/
08.11.17
#coffeetalk

1. I was wondering what you use for your skincare routine? I purchased the Tula toner you talked about a few weeks ago and think I will buy it again. I’m also a big fan of the Mario Badescu rose water spray but definitely feel like I’m lacking in other areas. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Since we get a lot of skincare products mailed to us, we’re always trying new things which is great because we can try it all and recommend our favorites to you guys! Here’s what our current skincare routines look like…
Brooke: I feel like I’m currently using so many different products! I’m not sure if that’s bad or not, but there are so many things I love. Morning routine: Cleanse with Tula cleanser, use this antioxidant treatment, this eye cream, and either Tula day & night cream or Elemis collagen cream. Nighttime routine: I use this oil or this cleansing balm (love both, oil is my absolute favorite) to remove my makeup, cleanse with Tula & my Clarisonic, same antioxidant treatment & eye cream from my morning routine, then oil – I rotate between this one, this one, and this one. I let that sink in, and finish with this cream (or sometimes I skip this step). I just received the new Kifer collection from Tula and can’t wait to try it!
Meggan: Same as Brooke, I’m trying so many new products right now but here is my current routine/favorites. Morning: cleanse with this Tula cleanser or this Elemis one, I just ran out of this eye serum (my favorite – I love the applicator) and going to try this eye cream, use this antioxidant treatment, and then this face cream. Oh and I always put this hand cream on that has SPF. Nighttime: use a cleansing balm to take off my makeup (check question 12 for my three favs), cleanse, this H.A serum, then oil – I rotate between this one & this one, then right before bed I put on this overnight cream. I just finished a tube of this sheer renewal cream and loved it!

2. You touched upon a question last week about all the chemicals found in every product we use. Is there anything (e.g. body products, makeup, household cleaners, etc) you have swapped out that are more natural and also that you like? Truth be told, it’s a bit overwhelming to think about but it’s also scarier when you think about what the chemicals are doing to our bodies. I’ve stopped burning candles in my home for fear of the candle emitting harmful chemicals in the air. Also, have either of you tried or gone the essential oils route?
Meggan: It’s definitely overwhelming and I don’t think it’s possible to completely rid yourself from chemicals but here are a few brand/products I like. I use Mrs. Meyers hand soaps, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies, SheaMoisture body wash, Alba Botanica sunscreen (use this on Cam too), J.R Watkins air freshener, Tom’s deodorant (but want to find a diff one), Boll & Branch bedding, and I want to start using the dryer balls that Brooke has but need to get through my giant Costco pack of dryer sheets first. I think it’s important to not be wasteful when switching products!
Brooke: Agreed – there’s no possible way to live with zero chemicals, but some things I’ve found that I really like are: this greenshield organic cleaner & this one from Honest, Seventh Gen laundry detergent, and these dryer balls (instead of dryer sheets) with essential oil dropped onto them -makes laundry smell amazing! I love burning candles & can’t really imagine living without them lol, but I really want to start using a diffuser & one of our readers suggested Saje products – they have an amazing store in Soho I need to check out.
 
3. Struggling with closet organization – especially tops! I have a big closet but just can’t seem to find a system that works. How do you organize your tops? By style (tank, tee, etc…), or by color? Would love to know what works for you both!
Meggan: I organize my tops by color and style. So I start with my cami’s, then I have my tanks and muscle tanks, then tees, then long sleeves, etc. I do the same for dresses – tank dresses, dresses with sleeves, long sleeve, etc. I have them all color coded within the group too. It makes it sooo much easier finding things!
Brooke: Uhg – my closet needs help! Last summer when I was visiting my family, I came home and my husband had our entire closet perfectly organized (he’s the best lol), but of course it slowly became completely unorganized again! It was organized by item (tees, long sleeves, sweaters, dresses, etc) and then by color – it was so great. I’m in the process of doing my office and going to be putting the IKEA Pax system in there for my closet – so excited!  I’ll definitely share a post on it once it’s done if you guys want to see. I’m hoping Meggan will fly here and help me get it organized lol!
 
4. I have a wedding LDW at a country club and I’m looking for a fun but versatile dress to wear. Any recommendations?
Some fun dresses we’re loving – here, here (on sale for $31!), here, and here.

5. What coffee makers do you use at home? I’m all about Starbucks and coffee shop lattes but am totally in the market for a new coffee maker! Would love any recommendations you have 🙂
Brooke: I have this Keurig and this Nespresso (on sale, comes with the frother!). I use both – sometimes I really want Dunkin Donuts coffee (Keurig), and sometimes I want a latte (Nespresso), and like to have the option of both.
Meggan: I have this Keurig for my coffee (I just drink it black) and this espresso machine to make lattes. I love both machines and would recommend them if you need something for basic coffee/lattes. And I really want a frother like Brooke has!
 
6. Awhile back you mentioned using VSCO to edit your instagram pictures. I’m wondering what you use for editing your pictures on your computer? Hoping to find a free option if you know of any websites!
We actually use VSCO to edit all of our photos (we don’t edit on the computer) and use the program that came with our computers (Preview) to resize the photos. Sorry we can’t be of more help!

7. I was wondering if you could suggest some leather pants under $150? I kind of want them to have pockets and be more like pants than leggings but having no luck finding any!
This pair looks great, we’re obsessed with these – so cool, and these are another great option – we love the knee detail!

8. I was wondering if you guys had any websites that sold cute single stud earrings, earrings for cartilage piercings?
We are both OBSESSED with Smith + Mara! Also, my husband gave me a pair of earrings from EF – you can also mix and match – love all of their earrings as well, more here! Etsy has a big selection of single studs – love all these options and these simple bars are cute.
 
9. I’m looking for a black denim skirt for fall tailgating. Any suggestions?
This one is super cute, love this one (this distress is perfect), and this lace-up one is fun!
 
10. What are your favorite mascaras and do you have any tips to keep it from running under your eyes?
Meggan: I rotate between a few: Dior blackout, IT Cosmetics superhero, and this Maybelline great lash mascara (classic and have used it since high school!). You could try using a primer to prevent it from running under your eyes. I have this one and like it and this one has good reviews too!
Brooke: This one from stila has given me the best results of any mascara ever, it’s so good – mega lashes without being clumpy! And my favorite drugstore is this one from L’Oreal. Yes! I have the best tip to keep it from running – before you do your mascara, take a damp beauty blender (or any sponge), dip it in loose powder, and press the loose powder under your eyes (aka bake your under eye). You want an excess amount of powder under your eyes. Then apply your mascara and wait about 15 minutes, finally brush away the excess powder with a fluffy brush after the mascara has completely dried (it must be dry or this won’t work). Voila! No mascara running down your face throughout the day.

11. My question is where to go for my bachelorette party! I originally wanted to go to an island (DR, Punta Cana, etc.) for my bachelorette party. Most of the girls think all inclusive is the way to go but now my MOH is telling me she may not afford to go. Where I understand every girl I invite will be able to go, I obviously really want my MOH to come. There is at least one other girl who I think will also say she may not be able to afford it. Now I’m a bit discouraged and would love some suggestions on locations!
Is there anywhere close to your city you could go? The flights are probably what would hold people back because that would be the most expensive part, so maybe there’s an awesome place you could rent on Airbnb or VBRO? Another idea would be a road trip somewhere since it would be cheaper! It’s hard to say without knowing where you live (b/c that would greatly affect the cost)! If you really want a destination bachelorette, try finding some flight deals (here are some under $200 and here) to keep cost down, and definitely an all-inclusive resort!

12. Favorite makeup removers? Struggling to find one that doesn’t make my eyes red and puffy the next day!
Meggan: I use a cleansing balm to take off my makeup (Elemis, CliniqueColleen Rothschild are my favorites) and then use a cotton ball with lotion to take off the remaining mascara.
Brooke: I linked my two favorites in question 1! They are both amazing and work like a charm!

13. Brooke – can you please share details of your Goyard tote? What size/model is it? Where did you purchase? Are you happy with it? Thanks! 
I have the Artois MM tote which is the larger of the two. Unfortunately it’s not available to be purchased online (but they may sell it over the phone if you call the store) – I bought mine at the Goyard on 63rd St, but they also have a boutique inside Barney’s. I chose this one over the St Louis tote because the corners are reinforced, the price includes monogram (monogram on the other bags is extra $), and it has a zipper. I use it every day & I love it. It’s my perfect ‘mom bag’ because it holds so much. I also love this one from Barrington – it’s a great alternative to the Goyard!

14. Can we get a home tour soon?! I know they’re so hard because it never feels like your home is “done,” but I love the peaks we get every now and then!! Maybe even just linking some of the favorite pieces from your home!
That’s exactly what is holding us back from doing home posts, none of our rooms feel complete yet! You can see Brooke’s kitchen here, her powder room here, and our bedrooms here. But here are a few of our most asked about home pieces…
Meggan: My dining room table, living room rug, the wallpaper in Cam’s room, coffee table + accent table, this wall art, these light fixtures, and this sofa. My West Elm addiction is very obvious 😉
Brooke: Most of my furniture is RH lol Meggan and I are always joking about it – her house is a West Elm showroom and mine is a RH showroom. I think it’s important to figure out the style of your house and what works with the architecture. There are so many things I looooove from West Elm & CB2, but after much trial and error (and way too many returns lol), I’ve learned what works best in my house. You can definitely mix and match pieces, but one room shouldn’t be traditional and the next mid-century modern (if that makes sense). My favorite pieces are these counter stools, this sofa, and this sectional (which actually did work out from West Elm – so comfy!). I can’t wait to do my office – I have this chair (Meggan has it too) and it’s kind of amazing. I love this dresser I have in Avery’s room, and my favorite thing about my kitchen is our pendants.

15. What YSL card holders do each of you have? Do you like them and is it worth the $$$?
Meggan: Kyle gave me this one as a birthday present a couple years back in it’s still in excellent shape. It’s timeless, can fit a lot of cards, (2 per slot), and good quality – I think it’s worth the splurge!
Brooke: My parents gave me this one for my birthday a few years ago I love it – I don’t even use my regular wallet anymore. It’s big enough to hold my cards & cash.

16. Currently shopping for my honeymoon and want some cute rompers and two piece sets for daytime and dinner, but don’t want to spend a fortune. I’ve looked at Shein but get overwhelmed by their selection! Any cute reasonably priced ones you’ve come across?
This romper is cute, this one is perfect for a casual day, love this one (could be worn day or night), and this long sleeve one perf for nighttime. Some set options are here, here, and here. Hope you have a great honeymoon!

17. Do you have recommendations for a cute floor length mirror for a bedroom?
We both have this one from IKEA and love it! A couple other cute options are this wood ladder one,  this brass one, this simple wood one, and this gray herringbone one.

18. How do you both stay organized? Is it hard getting your husbands to stay tidy/organized? I’m moving in with my boyfriend soon and while he’s not a slob, I’m definitely a lot tidier than him. I want our place to stay organized but I don’t want to be a nag all the time either. Any thoughts lol!?
Meggan: Lucky for me, Kyle is pretty tidy! I remember always being shocked at how clean/organized his apartment was for a guy when we first started dating (and I was like yessss!). But I think it’s important to have a talk before moving in so you don’t build up any resentment from picking up after him.  Just tell him you would appreciate it if you did x,y, and z or maybe you could split chores if that would work best for you two. Kyle knows I’m really tidy (like annoying tidy) so he’s good about pulling his weight and I don’t have to mention it to him THAT often. But if I feel like I’m doing more I just tell him in a nice way I need some help!
Brooke: Same – my hubs is actually better at organizing than I am. It’s so nice because he gets up on Saturday and helps me deep clean our whole house. This is our Saturday morning routine – that way our house never gets super dirty or messy. We try to do it every Saturday, because as much as it sucks in the beginning, it’s the best feeling when we’re done and with two of us it only takes about an hour. However, he does have a habit of leaving his clothes all over the floor during the week 😉 lol so I’m usually picking up after him every day. Here are a few things that have helped us: put a hamper in your bathroom – that way dirty clothes go directly in there. Divide the “chores” – he takes out the garbage, I unload the dishwasher, etc (this will also help you avoid unnecessary arguments). If you both hate a certain chore, switch off each week. I think you’ll definitely want to talk about it before moving in together so it doesn’t become something that bothers you. Just talk to him and make sure he’s okay with splitting up tasks and willing to help you keep your place organized and clean.

19. What destinations are on your must visit list that you haven’t already been to?
Meggan: Ugh so many! The Amalfi Coast, Greece, Paris, Australia, New Zealand (my dad used to live there so I’m trying to encourage a family vacay ;), Thailand, Bora Bora, London, Spain, Dubai, and Fiji to name a few. And for the states – I’ve also never been to Hawaii and really want to visit Charleston (it looks so cute!).
Brooke: Soooo many – I really want to do a Eurotrip next year! Amalfi, Positano, Tuscany, Saint-Tropez, Santorini, Bora Bora, Phuket, Spain and Australia. In the US I want to visit Big Sur & Monterey, Watercolor/Rosemary Beach FL, Charleston, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard.

20. Totally random help needed! Looking for some fun yet chic magnets for my fridge. I can’t seem to find something that does the job but is still cute and not cheesy (and also not a chip clip!).
These Kate Spade ones are super cute, these wood coffee ones are great, and love these marble ones. This DIY idea is amazing too – I want to make them!

21. I’m looking to add just one graphic band tee to my wardrobe. Any suggestions?
We both have one too many band tees in our closet! Here are a few of our favorites: one, two (see it on here), three, four, five.

22. I have a black tie wedding in the Hamptons over Labor Day weekend and need HELP! I can’t seem to find any dresses I like. Ideally, something black!
For black tie events, we love RTR because it just makes sense! We’re loving this dressthis one (amazing neckline), this one (very Hamptons looking), this one – stunning, and this one – a little sexy but still very pretty! Have so much fun!

23. I’m looking for a chic and versatile stroller for $500 and under. Ideally newborn and up. Any suggestions?
A few strollers we wouldn’t mind pushing around are here, here, and here. All super chic/cute and have good reviews! We both have Nuna strollers and couldn’t be happier with the quality!

24. My eyelashes have been vanishing lately (so frustrating). I know you both use Neulash. Do you recommend it? I’m hesitant putting something so close to my eyes (the horror stories – change in eye color, puffy eyes, etc.). It’s also quite pricey. Is it worth the money?
We have both seem amazing results from it and neither of us have had eye issues. Meggan tried the Rodan & Fields lash boost and that irritated her eyes but no problems with Neulash! It is pricey but the tube lasts about 4-5 months.

25. Do you have any recommendations for a cheaper/similar version of the statement double G Gucci belt? I love the look but would never spend that much on a belt.
Found some amazing dupes – here, here (looks so much like the new Gucci belt!), here, here, here, and here.

26. I’m pregnant with my first and I’m starting to find my clothing is becoming a little more snug as my belly gets bigger! I was hoping to not have to buy a bunch of maternity clothes and instead invest in larger sweaters/tops to get me through the fall and winter. Did either of you have any favorite clothing items when you were pregnant? Or any suggestions on oversized tops that could fit a growing bump?
Check question 14 from this post! We definitely recommend buying oversized items (that’s what we did) – loving this top, this tee, this sweater, and a flannel you can layer over tees and tighter dresses like this one.

27. You guys always have the best colors on your nails! Brooke, I got the CND polish in romantique after you posted about it on insta stories and I love it! Do you both have any other favorite colors you can share?
Brooke: Romantique & Funny Bunny are my favorites for light/white. I also like Winter GlowLet’s be Friends and Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs.
Meggan: I pretty much only wear neutral colors – Funny Bunny, Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around, Pale To The Chief, Alpine Snow, Cream Puff, and Cityscape.

Have a great weekend babes! Please leave your questions below or email them to us at brookeandmeggan@somewherelately.com with #coffeetalk in the subject. xx

M&B