i tried on all of the new boots at target and these 8 are my favorite

Fashion & Beauty

I Tried On All Of The New Boots At Target And These 8 Are My Favorite

Drescription

I’m clearly no stranger to the joys of Target but after hearing all of the internet chatter about how good their fall boots currently were, naturally, I had to go see myself. A little field research to help give any of you looking the real lowdown:) I have to say before we get any further, Target is doing something pretty special in the comfort department. It’s good, y’all! Oftentimes with affordable shoes, comfort isn’t always the top priority for the maker, just style. Not the situation here. Whether it’s memory foam or just a well-cushioned insole, your feet are going to be happy, thus making you happy. But they’ve really got some awesome styles too (duh) so let me take you throw my thoughts, feelings, and recommendations.

Kenzi Tall Western Dress Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $45

Ok, these really took me by surprise. I was very impressed by all of the detailed stitching and how lengthening for the leg they are. Truly so good. There are plenty of more affordable knockoff cowboy boots that are cheesy but these aren’t. They are actually really good and are really comfortable. I’m a big fan of a memory foam insert as previously stated! Will they last as long as a traditional real leather boot? Probably not. But if you take care of them they will definitely last you a good amount of time.

Final Verdict: I really do love these and recommend them. I would easily pay more than $45. This is the perfect way to enter into the cowboy boot trend (which is also a classic…win-win) if you’ve been wanting to!

Livia Stovepipe Tall Boots – $45

Here’s what I’ll say – These have a really nice shape, are streamlined, but boxy up top. Because of the heel, they feel more like city shoes to me but if you are a heel wearer then you might love that about them! The only real downside is that without care, I’m a little worried they’re a “one-season boot” based on the leather.

Jess loved them when she saw the pictures and I do like the shape of the toe. For me they weren’t a “hell yes” but I think it’s mostly based on my lifestyle.

Hope Tall Boots – $45

But these guys are a different story! Look at them, SO CUTE. You might know by now that I love an equestrian vibe. Plus, I love the structured front and think it would be so cute on everyone. Oh, and they are so so comfortable.

I didn’t buy them but do I need to go back and change that?? So easy to grab and go for the colder seasons and still look so cute (which at times is a challenge when you are all bundled).

Rebel Tall Moto Buckle Boots – $50

These are the knockoff motorcycle boots that people are really talking about. I do have to say VERY comfortable. I have wider feet and these are perfect if you also need a little extra width. Plus, (like most of these boots) I was not expecting the cushion that’s provided in these very rough and tough-looking boots. It’s easy to assume that a heavy, affordable boot is going to be well, not that comfortable. Y’all these are really comfortable. Totally recommend.

Want a little more edge to your wardrobe? These are a pretty cool and easy way to do that:)

Oakley Harness Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $45

These are the Frye knockoffs which I have to say are pretty great. My beef with my vintage Frye boots (that I can’t seem to quit – I never wear them but I’ve had them for 20 years) is how heavy they are – making them pretty uncomfortable. These from Target are lighter-weight and very comfy.

Will they last as long as the real deal ones? Nope, but if you want the Frye boot look for FAR less and a lot more comfortable, I can say that I was shocked and impressed by these.

Logan Lug Combat Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $40

Speaking of really heavy shoes, that’s one of my problems with traditional Doc Martin’s. Just so heavy. But overall they aren’t really my personal style but are so great on other people whose style they are perfect for. The great thing about these knockoffs is that they are so much lighter than real Doc Martin’s which I love.

And you bet the memory foam makes them also very comfortable.

Lonnie Kitten Heel Stretch Ankle Boots – $35

If you remember from last fall, I got a VERY cute pair of Madewell tan kitten heel boots that I wore all of the time. Those ones ran about $200. So when I saw these for only $35 I was very interested. They are really cute, have that class dainty kitten heel look, really lengthen the leg with that pointed toe, are comfortable, and simply just great. Nothing negative!

Oh, but one important thing to note is that they tuck really nicely into jeans. The jean/boot combo dream:)

Mona Rain Boots – $30

Oh man, if they had had my size I would’ve probably snagged these! So great for the rainy weather that’s coming and perfect for the farm.

They didn’t feel too heavy and the quality was great for a rainboot. Ugh, I might need to order them online as I’m pretty sure I just talked myself into them. Cute but very practical.

Ok! Eight great, affordable boots (some I preferred more than others) that could help you get through fall and winter a little more stylish (if you are in the market). Happy boot shopping!

15 Pro Tips for Traveling With Makeup

Going on vacation is all fun and games until you get to the packing portion of the trip. At that point, it quickly becomes a game of “What can I bring?” and “What must I sadly leave behind?” Traveling with makeup is particularly challenging, especially with TSA’s rules on liquid sizes and the propensity for your most prized products to break or leak. You’ve also got to think about things like climate variation and how your skin might react while also trying to keep your regimen somewhat normal so your skin doesn’t freak. With practice and planning, though, you can get really good at editing down all your beauty essentials without over or under-packing. To help you cover all the bases when it comes to traveling with makeup, we asked experts to share their best tips. 01 of 15 Invest in a Great Makeup Case First thing’s first: You’ve got to have a great place to store your beauty loot when traveling with makeup. Look for a bag that’s big enough to house all your essentials, is leak-proof, keeps you organized, and is easy to clean, advises Sydney Morgan, beauty content creator. The Calpak Medium Clear Cosmetics Case is a great pick. 02 of 15 Choose Cosmetics Bags That Serve Double Duty If chosen well, your makeup bag can be so much more. "Some can double as small clutch or evening purse in a pinch," says Anne McAlpin, packing expert at PackItUp.com. "I love the 'free' ones from cosmetic specials like Clinique and Lancôme. Bright colored bags make it easy to find your makeup in your bag." 03 of 15 Put Makeup Brushes & Tools in Their Own Bag Makeup brushes are an investment, so it only makes sense to look after them well. “I keep my tools in a dedicated case,” notes Jenny Patinkin, professional makeup artist and founder of Jenny Patinkin Eco-Luxe Beauty Tools. This helps protect the bristles and keeps things more sanitary, too. To save even more space, choose a makeup bag that has a compartment you can dedicate specifically to tools and brushes. 04 of 15 Keep a Few Items in Your Purse Lost luggage happens every once in a while, so travel with confidence by having a cosmetic backup plan, says Brittany Lo, a professional makeup artist and founder of Beia. She says, “Always keep two to three essentials with you in your purse, just in case your luggage doesn’t make it or in case you need to reapply before you get the chance to unpack.” For example, a lightweight BB cream or foundation, cream blush, and mascara. When in doubt, identify your “desert island” essentials and pack those. 05 of 15 Opt For Multitasking Makeup Saving space is a must when traveling with makeup, so take advantage of multitasking products. “I do like to steamline when I travel,” notes Patinkin. “[For example], Packing a bronzer that can double as contour, a buildable cheek color, and a buildable foundation for simple daytime application or more dramatic evening looks, one four-pan eyeshadow palette that can be used a lot of different ways, and keeping as few brushes with me as possible.” 06 of 15 Don’t Switch Up Your Routine Too Much It’s tempting to pack all those tiny, travel products since they’re conveniently sized, but switching up your beauty routine too much isn’t ideal. “Your body likes consistency,” notes Matthew Waitesmith, a professional makeup artist with Artis. “If you mostly maintain your same makeup routine while traveling, your body will be less likely to overreact to all the environmental changes involved with travel.” Not to mention, a chill vacation isn’t necessarily a great time to experiment with a tricky new felt liner or foundation formula. You want reliability and ease. 07 of 15 Underfill to Reduce the Risk of Leaks Leaking liquid makeup is not just a big mess—it can mean you lose a lot of your product, too. McAlpin has a little trick that has kept her leak-free. "Only fill liquids three-quarters full, then squeeze out the air and secure the lid. A change in air pressure can cause liquids to expand, creating leaks." By not filling it to the brim, you leave room and reduce the chance of leaks. (But pack it inside a resealable plastic bag just in case!) 08 of 15 Decant Larger Items Whether you’re checking a bag or sticking to a carry-on, it’s wise to consolidate your products to save space and minimize the potential for messes. If any of your liquid products are over 3.4 ounces—the TSA cutoff size—decant them in a travel-size container. Alternatively, buy the travel-sized versions of your faves, Lo suggests. When you run out of the travel-size product, you can refill the packaging with your full-size product. 09 of 15 Protect Delicate Makeup The pain of seeing your favorite powder products broken is real. Avoid the distress by packing delicate items very well. You can do so with a fine bubble wrap (avoid anything too bulky). It also helps to “sandwich” your makeup bag, says Morgan. “Put your makeup bag in the middle of your suitcase with clothes surrounding it,” she says. “This sounds super funny, but it is the best way to keep things from shifting around and breaking. I typically like to put it in the middle with clothes underneath and on all sides. This has helped to avoid breakage.” 10 of 15 Consider the Climate While you don’t want to completely switch up your makeup routine, do take the climate into account. For example, if you’re heading somewhere really humid or plan to splash around in the ocean, swap in some waterproof makeup. Or if it’s going to be dry or hot, pack a face mist that helps set your makeup and keep your skin looking dewy all day. 11 of 15 Bring A Couple “Special Occasion” Items Along with your go-to makeup and skincare products, Waitesmith recommends packing a few makeup items that you associate with special occasions, such as a bold lipstick color or a pretty eyeshadow quad. He says, “You may want to be a bit more extravagant with your makeup colors or intensity to celebrate the special environment—like for a candlelight dinner.” 12 of 15 Pack a Compact Lighted Mirror “The lighting in your hotel or other accommodation mirror is unfamiliar, so it can be hard to judge whether the color or texture of the product you're using feels like it's flattering,” notes Patinkin. She says that a lighted makeup mirror can help squash this issue real fast. Choose one that’s slender and stands up on its own or has suction cups that adhere to a flat surface mirror. 13 of 15 Think Vertical McAlpin swears by hanging-style personal care kits. "Many European and boutique hotels have minimal counter space, so these bags are great for keeping essentials close at hand without items falling off pedestal sinks and breaking on tile floors." 14 of 15 Repurpose Containers Travel-specific containers are great, but you can get creative with what you use. "I use contact lens holders for small amounts of primer, eye moisturizer, etc.," McAlpin says. "Just label it with permanent marker on the lid." 15 of 15 Find Ways to Minimize Liquids If you're traveling carry-on only, your space for liquids is limited. While solid beauty and makeup products have become an important part of travel packing, McAlpin has some other ideas for carrying on her favorites. For fragrance, for instance, you can soak cotton balls with fragrance and pack in small leak-proof containers.

I Spent a Month Traveling in Europe, and This Crossbody Fit My Wallet, Umbrella, Water Bottle, Charger, and More

I tend to spend the entire day on the go when I’m traveling. I just got back from a month in Madrid, and basically every day’s itinerary went something like: museum, cathedral, shopping, and copious amounts of walking. When spending almost the whole day out and about, I like to make sure I have everything I could possibly need with me, so I turned to this surprisingly spacious Uniqlo bag. Trust me, you need the $20 purse for your upcoming spring and summer vacations. You know that scene in Harry Potter where Hermione reaches her entire arm into her clutch and pulls out clothing for three people? That’s how it feels using this bag. It’s compact, but it fits a ton. I put my wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, umbrella, water bottle, chapstick, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, headache medicines, portable charger, tissues, and airpods (and probably a few other things I’m forgetting) in the purse. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag While the bag can fit a lot inside, it folds flat for storage when not in use. It took up next to no room in my carry-on suitcase for the flights to and from Spain. Thanks to the purse’s water-repellent nylon material, you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain without an umbrella. Plus, it’s super easy to clean if anything spills on it. The bag zips closed on top to keep everything safely inside and has interior pockets to contain small items. Aside from its large capacity, my favorite aspect of the purse is that it’s a crossbody. I can keep it close to my body while doing touristy things to avoid pickpockets, which is important when traveling abroad. You can also shorten the strap to wear it on your shoulder if you want to change up your look. I’m not the only one who’s impressed with how much the small bag can hold. One reviewer said, “I put all our family’s passports, my iPhone, wipes, tissues, sunglasses, gum, lip balm, face powder, and sunscreen in it during our two weeks trip in Europe. It has been a lifesaver, easy, and safe!” And the Uniqlo purse has even gone viral recently, with one TikToker packing three days’ worth of clothing and toiletries in it. Grab the Uniqlo bag to use for your next trip or just on a daily basis for running errands. You’ll find more similar styles to shop below, too. Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag in Gingham Uniqlo Shoulder Bag Uniqlo Round Ultra Mini Bag Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag Away Featherlight Crossbody

7 Tips for Traveling Alone for the First Time

If you’re like me (a chronic worrier and overthinker), the idea of solo travel can be a daunting thing. From going out at night alone to not speaking the language, there are lots of potential questions that may be preventing you from booking a trip. But while the scariest part of solo travel is that you’re in charge of everything, the most rewarding part of solo travel is, well, that you’re in charge of everything. Whether you like to have a loose itinerary or one packed as tight and seamless as your suitcase, you have no one to tell you differently. And as someone who has now experienced it personally, I’m here to tell you that there’s nothing more exhilarating and introspective than a solo adventure. To help you step out of your comfort zone and prepare mentally and physically for your next trip, here are some tips for dealing with travel anxiety. 01 of 07 Do your homework. For your first solo trip, it’s probably a good idea to choose a destination with a developed tourist infrastructure. Locals will be used to dealing with visitors and many people will also speak English, which will be helpful if you don’t speak the local language. Wherever you choose, make sure to research the locale beforehand to get a lay of the land and a sense of where you should (and should not) go. Are some places dangerous to go alone past 9PM? Is it going to be pouring rain the whole time you’re there? What time do things close? How does public transit work? These are all things that you’ll want to go into knowing. 02 of 07 Look for all-inclusive resorts. If this is your very first international solo trip, I recommend choosing an all-inclusive resort to stay at. This will be great if planning an entire itinerary is daunting to you or you’re intimidated by navigating directions in a foreign country. You can get everything you need without going far, and there’s comfort in knowing that you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to. Don’t worry—you’ll still be able to meet a lot of people on the property and you’ll feel entirely immersed in another world. For example, Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort is surrounded by a variety of zen pools in the remote mountains that makes you not want to leave, but you also have the option to take their shuttle to relax by their nearby Beach Club if you want different scenery and a bit more bustle. It also has a variety of cuisines for dining options and a couple bars that will allow you to meet tons of locals there for staycations and fellow travelers passing by. 03 of 07 Be open to talking to people. Speaking of other people, while traveling alone might sound lonely, the best part of traveling alone is you actually end up being way more social and meeting new people you wouldn’t have talked to otherwise. Don't shy away from the locals who know the place much better than you and can help you explore some cool places that are unheard of. Engaging with other travelers on a solo trip can also make your trip more enjoyable—and who knows? It may lead to lifelong friendships and future travel partners for future trips. 04 of 07 Ask the hotel for itinerary recommendations. First time traveling solo at all? In that case, it might be a good idea to start with something domestic where you can get a foreign cultural experience without actually leaving the country. Look for hotels with options onsite that you can partake in. For example, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach offers cultural experiences like Japanese whiskey tasting, Japanese tea ceremonies, origami lessons, and Japanese calligraphy that makes you feel immersed in a completely different culture without traveling abroad. 05 of 07 Split up cash and cards. I always recommend keeping your passport in a hotel safe since that’s the worst thing you can lose, but you’ll also want to keep some of your cards separated too. It’s surprisingly easy to misplace your things when traveling, and since you’re in an unknown environment it makes it even harder to track something down once you realize it’s gone. If you happen to lose your purse or fall victim to a pickpocket, having backup cash and cards in your suitcase or hotel safe can really save the rest of your trip (can you tell I’m speaking from personal experience?). 06 of 07 Be prepared. It’s true that it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared, especially when you’re by yourself in a foreign city. Make a small list of things you’ll want to carry around with you when exploring, and don’t forget to check it off before leaving the hotel. My must-haves: a small battery charger (there’s nothing worse than a dead phone when you’re by yourself), medication, Airtag (this has saved me so many times), and some extra cash if you’re in a pinch. Another hack? Download the place you’re going to on Google maps-—you never know if you might run out of data or signal, so it’s super useful to have your maps offline. 07 of 07 Learn the language. Before you go anywhere, learn a little of the local language. Even if it’s just ‘good morning’, ‘thank you,’ and ‘a coffee please,’ it will go a long way and make it more likely to get help or recommendations should you need it.

I Tried On All Of The New Boots At Target And These 8 Are My Favorite

I’m clearly no stranger to the joys of Target but after hearing all of the internet chatter about how good their fall boots currently were, naturally, I had to go see myself. A little field research to help give any of you looking the real lowdown:) I have to say before we get any further, Target is doing something pretty special in the comfort department. It’s good, y’all! Oftentimes with affordable shoes, comfort isn’t always the top priority for the maker, just style. Not the situation here. Whether it’s memory foam or just a well-cushioned insole, your feet are going to be happy, thus making you happy. But they’ve really got some awesome styles too (duh) so let me take you throw my thoughts, feelings, and recommendations. Kenzi Tall Western Dress Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $45 Ok, these really took me by surprise. I was very impressed by all of the detailed stitching and how lengthening for the leg they are. Truly so good. There are plenty of more affordable knockoff cowboy boots that are cheesy but these aren’t. They are actually really good and are really comfortable. I’m a big fan of a memory foam insert as previously stated! Will they last as long as a traditional real leather boot? Probably not. But if you take care of them they will definitely last you a good amount of time. Final Verdict: I really do love these and recommend them. I would easily pay more than $45. This is the perfect way to enter into the cowboy boot trend (which is also a classic…win-win) if you’ve been wanting to! Livia Stovepipe Tall Boots – $45 Here’s what I’ll say – These have a really nice shape, are streamlined, but boxy up top. Because of the heel, they feel more like city shoes to me but if you are a heel wearer then you might love that about them! The only real downside is that without care, I’m a little worried they’re a “one-season boot” based on the leather. Jess loved them when she saw the pictures and I do like the shape of the toe. For me they weren’t a “hell yes” but I think it’s mostly based on my lifestyle. Hope Tall Boots – $45 But these guys are a different story! Look at them, SO CUTE. You might know by now that I love an equestrian vibe. Plus, I love the structured front and think it would be so cute on everyone. Oh, and they are so so comfortable. I didn’t buy them but do I need to go back and change that?? So easy to grab and go for the colder seasons and still look so cute (which at times is a challenge when you are all bundled). Rebel Tall Moto Buckle Boots – $50 These are the knockoff motorcycle boots that people are really talking about. I do have to say VERY comfortable. I have wider feet and these are perfect if you also need a little extra width. Plus, (like most of these boots) I was not expecting the cushion that’s provided in these very rough and tough-looking boots. It’s easy to assume that a heavy, affordable boot is going to be well, not that comfortable. Y’all these are really comfortable. Totally recommend. Want a little more edge to your wardrobe? These are a pretty cool and easy way to do that:) Oakley Harness Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $45 These are the Frye knockoffs which I have to say are pretty great. My beef with my vintage Frye boots (that I can’t seem to quit – I never wear them but I’ve had them for 20 years) is how heavy they are – making them pretty uncomfortable. These from Target are lighter-weight and very comfy. Will they last as long as the real deal ones? Nope, but if you want the Frye boot look for FAR less and a lot more comfortable, I can say that I was shocked and impressed by these. Logan Lug Combat Boots With Memory Foam Insole – $40 Speaking of really heavy shoes, that’s one of my problems with traditional Doc Martin’s. Just so heavy. But overall they aren’t really my personal style but are so great on other people whose style they are perfect for. The great thing about these knockoffs is that they are so much lighter than real Doc Martin’s which I love. And you bet the memory foam makes them also very comfortable. Lonnie Kitten Heel Stretch Ankle Boots – $35 If you remember from last fall, I got a VERY cute pair of Madewell tan kitten heel boots that I wore all of the time. Those ones ran about $200. So when I saw these for only $35 I was very interested. They are really cute, have that class dainty kitten heel look, really lengthen the leg with that pointed toe, are comfortable, and simply just great. Nothing negative! Oh, but one important thing to note is that they tuck really nicely into jeans. The jean/boot combo dream:) Mona Rain Boots – $30 Oh man, if they had had my size I would’ve probably snagged these! So great for the rainy weather that’s coming and perfect for the farm. They didn’t feel too heavy and the quality was great for a rainboot. Ugh, I might need to order them online as I’m pretty sure I just talked myself into them. Cute but very practical. Ok! Eight great, affordable boots (some I preferred more than others) that could help you get through fall and winter a little more stylish (if you are in the market). Happy boot shopping!