FALL Archives | This Season's Gold

Jess / April 11, 2018

Family Weekend in the Poconos

Who enjoys getting away even if only for a weekend? I definitely do. And to be honest, it’s taken me awhile to share this wonderful home away from home that I was so excited to enjoy with my family during a weekend in the Poconos a few months ago. Life happens and as I am just jumping back into my creative spirit, I am so happy to finally share it with you. But don’t be deceived, just as much as this is the perfect place in the Poconos in the fall and winter months, it also makes a perfect home for a family gathering as you start to think about warmers days for summer getaways.

Located within a Poconos community in Pennsylvania, this Oasis Holiday Home has the most beautiful view of a lake right in the backyard (which is ideal for all the summer activities!) and only 10 minutes away from some of the most enjoyable activities for children for any season. Want to get a head start on planning for a Fall vacation? I don’t know about you, but I’ve already got a few plans in the pipeline and one of them is enjoying the transition of the fall leaves, which would make this home an ideal place to stay again!

I have stayed in an Oasis Holiday Home before (seen here), and the owners have such a liar for home design and style. So not only are you enjoying the location of being by a lake or a beach for a backyard, but you are also enjoying all the amenities you would need in a home without having to pack anything but your clothing and toiletries. I’ve shared this Pocono home on my Instagram here, here, here, here, and in a blog post here and here, so be sure to check them out to see how easy it was to make this home feel like home even if only for a weekend.

From playing with my son in the game room to just hanging out enjoying a morning together, and a little fashion photoshoot with my husband, the beauty of being surrounded by nature for a weekend really can’t be beat.

With 2 bedrooms on the top floor, two on the main floor and one bedroom in the “basement” (with direct access to the driveway for anyone who cannot take the stairs) equipped with a crib, every single family member up to 12 people can enjoy this beautiful and spacious Poconos home.

Can you tell I was already ready for spring with our Crocs at the door? Let’s hope there aren’t any more snow days ahead for us with the strange weather pattern we’ve been experiencing. But don’t let that stop you because this would make the perfect ski home too! The slopes aren’t too far away and planning for next winter for the holidays would get you a head start on the crowds!

Thank you to Oasis Holiday Homes for letting us enjoy their stunning home. We are grateful to have spent time together as a family when we needed it most.

Consider booking a stay for the weekend in the Poconos with Oasis Holiday Homes, you genuinely will not regret it! Thank you for reading and I wish you a great week ahead!

Featured look #1// Sweater (similar) | J.Brand denim | Baublebar for Target necklace | Boots

Feature look #2 // Sequin dress | Baublebar for Target earrings | Heels

Jess / January 12, 2018

What to Wear to Yoga Class

As the year begins in full force, vision boards are being created and everyone is focused on their resolutions most likely about how to get more workouts in 2018. This past year I really wanted to get myself back into my favorite hot yoga class that really changed the way I felt after giving birth to my daughter. Hot yoga cleared my mind, made me sweat out any stress and anxiety, and really had my body craving only the good things to eat like fruits and veggies. I still have a long way to go to make it a regular part of my life, but 2018 is my year! I’m going to make it a part of my life again.

When it came time to plan my yoga outfits, one thing I’ve always said about working out (see what I mean here) is that I enjoy deciding what to wear for my workouts. It mentally helps me feel good about having comfortable and stylish workout clothing when I have to face the mirror during those 90 minute yoga sessions. After all, who doesn’t enjoy some stylish and comfy workout clothes to motivate you to get to the gym? I’m a big fan of waistband leggings because they sit high on the waist and lengthen my petite legs. They also don’t pull down when I’m bending over in some yoga move requiring me to focus on pulling up my pants rather than the downward dog! Ha!

When I found this purple cotton tank top at Target for under $8, I was sold! I had to get them in every color. They are perfect for everything from working out to summer days to a pop of color under a blazer for work.

So grab yourself a pair of comfy cotton leggings and tank top, a colorful water bottle, an inspiring towel, yoga mat and stylish kicks for the walk to the studio, a pretty set of stacked bracelets (because why not!) and you’re set to go!

And after being all geared up for a great yoga session, go all in and then treat yourself to a healthy brunch afterwards with your favorite gals!

Thank you so much for stopping by & reading! What is your favorite type of yoga? Let me know in the comments! I’d love some inspiration this weekend!

Jess / October 9, 2017

Transition // Fall Leaves, Fall Skin

Changing seasons means taking care of your skin after a summer spent in the sun. It never dawned on me to change my skin routine from season to season. But after doing some research, I realized that those changing leaves served as good reminder to change my skin routine and treat my skin for fall differently than I do for summer.

With every passing year, I started to notice that I get some dark spots from exposure to the sun and uneven effects of the sun on my skin. Enter Neutrogena. As a brand that I have used before and go to when finding new ways to treat my skin as a collective regimen, Neutrogena’s new Rapid Tone Repair Line can target those dark spots and even out my skin. With a rapid release type of retinol (good for age spots), vitamin c (diffuses brown spots), and a boost of hyaluronic acid (keeps my skin moisturized) the daily moisturizer, the night moisturizer and the dark spot corrector are what I needed to transition my skin from summer to fall.

Starting the day with a moisturizer that includes an SPF 30 or more is a great way to protect your skin while keeping it moisturized as the cool air of fall sets in and starts to deplete moisture from your skin, ever so slowly into winter. We often make the mistake of thinning out our moisturizer when we put it on, so don’t be afraid of layering a good amount on your face. Neutrogena’s day moisturizer is lightweight, smells good, and provides a great hydrated base for my foundation.

At night, after washing my face and following my usual cleansing routine, I apply the dark spot corrector directly on the spots that have darkened from sun exposure, particularly on my chin and near my lips. When I think back to how I treated my skin during the summer, I often wore a hat that covered most of my face expect my chin in most cases, which makes perfect sense now that I am finding that’s where most of my dark spots have been.

Followed by the spot corrector, which addressed specific areas of my skin that I knew needed to fade, I ended my night time skin routine with the Rapid Tone Repair moisturizer labeled Night (making it very easy not to mix things up!). I particularly love the light feel of this moisturizer while knowing it is still targeting my need for moisture, smoothing my fine lines and evening out my skin tone while I sleep. Many night moisturizers can sometimes feel sticky, so it was nice to wake up not feeling stuck to my pillow or with a residue!

Thank you so much for reading! I have been diving into so many skin care products lately, testing them out and learning how to care for my skin better these days. If you have a favorite product or skin routine you’d like me to share, please let me know in the comments below! Have a great week!

Thank you to Neutrogena for partnering on this post!

Jess / September 30, 2017

Maggy London // Black and White for Fall

Between August and September, so much has happened around the world. Family and friends have been at the forefront of my mind in the past two months and even still today, so I needed to take a break and ensure that was happening first. If you are able to donate in any capacity to help the American people of Puerto Rico, please visit here for more information that directly goes to the aid desperately needed there.

Now that we are into Fall, I want to share this pretty Maggy London black and white midi dress (on sale for under $60!) . You’ve definitely seen me share many Maggy London pieces this past year. Some of your favorites have been this black and white wrap dress, this colorful lace dress, and this beautiful sheer top! I feel in love with the brand because it represents all that I admire in a clothing brand from feminine dresses and tops (and now pants!) to pretty prints.

Mixing prints is something I’m enjoying lately, and a good tip is that any leopard or tortoise heel (as shown here) is the perfect way to add to any black and white look, even stripes!

And since the Fall is taking it’s sweet time to show up keeping us in warmer temps the last few days, this dress is the perfect transitional piece with a classic black and white twist on florals. One of the best attributes to a Maggy London dress is how fitted it can be on the waist, making for the perfect detailed belt to add to the look.

Adding some texture and cutouts for an edgy style while still looking classic to work is a great way to try something new in your wardrobe. So go for it!

Thank you so much for reading and supporting this space! You can expect a weekly post and more to come for the holiday season (dare I say that too soon!)

Outfit// Maggy London (now on sale for $59!) | Loft Earrings (on sale!) | Banana Republic bag | Ann Taylor shoes (similar)

Thank you to Maggy London for partnering on this post!

Jess / November 13, 2016

Five Finds // Fresh Face Favorites for Fall

It’s Sunday night and I’ve had a hell of a week! I haven’t slept much, and stress has gotten to me a bit more than usual. My skin is the one area that is the first to show signs of stress and sleepless nights, and if it weren’t for a few favorite finds for my face, I wouldn’t look as refreshed as I have been. Over the last few months, I’ve been trying several products for my combination skin. And if there is one thing I have learned about taking care of your skin well it is that just like the season’s change and your wardrobe reflects that change, so should your skin care routine. Aside from drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet, having four or five favorite products for your face are the perfect way to stay above the fray of wrinkles, dark or patchy skin and the occasional breakout.

As we start to experience cooler days this fall and head into winter (it’s coming!), here are my favorite five finds for my face that I simply cannot do without!

SHOP Caudalie

I had no idea about micellar water until I did a little more digging into skin care routines and found that this is probably one of the best ways to really get your face clean for both your day and nighttime cleansing. I use it right after washing my face with an oil-based cleanser or using a Neutrogena cleansing cloth. Using a cotton round, I wipe any excess make-up all over my face and eyes-which is great because it doesn’t irritate my contacts. You’d be surprised how much one cleansing really isn’t enough, which is why I love using this after I wash my face. I happen to love the entire line of Caudalie, so this is a definite favorite find for me!

SHOP Kiehl’s

Kiehl’s has been a favorite brand of mine for as long as I can remember! This alcohol-free toner has probably been my favorite for the last 15 years! Before I began to use this toner, I did some research on the calendula flower learning that it had healing properties which is exactly what I needed at a time when my skin’s texture began to change. It isn’t a product where you will experience immediate results overnight, but it will benefit you long term and I’ve never look back since using it. It is refreshing on the skin (sometimes I refrigerate it and use to it on an impending breakout), and does not leave you with any sticky residue after use.

SHOP Aromatica

I have never used a serum before, then I discovered Aromatica and it changed my skin care life! This is one bottle I have almost emptied! I am already purchasing another soon! I use it nightly without fail and it has not only smoothed my finer lines and my skin overall, but also brightened those subtle dark spots that have begun to show up as the season changes. I put this serum on after I use the micellar water and toner as my third step to a fresh face at night. I use my hands and lightly pat it throughout my face avoiding my eye area. Rose is one of those products that you can find in many skincare lines, and it works well in this serum! A definite new found favorite this fall season!

SHOP Josie Maran

So I’m going to be totally honest here and say that when I first heard of Josie Maran cosmetics, all I could think about was David Blaine. Partly because I invited him to come and perform for my students once and he was brilliant, but also because he used to date Josie Maran (long ago!). Yet, that has nothing to do with the brilliance of this cosmetic line – luxury with a conscience! I am absolutely in love with the argan oil. I used to think an oil and your face did not mix. And boy, Was I wrong! My hairstylist convinced me to try it and after days of research I decided to give it a try. Now I cannot live without it. This bottle has lasted me 2 months and it is worth every penny. I pat 2-3 drops of the oil throughout my face after the Aromatica serum, and suddenly my face feels like it’s taken drink of water (ironic, I know!) after a day out in the sun.

SHOP Glossier

Glossier is one of those brands that seemed trendy, and so I thought it really wouldn’t live up to my expectations in skincare because it hasn’t been around long enough to prove it’s worth. Yet, I’m here to tell you that many of their products not only deliver their promise, but are affordable and luxurious at the same time! One of the many products I’m currently obsessed with is their soothing facial mist; and when they say soothing, they mean it. This is my third bottle in 3 months, and it’s because I take it with me everywhere. I use it in the morning to set my make-up, in the middle of the day to freshen my face, and in the evening after using the argan oil before heading to bed. It has a light rose scene, but nothing overbearing or drying in the least. And if you have seen other facial mists out there, this by far is an affordable bottle for the size you receive. Definite favorite find for my face this fall!

Shop the Feature // Caudalie Micellar Water | Kiehl’s Calendula Toner | Aromatica Rose First Serum | Josie Maran Argan Oil (20% 0ff w/ code VIP20) | Glossier Face Soothing Mist

Some of these products can be found online, but if you are a Sephora VIB member (it took me two purchases to become one!), your entire purchase is now 20% off until tomorrow, so be sure to prepare to stock up on your fresh face finds before the holidays and winter weather!

If you get a chance to try or already have tried any of these products, I’d love to know! Leave a comment below sharing your experience. Love this post? Share it and let me know if you’d like to see more in skincare and beauty from me! Thank you for reading and stopping by!

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