Monthly Favorites – July 2024

Hello and welcome to ASB Favorite Finds, where I reflect on the past month and share what has been particularly noteworthy, from enlightening reads to standout summer beauty products and everything in between. Today’s list of beauty products includes 5 products I continue to restock, 2 newer-to-me finds, plus a tale of a few beautiful sandals…enjoy!

Style Videos and Podcasts I Enjoyed This Month

• Styling The Clothes I Bought But Never Wear – Christina Mychas on YouTube | press here
• Master Class on How to Fix Your Digestive Issues & Gut Health (With a Renowned GI Doctor) – Mel Robbins Podcast | press here
• Closet Therapist and Celebrity Stylist, Allison Bornstein Explains the Wrong Shoe Theory – Lipstick on the Rim | press here

Bandolino “Merily” Sandal

• I have been on the hunt for a low-heeled, neutral sandal to wear with summer dresses, skirts, and pants for some time now. Unfortunately, my search for a clear sandal (read more here), did not work out, as I could not find a match with a good fit and heel height for my foot. And as much as I loved the Liya Sandal – it was my favorite of all the ones I tried on – it was too narrow for my foot. While returning the Liya sandal at The Rack, I came across the Bandolino “Merily 3”, a block heel retro-vibe sandal that I found to be super comfortable.

• Unfortunately, the Studio 54 Vibe gold version I was after was sold out in my size at the Rack, however, I was able to locate the “Merily”  – left 2 images, which look the same as the Merliy 3, far right – on Amazon in 5 colors, and $6.00 cheaper with free shipping. I did purchase the gold (champagne) pair on Amazon, and it does appear to be the same shoe. Here are both links, Amazon ($43.95, here) | and Nordstrom Rack ($49.97, here).

Link Shape Buckle Sandal

• I love the look and versatility of the Jeffrey Campbell Linques Sandal, but I’ve read mixed reviews on comfort. While looking for a similar style, I came across the “Mig” sandal by Cecelia, which has a similar look. Now, the “Mig” looks very close to the Cecelia “Melissa” over at Nordstrom. which is priced at $169.00, while the “Mig” is on sale at QVC for $81.99 – if you’re interested, you can take a look, read more, and see for yourself, (HERE).

Tory Burch Jessa Toe Loop Sandal

• And while we are talking sandals, can we just oooh and ahh for a moment over this beautiful toe-loop sandal from Tory Burch. A work of bohemian art, she’s pretty much sold out, but I wanted to mention that a few sizes did pop up back in stock over at Nordstrom – in the event you’ve also had this on your Wish List.

R + Co DART Pomade Stick

• Most days – especially during the summer months – my hair is pulled back into a bun or ponytail, and this handy stick has been a game changer for me to tame flyaways and frizz, sculpt, and polish.

CLINIQUE High Impact Mascara

• A friend recently gave me a tube of this mascara to try and I have to say I like it, especially for everyday wear. It has a barely-there feel, no clumping, and it stays on all day. This link is for Sephora, but it is currently on a 40% off promo at QVC, $15.00 for a 2-pack (HERE). And, while you are over at QVC, you may want to check out these cute Jeffrey Campbell dupe sandals, now on sale in 3 colors…

NUTRIUS Brazilian Body Butter

• If you love the smell and feel of Sol De Janeiro Body Butter – but not the price – NUTRIUS has a great dupe now available at AMAZON, in single or 2 packs,  for a fraction of the price. My adult daughter, who loves all Sol products, introduced me to this dupe a few years ago when it was available in a 2-pack at Costco. Now a family favorite, we keep this yummy-smelling product on hand year-round.

A Really Awesome Drugstore Body Scrub

• Dove brown sugar & coconut butter body scrub has now become a budget-luxe shower staple that I also use on my feet

Cover Girl Outlast All Day Lip Color

• I have been using Jane Iredale Matte Lip Stain for years – and love it – but I have to say, this two-step, transfer-resistant Lip Color from Cover Girl, not only lasts longer throughout the day, it’s friendlier on the wallet. This new favorite of mine is now available in a broader color range, $8.89 (target)

Miracle Balm from Jones Road

• “The secret of no-makeup makeup: a wash of soft-focus moisture to perfect and enhance skin. A light-reflecting superproduct that’s as versatile as it is simple to use. Wear Miracle Balm alone or layer on top of foundation for an instant refresh…” –Jones Road.com.
• Available in 12 colors, I wear the color “Tawny” – alone or over my foundation  – to even out my skin tone, and “Miami Beach” for color on my cheeks. The application can take some getting used to so I recommend you watch Bobbi’s “how to use” video on Instagram or Facebook and don’t forget to “break the seal” before using to release the color.

Blog Highlights

• Stop Thinking of Your Clothes as One-Dimensional here
• The Challenge of Understanding Your Style here
• Thrift Like a Pro here
• Exploring 2024’s Top Denim Styles, here
• Exploring Color Analysis, here
• Is Your Fantasy Self Sabotaging Your Style? here
• Carry-on travel using the 333 Packing Method + a video, here
• My City Guide to New Orleans, here
• How I styled my carry-on for 6 days in New Orleans, here
• How to brighten your neutral wardrobe using Metallics + outfit ideas, here
• April Favorites here
• March Monthly Favorites, here
• All archived Shop My Closet videos + What I Wore posts, from my What’s On My Rail series, can be viewed here.
• Did you know the “Shop Pages” on ASB are where you will find links to mentioned or favorites from the blog? The “Shop” tab can be found at the top right of my home page, or click here for beauty favorites, here for shoes and accessories, and here for everything else.