Pleated Variety

Author: Carol King

  • Two Elemis Products to Add to Your Skincare Routine

    Two Elemis Products to Add to Your Skincare Routine

    It should come as no surprise that I’m sorta kinda an Elemis skincare junkie. Ok ok, it’s pretty much full blown love affair, but everything I try I feel really helps my skin. Anti-aging is always my goal and at 39 I am basically just trying to keep my skin super hydrated and using products to minimize fine lines. I wanted to share two Elemis products that I recently added to my skincare routine that I think you will love if you have the same skincare concerns as me.

    Elemis Pro-Collagen Renewal Serum

    Meet the new generation of skincare with this retinol alternative. While it is no question that retinol products work, they can be harsh on your skin. This serum helps to reduce fine lines, skin texture, reduce pore size and help even out skin pigment with out drying/irritation effects of retinol. It also helps with the firmness of your skin and I can say that with consistent use my skin feels tighter. Use code LINDSEY20 for 20% off your order!

    How to use it: After washing your face morning and night, apply 4-5 drops to your palm and massage into your skin in upward strokes. Follow with moisturizer or, better yet, the product below, then moisturizer.

    Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence

    Now that I have my anti-aging secret weapon on my skin, it’s time to plump it up with the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence. This feels like a serum, but technically it’s an “essence” – sounds very fancy! It provides an extra boost of hydration for super dewy skin. The essence sinks into my skin instantly and doesn’t leave a tacky residue that I’ve noticed with other products. At night, I follow up with Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix for the ultimate seal in hydration.

    How to use it: After washing your face, apply a few drops into the palm of your hand and blend into your skin.

    I don’t love baring it all and my skin isn’t perfect, but I truly believe this line works to help with fine lines and maintain that “bounce”!

    I would love to know which Elemis products you all have been using and how you like them!

  • All About The Eyes

    All About The Eyes

    Masks, love them or hate them, they are here to stay. At least for a little while. Over the past several months many brands and retailers have made strides in making more comfortable and fashionable masks. So after we finish coordinating our masks with our fall wardrobe, let’s focus on enhancing our eyes. Because aside from your mask, they are the first thing people see. And they can say so much. So why not amplify those peepers? I’m talking eye treatments, shimmery shadows, lengthening mascara, silky eye liner and brow boosting gel. Below I’m listing my favorites and more. So go ahead girl, get ready to bat those eyes!

    Before we dress up our eyes we need to treat them! And I am loving this pro-collagen treatment by Elemis. It’s a weightless serum that leaves my eyes hydrated and smooth all while minimizing the look of wrinkles and firming the skin.

    Eye Shadow

    I always like to add a little sparkle and Charlotte Tilbury’s Eyes To Mesmerize Cream Eyeshadow is not only super easy to apply but it stays on all day! It’s glide on formula is enriched with Vitamin C and leaves your eyes with a subtle shine. I love the Champagne color and so many other great colors I still need to try. If you are the type to get creased eye shadow, try out this clean beauty eye primer.

    Eyeliner

    I don’t often line my eyes, usually just for a special occasion or a night out on the town but when I do I turn to MAC’s Eye Kohl pencil. This pencil comes out super smooth and saturated which makes application a breeze. I use a smudge brush to soften the line and use the excess pigment on the brush to line my lower lid.

    Lashes

    Let’s talk lashes ladies! I’m a sucker for a great mascara and I know there are so many good ones out there but lately I have been using Lancome Monsieur Big Volumizing Mascara. I no longer need to dream about having long lashes, because this mascara gives my lashes so much length and volume, some might think I am wearing extensions. And I’m ok with that!

    Brows

    Ok so I don’t often obsess over things, well maybe some things, but when it comes to my brows, hands down, not ashamed to admit it, I am obsessed with Benefit Cosmetic’s Gimme Brow + Volumizing Eyebrow Gel. It is a gel formula that creates a full, voluminous, natural looking brow. It’s easy to apply and comes in 10 different shades. Amazing!

  • My Favorite Denim Shorts

    My Favorite Denim Shorts

    It’s finally here….. shorts season. As a self-proclaimed jeans and tee kinda girl, you know I have some opinions on this topic. The rise, the wash, the distressing (or lack thereof), the stretch-factor, the length (no denim underwear, mmm k thanks)… there are so many factors that need to be just right in order for shorts to work. When you find that perfect pair, they can be dressed up, dressed down, worn to the beach and chilling poolside. Denim shorts are a classic piece to have in your spring and summer wardrobe and I am happy to share a few of my favorites…..

    FREE PEOPLE MAKAI CUT OFF SHORTS

    Ok, so I try not to play favorites but the Free People Makai shorts are definitely a favorite. They are high waisted, but not sky high. They are a soft distressed denim, with a 3.5 inch inseam and designed with a little bit of edge for summer days and nights. Available in a few washes too.

    Liverpool Los Angeles Vickie Frayed Denim Shorts

    For those looking for a denim that isn’t too distressed and has a longer inseam, these are for you! The Liverpool Vickie frayed denim shorts have great stretch and slightly darker wash makes them feel a little less casual and perfect for dressing up!

    Kut From The Kloth Gidget Raw Hem White Denim Shorts

    White denim is a summer staple. They always look crisp and classic now matter how you style them! Kut From The Kloth’s Gidget raw hem white denim shorts are a mid-rise fit, a 4 inch inseam (unrolled) and offer great stretch. They are the “live in all summer” shorts!

    Abercrombie & Fitch Mom Shorts

    I am not sure why they call these mom shorts because I don’t recall seeing my mom wear shorts like these, but I am a mom and I love these shorts so they are onto something! These have the highest waist of my favorites with just the right amount of distressing and fray. Made in Abercrombie’s vintage stretch denim, the 4inch inseam feels TTS for me

  • The Best White Jeans

    The Best White Jeans

    After many years of testing out white denim I have found my top 3 favorites. I found these white jeans to have the most substantial fabric with just the right amount of stretch. From a classic skinny to a girlfriend friend fit there is a perfect pair for everyone.

    The first – a classic skinny – from Levis is a high rise fit that skims right to the ankle. This is the most “rigid” pair, but over time will fit perfectly to your shape. The second – a skinny with a twist – from Madewell is a button fly fit. My pair is a bit older and has a raw hem, which can easily be done to any pair of denim, just check this post. But Madewell still offers a similar pair of white denim that has the same fabric. This fabric has a slimmer fit but is not see through. Lastly, the third – a girlfriend fit – by the Gap is the perfect slouchy pair. I find myself going for these more often for that relaxed/casual feel.

    I found all these jeans to be true to size (tts) and wear a 25 regular length. Some readers find the Madewell to run a tad big, so size down if you are in between. For reference I am 5’4″ and am normally a 0/25 in pants and XS in tops.

    Left Levis | Middle Madewell | Right Gap

  • My Favorite Denim Shorts

    My Favorite Denim Shorts

    As the temps start to rise, my go-to jeans and long sleeves are replaced by denim shorts and cool tanks and tees! And just like jeans, there are so many denim short styles to choose from! Distressed, frayed, colored and cuffed, there is literally a pair for every style. And if short shorts aren’t your thing, no worries! Longer inseam denim shorts are trending this spring and summer. A great pair of denim shorts are a must have for your spring and summer wardrobe. Denim shorts are clutch when putting together an effortlessly, chic outfit for a day at the beach or a backyard BBQ! Check out a few of my personal favorite denim shorts and how I like to style them!

    The Reader Favorite Denim Shorts

    High Rise, perfect inseam (4″), right amount of distressing, subtle stretch = the best selling denim short. Comes in regular denim, light wash, green and white! Wearing size 25 for reference.

    The Save Pair

    To be honest, the picture does not look like the pair I received. But I was pleasantly surprised – these Amazon denim shorts have great stretch, subtle distressing and are under $30. Wearing size small in sky blue for reference.

    The Splurge Pair

    If you are looking for a longer length (4+ inches) of denim shorts and a looser fit – the Agolde Parker Long Shorts are for you. They are on the more expensive side, but are definitely worth the wear!

    The Short Short

    These Kut from Kloth Jane shorts feature a 3″ inseam which is the shortest I like to go! The super frayed hem adds for a little extra length – and these have a nice leg opening for ease of wear. Wearing size 0 for reference.

    The White Denim Short

    These Kut from Kloth Gidget shorts sports a 4″ inseam (unrolled) and a slimmer fit. I like the mid rise fit and the bit of stretch in these denim shorts.

  • The Always Pan + Easy Orzo Side Dish

    The Always Pan + Easy Orzo Side Dish

    It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of the Always Pan. I discovered it during quarantine when I was forced to make 87 meals per day for my family of 6 who had nowhere to go, but my kitchen. Cooking is not my favorite thing and it’s debatable whether I am deterred because of the clean up that comes after or if it’s just really not my thing. If there is a recipe for a one pot meal, I’ve probably made it. The Always Pan has fed into my love for one pot meals because it replaces the need for 8 pieces of traditional cookware. It steams, sautés, frys, boils, sears etc… plus it is very, very pretty. It’s the only dish I need to make dinner, plus it is crazy easy to clean. Do you see the appeal?

    Another reason I love the Always Pan is that the ceramic non-stick surface is made without PFOAS and PTFES so I can rest assure that no toxins are seeping into my food. I’ve talked before about all of the bells and whistles of the pan … the built in spatula holder, the lid for storing and steam release, the pouring spout, the cool touch handle, but for this post I wanted to focus your attention to the steamer basket. Whether you are steaming or straining, it makes any recipe that much easier.

    Here is a recipe for an easy vegetable orzo dish that can be served as a side dish, or would make a full meal with the addition of a protein. Since I am gluten-free I used Banza orzo which is made from chickpea flour, but this can be made with any brand.

    Vegetable Orzo Recipe

    Place the steamer basket inside the pan, fill with water and bring to a boil. Add orzo.

    Allow to cook according to directions on package, stirring occasionally.

    Using a cloth, remove steamer basket from boiling water. I like to rinse all of my gluten-free products in the sink – the basket makes this very easy to do, but this is an optional step.

    Remove orzo from the steamer basket and put aside. Fill the pan with fresh water and replace steamer basket to steam broccoli.

    When the broccoli is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. Next, add olive oil to the pan and sauté two cloves of garlic.

    When garlic is fragrant, put the orzo and broccoli back into the pan and mix to integrate the olive oil. Add halved cherry tomatoes, a touch more olive oil, parmesan, salt and pepper to taste.

    And I wish I could take the credit….. but it’s really my sister’s recipe!

    Ingredients:

    1 package of orzo
    1 small head of broccoli
    1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
    2 cloves of garlic
    Olive oil
    Salt
    Pepper
    Parmesan Cheese

    Recipe:

    Cook the orzo according to the package, strain and place in a dish.

    Steam the broccoli for 3-4 minutes and set aside.

    Add a tablespoon of olive oil to a saute pan. Add the minced garlic and cook on med/low heat for 1 minute (make sure it doesn’t burn).

    Add the orzo, broccoli, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and another good swirl of olive oil to the pan and mix.

    Top with Parmesan cheese and serve!

    If you try it, let me know what you think! And if you are looking for a great gift for the holiday season (for yourself, or a loved one) the Always Pan is an amazing choice! Make sure to take advantage of the special Black Friday price before it sells out!

  • How to Cut Your Jeans

    How to Cut Your Jeans

    You’ve cleaned out your closet, your car, your garage, your fridge… but maybe it’s time to re-purpose some things. How about that pair of jeans in your closet that are maybe too long, or just need a fresh update. I personally love when jeans hit right above the ankle bone. I find the length flattering and easy to wear with most shoe options. With a few easy steps you will have a fabulous “new” pair of jeans in no time! Before we begin – try on your jeans and mark with a safety pin where you would like them to end. I like to give myself 1/4″ leeway – you can always cut shorter, but you can’t add the length back on! The jeans will fray a bit so allow some room for that as well. Let’s get started…

    1. Mark the jeans with chalk in a straight line.
    2. Fold the jeans in half and cut the top leg first.
    3. Using the top as a guide cut the bottom leg.

    I always try on the jeans again so make sure I like the length. Just that little bit of ankle will make these more flattering for me. Next step is to pop them in the wash & then dry.

    Post wash – you may notice extra fray. You can either trim it or leave it as is. For extra fray at the bottom pull on the white strings to release more of the hem.

    Once dried they are ready to wear! There are a few other techniques to try: maybe a “chewed” hem which is achieved by cutting small cuts perpendicular to the hem OR a high/lo hem by cutting a diagonal line from the front to the back. The options are endless, just try not to get to scissor happy.

  • Denim Spotlight: Liverpool Los Angeles

    Denim Spotlight: Liverpool Los Angeles

    I’m hesitant to share this, because, well let’s just agree that my blog photography has come a long way, I tried my very first pair of Liverpool Jeans. You can see the post here. Even back then when it was pretty much just my mom that followed me, I remember people going nuts over these jeans for good reason. Why, you ask? You guys – some of their styles are PULL-ON, which means no buttons and a little give. Perfect for date nights out that include cheeseburgers or that little thing called pregnancy (in the early stages) and most definitely postpartum (even 4 years later).

    I took two styles with me on a recent trip to the beach and when it comes down to it, it’s just one of those brands that you have to try. Liverpool was so excited to have me share their styles with you that they are offering Motherchic readers 25% off your first purchase with code: LINDSEY25.

    Liverpool has also come a long way since I first discovered them. Although some styles have a visible panel, the pair I’m wearing you can hardly tell they are pull-on. They just look like your regular old jeans, but in reality are a pull-on/5-pocket hybrid.

    And the skirt is hands down one of the best denim skirts I’ve ever worn. I find denim skirts to be tricky because the front button always sticks out. Well, when you take the button away and make it a pull-on, problem solved! Liverpool is dedicated to selling products that have amazing fit and you really can’t deny the comfort of this denim.

  • 3 Dresses That Keep Up With Mom Life

    3 Dresses That Keep Up With Mom Life

    This past weekend, I clocked approximately 8 sporting events between Friday afternoon and Sunday evening. At one point, I walked over 7,000 steps without ever leaving the baseball complex. It was then I had a revelation: If I’m going to be living my life at the field, I might as well wear a dress that acts like activewear… but looks like I made an effort.

    Zella is Nordstrom’s in-house activewear line that never misses. Think amazing quality, mom-approved price point, and pieces that work as hard as you do. I put three Zella dresses to the test this weekend, and spoiler alert: they passed with flying colors (and coffee spills).

    1.Ultrasoft Knit Quarter Zip Dress

    This dress is giving “tennis-core meets errand-running realness.” It has that polished, preppy look with the comfort of your favorite sweatshirt. The collar and half zip add structure, while the drawstring waist keeps it flattering. Pairs perfectly with sandals or sneakers. Bonus points for being cute enough to grab a bite post-game (even if it’s just Wawa).

      2.The Ultra Soft Tank Dress

      A throw-on-and-go option for the days when you’re running out the door yelling, “Where’s your water bottle?!” This one is breezy, flattering, and has a lived-in softness that makes it feel like an old favorite. I paired it with a sunhat and slides to give the illusion of being pulled together.

      3.The Day Out Dress

      This dress is equal parts sporty and sleek. The tie waist gives it a flattering fit, and the performance fabric makes it ready for whatever the day throws at you (bleacher sweat or surprise rain showers included). It’s the lightest-weight option of the three dresses and has a racer back so pairs best with a sports bra.

      These Zella dresses from Nordstrom are made for movement, but stylish enough for real life—which is exactly what we need this time of year.

    1. Spring Break with Nordstrom

      Spring Break with Nordstrom

      Ah, Florida – where every visit feels like a flirtation with the idea of relocation. I mean, who wouldn’t want to permanently reside in a state where it’s practically mandatory to have a pool of dopamine in your backyard? Days blur into a surreal haze of carefree bliss, and suddenly, the concept of time is virtually non-existent? And then my rational side kicks in, reminding me of the beautiful life waiting for me back in Pennsylvania, making these Floridian escapades all the more precious.

      It’s the classic Northern mantra: “We have real seasons, so we appreciate vacations more!” Who is to say whether that’s just self-soothing or a genuine truth? Either way, I just traveled to Longboat Key, where I packed 49.5 pounds of vacation-worthy ensembles from Nordstrom – because what better place to test-drive spring break fashion than an actual spring break destination?

      Based on my extensive “research” (read: lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand), I’ve curated a list of must-have pieces for your warm-weather getaway.

      I’m a bikini girl, but I fell in love with this Robin Piconne one-piece suit. The snap detail gives it more of bodysuit vibe which makes it pair perfectly with flowy beach pants. With spring break being earlier for most this year, it can be chilly at the beach and I love a great pair of beach pants to wear in place of a traditional coverup.

      This Eric Javitts visor is a total splurge, but it stands the test of time. I’ve purchased many straw head-wear pieces over the years only to have them loose shape from salt-air and suitcases. This visor is virtually indescructable.

      The jumpsuit is another great non-traditional coverup that you should definitely pack for your next trip. It’s a versatile piece that you can wear to the beach and pool, but is also perfect to wear to get coffee or breakfast in the morning. It’s lightweight and loose fitting and I love the open back detail. And yes, it has pockets!

      As for the shoes, I think it’s safe to say I’ve entered my its-all-about-comfort era: J/Slides for the win. Oh, and bright pink so when you flick them off and frolick to the water’s edge, you always know where to find them.