Emily Henderson's Blog, page 72

Elevated Fall Basics From The Earth’s Friendliest Brand

The other day I got to dress myself, neck to ankle, in extremely lovely cozy clothes from Pact, a fashion company that cares about the earth. We styled it all out for fall, with soft layers, thick textures, and all the pretty colors. Then bopped around our property and did all the “fall” things.

Sweater | Henley Shirt | Joggers

The white henley is one of my favorite basics here – super thin and easy to layer and drapes so well. The joggers bunch so well with taller ankle boots as you can see and are a great utilitarian vibe. The joggers are high-waisted FYI.

Sweater | Pants

For all of you loving the high-waisted, cropped wide-leg flare trend these pants have really great structure – meaning they flare out at your ankle in a really dramatic way. The sweater is one of my favorite pieces here – I’m wearing a medium and it’s oversized in a cute way and the stripe is nice, perfect for fall, and great for many many Zoom calls (trust me).

Pact also has a lot of elevated basics, like this below sweatshirt and these straight-legged trousers.

Zip Up Sweatshirt | Henley Shirt | Pants

The sweatshirt is boxy, cropped and wide, just like I like them and comes in a few colors.

Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt | Henley Shirt | Sweatpants

They have a lot of sets of clothes, which is something I’m very much gravitating towards (and I’m not alone). This quarter-zip is in a really pretty raspberry colorway, with matching sweats – making me feel pulled together (a great airport outfit).

Sweater | Striped Shirt | Corduroy Skirt

I’m also doing the corduroy trend and this skirt is so cute, easy to wear (boots! socks with loafers!), and another great cozy and oversized cardigan. The striped tee is great for layering and one that I’ve worn a few times since we shot this.

Romper

For all you one-piece romper folks this is a great one – cropped, zipper, tie around the waist, and more fitted than baggy.

These things can easily be dressed up and down, and go day to night so well (thus my love of them).

What I love about Pact is its intention of being so earth-friendly while making elevated long-lasting basics. Their pieces aren’t trendy and yet they aren’t expensive either. The packaging is sustainable and they even have a Give Back Box program where you put the clothes you want to donate in a box and slap a label on it. They have a lot of other styles and colors, and I generally wore a small (medium in some clothes) so it’s pretty true to size. Thanks to Pact for sponsoring this fun fall shoot. You can see all of my picks in one place, right here. xx

This post was sponsored by Pact but all words and opinions are all mine🙂

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

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Traveling This Season?? Here’s How To Avoid Getting Bed Bugs (From Someone Who Knows)

PLEASE, for the love of whatever higher power (or moral code) you believe in, read this post if you are traveling this year. Yes, even within the US, and especially if you are going to a big city. Bed bugs are HORRIBLE, are hard to get rid of once they are in your home, and spread soooooo easily. Be a kind person to yourself and the people around you and at least do some of your own research if you don’t like any of the tips in this post. Everyone thanks you. I promise!

I understand that I may have had a slightly more unhinged response to the news that Paris was VERY infested with bed bugs during fashion week. That means fashion experts, models, and influencers from around the globe were frolicking around that beautiful city to then travel back home…potentially with some unwanted souvenirs. If precautions aren’t taken this could have a HUGE impact on a people. London is already having problems. Naturally, I immediately bought a mattress protector for my new wonderful mattress (I actually can’t believe I didn’t have one already). Y’all these bugs are literally out for our blood. To explain my panic, I was the victim of bed bugs twice while living in New York. TWICE. They were two years apart in two different apartments so they weren’t connected. COOL! What they did have in common, however, was that they robbed my roommate and I of our money and maybe more importantly…our sanity for months. The second time, my roommate didn’t believe me (or didn’t want to believe me) since I was the only one who was allergic to the bites (fun fact not everyone will get visible, itchy bites so you might have them even if you don’t see the bites. AGAIN, COOL!). That was until we hired a beagle to sniff them out (Yes, for $300 that is the real and main way people find out their bed bug fate. It might cost more now, I don’t know).

design by jess bunge | styled by emily bowser | photo by sara ligorria-tramp | from: moto reveal! how jess made her wfh office/living room totally multifunctional

Now, this isn’t a post about what to do if you have them in your home. If you are dealing with that I am truly so sorry. Calling your landlord or extermination ASAP is crucial. Also, please don’t put your infested things on the street without treating them. It will spread them and that’s a real crappy thing to do.

This is however a post about what to do when you get home (plus some tips while traveling). I got a lot of these tips from flight attendant, CiCi in the Sky, from TikTok but some I knew based on my past experiences. She’s great though and has a ton of useful travel tips. This is all especially top of mind since I am going to London next month which is exciting and now slightly terrifying. If you can’t tell those little monsters really did a number on me. SO because of that, I have already created a pretty detailed plan on how to make sure not a bug nor egg will enter my home. I love my things too much to have to possibly get rid of even one piece (another fun fact! according to one of my old exterminators, bed bugs can live in wood for up to six months without food (aka human or pet blood).

I want to make sure I say that while I have personally been through this hell a couple of times, I am not an expert or professional exterminator. Please do your own research too! This is just what I know will help to stop an infestation and keep me sane.

So What Am I Buying??Bounce Dryer Sheets

CiCi said to put Bounce dryer sheets in your suitcase to deter bugs from wanting to enter. I. AM.IN! That is wildly easy and I bought them when I went to Target earlier this week. She also said that you can use moth balls which don’t have my favorite smell and an essential oil spray like lavender which is one of my favorite smells. Honestly, I might do both! Spray my clothes with lavender spray and stick a bunch of dryer sheets in the suitcase. Isn’t anxiety fun???

Hot Shot Bed Bug Mattress & Luggage Treatment Kit

When I found this kit online I immediately hit add to cart! I remember using those strips during my last infestation and they worked great. This also calms my anxiety A LOT knowing I can hot box my sweet little suitcase with all the chemicals! When it comes to bed bugs I am PRO any chemical. I know that’s not ideal but these things are strong.

TSA-Approved Non-Toxic Bed Bug Spray

I did however buy this TSA-approved non-toxic spray that I will happily take with me to London to spray my suitcase down before I leave. I do need to check if I can spray it on my clothes…

Spray Bottle + Isopropyl Alcohol

If I can’t I will be making my Isopropyl Alcohol mix (60% alcohol and 40% water). CiCi talked about this in her video but I knew about it from my New York days when I asked my exterminator how he avoids getting bed bugs given that he worked with them every day. He said he used this alcohol spray on the bottom of his pants, the bottom of his jacket, the cuffs, and the collar. Then stripped down before he walked into his house and put those clothes straight into a hot wash and dry cycle. If it’s good enough for him it’s good enough for me! Just be careful with certain materials. I may have ruined my roommate’s faux leather jacket…WHOOPS!

Travel Steamer

If you can’t use the spray or put something in the washing machine you can always use a steamer! I got this travel one because it’s compact, lasts up to 10 minutes per steam, and has dual voltage for international travel. This will be perfect for the pieces I want to wear multiple times on the trip like my coats! But if you want more coverage/don’t want to have to refill the water as often, then you can get a bigger one like this. Just remember heat will kill them!

Travel Vacuum Sealer Storage Bags + Rechargeable Tiny Portable Ultra-Mini Air Pump

Loved this storage bag idea from CiCi! Just fill it up as you are finished with your clothes then seal them up so bugs have far less access to them! I also bought this little rechargeable, portable air pump that I will take with me too. That way I don’t have to use anyone’s vacuum machine in case there’s a bug. I will also put it nicely in its own ziplock. Can you tell I’m not taking any chances??

Trash Bags

Trash bags are just good to have! I will put them in my car so I can throw whatever I need into them. Just make sure to knot the actual bag part (not just the handles) to keep any creepy crawlies inside!

My Plan Of Action Once I Arrive And Hang Out In LondonSpray myself with the non-toxic spray (if safe) and my bag when I arrive at where I’m staying. (I’m staying with someone I know so I won’t be checking any mattresses…and I already asked if they had a mattress protector:))Spray or steam the bottom of my pants, shoes, cuffs, and collar every time I get back to where I’m staying each day.After I am done using a clothing item, I will put it in one of the vacuum-sealed bags.When I pack up to go home, I’ll vacuum them up with my portable deflator:) Spray my suitcase one more time and make sure I have fresh dryer sheets in it.My Plan Of Action Once I Arrive Home!Put everything I need ready to go in my car so I don’t need to go inside my apartment for anything (including laundry money and a new set of clothes!)Spray the outside of my bags down with bed bug spray.Put my suitcase and any other bags in the treatment kit bag I bought and take it to the laundry room (luckily it’s in my building’s driveway).Spray my clothes and shoes with bed bug spray or alcohol spray.Put all the clothes I can in the washing machine on high heat then in the dryer on high heat for at least 20 mins. Again, heat kills them!Change into new clothes that I prepped!Seal up the suitcase treatment bag with its bed bug pest strip as directed.Whatever clothing will get ruined in high heat put in a vacuumed-sealed bag then steam them individually. After that, put them in a new, sealed trash bag and take them to the dry cleaners. Be sure to let them know there MIGHT be bed bugs on the clothes for extra precaution. Go inside my apartment and try to relax knowing I did everything I could:)Do I Sound Crazy???

I promise I know that I do but at the same time, this plan is a small price to pay to not have to go through bed bugs again. And while you don’t need to do exactly what I’m doing, please have some kind of plan for your trip and return (Oh here is CiCi’s video on how to check a hotel room). It will help stop the spread and keep you sleeping tight and not letting any bed bugs bite. I mean I had to put that in somewhere:) Happy and safe travels!!

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Design by Jess Bunge | Styled by Emily Bowser | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: The Feel-Good Modern Romantic Bedroom Makeover Jess Did For Her Dear Friend (All Thanks To The Company Store)

The post Traveling This Season?? Here’s How To Avoid Getting Bed Bugs (From Someone Who Knows) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

This Primary Suite Was Designed Around An Arched Stained Glass Window – See How They Made This New Room Feel Vintage

It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with this home’s open-concept kitchen/dining/living space but for me, this was the room, the main suite, that really took my breath away. The softness, the textures, the textiles! It all just feels like a deep exhale. If I didn’t need to eat I wouldn’t leave this room while staying here. It’s unpretentious yet is filled with so many special details. This view being maybe one of the biggest highlights…well until you see the other side:) Shall we??

First, let’s talk about this bed! I, of course, had to ask Anne (who co-owns ARCIFORM and Versatile Wood Products with her husband, Richard) where she got it from, assuming it was probably custom. I was wrong! She said, “The bed was a lucky find at the ‘Community Warehouse’ for $120.00. We purchased it way before the house was done, so were sleeping on this fancy bed frame in the middle of a construction zone for months. :)” WHAT?! That is why Slow and Steady usually wins the wildly cool and affordable vintage race. I also asked about the singular bracket on the top right bedpost to which Anne said was actually a curtain rod bracket to help with the wobbliness of the frame.

Striped Comforter | King Comforter and Sham Linen Set | Lumbar Pillow

Emily mentioned in yesterday’s post that she was kicking herself for not doing this white wall finish at the farmhouse. This awesome product is called General Finishes Water Based Milk Paint. Anne said she loves it and that it’s easy to apply (music to our ears!). What a beautiful way to add a wall color while still seeing the texture of the wood.

But let’s also take a minute to appreciate the bed styling! The warm gray and bright white look so beautiful together and feel like the Pacific Northwest Coast sky. That subtle strip adds some quiet interest and the bolder blue blankets give the whole look some more depth. It’s just stunning.

Does that lamp look familiar??? Does a basement guest room makeover ring a bell? But aside from that very cool lamp, let’s take a second to really appreciate that stained glass door! I confirmed with Anne that it was an exterior door in a previous life because there is clearly a mail slot. Do you also see that key?! Vintage is simply the best.

I had to put this photo in one more time because it’s too beautiful not to see it again. And it’s also a better angle of the stained glass door:)

Looking at these photos almost makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time when all you had and wanted was a good book, some candlelight, and a cozy bed. I also just really love how the Emilys styled that book stack with a candle on top:)

Oh, and how pretty is that contrast of the white walls and natural wood ceiling and floors? It makes it cozy instead of feeling too light and bright.

And HERE IT IS! The arched stained glass doorway. With something like this in a room, you really don’t need much else. This is what Anne said when I asked her about the process of finding all of the stained glass pieces for the house: “Bloomsbury Antiques in Portland is an importer of British Antiques and Architectural Salvage. I purchased all of the stained glass pieces from them and designed the doors and windows around what I found. The arched stained glass door with the arched window surround was a must-have for me, and I designed the spaces accordingly.”

It just gets better and better every time you look at it. Personally, I love that while it has so much personality, the design isn’t overly ornate making it a perfect fit for this home. Simple and special as we like to say over here:) But now let’s head into the actual bathroom…

Yep, even more beautiful! I love the four different materials used on the walls and floors – marble hex tile, zellige tile, white-washed wood paneling, and finally natural wood on the ceiling. They all work so harmoniously together yet add so much visually.

Now for a fun little cautionary tell from Anne: “Richard advised the entry to the shower not to have a curbless shower basin, as they tend to flood the space. I insisted. He was right, I should have figured out a curb for the space as we always have to squeegee the floors after we use the shower. On the plus side, the floors are always clean.”

There can always be a silver lining:)

I also asked Anne if she had any thoughts or favorite things about the bathroom and I loved her answer:

“I personally like how I used the shower curtain hooks as towel hooks as well. I also like how the shower curtain protects the wood window in the shower.  I can open it to my heart’s content and not have to frost the glass for privacy. I have a hard time selling this detail to my clients. I just love it.”

That was a detail I’m embarrassed I didn’t catch at first! What a simple but cool way to play with curtain length and get the privacy you want. Win-win!

For the grand finale, we need to talk about this vanity. I knew almost immediately it was a custom job. Not only because it’s beautiful but it’s clearly not your average vanity. Lo and behold their company, Versatile Wood Products, built the assembly based on Anne’s design. According to Anne, “Richard wanted something a bit more classic (I am the one that likes the more rustic aesthetic) so I squeezed a little traditional into the corner for him. :)” See? Compromise can be really beautiful.

The last question I had was a technical one in case any of you wanted to achieve a similar look. I want to know about mounting a sconce directly onto a bathroom mirror. Was it expensive? Is it really complicated? Here was Anne’s answer: “Cutting the holes is not the costly part, it is the part where everything has to align perfectly and the electrician has to attach the light fixture onto the mirror glass while fitting all the wiring behind it.” Doesn’t sound impossible but you do want to make sure you have people you trust doing it…like most everything in a new build or renovation:)

Well, I hate to say goodbye and please stay as long as you want looking at this gorgeous room. Lord, knows I will. See you next week with more spaces!

Love you, mean it!

*Design by Anne De Wolf of ARCIFORM and Versatile Wood Products
**Chief Lumberjack: Richard De Wolf of ARCIFORM and Versatile Wood Products
***Styled by Emily Henderson and Emily Bowser
****Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

The post This Primary Suite Was Designed Around An Arched Stained Glass Window – See How They Made This New Room Feel Vintage appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Home That Made Me Want To Hire ARCIFORM – See Their Open Concept Living Room/Kitchen Done Right

This week we are revealing the most incredible house, built by the owners of the design/build company we hired for our farmhouse – ARCIFORM. This is the house that sold me on hiring them. They typically don’t do new builds (they specialize in restorations of more historic properties) but they built this from the ground up, using the trees that had fallen on the property after years of camping on the land. It’s on a bay in Southern Washington state and I had the pleasure of staying there twice (once with my family and once with my team to shoot). Anne, like a lot of interior architects, stopped at the styling so we had it in our deal that I would help them style and shoot it all out – bedding, pillows, vases, flowers, etc, in exchange for a discount on her design time. We shot this last year before I had my team up here in place and I flew up Sara to shoot it and Emily Bowser to help me style (it was a lot of schlepping and labor and fine, maybe I also wanted an excuse to hang out with my friends). So this week you are going to see the full reveal of this incredible house – the moodiest black bathroom I’ve ever seen, the pretty stained glass doors, and architecture that stops you in your tracks. While I had nothing to do with the design of this space, I am going to go through and call out what is so incredible about it, point out my favorite things and just generally show and tell.

When you first walk in the architecture is obviously STUNNING – it almost feels like it’s a secret industrial building that has always been here, but nope – it was designed and built by them from the ground up (over 10 years). Domino did an awesome story last week (we pitched the exclusive on their story) so head over there at the end if you want more information on how they built it (fun facts like the trees had to take two years just to dry out before they could use the lumber and Anne’s barn inspiration for the architecture).

All the details wowed me – the hinges on the secret doors under the stairs, the railing. And here you can see the same 12″ horizontal bead board idea that we stole for the farmhouse, but Anne used milk paint and I’m still kicking myself for not doing that (so you can see the grain underneath and just feels warmer). The flooring is incredible – a combination of unfinished Spruce and Hemlock…with a dash of Alder – was again chopped down by Richard or had fallen on the property. The wide plank is so pretty and is obviously patinating so well.

The island was custom-made by Versatile Wood Prodcuts, their sister company, who does high-end cabinetry and windows (DID YOU SEE THE WINDOWS IN THIS PLACE???). Anne is obviously a huge antiques collector so most of the furniture was sourced by her.

I loved her combination of marble on the island and a darker soapstone on the cabinetry by the range. We added that vintage painting of theirs (and you probably recognize a lot of our styling pieces from my prop house).

I LOVE this tiny little door. This goes into the pantry and was salvaged and refurbished. It has a back door to the outside that is bigger should you want more space to bring something in, but I think the scale of it is so quirky and cute.

Those chandeliers are so incredible – Anne has such a gift for taking risks and just mixing old-world antiques together. Please note all those stained glass windows – so incredible. The table was also made from fallen wood on the property.

The sheer volume/scale of the space is big, but because of the wood and the double-paned windows, it still feels really cozy. It gets really windy outside there, but inside you can’t hear it so being there during a storm (with the fireplace on) is so magical.

Please note the door within that huge window that was custom-built by Versatile Wood Products (the other company Anne and Richard own) – I wanted to steal this idea so badly and we tried to get it into the house, but didn’t make as much sense for us.

Anne laid it out so that the fireplace was in the middle of the great room, versus just serving the living area. When staying there you could see the benefit of this – you can see/feel the fire when in the kitchen, dining (where they play a lot of games), and living areas.

Bowser and I foraged for huge branches for this shoot (instead of flowers) and boy does it make the shot (the terracotta pot is an antique from Rejuvenation).

Anne used Idris White Zellige by Ann Sacks throughout many of the tiled areas which I truly never get tired of seeing when done appropriately (and super appropriate here). As you can see they used tinted plaster above the paneling which creates so much warmth.

Again, how incredible are those doors and windows? Not surprising as this is what Versatile specializes in, but they are just jaw-dropping.

Anne is originally from Germany and she and Richard met in their early twenties and started this company together, and I think her European aesthetic gives her such a fresh point of view. I just love the bravery and risk-taking in this house – and the attention to detail continues to impress me.

Here they are – Anne and Richard De Wolf (owners of ARCIFORM and Versatile). As I said at the beginning of the post, this week you’ll see more and more of this home that I can’t WAIT to show you/talk about. It’s so inspiring and I wish we all, as design enthusiasts, had the opportunity to actually experience these spaces in person.

There’s me, sweaty from styling all day – something I only do for my projects these days so it was so fun to work with Emily B. and bring some EHD styling to this gorgeous space. Come back tomorrow for their main suite. And if you are in the PNW and looking to hire a team to restore your older space (commercial or residential) this is the team 🙂

*Design by Anne De Wolf of ARCIFORM and Versatile Wood Products
**Chief Lumberjack: Richard De Wolf of ARCIFORM and Versatile Wood Products
***Styled by Emily Henderson (me!) and Emily Bowser
****Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

The post The Home That Made Me Want To Hire ARCIFORM – See Their Open Concept Living Room/Kitchen Done Right appeared first on Emily Henderson.

“Like Black Friday for Essentials”: Our 46 Prime Big Deal Day Picks (Org, Cleaning, Tech, Beauty, and More)

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE. Over the next two days, you are going to see a ton of digital hullabaloo over Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale (read: a new shopping holiday for October). And at first, I was selfishly excited – I love combing through sale spreadsheets! Sharing deals with y’all gives me a dopamine boost! – but after poring over the 150,000 items included in this sale, I gotta be honest: it’s pretty underwhelming. Sure, there are some splashy, show-stopping deals – half-priced Roombas, deeply-discounted Airpods, and the like – but the home offerings were fairly sparse or really specific (like a twin-sized air mattress shaped like a 1950s car. You know, in case you’re in the market.)

But then, it clicked: Prime Big Deal Day (henceforth known as PBDD from here on out, FYI) isn’t supposed to be a huge sale on splurge-worthy pieces: it’s kind of like a Black Friday for essentials. Over the next two days, take a peek around your house. Do you need any toilet paper? Snacks? Toothpaste? Food storage bags? Because that’s ALL ON SALE right here through tomorrow, my pals. Saving a few bucks on the things you were planning to buy anyway is kind of nice, don’t you think? To that end, I’ve compiled 46 of the best PBDD deals for you (like, literally, for you – these are custom-tailored to EHD readers!). We have a few beauty favorites, some affordable org essentials, some cool tech, and even a gift idea for your TikTok-loving teen. Ready to see what’s actually worth the hype?

Beauty

1. Sunday Riley CEO Glow | 2. Viral Hair Dryer / Hot Air Brush | 3. COSRX Snail Mucin | 4. belif Aqua Bomb | 5. Waterpik Water Flosser | 6. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask | 7. Mighty Pimple Patches | 8. Elemis Resurfacing Facial Pads | 9. Shark Flexstyle System (Airwrap Dupe!)

This is the one category where I’ll stand corrected: PBDD is crushing in the beauty department. Now is a great time to stock up on any cold-weather skin essentials, like my favorite rich moisturizer (the Aqua Bomb – I’ve recommended it here before!) or my new obsession, COSRX’s Snail Mucin (I can’t believe I slept on this product for so long!!!). The zit patches make a great stocking stuffer (I promise – Brenda refills my stash every Christmas!) and I know at least one person who wouldn’t hate to find a Shark Flexstyle under the tree this year (spoiler: it’s me). FYI, the makeup selection is also great – be sure to see if there’s a deal on your favorite products!

Daily Essentials

1. Steamer 2. Drinking Glasses with Glass Straws, Set of 4 | 3. Throw Pillow Inserts, Pack of 2 | 4. Baby Wipes, Pack of 920 | 5. Tempur-Adapt Memory Foam Mattress Topper | 6. Stanley Travel Mug

Alright – onwards to the non-sexy stuff that will make your day-to-day life just a little more comfortable. If you’re on the hunt for a steamer, this one is great! #2 and #6 would make great gifts (those glasses look so luxe in person!); #4 is a GREAT, super affordable idea for anyone heading to a baby shower in the next couple of weeks. I’m a sucker for those throw pillow inserts – they’re the ones I use! – and that mattress topper will make any bed feel WAY more comfortable (seriously – check the reviews!).

Tech

1. Kindle Oasis | 2. ecobee Smart Thermostat | 3. Samsung Frame | 4. Airpods Pro | 5. Roku Streambar | 6. Ring Video Doorbell, 8 Pieces

ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT. We’ve reached the aforementioned splashy deals! When it comes to entertainment, we love this Kindle (and here are some book recs from Em, if you’d like), the Frame TV (of course), and the Roku Streambar (there’s a lot of great original programming on Roku, too!). This is also the best price EVER for AirPods Pro, so you can feel good about bringing those home. 🙂 (And if you’d like to protect that home, might we suggest this Ring System or this smart thermostat?)

Cleaning

1. Little Green Machine | 2. Viral Cordless Cleaning Brush | 3. Self-Emptying Roomba | 4. 1000 Square Foot Air Purifier | 5. Electric Pressure Washer | 6. Four-Section Laundry Sorter

Y’all KNOW I’ll be singing the praises of the Little Green Machine until the day I die, right? (And it’s only $89 now – down from $125!) Other favorites: this cordless scrub brush that’s perfect for folks with mobility issues; a self-emptying Roomba (50% off!); an air purifier that can handle 1000 square feet; this easy-to-use pressure washer; and a rolling laundry cart with four separate sections.

Storage & Org

1 Non-Slip Hangers, Pack of 30 | 2. Under-Sink Storage | 3. Foldable Hyacinth Baskets | 4. Clear Stackable Lidded Bins, Set of 6 | 5. Vacuum Storage Bags | 6. Large Storage Bags

If you’re a long-time reader here, you may know that I looooove writing posts about storage and organization…so these deals, in particular, were kind of like my Super Bowl. It was hard to narrow it down, but these all stood out for specific reasons: the hangers are an essential; the under-sink storage can completely transform the functionality of your cabinets; those hyacinth baskets can fold flat (!!!!!); I love the lids on these 6 stackable bins (and the price, too, TBH); vacuum bags can be game-changing for small-space dwellers; the large storage bags are an AWESOME alternative to their plastic counterparts (and they’re much easier to store, long-term, to boot!).

Kitchen Basics

1. Cosori Air Fryer | 2. Rubbermaid Brilliance Containers, Set of 20 | 3. Digital Kitchen Scale | 4. All-Clad Cookware, Set of 5 | 5. Baking Mat, Set of 2 | 6. Vegetable Cutter

Let’s be real: there’s a high chance that you’re totally happy with your current kitchen tool setup! But in the chance you’re looking to upgrade, expand, or dive deeper, these are a few EHD-approved favorites. (We love the Rubbermaid Brilliance line and the affordable vegetable slicer, but I’ll actually be grabbing a kitchen scale for myself – this one is cheap AND good!)

Holiday Decor

1. 5 Foot Christmas Tree | 2. Staub Pumpkin Baking Dish | 3. Pre-Lit 9 Foot Garland | 4. Fairy Lights | 5. Holiday Curtain Lights | 6. 6.5 Foot Christmas Tree

If you need a cheap Christmas tree, RUN. DO NOT WALK. I have a good feeling that the selection is going to sell out quickly (and I mean, why wouldn’t it? They’re selling 6.5′ trees for $120 bucks!). My favorite sale item, however, are these INSANE festive curtain lights. You can program these to show anything from Halloween pumpkins to festive trees – they’re like the 2023 version of a LiteBrite (albeit an enormous one). If I had roommates, more frequent guests, or kids…I’d be adding these to my cart 🙂

Gifts

1 Breville Espresso Machine | 2. Indoor Hydroponic Garden | 3. Theragun | 4. Portable Mini JBL Speaker | 5. LED Strip Lights (For Your Tiktok Teen!) | 6. Folding Work Table

Last, but not least, I wanted to leave you with a few gift suggestions (you know, for those of you who are fiscally responsible enough to spread our your present-buying budget over a few months!). There’s an incredible deal on the Breville (although the price tag is still no joke!). For your gardening pal, might I suggest a sweet indoor garden? The Theragun is perfect for anyone who struggles with pain (or for your most active friend – maybe they’re the same person?). OBSESSED with this tiny JBL speaker – it sounds great and it’s simple to attach to any bag, belt loop, or keychain for those who love music on the go! The LED light strips are a great option for any parent or cool aunt to gift to kids and teens (and yeah, they still like these – just for the record!). Finally…what DIY-er wouldn’t appreciate a lightweight, foldable sawhorse for their next big home project?

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU (for today). Any PBDD thoughts? Any great steals that you’d like to share with the class? Pray tell 🙂 xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: All the What’s, Why’s & How Much’s of the Portland Kitchen (+ Big Reveal)

The post “Like Black Friday for Essentials”: Our 46 Prime Big Deal Day Picks (Org, Cleaning, Tech, Beauty, and More) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Some Random Thoughts On Our Marriage (+ Happy Birthday And Anniversary Brian)

Yesterday was Brian’s birthday, two weeks ago was our wedding anniversary and I realized it had been a while since I dished on how life with this guy is going. It’s not really anyone’s business, and yet I find myself with stuff to say and a place to say it so here we go. Recently I heard this concept of “multiple marriages” within the same long-term monogamous relationship and all the bells went off – “how true,” I thought. When you hear about people being together for 23 + years (us) when you are really young, one might wonder if it gets boring and monotonous. Do you get sick of each other? Does it just get stale and like you are going through the motions? Is it even possible to retain attraction? And while I know that it can and often does fade away (or simply isn’t the right long-term healthy fit), there’s also a version where the decades-long relationship morphs and changes so much that years of a marriage feels totally different – dare I say even new and fresh (at times). You think that the initial falling in love will be the most fun part (and it is VERY fun), but the years of ups and downs after are certainly more interesting and dynamic. This is the case for us.

The Falling In Love And Life Before Kids

Brian and I are in our 3rd decade together, with two kids, almost 8 and 10, and it does feel like through the highs and lows we’ve had three or four totally different marriages. Let’s recap: We fell in love in college (for me almost immediately, took more time with him). Our twenties were so fun – graduating from U of O together, moving to New York (Hope! Excitement!), and breaking up so someone could grow up a bit. Our careers grew – Brian graduated from NYU grad school, performed on Broadway (amongst so many other roles) and I launched my freelance styling career. It ended with a splendidly happy wedding where the whole room believed we could make it.

Our 30s – WHAT’S NEXT AND HOW DO WE DO THIS

We were solid. Solid enough to move to LA and pursue the unknown in a rather tricky city full of unquenchable ambition. Our thirties started with a real slump (2008 recession + writers strike) and our careers went in two different directions which was very challenging for our relationship. I remember the night after I won DesignStar a producer said, “Just so you know, you’ll need a marriage counselor”. Ha. “Nope! Not us!,” I thought. We almost didn’t make it and got caught up in a resentment and neglect cycle despite also really still liking each other (which can be confusing, like he’s still my best friend but we were so off and felt very disconnected). We both knew we were in TROUBLE and yet we wanted kids soon. So we enacted “extreme marriage makeover 2012” where we decided to give it a real effort and lo and behold it worked (therapy, which he wrote about here was a huge driver of this success). AND THANK GOD. I did NOT like that version of our marriage, but it gave us tools.

The First Baby Bubble

Our first baby (and our first home in Glendale) brought us into this incredible little bubble and we were BACK! Co-parenting with Brian has (almost) always been easy and has come naturally, thank god. My first Target contract gave us financial stability that we had never had (not even with a TV show). Life with a baby was so fun. Not perfect, but pretty great.

But that precious bubble didn’t last. With two kids under two with my career being almost unmanageably demanding and stressful (and fun, but insert the invention of social media), I neglected “us,” which wasn’t even a surprise at the time. It felt impossible and I felt like I was drowning. Mix in some circumstantial depression that comes with being in your 30s and unsure where life is headed and things got challenging again. We had more tools this time (thanks to therapy) and two kids to think about, so it didn’t break us but we simply didn’t have a lot of emotional bandwidth for each other. All our energy went to the kids, my job, and then his shift back into theater (which was the key to getting out of his said depression, you can not keep creativity locked inside – FULL STOP). In those years we were totally fine, mostly good and our day-to-day was as best as we thought it could be, but now I can see we were more surviving than thriving. Maybe that’s just life for all parents with little kids. Who knows.

Then…LOCKDOWN

Then lockdown happened, and despite the extreme awfulness of it all, it brought us so much clarity and closeness. Brian and I realized how much we really liked being with each other and our kids (thus the extreme life change). The pressure lifted off both of us to be some bigger/better version that we thought the world wanted us to be (spoiler – it’s all in our heads). External expectations on life plummeted and this sense of calm moved in. Our kids became best friends (with no one else to play with) and Brian and I totally reignited our relationship. And then coming out of it, despite dips in my own stuff (reemerging was hard for me, and grappling with external pressures might be my consistent battle). But the clarity that we had during that time remains constant. Moving to Portland has been so good for us, our kids getting older/easier has been so fun for all of us, and we have entered this fresh stage that I don’t want to ever end (and yet I know it might/will).

Over the years there have been times in our marriage where he and I have felt more like buddies, siblings and coworkers, for sure. So many date nights full of us just talking about house logistics and kid coordination (we have a rule about that now). But right now I feel so lucky to have made it through those versions of marriage because THIS Brian Henderson, this iteration of the man I fell in love with 23 years ago, is HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE. If you don’t like hearing about someone else’s supportive husband/dad then stop reading, but it’s his birthday so I’m going to gush about him a lot right now. He remains so funny, creative, interesting, extremely handsome and so smart and insightful. We can still talk for hours (given the time that we have to prioritize). I legit enjoy hanging out with him so much. He coaches Charlie’s basketball, sets up a homework station in the “Alpasture” in the afternoons, and is trying to be active in the PTA and PTO at our school. He is getting his masters in creative writing, is so dedicated to the book is he writing, and still makes time to be the lead parent with our kids setting such an incredible example for both of them. Sure, it took us years to figure out how to make our mutually supportive roles work in a way that feels fair and fulfilling for both of us, without resentments – it didn’t happen overnight. And listen, those patterns/issues still rear their head (and will likely forever), but now we see them coming earlier and we have healthier ways to work through them causing less damage. It’s so easy for a marriage to fall apart – slowly then all at once, so we are watching it like a hawk because the kids will be out of the house in 10 years and then it’s just US and we hope to really still like each other. That will be a whole new marriage in and of itself that I’m not ready to even think about (and yet still sounds strangely exciting).

One last thought – A few weeks ago I had this massive shoot here at our house – three days of 20+ people staring at me all day as I extroverted hard and performed the best version of my designer/blogger self. It went really well and was so fulfilling. But afterward, all I wanted was him – almost like an existential need. He is this rock that is both so solid and so soft, and while I’m sure it’s hard to see your wife get so much attention at times (especially as a performer himself), he was so supportive. He’s known my insides since before all of this, since we were 21. At times we were worried we met too young, and now we realize it can be such a gift. He is both the scaffolding and the antidote through all the highs and lows in my own life. It’s probably why our kids are obsessed with him, too – this solid and soft combo that he has. Everybody loves Brian Henderson and while I hope he knows it, today is the day he is going to hear it from me.

Part of me wondered why post this. Why not just write him a letter and keep such personal things private – you know, like a normal person? But I suppose I would love to hear this from someone else. I guess my hope in writing this is that A. Brian feels so loved and admired as he should, and B. For those of you in a rough spot in your marriage or maybe just starting out, our first-hand experience is that decades of being together inevitably produce different marriages – some almost unbearably hard and others refreshingly romantic. Nothing is like the original falling in love, but the bond, the partnership, the connection of all our insides, the support, the interdependence, the shared knowing glances, the inside jokes, the made-up words/languages, and the sense of this TEAM doing life together is so much better than getting than those initial butterflies.

After we got married (at 27) I used to say that the happiest and saddest thing about getting married is that IF you are lucky you’ll never get to fall in love again. Little did I know how much deeper you can fall. Happy Birthday (and anniversary), my love. xx

The post Some Random Thoughts On Our Marriage (+ Happy Birthday And Anniversary Brian) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

Thoughts On Marriage (+ Happy Birthday And Anniversary Brian)

Yesterday was Brian’s birthday, two weeks ago was our wedding anniversary and I realized it had been a while since I dished on how life with this guy is going. It’s not really anyone’s business, and yet I find myself with stuff to say and a place to say it so here we go. Recently I heard this concept of “multiple marriages” within the same long-term monogamous relationship and all the bells went off – “how true,” I thought. When you hear about people being together for 23 + years (us) when you are really young, one might wonder if it gets boring and monotonous. Do you get sick of each other? Does it just get stale and like you are going through the motions? Is it even possible to retain attraction? And while I know that it can and often does fade away (or simply isn’t the right long-term healthy fit), there’s also a version where the decades-long relationship morphs and changes so much that years of a marriage feels totally different – dare I say even new and fresh (at times). You think that the initial falling in love will be the most fun part (and it is VERY fun), but the years of ups and downs after are certainly more interesting and dynamic. This is the case for us.

The Falling In Love And Life Before Kids

Brian and I are in our 3rd decade together, with two kids, almost 8 and 10, and it does feel like through the highs and lows we’ve had three or four totally different marriages. Let’s recap: We fell in love in college (for me almost immediately, took more time with him). Our twenties were so fun – graduating from U of O together, moving to New York (Hope! Excitement!), and breaking up so someone could grow up a bit. Our careers grew – Brian graduated from NYU grad school, performed on Broadway (amongst so many other roles) and I launched my freelance styling career. It ended with a splendidly happy wedding where the whole room believed we could make it.

Our 30s – WHAT’S NEXT AND HOW DO WE DO THIS

We were solid. Solid enough to move to LA and pursue the unknown in a rather tricky city full of unquenchable ambition. Our thirties started with a real slump (2008 recession + writers strike) and our careers went in two different directions which was very challenging for our relationship. I remember the night after I won DesignStar a producer said, “Just so you know, you’ll need a marriage counselor”. Ha. “Nope! Not us!,” I thought. We almost didn’t make it and got caught up in a resentment and neglect cycle despite also really still liking each other (which can be confusing, like he’s still my best friend but we were so off and felt very disconnected). We both knew we were in TROUBLE and yet we wanted kids soon. So we enacted “extreme marriage makeover 2012” where we decided to give it a real effort and lo and behold it worked (therapy, which he wrote about here was a huge driver of this success). AND THANK GOD. I did NOT like that version of our marriage, but it gave us tools.

The First Baby Bubble

Our first baby (and our first home in Glendale) brought us into this incredible little bubble and we were BACK! Co-parenting with Brian has (almost) always been easy and has come naturally, thank god. My first Target contract gave us financial stability that we had never had (not even with a TV show). Life with a baby was so fun. Not perfect, but pretty great.

But that precious bubble didn’t last. With two kids under two with my career being almost unmanageably demanding and stressful (and fun, but insert the invention of social media), I neglected “us,” which wasn’t even a surprise at the time. It felt impossible and I felt like I was drowning. Mix in some circumstantial depression that comes with being in your 30s and unsure where life is headed and things got challenging again. We had more tools this time (thanks to therapy) and two kids to think about, so it didn’t break us but we simply didn’t have a lot of emotional bandwidth for each other. All our energy went to the kids, my job, and then his shift back into theater (which was the key to getting out of his said depression, you can not keep creativity locked inside – FULL STOP). In those years we were totally fine, mostly good and our day-to-day was as best as we thought it could be, but now I can see we were more surviving than thriving. Maybe that’s just life for all parents with little kids. Who knows.

Then…LOCKDOWN

Then lockdown happened, and despite the extreme awfulness of it all, it brought us so much clarity and closeness. Brian and I realized how much we really liked being with each other and our kids (thus the extreme life change). The pressure lifted off both of us to be some bigger/better version that we thought the world wanted us to be (spoiler – it’s all in our heads). External expectations on life plummeted and this sense of calm moved in. Our kids became best friends (with no one else to play with) and Brian and I totally reignited our relationship. And then coming out of it, despite dips in my own stuff (reemerging was hard for me, and grappling with external pressures might be my consistent battle). But the clarity that we had during that time remains constant. Moving to Portland has been so good for us, our kids getting older/easier has been so fun for all of us, and we have entered this fresh stage that I don’t want to ever end (and yet I know it might/will).

Over the years there have been times in our marriage where he and I have felt more like buddies, siblings and coworkers, for sure. So many date nights full of us just talking about house logistics and kid coordination (we have a rule about that now). But right now I feel so lucky to have made it through those versions of marriage because THIS Brian Henderson, this iteration of the man I fell in love with 23 years ago, is HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE. If you don’t like hearing about someone else’s supportive husband/dad then stop reading, but it’s his birthday so I’m going to gush about him a lot right now. He remains so funny, creative, interesting, extremely handsome and so smart and insightful. We can still talk for hours (given the time that we have to prioritize). I legit enjoy hanging out with him so much. He coaches Charlie’s basketball, sets up a homework station in the “Alpasture” in the afternoons, and is trying to be active in the PTA and PTO at our school. He is getting his masters in creative writing, is so dedicated to the book is he writing, and still makes time to be the lead parent with our kids setting such an incredible example for both of them. Sure, it took us years to figure out how to make our mutually supportive roles work in a way that feels fair and fulfilling for both of us, without resentments – it didn’t happen overnight. And listen, those patterns/issues still rear their head (and will likely forever), but now we see them coming earlier and we have healthier ways to work through them causing less damage. It’s so easy for a marriage to fall apart – slowly then all at once, so we are watching it like a hawk because the kids will be out of the house in 10 years and then it’s just US and we hope to really still like each other. That will be a whole new marriage in and of itself that I’m not ready to even think about (and yet still sounds strangely exciting).

One last thought – A few weeks ago I had this massive shoot here at our house – three days of 20+ people staring at me all day as I extroverted hard and performed the best version of my designer/blogger self. It went really well and was so fulfilling. But afterward, all I wanted was him – almost like an existential need. He is this rock that is both so solid and so soft, and while I’m sure it’s hard to see your wife get so much attention at times (especially as a performer himself), he was so supportive. He’s known my insides since before all of this, since we were 21. At times we were worried we met too young, and now we realize it can be such a gift. He is both the scaffolding and the antidote through all the highs and lows in my own life. It’s probably why our kids are obsessed with him, too – this solid and soft combo that he has. Everybody loves Brian Henderson and while I hope he knows it, today is the day he is going to hear it from me.

Part of me wondered why post this. Why not just write him a letter and keep such personal things private – you know, like a normal person? But I suppose I would love to hear this from someone else. I guess my hope in writing this is that A. Brian feels so loved and admired as he should, and B. For those of you in a rough spot in your marriage or maybe just starting out, our first-hand experience is that decades of being together inevitably produce different marriages – some almost unbearably hard and others refreshingly romantic. Nothing is like the original falling in love, but the bond, the partnership, the connection of all our insides, the support, the interdependence, the shared knowing glances, the inside jokes, the made-up words/languages, and the sense of this TEAM doing life together is so much better than getting than those initial butterflies.

After we got married (at 27) I used to say that the happiest and saddest thing about getting married is that IF you are lucky you’ll never get to fall in love again. Little did I know how much deeper you can fall. Happy Birthday (and anniversary), my love. xx

The post Thoughts On Marriage (+ Happy Birthday And Anniversary Brian) appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Link Up: Em’s Cool Layering Shirt She Loves, The Best Undereye Concealer Jess Has Used In Years, And The $5 Magical Stain Remover We Won’t Live Without

Happy Sunday everyone! It was another super busy week over here but a really good one. We hope it was the same for you too. So now that all of Em’s wonderful Halloween decorating is finished (did you see what she did inside?!) we are getting back to revealing more of the farmhouse! But first, next week we have a pretty special home we are sharing with you that’s been a long time coming:) Sorry for the tease! Let’s get into the links…

This week’s house tour is one for the books! EHD favorite (and AD 100) designer Giancarlo Valle and his wife, Jane Keltner de Valle (Cofounder Paloroma and former style director of AD), designed just the most special home. This home, originally built in 1863 is filled with glorious, rich colors, woods that make your soul feel happy, and a style that is both sophisticated and welcoming. If you don’t know, Giancarlo is also a furniture designer, and many of the pieces in the home were made on-site! We just can’t rave enough so go see it now…then come back and tell us what you think of the ceramic medallion wall:)

Beanie | Cardigan | Striped Shirt | Pants | Boots | Purse

From Emily: The problem with loving one color so much (blue) is that layering blue under blue looks boring. So I bought this shirt to layer under my blue, not just because it’s a great stripe (it’s a dark camel color with a tiny pinstripe of black) but also because it drapes very well, is very thin and therefore is a great “under-cardigan” layer. I hate when stiffer button-ups – cotton, linen, or poplin get stuck in the armpits or bunch up around the chest where the buttons are, but this one is slick so you just slide right into the sleeves. I truly sound like the laziest person ever but not all buttons are good under cardigans and we know this. Anyway, if you are in the market for a great layering button-up I love this one (wearing a size small).

From Mallory: I’ve got some fall links for you all!! I swapped my normal candles for THESE and they’re so cute. Plus they’re just the right amount of spooky and they won’t break the bank at only $3 per candle! Highly recommend. My second fall link is this Mrs. Meyer’s everyday cleaner – the acorn spice sent is IT and I wait for it to drop every single year. Lastly, if you have yet to get a pumpkin candle I recently snagged this one and it smells great and is super cute 🙂

From Caitlin: I’m officially a Nuuly convert, guys. I just got my first order – 3 pairs of pants and 3 dresses – and I’M OBSESSED. I recently cleaned out over half of my closet and I’m trying to rebuild my wardrobe with a bit more intention, so I wanted to be able to try lots of different new brands and styles while keeping my self-esteem intact (I really don’t love the fitting room process, you know?). ANYWAY. Nuuly is a $98 monthly clothing rental service which isn’t cheap, but it’s SO WORTH IT. I’ve been able to break out of my Madewell rut a bit and also able to keep the pieces I love at a discounted rate (some of the dresses in my box were 73% off retail!). So my first month actually saved me A LOT of money on clothing that I wouldn’t have been brave enough to try on in-store (really not trying to play “guess the size” under fluorescent lights, ha). My two favorite pieces from my current shipment are these famous Anthropologie pants and these corduroy flares from Free People. I never would have assumed that either of those would fit my big hips/butt/thighs or that they’d fall like they do on the model, BUT BOTH PAIRS DO! I think a lot of my mindset is still stuck in the early 2000s where finding pants was a total nightmare so it’s really exciting to learn what fits me now, in 2023, in the comfort of my own home. HUGE FAN. (You can get your first month for $78, too – not sponsored, just genuinely excited by the service, the variety, and the wide range of sizes available!)

Also From Caitlin: I really liked this video from Rita Konig on how to lay out a room. It’s a few years old, but it’s SO HELPFUL – the information isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s such a great refresher and Rita really breaks down the process in a way that left me feeling empowered. It’s a little under 20 minutes and the entire thing is packed with helpful reminders. I’m currently working to update my living room (more on that here, if you missed it earlier this week!) and I can’t wait to implement a few of her ideas:)

From Gretchen: This week I’ve been suggesting (to just about anyone who will listen) a new movie to watch called Flora and Son (on Apple TV). I’m a big fan of cute movies–the kind that make you grin hard without realizing–and this movie made me stupid-smile for sure. It follows a young mother, Flora, and her teenage son in Dublin as they struggle to relate to and get along with each other. She finds a guitar and encourages her son to learn to play, hopeful that a hobby will keep him from getting into trouble, but instead ends up learning it herself. The acting is INCREDIBLE, the storyline is just so sweet and redeeming, plus it’s got JGL (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) playing her guitar teacher–I love that man. Just writing about it makes me want to go turn it on again! Definitely adding it to my Top 10 Movie List but would love to hear what y’all think if you give it a watch.

photo by kaitlin green | from: farmhouse living room reveal

Fabienne Sofa | Belmont Sofa

Striped Velvet Ball Pillow | Toivo Pedestal

In case you didn’t know and have been waiting for Lulu and Georgia to have a sale then y’all this is your week! Until Tuesday night (10/10) they are giving 25% off sitewide for their anniversary sale. We don’t have to tell you what fans we are giving that we’ve been using and loving their products for YEARS. Above are just a few things that we’ve gotten recently like Emily’s beautiful green traditional sofas and Jess’ cognac-colored Ginny MacDonald sofa. We can confirm their real-life beauty and more importantly their real-life comfort. Then Emily bought and loves the Sarah Sherman Samuel new striped ball pillow (that also comes in more colors) and her very cool pedestals! They add a wild cool contrast to her farmhouse aesthetic but would look awesome in so many types of homes.

From Jess: I found the perfect pair of heels! Actually, I talked about them in another color for a wedding last year but only as ones I was looking at. This year my brother is getting married (in less than 2 weeks!!) and I needed black heels that wouldn’t sink in the grass during the ceremony. I went back to these, slightly underwhelmed, but couldn’t find anything I liked more that fit the bill and the budget. But then to my delight, they look SO GOOD ON! Like really good. And here’s the other great part – they come in A TON of colors and I was able to get mine for half the price on Poshmark! The heel is around 3.75″ so they aren’t short but they feel comfortable so far (I am going to try these gel pads because I don’t plan on leaving the dance floor:)). I highly recommend!

Also From Jess: Undereye concealer was the first “real makeup” my mom ever bought for me. I got these dark circles from BOTH sides of my family. I had no chance. Needless to say, I have tried A LOT of concealers and have always come back to the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer until I found HAUS LABS’ Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer with Fermented Arnica. Because I now learn 80% of new things on TikTok, that’s where I was convinced to try it. It was a risk but one that has PAID OFF! Thanks to The Lipstick Lesbians’ Concealer Wars video. What’s great about it is that it’s hydrating and doesn’t need any powder to set! As in it will look worse with powder (or so said the kind Sephora employee who was helping me). Now it still will crease a little (because duh, wrinkles) but less than other ones I’ve tried. It’s also medium coverage which I prefer given I don’t wear a ton of face makeup but also have dark circles that need covering. However, it’s also buildable when I do want more coverage if I’m wearing more makeup. Super pumped about this new find!! Thanks gals!

From Arlyn: There are some household products you can’t believe you ever lived without, and this Fels-Naptha laundry bar soap is 100% one of them. My family’s clothing is plagued with stains. Marinara, oil, Greek yogurt, and a multitude of other kid-friendly foods. It’s always smeared all over us and sometimes, my detergent just isn’t enough. Basically, you just rub the bar on the stain, and then wash like normal. It’s AMAZING at taking out really tough stains, especially on light fabrics. Grass stains, dirt, food…all of the above. I even used it on old set-in stains that didn’t wash out the first time with just detergent, and it got the job done. Best $5 spent in a while!

Have a beautiful rest of your day. xx

Opening Image Credits: Styled by Emily Henderson (me!) and Birdie Henderson | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: A Vintage Halloween Inside Our Farmhouse – Creepy Portraits Of Dead Strangers And Googly Eyes Included (Per Usual)

The post The Link Up: Em’s Cool Layering Shirt She Loves, The Best Undereye Concealer Jess Has Used In Years, And The $5 Magical Stain Remover We Won’t Live Without appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Year Of The Structured Mini Skirt – Cute Skirts And How I’m Styling Them

In the continued attempt to not constrict my crotch/stomach with uncomfortable clothes and yet still feel/look put together when I leave the house, I’ve had to make a pretty big winter life pivot. I’ve worked from home for the last ALMOST FIVE years so my tolerance for being uncomfortable when I do leave the house (rare) is very, very low. Of course, I’ve adopted the drop crotch pants but as you can imagine not everyone (ahem, Brian) is a massive fan of the cool “saggy bottom” look, and yet the super baggy jean trend doesn’t look good on all of us. As you have probably surmised from years of seeing me wear teeny tiny shorts I’m more apple-shaped (I carry more weight on my top than bottom) so I like a blousier top and skinny jeans. But skinny jeans aren’t that comfortable (some are) and apparently they are not having a moment right now (but rumor is coming back soon???). Also, I feel so frumpy in the “blouse on top and baggy on bottom”. So this winter for going out I’m leaning into the structured mini skirt – with tights, socks, and boots. Here are a few that I’m loving (and more affordable options at the end).

A Patterned (And Quilted) Number

Jacket | Shirt (similar) | Skirt | Socks (similar) | Shoes

Here we have a quilted plaid skirt that I just bought. I paired it with a fancy sock because that’s a thing apparently and I think I like it (especially with those pumps that I got years ago and rarely wear). The denim blazer is the one from Madewell that I love (roomy but still flattering). I bought both a size 4 and 6 in the skirt and much prefer the 6.

A Large Floral In A Tiny Skirt

Jacket | Blouse (similar) | Skirt | Boots

While Brian remarked how this looked very sofa fabric-esque (not wrong) I LOVE this “suit”. I bought it for an event then realized that in Portland I might have stood out more than I wanted to while I was there (I was right). This is thick brocade-like fabric and really busy (and thus forgiving). Of course, these boots are the star of the show (and come in blue suede, too which I wish I had bought but I love these).

This matching jacket look might not be for everyone (or every occasion) so I also tried it with an oversized sweater which is probably what I’d wear more often.

Sweater | Skirt | Boots

The sweater is old from Alex Mill and has a cute boxy cut with dropped shoulders. It takes what could feel more statement-y and calms it down a lot. The skirt is short but pairing it with suede over-the-knee boots (are we still saying thigh-highs?) covers up most skin and would look cute with brown tights, too. I also like the boots being suede instead of leather as it also tones it down a bit.

A Little Denim Number

Sweatshirt (similar) | Bandana (similar) | Skirt (similar) | Belt (similar) | Boots (similar) | Bag (similar)

I’ve had this skirt for a long time and just unearthed it (same with the boots!). I threw on a vintage sweatshirt, bandana, and belt (although I think I’d skip the belt next time).

This feels far more fall than winter, but tis the season 🙂

A Black Leather Mini – But Make It Serious 🙂

Blouse | Skirt (similar) | Tights (similar) | Boots (similar and only $25!)

Another skirt I’ve had forever that I’m so glad I kept (same with the shoes, but these are so close). I wanted to calm down the vibe of the black leather with tights, wooden-heeled shoes, and again, a blousy top (I just bought this for a huge shoot I had a few weeks ago).

I really look like I love drinking coffee in my mini skirt ha. But honestly, I do really love this look and feel good in it. So if you are interested we pulled together a handful of affordable options with some great size-inclusive picks too!

Denim Micro Mini Skirt | 2. High-Waisted Mini Skirt | 3. The Colette Faux Leather Mini Skirt | 4. Jacquard Mini Skirt | 5. Denim Mini Skirt  | 6. Houndstooth Mini Skirt | 7. Saddle Wrap Mini Skirt | 8. Faux Leather Mini Skirt | 9. Corduroy Miniskirt

Happy Saturday and happy mini skirting. xx

*Photos by Kaitlin Green

The post The Year Of The Structured Mini Skirt – Cute Skirts And How I’m Styling Them appeared first on Emily Henderson.

The Ultimate EHD Vintage Resource Guide (Our Best Tips, Hacks, And Shops All In One Place!)

Earlier this week I talked about my vintage bathroom (well, mostly about my vintage toilet), and the love in the comments for all things vintage was resounding. Despite knowing this blog was heavily built on the love of vintage, it was a little reminder of just how much! I hope it’s clear that our love for vintage is as deep as ever too. So with all that said, I thought I’d grab all of our amazing vintage content (tips, tricks, and resources) all in one place. Even I forgot about some of these awesome posts! To give credit where credit is due these posts are almost exclusively written by Emily and Caitlin and for good reason – they are pros!! I’m truly never not endlessly impressed by their knowledge. I’m sorry (not sorry) if I send you down a very fun vintage decor wormhole. See you on the other side!

The Best Places To Buy Vintage Furniture And Decor Online (You’re Going To Want To Bookmark This One)photo by sara ligorria-tramp

Sure, we all know Etsy, Chairish, Craigslist, etc. but this isn’t just that. This list by the one and only Caitlin K. Higgins is a thorough, in-depth list of truly awesome online shops for great vintage finds. I figured I’d start with this one in case you just wanted to immediately start window shopping. BUT, may I suggest you keep scrolling because with more information you might get better results:)

The Vintage Design Cheatsheet – Names You Should Be Searching To Find The Pieces You Really Wantdesign by michael keck | photo by sara ligorria-tramp

I remember when Caitlin pitched this post and I instantly thought, “YESS!! I NEED THIS!” Not only does she give you specific keywords to search, but she breaks it down by style. Gone are the days (if you want) of endlessly scrolling to maybe find one thing you might bookmark. Work smarter, not harder. And no, we don’t deserve her.

15 Flea Market Secrets; How I Find The Best Vintage Pieces (From 2012!!)

This might be one of Emily’s first flea market tip posts since it’s from 2012! But you know what? It’s still GREAT info and there are extremely fun pictures of cool vintage finds and Orlando and her having a lot of fun together. A true gem.

How to Haggle (Or Not) At The Flea Market Like Emily Henderson

So actually I technically wrote this post but I interviewed Emily for it as I am only kind of sorta ok at haggling…I needed her advice! Emily is big on respecting the vendor but also knows there’s fun in the haggle game for both parties:) I highly recommend you read these tips to make sure you are getting a great deal and that the vendor feels good about the sale too! Plus look at this sweet photo of Toddler Charlie that I forgot I put in there!! See everyone loves vintage.

Budget Hacks: Caitlin Furnished Her Apartment Basically For Free (& You Can, Too)

Another Caitlin vintage post that blew my mind! She takes you through how she basically hasn’t paid for her large vintage furniture pieces in years. This might be the most useful budget hack I’ve heard about.

Just A Couple Of EHD Gals Back At The Rose Bowl (A Real Flea Market Diary With Some Very Helpful Tips)

Speaking of Caitlin, a couple of years about we decided to go to the Rose Bowl together and write about it! It was extremely fun and fruitful (as you’ll read) but before we get into the adventure, Caitlin takes you through all of her personal flea market tips! Things like what to wear, what to bring, when to get there, etc. I might be biased but it’s a fun and happy read:)

My Latest Vintage Haul + HOT TIPS On What To Buy (& Skip) At The Antique Mall/Flea Marketphoto by veronica crawford

If you think you already read all of her shopping tips from the first post you are wrong. This post is filled with really useful, practical advice that Emily uses herself when shopping for vintage. It’s about how to look for great pieces that won’t give you buyer’s remorse. A must-read!

Consider This Post Your “Craigslist Hacks Master Class” for Buying Good Stuff Cheap (& Selling it For $$$)design by michael keck | photo by sara ligorria-tramp

The pitch of this post was when we found out that Caitlin (an EHD employee of two months at the time and now over four years) previously had a side business/hustle buying and selling furniture! Her tips were (and still are) INCREDIBLE. She really takes you through how to spot the good stuff for cheap, gives a super in-depth best practices guide for searching on Craigslist, AND teaches you how to sell online if you are interested. Another GREAT one.

Find GOOD Furniture On Facebook Marketplace For Cheap (+ The Search Terms To Use)photo by sara ligorria-tramp

This is the only Facebook Marketplace guide you will ever need (well for vintage shopping that is). Caitlin does it again, showing and telling you how to really find what you want on FBMP! It’s very detailed which is such a gift.

The 20 Best Vintage Instagram Sellers That Are Delivering To You (All Across The USA)

Now this post was born out of the pandemic, wanting to support wonderful vintage sellers that were being greatly affected by the lockdown. Thankfully, we are back outside and at those flea markets, but this is still an incredible guide that is categorized by state for those who’d rather scroll on their phone than hit the pavement to find awesome vintage.

Our Ultimate Vintage Rug Resource Guidephoto by genevieve garruppo

Our love for vintage rugs runs deeeeep and this post is a beloved one by all. But in case you didn’t know it existed and had your heart set on a beautiful vintage rug then we hope this helps! Don’t worry there are great buying tips as well as descriptions for different types of rugs too:)

How To Find Great Vintage Lamps (7 Hot Tips And 9 EHD-Approved Online Shops)photo by david tsay 

Vintage lighting may be my kryptonite because I couldn’t count the hours I’ve spent looking at vintage lights. This post however gives you great tips and even greater shoppable stores to start your journey. If you haven’t ever had a vintage lamp in your home, we promise it’s a game-changer.

My Favorite Before And After Vintage Pieces (With Some “Good To Knows” For Vintage Shoppers)photo by tessa neustadt

Emily is no stranger to buying a piece of vintage furniture and customizing it while maintaining the integrity of the piece. So in taking that journey many many times, she’s learning a thing or two to look out for. It’s so fun to see so many of her transformations and very useful to see the power in it! Go check it out if only for the eye candy:)

46 Of Our Favorite Etsy Shops That We Keep Going Back To Again And Againdesign by lea johnson of creekwood hill | photo by erin francois 

And finally, we’ve come to the end but ending very strong with…Etsy! Man, we love Etsy and so do you if our numbers are any indicator:) So Ryann, another Etsy fanatic, put together this incredible list of sellers. Fair warning they aren’t all vintage but there are a ton of great vintage options.

Hope this was fun, got you excited to look at some vintage, and sent you into the weekend in a good mood. It’s almost guaranteed to when talking about beautiful old things:)

Love you, mean it.

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Styling To Sell: How We Staged Our Dining Room And Kitchen (With The Changes I Should Have Done Years Ago!)

The post The Ultimate EHD Vintage Resource Guide (Our Best Tips, Hacks, And Shops All In One Place!) appeared first on Emily Henderson.