STYLE

There are certain products that just have a constant rotation in our makeup bags. These are products we rely on, repurchase, and recommend to others because they keep us feeling and looking our best. Additionally, there are certain products that are budget friendly as well and that’s what this list contains. These are my favorite drugstore products that are tried and true and at an affordable price. Many of these have been repurchased for years and are items I use currently in my everyday makeup looks.

L’Oreal Paris Makeup Voluminous Original Volume Building Mascara, Carbon Black

This is a go-to mascara since I was in high-school and there’s so many reasons why. First off, it’s affordable and around $5.00, depending on your retailer. The color carbon black alludes to this rich true black that creates depth and shine in the lashes. The brush itself is thick and creates this beautiful and buildable coat on my lashes, plus the packaging itself hardly ever dries out. And if you don’t believe me, this mascara has over 48,000 four star reviews on Amazon to convince you.

Airspun Loose Face Translucent Powder

This is an enormous amount of product and it’s actually my second one I’ve purchased, as I used the first one completely. What I love about this product is how lightweight it is and how it completely sets my makeup effortlessly. I’ve tested going through the day without it and my T-zone immediately gets oily and my foundation moves around. With this, the product stays and my makeup stays fresh without creasing. The only con to this is the packaging itself can get a little messy, so make sure you open it safely to avoid spillage.

Elf Expert Liquid Liner

This is such an underrated product and I don’t know why. First off, it will last you forever and it’s only $3.00. The liner itself it incredibly rich and dark, unlike other grayish black liners. Once applied, it won’t budge and the color itself will stay strong all day. My only caveat is there is a lot of product that comes out, so have a light hand, otherwise you will be waiting for it to dry for a long time. There are so many other products I’ve tried that dry up quickly or don’t have a dark enough black color and that’s why I love this one from Elf.

Maybelline FitMe Matte and Poreless Foundation

I purchase this and then forget about it and then repurchase it and remember how much I love it. Honestly, it’s just a classic product that’s under $10.00 and gives you a beautiful coverage, finish, and color overall. The sleek packaging holds a substantial amount of product that is easy to move around and the color range is exceptional for the drugstore variety. I think this is a perfect foundation to have in your arsenal for an everyday look because it’s lightweight, affordable, great coverage, and a beautiful finish.

Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer

Okay, me and the entire internet beauty population love this concealer. I buy several at a time because it runs out quickly, but it truly is an incredible product. The applicator is effortless, the consistency is creamy, and the brightness it creates is so critical to a solid under-eye. I’m always impressed with this formula and currently have three of them in my makeup bag on rotation, but have probably purchased this product over 10 times.

Profusion Cosmetics Blush I Palette

This is a very recent buy, but I am already hooked. I have tried several blushes from Milani, Nars, Wet n’ Wild, and several others, but I love this palette. The version I got has a small contour bronzer color and the remaining blushes are these gorgeous, pigmented, and peach based blushes that lay beautifully on the skin. With just the slightest amount of shimmer, you get a little glow without the obnoxious highlight that some heavier blushes bring on. It’s under $5.00 for this much product, so you have to pick it up next time to build your collection.

Wet n Wild Contouring and Highlight Powder

This is my second or third time repurchasing this product and it’s a staple for me. The highlight powder is a banana based color that is perfect for brightening the under-eye. It’s also very rare to find a great banana powder in the drugstore. But the true standout is the matte contour color that is highly pigmented and settles effortlessly onto the skin. I love to contour all over my face and find this color blends incredibly well all over. I’ve also tried many high-end and drugstore bronzers and find this one to be the most consistent at creating an overall flawless finish without looking muddy or too dark. A little goes a long way, so start light and build up the color from there.

Final Thoughts

We are long gone from the days of the Claire’s makeup palettes and the drugstore offers so many affordable and high quality products that can take your day-to-day look to the next level. These are some of my top favorite products that I constantly repurchase and keep within my makeup arsenal. What I love about this particular combination of items is the diversity of brands that can curate a full face at a budget friendly price.

There are certain films that are a form of immediate visual transportation that envelop you in their era, their style, and their story. For me, the 1950’s has always been a time period of immediate allure and attraction and I am so incredibly drawn to everything about movies filmed during this time. My own personal fashion sense is heavily influenced by the fabrics, silhouettes, and accessories that characterized this era and I find that most people are familiar with some of the big titles like Breakfast At Tiffany’s, but not as familiar with other iconic numbers.

The list below includes three of my favorite films that highlight major Hollywood leading ladies Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe. These films are selected for their scintillating pictures, decadent fashion, captivating leads, and overall allure. Next time you’re torn on whether to rewatch your favorite show or try something new, take a chance on some of these featured favorites below.

High Society – 1956

With an absolute knock-out of a cast including Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong, it sweeps my favorites coming in at number one. If you’re looking for French interior design inspiration, witty banter, divine fashion, musical numbers, and a plot that keeps you invested, you should absolutely start with High Society. The film’s plot centers around Bing Crosby trying to win back the affection of his ex-wife Grace Kelly who is engaged to another man. Toss in Frank Sinatra as a sassy news reporter covering the wedding and you’ve got a whirlwind of a love triangle that leaves you rooting for everyone involved. The entire movie takes place at an enormous French inspired mansion and is infused with ornate decadence, lively jazz music, and over the top extravagant fashion. I’m particularly interested in Grace’s use of accessories and silhouettes that she plays with throughout the different scenes.

This was also Grace’s last film performance before she married into royalty and I’d say it was an excellent note to depart on. Lastly, there is also a ballad that Bing Crosby sings to Sam, Grace Kelly’s character, titled “I Love You, Samantha,” so I might be biased on that note because I adore the song. All in all, I loved it so much that I purchased the film on Amazon Prime and it’s one I always come back to.

High Society Fun Facts:*

• Grace Kelly, recently engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco, wore her actual engagement ring for her character’s engagement ring. The engagement ring is a 10.5-carat, emerald-cut, diamond flanked by two baguettes.
• It is said that Frank Sinatra wanted to be in “High Society” because it allowed him to sing a duet with his childhood idol Bing Crosby.
• Helen Rose, who designed the costumes, also designed Grace Kelly’s wedding gown for her marriage to Prince Ranier.
• Features the song Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? which gave the successful TV quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (1999) its title.

Sabrina – 1954

Featuring the timeless Audrey Hepburn, I would say that Sabrina is my favorite of her films during this era. It centers around a young girl whose father works on a large estate for a wealthy family and Audrey has developed a teenage love interest in one of the sons. Her father sends her off to Paris for refinement, culture, and education and she returns as a glamorous, self-secure, icon that no one recognizes at first. There are competing love interests, iconic ballgowns, and again, a luxurious setting and lifestyle portrayed in New York. What I particularly love about this film is her personal growth depicted throughout the movie as she advances from a dramatic and love obsessed adolescent to a refined and fashionable woman who maintains her sense of charming youthful spirit and eagerness for love and life.

This classic black and white film feels traditional in production, but modern in dialogue and casting and I think it’s an excellent transition piece for those who find black and white films daunting. My absolute favorite piece she wears is this iconic black and white ballgown that she wears to the party as her first official appearance after Paris. Overall, I find Audrey to be the most captivating aspect of the film and you cannot take your eyes off of her. Usually known for Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or Funny Face, Sabrina still stands as my favorite.

Sabrina Fun Facts:*

• The film began a lifelong association between costume designer Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn.
• This was the second film in a row where Audrey Hepburn gets her hair cut as a symbol of maturity. The first was in “Roman Holiday (1953).” It is also the first of four films in a row where she’d play a character romantically linked with a man old enough to be her father.
• Audrey Hepburn originally wanted famed couturier Cristbal Balenciaga to design her costumes, but he turned her down.
• The film snagged six Oscar nominations, including Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay, winning for Edith Head’s dazzling costumes.

Gentleman Prefer Blondes – 1953

If you’ve ever heard the song “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” and wondered where it came from, this would be the original film. Gentleman Prefer Blondes is a saucy film from 1953 featuring Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell as two beautiful showgirls seeking to marry rich. In the film, Marilyn is engaged to a wealthy man whose father disapproves of their union. The father then goes on to hire a private investigator to try and catch Marilyn in activity while on a cruise that would disqualify her from the marriage. The film is bursting with vibrant and upbeat musical numbers, jaw dropping costumes, the American Olympic team of chiseled men, and a hilarious dynamic between the two female stars. There is so much wit and sharp comments jam packed into the scenes and the movie itself is set as a comedy, so there’s always something to keep you entertained.

There is absolutely no denying the iconic nature of the costumes in this piece. These are fashion moments that have inspired numerous modern day artists and Marilyn’s depictions in these scenes are still recognizable today. But it’s the dynamic duo of matching costumes that compliment both actresses that I love. You usually get a solo leading lady in most of the films from this era, but the fact that both characters are always presented as a united front is my absolute favorite detail. Their banter with each other and distinct personalities is just a ball to watch and it’s reflective of their actual friendship in real life.

Gentleman Prefer Blondes Fun Facts:*

• Marilyn Monroe reportedly suggested the line “I can be smart when it’s important, but most men don’t like it.”
• When told she was not the star of the film, Marilyn was quoted as saying: “Well, whatever I am, I AM the blonde.”
• The ship model shown is the one used previously in Titanic (1953) and was refurbished to resemble the SS Ile de France, which is clearly named in the film.
• The film was a rarity: a Hollywood version of a hit Broadway show that bowdlerized the stage score yet ended up improving on the original. Indeed
• Gossip columnists tried to create a “feud” between Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell, but the pair got along famously. In her autobiography, Russell credited their fast friendship to their shared zodiac sign (Gemini). 

Final Thoughts

Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe are household names that depict the timeless glamour of a past age. However, most are unaware of the different roles they took on in Hollywood that created some of the most iconic fashion moments in all of history. While movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s may take center stage, High Society, Sabrina, and Gentleman Prefer Blondes are all absolute stand-outs that provide a captivating plot, mesmerizing leads, and decadent fashion moments that stand on their own. I draw a lot of my own personal fashion inspiration from these types of films and find myself loving the connection to this time in Hollywood history.

Netflix and Amazon Prime are my go-to’s for viewing these older films and you can usually either rent it for a small price or purchase it for unlimited viewing for under $10.00. It’s absolutely worth the purchase to keep these classic films at your immediate access!

*Please note that all fun facts are derived from the film’s IMDB page and can be accessed via the links featured in the post. The Bolet Collective also has no ownership over the images used in this post and credits the original articles from which they were derived from in the caption.

Growing up, I was never the girl with the latest fashions. My parents prioritized other things financially and I’m thankful for that. But if I wanted to look good, I had to get creative. Thrifting for me started out of necessity, but has continued well past that point. I absolutely love the thrill of finding unique and high quality pieces at an incredible price. I have even furnished entire apartments out of Facebook Marketplace and thrift store finds and the majority of my wardrobe is secondhand by choice.

Today, clothes are built for a season, and not for a lifetime. The clothes I thrift tend to be vintage or from high end consignment stores with a higher level of craftsmanship. Yes, I do still shop at the H&M’s and Zara’s of the world, but I gravitate towards basics and solid colors that I can mix and match with my more eccentric thrifted pieces and I always take advantage of their holiday sales.

I genuinely find so much joy and excitement in the search. I have found Burberry purses shoved in the back of the accessories rack and a Christian Dior two piece suit in the blazer section. I’ve also found high quality new with tags cashmere sweaters for $4.00, a 16 book Harvard Classics collection, and random DVDs of my favorite childhood movies that are not available online. Each of these finds made me so excited to stumble upon them that day.

However, not all items are made alike. In fact, the majority of the items won’t be and it’s why most people get overwhelmed when they initially start thrifting. This is why it’s important to train your eye to know what to look for and where to search first. When thrifting, I tend to look for high quality fabrics, structured craftsmanship, and pristine condition. I can scan a rack without touching anything and I immediately know what is high quality and what isn’t. I’ll select the pieces that stand out or double-check the tags for information on the material breakdown, but 90% of the time, I’m right. However, I’ve also noted that there are certain pieces I’m more likely to find and will therefore pick up more often.

These are my personal favorites.

Silk Scarves

This is my secret to instantly dressing up an outfit or adding a pop of color without committing to anything over the top. I tend to stick to a neutral color palette when I get dressed and specifically love to dress in black and white, but I still like to have fun incorporating some accents here and there. A silk scarf is a luxurious touch to any handbag and can be tied loosely through the bag loop or secured in a floppy bow. It can also be worn tied in a variety of ways around the neck for that extra Parisian flair. Silk scarves make you feel instantly put together, I can’t describe it. My favorite silk scarf that I thrifted was one I picked up in Boston with the names of each US President embedded into the pattern. Today, these luxurious touches are seen less frequently, so wearing them is an instant standout.

Handbags

This could be the large oversized leather totes that I use to carry my work items or the smaller, more formal beaded bags that I use for dinner outings and special dates. Don’t get me wrong, I love designer handbags and they’re absolutely stunning. But at the moment, I’m focusing on saving and investing my money and it’s not the time for me to splurge on a high-end item. I don’t feel like I’m missing out though because I’ve built a vast collection of fun and quirky handbags that match any occasion and that I genuinely always get compliments on. They’re usually always under $10.00 and I love the intricate beading and handles that different bags come with.

Belts

I’m more recently a belt person, but it’s only because I’ve thrifted some truly beautiful belts that instantly level up an outfit. Usually, thrifted belts are made out of a higher quality, as opposed to the synthetic leather commonly seen, and they include real leather or brass elements that give the piece a longer lifetime. I use them to cinch in flowy blouses and dresses for additional definition in the waist or to wrap up a loose jacket in the wintertime. I’ve even used chain belts as the ultimate statement necklace too!

Blazers / Jackets

This is my all time favorite thing to thrift. I have a massive collection of high quality jackets and since I live in the Midwest, they get year round use. I love how a beautiful coat instantly makes an outfit more put together and formal and it adds immediate drama to a look when draped over your shoulders. I especially tend to gravitate to long coats that hit below my hips, so they look even more put together than a short cropped jacket that is seen more frequently today.

In addition, thrifted coats are typically older and have much higher construction quality due to the craftsmanship standard of previous eras. This may be shown with real brass buttons, triple interior linings, wool or other high quality fabrics, and additional structure to the garment. Cheap blazers tend to hang off the body, whereas a high quality vintage one will immediately have structure and presence to it.

Final Thoughts

Thrifting wasn’t as trendy as it is now when I was growing up, but I’m a lifelong advocate for the frugal fashion one can find. I’d much rather spend my money on an investment that will reap additional returns or on a night out with friends or on a weekend vacation. If you’re confused on where to start looking when thrifting, these four areas are an incredible spot to try first. You’re more likely to find high quality items here and once you start training your eye to know what to look for, you won’t have to spend hours sifting through racks of clothing or accessories. You can simply scan and gravitate towards those stellar statement pieces.

For additional styling tips of some of my favorite thrifted pieces, check out my Reels on Instagram @theboletcollective.