Alyson’s Obsessions // February 2017

Welcome to one of my favorite posts on The Modern Savvy — a random compilation of all the things I’m loving this month. The list typically encapsulates everything fabulous that doesn’t make its way elsewhere on the site. I know I’m always chatting with my girlfriends about our latest loves… so check out my top six below, and hey, comment below to share yours!

SUGAR FIX Jewelry collection, by Bauble Bar: you guys know I live for BaubleBar for my affordable costume jewelry (I mean, I want this entire page of earrings), so it’s no surprise that my newest obsession is the brand’s new collection for Target called SUGAR FIX! These tassel earrings are such a steal, and I love this modern take on the classic hoop. This choker is perfectly on-trend, and this 2-in-1 necklace is the perfect addition to nearly any look. PS: The entire collection is currently 25% off! 

Miracle Plus Arnica Bruise Cream: OK, guys, apparently if you or someone in your family has a crazy bruise, this magical cream is a must. I somehow managed to pull and then tear my adductor muscle (inner thigh) and a hematoma (blood clot) also formed. OUCH. Oh, and after two days of insane swelling, the grosses black and blue mark you could ever imagine formed on my leg. I had been icing — and waiting — but then a few people mentioned this cream… I apply 2-3 times a day and I swear the bruise is disappearing insanely fast.

Sleeveless Sweater: this sleeveless sweater is currently en route… it’s SO cute, and perfect for now and later! Pair it now with a blazer or under a denim jacket with black pants, tucked into a pencil skirt, or layered over a white (or blue and white striped) button down, and later… love it with white denim and navy scalloped shorts, just for example. And, at $35, it’s your next wardrobe workhorse!

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact, with SPF 50: I’m all about this new foundation from It Cosmetics. It has a creamy consistency that offers great buildable coverage, and it has SPF 50+ UVA/UVB protection. Whether you’re in a warmer climate, or someplace that’s still chilly, you should always have SPF on your skin… must protect it! This powerful compact also has the brand’s propetieary concentrate that offers anti-aging benefits, moisture and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Nearly half my makeup is now by IT, and while they sent me this to test out (I had already been using/purchasing the CC+ cream for daily wear) and equally love this. Each compact comes with a sponge (I use a brush when at home)… simply swirl to activate the concentrate, and then keep the sponge there for touchups on the go. Stays matte all day!

Almond Butter Brown Rice Crispies Treats: Evan loves cooking so we’ve been playing around with fun recipes, and I’m also sending them to his nanny, Lexi, for fun after-school projects while I’m working. This one was a major hit, and even my girlfriends who visited a few weeks ago chowed down with me! They’re delicious and way healthier than the usual variety. Plus, a good smothering of chocolate makes everything better. #modernsavvy 😉

Katie Woo Super Stylish Activity Book: We discovered Katie Woo books this year, and my first grader, Sarah, loves them. As a mom I’ve had a hard time finding books for her… she doesn’t want the “baby books” but I hate the Barbie books (sorry!) and similar focused on girls with too little clothes discussing what felt like superficial issues. Katie and her friends have interesting stories that fortunately for us, my daughter loves reading. It’s honestly been a bit of a game changer. I ordered a few more recently I added this activity book to my cart — this $5 little surprise made her day, and my budding fashion designer has been having fun creating Katie’s outfits, solving puzzles, coloring and more. WIN! If she doesn’t want to go right to bed after books, we let her quietly stay in her room to play with quiet things like this.