Fall Fashion Round-Up

If you can’t tell, Fall is my favorite time of year, especially for fashion. I’m all about sweaters, boots, and light jackets. I also love the holidays. I’m known for wearing anything that sparkles to celebrations because – why not?! Everyone likes shiny things, right?

First up, I’m going to share a few staples and you can splurge or save on these items. You can’t go wrong with a pair of faux leather or black leggings with a bit of sparkle!

Splurge on these fun faux leather leggings or get the same look on a budget.

Just want a little fun? Check out these black leggings with a side strip of sequins. You can splurge or save on these too! The second pair is currently on sale at 40% off!

If you want to go all out and be a little extra (nothing wrong with that!), you can splurge on these full front sequin leggings or save on these full sequin leggings. I have this second pair and love them! They are also currently 40% off and sell out every year.

On to footwear. My most popular Fall fashion favorite by far on LIKEtoKNOW.it are always these over-the-knee boots! And, with good reason. It’s SO hard to find an over-the-knee boot that doesn’t fall down and fits correctly. These stretch and fit so comfortably and look chic. Right now they are 30% off, too. I have all three colors and love them!

Here’s how they look on.

If you’re looking for some fun sneakers you can splurge on a pair of Golden Goose sneakers, or save on some super cute dupes!


You also can’t go wrong with these Nikes, which are finally back in stock! I get compliments on them every time I wear them.

Let’s look at some sweaters, tops, and jackets! These are all from some of my favorite small boutiques and larger retailers. All are TTS.

Don’t forget the fun accessories! I’m a sucker for hats, scarves, and capes. Now if I just had more opportunities to wear them in 2020. Here’s hoping for 2021!

Holiday Gift Guide For The Whole Family

Happy holidays, friends! This is my favorite time of year because I love to give. I think I may get more excited than the gift recipient when watching them open a present I picked out. If I’m being honest, I like to TREAT MYSELF too. We as moms, or ladies of the house, make the holidays magical with our yummy food, our decorating, and tossing glitter in the air for a month straight – so I think we deserve a little something for ourselves too. Amiright, ladies?

I scoured the internet over the last week looking for some amazing gifts to give this season – and I think I found the perfect gifts for her, him, and the kiddos! Luckily, most are on sale for Black Friday week too!

Let’s start with the kids. My boys are ages 6 and 9 so I looked in that range, but most of these are good for all ages. First up, this fun lamp that allows them to sleep under the stars every night. It comes in multiple colors and is under $20!

Next up, this gel hand-guided flying saucer. We got these for the boys as well and can’t wait to see their faces when they open them from Santa! Under $30 and comes in a few different colors.

These are perfect if you have a playroom or basement. We researched a basketball game, which folds up nicely to store and also has the best ratings for durability. This game table provides a lot of options and I think it’s fun even for adults. If you have kids, you owe them a bouncy house. Ha! This one fits in our basement and breaks down for easy storage too. All on sale! Scroll through to see.

If you don’t want to spend the money on an iPad, the Amazon Freetime/Fire is great for little ones! We used these for years and the kids still love them. Currently 40% off!

Scroll below to check out some other items they are sure to love (and are on sale right now!) from tents to toys, electronics up to $300 off!, to science experiments.

Now let’s move on to the men in our lives. Ladies, I know this can be hard and we never know what to get – but I found a slew of great gifts, some I even bought for my husband, that I think our men will love. Bonus, most are on sale! Starting with this cozy robe:

If he’s a whiskey drinker, he will love this reserve set or decanter set.

If he’s into gadgets, check these out. I’m definitely getting this massager so I can steal it. All Bose speakers are sale right now too!

Some more items he’s sure to love! Tumi is having a sale along with tons of other great luggage brands. Ugg slippers are a must-have. I bought my husband a pair years ago and he still wears them all the time. Scroll through to see.

If you want to be fancy and get him a nice gift, go for this watch. Gorgeous, classic, and will look sexy on him.

Saved the best for last – the ladies! Share this post with your significant others or treat yourself, girl! You deserve it.

You can never go wrong with a spa day or massage, so find the best ones in your area. In Chicago, I like the spa at Langham Hotel, Bliss, Urban Oasis, and Penisula.

If you want to spoil her with something fancy – go for a handbag. These are my current favorites.

Some more economical items she’ll love are these mirrors! Every girl needs good lighting when getting ready.

If she loves to cook or likes to have a clean house, I highly recommend these gadgets. Instant Pots are a dream and I’m praying Santa brings our house an air fryer this Christmas! I also would love a Roomba and they are up to 30% off! Scroll through to see. All images are linked.

If she’s into fashion, here are some favorites of mine I know she will love too including Spanx leggings. On sale for 30% off. Some items are up to 50% off right now!

If she loves cozy nights then she needs these two items for sure. I have a cozy and I live in it during the winter. Perfect for the man in your life also!

If she likes to pamper herself, get her a great face mask. My favorite are from Rodan + Fields. I can get you 10% and free shipping, just send me a message.

Some other gifts you can’t go wrong with:

If she wants longer looking, fuller looking, darker looking lashes – she needs Lash Boost. A nightly eyelash serum that conditions and moisturizes lashes to promote the appearance of fuller, longer, darker-looking lashes. This conditioner can also be used to achieve fuller-looking brows. Currently, you can get it through me for 25% off and free shipping. You can send a message through social for the details. Everyone wants to be fabulash! See what I did there?

Ladies if you want to treat yourself and get the most fab pants for all your holiday functions – you need these. I just bought them in small. They are TTS. I’m 5’3 ish and these look great with heels. They are now 50% off and sell out every year!

*Disclaimer. Any links posted I may get a small (like really small, pennies on the dollar!) commission from as a brand affiliate.

Instagram Roundup – My Fav Fall Looks

It has been a while, I know. It took me a few months to recover from a concussion and post-concussion syndrome (which is a beast, let me tell you!), but I’m back to blogging! To celebrate, I’m sharing all my IG looks from the past several weeks.

Hello fall message with pumpkins on a blue background

Before I get started though, I want to talk about Liketoknow.it. LIKEtoKNOW.it is a brilliant app where you can search and discover millions of real products/looks styled by, on, and for real people. Since discovering this app, I’ve only used it to shop. I like seeing the home and beauty products along with fashion finds styled on people that look like me. Let’s be honest – models are beautiful and make any clothing look amazing, but I prefer to see the articles of clothing on someone who resembles a normal everyday gal to help me make my purchasing decision. LTK influencers do make a small commission from the retailers when you buy through the app. If you’re loving the fashion and home finds I share, you can follow me by downloading the app and search under influencers –– Hollydays_Chicago. If you have the app, you can find me here if you’re on your phone.

Let’s get started, shall we? Those that live in warm climates, I found some amazing dresses (all under $40) you can sport for awhile longer.

Next up are two skirts that have been in rotation lately. In fact, I just bought one in fall colors to wear with tights too!

Now on to some fall tops I’m loving. These are great for work or evening fun. You can see them on me and the models below. I especially love the animal prints.

If you’re like me, you’re all about cozy in the winter. I want to look cute but also stay warm. I found this sweater that works perfectly with jeans and boots and it comes in multiple colors. I loved this one so much I bought another in gray! It’s also 33% off retail right now. Hooray!

If you’re looking for a fun Halloween sweater – check out this one. You can swipe down for “Good” and up for “Bad”. Your choice – depending on the day you’ve had. Ha!

If you’re looking to rock some very comfortable snakeskin booties, I highly recommend these. You’re welcome. You’re going to love them and so will all your friends. I get compliments on them every time I wear them.

Every piece from this post is true to size. For reference, I’m just shy of 5’3″ and petite to average sizing.

Happy Fall, y’all! I hope you enjoyed these picks. You can follow my daily #ootd looks on Instagram.

xo,

Holly

Target Fashion Finds For Summer

Anyone else obsessed with Target––raise your hand. Okay, now all of you put your hands down. Ha!

I admit I’m a Target addict, too. I love all their home decor, jewelry, patio section and kid’s clothes, but lately, I really love their women’s clothes and shoes too!

They are smart to put that section right by the front door because I always stop and browse and leave with a few items I didn’t know I “needed.”

I found most of my summer dresses there for our recent vacation and get lots of compliments when I wear them. Here are some of my recent finds that I think many of you will like too!

First up, I love a good white dress. This one is not see-through and has a liner. It’s lightweight and a nice flow to it when you walk. They also have it in black and it fits true-to-size.

I also love a pretty pleated dress. You can dress this one up or down and fits true-to-size. People couldn’t believe I got this dress below at Target! P.S. I got the earrings there too! You can click here to find them.

Some other great finds I have in my closet and love are:

But the dress I wear most is this beauty below. It’s so comfortable and you can make it casual or dress it up.

Let’s not forget about shoes though. I found some cute Steve Madden dupes too. I love the orange ones with some white pants and a cute top. Perfect for summer.

What are your favorite Target finds? Do you have any of these items too? Share them in the comments.

LTK DAY SALE FINDS

If you aren’t following LIKEtoKNOW.it yet, you’re missing out! If you love to shop but hate trying things on in stores – LTK it is perfect for you. If you like to see clothes on normal people and not models to see the “real” fit – LTK is for you. If you like having people finding all the deals for you and putting together looks for you – LTK is for you.

I buy most of my clothes now off the LTK app. LTK partnered with every retailer you can think of and allow bloggers and social media influencers (I hate that word, but so you get the point) to bring the looks and sales straight to you! All you have to do is download the LTK app and you can search for items or bloggers that you like to follow along.

Did you download the app yet? I’ll wait – go download it, it’s free!

Okay, now that you have it downloaded be sure to follow Hollydays_chicago.

Next, set a reminder for Sunday, June 23rd as the first ever #LTKday! What is this? It’s like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale every year but only on the LTK app. Dozens of retailers are offering huge savings but only through the app. Each participating item/retailer will have a red tag reading “LTKDAY” on it. When you choose that item you’ll receive a special code to apply at checkout. Easy peasy, right? I know, I’m excited too!

Here are just a few of my favorites that will be on sale from Express, Kendra Scott and Sole Society.

Accessories:

Dresses / Jumpsuits / Summer Must-Haves

I’ll add more all weekend so follow along on the LTK app! See you there.

Happy Shopping,

Holly XO

Instagram Round-Up

Summer is upon us. Finally!

Summer and Fall are two of my favorite seasons for fashion. For many years my fashion consisted of t-shirts and leggings because I had babies hanging off of me 24/7. Lunches, date nights, girls’ nights were few and far between over the last several years. Now, thankfully, I only get the occasional little hands wiping their crumbs, grease, and whatever else on my clothes. I’ve almost made it out of the parenting trenches with babies and toddlers – can I get a hallelujah?! Because of this, I’ve been able to dive back into my closet and fill it with fun pieces.

Here is an Instagram Roundup with my favorite fashion finds so far!

What better time for a roundup considering Nordstrom is having their half yearly sale – better hurry though their sale ends soon! Nordstrom Rack, DSW, Express and several others are having summer sales too!

Let’s start with the accessories. I get most asked about my necklace and my Burberry sunglasses.

Next up, is a stunner of a dress. It’s perfect for celebrations, cocktail parties or a special date night. It’s also on sale! A classic piece you’ll want to keep forever.

Click picture for link.

Here’s a few favorite dress up or down dresses for summer I found – and most are on sale!

This red floral dress was another stunner. I wore it on a retreat for work and received lots of compliments. I love the designer, Tanya Talor, all of her stuff is flattering on any body type. It’s 40% off right now!

Click picture for link.

Another favorite I had a lot of questions about was this Amazon find. It’s under $25, has a liner (so no peek-a-boo), is thick stretchy material and fits true to size. This one looks good on any frame due to the rouched midsection. I have it in several colors and like to pair it with a jean jacket or a fun summer blazer.

How about a cute maxi dress? Recently I found a ton at Target and will post them later this week but here’s one I’m loving so far from Express.

Click picture for link.

Now let’s move on to some jumpers I found. Nothing like a good romper, except when you have to go to the restroom….but, they sure do look cute!

The first one I found on Amazon, it’s fun by itself too and under $25. The second, an Amazon find under $25. Talk about comfy! I live in this jumper on the weekends and when traveling. The last one is from Express. Super cute by itself too AND on sale for $35 right now!

Speaking of jumpers. This one is my ultimate favorite. I wear it to functions and date nights all the time as you can change the look up several ways by adding a jacket, belt, statement jewelry, heels, etc. I found it at Express and have it in pink and red too!

Click Photo for Link

Last dress I received a lot of questions about was this maxi I found on Amazon. Over 3,000 reviews and all are obsessed too. Did I mention it has pockets! Score! Perfect for vacation or an everyday summer dress.

Click Picture for Link

To close it out, let’s talk about shoes. I may or may not have WAY too many but who’s counting. Hopefully not my husband.

Here are some I showed you this month. Most are from Nordstrom or DSW and all on sale!

Scored some more cute items for my upcoming trip to Los Angeles and will share those soon! Happy Summer!

Shop ALL In One Place

Great news! Now you can shop all my looks and favorite things via LIKEtoKNOW.it! All you have to do is download the LTK App and follow Hollydays_Chicago. You can shop my looks straight from the app or screenshot any photo from my Instagram – then open your LTK app and the screenshot will auto populate with all the links.

I’ll share all the items on the blog, too. Below you can find a some of my current favs.

Can’t wait to share all my fashion, home and travel finds from the retailers I love.

How To Take Instagram Pictures Like A Pro When You’re Not

Hey hey, friends. A lot of you have reached out asking how I make my pictures all look the same and ask if they are professionally done. The answer is no! I do have an awesome photographer friend who I plan on working with in the near future, but for now, I’m my own photographer. Well, sometimes my husband or 8-year-old son are the photogs but for the most part – it’s just me.

So let’s get to it.

First things first, your cell phone takes amazing pictures! You do not need a fancy pants camera. We had one and I sold it because it’s easier to take pics on my phone and I always have my phone with me. I have the iPhone X, but even my old 6 worked fine.

Let’s talk about lighting. When taking pictures inside you want to make sure all the lights are on. Natural light looks best, so if you get a lot of sunlight coming inside don’t worry about turning the lights on. I take all my pictures during the day. I don’t like the way pictures turn out at night or with the flash on.

If I’m taking a “selfie” type of photo or one within close range of an object, I like to use Portrait mode. It looks cleaner and more focused on what you’re taking a picture of. When taking a picture, in general, you also want to tap the screen to adjust the focus and exposure.

Now, this is my favorite tip: You’re likely not going to get a shot you like on the first take, so take tons of pictures. Photo burst like crazy! Then you’ll have options and are more likely to find ones you like. During the bursts, move around, try different poses, facial expressions, etc. Trust me!

When I’m at home or out by myself, how do I take the pictures? I have a portable tripod! It’s super lightweight, comes in a carrying case and sets up in seconds. It also comes with a remote and an adjustable base to create perfect angles. This is the one I use.

If you want studio lighting, perfect selfie light, or light for video recording – you’ll want to go with this Halo light. It’s AH-MAZING. Lightweight and also comes with a carrying case and remote. Perfect to take to events or take pictures at night. They have mini ones for selfies that clamp right on to your phone too. I mean – brilliant.

Photo taken at night with my Halo light. Perfect for headshots.

Okay, so we’ve finished talking about taking photos. That was easy, right?

What do I do with them after I take them? As a blogger, I have to take pretty pictures that are visually appealing or no one will take the time to read my work. Same goes for social media. Your Instagram page is your highlight reel, it better look nice. Save your “real life” stuff for your stories. For my highlight reel, I want everything to have the same theme as far as edits go. This makes the page pretty to look at and streamlined.

Once the pictures are done, I open up my Lightroom App. It’s a free mobile photo editing app that you must have. I’ll wait while you download it.

Okay, once you open your Lightroom App you’ll see all the recent photos you took (if they don’t autoload you can add them to an album in Lr). This is where you’ll want to do your edits. You can pay for upgrades for different features, but I don’t think that’s necessary for these purposes. Label the album what you want to keep it organized.

Then you’ll look for a photo preset you like. A preset is a pre-determined position all (or some) of the of sliders in Lightroom, meaning the “edits” are already done. In other words, you can edit a photo to your liking, and then save that exact combination of slider positions for future use on another image. Get it? Good. I like clean “minimal” presets that I can adjust a little for some variety. You can see what I mean on some of my photos.

Where do I find photo Lightroom presets? You can Google and find some popular bloggers and photographers use. Those are typically more expensive and can be difficult to install if you’re not super “tech-y”. I’d consider myself somewhat tech savvy and some of these higher-end preset download instructions were WAY over my head. They run anywhere from $20-$70.

If you want something easier to use and less expensive, check out Etsy. There’s great presets on there for $10 or less. Each store that sells them has its own download instructions, but I found them to be pretty easy. You download the photo with the preset already in place then save it to your Lightroom App. Once you save it in there in its own folder – you click on the ellipses (or the three dots) on the top right of the preset photo and you’ll see a menu pop up. You’ll click “copy settings” then go to the photo you took in your other album, click on the ellipses on that photo then click “paste settings”. You’ll see the settings from the preset automatically edit your photo to look like the preset photo. If you want to make adjustments you can use the edit bars in Lightroom to do so.

Example of a preset photo

I like having a few presets that look along the same theme to switch it up a bit.

To summarize: Buy a tripod. Capture moments special to you. Load those photos into Lightroom. Buy a preset you like. Copy the preset on to your photo. Save it back to your camera roll and post away! You can follow me on IG for inspo at hollydays_chicago.

I hope this was helpful. If you have any of your own tips and tricks, please share them in the comment section.