What I've Bought Archives - Emily A. Clark

Good Things (January 2019)

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During the holidays, I took a little break from sharing my list of good things, but it’s back and full of fun products (and one slightly creepy podcast) that I discovered during the month of January. Enjoy!

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This $13 candle smells so yummy in my kitchen.

The simple jewelry (especially the ear cuffs) from this Etsy shop.

And these inexpensive hoops.

Hands down, my favorite liquid eyeliner. (Doesn’t flake or fade.)

I just started this podcast, and I’m hooked. I’m sure you’ll remember the case when it was in the news.

This cozy cardigan. (I’ve been living in it around the house since ordering a few weeks ago.)

Hate to talk about swimsuits now, but when you find a good one. . . (Full bottom coverage which I appreciate.)

This is a great little necklace for layering with others.

According to “the internet”, this is the red lip everyone is suppose to be able to wear. (I’ll vouch for it, but I do have to wear a lip balm with it.)

Did I mention that I like/love my heated massage pillow?

These $16 sneakers for my girls.

I found out about them through this Instagram account.

These comfy $24 slip-ons for me. (As recommended in the reviews, I sized down a 1/2 size.)

I’ll never be a Keurig convert, but I like this coffee maker so much I bought it twice.

5 Trends I’m Wearing (But Not Paying Much For)

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I started this week with my disdain for home decor trend predictions and am ending it with the fashion trends I’m buying in to. . . Go figure. My take on fashion trends is similar in that I don’t believe you should ever buy or wear anything for the sake of following the fad. And, I think finding a knock-off version of the trendy thing you want to try is almost always the best bet. Like my home, I try to stick with the classics and supplement with fun trends on the cheap. Here are five examples of what I’ve recently worn but haven’t payed much for, in the probable case that I’ll hate it in six months or suddenly realize I looked completely ridiculous all the while.

The leopard coat. Leopard everything is in right now and I decided to try a a faux fur coat as a fun option to throw on over the all black I often wear. I bought this one for under $30 (from an unexpected place) and it’s soft and comfy without being too bulky. The one review says it’s cheap and from China (isn’t the point?), but it’s pretty much all I need in a $30 coat I’ll probably only wear a handful of times.

“Leather” leggings. I’ve warmed up to this trend after seeing more women my age wearing them with oversized sweaters. (I’ll admit I had to get rid of the mental image of Ross on Friends putting baby powder on his legs before I could jump on board.) I’ve heard rave reviews on the Spanx version and thought about making the investment in these before I finally ordered this $16 pair from Target instead. I’m sure they don’t fit (or hold you in) as well as Spanx but then again, I don’t think this trend will be around for years. . .

Tortoise print earrings. I love this trend because it’s the easiest way to add a little print to your outfit. I’ve been wearing this $9 pair from Amazon almost every day lately.

The side stripe pant. The first person I saw wearing this trend was Robin Roberts when we went to a taping of GMA in October, and I thought she looked so sharp. I came home and started searching online. I like the fit of this pair best. They’re tailored (but I do think they run a size small–or maybe I’m just running a size bigger). They’re a fun take on the classic black pant and look great with a white blouse or solid sweater (like this one that I bought in multiple colors).

Plaid everything. It’s not breaking news but plaid is hot and seems to be everywhere. I really like the look of pairing it with a smaller pattern as shown above. I’ve mostly worn it this Fall/Winter in the form of a button-up (with rolled sleeves and jeans or a skirt) that I’ve had for several years. I don’t think plaid ever totally goes away–do you?

What trends have you bought in to–and where are you finding your best deals?

Good Things (February 2018)

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February was a strange month. I started the month excited for a warm getaway to the Dominican Republic with our best friends, thanks to the babysitting services of my parents who came to Charlotte to hold the fort down. We left on Valentine’s Day and arrived at our resort around 5:00. About four hours later, I received a call that my grandmother had passed away. My mom was 10 hours away from where she lives, and I felt terrible. All I could think about was getting back home. So, after being at the resort for a total of 17 hours, we left our friends on the beach and got on a plane and headed back to Charlotte. I left for Kentucky to go to the funeral the next day. I spent the weekend there and came back Monday to a sick kid. Life just happens sometimes, doesn’t it?

Despite all of that, there were some really good things. For one, there are blooms everywhere here in the Carolinas and Spring makes me feel like a new person. Here’s a short list I kept of some other good things I discovered over the last month:

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Do you all know about Target’s monthly beauty box? No subscription or anything like that; just a lot of samples (some full size) for $7. I order it every month. (But hurry–it always sells out fast.)

And speaking of Target, there’s a new line called Sugarfix by Baublebar–trendy and affordable statement jewelry. I’m wearing these earrings and this necklace lately. (Uh, but not at the same time.)

And speaking of Baublebar, their twice-a-year friends and family sale starts today and runs through Wednesday. (Great time to think about Mother’s Day!) Use code: FF25 for 25% off your order. (Very few exclusions apply; see website for details.)

If you love everything floral, this coffee table book will be released later this week. I received an early copy and it’s beautiful. Kiana’s Instagram account is also one of my favorites to follow.

I just finished this new book that’s getting a lot of hype. (I even paid the $9 Kindle price so I could read it on my vacation that didn’t happen. . . ) I liked it a lot. I’d probably give it a 4/5 stars.

I also bought some new swimsuits for our trip. I’ve decided this is officially the year of the one-piece (for me). I found some cute, inexpensive suits on this site, a black halter one from here and this is one strapless suit I had from last year that’s easy to wear (aka “stays up”).

And because coverups are as important as swimsuits when you’re 41, I bought this $14 one and really like it.

I got tired of fighting with duvets and ordered these Kate Spade comforters for the girls’ beds. (I found both of theirs on clearance!)

I’ve used this lipgloss for several years, but just discovered the lipstick that’s moisturizing and has a little bit of shimmer.

These shoes are so comfortable, and I’m able to wear them with dresses and jeans.

Need some encouragement today? We sang this song yesterday and it’s such a great reminder.

And, I can’t round up the month of February without mentioning the life of Billy Graham. Thankful for his message and legacy. We are fortunate in Charlotte to have the Billy Graham Library, which I would highly recommend if you’re ever planning a trip here.