Here’s a little known fact about me: I do 99% of my holiday shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

I figure, I’m going to be buying something for [insert person here] eventually, why not buy it while it’s discounted?

Sure, it takes a little planning (and perhaps a little saving), but I’ve been doing it since I had a license to drive myself to whatever store I wanted to hit (it used to be Loehmann’s — RIP).

Of course, there may be other little things I spot while running errands or during my travels (I just got one of my sisters something perfect from The Ripped Bodice and Universal Studios while in LA), but the vast majority of my gifts are purchased over a month in advance.

I’m a planner, sue me.

But, of course, I also do a little bit of shopping for myself.

Where I’m Shopping on Cyber Monday (For Myself & Others)

Here’s where I’ll be adding things to my cart on Cyber Monday — maybe you’ll find some inspo?

1. Dolls Kill

Lamoda Blow Ya Mind Platform Heels, $55 ($44 with current sale)

Dolls Kill has done the same Black Friday deal for the past few years. They discount everything black on the site, and the discounts start as early as Tuesday. If you have had your eye on something black from there for a while, go for it in case it sells out (lots of black stuff from my wish list has sold out thus far). Otherwise, my advice would be to wait until Cyber Monday.

Their Cyber Monday deal is usually buy one, get one half off, and as DK has become more popular, the site has been harder to get to each year. Last year I had to wait in a virtual line that seemed to last forever, so get “in line” early.

I know, the whole point of skipping Black Friday for Cyber Monday was to avoid waiting in lines…but jokes on us. At least we can wear our jammies and eat leftovers straight from the fridge while in virtual lines.

As for what I’m buying, I’ve actually been trying to slightly curb my Dolls Kill addiction. Their stuff hasn’t been fitting me right lately, and I’ve noticed a decrease in quality. I even visited their LA pop-up last month and didn’t find anything that worked for me. However, I currently have about $35 in store credit, and I can’t let that go to waste. Besides, they recently launched free returns, which will save me a lot of postage money.

I’m thinking of trying to snag these flame platform heels or this O-Mighty turtleneck (even though I swore I’d never buy anything from O-Mighty again, the optimist in me is hoping their quality has improved).

Sizing: I wear a US 0/24 and I like my clothes tighttt, I wear an XS in most Dolls Kill merch. If they don’t offer it in XS, I usually don’t buy it unless it’s supposed to be oversized (I’ve been burned too many times).

2. Oh Polly

On The Prowl Strappy Cowl Neck Satin Mini Dress in Dark Red, $51

In terms of fit and quality, Oh Polly has been one of my favorite online shops this past year. Although their clothes are a little less edgy than what I normally go for and a little more clubby than what I need for my wardrobe these days, I would definitely recommend them if you want things to fit your body like a glove and be affordable (and trendy, obviously).

I am asking for this and this (a replacement for the one I had and accidentally ran through the dryer) for Christmas, but I also want to buy some things for myself for my upcoming trip to the Bahamas.

I’m hoping to buy this top and potentially this dress depending on how good their deals are.

I don’t remember if I shopped at Oh Polly for Black Friday/Cyber Monday last year, and I’m not sure what their deals will be this year, although they’ve teased something on their Instagram story that sounds like it’s going to be legit.

Their sale went live at 7 PM EST on Thursday night and it’s 50% off everything. So, drag yourself out of that food coma and hop on their site maybe (or don’t, because then more bandwidth for me).

Sizing: it’s UK sizing. I wear a US 0/24 and I wear a 6 in most Oh Polly stuff, although sometimes an 8 fits me better in their PVC stuff because there’s no stretch.

3. Gym Shark

Pastel Crop Top, $25 ($20 with sale)

I’ve never shopped at Gym Shark, but my little sister swears by their stuff, so I’ll probably get her something from there for Christmas.

From the looks of their site, it’s up to 70% off of stuff. Unfortunately, their sale went live super early (as so many sales are doing these days), so a lot of stuff on her wish list is already sold out.

4. Banana Republic

Without fail, I pretty much always get one of my parents (or both of them) something from Banana Republic.

Last year on Cyber Monday, they did a buy one, get one half off deal, which was perfect for me to buy two things for each of my parents. I’m assuming they’ll do a similar deal this year.

This year, on Black Friday, they have 50% off all full-priced items!

5. Amazon

Your Art Will Save Your Life by Beth Pickens, $10

BUY IT HERE

At first glance it may sound weird to buy someone a gift from Amazon, but it’s not!

In fact, a lot of stuff from my wish list is from Amazon (mostly books).

I’m definitely buying my best friend a book from Amazon for Hannukah, although I won’t disclose which book because she actually reads my blog.

However, if you’re looking to gift a book to someone. Might I recommend How to be Alone by Lane Moore or Your Art Will Save Your Life by Beth Pickens?

I assume Amazon will do something for Cyber Monday, although I don’t think they’re doing anything site-wide for Black Friday. It does look like they have deals on certain things.

Shop on Amazon Here

6. Missguided

Gold Look Diamante Cross Body Chain, $24 (12 with discount code)

BUY IT HERE

The good thing about Missguided is that every time I hop on their site it seems that they have a 50% discount code (same with Nasty Gal), so maybe you don’t need to hop on this deal so quickly.

But, chances are most of your friends (and if you have sisters like me) love their stuff, so you can definitely snag some goodies.

I’m loving that cross body chain, and am also contemplating this leopard dress since I’ve been needing something summery, but also fam appropriate. I will probably wait until Cyber Monday to see if they do deeper discounts.

Check out Missguided’s Black Friday sale HERE

Leopard Print Satin Wrap Tea Dress, $48 ($24 with current deal)

BUY IT HERE

7. Lulus

Blaire Black Striped Ribbed Bodycon Sweater Dress, $54 (Currently $40.50 with the sale)

BUY IT HERE

I personally haven’t shopped at Lulus in a while (mostly because I haven’t been shopping much at all lately), but one of my sisters buys a lot of stuff from there, and while I was browsing for her, I found some stuff for me (naturally).

I actually saw a sweater similar to the dress above at Revolve, but I think I might like the dress version better — and they actually have it in an XS! However, I’m not really impressed with the deal…so I’m definitely going to wait it out until Cyber Monday and see what they’re offering. Their current deal is 25-90% off everything with code BF20, but most of the new stuff is just 25% off.

Shop Lulus Black Friday sale here. 

I also fell in love with the below skirt suit thingie…although I’ll probably never buy it for myself, maybe you can and I’ll live vicariously through you.

Starshine Metallic Silver Blazer, $87 ($65.25 with the current sale)

BUY IT NOW

BONUS TIP FOR SAVING $: If you fly United as your primary airline like I do, there’s an easy (well, easy enough) way to get airline points just for shopping. Download the app MileagePlus X, and use their platform to shop at stores like Banana Republic, American Eagle, Amazon, and more.

Is there somewhere else I should be checking out on Cyber Monday? LMK!

Here’s my honest Deux Reines Review based on the two outfits I received from them last month.

If you’ve read my blog before, you know that I’m a tough critic when it comes to e-tailers. And it’s not because I’m accustomed to couture, I’m just sick of brands taking advantage of their customers by charging high prices for very low quality.

Recently I received two outfits from Deux Reines, an online store.

Both were cute two-piece matching outfits, which are my fave because It’s like three outfits in one. I got the ‘Zahara’ Striped Crop Top and Pants Set, and the ‘Alexi’ 2 Piece Mini Bandage Set. I got both in size Small (they didn’t offer XS).

Here are some pics of me in both looks, and the pros and cons of my entire shopping experience with Deux Reines.

My Deux Reines Review

The Zahara Set

The Good:

• The packaging was prime

Nice packaging is underrated, and when I got my package from Deux Reines, I was immediately impressed. My clothing was folded nicely and delivered in a fancy black, super sturdy labeled box. Included inside was a nice letter thanking me for my purchase.

The Alexi Set

The Bad:

• Shipping was very slow

I paid $25 for 2-day shipping in hopes of receiving my goodies before my trip to China, but my stuff wasn’t even shipped until 2+ days after I had placed my order.

• The clothing quality was poor

I would compare the clothing quality to a little worse than the average Forever 21 piece. The striped pants set was do-able, just very thin. The bandage set, on the other hand, was pretty awful. Before I even wore it, the hems started rolling upwards.

• The prices were high for the quality

I know $50 for a two piece set is not a lot, but when the quality is this rough, I expect things to be cheaper — or at least for the pieces to be sold separately so you can purchase a different sized top and bottom.

• They don’t offer XS or XL

I’ve accepted at this point that ever since my surgery in January, I need an XS if I want my clothes to fit me right. Unfortunately, since Deux Reines didn’t have XS, I hoped the bandage set at least would be tight and stretchy. However, that wasn’t the case. Both items were fine to wear in photos, but realistically they weren’t as flattering on me since they were both a bit big on my waist and hips. I expected better from something bandage.

Because of the fit and quality of the items I got, I’m not sure if I really see myself wearing either again…but here are photos of how I styled the sets anyway!

I hope you enjoyed my Deux Reines review and it helped inform you about purchasing from them! If there are certain places you’d like me to review — let me know!

Photos in the yellow set by @george_m0reira

Photos in the striped set by @_juliogphoto_

Wondering where to buy a leather harness for women? Whether you’re looking to splurge on something nice made with authentic leather, or looking for a cheaper alternative, I’ve got you covered!

Ever since I interned at BCBG during fashion week in the summer of 2013, I’ve wanted a leather harness to wear over my t-shirts, tank tops, etc.

Unfortunately, it didn’t make sense for me to spend over $100 on a leather harness back then, and honestly still probably doesn’t now.

However, whether you’re looking for a nice leather harness for women or a cheap pleather one, I’ve got you covered with where to look!

Where To Buy a Leather Harness For Women

1. Amazon

If you’re ever looking for good accessories or basic fashion items on the low, I always recommend checking out Amazon first. I got a great pair of bike shorts there a few months back, and the harness I’m wearing in these photos is from there too!

This harness is not the greatest quality in the world, and was a little big on me (the smallest size they list is for a 29″ waist, I have a 24″ waist), but I used some fashion tape to hold down the overhang on the straps and made it work. And for just $15, that’s fine with me.

BUY THE HARNESS HERE

2. Zana Bayne

If you’ve got money to blow on a nicely made, authentic leather harness, Zana Bayne is the way to go.

Also, fun fact about me, my first “published” article ever (as an intern at Galore) was about Zana Bayne—I’ve come a long way since then. And, so has Zana, who’s pieces have been seen on Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and even Lil Uzi Vert.

While I’ve never purchased a harness from Zana Bayne, I have some chokers from there that are super legit and definitely help you to make an entrance. Unfortunately, making an entrance also comes in the form of random dudes asking you “what’s on your neck?”

It’s Chrystie Harness weather 🌹 #ZanaBayne

A post shared by ZANA BAYNE (@zanabayne) on Jul 26, 2018 at 10:12pm PDT

Their harnesses run from around $195 to $400, which really isn’t bad considering they’re custom made to order, real leather, and gorgeous—just be aware that they take a few weeks to ship.

Side note: while on their site I fell in love with the Mini Choker Bags, so if anyone has an extra $400 laying around and wants to spoil me, my birthday is coming up in November.

Leather with love 🌹 #ZanaBayne

A post shared by ZANA BAYNE (@zanabayne) on Jul 28, 2018 at 10:37pm PDT

3. Ave Harness

I’m honestly not sure how I came across Ave Harness, but somehow I did and every time their Instagram posts show up on my feed I want to use 100 of the 😍 emoji. While their selection is small, their pieces are really nicely designed and can definitely transition from the streets to the sheets (or to the music festival, etc.).

• Понедельники – совсем не повод для грусти. Поверьте нам. • ⠀ • Model: Full Body Harness «Desire» • Leather colors: black, white, red, beige, brown • Hardware colors: silver, gold ⠀ #ave #ave_harness #leather #bdsm #femdomme #leatherharness #leatherlingerie #leatherfetish #mask #blindfolds

A post shared by AVE (@ave_harness) on May 28, 2018 at 8:30am PDT

Full disclosure, I’ve never bought one of their pieces before so I can’t testify to the quality/fit/etc., but hopefully I will soon! And if you do—tell me about it!

Their pieces run from about $100-140.

4. Yandy

Another place I always turn to for cheap lingerie and accessories? Yandy.

While living in NYC in 2017, you could say I was a bit of a Yandy stan…

I purchased this harness from them, and while it’s definitely not even pretending to be leather, it can definitely be a fun piece for a mere $22.95.

Darque Harness Bra, $22.95

I had the same problem with this harness as I did with the Amazon harness in that it was a little big and slid around my waist, but that’s what I tend to expect when it’s “one size fits all.”

If a full torso harness is too much for you, they have a lot of cool harness-bra type pieces that you can wear under (or over) anything from a cropped tee to a bralette.

5. Dolls Kill

And of course, if you’ve read my other posts, you’ve probably figured out by now that Dolls Kill has some harness pieces too.

To be honest, their selection right now doesn’t have anything that I find to be a quintessential starter harness (the “basics” version of a harness), but if you’re looking for something crazy they definitely have some cool shit, like this neon green leg harness that I wish I had a reason to buy.

Neon Yellow Hip Harness Utility Bag, $36

Other Outfit Deets:

Choker: Lady Love Boutique [buy similar here]

Dress: American Apparel [buy on Depop here]

Shoes: Melissa

Photos by @daniel_sahnn

Do you know another good spot to find leather harness for women? Let me know in the comments!

Looking for an honest Love And Bikinis review before you purchase one of their cute swimsuits? Keep reading…

Okay, when velvet bikinis came out last year, I immediately called them out for being “made for Instagram” in an article for Galore.

But, if you read that article carefully, you’ll see I wrote that I really wanted to feel a velvet bikini in the flesh and try putting it underwater.

Well, this summer, thanks to Love And Bikinis, I finally did.

I chose two swimsuits from Love And Bikinis. The Kylie Velvet Bikini (pictured below), and the Lily Velvet Bikini (pictured further down in this post).

Photo by @daniel_sahn

My Honest Love And Bikinis Review

Now, for the pros, cons, and other notes that are open to interpretation…

PROS:

• Really nice colors, the Kylie is the perfect baby pink (or “my president’s daughter” pink as I like to call it), and the Lily is super bright and punchy.
• Good quality and fit, both are very flattering and supportive (and definitely not flimsy).
• Potential for acceptable tan lines! Unlike many of the other suits I’ve been rocking this summer (look closely and you’ll see my lines from the EG Lux suit I’ve been wearing to death).
• The cut of the bottoms are cheeky enough to keep you on trend, but nowhere near being unacceptable to wear on a family vacation. As Goldilocks would say, they’re juuuuust right.
• You can get them wet! It feels weird at first, but I swam in them without any noticeable issues.

CONS:

• I laid out on a white towel in the Lily suit, and when I got up I noticed a bunch of pink marks on the towel. Not sure if this was because I was profusely sweating (it was over 100 degrees in Vegas), or just because of the suit itself. I haven’t noticed any problems since.
• If you have a bigger bust, definitely size up in the Lily top unless you want your poor boobies squeezed!

OTHER NOTES:

• The colors are great, but if you click the links to the actual bikinis, they’re not super accurate to the colors on the site. If you’re buying a suit and want to know what the actual color is, I’d check their Instagram page instead of their website.
• They run a little small, or at least smaller than many other brands. I’m wearing a small in both suits and the top in the Lily was a bit small (hence why I went for the underboob look in some photos). Normally I wear an XS bottom and a S-M top in bikinis.
• Under $100 for the whole set, which may be cheap to some or expensive to others. I can say that the quality is definitely worth the price.

P.S. I’m sure you can tell, but the photo of me in the Kylie bikini was taken by a photographer and the rest were taken by my little sister without any editing, judge accordingly.

P.P.S. I got the hat from The Maine’s merch tent at Warped Tour, but it appears to be sold out on their website. You can get a similar one here from Sad Boy Crew.

I hope you enjoyed my Love And Bikinis Review and that I gave you all the info you needed to be an informed online shopper! If you’ve had any mishaps with velvet swimwear or “Instagram bikinis” in general, feel free to leave me a comment!

Still looking for a swim suit? Check out my review of Goodbye Bread swimwear, Missguided swimwear, and list of swimsuits that cover your stomach.