Land a Promotion with These Looks! By Robyn Merrett

 

Believe it or not, the work world is evolving. Most jobs don’t require you to wear business attire on a daily basis. However, figuring out what to wear to the office can be a bit challenging. The whole process of getting ready for the can leave you with daunting questions like “Is this appropriate?” Or “Am I too casual?” Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite office-friendly looks that will have you cozy enough to hit up a after-work happy hour and professional enough to sit in a meeting with your boss. You may even land a promotion!

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Suits + white t-shirts = my summer vibe!

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When I landed my first job after college, I listened to the advice of my mother and dressed as professional as possible on the first day. When I got to the office, I was shocked to find everyone dressed so casual. I mean, my colleagues literally had on sneakers – some even wore flip flops!

While their choice of attire made the culture appear a bit more welcoming and comfortable, it left me feeling a bit anxious about my own work wardrobe. As most people know, working in magazines can come with an underlying pressure to always look your chicest. I was, of course, willing to take on the task as I live for building wardrobes and don’t really need a reason to go shopping. However, I understand that not everyone feels the same. 

If you’re looking to freshen up your work wardrobe, or even add to it, these are my suggestions. 

 

  1. A Blazer 

I know, I know – I thought we said blazers were a thing of the past? While that may be true, they’ve been given a second shot at life and you don’t want to miss this trend. Instead of pairing your blazer with slacks, try wearing the piece with ripped denim jeans or a pleated skirt. Spice things up by shopping for blazers in bold colors like pinks and yellows. My go-to look is the pink blazer I purchased from Zara paired with light-wash blue jeans and my white Nike Air Force 1s. The look is sophisticated yet still very calm.

2. A Show-Stopping Belt 

Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize. Find a statement belt that you can pair with jeans to really dress up the look. You can even wear the belt around a maxi skirt with mules.

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The Summer mule 🖤

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3. Vibrant Shoes 

Just because you’re at work, doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Make a statement in pair of metallic platform sneakers or an orange pair of mules. These looks can pair well with a denim on denim look or an oversized blouse and jeans. 

4. A Reliable Tote 

If you’re like me, you carry your laptop to and from the office. Why not do it in style? For my work bag I chose a metallic piece from French Connection. It was affordable, durable and pretty stylish. Don’t worry about it not matching your looks each day – it’s meant to stand alone. 

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🍊

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5. Timeless Bottoms 

I used to hate repeating outfits, but that changed once I got a job and couldn’t afford to buy multiple outfits with each check. Because of this I learned how to repeat in ways that made it seem as if I was wearing something brand new. One day I’d wear my favorite Zara red and black pleated skirt with a white t-shirt and mules and on other days I’d pair it with a blazer and sneakers. It’s all about switching it up and trying something new. 

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Where’s a scooter when you need one? 🛴

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Beauty for Women of Color: New favorite products to try right now! By Robyn Merrett

 

Growing up, I rarely saw a reflection of myself in beauty industry ads. I found it discouraging that most of the products I used were created by people who didn’t look like me or understand me. 

Like many women of color, one of my first memories with makeup wasn’t exactly a happy one. I was a junior in college at Howard University and had decided it was time to buy my own foundation. Before college, I attended an all-girls high school in New Orleans and I rarely wore makeup. If I did, it was for a special occasion and it was something my  mom had picked out for me. 

So, I walked into Sephora, beaming with confidence. I told the consultant I needed help finding my shade in foundation and that I had worn NARS and Bobbi Brown in the past. She began testing different colors from different brands on my hand. They were all wrong – I mean all wrong. Some were too dark, too light and just not right. She ended up convincing me that we had found my match and I went home ready to slay my face. When I painted on my new foundation, I looked in the mirror and was horrified. I thought to myself, how could she possibly think this was my shade? I looked as though I had dipped my face in caramel mixed with sriracha sauce. I returned to Sephora three more times before finally finding my color — NARS Tahoe Medium Dark 2 to be exact. It was in that moment that I truly felt something had to change. 

 

Fast forward to 2019, more and more people of color are launching brands for people of color. It’s about time. 

So this seemed like the perfect moment to take a deep dive and research just how far the beauty industry has come in the past decade, and quite honestly I was shocked by the progress.

 

Not only have brands like NARS and MAC introduced a plethora of additional foundation and concealer shades, but entrepreneurial black women have demanded their seat at the table and have launched their own lines that directly cater to WOC’s needs. In the Hinted list attached here, you’ll find my favorite products that I swear by and some brands that I recently discovered. The selections are perfect for summer. By the time you try these, you’ll be praising your melanin — because beauty should make you feel more comfortable in your skin, not convince you to fit into someone else’s idea of what “natural” looks like.

 

FENTY BEAUTY

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Rihanna truly changed the game when she announced she was coming out with a makeup line. The original PROFILTR foundation launch included an unprecedented 40 shades and has since expanded to 50. According to Fenty Beauty’s website, the singer was inspired to step into the makeup world after “seeing a void in the industry for products that performed across all skin types and tones.” She filled this void by launching Fenty “so that women everywhere would be included.” 

My Picks

I fell in love with lip gloss at an early age and have remained a fan. However, I find it so hard to find a simple clear gloss, so when Rihanna came out with Pro Kiss’r Luscious Lip Balm I was sold. The product not only hydrates and nourishes my lips but it gives me a natural shine. 

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I recently have become obsessed with highlighter. The look of being sun-kissed and glowing just makes me feel so confident. Fenty Beauty’s Body Lava allows me to translate the radiance of my face highlighter to my entire body. While I don’t use this everyday, it definitely enhances all of my vacation looks or night out ensembles. 

 

KNC BEAUTY 

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Kristen Crawley is the definition of a girlboss. She’s a mom, wife, jewelry designer, influencer and beauty icon. 

She started her brand with just lip masks, which soon took over.

 

“Our lips are the most neglected part of our face when it comes to beauty,” Crawley told Violet Grey.  The simple soft pink mask doesn’t require a lot of effort and can be applied while in an Uber or right before bed. The success of the beauty hack has propelled her to launch more products — the eye mask. 

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My Pick:

The Star Eye mask is ideal if you’re trying to reduce puffiness, bags, or overall stress put on your eyes due to work and other stressors. Just like the lip mask, the eye mask can easily be put on before a big night out or right before a quick power nap. 

 

PAT McGRATH LABS

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All hail Queen Pat. If you haven’t heard of this makeup legend by now then you’re doing something wrong. She is most known for her editorial makeup looks, creating concepts for Fashion weeks across the globe, magazine covers and more. 

Her brand, Pat McGrath Labs is now valued at $1 billion after only 3 years, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

 

My Pick:

The further I get into adulthood, the more daring I am with my looks. I am loving McGrath’s Mothership Subliminal Palette as it comes in fun shades like electric blue. 

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Robyn Merrett lives in LA and serves as Hinted’s Contributing Fashion Editor.

 

Uncover Beautiful Skin with Francisco Costa’s new beauty line, Costa Brazil

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Beauty Secrets You Need Now:

Discover the new line designed to give women here the same gorgeous skin that you see on the beaches of Brazil.

This past Friday, the Hinted team was invited to Francisco Costa’s apartment to preview his new beauty line, Costa Brazil. Stepping off the elevator we were greeted by a floor to ceiling wall of living plants, an easy clue as to Costa’s love of being immersed in nature.  The minimalist decor is a stark contrast to his exotic plants and Brazilian art. A lovely earthy smell emanated from a ceramic tray.

After serving us a delicious homemade lunch of hummus and a kale salad, Costa explained the driving force behind his new beauty line Costa Brazil, which he launched after years of leading Calvin Klein’s fashion house,  was a decision to bring the beauty secrets of Brazil to the rest of the world.

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Francisco Costa

Costa just launched the beginnings of a beauty empire. Every product is emade from ingredients found only in the Amazon jungle. Costa spoke of his inspiration and excitement after visiting the Amazon and discovering rare botanicals from the jungle that have healing properties. These became the trinity of miracle ingredients that make up his oils and candle, Cacay, Kaya and Breu Branco.

  • Cacay, an oil referred to as ‘Amazonian Gold,’ boasts 50% more Vitamin E than argan oil, as well as Omegas 3, 6 and 9.
  • Kaya is derived from the Sapucaia Tree and packed with antioxidants, minerals and micronutrients.
  • Breu Branco, a resin considered sacred by the Yawanawá tribe, has cleansing powers and is used in their rituals. As Costa described the special properties of Breu, he lit a morsel of the white resin and passed it around for each of us to hold and experience. The resin ignited and flashed in a sparking way, emitting a fragrant smoke that invigorates the whole body. Lighting the resin feels meditative and intentional. It’s earthy, sensual and calming, and one gets the idea that beauty to Costa, is more than skin deep.

All four of the products currently sold by Costa Brazil are infused with these three miracle ingredients. We tried them all: The face and body oils sink effortlessly into the skin, and trap moisturize all day long.The body oil can also be used in hair to smooth and add scent.The oils contain not only the Breu but also antimicrobial ingredients such as tea tree oil keep skin blemish-free. The candle carries the same serene earthy fragrance of Breu, and the 100% plant-based ingredients mean you don’t have to worry about releasing harmful chemicals and carcinogens into your home.

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The Vela Jungle candle and miracle ingredients Cacay, Kaya and Breu Branco

Burning the Breu resin is a full body experience, which leaves your home smelling incredible and your mind clear. The Breu and candle are both housed in strikingly beautiful silver tins, which are engraved with Costa Brazil’s slogan ‘Brilhe Na Natureza‘ (translated: Shine in Nature). After finishing your products, the brand encourages you to reuse this tin, just one small effort in the brand’s sustainable identity.

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Burning the Breu Branco Resin

All ingredients are certified Fair Trade and wild-harvested, so no trees are harmed in the process of sourcing. Additionally, Costa Brazil is vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist tested and the products contain no parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, gluten or glycols. In every aspect of sourcing, packaging, and charity work, it is clear the reverence Costa has for both the Amazon forest as well as the Earth. It is one thing to develop a line of beautiful objects, but what Costa has created is so much more than that: His brand is entirely sustainable, his products are effective and he proudly pays homage to his home country.

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Hailey experiencing the Jungle candle

We want to add: Thank you, Francisco, for opening your home to us and giving us a preview of your incredible collection. We were honored to experience the meaningful products and support a brand that is so eco-forward.

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Hailey and Stephanie outside Costa Brazil’s HQ

The Best Style to Wear to Work Now!

Work Style: Stay cool and look amazing at the office!

Screen Shot 2019-04-25 at 3.38.01 PM.pngTailored, chic and streamlined for the win. Gap Button Down Poplar Shirt, $39

By Hailey Welch & Stephanie McClain  Photo: @sarahnails

When temperatures rise, it can be a challenge to dress for the office. We want to look chic, feel comfortable, and dress appropriately for every situation. So when Hailey’s sister, Taylor texted that she felt like she was wearing the same thing over and over and needed a list of what to wear to work, we jumped at the chance to solve the universal problem of what to wear to work as the weather gets nicer.

Sundresses are nice but not for the office, so we found styles that are perfect from now through Labor Day. This list helps you know how to be fashionable at work in the summer with just a few key essentials like dresses, pants and blazers. The key to styling these looks is adding accessorizes like scarfs, jewelry, handbags, and belts. Whether you work in a traditional corporate setting or a hipster co-working space, never worry about what to wear to the meeting again.

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The best office looks are easy to wear, comfortable, tailored, streamlined and chic.  For someone who works in a traditional corporate office, that might mean a white blouse and pencil skirt, which is what Taylor rocked today, in her Boston office at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Because when you work at a hospital that’s helping young patients fight cancer everyday, you don’t want to think about fashion. You have lives to save.

Meanwhile in honor of Taylor Welch and the work she does at Dana Farber, Hinted is making a donation to Dana Farber, as thank you to Taylor for her inspiration and for the fact that she is doing the hard work, and the important work. Hinted is honored to do so.

Hailey gives her insight: What happens when your sister asks for help shopping? Luckily this is what Hinted loves to do: Be a curator, stylist, shopping helper for sisters. Done!

Check out the list of What to Wear to the Office Right Now, here. 

 

 

5 Easy Ways to De-Stress During the Holidays

 

By Nicole Kwan

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The end of the year (and everything that brings) is sneaking up on us– fast. Before you let yourself get super-overwhelmed, take stock on what you can do for your own self-care so you always have little ways to find calm. Bring these with you when you’re rushing toward that end-of-year work deadline, dealing with family travel plans, or exhausted from back-to-back holiday parties (lucky you!).

Here are a few of my favorite ways to stay sane through the holidays, and a few items on my destress wish list.

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1. Add plants to your home.

 

Bringing greenery inside can turn your place into your own little refuge, especially when nothing is flourishing outside. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interacting with indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. Plus, NASA research found that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins, so you’ll have cleaner air to breathe.

The Philodendron Green plant above from The Sill is good for beginner plant parents!

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  1. Curl up to a (fake) fireplace.

No, I’m not talking about the fireplace channel on your TV. I found this Wildwood Candle Co. soy candle in Portland, Oregon and the crackling wood wick and fragrance make me feel like I’m in front of a roaring fireplace. A study from the University of Alabama found that sitting by a fire reduced blood pressure, and for me, even the one candle does the trick. The Firelane I candle has notes of smoked woods, balsam, and pine, making it perfect for a city apartment wishing it was in the country.

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  1. Drink booze-free cocktails.

Drinking to de-stress is a common default, but alcohol really isn’t the best long-term solution. Non-alcoholic cocktails at bars are becoming more of a thing (Grub Street said so!), and you can do the same for yourself at home. Seedlip calls itself the “world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirits.” Their Spice 94 is aromatic, earthy, and woodsy and their Garden 108 is herbal, grassy, and floral. Serve them with tonic or mixers.

Not convinced to go dry? A small British study found that “normal” drinkers who stopped drinking for five weeks reported better sleep and concentration.

 

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4. Indulge in a bath house visit.

Last year, I stumbled upon Aire Ancient Baths in Seville and a visit to the New York City location has been on my wishlist. Going to the candle-lit bath house is like a ritual: You move through each bath at your own pace, experiencing temperatures ranging from 102 to 50 degrees F, and taking a float in a salt water bath. The hot water relaxes muscle tension while the cold water is reinvigorating.

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  1. Hand wash your delicates.

 

Most of the time, you probably throw your bras into the laundry with your clothes, but taking the time to hand wash is worth it (and nicer to your bras!). Plus, most of the time is hands off when you leave your delicates in to soak. I use the Linden wash from Journelle, which is made from plant-derived ingredients and doesn’t have sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, or parabens. I love that the delicate scent lingers and reminds me to slow down.

For me, this covers de-stressing in a number of ways. First, it makes me slow down and practice a little mindfulness by paying attention to the process and noticing everything from the water temperature to the fragrance. Plus, a Princeton University study found that physical clutter increases stress, so checking laundry off my to-do list and moving clean clothes into my drawers is good for my brain.

Fore more ways to de-stress this crazy busy season check out the Hinted list here.

✨Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match: Week of October 22, 2018 ✨

By Aurora Tower

Bond, Girl!

Fall vibes move from fun and flirty to sultry and sizzling this week, as the sun slides into mysterious Scorpio on Tuesday. What this means? Do something a little radical! Whatever your hangups have been, let them go and open yourself up to your passions and connecting with people you love. Wednesday’s full moon is cathartic and emboldening. The union of the Sun and Venus in retrograde on Friday promises a very sexy weekend. An ex or crush is likely to make an unexpected appearance. But luckily, with the support of pragmatic Saturn, you remember that plain old fashioned common sense is still your BFF.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Leo
Leo: Mango Satin Gown, $149

Strike while the iron is hot, Leo

An unexpected and exciting job opportunity could come up. Even if the surprise factor is exciting, figure out if it’s truly in alignment with your long-term goals.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Virgo
Virgo: Avec Les Filles Wrap Puffer Jacket, $149

Indulge your wanderlust, Virgo

You aren’t known as the ‘throw caution to the wind’ spontaneous type, but you could get the urge to book a one way ticket this week, so embrace your travel fantasies. And pack something chic and warm.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Libra
Libra: Novis Faye Pleated Evening Skirt; Image: @shopbop

Buddy up, Libra

If you have been wrangling with a big picture financial situation, a solution could finally emerge, but it likely won’t be what you thought, so stay open to an even better option.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Scorpio
Scorpio: Moth Bow-Backed Sweater, $128

Listen to your heart, Scorpio

This is your time, and the spotlight is shining hard and bright on you and your closest relationships, so be candid about what you truly desire, even if it’d been evolving.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Sagittarius
Sagittarius: DVF Ruched Turtleneck, $298; Image: @Nordstrom

Wait for it, Sagittarius

You’re open to the unexpected, but even you could be surprised by the revelations you have this week! Don’t ignore that nagging suspicion. Instead, act on your intuition.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Capricorn
Capricorn: Ulla Johnson Jolee Dress, $575; Image: @shopbop

Trust your heart, Capricorn

Your network and alliances are very important to you, Capricorn, and some of those special relationships appear to be shifting. One may even be headed in the L-O-V-E direction.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Aquarius
Aquarius: FP Loveless Midi Dress, $148; Image: @freepeople

Go your own way, Aquarius

You can be very decisive when you make up your mind about something, Aquarius, and this week could be when you reach your limit. Try to be sensitive with your feelings, and everybody else’s, but do what’s best for you.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Cancer
Cancer: IRO Equate Dress, $850; Image: @shopbop

Prepare to be lovestruck, Cancer

If Cupid finds anyone this week, it is going to be you, so don’t bother looking too much farther than your already trusted friend group for that special spark.

Aries
Aries: Gal Meets Glam Maggie Dress, $148; Image: @galmeetsglam

Time to decide, Aries

You don’t like to overcommit if you can help it,  but you may be forced to pick a lane and stay in it this week, Aries. Think of it as a way of helping you simplify your strategy for the win.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Taurus
Taurus: Halogen Faux Fur Cape, $149; Image: @nordstrom

Keep on truckin’, Taurus

When the ball is in someone else’s court, you can feel frustrated, but if you’re committed to finding a win-win solution now, you can bust through major obstacles and come out on top.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Gemini
Gemini: Gal Meet Glam Collection Diane Mock Neck Fit & Flare Midi, $168

Choose a positive perspective, Gemini

You tend to dislike routine, but if you can re-frame your choices as something empowering, you will recognize how much of a boost it gives your body, and your spirit.

Your Weekly Horoscope & Style to Match for the Week of October 22, 2018: Pisces
Pisces: Nooki Design Star Faux Fur Collar, $78; Image: @anthropologie

Say cheers, Pisces

Renewed interest in a passion project or educational opportunity could fire up your enthusiasm this week. If messages get mixed, try not to take others’ responses personally. Stay positive and cheerful.

Got the Cold Weather Blues? These Jewel Tone Outfits Will Give You a Lift

Fall is definitely here, which is obviously cause for excitement. The seasonal change has us living for all things autumn: Rich jewel tones, sweater weather, cute new scarves and hats, the fact that our makeup isn’t constantly melting off our faces and… pumpkin spice everything (duh).

But what we don’t talk about as much when it gets a little more mystical outside and temperatures start to drop is seasonal affective disorder. It ain’t a myth! It’s a scientific fact that the gloomy weather that starts in fall can bum us out. But it’s also been scientifically proven that there are certain colors that affect mood—which is why we are advocating for wearing the aforementioned jewel tones even more than usual.

If you’re needing some jewel-toned inspo (and a little mood boost), we have just the list for you. 12 Ways to Wear Jewel Tones to Boost Your Mood is giving us life right now. Whether you’re seeking to feel more empowered or looking to add a little love to your life, there’s a perfect outfit for you to wear to help you level it up.

More: Everything’s Better In a Sweater!

Colors That Affect Mood: Jewel Tones For the Win

Sidenote: To get the full effect of wardrobe color therapy, you don’t need to wear a certain color from head to toe. A simple forest green clutch, ocean blue drop earrings or cobalt beanie might be all you need to get your mojo going.

Colors That Affect Mood: Emerald Green Jumpsuit
Bow Long Jumpsuit, $99.99; at Mango.

But if you are looking to drape your entire body in good juju, this Bow Long Jumpsuit by Mango will have you looking put together in a snap (we love how one-and-done jumpsuits are when we’re rushing to get ready for work in the morning). And did we mention emerald symbolizes rebirth, growth, and reflection—so it’s perfect to add to your wardrobe when you want to start fresh in a new season?

Another option: The Halogen Tie Waist Dress from Nordstrom is just the ticket when you want to be pulled together for work, but are also dying to show off those hot new boots you bought for fall. The amethyst hue of this dress is one of those helpful colors that affect mood and stands for strength, courage, and relationships. It’s especially great when you want to fortify yourself and others.

Colors That Affect Mood: Ruby Red Dress
Reformation Rosehip Fit & Flare Dress, $248; at Nordstrom.

Need a little confidence bump? We suggest Club Monaco’s elegant sapphire Annina Accordion Pleated Midi Skirt. Sapphire has long been connected to royalty and will have you twirling like the queen you are in no time.

This Reformation Rosehip Fit & Flare Dress is the perfect sexy number for a hot date. Ruby red is associated with love, health and wisdom—so you’ll been feeling all the positive vibes that will make you the most magnetic person in the room.

Check out more mood boosting jewel-toned options here.

More:  A History of the “No White After Labor Day” Rule (& Why We’re Ignoring It)

Win the bag celebs are loving right now! 😍 👛

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Photos: Kendall Jenner/Mirror, Blake Lively/Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

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Photos: Emily Ratajkowski/StyleBistro, Bella Hadid/Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

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Photos: Kylie Jenner/Instagram, Chrissy Teigen/Pinterest

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