Series Archives - The Well Dressed Life

The Dressing Room Experience

March 24, 2021March 24, 2021 by Megan Kristel

I hope by now you know that I don’t push content for the sake of pushing content. Rather, I make sure that every post provides value. Recently, I realized that while I mention our Private Facebook Group regularly, I’ve never explained what it is or how to join.

When I was a private stylist, the most fulfilling part of my job was the relationship I developed with my clients. I immediately noticed how vulnerable we as women become when we’re in a dressing room (or standing in our closet), trying on clothes, talking about our bodies, frustrations, and insecurities.

I started calling it “the dressing room experience.” As my business grew and I brought on additional stylists, this experience was the most important to get right because we had the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our clients. The language we used was crucial; the support we gave, the patience we had, all of these things made the experience positive.

I believe that getting dressed and playing with fashion is far from frivolous. Yes, it’s fun, and fun is wonderful!

But it’s so much more. We’re talking about feeling confident. Accepting and loving ourselves for who we are, embracing our bodies, and celebrating them for the miraculous work they do every day.

We all deserve to be confident women, and the world needs more confident women.

I started thinking about how to create “the dressing room experience” with our readers. How could I mimic the support, the fun, and the positivity we worked so hard to create for our clients?

The Well Dressed Life Private Group

So about a year ago, I started The Well Dressed Life Private Facebook Group, intending to create a safe space, away from the threat of internet trolls, where women could talk, ask questions, share concerns, and swap ideas about fashion, style, and personal image.

NEVER in a million years did I think our little group would turn into the lovely sisterhood of women it’s become. And I mean it’s a sisterhood.

Over the last several months, we welcomed over 5,000 women – not a huge number in the online space, but remarkable considering we came together solely through word of mouth.

What’s more remarkable is the quality of women who seem to have magically come together: every age, race, and season of life from quite literally all over the globe. I am sure there are opposing views and political affiliations within our group – but you would never know it.

In a year marked with what feels like nothing but hate, loss, stress, and fear, I say with no hyperbole, our group has been a bright light for me, personally, every single day.

You really have to see it to believe it.

Creating a true community is the number one priority of my business. It’s what creates the heart and soul of this site and the INSIDER.

Join Today

Joining is simple and free. Simply head over to our Private Facebook Group here; you’ll be prompted to answer three membership questions (this is how I keep the trolls out). Please answer all of them. I personally approve every new member and respond to all posts and questions throughout the day.

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.

If you enjoy our content and would like to help us grow, please follow on Instagram and join our Private Facebook Group to access more advice and exclusive in-depth conversations with other like-minded women.

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

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

The Best White Tee Shirts for Women

March 22, 2021March 11, 2021 by Megan Kristel

Today, we’re talking about the best white tee shirts for women.

A white tee shirt is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. Especially in this era of dressing casually, having a few fresh white tees to throw on can make getting dressed a whole lot easier.

When your personal style leans classic, you need to strike an important balance. The basic items that compose the foundation of your outfits need to do a lot of work. Getting those pieces right make getting dressed a whole lot easier.

So they should be of better quality, fit well, and maintain their integrity wash after wash.

In many cases, I say spend a little more on these items. Buy the best you can afford.

But here’s the thing, prices in recent years have gone off the deep end.

I’m at the point in my life, and maybe you are too, where money is literally growing wings and flying out my front door.

So a simple white tee shirt costing $100 or $200 is downright offensive. It’s also insane because almost all of the expensive tee shirt brands I have tried over the years are 100% sheer.

The bottom line? When it comes to white tee shirts, there is little correlation between price and quality. The higher the price point does not mean the better the quality. In fact, I find it’s quite the opposite. So put white tee shirts in the “save” category and free up space in your budget to “spend” on other things.

Today, I rounded up my recommendations for the best white tees for women.

Qualifications for a top spot are affordability (these are all under $30, and in most cases well under $30), quality, durability, and of course, the sheer factor.

Your can see my LIVE video round up here!

The Best White Tee Shirts for Women

I started by ordering a crew and v neck style white tee shirt from the blog’s most popular brands: Talbots, Old Navy, Everlane, J. Crew, Target, Banana Republic, Lands End, and Quince.

Then, I inspected each one for quality, tried them on for fit, and did a “sheer” test. To be considered one of the best, the tee had to check all the boxes AND offer a range of inclusive sizes.

As per usual, this post is not sponsored. I personally purchased each one of these and ended up keeping my five favorites.

Testing Out the Best White Tee Shirts

Below, I rounded up my five favorites. I am keeping all of these, because you can never have too many white tees this time of year. They are in order from highest to lowest price – prices are subject to change.

The Best Tee Shirts Totally Not See-Through

Lands’ End

Lands’ End, $23

It makes sense that Lands’ End would make one of the best white tees. Their focus on quality and practicality is at the heart of their brand. I like this option because it has a bit of shape, but doesn’t cling, a nice sized sleeve (I hate when the cling to your arm) and a length that let’s you half tuck, full tuck or leave out. They also wash and wear well.

Available in regular, petite, tall and plus sizes.

Read online reviews here.

Crew Neck Option Here

I kept both styles in a size Medium.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic, $29.50

I ordered two white tees from Banana Republic, the SUPINA cotton crew, (above) and their “Cozy Slub V neck”. I returned the “Cozy Slub” because it was entirely see through.

The SUPINA cotton crew is wonderful. A great, better, every day tee.

Available in XXS – XXL.

Size up, I went with the Large.

Talbot’s

Talbots, $29.50

If you are looking for a better white tee, with a longer short sleeve, the Talbot’s Classic Crewneck Tee is a winner.

Available in missy, petite, plus and plus petite!

I kept this one too, in a medium.

Old Navy Luxe Crew, $8.50

The Old Navy Luxe Crew is a different kind of white tee shirt. It has some drape and movement to it with stretch. It washes well and holds it shape and has thousands of five star reviews on their website.

I preferred the crew neck version of this to the v neck – which feels like it comes with the neckline stretched out.

Available in regular, petite and tall up to an XXL here, and in plus size here.

Target A New Day

Target A New Day, $5

Good Old Target rounds out or list with a $5 tee shirt. The value here is wonderful, and the price point allows you to buy multiple to keep them fresh all season long. You need to be thoughtful about the bra you wear; anything with detail will show, but a neutral-to-you tee shirt bra will work perfectly.

Available in Missy and Plus sizes, size up to account for shrinkage.

Here are the options that didn’t make the cut and why:

Old Navy’s Everywear – see-through.

Banana Republic Cozy Slub V-Neck – see-through.

J Crew Vintage Cotton Crew – see-through and boxy.

Quince Crew and V-Neck Tees – see-through and had a yellow undertone.

Everlane – this one is a bummer because I use to LOVE their tees, but the last few times I ordered them the quality wasn’t the same.

Shop this Post

White Tee

Target Women’s Short Sleeve Scoop Neck T-Shirt – A New Day™

Banana Republic SUPIMA® Cotton Crew-Neck T-Shirt

Lands’ End Women’s Plus Size Relaxed Supima Cotton Short Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt

Lands End Women’s All Cotton Short Sleeve V-Neck T-Shirt

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.

Get on The INSIDER Waitlist for Spring/Summer 2021

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

Review: The Everlane Cashmere Sweater

March 2, 2021March 2, 2021 by Megan Kristel

If you spend any time on Instagram, you may see some of your favorite influencers singing Everlane’s praises. The company is currently on a sponsorship blitz, so most if not all of those stories you are watching are paid ads.

This is fine, but it’s important to understand when you see these ads, the influencer has to say exactly what the company wants them to say. It’s why content on social media platforms can feel redundant.

And it’s why I don’t make sponsorships part of my business model.

So I thought it would be helpful to share my unsponsored perspective because since they are not paying me, I can say whatever I want 😉

Personally speaking, simple, classic pieces are the backbone of my wardrobe. I prefer slim-lined cuts and neutral colors. I’m trying to balance my desire to feel pulled together with my need for practicality in my current season of life.

And because I’ve yet to find a money tree to plant in my backyard, price point is always considered.

The Everlane Cashmere Crew has, in fact, become an absolute staple in my spring and even summer wardrobe.

In Real Life- Everlane Cashmere Crew

Everlane Cashmere Crew, $100 | Jeans (old Joe’s) | Rothy’s Sneakers in Grey Camo, $125

On Sunday, I wore it with a stretchy pair of dark jeans and my Rothy’s sneakers in grey camo (one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned).

For reference, I am 5’10 and typically wear between an 8 – 10. I am wearing the cashmere crew in the large in charcoal. I personally pay for all of my clothing and accessories.

Knits are the best category Everlane offers. I’ve tried their jeans and am not a fan, and I use to love their white tees, but recently they have become too sheer to wear.

Everlane Cashmere Crew

Sweater, $100

Cashmere is one of the best kinds of little luxuries.

You can wear a simple cashmere sweater with your best pair of black pants to the office and with cut-off shorts at the beach. It’s the epitome of my own personal style: classic, relaxed, and subtly refined.

But, as with everything, prices can be all over the place. So let me say: you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get high quality. Just in organizing this post, I found several cashmere options over $400.

That’s bananas.

In all categories of clothing, you reach a point where price has nothing to do with quality. Over the years, brands and retailers have been living on another planet with their prices, especially for basics.

And don’t get me started on how their prices skyrocketed as their level of service sunk into the gutter.

Perhaps, I’m getting old and more conservative with my money (these are both true). I am, however, very willing to pay for things that will last and even happier to pay for service and ease of transaction.

Everlane checks all those boxes. What I like the most about them, aside from their clean and modern design, is their prices are what they should be.

High Quality, Fair Price

Sweater, $100 Available in 15 colors, in sizes XXS – XXL

The fact that this sweater is $100 is an incredible value.

The cashmere is called “certified grade A” which is the highest quality you can buy. It’s often touted as the reason for the high retail costs for other brands.

It’s ethically sourced from Mongolia, which is a premier location for cashmere that, again, tends to drive up the base costs.

So what does this mean? Basically, you’re getting all the high designer talking points at a fair price.

Size-wise, I find Everlane runs small. Be sure to check your measurements against their size guide.

This specific sweater has a relaxed fit; it shouldn’t cling to you or feel oversized in any way. It’s not heavy; rather, it’s a lightweight, thinner knit that you can wear all year long.

Pros:

High Value | Great Quality | Classic Style | Fast Shipping

Cons:

Sizing is limited.Currently available sizes range from XXS – XXL. I think the XXL is their way of claiming “inclusiveness,” but I’d like to see sizing expanded to include a true 2X.

Especially since this sweater runs small, I typically wear a medium (in J.Crew etc.) but sized up to the large. The medium felt snug across my shoulders and the sleeves were a tad too short.

The large fits just right.

For reference I am 5’10 and wear a medium or an 8 -10.

Returns. Everlane is a mid sized company so remember, it’s hard for them to compete with Amazon and even Nordstrom when it comes to quick and free returns. That said, it’s worth mentioning that the original shipping costs are not refundable and you have 30 days to return from the date of shipment.

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.

Get on The INSIDER Waitlist for Spring/Summer 2021

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

Basics Building: The Best White Jeans

February 24, 2021February 23, 2021 by Megan Kristel

I know, I know, it’s only February. Many of us are still buried under a blanket of snow, and spring seems so far away. But over in our Private Facebook Group, there has been lots of talk of white jeans. So today, I’m sharing what I think are the BEST pair of white jeans. And you can head over to the group to read everyones recommendations. 🙂

If you could only buy one item to update your spring and summer wardrobe, consider a pair of white jeans. I wear mine all the time. You can pair them with just about anything and instantly create a crisp look that is always classic and always appropriate.

Before we jump in, a few things to remember. I’m never one to create a sense of urgency. We are only talking about clothes. Keep in mind, though, that the spring and summer retail season goes by in a blink. While you may have warm temperatures for a decent amount of time, you don’t have a ton of time to shop for what you need.

Shop early for specific categories, like swim (kill me now), shorts, and white jeans.

Especially now that we’re entering the first retail season after a year of pandemic life, the depth of inventory that retailers carry is going to be much different than seasons past.

Let’s continue our Basics Building Series, with great fitting white jeans in straight or skinny legs in all sizes that are NOT SEE THROUGH!

The Best White Jeans

My favorite white jeans, not only for me but for clients, are by NYDJ. Their fit is on point, they are comfortable, NOT see-through, and reasonably priced.

Let’s talk about price for a minute. White jeans range in price from $25 for Old Navy, to multiple hundreds of dollars.

I see no reason to spend an exorbitant amount here, but you might want to spend a bit more to get a quality pair.

NYDJ averages $119. You can find them on sale throughout the season so keep an eye out.

In terms of styling, straight or skinny leg is the way to go. Skip trouser or boot cut because they end up looking sloppy, and the whole point fo white jeans is to create a clean and tailored look.

The most important sizing note, specifically for NYDJ is to SIZE DOWN. These run full and stretch out.

Straight Leg

A straight leg white jean is a nice alternative to a skinny while still creating a long, lean line of the leg. You want these to hit around your ankle, either just at or slightly below. This way, you’ll be able wear them with a low heel or flats.

Here are my best picks:

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans, 00-18, $119, Plus Size, 14 – 28, $119

Skinny Leg

Skinny: Petite and Regular, on sale $44

Then there is the skinny. Remember that while you’ll feel these on your body, they are not the same thing as a legging. If they are too tight, especially in white, you’ll be showing off everything. You still need to size down in these, they run a full size big.

Here, I’m featuring the petite and regular also in 00P – 16. There are two plus options to highlight. The first is the denim plus option here, and above is a stretch cotton pull on pant that is a nice alternative to denim.

Alina Legging Jean, Petite, 4P – 18P, On Sale, $44.

Ami Skinny Jean, 00 – 18, $119

Amin High Waist Skinny Jean, 14 – 28, On Sale, $50

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.

Get on The INSIDER Waitlist for Spring/Summer 2021

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

Under $50 Galentine Gifts

February 16, 2021February 9, 2021 by Megan Kristel

For the past few years, I’ve used Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to say “LOVE YOU!” to my friends.

This year, it feels more appropriate than ever. I don’t know a single woman that doesn’t need a pick-me-up. And with many dear girlfriends scattered across the country and no getaway on the calendar to look forward to, I’m missing them big time.

So this week, I’m making up some V-Day packages to send out to stay connected. The good news is you can be thoughtful and just a little over-the-top, without spending more than $50.

Under $50 Galentine Gifts

I very much enjoy the process of gift-giving, from selecting the perfect item to packing it up beautifully. But what I love most is the idea of connection. That when the recipient opens it and uses it, they remember who it came from and how much they are loved.
Below are some thoughtful ideas, many I’ve given for years, some I’m sending out this week. There is a little something for everyone you love, from a practical coffee mug to an indulgent sleeping mask.

Morning Coffee

Yeti Rambler, $44

What makes a gift great is striking a balance between thoughtfulness, practicality, and keeping within your budget. Between 6 am and noon, I am never without my Yeti Rambler. It would be a welcomed surprise for your coffee drinking, on-the-go, busy mom friend. Round out the package by adding her favorite blend and a handful of chocolate.

Journal Instead of a Card

Journal, $9

Instead of sending a card, send this journal (that I mentioned in yesterday’s post). It’s cheeky and thoughtful and perfect for the time we’re living in. You can order directly from Amazon and have it delivered right to your friend’s door.

Chocolates – Duh!

Champagne Truffles, $38

I discovered Valerie Confections, a LA-based chocolatier, years ago and have since sent her sweets to almost everyone I know. They are fantastic around the holidays as a corporate gift or if you have an extensive list to acknowledge.
These champagne truffles (15 pc) are a decadent indulgence for under $40. But my hands-down favorite are the rose petal petits fours – holy molly – order them for yourself and do not consider sharing.

Grown-Up Friendship Bracelets

Aura Bracelet, $38

When there is a physical distance between friends, it’s sweet to have a regular reminder of one another. Send this out to your crew and layer it on your wrists with your other everyday pieces, like a grown-up version of a friendship bracelet.

Satin Pajamas

Satin Pajamas, $26

These Reader Favorite satin pajamas are a no-brainer. Send them to your mom, sister, daughter, best friend … I don’t know a woman who wouldn’t be delighted to receive them. I wear these every night. The quality is great, the price is fantastic, and they run true to size in dozens of colors and patterns.

Match Cloche and Candle

Match Cloche, $30 and Candle, $10

It doesn’t get more unnecessary than a match cloche, which is precisely why I like it. Box up this darling cloche from Ballard and include a small size of Volcano in Capri Blue with a note encouraging your friend to take a zen minute for herself. And keep this idea in your pocket because it makes a lovely thank you or hostess gift too.

Stainless Steel Face Roller

Stainless Steel Face Roller, $35

Your beauty obsessed bestie will go crazy for this stainless steel face roller. I use mine everyday and adore it (see my tutorial here).

Silk Sleep Mask

Sleep Mask, $50

I’m starting to run out of people to gift this to. You might be thinking that $50 for a sleep mask is silly, and you’re probably right. Here’s the thing, I’ve tried the “knock-offs” of this, and nothing compares to how luxurious this one feels. There are several benefits to using a silk sleep mask (or the more expensive silk pillowcase), like preventing sleeping lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. It also just feels fantastic, which is all that matters after another long and ridiculous day.

Shop Under $50 Galentine Gifts

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.

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

January Reader Faves

February 2, 2021 by Megan Kristel

Let’s officially close out January with a round-up of your favorite items from the month.

If you are new to our community, we feature the top five reader favorites from every month as a way to help us collectively build our wardrobe. It’s so fun to see what you responded to.

This month, we have a designer feeling sweater for under $40, updated leggings, an affordable way to upgrade your pajama drawer, everyday sneakers, and an over-the-top, splurge-worthy clutch.

January Reader Faves

Waffle Knit Sweater

Waffle-Knit Cowl Neck Sweater, $42

This sweater is such a great find! I’m embarrassed to admit what I’ve spent on sweaters in the past and didn’t like any of them as much as this one. You can see, it’s slightly longer in the back so you can wear it with leggings, but it’s not overwhelming.

Available in six colors in regular, petite and tall. Featured is the color “moonstone,” a sophisticated grey-blue. You can also get a cream and a light mauve that is gorgeous. The black and grey options are on sale for under $40.

You can see me in it here:

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Ponte – Knit Pants

Ponte-Knit Pants, $18

Speaking of leggings, these Ponte-knit pants are at Old Navy for under $20. The Ponte-knit makes them thicker than a traditional legging, so you don’t feel so “exposed.” They get hundreds of five-star reviews, also available in regular, petite, and tall. I’m wearing them in the photo above.

Satin Pajamas

Satin Pajamas, $26

We may need to have a virtual pajama party because we all bought these in multiples! For under $30, these are an affordable upgrade for your pajama drawer, which, if you’re anything like me after 2020, needed to be burned.
They come in dozens of colors and seem to fit everyone well.

Below I’m wearing pale pink, and my oldest is in a pretty green. I’m wearing a large, Maddie is in a small.

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A post shared by The Well Dressed Life (@thewelldressedlife)

Allbirds Sneakers

Allbirds Sneakers, $95

If you need a daily sneaker that is more polished than what you wear to the gym, pick up a pair of Allbirds. They are incredibly comfortable, stylish, machine washable, available in a dozen color combinations and under $100.

Leopard Clutch

Leopard Clutch, $275

It’s been a full year since any fashion-focused, expensive, not-a-basic bag made our top seller list.

Where are you going??

It doesn’t matter; I’m thrilled for you, and considering this a silver development – maybe we’ll have fun places to go in the spring.

This splurge-worthy clutch by Claire V is a timeless classic you’ll carry for years.

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.

Sign Up for Daily Content and Receive Our Free Classic Wardrobe Checklist

The Ten List: February 2021

February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 by Megan Kristel

As women, our load has become so great that we see taking any amount of time for ourselves as the equivalent of self-care. It’s not.

Happy February Ladies!

Let’s start this short month with The Ten List, my monthly round up of conversation starters, style, beauty, food and entertainment.

1.Quote of the Month

If you are a woman who has ever felt like a trip to Target or going to the supermarket alone was a mini-vacation, take three minutes and read “Women Tending to Their Basic Needs Is Not Self-Care.” There is not an ounce of commentary that I could add to it. I felt every single word.

At 41, I’m almost embarrassed to say I have no idea what will recharge me.

I have fallen into the mindset that going to the bathroom by myself is a treat and not, you know, a personal right.

A real vacation would be nice, I guess? Maybe if someone else was in charge of packing us up without forgetting anything.

Reading is a beautiful escape, but I end up falling asleep with the book on my face after a few pages.

Like so many of you, I’ve spent the last almost 20 years focused on my marriage, kids, and career. It left me little time to create a hobby, or space to hear myself think.

So in 2021 I’m committing to figuring out what I need to feel truly recharged. Not just kinda rested.

Tell me in the comments below, what works for you? What feeds your soul? Where do you get lost and come out feeling at peace? How do you recharge?

2. Dry Hair Fast

2. Hair Turban, $21

With three daughters, two well on their way to being teenagers, my home life is becoming reminiscent of my sorority days. They steal my clothes, use my make-up and, even though we have two other bathrooms, are always in mine. To make life a little bit easier I’ve gotten into the rather expensive habit of buying three of everything, like this AQUIS Hair Turban.

I use mine every single day to help quickly dry my hair. Just wrap your hair once you get out of the shower. It stays in its place so you can get ready, do your make up, etc. Then you can blow dry and style your damp hair and save a ton of time.

3. Home Office Upgrade

3. Standing Desk Converter, $90

A few years ago, we converted our unused detached garage into a beautiful home office. The idea was that it would be a proper space for me to work. Instead, it’s become my husband’s office, gym, and random storage space. So I finally put my foot down and reclaimed it as my own.

I ordered this under $100 standing desk converter (you can see all the five star reviews here), and it has made such a difference. You can easily go from sitting to standing, and you can place it anywhere you like. With working from home being more popular than ever, I can’t recommend this enough. It helps me get into a work mindset and increases my productivity.

4. Sweet Heart Sweatsuit

4. Heart Sweatshirt, $80

I love this cheerful heart print sweatshirt and matching bottoms from Lou and Grey at LOFT. February is cold and snowy here on the east coast, so it’s nice to have a few “better” lounge pieces to make staying in feel not so dull.

5. Winter Lips Relief

5. Balm Dotcom, $12

I am obsessed with Susan Yara, founder of Mixed Makeup. For me, her beauty and skin care recommendations are always spot on. When she mentioned Glossier’s Balm Dotcom lip balm was one of her favorites, I immediately ordered it.

Between the cold weather and the stale inside air, my lips get extra dry in the winter, so I need something better than a chapstick. Balm Dotcom (in coconut, specifically) feels more like a treatment. I slather it on at night, and my lips feel so much better in the morning.

I also put it on after my morning routine before I start my makeup to prep my lips.

6. Striped Sweatshirt

6. Sweatshirt, $35

This sweatshirt by Goodthreads on Amazon is one of my favorite finds. It’s made of extra soft modal fleece, so it’s comfortable and washes well. I know this for a fact because I’ve been wearing it on repeat. I have it in the grey stripe above and just ordered the black and white stripe to pair with shorts in the summer. Buy one size up from your normal size.

7. What I’m Cooking: Protein Muffins

My kids have been in in-person school since September (Hallelujah!), so our mornings are back to being 60 minutes of chaos. Because my almost 11-year-old is a softball pitcher who trains year-round, we have to be intentional about her diet and recovery. And because she’s naturally tall and lean, keeping weight on her is a challenge.

It doesn’t help that she’s the pickiest eater I know who would live off mac and cheese if given a chance. So any time I can sneak protein into her meals is a plus.

I found this simple recipe for protein muffins, and they are a huge hit. You can serve them warm with some maple syrup to dunk or, more realistically, throw them to the kids as they run out the door for the bus.

They make a nice after school snack too. Sometimes I swap out the blueberries for a few chocolate chips.

8. What I’m Binging: Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso on Apple TV is a sitcom about an American football coach who becomes an elite British football club manager. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a show so much. It is hilarious and heartfelt, combining the best of American and British humor. I laughed so hard my face hurt, and it reminded me what it felt like to be genuinely optimistic about things. I didn’t want it to end.

9. What I’m Reading: American Dirt

I only just started American Dirt for a book club I’m in with some friends, but I’m already devouring it. This Oprah Book Club pick and New Your Times Bestseller has been described as “the defining book of 2020.”

We have a snow day today and I’m carving out some time when the baby takes a nap this afternoon to jump back in, it’s an unbelievable page turner.

10. Follow The Well Dressed Life on Instagram

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We are SO CLOSE to hitting 11,000 followers over on Instagram. If you enjoy our content here, please consider following along there too! It would be a huge help in building our community! I share fresh content, outfit inspiration and how to videos, plus a few pictures of my very boring life at home. 🙂

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