SHOP THE LOOK

This time of year I love shopping for Spring looks, but thanks to our Chicago climate, sweaters are still in full swing! While I was shopping I noticed how many cute, affordable, Spring colored sweaters were out right now and had to share!

While I would love to wear a cute flirty dress for our Valentine’s Day date night, 30 degrees and snow isn’t ideal for that. I loved this subdued, but still festive heart sleeve sweater as an option! I paired it with a plaid blazer and black skinny jeans, but it would so cute with a skirt or cozy joggers for a night in!

I’ve rounded up a bunch of other sweaters I’ve been loving and everything listed below is under $100 and a lot are even under $50! I hope everyone has a great weekend! xx

Use code “4tcbb” for 15% off your SHEIN order!

Thank you to SHEIN for the gifted sweater and blazer this post. It is brands like yours that make The Creative Brief possible. All opinions are my own.

Hey y’all! I’m so excited to share SHEIN’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection! I immediately was drawn to the many dresses in the collection and all the floral print. It’s currently 20 degrees in Chicago so these looks aren’t the most practical, but I love planning ahead for the next season and knowing what type of style I want to achieve when the weather changes.

This is also a great way to plan what you want in your wardrobe ahead of time and go through your current wardrobe for smarter shopping. I love the styles below to freshen up and getting ready to add some color back into my looks!

SHEIN was also kind enough to pass along a coupon code for Creative Brief readers! Use code 31SS20 for 15% off your order of SS20!

http://shein.top/9ww30yi search ID :917621
http://shein.top/51ky8la search ID :917703
http://shein.top/qdqp05e search ID :911188
http://shein.top/7zvodcg search ID :909676
http://shein.top/y70p6n7 search ID :925818
http://shein.top/g00801g search ID :925821
http://shein.top/hvh5mz8  search ID :928115
http://shein.top/8yu5sru search ID :930954
http://shein.top/7kw72r2 search ID :923627
http://shein.top/xwu4t9v search ID :930955
http://shein.top/nfxhvkz  search ID : 930951

This post is sponsored by SHEIN - thank you for the gifted clothing. It is brands like yours that make The Creative Brief possible. All opinions are my own

SHOP THE POST

I hope everyone’s 2020 is off to a great start! One thing that gets me really excited every new year is a new planner. I’ve always been that person who gets really into paper. As weird as it sounds I love paper, pens, markers, to-do lists, fonts and everything that goes with stationary. I could spend hours in Paper Source or completely rationalize buying 4 notebooks and planners at the same time in the Target office section. Something about them gets me motivated.

I’m not sure if it’s the type-A aspect of my personality (take the enneagram test if you haven’t yet! I’m a 2 with a 1/3 wing - the 1 wing is where I get my type-A) and wanting to always plan, write out and think about what’s happening or the expressive side of me that loves to write and see things come together, but either way I’ve always loved paper and planning. I sometimes lose sight of it and rely heavily on my G-calendar and my planner doesn’t get touched for a few weeks, but every year like clockwork I’m yearning for that planner.

I’ve tried a few different brands, styles, colors and overall strategies when it comes to planners, but I got so excited when I saw this one and added it to my Christmas list. The Lamare is a brand I discovered recently, but the aesthetic alone of their products instantly had me intrigued. What I loved most about their planners was the intention behind them. I started noticing last year that when I had a planner with times listed or a schedule each day I was getting obsessed with it being filled, but there wasn’t any action coming from it. Great, I had a meeting reminder on paper, but my G calendar does that for me anyways… I wanted something that was action based, but also gave me other areas of life to put some thought into.

Another aspect that I loved was that the planners were not dated. They are only 6-months long and while at first I thought this was a downside, it was actually a blessing for how I personally use my planner. My previous planners had a page/section for each date, but there would be days like the weekend where i wasn’t using my planner at all. There goes 3-4 days of unused paper and a section that won’t get touched. The Lamare One Day at a Time Planner allows me to fill in days I need to and pick up where I want after that. So if my Monday-Thursday is busy and the pages are filled, but Friday-Sunday isn’t I’m not flipping ahead 3-4 pages to get to the following Monday.

The vegan-leather cover and responsibly-harvested paper is another great draw to the brand. There is intention written all over the work they are doing. The layout of the planner is great too. Each has the following:

• 12 week goal guide

• Monthly, weekly and daily sections (not dated so you can get going no matter the time of year)

• Monthly reflection

• Weekly Reflection

• Daily sections include:

  • top 3 to-do

  • general to-do list

  • gratitude section

  • notes section

  • self-care list

• Goals evaluation

• Project Plan section/notes

images by The Lamare

While this seems like a lot (and it is compared to most other planners I’ve used) the way that it is laid out makes it very easy to get through. I typically will start my month first and write out any important dates, blog-related deadlines and work related meetings and then move to the weekly section to breakdown any action items for them or goals that I want to focus on. From there it is give or take if I go into the daily section depending on what I have going on, but I would say that the weekly is my most used section. I also love the reflection pages because what are we doing moving forward if we aren’t looking back at what we’ve accomplished or what we need to grow in?

All this to say that I’ve been using this planner for about a month and have been loving what it has been doing for me. I feel like I’m capturing each day with intention, planning ahead and keeping myself accountable. Could be the New Year energy or it could be the cute pink cover, but either way I’m into it and want to share a brand I’ve been loving! I also linked my favorite notebook and pens above if you’re interested in those. Thanks so much for reading!

In 2019 I hit a big goal of mine in the blog world by being accepting into the RewardStyle program! If you aren’t familiar, the program is an affiliate partner that tracks, records and pays out commission on sales I make through their platform. Some of you might be more familiar with their app, LiketoKnowIt. While my intention with the blog isn’t to make money, it is nice to have a small reward for helping someone find what they are looking for or giving them some inspiration on a new outfit or bag. I thought it would be fun to do a round up of the most popular purchases this year from y’all! I’ve broken things up into categories, but first want to say thank you. Thank you to the people reading this, the people that ask for my links when shopping for something and the people who’ve been reading since I started The Creative Brief back in 2015.

It’s been so fun watching this little internet space grow over the years and I have some really exciting things to come in 2020 that I can’t wait to share! xx

2019 TOP SELLERS - OVERALL

2019 TOP SELLERS - MEN

2019 SUMMER TOP SELLERS

2019 WHITE LOOKS TOP SELLERS

2019 COATS AND JACKETS TOP SELLERS

2019 SHOES TOP SELLERS

SHOP THE LOOK

It’s interesting how much can change in 365 days, not to mention a decade. 10 years ago I was a sophomore in high school, begging to let my mom let me drive everywhere with my learner’s permit and attending high school football games every weekend. Fast forward a decade and I’m married to my high school sweetheart, with a corgi living in Chicago. From high school to college and sororities, traveling to Denver to see Kollin, losses in our families, marriages and babies, a lot has happened in the 2010s, a lot that I’m grateful for.

2019 was a great year, but no time of light is appreciated without its moments of darkness. Like everyone, we faced some hardships, tough decisions, lots of change and new beginnings. After a 2 year engagement, 2019 was the year we were getting married. The wedding started feeling real and a huge chapter of our relationship, being engaged, was coming to a close. All this while we both were figuring out our career, changes in lifestyle and what we wanted our next move to be.

Looking back at this past year, I’m so grateful for the experiences, the challenges, the growth and the memories we created. At the beginning of 2019 I wrote a blog post about the Pressures of a New Year. Reading it back, I can wholeheartedly say that I was in a different place than now. 2019 was a year of growth and trying to understand myself better. The year began with some confusion, second guessing and even fear of what was to come, but as new beginnings arose and the unknown filled with some light, it became one of the best years of our lives.

From ringing in the new year with my soon-to-be siblings, finding bridesmaids dresses during an annual girls trip, celebrating a huge milestone for Kollin and seeing him sworn in to the Bar Association, to all the wedding festivities of showers, the bachelorette, meetings and more, 2019 was jam packed. We traveled to Wisconsin, Denver, Kentucky, Florida, Minnesota, and of course, Italy. We had the best day ever on September 7, 2019 when we got married in front of so many special people in our lives and had the best time celebrating that night.

As I look back at 2019 and think of a word to describe it, growth comes to mind. We both grew in our careers, grew deeper friendships, took strides in our health and understanding of who we want to be and both grew into new families while making our own. But one thing I am very grateful for this past year is really understanding who I want to be, how to get there and what I can do to make those goals come to fruition. The blog has helped me a lot in that aspect because it is reflective in its own way. I’ve been able to write about topics I wouldn’t have before, became a long-term partner with some brands and reached a big goal of joining the RewardStyle program. While expressing my fashion style and sharing my thoughts here and there I was able to take on what I was posting about in the “new year” post. Fashion has always been an outlet for me and this year more than ever I really dove into the styles and clothes that I wanted to without any restrictions on what people might think, or being too afraid to try something new.

With some down time toward the end of the year I’ve added some pieces I’ve been loving below and the pieces that I loved wearing in 2019. Wishing you and your families a very Happy New Year, until 2020… xx

favorites from shein

use code 4tcbb for 15% off your order! Here are some of my favorite pieces right now!

http://shein.top/g50znbh
http://shein.top/xi7dexk
http://shein.top/lckkpcg
http://shein.top/nmvbnkp
http://shein.top/uos587l
http://shein.top/5xcgy22
http://shein.top/w7iyy1f
http://shein.top/i1advbg

favorite accessories

favorite handbags

favorite shoes

favorite extras

With November almost over it is getting to crunch time for holiday shopping and right about now is when I tend to remember the 4-6 people I initially forgot when I made the list of everyone I need to buy gifts for. This is also a good time to just stock up on lower priced items for the white elephant parties, office parties and random house warming gifts you might need. Everything below is under $40 and makes a great gift - you can even combine a few for a nicer gift or break up the sets into multiple gifts for multiple people!

FOR THE GIRL ON THE GO

We all know a woman in our life who is always traveling, has a longer commute to work or is always doing something! I love the gifts below for her since they can usually add to her routine, make life a little easier or just add some glam to her travel look!

EXTRAS FOR HIM

When shopping for Kollin I have an easier time with the “big” gifts or the one thing I know he wants vs. the smaller things that he needs or wants, but doesn’t ask for. These can range from mundane things like socks to just an extra belt to pull out of the closet when getting ready for work. I like having a couple of extras under the tree for him and love these ideas that are still in a good budget!

FOR THE HOSTESS

Holidays are a busy time, especially if you are the one entertaining. I was always brought up to bring something when invited to someone’s home and I love going outside the options of a bottle of wine or candle. While both are still great options, here are some other things that could brighten their kitchen or home!

JEWELRY

Add some sparkle to her stocking with these fun and fabulously priced jewels! And if anything listed is above the $40 price point - it’s on sale - like these fab Baublebar rings (and their entire site) that are 25% off with code FESTIVE25.

I’ve added even more options below that are all under $40 and great gifting options! I hope everyone has a safe and fun Thanksgiving holiday. I’m thankful for so much and for each of you that read my little space on the internet. Have a wonderful holiday!

Black Friday seems to start on November 1st now, but no matter your shopping style there seems to be sales happening all over the place, especially this week! I’ve rounded up a list of retailers that have sales going on currently and though Cyber Monday. I’ll continue to update this list as sales come out and some retailers change their deals once Black Friday is actually here so be sure to check back on Friday for even more stores. Happy shopping!

*Updated 11/27 10AM

ABERCROMBIE | 50% entire store

ALO YOGA | Code: EARLYACCESS19 (11/20 - 11/28)

BANANA REPUBLIC | 0% off regular priced merchandise + extra 10% off when you use your GAP card *UPDATED

BAUBLEBAR | 25% off with code FESTIVE25

BOOHOO | 30% off everything black friday warm up | up to 70% off starting black friday

CHICWISH | 25% off sitewide with code BLK25

CARTER’S | Free shipping and an extra 20% off orders $40+ with code REINDEER | Extra $10 off $50+ orders with code LTKSALE from 11/29-12/2

EXPRESS | 50% off everything

GAP | 50% off everything with code BLKFRIDAY *UPDATED

GOOD AMERICAN | Jean pricing dropped to $99

INTERMIX | 40% off designer sale

JACK ROGERS: Everything under $50 (select styles)

J. CREW | 50% off + EXTRA 60% off sale with code SHOPFIRST for J. Crew account memebers + 40% off with code WHYWAIT for non-members

KATE SPADE NEW YORK | 40% off your entire purchase with code TGIBF

KENDRA SCOTT | 25% off everything OR 30% off when you spend $300 *ADDED

LULULEMON | Black Friday sale starts 11/28 - 12/2

LOFT | Get 40% off your purchase with code BESTWEEK (ends Nov 27)

MACY’S | Receive an extra 20% off, plus free shipping at $25 - use code BLKFRI for all Black Friday Specials (11/27 - 11/30)

MADEWELL | 25% off your purchase using code STARTEARLY

MARLEYLILLY | $25 and under warehouse sale (ends 11/26)

NET-A-PORTER | Up to 50% off Designer pieces | Enjoy an extra 15% off with code BLACKFRIDAY on items marked “additional 15% off” from 11/28

NORDSTROM | Cyber Sale Is LIVE! Up to 50% off select merchandise *ADDED

OLD NAVY | 50% off everything *ADDED

RAPLH LAUREN | Extra 30% off sale styles | up to 30% off through Cyber Monday

SHOPBOP | Buy more, save more sale! 15-25% off depending on how much you spend with code MORE19

SHEIN | up to 60% off using code BLK2019 - use my personal code 4tccb for an additional 15% off (no limits)

SPANX | 20% off sitewide! *ADDED

SSENSE | Up to 50% off designer items like Golden Goose sneakers

TOPSHOP | 20% off shoes and bags | 25% everything from 11/27 - 12/1 and up to 50% off everything 12/2

TORY BURCH | 30% off when you spend $250+ or more with code THANKS

I hope y’all are ready because this is a long one! With so many different types of women and all the relationships they encompass, finding a gift that works for everyone can be tough. Because of that, I’ve divided this post into sections that I think will help you shop a little! From stocking stuffers to splurges she will never forget, I hope you find what you’re looking for to check off your list!

FOR THE HOMEBODY

For the girl who is always cozy, loves a good candle and spends her nights wrapped up in a good book or movie, these gifts are for her! i recently got these slippers and don’t touch the floor without them on now! They are so comfortable and come in a ton of colors! If she loves to entertain in her home getting something that she can use while entertaining checks two boxes of something she loves and something she’ll use! I love these agate coasters and how cute are these measuring cups?!

FOR THE FASHIONISTA

Whether she is rocking the rising trend of animal print or she’s that friend that always has a unique accessory, these items are for her! The headband trend is back and I love these Gucci dupe headbands for a touch of chicness to any look. They come in a three pack so you could easily split them between friends or give them all as a gift for multiple styles! Now let’s talk leopard print. Looking back at my recent orders I have gotten so much and have no shame! It is very in this season and I’m loving it! From these amazing boots (from Walmart and so cheap!) to this cozy sweater she will be pulling these items out all winter and into spring for a feisty and bold ensemble. You also can’t go wrong with the sneaks that everyone is rocking this year. These are a great dupe for the super expensive Golden Goose sneakers and come in a bunch of options!

FOR THE BEAUTY GURU

This is where I humble myself because I am the farthest thing from a beauty blogger, but when I saw these items and the prices I knew I had to include them! They are also by brands that I stand behind or items I personally own so I also knew that I could back them up. I’ve been using Tula for a few years now and this holiday set is such a good price! You also can’t go wrong with stocking up that beauty girl’s lipstick holder and this MAC set has the perfect holiday colors she’ll be rocking into the new year and some great ones she can take into spring! If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving and is something she’ll use everyday - try this Clarisonic cleansing brush - it’s proven to clean 6x better than hands alone!

STOCKING STUFFERS

Need a little something for a co-worker or a couple items to bring to a gift exchange? These items are great for that and also for adding some extra love to her stocking this year! If she loves to write or is in that homebody category, you can’t go wrong with a nice journal! I love this one and the fun initial! Since we are all glued to our phones, computers, iPads and everything else digital I can’t recommend these blue light glasses enough! They block blue light that can be harmful to your eyesight - since i’ve been wearing them I’ve noticed a difference in my headaches and eyesight!

Don’t let her wine go to waste with this cute wine stopper - add a touch of personalization with her initial! It’s perfect to include with a bottle of wine for a hostess gift or with a set of wine glasses for your mom or mother in law! If she is a frequent flyer, these luggages tags are so cute and with add a bit of fun to her luggage!

LOVELY LUXURIES

“Expensive” or “affordable” is relative since everyone has a different budget and idea of what a lot is, but I thought these higher priced items were great gifts if you are looking to spend a bit more. Rather than getting a few things that amount to the same price that she might like, spending the same for a luxury or designer item is something she won’t forget! I was gifted this Gucci cardholder from a previous boss and I have used it everyday since. It’s the perfect size for your ID and credit card so I don’t have to carry around a huge wallet!

When I first saw the price of this blanket I laughed out loud and was like “yeah, okay whatever people,” and I didn’t believe the hype. I was gifted a different one by the same brand as a wedding gift and y’all… the hype is real. I added this to my Christmas list and love the leopard print in the neutral color! Speaking of hype, you can’t go wrong with the AirPods! If she loves jewelry and is looking for a piece she will wear everyday, these are it! These huggies add subtle sparkle and multiple ways to wear will validate the price since she’ll be wearing them all the time! I’ve owned them for two years and pretty much haven’t taken them out!

FOR YOUR MOM OR MOTHER IN LOVE/LAW

For some reason shopping for your parents can be so difficult! They seem to have it all together and what do you get the person who seems to have everything they need - I mean they are MOM and are just always with it right? You get them things to pamper or make life easier! Since they are usually taking care of everyone else, take care of her!

I hope this was helpful and you checked the ladies off your holiday list! Be sure to check back for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, but many of these items are already on sale! Happy shopping and thanks so much for reading! xx