HERE'S WHAT I FOUND:

"Closet full of clothes, nothing to wear" sound familiar? Let me help you get as far away from this phrase as possible by teaching you how to build out a wardrobe that will truly serves you. Rebuilding your wardrobe from scratch can feel like a daunting task for both your mind and wallet. But it doesn't have to be. Well, transparently it might be - but the ROI will make it worth it, because once you're done: You will feel like you have a plethora of options every time you get dressed. The time you spend getting dressed will significantly decrease because the clothes you do have all compliment each other. You will have clothes that feel like YOU and not like you're cosplaying someone else. How on earth do you get there? I got you. 1. Define Your Style Goals Before diving into shopping, take some time to assess your lifestyle and preferences. Do you lean toward classic styles, minimalist looks, or a blend of both? Do you prefer bold colors, fun patterns, and texture? For a corporate professional, focusing on timeless, versatile pieces is a smart strategy that ensures you’re always appropriately dressed, whether for a meeting, a networking event, or casual Fridays. This doesn't mean that you can't add color in to your wardrobe if you love it! Sticking to solid-colored tops, bottoms, and coats allows you to have a more vibrant wardrobe while still making the pieces work together easily. 2. Understand Cost Per Wear You knew this was coming, didn't you?! When rebuilding your wardrobe, consider the cost per wear (CPW) of each item. This simple formula (“price of the item” divided by “the number of times you’ll wear it”) helps you evaluate whether a purchase is truly worth it. For instance, a $200 blazer you wear weekly for a year has a CPW of less than $4—a great investment compared to a trendy $50 blouse you might wear twice and see fall apart after the third wash. 3. Start with the Key 10 Pieces To lay the foundation for your new wardrobe, focus on these 10 timeless essentials that will work in and outside the office: White Button-Up Shirt  – Crisp, versatile, and perfect for layering or wearing on its own. Tailored Black Blazer  – A corporate wardrobe staple that instantly elevates any look. Classic Black Trousers  – Flattering and suitable for almost any occasion. Pencil Skirt  – Professional and feminine, ideal for meetings or presentations. Neutral Knit Sweater  – Cozy yet polished for chillier days. Silk Blouse  – Adds a touch of elegance to your office attire. Dark Wash Jeans  – A smart-casual essential for Fridays or after-hours events. Little Black Dress  – Timeless and adaptable for work events or evenings out. Classic Trench Coat  – Functional and chic, perfect for transitional weather. Black Leather Pumps  – Comfortable and professional footwear that pairs well with nearly everything. I've linked some for each of the above here 4. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity It’s tempting to buy multiple pieces at once and call it a day, but building a wardrobe slowly and intentionally ensures you invest in high-quality items that last. Look for natural fabrics like wool, cotton, and silk, which not only wear well but also look more polished. Polyester is the enemy more often than not but don't feel like you can't purchase items that hold this material. I would avoid it in tops and sweaters - and I better not catch you using anything but cotton for your undies! Breathe. She needs to. 5. Stick to a Neutral Palette Hear me outtttt - a cohesive wardrobe is easier to mix and match. Start with a neutral color palette—think black, white, navy, beige, and gray. This will give you endless options as they all inherently work with one another and always look super polished. Once you feel you have a good base, start introducing pops of color with accessories or statement pieces if you prefer a brighter wardrobe. 6. Invest in Accessories !!!!!!!! Accessories are the finishing touch to any outfit. A structured leather handbag, a classic watch, and a pair of chunky gold earrings can elevate your look and add personality without overwhelming your attire. You have likely noticed I always have the same trio on. My watch, my earrings, my belt. It really does so much heavy lifting for making you look more put together without actually taking too much time or effort. 7. Be Patient and Strategic Rebuilding a wardrobe takes time. Keep an ongoing list of items you need, and wait for sales or seasonal discounts to purchase high-ticket pieces so that you don't feel financially overwhelmed. Consignment stores and second-hand shops can also be goldmines for quality items at a fraction of the price. My favorite blazers have ALL come from the Goodwill. The fabrics are unlike anything you can find at Zara. H&M, and A&F - and they were all between $5 and $10! 8. Tailoring Is Your Best Friend Girl why did I not know this until my 30's?! Even the most expensive pieces can look cheap and unflattering if they don’t fit well. Alterations can make all the difference in ensuring your clothing flatters your body and looks custom-made. I know this sounds expensive but I promise you it actually is not. A little cinch around your waist, a let out at the bust, and a bit of hemming can go a long way. It also feels so special knowing something was tailored to you. 9. Care for Your Clothes I could scream this from the rooftops! I hate when someone says a $20 pair of pants can't last you. I have an editorail pant from Forever 21 that I got in HIGH SCHOOL that I still wear. How? I took care of them. Proper maintenance extends the life of your wardrobe. Use good, stiff hangers, invest in a good steamer, and follow care labels to keep your favorite pieces looking pristine for years to come. Make sure you are hanging your pieces the correct way as well. 10. Track Your Progress As you add pieces to your wardrobe, evaluate how often you’re wearing them and how they make you feel. Was that silk blouse a good call or are you avoiding it because you fon't like how it sits on your skin? Do those pleated front trousers make you feel amazing when you wear them? Are you enjoying the mid-rise jeans over a traditional waist? This reflection will help you refine your shopping strategy and ensure every new purchase aligns with your goals. Rebuilding your wardrobe is an investment in yourself. By focusing on quality, versatility, and timeless style, you’ll create a closet that supports you in and outside of the office and makes you feel confident every day. Remember: Style is not about having more, but about having the right pieces that work for you . I really hope this was helpful, and am so so so excited that you are on a journey to make the most of your clothes so that they can help you make the most of every day moments. Shop some options below: Love you, always xx Dani

....so that getting dressed is easier. 1. Tailored pants or skirts in neutral colors like black, navy, or nude. A good pant is the key to most of my outfits and something I really invest in because I prefer them to last me for years. The reason I would recommend getting a neutral color scheme in lieu (or addition) of a widely colorful one is because a neutral palette allows for more cross-wearing of items. This is down to the ease at which you are able to pair them all up. You can, of course have bright colors as well, but I would put most of my budget toward good high quality neutrals as you will get the most wear out of those. 2. A classic blazer that can be dressed up or down. I own close to 20 blazers (and 99% are oversized) and if I had to get rid of even a single one it would feel like pulling teeth. Nearly all of them were thrifted, and I love how a good blazer can instantly change the entire vibe of your outfit. If I feel like the outfit I'm wearing is too dressy or too "corporate", I add an oversized blazer and it instantly dresses it down. A major plus is that they are so comfortable without having to cut back on looking polished. 3.Comfortable yet stylish shoes in neutral colors. Comfortable is key here. We all know and love a shoe that has made us bleed. Much like with love, it can look good all it wants - but the moment the pain becomes so unbearable you're slipping them off under your desk it is time to go ! The options below are all either flat or have a minimal heel - making them super walkable for both long and short days. I love all of these because they can be work outside of the office as well - doubling up your closet while keeping the spending down. 4. A versatile dress that can be worn to different occasions. Have you noticed how people immediately assume you've put so much more effort in to your appearance whenever you wear a dress? It always makes me laugh because - let's be real - picking out a dress is far easier than picking out three or four different items. But hey, we'll take the compliment, am I right?! The below dresses are all office ready and can be paired with heels, flats, or sneakers - whatever your mood may be that day. 5. A crisp white blouse that can be paired with different bottoms. This is a classic piece that I will reach for time and time again. Want to look polished? White button-down . Want to have a chic little blue jean moment? White button-down. Need a cover up for that gorgeous little summer dress? White button-down. It just works, every time. I'm off to try and film a Spring reel for you - even though it is quite literally 29 degrees here this morning. *shudders* All my love,

I have always had a deep love for the arts, but it wasn't until my 30's that I really dove into it in every sense and re-discovered a few of my favorite F words. Fashion. Furniture. Food. I've been pinning some home inspo for a while now, and the underlying theme was always somehow Parisian - ironic as I wasn't particularly smitten with the city when I visited 8 years ago - but the architecture is undeniably magical. SHOP THE LOOK:

I'm in the planning stages of my Graduation trip and I am soooo excited that I of course started shopping. 1. I love these 5 looks because they're sooooo comfortable, look great, and can be worn separately thought the trip-and beyond (long-term wearability is key for me!). I love this cream co-ord set because I already see myself wearing it beyond the plane and this trip! The top can be paired with jeans, a satin skirt, leather shorts - so many different ways! The bottoms could be worn with a t-shirt and leather jacket for a simple but "edgy" look or even a chunkier knit and some snakeskin boots for a perfect autumnal look. Top $49.90 | Bottom $49.90 2. The same goes for this second look - its so cozy yet still holds a level of sophistication thanks to the cut and monochromatic color. Top 49.90 | Bottom 49.90 3. I actually worse something very similar to this on my flight to (and from!) London and not only was I complimented both times, I was suuuuuper comfortable! This option is sleeveless and would be great for someone who runs a bit hot or gets anxiety flying qand needs to cool down. I'd paid it with a cardigan much like the one seen below in #4. Top $25.90 | Bottoms: $35.90 It comes in three different colors: 4. I wouldn't actually think to wear a dress when flying but this one looks so soft and so comfortable (sensing a theme here?) that I can definitely see myself traveling in this - especially if I was arriving to my hotel early and had some time to go out for a coffee or walk before check-in! The cardigan is essentially a blanket. Do I need to say more???? Love. Dress: $69.90 | Cardigan: $119.00 5. I simply couldn't do an airport looks post without including the OG herself - the sweater/sweatpants combo we that has been launched back into fame thanks to isolation. I'm still hunting for the perfect one myself (I want a specific color) but whenever I see someone snuggled up in one of these they look like they're in cozy heaven. Top $17.90 | Bottom $25.90 I'm still between #1 and #2 myself for this trip - though I'm also pretty sure #5 will make its way into my luggage before i know it All my love,

Since starting my new job I've found myself in dire need of a new work bag - preferably one that can fit: my work laptop my snacks (top tier necessity!) my small makeup bag I always pack but never use but will need the one day I decide not to pack it 😅 Ive searched high and low and most of them were so painfully outdated that I figured there have to be other women who are struggling to get their hands on something sleek, chic, and versatile - so here they are (starting at $45! Hover on the image for price - click to shop!) The winner, for me was: he Calpak tote as well as the leopard lunch bag IYKYK!) because the bag itself is so versatile - it can be carried across the body, on the shoulder, or in your hand - has a removable pouch that keeps you organized AND has the slip sleeve so you can secure it on to your carry-on when traveling - whether that be work or pleasure! I hope this has helped you find your perfect work bag - or at least shown you that you have options 🙌🏻 All my love, xx Dani

Here's hoping instagram allows smaller creators to use product links soon so you can just tap through easily! :) Boot shopping is a sure sign Autumn is just around the corner! While I'm still doing a ton of browsing (and it's still very much summertime in the Chi 😅), I came across these 70's inspired styles of which we will be seeing quite a bit this AW21 season (and likely into SS22 as well!). I've placed an order for a black and a cognac pair and am so excited to get them in! Of course I'll be sharing the unboxing as well as my review of both when they come in over at @_dresswithdani ♥ AFFILIATE LINKS: BONUS // THE CHUNKY ANKLE CHELSEA BOOT: Until the next edit, xx Dani

Okay, I know the last thing any of us need is yet another shopping post and I will be the first person to tell you you do NOT need to buy something just because someone is posting about how much they love it (even if that's me!). A lot of pockets are tighter this season, and there's no shame in that! You know your spending abilities best, and if you've got some wiggle room and are looking for a few staple pieces with longevity, then I do hope I can help. I actually haven't done much shopping this year as I also experienced a financial hit one way or another due to the current global state, and seeing as I am currently a full time student with no income, I'm on a tiiiiiight budget so when I tell you I scrolled and "added to/deleted from cart" A LOT, I'm not kidding. Below are the few bits I did end up going with and of course have been living in ever since. Anyone else do that? Whenever I get new pieces in, I act like I don't own anything else 😅 I planned to do a video for this but finals week begun and I never got around to it. Seeing as some pieces have started to sell out I figured I'd get them up now before they go! 🥺 *all linked in photos below* HIGH-RISE CIGARETTE TROUSERS - £15.99 $25.99 CUT-OUT KNIT TOP - £19.99 $35.90 HIGH-WAIST TROUSERS - £12.99 $19.99 PLUSH HOODIE - £5.99 $9.99 SOFT-TOUCH SWEATSHIRT - £7.99 $12.99 UK LINKS: USA LINKS: I was combing the internet for this STUNNING piece before I moved over to London with no luck whatsoever, so when it practically fell into my lap during some research for another post, I checked out at lightening speed! Seeing as the original one I saw is by KATHIE and retails for $1,080 you can imagine how thrilled I was when I found this one at £29.99 (US $49.99). (IT HAS GONE ON SALE SINCE, £19.99, $29.99) CHUNKY BRAIDED KNIT - £34.99 $49.99 CHECKERED TROUSER- £10 $14.99 CURVEY KNIT DRESS - £49.99 $69.99 SEAMLESS BRALETTE - £17.99 $24.99 CAMEL CALF-LENGTH COAT - £59.99 $79.99 UK LINKS: USA LINKS: All my love,

After I ordered my little New Year's tree earlier this morning I got so carried away with the rest of the decor that I had to reign it back in reeeeeeeal quick. Initially not planning to do any seasonal decorating because I'm on a tight budget this year ( read: COVID sabotaging my income as it did with many across the globe, and my being a student on top of it) but in the end decided that spending the holidays alone about 4,000 miles away from my loved ones was going to bring me down enough as is, so to cheer myself up I set a £100 budget! This of course won't allow for my "dream" winter wonderland by any stretch, but certainly didn't stop me from curating it for anyone who does have the funds and maybe needs a little help in that department <3 So if you'd like to turn your home into a cozy but modern winter dream worthy of a spread in AD, but don't know where to begin - or just love browsing through holiday mood boards for inspiration, then have a look at my Cb2 edit - Holiday Edition. I initially fell in love with Cb2 when I curated a Winter Wonderland for a client last year, and I think it's easy to see why. They have such unique pieces that make for great focal points and can be used time and time again. Happy decorating! All my love, || Instagram || YouTube || Pinterest || Facebook ||

The first leaves have started to fall, and the air smells of Pumpkin Spiced Latte's... if that's your thing. So of course, the fall looks have started to arrive and I have been swooning over everything cozy, knitted, and....mocha. This nude and muted color palate is a win for a few reasons; 1. It's versatile - which means you'll be able to pair it with so many different pieces - both old and new! Freshening up your wardrobe doesn't have to mean nixing everything you have and buying a whole new one (in this economy?!). I've been careful to only buy pieces that I know I can get a lot of wear out of, and that won't have me scratching my head when it's time to pick an outfit. Lord knows we've all been there before. 2. It's elegant - and in such an easy, understated way. These tones will immediately make you look put together and chic without trying too hard - the perfect combination when you want to look stylish without the headache or high-end price-tag. 3. It's timeless - We all have a few pieces in our wardrobes that we've only worn once or twice (or worse yet, never!) because we fell in love with something a little more dramatic and just had to have it. I'm trying to move away from impulse buying and really make sure I purchase pieces that will last me further than just one season and guarantee long-term wearability. A lot of these can be worn in the Autumn/Winter but will also beautifully transition you into Spring when styled with some beautiful pastel colors. Here are some of my favorite AW2020 picks from H&M that you can take from day to night and everything in-between. If you need me, this is where I'll be until further notice: All my cozy autumnal love, || Instagram || YouTube || Pinterest || Facebook ||

Chunky Gold Hoops Color: Gold Brand: Anne Klein Store: Amazon I want to kick my first off my first "Monthly favorites" post since 2011 (whoops) with a pair of earrings I have worn literally almost every day since I purchased them back in March. No, really - look; Ever since the gold jewelry trend popped up I have been searching for the perfect pair of gold chunky earrings and never found anything I loved. They were all either too small or too hoop-lie so I was thrilled when I came across these gooooooorgeous earrings are by Anne Klein and immediately fell in love! I'm seriously considering getting a second pair in case something happens to this one. I pop them on whenever I'm not having a good morning and cannot get myself to dress "up", and they immediately elevate any look - I also love wearing them with jeans and a tee as well! I think part of why I'm such a fan is because they're so versatile! Trust me you will not regret this purchase. Satin PJ set Color: Mint Brand: Stars Above Store: TARGET Size: M (I always size up in sleepwear because I like it looser) I kind of have a thing for these. I have a few silk & satin PJ sets and this one was a veeeery happy recent addition! A lot of these sets look really cute but end up being rough or super cheap so I was pleasantly surprised when this one by stars above felt like butter on my skin - especially considering its pricepoint! I got the striped mint but am considering going back for the other to as well. I mean after all, can you really ever have enough pjs? They're great for sleep-overs, vacations, weekend getaways as well as home. The loungewear combo to end all loungewear combos Color: Gray Size: XS, both Brand: Stars Above Store: TARGET I am not joking when I say that if I had to choose between keeping only this or every other piece of loungewear I own, I would gladly hand over my cozy drawer because it's just been out-cozied. These pieces feel like ACTUAL clouds. No, they feel like a soft, sun-peeking through behind fluffy small clouds on a warm spring morning. I'm not being dramatic. Seriously. It feels like someone poured silk on me. This is definitely something that can be worn year-round as it's not too thick for Chicago summers, and layers well in the winter. If there is only one thing you buy from this list - MAKE THIS IT! I have spent ridiculous amounts on VS cozies and they have not been anywhere nearly as recommendable. This is a jackpot and I am going back for the other color. THE dress Color: Black (also comes in white & peach) Size: S Brand: Store: TARGET This dress is on this list for several reasons; Work to play - it can so easily be taken from one to the other just by switching out your shoes or bag - the silhouette makes it super versatile! Flattery - we all love a bit of that! Most dresses of this length and shape can cling onto the weirdest places of your body, but this shape is so beautiful that it gives you enough room to move and enhances your silhouette as the pockets (yes, pockets!!!) hold the structure really well and ensure you're not caught in a skin-tight mess. The slit goes up to about mid-thigh (you can't see that too well here) so it has a little bit of sex appeal in the most subtle way (my favorite). Comfort - seriously, it feels like you're wearing comfy sweats but... you're actually in a chic dress! This is also something I am going back for in cream because I have a feeling I will get so much wear out of it! It's the kind of staple that you will reach for every time you need a quick outfit solution and want something you know looks and feels good. That's a winner in my book. Reusable cotton mesh grocery tote Color: Beige (comes in many!) Size: One size Store: AMAZON Ahyuan Ecology Reusable Cotton Mesh Grocery Bags Cotton String Bags Net Shopping Bags Mesh Bags Pack of 3 (Beige) I was really skeptical about these because I thought that they were far too small to really hold anything, and nowhere near sturdy enough - I'm glad to report I was wrong on both counts! These little totes stretch quiiiite a bit and hold a lot of groceries! I cant wait until we are allowed to use our own bags at the stores again - this is a much easier way to carry everything than those bulky paper bags + it's way better for the environment! And at this price, there are no excuses ;) The eyebrow pencil that swore me off anastasia Color: Brown Brand: L.A. Girl Store: TARGET I picked this up randomly on a quick target run because I ran out and I am blown away! It's by LA Girl (never heard of them before) and is super thin which I love because it allows for so much precision and a very natural look. At $5.99 it's a major steal and will definitely be something I re-purchase, and possibly even stock up on! Set of two silk scrunchies Color: Nude Set (comes in pink/blue as well) Brand: n/a Store: TARGET This was a definite impulse purchase but I'm not mad at it! I picked up the nude tones but they also have a blue/pink set - I love these because they're really chic and functional! I use them when I'm wearing a super neutral look as I feel like it would be a little too cutesy with patterns/ruffles/etc, but they are great for pulling my hair back in an easy low pony or layering on top of a sturdier scrunchy when tying my hair higher. I hope you enjoyed July's favorites! Tag me if you end up getting any of them - I love seeing your posts and how you style things ♥ All my love,

People always ask me what a person who lives alone does to keep busy during this lockdown and the answer (at least for me) is stay creative. I read, write, paint, sew, and do just about everything else I can think of - outside of my work and class schedules. So last week I had an idea to do a decade shoot - I have always LOVED dressing up (Halloween is my favorite holiday!) so this just made sense. Then I thought it would be really cool to add some fun facts in the instagram caption and the next thing I knew I found myself working on a full-fledged pretend Magazine Style Project and I loved every second! I really enjoy researching and creating these looks, as well as learning more about what the state of the country I live in was like in the past, and I really cannot wait to tackle the remaining decades! I hope you come along for the ride, and add whatever fun facts you have along the way ♥ 1920's 1930's 1940's 1950's 1960's See you in the next decade, follow along; INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE

Seeing as we're all on a lockdown of sorts (albeit by choice as of this moment) this is a time for some at home pampering if there ever was one! I love face masks but am always so weary of store-bought ones because when I flip over to the ingredient side it feels like I'm reading a chemistry book. While I get that some chemicals are very beneficial for the skin, I prefer the organic route when it comes to masks. Here are four of my favorites - the best part is that you likely already have these ingredients in your pantry! This is the first DIY mask I ever did and I am still obsessed with it three years later! It's actually on my agenda for later today and I cannot wait! The process is super quick and easy, but make sure you do NOT leave this one on longer than 5 minutes because your skin will 100% stain yellow if you do. Especially if - like me - you're 50 shades of pale! I would also suggest a colored mixing dish because the turmeric will literally stain any light surface, so definitely rinse and wash whatever you are using right after. I usually wash up while my mask is setting. Ingredients: 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 tablespoon milk 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon flour (if you prefer a thicker consistency add more flour) Feels like: A thick cream - you shouldn't be experiencing tingling of any sort. Smells like: Turmeric overload. Not gonna lie, this isn't my favorite scent but it's more than manageable - especially when you know the end result! Time needed: Ten minutes total. About three to make, five to leave on, and two to rinse + clean up. Benefits: This mask always leaves my skin feeling super soft and gives it a healthy, bright appearance! I love the glow it gives off and feel like it absorbs moisture so much better as well. HOW TO; 1. Mix together all ingredients in a bowl. The mixture should not be runny, it should have more of a fluffy consistency. If it's too runny add a little more flour. If it's too thick, add some more milk. Avoid adding more turmeric for thickening as you will literally turn your skin yellow and there's no fix for that one. 2. Apply mask to face. 3. Go on about your day for 3-6 minutes (you can spot check your first time so you know how long you can go in the future without fear of discoloration) 4. Rinse off slowly using a wash cloth and warm water. Voila! Okay, I get that store-bought lip masks are all the rage lately but honestly, this is still my go-to whenever I know I'm wearing a matte lipstick and want to buff away any of those pesky dry spots or just in general as a weekly pick me up because... Chicago Winters wreck havoc on more than just our roads (and sanity). This is hands-down the simplest and quickest treatment ever! Ingredients: 1 tablespoon sugar 1/2 tablespoon honey *sugar can be brown or regular, whichever you prefer. I always use brown because I like the texture better. *this is not just for a 1 time use, I keep it in a little jar so I can use it several times without having to mix each time) Feels like: Sugar and honey on your lips! No other way to describe it, really. Smells like: Candy! So yummy! Time needed: Under five minutes. Benefits: This is literally the fastest way to combat dry lips. It leaves them looking, smelling, and feeling ahhhmazing! (obviously not a good idea if your lips are cracked, please do not try this because it will likely not feel so.. amazing) You can also just lick it off when you're done - but if you're grossed out by eating your own dead skin (lol) you can also wash it off. HOW TO; 1. Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/2 tablespoon of honey together. 2. Apply desired amount to lips and, using your finger, buff around, really working it in to your lips. *Optional, you can leave it on for a minute or two to let the honey sink in and then scrub once more before removing. YOU WILL WANT TO EAT THIS! You probably could, to be fair.... This treatment is one that really depends on you skin type as not all skin can handle sugar on top of it. I avoid this one week before my period because my hormonal acne lights my chin up like a Christmas tree as is and I really don't feel like giving it a helping hand in plummeting my confidence because.... well, we're not friends. When I am in the clear, however I love this scrub. It removes all the gunk that likes to build up throughout the day and scrubs away those pesky little blackheads! And it smells amazing. Ah-ma-zing. Like a blended coconut coffee. After I mix it I use it as I would any scrub - if I need to really get in there (ex. after traveling) I'll use it in conjunction with a facial loofah but honestly it does the trick well enough on its own. Just massage it in circular motions giving a little extra love to your dry or problem areas, rinse, and reveal glowing and rejuvenated skin! As an added bonus, the caffeine in the coffee will also help wake you up, not just your skin! Ingredients: 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1/2 tablespoon ground coffee 1 tablespoon coconut oil Feels like: Heaven on your skin. Very fine and grainy! Smells like: An iced coffee on a summer day. No, really. Time needed: Ten minutes total. Benefits: The scent of the coffee will wake you up, but its properties will also boost your skin! Someone who knows what they're talking about said; Sugar body scrubs are great for exfoliating your skin, as they aid in keeping it healthy by removing dead skin cells, lifting away dirt and excess oil, as well as stimulating circulation. Glycolic acid occurs naturally in sugar, and is helpful for cleansing the skin and dissolving dead skin cells. It’s also a humectant and will not strip your skin of its precious natural oils. HOW TO; Mix all three ingredients together. When you're ready to use the scrub, wash your skin (this can be for face and body!) with warm water and while it's still damp, scoop up as much of your natural scrub as you need and apply it by rubbing it in in a circular motion. I like to apply a little more pressure on my nose as it really smoothes out any dead skin and helps diminish the size of blackheads. Apparently this scrub is phenomenal for minimizing cellulite due to the caffeine but I haven't tried it so can't vouch for that bit! If anyone does, let me know - This is one I tried most recently and I swear by it whenever the sky is gray and I'm feeling lethargic. The smell is not the best due to the apple cider vinegar but my skin feels phenomenal after so I will happily sit there smelling like a Balkan Salad for a few minutes. Make sure you do not let this dry completely because it's nearly impossible to get it off unless you plan on being in a hot shower for 20ish minutes. I learned the hard way and trust me you do not want to go through that. I start removing mine when the cracks begin to appear and I do so by wetting a washcloth with warm water and slowly scrubbing it off in a circular motion. You can also peel it off which is definitely more satisfying! Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar Aztec Clay Use equal parts of both. So if you're popping in 1 tablespoon of ACV, do the same with your clay. It should be a mask like consistency, nice and smooth - almost like palačinke (crepe) batter. DO NOT USE METAL WITH THIS MIXTURE! Use glass or wood for the bowl and spatula. Plastic is ok too, but absolutely no metal. Feels like: Clay. Smells like: A balkan salad or the tramvaj at six pm on a hot summer day. Time needed: Fifteen minutes. Three minutes for prep, three to seven for the mask to do its magic, four to five for clean up - it takes a while to get everything off because of the consistency. Benefits: "ACV has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help kill bacteria and yeast on the skin related to conditions like acne, and eczema". The clay also lifts all the gunk from your pores and leaves your skin smooth and supple. There you have it! Four super simple and super quick DIY skin treatments you can do at home. I did the coffee scrub + lips scrub yesterday morning and am planning on doing the aztec clay today and the turmeric one tomorrow on my WFH lunch break! In case you decide to make any of these in a larger quantity (which I suggest) I love these amazon glass containers! You get 30pcs for $19.99 - which is a great deal. Also, if you travel a lot this is going to be so useful because you won't have to lug around all your full sized potions and lotions in your checked bag. Until next time, All my love (but from a distance) *all images used in this post are stock images*