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5: Shhowercap, $43

I’ve spent more time than I’m comfortable admitted wandering around drugstores looking for a shower cap that isn’t terrible. I’ve even resorted to buying character versions, like pigs & frogs, from TJ Maxx just for something different. Finally, we have a luxury option that uses performance fabric and actually looks cute. The price is a bit steep, but worth the splurge.

6: NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, $30

When NARS launched Radiant Creamy Concealer, beauty girls everywhere collectively lost their minds, so it’s no surprise that their latest release is hiding eye bags everywhere. The reviews I’ve read & seen thus far rave about full coverage and line-filling properties. I might use my missing Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla as an excuse to pick a pot of my own up ASAP.

7: Maybelline Brow Perfecting Highlighter, $8

Maybelline’s brow products have been rocking my world, so when I heard they launched a Brow Perfecting Highlighter, my curiosity got the best of me. I’m not the type to do a full Instagram brow (and, tbh, I don’t know that I have the skills), but I do love the idea of a concealer to clean up the edges when I’m lazy. A simple concealer brush could serve the same purpose, but I love the ease and shape of this concept. Necessary? No. Intriguing? Absolutely.

8: Maybelline Color Sensational Inti-Matte in Brown Blush, $6

As soon as I heard about Brown Blush & the Inti-Matte collection, I rushed to my trusty new beauty release source, Harmon, and combed the numerous displays. Every shade was in stock except, of course, the one shade I was truly interested in. Brown Blush, also known as color 575, is what I would describe as a rosewood, or a purple-toned pink is mixed with a hint of brown. It’s a natural evolution from the neutral pink lips towards a nod to the 90s and it’s sold out everywhere.

9: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer, $24

The hype around this Tarte concealer just won’t die. People whose opinions I trust & respect have traveled to the outer reaches of Queens just to find it, and that is a testimony in itself. I generally only conceal under my eyes, so the claims of full coverage appeal directly to my desperate need to conceal those pesky under eye circles. I’ve heard those that have tried both that they love the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer more, so it may soon edge out my curiosity, but let’s be honest: a girl can never have enough concealer.

The post Wishful Shopping: Best New Beauty appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

Step away from the chaos. Disengage from the madness. It’s time to stop giving him our most precious resource: our attention.

(the goddess Selena & her hips are the only spin cycle I acknowledge)

I’ve spent the past few weeks watching too much Charmed, so forgive me if this reads like an early 2000s WB drama, but that man is stealing all our energy. It’s hard to know what stage of grief we’re on because with every new Executive Order, tweet, or unorthodox press conference, the grief cycle resets. These first seven days have felt like I was trapped in an aggressive spin cycle and I desperately want out. The bad news is that he’s not going anywhere (yet), but I don’t have to keep feeding into his sick cycle carousel and neither do you.

Protecting ourselves from the chaos of the news cycle doesn’t mean that we don’t care about the issues. In many ways, the speed at which this administration creates headlines has more in common with fast fashion than we’re comfortable admitting. A short life cycle, shoddy construction, and dangerous working conditions are just a few of the similarities between our current political climate and disposable clothing, not to mention an inferior fit. But now that we’ve made our final sale impulse purchase, we’ve got to make the best of a bad outfit.

As someone whose online and offline worlds are seamlessly blended, I understand the temptation to stare at the never-ending stream of tweets from respected reporters out of FOMO. In an effort to help you recharge, refocus, and maintain some semblance of self-care, I’m sharing a few of my coping strategies.

Consume tweets responsibly

Twitter can be the best resource for news, but in times of change, it can also be incredibly overwhelming. Twitter Moments were initially heavily criticized and misunderstood, but they have evolved into a dynamic source for the latest trending topics, political and otherwise. If you’ve been away from the platform for a few hours, it’s an easy way to catch up on the highlights.

For something more curated, I highly recommend creating a List of your favorite journalists covering the White House and referencing that List instead of your streaming timeline as a way to temper the flow of information. Following editorial properties, like Politico or The Hill, can get overwhelming due to the sheer volume of daily content, so add these to your List with caution.

Touch books

In only seven days, there have been many references to Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale and a resurgence of interest in George Orwell’s 1984. Both are dystopian novels that feel all too familiar in this regressive time. Connecting with physical copies of books not only releases us from the temptation of checking our notifications, but it also transports us away from sources of stress into another world entirely. Escapism is a completely valid – and necessary – form of coping.

Try aromatherapy

Until last year, pillow mist was my most frequent type of aromatherapy. After a friend relied on peppermint oil to relieve her nausea and graciously shared her remedy after a medication turned my world upside down, I became converted. I discovered an aromatherapy diffuser at my family’s house in Maine on my last visit and it has regularly helped relieve my stress when life gets a little too intense. I’ve also turned to my friend Nicole at Stone Cold Betch for essential oil uses and blend recommendations. Fragrance can help to recalibrate your space, so whether it’s through aromatherapy or your favorite candle, the slightest infusion can make the biggest difference.

Support journalism

Political news can be like an iceberg, with the headline floating above the surface and complex details hidden below. Stories need time to develop, which is why I advocate for the measured consumption of quality coverage. But don’t get me wrong. We’re all going to get trapped by click bait and breaking news, but I believe that subscribing to institutions like the NYT will contribute to the relentless pursuit of truth we so desperately need.

Work in our own community

While it’s satisfying to know that our #resist tweets are getting under his skin, online activism can only go so far. Protests are an effective form of resistance not only because of their disruptive nature, but through empowerment that comes from uniting with other like-minded people around a central cause. To sustain that momentum, it’s vital that we organize our efforts locally. A great starting point is with the Women’s March On Washington’s plan for 10 actions in the first 100 days.  Thinking more locally (for NYC where I live), there’s a helpful website called We Are New York Values that has categorized local organizations that need volunteers, support, and resources. If you’re not in NYC, I hope that you’re able to connect with local groups through Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

If you have a tip or resource to include in this list, please share in the comments below.

The post How To Recharge In Chaotic Times appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

Dry heat and harsh winter winds have totally wrecked my skin. But the good news is that I’ve found relief thanks to the elf Hydrating Gel Mask – and it’s only $12.

It’s the same battle every winter. I add moisture back into my skin at every step and yet it still never seems to be enough. I’m infusing my liquid makeup with beauty oil, prepping with rich moisturizers, and living the diva lifestyle with a humidifier running 24/7. While my favorite moisturizers are still great options, my new favorite pre-makeup booster is the elf Hydrating Gel Mask.

Not only does it give my skin delightfully bouncy results (without a $320 price tag), but the deep hydration lasts all day. If I use the mask in the morning before applying makeup, I can often skip primer entirely. The first thing you’ll notice about elf Hydrating Gel Mask, other than the faint generic skincare scent, is that the gel is unlike similar products. The gel formula is a bit thicker and envelops the skin in a way that I hoped to experience with sleeping masks. Are sleeping masks disappointing for anyone else?

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While I do reach for this mask more than Origins Drink Up or Avene Soothing Moisture Mask simply because I like the duration & immediacy of the results, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that although the initial purchase price of the elf Hydrating Gel Mask is only $12 (for 1.76 ounces), the full-size Origins Drink Up is actually a more cost-effective option. The elf Hydrating Gel Mask may also not be a great option for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin as it contains Cyclopentasiloxane, a silicone. I personally haven’t experienced any breakouts or concerns after using this mask regularly for over a month, but my skin is rarely sensitive.

Overall, I’m certain that I will finish the entire jar, a feat in itself. With coupons & the occasional sale on the elf website, this can be a great option in the midst of winter or for those with extremely dry skin. Although I have the elf Hydrating Bubble Mask that everyone is talking about, I haven’t had a chance to try it yet. If you have, share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post How To Quench Your Thirst For Only $12 appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

#ImWithHer and I’ve been with her since 2004. While sitting around retired factory sewing machines in class at the University of Arkansas, my classmates and I passionately argued about politics. Our teacher made us all put our sewing scissors down and back away from the table.

Growing up in Arkansas meant that Hillary was an ever-present political figure. At most, I remember vague details from the scandals that dotted Bill’s time as Governor. I didn’t understand politics was or why I should truly care until college, and from the moment I tuned in, she’s been my choice for President. It’s true that I was a young Republican in high school, but I only joined because it’s where all the hot guys and popular girls hung out.

I walked to my polling place this morning and proudly cast my vote for Hillary Clinton. Madam President. Not just because she’s a woman. Not just because Trump is incompetent and I cannot find the capacity to respect anyone who votes for him. She has been singularly focused on this moment for her entire political career. She has strategically diversified her experience to become the most qualified candidate we’ve ever had the opportunity to elect to our highest office.

No matter what happens tonight (or tomorrow or next week should this drama continue to drag on), I participated in history today. The boundaries of possibility for women have been forever stretched.

Get the look: Collection by Evans floral pyjama jacket and pants | I Feel Like Hillz Madam President tee (I’m wearing an XL) | HAUSOFELLE heavy leather choker | Smoking slippers, a Nordstrom Rack find (similar, similar) | 

Photos by Kristin Booker

The post On The Plus Side: I’m A Nasty Woman appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and no I don’t mean the holiday season. It’s time for the Sephora VIB sale, that glorious time when you can save 20% off all your favorites and lavishly expensive products that you don’t quite need. If you’re VIB, you can shop from November 11-14 with code 20VIB online and in store. I’ve narrowed down my recommendations to a few categories, below, or you can browse the shopping gallery below. You can always tweet me @styleit for any last minute questions!

Highly recommended

The Estee Edit Metallishadows ($25) – a brilliantly coordinated cream shadow & loose pigment for dramatic eye looks. My favorite is Scarlet Eclipse, but you can’t go wrong with any (or all) of them

May Coop Raw Sauce ($43) – if your skin is dry or could use extra plumping, this pre-serum essence is a great way to easily & weightlessly infuse moisture

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Hair Mist ($36) – An unexpected way to boost my favorite scent. Read my full review.

Burberry Wet & Dry Silk Eyeshadow in Pale Barley ($29) – There’s been a lot of hype surrounding this eyeshadow & with good reason. It’s an essential if you have a fair to medium skin tone and prefer a one & done lid color.

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Vinyl Color Lipstick ($33) – There’s a reason nearly every color is currently out online. I am not a fan of sheer lip colors, but this formula actually delivers even pigmentation. #16, a gray that turns purple, is the real standout, but don’t overlook #12, a rich berry.

Kat Von D Lock It Edge Concealer Brush ($24) – This immediately became my new favorite concealer brush. It’s perfect for under the eyes and excellent at tracing the contours of your lips to clean up lipstick.

Excellent gifts

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Rita, holiday packaging ($32) – The ultimate stocking stuffer or small gift for a red lipstick over. The magnetized metallic case is incredibly chic and it perfectly matches the lipstick shade inside.

The Estee Edit Gritty & Glow Magnetic Eye and Face Palettes ($58) – This duo palette set contains some of the most beautiful shades for all skin tones in the most incredibly finely milled metallic powders that I’ve ever used. If you’re at all interested, grab this before it sells out.

Kat Von D Metal Matte Palette ($60) – It’s been hard to walk away from this palette after swatching it in store. The wide array of colors and mix of textures makes it a must for any eyeshadow lover.

Best value

Smashbox Light It Up 3 Palette Set ($45) – With three palettes – contour, eyes, and lips – this makes a great gift or divide them up for stocking stuffers.

Sephora Favorites Hair Essentials On The Go ($25) – 5 products for $25 that you select from a limited assortment. A great deal if two or more of the products piques your interest.

Sephora Favorites Customizable Skin Care & Hair Set ($25) – Similar to the set above, but there is (currently) a wider variety of products to choose from.

Bite Beauty The Perfect Bite Amuse Bouche Set ($25) – Four minis of Bite’s incredible Amuse Bouche lipsticks.

Living Proof Spread Cheer & Perfect Hair Kit ($25) – For only $3 more than the cost of the dry shampoo, you get travel sizes of the Perfect Hair Day shampoo & conditioner

Classic beauty

Kat Von D Shade & Light Eye Palette ($46) – An absolute must have. There’s never been a day that I regret owning this palette.

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation ($39) – Still the foundation that I receive the most compliments on. The shade selection isn’t perfect, but if you can find your match, it’s wonderful.

Buxom Full On Lip Cream ($20) – My favorite lip gloss formula, without question. Shade recommendations: Hot Toddy, Rose Julep, and White Russian.

NARS Audacious Lipstick ($32) – As if I’d leave my favorite lipstick formula off this list! Shade recommendations: Carmen (review), Greta (review), Lana, Barbara, and Liv.

My list

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita & Double Dare – I’m giving in to the hype surrounding these two shades, finally.

Tom Ford Black Orchid Rollerball ($45) – I have a body cream and a bottle of this fragrance, but I can never get enough.

Want more? Check out last year’s list.

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The post Sephora VIB Sale Recommendations appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

When I was younger, I didn’t understand the concept of “tough”. I didn’t know that the world would harden us if we let it, and I certainly didn’t know that my mom was one of the toughest people I could possibly imagine. Growing up in the middle of the woods in Arkansas led to interesting adventures. If you’ve been lucky enough to spend time with my mom & I during the holidays, then you’ve certainly heard your fair share of stories.

I’ve let life harden me. We all do. It pushes us from the innocence we didn’t know that we should treasure only for us to realize that all monsters are human. Style telegraphs so much more about us than what we can afford and what we have access. It pokes holes in our facade, revealing vulnerabilities most of us aren’t self-aware enough to acknowledge.

In the past two months, my style has evolved into a celebration of being alive. My ideal aesthetic life just so happens to closely resemble a collaboration between the Texas goth bar I fell in love with during SXSW & a bondage-adjacent fashion goth. I’ve purchased nearly every leather, pleated, sheer, item I can get my hands on and each day I get closer to living my life as an extra from American Horror Story: Coven.

While I could easily explain this style shift away with the arrival of fall, it goes deeper than that. As the chaos of the year gets further behind me, I am finally seeing what “normal” might look like for me as my hormones, and my mental health as a result, level out. I feel more vulnerable than ever before, which is never a feeling I’ve particularly enjoyed. This faux leather/fur/aggressive choker/dark lipstick armor is just another way for me to create distance from those around me through a very Fashion way.

Speaking of fashion, let’s talk about this ELOQUII dress that lit up my soul the moment I saw it. My rule is that if I can think of at least five different ways to wear something, it must be mine, and this dress was no exception. When it arrived, it was a bit thinner than I had anticipated (based on my previous experience with ELOQUII faux leather pieces), which is both good and bad. You won’t feel like your whole body is being smothered with leather, but a bit more weight might have helped it be more wrinkle resistant & hang on the body better. Regardless, I love it and look forward to seeing it in lewks through May. It’s a bit big on top because *surprise*, all those body changes I’ve been lamenting about have most notably impacted my bust size. I can’t win ’em all, but I can wear this dress with a sweater. Who wants some lemonade?

Get the look: ELOQUII Pleated Faux Leather Dress | Lane Bryant ankle moto boots (similar) | Universal Standard Thames Fog Dress | Stackable Sweets Leather Chain Choker | Panache Tango Bra (my review) | Zara Tricolor Faux Fur Clutch | Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Licorice |

Photos by the wondrously generous, patient, and kind Kristin Booker

The post On The Plus Side: Leather & Layers appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

Beauty has come a long way, especially in the last few years. Guys are fronting major beauty campaigns, cosmetics are available at every price point, and you can find lipstick in every color of the rainbow at your local drugstore. Outside of Instagram and late night Bushwick raves, I’ve often wondered about the type of look that could support such non-traditional hues, and I’ve even flirted with the idea late night on Twitter. But in real life? I decided to push myself outside my comfort zone with a beauty dare.

Bite Beauty’s Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Squid Ink has always intrigued me. The Amuse Bouche formula is one of the best (if not the best) lipsticks on the market, due in large part to their excellent pigmentation and creamy finish. Naturally, the most premium blue lipstick experience I could have would be with this formula. Applying blue lipstick, like a lot of dark & non-traditional colors, takes some finesse.

Squid Ink is described as a “deep navy with black”, but the first pass of color straight from the bullet isn’t fully opaque like it might be with more traditional lipstick colors. This isn’t exclusive to the Bite shade, I found. In fact, most blue lipsticks require a few passes to build up to full opacity, which speaks to larger issues with the blue pigments than to specific formulas.

As for wearability, I’ve experienced similar shades draining the color from my face, so I opted for a sculpted look created entirely with the LORAC PRO Contour Palette. Keeping the look warm & simple everywhere else allowed the lips to stand out without completely pulling focus. I was also worried about my teeth appearing yellow, but I feel like instead, they appeared even brighter. Is blue lipstick the new white teeth lifehack?

If spending $26 on a blue lipstick isn’t your jam, try Maybelline’s Loaded Bolds Lipstick in Midnight Blue for $7.49. The shade isn’t quite as deep as Squid Ink, but you could mix it with a black lipstick for added depth.

Have you added blue lipstick into your regular color rotation? Am I just late to the party? Or do you only wear it on Halloween? LMK in the comments below!

The post Beauty Dare: Blue Lipstick appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

I’ve told the simplified version of this story countless times. The “how I learned to love myself” story that everyone thinks has a finite finish line, and the moment you cross over the universe gives you $200 and a great ass. Reporters and moderators love to ask me about confidence like I’m somehow holding this magical confidence-bestowing gift card close and if you ask me the correct series of questions, I’ll share my gift with you, too.

The thing about confidence (in any area of life, not just as it relates to beauty or your body) is that it’s never the same moment to moment. In my experience, my confidence rises and falls with a series of variables that my brain is constantly calculating. Am I entering a familiar situation and know exactly what to expect, or is everything unfamiliar except [insert thing that makes me feel powerful/strong/beautiful/desirable/smart]? “Confidence” as it is presented to us in popular culture is rooted in how great we feel about our bodies, how educated we are, and how strong we can appear in the face of oppression. It is my experience, however, that true confidence comes from a steeled belief that you are capable of handling whatever unknown variable that you might encounter.

But here in this expansive digital ocean, we’re all jockeying for attention. Likes, comments, recognition, money, and fame are how we measure our “success”. Even more fleeting than confidence is this notion that the more of any of the above that we get, the more successful we are. We place our value directly into the fickle hands of others, close our eyes, and hope that they will be able to fully appreciate our body of work based on a two-dimensional representation of a static moment in time.

The story I mentioned at the top of this post is the story of how I began posting photos of myself online and where the confidence to put myself out there came from. Back in 2006 when I started my site, the internet was a very different place. I started my career working for a woman who sat front row at Oscar de la Renta as a digital pioneer. There was never a goal too lofty or an achievement too unattainable because I witnessed her work being seen as legitimate in the eyes of the industry.

Those of us who were lucky to launch in 2006 (or even earlier) knew that our professionalism, or the appearance thereof, made all the difference. We took our early cues from the magazines, using brand-provided product images (if we weren’t “stealing” them from their websites) and used the royal we to talk about ourselves. Unlike magazines in their big glass towers, we formed deep connections to our readers that allowed us truly listen to their needs.

We listened, we adapted, and we opened up. We pulled back the curtain and began to show ourselves. It wasn’t easy, even though we made it appear like it was because the internet has never been particularly kind to women. For those of us that were outside the Hollywood standard of beauty, we had a particularly high barrier to entry.

To overcome my fears and the disparity between what I believed I looked like and the way I was represented in photos, I challenged myself. Using a site called DailyBooth (RIP), I challenged myself to upload a photo of myself every work day for 30 days. I had to upload the first photo I took, no takebacks, and be happy with the image that was presented. In today’s selfie-obsessed society, that doesn’t seem like a tall order, but in 2010 we hadn’t quite reached that tipping point.

I uploaded my 30 selfies and became comfortable with what I saw on the screen. The image I saw of myself in my mind and what was presented became to move closer together. Six years later, there are still days that I struggle with this disparity. The truth is, we can’t accept a 2D recreation of a single moment as a representation of the whole of who we are.

Sure, the photo at the top of this post (taken by the incredible Kristin Booker) is beautiful. But you can’t see the sweat on my forehead because I was stressed, or how much the energy from our creative exchange was fueling my spirit. You also can’t see the compliments I paid to strangers, the time I lost my patience or the work I’d done that morning. Perhaps the best photos are still worth 1,000 words, but these days it feels like we’d settle for 1,000 likes or 1,000 emojis.

My point is, nearly 800 words later, that it’s important to find strength and beauty within yourself, outside of and independent of any other measurement. Your Chanel bag doesn’t do you a bit of good at the oncologist and a leather dress won’t comfort you at the end of an emotionally taxing day. Hollow confidence is what comes attached to people, things, and interactions outside yourself, but finding a way to be there for yourself in the shadow times is the truest form of love there is.

The post How I Learned To Love My (Digital) Self appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

There are a lot of things about this TOCCA for Gwynnie Bee feather print dress that surprised me. I had totally forgotten that Tocca made clothes until this special delivery from GB arrived, and then I couldn’t stop thinking about how I wish their laundry wash was more readily available. Remember when we could buy it at Sephora? *heavy sigh*

Regardless, this dress is the real star of the TOCCA for Gwynnie Bee collection. The silhouette is effortless and forgiving, so much so that I am able to fit into the size 24 (I almost exclusively wear a size 28 on bottom). I had been wearing the dress for half the day when I discovered that it also had pockets. Seriously, what’s not to love.

This was also the first time I’d had a chance to wear my red metallic ELOQUII Pointed Toe Loafers, which I love. The gold heel adds a little something extra, don’t you think?  This is the perfect weekend brunch or day casual dress, and it would look just as great styled with a moto jacket or tights. Plus, it’s great for those random stretches of warmer temperatures like we’re having in NYC right now. Somehow it’s 80 degrees outside and all I want to do is wear my faux fur.

If this dress isn’t your style, the feather print is also available in a top, plus there’s an incredible Executive Realness Seamed Sheath Dress.

Get the look: TOCCA for Gwynnie Bee feather print dress | ELOQUII Pointed Toe Loafer | Cambridge Satchel North South Tote | Tom Ford sunglasses | Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope lipstick in Entourage |

Photos by the always incredible Kristin Booker

The post On The Plus Side: TOCCA About Me appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

And you thought that keeping hair color from fading was the toughest part of being a redhead.

At one of my favorite spots, Cafe Select, with one of my most supportive friends. Thank you, Kristin, for this photo!

Whenever I do a full red hair refresh, it always takes me a couple of days to get my brow color j-u-s-t right. Typically, I’ll text my friend and Make Up For Ever artist Audrey Lea Curry for an emergency recommendation, but a rediscovery of the It Cosmetics Brow Power Super Skinny in Universal Auburn gave me a whole new perspective. If you’ve never experienced post-color brow panic, just take a look at my selfie with fresh hair color. See the difference?

Recently, I had the chance to try Maybelline’s revamped assortment of brow products and I’m so impressed. Before coloring, I was using Soft Brown, but now I’ve switched to using Auburn. I’ve never been particularly fond of brow powders, but the powders in both the Brow Drama Pro Palette & the Brow Define & Fill are excellent. I have sparse brows, so even the slightest touch of powder can make a big difference. Of the three products I’ve tried, I prefer the Brow Precise Micro Pencil, but I mix and match it with the two mentioned above for different effects. I’m on the edge of my seat for the Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer to become available in Auburn in January. I hadn’t had any luck at the drugstore finding shades to complement my red hair in the past, so this discovery makes it one of my favorites of the year!

As I mentioned above, the It Cosmetics Brow Power Super Skinny in Universal Auburn is my favorite pencil to use while my hair color is still vibrant. It’s the lightest in tone and also gives me the most natural-looking results. It’s what I’m wearing in the first photo of this post and the product that I reach for when I want a look that is both polished and balanced. To put it simply, it’s perfect.

The Anastasia Brow Wiz in Chocolate is the first product that Audrey recommended to me back during her Sephora days and the one on this list that I’ve repurchased the most. It’s also the darkest in tone and the ideal product to use as my roots grow in. If you’re more auburn than I am, Chocolate is a shade worth checking out. Brow trends come & go, but in my opinion, the Brow Wiz is still the most consistently reliable product you can use.

These are the best brow products for redheads that I’ve found. Do you have any favorites that didn’t make the list? I’m all ears!

  The post The Best Brow Products For Redheads appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

I know that’s a bold claim, but trust me when I say I’ve got the receipts to back it up.

My beauty shopping is heavily dominated by Sephora, it’s true, but I love experiencing new environments. I’m a huge fan of Harmon for drugstore makeup and Space NK knows the way to my heart in many, many ways, yet I remain loyal to Sephora mostly out of convenience. I “know” the Birchbox store exists, but I’m so rarely on West Broadway that I forget to include it in my shopping loop. (TBH, I stay away from West Broadway to mostly avoid emptying my bank account at Laduree, but I digress.)

Although I lost my patience with Birchbox’s repetitive box offerings long ago, at my heart I’m a deeply curious beauty consumer. The boxes appeal to my love of discovery and surprise, but I’ll be damned if I pay for another Juicy Couture fragrance sample. At the SoHo store, however, Birchbox has deconstructed the box experience. For $15, you can build your own five item box.

The build your own box station, located all the way in the back of the store, is quite impressive. As you browse the selection, testers are available for each of the products. The products are divided into specific categories and as you build your box, you select one product from each of the designated categories for a total of five items.

My custom box contents, listed in order of excitement:

Living Proof Dry Shampoo, 1.8oz ($12 retail)

TokyoMilk Dark Lip Elixir in Cherry Bourbon, full size ($7 retail)

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil, 0.33 oz ($29 for the full size)

Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, 1 pair ($30 for 8 pairs)

Calypso St. Barth Figue Eau de Parfum, ($30 for 7.5 ml purse spray)

Building your own box is a cute concept, but the real value is in the travel (sometimes full) size products, especially if you’re preparing for an upcoming trip. We all get sidetracked by the Beauty To Go bins at Sephora until we see the price tag for mini versions, often with just a few dollars difference in price from the full size. While I’ve often browsed the selection without creating my own box, the tipping point was identifying three items that I was genuinely curious to try. I’d even be willing to sign up for a monthly build your own box subscription if I could receive first dibs & notifications of when new products are added to the assortment.

Like any good bargain, there is a bit of hunting involved. But what is it that they say about the thrill of the chase? 

The post NYC’s Secret Beauty Bargain appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

Did you fall in love with the white Herbal Essences Cleansing Conditioner and now you can’t find it anywhere? Let’s form a support group. Here are three alternative products to help you avoid sulfates like a pro.

To say that I love the Herbal Essences Cleansing Conditioner (RIP) in the white bottle with all of my might would be the understatement of the year. I first wrote about its magical powers in 2014 and since then, I’ve forced it into the hands of anyone who has come to me for haircare advice (and even a few friends who didn’t). I’ve tried the pink formula for color treated hair, as that is all I can currently find in stores, but the formula is too hydrating, so it leaves my hair limp & lifeless. The white formula was perfect, but sadly it is being phased out by the end of the year. This won’t be the first product I’ve loved to be discontinued and it certainly won’t be the last. If you’re in mourning like me, I have three solid product recommendations to help you move on.

Closest match: Pantene Pro-V Color Preserve Cleansing Conditioner

A little birdie told me that the Pantene & Herbal Essences formulas were nearly identical (their ingredient lists are very different), but for some reason, I could never get all the way on board with the Pantene experience. It’s probably because the Herbal Essences cleansing conditioner formula contained delicious smelling ingredients like peppermint & passion fruit extract. All of that aside, this Pantene alternative is a perfectly fine cleansing conditioner. Just don’t expect a full-blown sensory experience.

Interesting alternative: Hair Food by Clairol Honey Apricot Cleansing Conditioner

If you couldn’t tell by my sentiments surrounding the Pantene option, scent is really important to me, especially when it’s infused into a product that sits on my hair for as long as a cleansing conditioner does. Hair Food is available exclusively at Target, which is my number one frustration with the line, with the second being that it is nearly twice as expensive as the Herbal Essences version. The honey apricot fragrance has warmth, perfect for the fall & winter season, and the formula performs fairly well. I would have liked deeper conditioning, but at this point, I’m running out of options.

Or, you could try just plain conditioner

Hear me out. Another little birdie told me that if you use a lot of conditioner, it has the same effect as cleansing conditioner. I haven’t been able to replicate those results either, however, I did try using only conditioner on my hair for three days between shampoo washings. On the first day, the results were better than the day I washed my hair. I used the conditioner in the exact same manner I used the cleansing conditioner. Afterward, my hair was soft, shiny, and super manageable. On the second day, my hair was a little more weighted down, but nothing a great hat wouldn’t counteract. By the third day, my fine hair was in a ponytail-only zone (without dry shampoo). If you’ve been nervous to try out this method, give it a shot! The worst that can happen is you get an excuse to wear your favorite hat.

Is there a drugstore cleansing conditioner alternative that I’ve missed? Please point me in all the directions!

The post Herbal Essences Discontinued My Favorite Cleansing Conditioner appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

Several seasons ago, before Donna Karan’s departure at DKNY, I remember falling in love with flowing maxi tees during the runway show. Maxi tees appeal to my sensibilities on many levels, like my love of dramatic flowing pieces, layers, and proportion play. When I saw ELOQUII’s Button Down Sleeveless Maxi Top, I knew at a bare minimum I could style it with skinny jeans, but I wanted to continue to push the boundaries.

From a proportion standpoint, this ticks all my boxes. The bottom button stops right at the top of where I naturally wear skirts & jeans, leaving two front slits to provide the illusion of coverage. The two side slits start lower than the front slit, ensuring that even if I do get caught in a stiff breeze, I would never be completely exposed. As much as I love stripes, I can find them challenging on less secure body days, so the maxi tee is the perfect partner for a horizontal striped pencil skirt (similar). I get the flash of contrast from the slits, especially when I move, without the stress of a stray angle.

But of course, I wouldn’t be wearing a button down if I didn’t tie it at the waist. You could also tuck the tails in if your skirt was long enough, but I don’t consider it necessary. This style may not be ideal for those with more pronounced assets , but I’m relatively flat in the back, so I don’t have an issue with the shirttail.

This would also be so cute under a lighter color sweater this winter. I can’t wait to continue to layer it over and under styles year round!

Get the look: ELOQUII maxi tee | ELOQUII mixed stripes pencil skirt (similar) | Vans perforated leather sneakers | Black pearl stud earrings | Hobby Lobby rose & paisley bandana (not available online) |

The post On The Plus Side: To The Maxi appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

My first car was a 1995 white Ford Escort hatchback that my mom generously purchased. It was nicknamed The White Rabbit, festooned with zebra seat covers, and took me absolutely everywhere (including all the places I shouldn’t have gone – sorry mom). After that, I moved on to a brand-new Honda Accord that became too ubiquitous for my liking, so I transitioned to a Honda Element. The Element holds a special place in my heart, making me nostalgic to this day whenever I see one. It has always been my favorite car, at least until this past weekend, when I fell in love with the 2016 Lincoln Navigator.

Luxury is hypnotic and I’m not immune to its charms, but the Navigator is something more than luxurious. It’s intelligent and thoughtful, two traits that become incredibly necessary when you’re navigating the streets of NYC and the aggressive surrounding highways. For my weekend of adventure, I had planned day trips to Sleepy Hollow and another for Brooklyn’s favorite fall activity, apple picking. Like any New Yorker, I have access to the best of everything, but I still miss the comforts of big box stores and chain restaurants, so there were plenty of stops and eats on the agenda.

Sleepy Hollow is an incredibly charming area to visit, especially in October. The town celebrates Halloween to the fullest, complete with a Headless Horseman and haunted houses aplenty. Our main goal during the visit was to shoot as many spooky and fall-focused outfits as possible. You’ll be seeing those coming soon, don’t worry. We pulled into the beautiful grounds of Phillipsburg Manor, and right there in the parking lot, we turned the Navigator into a dressing room for our four-outfit shoot. My makeup was strewn across the back for quick changes, scattered among hats and no less than 15 pieces of clothing hanging on hooks. I wish there was a photo, but we were too preoccupied with the quickly fading light.

It wasn’t until the drive home that the thoughtful details of the Navigator began to appear. Assistive technology like subtle nearby vehicle indicator lights on the side mirrors and proximity sensors on both the front and rear of the car saved me multiple times. Especially in a city like NYC, where space is at a premium and everyone is jockeying for the same location at rapid speeds, it was nice to have extra lookouts.

The morning we drove to the apple farm, the rain was coming down heavy. Automatic sensors for both the lights and the windshield wipers made it much easier to focus on staying safe & singing along to throwback jams. As we approached the farm, I realized that I wasn’t in my ideal apple picking outfit, so when we parked (in a field, mind you), I hopped into the back, closed the gate, and changed. With just the rear seats folding down (still leaving four luxurious seats), I was able to change my entire outfit, including pants, without a problem. Being 6’2″, I rarely fit anywhere, but there was never a time when I was too big for the Navigator.

After a bushel of apples, a jar of apple butter, a half pint of cider, and two apple cider doughnuts, we were ready to head back towards civilization. One snag: after the morning’s rain, the field we’d parked in was muddy, and the combination of the steep incline and a rather large hump made it impossible to back out. That’s right. I got a brand new SUV stuck in a field. While I was freaking out, my friend Kristin ran for help, thinking on the way how nice it’d be if we had four wheel drive. Growing up in Arkansas, I was familiar with 4×4 trucks, but I never imagined the Navigator would be that powerful. An enthusiastic teenage boy came, found the 4×4 button on the radio console that I’d missed in my stress, and backed right now. Miraculous.

The last time I had a car, I would listen to Kelly Clarkson’s My December album on repeat while working through my feelings (judge me if you like, but this is her best album). The upgraded sound system in my Honda Element became very important to me, and the Navigator’s system exceeded my expectations with ease. There’s nothing quite like your seat vibrating while you’re stuck in traffic to soothe your nerves as you sing along to Britney Spears.

There were other delights, too. Like when I’d unlock the car at night and see the Lincoln logo projected onto the ground beside the car. Or the automatic running boards that extended to make it easier to get in and out. While wearing my ELOQUII faux leather joggers, I cooled down with air conditioned seats. The trick I nearly discovered too late was being able to close the rear lift gate with the same button that would open it.

A huge thank you to my friends at Lincoln for making this wonderful weekend (and upcoming outfit photos) possible with the loan of this swank Navigator for the weekend. I felt expensive, was well-lit thanks to the sunroof, and indulged in all my favorite suburban pleasures. It was a weekend to remember!

Photos by Kristin Booker

The post My Weekend With The 2016 Lincoln Navigator appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

As I edited these photos, the first set that I shot on my recent trip to Maine, I realized how closely they reflected what I was feeling at the time. A little lost, a little confused, and with an overwhelming sense of being half in/half out of life.

The woods feel like home to me. When I was younger & would threaten to “run away”, I’d disappear into a makeshift camp in the woods behind our barn. I’d sit there for hours with botany and bird identification books, and a notebook for my thoughts. Sometimes I’d be accompanied by my dog or my horse, but mostly it was the silence of the woods, the expanse of nature, and the noise of my mind. These days, sitting still for hours feels nearly impossible and yet, there’s something about being surrounded by trees and the soft rustle of the breeze that makes time pass in a much gentler way.

But onto the clothes! You might remember this dress from my piece on the CUT For Evans festival-inspired collection.  From the moment I first saw the images, this dress called out to me. The mixed textures, combining the tougher chambray with the softer floral sleeves, plays with a duality that always delights my senses. I added a turquoise necklace for a more earthly feel and of course, the classic Chelsea boots that go with absolutely everything.

If I have one wish for you, it’s that you get out into the woods at some point during this fall. Make friends with a squirrel. Touch some moss. Listen to the rustle of the leaves. Be completely still. Let nature fill your soul up from the inside out.

Get the look: CUT For Evans Denim Dress (on sale for $45!) | turquoise necklace (maybe Bauble Bar?) (similar) | Barefoot Tess Chelsea Boots | 

The post On The Plus Side: In The Wilderness appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.

Turns out, submitting to total sensory deprivation is really difficult.

I’ve heard so many things about flotation therapy, all good, from my friends and fellow content creators that I just had to try it. The lovely (and I do mean lovely) people at Floating Lotus offered me the chance to experience this trend for myself and I couldn’t resist booking an appointment ASAP. I’ve had the privilege of trying a lot of spa services over the past ten years, but this one topped them all.

What to expect

The atmosphere inside Floating Lotus is bright, welcoming, and relaxed. The staff answered my many questions and concerns before getting into the tank and they walked me thoroughly through the entire float process. The treatment room itself is completely private and stocked with amenities for both before and after your session. Because of the sensitivity of the water, you have to remove all makeup & products from your skin with a quick pre-soak rinse. Because of the high salt content of the water, you’ll need to shower after as well. The process is pretty simple, however, there are certain precautions you’ll want to take and things to keep in mind before your first float.

In the days leading up to my float, I became hyper-aware of any little disruption in my skin. Like swimming in the ocean but 10x more intense, salt can be very irritating to skin disruptions as small as a pimple or an ingrown hair. Fortunately, I didn’t experience any extreme stinging or burning during my float. My hair, however, was another issue entirely.

For a variety of reasons, Floating Lotus requests that you do no float for at least a week after your hair has been color treated. My appointment was exactly one week from my incredible new color and after a cursory Google search, I saw that salt rinses can be used to strip color from my hair. Although I had a gloss appointment immediately following my float, I didn’t want to undo all of Janelle’s brilliant work and damage my freshly bleached hair.

My experience inside the tank

There were three factors that prevented me from fully submitting to the floating therapy experience: my body, my hair, and my mind.

Inside the float room, which is blessedly not a tiny pod, you’re only working with about 10″ of water. Because of the high salt content of the water, you’re extremely buoyant. Once you start to lay back and lift your hips, it feels like your entire body is being pushed up from below at a fast pace. I can imagine that in deeper water, this might be startling. The challenge for me and my body size is that I could never quite get my butt up off the bottom of the tank. I had to focus on keeping my hips lifted otherwise, I’d touch the bottom of the tank every few seconds.

Floating Lotus provided an impressively secure shower cap, but no shower cap can keep all the water out. After my first real attempt at floating where my hair became entirely soaked, I gave the experience an earnest try. The concerns for my hair (and my imagination running wild with scenes of red dye floating out into the tank) combined with my frequent awareness of the bottom of the tank inevitably disrupted my experience entirely.

After I gave up the notion that I could float with my full body, I turned sideways in the tank and sat with my back against the wall, allowing my legs to float. Because I couldn’t totally disengage with my experience, my mind began to wander. At first, it was similar to being on a flight without wifi, except with far more personal space. It seemed relaxing until I became overwhelmed with everything I was missing, everything I needed to do, and how much time I had left in my session. My float lasted for 50 minutes and I was committed to enduring all 50 of those minutes, if for no other reason than the beauty benefits of the salt.

After my float

The skin benefits of the tank are real. When I left, my skin was plump and hydrated for at least 24 hours after. So hydrated, in fact, that I ended up over-hydrating and my makeup slid off my face for the rest of the day as a result. The shower at Floating Lotus is pretty fantastic and the steam-filled room following your shower is a great re-entry experience.

Final thoughts

I don’t feel confident in saying that flotation therapy isn’t a great choice for me. Based on my experience, I believe it would take at least two (maybe even three) sessions to learn how to shut your mind down from the outside world. Especially in a city like New York, with signals flying everywhere and the world swirling outside, it can be difficult to focus on yourself. Similar to meditation, I didn’t expect great results the first time out. I would love to give it another try, but perhaps at a time when being a vibrant redhead isn’t quite so high on the priority list.

A 50 minute float session is $150.

Floating Lotus 39 West 56th Street, Penthouse New York, NY 10019 212.600.0220

The post I Tried Flotation Therapy & This Is What Happened appeared first on styleitonline.com by Sarah Conley.