Megan Kristel, Author at The Well Dressed Life

What to Buy at Bloomingdales

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021 by Megan Kristel

I’m sure I sound like a broken record at this point, but what the heck is happening in retail? Last week I went to the mall with my oldest, looking for spring clothes for her and anything for me. We spent two hours walking around the King of Prussia Mall, and it looked post-apocalyptic.

I know these retailers have had a terrible year, but the in-store experience is non-existent. There is no inventory, little variety in selection, and almost no sizes; oh, and if you are plus size or petite, many stores removed your department entirely, so good luck putting a single outfit together.

And honestly, this was happening long before COVID.

Even though shopping online can be a real pain in the neck, in my opinion, it’s the best and only option.

My goal for our content is to help make it easier for our readers to shop, especially now that the landscape is likely changed forever.

So our What to Buy at posts (along with a new one we’re launching tomorrow) are designed to help introduce you to stores and brands that work for our demographic and give you a curated selection of appropriate items.

Simply put, I want to save you time and money.

As I was pulling our April content together, I realized that I’ve never done a WTB focused on Bloomingdales. So I’m fixing that today.

And, as a happy coincidence, they are having their Buy More and Save Sale!

Take 20% off when you spend $100-$249, take 25% off when you spend $250-$399, or take 30% off when you spend $400 or more on items labeled “TAKE UP TO 30% OFF WITH CODE: SAVEMORE”

What to Buy at Bloomingdales

Bloomingdales offers benefits similar to Nordstrom, like free shipping and returns and cardmember benefits. They don’t get the buzz that Nordstrom gets from Influencers but offer just as many modern brands and have a nice selection of affordable options.

Below I rounded up seven items from Bloomingdales that I love individually but also represent a brand worth checking out.

Aqua: Tweed Blazer

Tweed Blazer, $98

Aqua is a contemporary brand offering fun, trend-based styles. Last week I featured this fabulous woven clutch that landed on our top seller list. It’s so well priced!

This tweed blazer (above) is a fun, under $100 spring piece. You can take it to work with black ankle pants, or wear it over jeans and a tank.

Like a collared shirt? This one is similar to the Amazon find we featured last month, except is has a tie waist style. Available in both blue stripe and classic white.

I ordered this cut out tee in white to pair with jeans and sandals.

Plus sized? They have an adorable selection, including this white eyelet top, and this blue and white tiered summer dress.

Liverpool Pants

Slim-Leg Pants, $89

I discovered Liverpool a few years ago when I received a pair of black ankle pants in a Stitch Fix order. Even though I don’t use Stitch Fix anymore, I still have and wear those pants. Above is a pair similar to what I have, available in sizes 0 – 16 for $89. Also in plus size from a 14W – 24w here.

Woven Slides

Woven Sandals, $120

Every year there is a must-have sandal, and this year, it’s these woven slides. You’ll see a version of these everywhere; I happen to like these Marc Fisher Slides in tan (also available in black, pink, and yellow). Wear them instead of flip-flops, with summer pants, maxi dresses, or shorts.

Baublebar Bar Bracelet Set

Bracelet Set, $68

Looking for some simple layering bracelets to build out a stack? This set of two slim chain bracelets from Baublebar are lovely.

If you wear two tone pieces try these sophisticated hoops for under $40. Or, these every day hoops come in gold or silver also under $40.

House of Want Shoulder Bag

Shoulder Bag, $98

One way to kick up your style is to incorporate more fashion-forward bags into your outfits. But you don’t want to spend it here. Instead, look for brands like House of Want. They create functional novelty bags that give your look a modern edge. This slim shoulder bag (above) is both classic and trendy in black and chocolate for under $100.

C by Bloomingdale’s Puff-Sleeve Cashmere Sweater

Puff-Sleeve Cashmere Sweater, $148

C by Bloomingdale’s makes some of the best, affordable cashmere on the market. They fit, wash and wear well and offer lots of options. I adore this puff sleeve style for the season in lilac (above), ivory and black in sizes XS – XL. The regular price is reasonable, but when they are on sale they are totally worth stocking up on.

Joe’s Bootcut Jeans

Bootcut Jeans, $168

My favorite bootcut jeans of all time are these Honey Bootcut Jeans by Joes. They make your legs look a million miles long thanks to their on point fit and subtle bootcut leg. Have these hemmed for heels so they just slightly puddle on top of your shoe. Available in sizes 23 – 34.

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Recommendations are based on my experience as a personal stylist and wardrobe consultant for over a decade. I worked with busy, down-to-earth women who wanted to look chic and feel confident but were often confused by so much of retail.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

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New Series! Pinterest to Real Life

April 9, 2021April 9, 2021 by Megan Kristel

Today we kick off a new Friday series: Pinterest in Real Life.

In our Wardrobe Challenge, I encouraged you to spend some time reviewing Pinterest and “pinning” looks you love. This exercise helps you narrow down your personal style, so you make better choices when editing your closet and when shopping because you’ll never be able to build a wardrobe you love if you don’t know what you like.

The idea here is that you pin all the images you love, ignoring the outfit’s price point or practicality. We’re simply trying to establish your aesthetic. I promise you; we can translate ANY look you love to work for your specific needs.

After wrapping up our Spring Wardrobe Challenge, I thought it would be fun and helpful to highlight popular, seasonal pins our community shared and show you how to take it from a highly stylized image to a real-life outfit.

I reviewed dozens boards posted in our Private Facebook Group. Since collectively, we aim to create a chic and modern style, it’s no surprise that many “pins” show up across all of our boards.

This post is full of tips and lessons, so be sure to follow to the end.

Pinterest Inspiration

Today, I’m starting with a simple, Parisian-inspired style that is effortless and chic. In “real life,” it’s easier than you may think to recreate with affordable, readily available pieces.

The Challenge with Pinterest Looks

The general challenge with Pinterest images is that most of the models are tall, thin, with little to no curves, which is all fine. Heck, I used to look like that (note I said ‘used to’). However, there is little variety of shapes and sizes, so we have to look beyond that to translate outfits that work for our individual needs.

At first glance, you’re probably not loving how low the blouse is cut. So we need to find a piece that mimics the blouse’s style, with a more practical neckline. Here, we just need a traditional v-neck – which is universally flattering on every shape, size, and body type.

Below, I pulled some more practical pieces to recreate this look that you can now take to the office, or to date night.

Real Life

Polka Dot Blouse, $44 | Ankle Pant, $59 | Heel Sandal, $120 | Lipstick, $34

The brand CeCe at Nordstrom offers easy-to-wear tops that can work day or night. Each top usually has something special about it, so it feels unique like you found it at a boutique, but their prices are fantastic.

I picked this v-neck black and white polka dot blouse that is on sale for $44 in sizes XS-XL (an XL is equivalent to a 14). It’s the perfect alternative to the inspiration top’s plunging neckline, which I’m assuming has a much higher price tag.

Plus size? Try this Ralph Lauren wrap style jersey top in 1X – 3X.

Then, you probably already have a pair of black ankle pants you love.

You can pair this blouse with a skinny, straight, or wide-leg bottom; tuck it in at least halfway to give yourself a proper proportion. I’m featuring the Avery Straight-Leg Ankle pant from Banana Republic. They are just solid, work-horse pants, great for work or dress up, and on sale for under $60. They come in all sizes, including petite, and tall up to a size 20.

Side note: If you need a suit, you can grab the matching blazer here.

Next up, shoes. The other challenge with Pinterest pictures is that everyone is in sky-high heels and doesn’t always work. I know I need to schedule some time to practice in heels again after a year in flats. Lol.

To replicate the look, I went with the block heels sandals by one of our favorites, Sam Edelman. They are about an inch lower than the inspiration look and, again, likely more affordable. You can pick them up in black (above) or 20, yes, 20 other colors.

Don’t love heels? No problem, a pointed flat is an easy swap. Something as simple as these from Naturalizer with a bit of texture, would work wonderfully.

Finally, pay attention to your inspiration pins’ styling because what you are attracted to is the overall feel of the look.

Today’s look is minimal, with a focus on fit and proportion instead of lots of accessories. The one accessory here that you might miss is the smudgy red lip, so go ahead and try that out.

Nars makes one of my favorite red lipsticks. Instead of swiping it across your lips, dab a little in the center and blend it in with your fingertip. This will give you that bitten lip look that feels fresh and not so perfect.

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

Learn about our mission to help women look and feel their very best, every day, here.

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How to Style Print Pants for Day and Night

April 8, 2021 by Megan Kristel

If you feel like maybe you’re in a style rut, it might be time to shake things up a bit.

Nothing too drastic, but putting your toe outside your style comfort zone can kick start your enthusiasm for the new season and open your eyes to even more fashion possibilities.

Plus, I bet you get a ton of compliments, and that never hurts:)

Over the next few weeks, we’ll feature lots of outfit inspiration designed to help you incorporate a new trend or jazz up your basics to show you how to add the “twist” in the classic-with-a-twist style we love around here.

And we’ll do that by featuring new items while mixing them with other popular items recently featured on the blog, so you can get the most out of your purchases.

Today, we’re starting with how to wear a pair of print pants.

Pants, $79.50

Print bottoms have been around forever. What makes them a trend, and can therefore date them, is the pattern. To keep them leaning classic choose a subtle print. (Of course, if you love a big, bold print, go for it! They may just be limited in how long you’ll want to wear them.)

For this post, I’m using these Ann Taylor crop pants in what they are calling an animal print. It’s more of an abstract version of one, using neutral colors, which I like more than a traditional print. The base color is called “Night Sky.”

The pants are available in a range of sizes, from 00 – 18, in regular and petite with a curvy cut option.

Below, I’m showing two ways to wear them, one for day, one for night, using some of our past reader favorites for the season.

Sporty Daytime

Sweater, $80 | Crossbody Bag, $129 | Earrings, $45 | Slip-On Sneaker, $95

Anytime you work with a pattern, the easiest way to make it work in an outfit is to pull out one color and work with it. Here, because the weather is warming up, I’m using white. It instantly makes the look feel fresh.

Banana Republic makes a fantastic knit, like this crewneck lightweight sweater, available in XXS – XXL in regular and petite.

To keep it sporty, I used white slip-on sneakers from Allbirds. These are great, everyday sneakers for under $100. You can walk all day in them, run errands, travel, visit the grandkids, etc. There are many color options; I prefer the white, grey, and beige.

Then, since we’re wearing this on a busy day, I used this tan crossbody from Nordstrom. I featured it in our What to Buy at Nordstrom post last month and have received so many notes from readers who are enjoying it. I have three kids and a non-stop schedule, so a stylish crossbody is one of my go-to’s this time of year.

Finally, I discovered Gorjana, a fantastic affordable jewelry brand, last year. If you want a few jewelry pieces that look different but still fall under the classic category, give them a try. I picked these under $50 earrings for this look because they are small enough for a casual day but mimic the pants’ print, tying everything together.

Night Out

Earrings, $32 | White Blazer, $128 |Camisole, $68 |Woven Clutch, $58 | Heels, $65

Oh, how I love heels and blazers!

Here, I used the white blazer we featured from Express in yesterday’s post and layered it over this camisole by Spanx (also featured in our What to Buy at Nordstrom post).

Then I used these neutral-colored strappy heels by Via Spiga (on sale over on Amazon) and this woven clutch which is my new favorite find from Bloomingdales.

Lastly, these gorgeous earrings are only $32 at Lilly Pulitzer.

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Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

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5 Spring Staples for Under $100

April 7, 2021 by Megan Kristel

Depending on your wardrobe, you may only need a few fresh pieces for spring.

If so, today’s post is for you. I rounded up 5 easy to incorporate spring staples that will build out your wardrobe, each with a unique twist, all under $100.

As always, there is something for everyone here, in all sizes.

5 Spring Staples for Under $100

Please remember, prices are subject to change and inventory may be limited. This post is NOT sponsored in any way.

Block Heel Slingbacks, $80 (Originally $178)

A few seasons back, I purchased a pair of tortoiseshell print pumps from Ann Taylor (still available), and they quickly became one of my go-to shoes. The combination of black and brown create a lovely pattern that works with so many pieces. So when I stumbled on these block heel slingbacks in a similar design by Kate Spade (on incredible sale), I knew they would be an excellent item to share.

A block heel has been around forever, but its most recent interpretation is just as comfortable but has a slimmer, more feminine profile. This particular pair is perfect for summer, with a practical heel and seasonal slingback styling.

You can wear this with skirts and dresses, ankle pants, or how I wore mine recently with white jeans and a black fitted sweater. Use the print as a neutral to create interest and depth to your outfits.

Woven Clutch

Woven Clutch, $58

When I found this woven clutch at Bloomingdales, I squealed. I LOVE it.

It looks designer for under $60. Available in bone (above) and dark tan (here), I bought both for our trip to Greece this summer (we will be vaccinated in time to go, so, yay!!) But let’s not wait until then. This can go to drinks with friends, date nights, baby showers, weddings, graduations and all the things Spring has to offer that we had to miss last year.

White Blazer

White Blazer, $77

A white blazer is always on my list of must-haves for spring, but they weren’t as easy to find this year. If you already have one, pull it out of your closet and pair it with boyfriend jeans. Any time you can create “tension” in an outfit, like partnering a tailored blazer with soft, casual jeans, you create a modern, stylish look almost instantly.

If you need a new one, I like this one from Express (also available in petite).

I’m also keen on this double breasted style from Lioness at shopbop. Madewell has a similar style in in plus size here.

Floral Top

Floral Top, $79

You know those occasions when you want a fun top, something different, that you didn’t just wear all day in the office?
This is what you want.

It fresh and seasonal, with a modern cut, super flattering neckline, and cut like a blouse and tunic in one. You can wear it out or do a front tuck like on the model above.

Available in four colors, in XXS – XXL and plus size here in black. And in yellow plus here.

Because the sleeves are full, pair it with a slim or straight leg bottom to help balance out the effect. I love it with white jeans and a pair of woven sandals.

Tie-Waist Pants

Tie Waist Pant, $60

These tie waist pants from Athleta have over 600 5-star rave reviews.

They are available in every size, from 00 – 26 in regular, petite, and tall. I’m showing them in plus size above because I want to reinforce the fact that you can wear whatever you want regardless of your shape your size. The model is showing it with sneakers for a sporty look. I would also pair them with pointy flats or strappy sandals.

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

Learn about our mission to help women look and feel their very best, every day, here.

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Easy Steps for a Flawless At Home Self Tan

April 6, 2021April 6, 2021 by Megan Kristel

Looking back on my childhood, there were so many glimpses of who I would become as an adult. Little moments where seeds were planted that grew into something significant for my future, “grownup” self.

Career-wise, I should have seen all this coming. I was a big-dreaming, optimistic, fashion-loving, creative kid.

I was also relentlessly teased about how ghostly pale I am, and I HATED it. So my tenacious young self decided to put an end to it. I scrounged up some money and walked over to Rite-Aid to buy their least expensive self-tanner.

The moment I got home, I slathered that stuff all over, checking the mirror every few minutes to see if I was transformed into one of the supermodels whose pictures covered the back of my bedroom door.

It never worked. I never looked like Cindy Crawford or Niki Taylor. But I also never stopped trying. Like I said, I was an optimistic kid.

Year after year, I went through the same ritual.

It was how my family marked the start of Spring – “Oh look, Meg’s trying to tan again.”

Over time, I upgraded from Rite-Aid brand to “better” drug store options. When I got a high school job, I splurged on anything I could get my hands on in the department stores.

So I’m not hyperbolic when I say I have tried every self-tanner under the sun.

Happily, products have evolved along with my expectations. I’m not trying to look like a bronzed goddess. I’ve grown to appreciate my fair and freckled skin.

It’s just that when the sun is shining I look radioactive and a good tanner helps to tone it down, even out my skin, hide my veins and cellulite, and help me feel more confident in shorts, skirts, and swimsuits.

Last year I shared a step-by-step video over in my Instagram highlights.

View this post on Instagram

☀️Anyone else craving sunshine and normalcy right about now? . 🤚🏼 . This time of year I usually start up my bi-weekly spray tans in anticipation for warmer weather and shorter hemlines. . But since my local salons are nowhere near opening 😭I have to go back to my roots and do it myself. . Luckily, I’ve been self-tanning since I was 14, which pretty much makes me an expert. . So today I’m breaking down my easy at home steps for a flawless at home tan. . Including how to get a natural, streak free application and my favorite products that make the process a breeze. . ☝🏼For the step-by-step guide follow the link in my profile and click “New on the Blog” or head to my highlights to watch the tutorial in full 💕

A post shared by The Well Dressed Life (@thewelldressedlife) on May 8, 2020 at 8:39am PDT

Easy Steps to a Perfect Self Tan

Self Tanner, $40 In Medium | In Dark

Skin Prep

The key to success is all in how you prep your skin. Do not skip this part 🙂

The night before you apply your self-tanner, shower, shave and exfoliate, paying extra attention to your elbow, knees, heels and hands and feet. Areas with dry or rough skin will absorb the tanner in a way that will leave it looking dirty.

After you get out of the shower, dry off and slather your favorite moisturizer all over.

Nails

Be sure you remove any nail polish and push back your cuticles. I also apply some cuticle oil so they do not dry out. Much like rough, dry skin, if your cuticles are dry or overgrown, and come in contact with your tanner, they will quickly turn yellow.

Do not skip prepping your skin, it makes all the difference in how your tan comes out.

Application

These days, there are a ton of effective products on the market. It just depends on the results you are looking for and how much time you have.

The St. Tropez line is terrific, though it will give you a much darker tan. I use it if we are going on vacation, so I start darker than usual, but then it fades throughout the week, extending the life of the tan.

But my all time favorite is Loving Tan’s 2-hour express. I use the medium, which is great for fair skin. They also have dark – ideal if you tan easily.

You’ll achieve a subtle, low maintenance tan.

It doesn’t smell, streak, or stain fabrics – so wins all around.

Because it goes on dark, you can see exactly where you are putting it to make sure it goes on evenly.

Important! Use an applicator mitt – this will save your hands from getting stained AND help you cover more surface quickly and easily.

Best Practice

I’ve been doing this process on Monday mornings. (It’s just what works with my unconventional work schedule.) Which means I start to prep on Sunday night.

In the morning, remove your clothes and put your mitt on your left hand.

With the mitt on your left hand, work from your left leg up your body and apply on your right arm, chest, and neck.

Then switch hands and with the mitt on your right hand, start at the top of your right foot, and apply moving up your body, finishing on your left arm, chest, and neck.

You want to work with two-three pumps at a time.

As you work up your leg and arms, avoid your knee and elbow until there is very little product left on the mitt, then apply to those areas. This will ensure an even application.

Finally, you can use this on your face, but be careful. Start with one pump, and go from there, paying close attention to your hairline and ears.

Alternatively, you can skip your face and neck and instead use this face oil by Tan-Luxe. Add a drop or two to your moisturizer right before bed, and you’ll wake up with a natural, sun-kissed glow. I use this regularly even when I don’t go through the self-tanning process.

When you’re done, throw on a loose fitting dress – and skip a bra for a few hours. I keep an old tank dress from when I was pregnant on hand just for this.

With the Loving Tan formula, you let it sit for 2 hours (it drys almost right away) and then hop in the shower to rinse it off. The tan continues to build over the next few hours.

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Video How-To: Instagram

Our Style Content is Inspired by Our Readers

Our readership inspires all of our posts and is not sponsored or paid for by brands or retailers.

Some links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase via our site, we receive a small commission.

Learn about our mission to help women look and feel their very best, every day, here.

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5 Finds to Freshen Up Your Spring Beauty

April 5, 2021 by Megan Kristel

Who doesn’t love a beauty bag refresh now and then?

Now that the weather is warming up, I like to lighten my make-up to coincide with the season. Over the last month, I’ve tried out some new-to-me products and can happily share five that have earned their keep in my own routine.

5 Finds to Freshen Up Your Spring Beauty Routine

As usual, none of our content is sponsored. I personally purchase these products, test them myself and do not receive compensation for a positive review.

YSL Shine Lipstick Balm

Shine Lipstick Balm, $38

This is NOT a thick, rich, highly pigmented lipstick. Instead, it’s like a whisper of color for your lips in a super hydrating balm. My allergies are off the charts this time of year, and between congestion and medicine, my lips get dry. I love using this since it’s a more elevated version of a lip balm. And the chic packaging doesn’t hurt either 😉

Eyebrow Pencil and Highlight Pencil Set

Eyebrow Pencil and Highlighting Pencil Set, $32

Long-time readers know that eyebrows are my favorite. They are a game-changer for effortless, natural, everyday beauty. Grooming them properly will bring a lot of life to your face and highlight your best features. But you don’t want to spend too much time fussing with it, that’s why I recommend many of benefit’s brow products. I recently added this pencil and highlighting duo for spring and summer.

The pencil comes with a spooly on one end and a pencil on the other. You’ll get a more subtle look with this than Ka-Brow (which I still use and love). With the pencil, you fill in any sparse spots and define their shape, and you’re done.

Follow by swiping the brow highlighter under your arch, and dab some in the corner of my eye to look more awake and bright.

Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, $24

Coming in a close second to eyebrows is eyelashes. I love a strong lash and try all kinds of mascaras. I discovered Thrive Causmetics late last year after many readers listed it as their favorite beauty buy of 2020. So, of course, I had to try it myself.

This stuff is for serious lash lovers. If you want a bold, long, defined lash, you’ll love this.

It did take me a few applications to get used to the formula. It’s wetter than what I’m used to but dries quickly. With this, you don’t have to add more than one, maybe two layers. Less is more.

The look is gorgeous, and as a bonus, it’s so easy to wash off—it kind of flakes off when you wash your face, so it’s gentle, and you don’t have to deal with raccoon eyes.

If this testimonial isn’t enough, I find this in my 14-year-olds makeup bag every day. 😉

Use this link to get $10 off your first purchase of $50 +.

Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $85

I talked about the benefits of incorporating Vitamin C into your morning skin care routine here. I decided to test out, C.E.O by Sunday Riley, a new-to-me product with great reviews. It’s pricey but gentle on your skin and easy to incorporate into whatever you’re already using.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, I like these Vichy Vitamin C Capsules.

(Re) Setting 100% Mineral Powder

(Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder, $30

Finally, sunscreen should be the number one product in your skincare routine. Wear it all day, every day, no matter what you are doing, regardless of the time of year. Daily, I apply SPF 30 from Drunk Elephant at the end of my morning routine. And now, to freshen up my make-up mid-day, I use this (re)setting powder from Supergoop.

You can keep it in your bag or desk drawer and swipe it across your face mid-day to freshen up your make-up and reapply your sunscreen. Genius!