Latest news with #EllenMcAlpine
CNN
27-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
Recharge after the long weekend with nearly half off on editor-loved eye masks
De-puff and unwind following the holiday weekend with a pair of trusty under-eye patches. Luckily, one of our favorite sets from Grace & Stella is lower than its Memorial Day discount and is even matching the price we saw during Amazon's spring Prime Day. Grace & Stella's line of vegan skin care products is expert- and editor-approved for good reason: They're safe for a variety of skin types, are an affordable option compared to other trendy competitors and come individually wrapped for added protection. While we've covered the brand's products in the past, this beauty deal on its energizing masks is worth snagging now that it's discounted by 45%. Grace & Stella Energizing Eye Masks, 24 Pairs Our best budget under-eye patch pick is almost half off for a limited time at Amazon. They stayed in place during testing and became a staple in our editor's daily routine. The masks are packed with powerhouse ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, helping brighten the area over time. Throw on these eye masks after a restless night of sleep for a quick refresh. Tester and updates writer Ellen McAlpine added this pair to her morning routine and noticed her puffy, dark circles fading with each use. They left minimal residue and avoided slipping down her face. Plus, they're formulated for use on sensitive, acne-prone and other skin types. Consider gifting these in self-care packages as a bachelorette gift or as a party favor for weddings. Ringing in at $0.66 a piece, they're individually wrapped, making it easy to put them into gift bags. Finding a discount this steep on one of our best-tested products is a rare find. Our deals editors weren't expecting this 24-pack to drop this low following the long weekend, but we're stoked to see that the Memorial Day sales are still going strong. This deal brings Grace & Stella's popular masks down to their second-best price. When we last partnered with the brand for an exclusive offer, we were able to get them down to just $14. Since then, the pack hasn't dipped beyond $16, which makes this discount more enticing. The Underscored deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals each morning to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted footwear to deals at mega retailers, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure they're finding the best buys for our readers.
CNN
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
20 best spring dresses you'll never want to take off, according to stylists and editors
From T-shirt dresses to romantic floral frocks, we're on the brink of one of our favorite seasons (fashion-wise, at least): spring dress season. They're the backbone of warm weather style, after all. Throwing on a pretty, flattering dress is one of the easiest ways to look chic and pulled-together. To jump-start your spring wardrobe, I consulted three professional stylists about shopping for spring dresses and tapped Underscored editors for their recommendations too. Old Navy Fit & Flare Sleeveless Linen-Blend Midi Dress A floral dress complete with pockets, this breezy spring style makes for one of the easiest outfits you can pull together. It comes in regular sizing up to size 4X, as well as petites and a tall range. Plus, the price is just right. Naggoo Wrap V-Neck Mini Dress Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus says this floral Amazon dress provides enough coverage to wear to the office and is just the right length for when the weather starts to warm up. It comes in a variety of floral colors and some other spring-ready prints too. By Anthropologie The Nina Short-Sleeve Mock-Neck Mod Mini Dress If florals aren't you're thing, this print is a mod nod to the spring trend without being too on the nose. Updates writer Ellen McAlpine added the style to her closet and says, "The shift silhouette is comfortable, flattering and versatile. The fabric feels more like a sweater dress, so it's been a great piece for the in-between seasons' weather." It comes in six other prints and colors, all in petite and plus sizes too. Hill House Home The Matilda Dress Hill House Home is one of our favorite places to shop for timeless spring dresses, and Sarah Tam, Rent the Runway's chief merchant officer, agrees. "This Hill House Home dress, with its ballet-inspired neckline, smocked back, puffed sleeves and a sprinkling of delicate flowers, embodies both femininity and fashion-forward elegance, making it a perfect choice for spring," she says. Petal & Pup Tillie One-Shoulder Maxi Dress This elegant one-shoulder dress will take you through spring garden parties, weddings and any other special occasions. The simple silhouette is surprisingly forgiving, and the retro-inspired florals are even prettier in person. I can't wait to wear it to a summertime soirée. Just be aware that the style runs a little large, so I would size down if you're on the fence. Merokeety 3/4-Balloon-Sleeve Midi Dress We're all about comfort, and this T-shirt dress provides just that. A few of our editors tried it out, and we love the soft jersey material and the cinched waist that gives it a lovely silhouette. A great option for work or a day off, the laidback style comes in nine striped our review Maggy London Placed Print Stretch Cotton Midi Shirtdress Cindy Conroy, celebrity stylist and TV host, loves the statement-making print of this style, along with its short-sleeved silhouette. The illustrated palm trees and tropical landscape are fit for your next getaway. Tuckernuck Black Double-Face Flannel Gianna Dress Made with a heavy, soft flannel that's great for transitioning seasons, this dress is "perfect for the minimalist woman who likes her wardrobe to be more on the neutral side," stylist and style coach Samantha Dawn says. The simple neckline and belted waist gives it what Dawn calls a "a classy yet feminine vibe." Madewell Seamed Mini Dress Madewell makes some of our favorite denim. This shirtdress uses the brand's signature Airy Denim, which is a cotton and Tencel blend that is light and soft. This means it isn't as rigid as other denim dresses and instead has a figure-skimming, flowy fit. Patagonia Amber Dawn Dress Newsletter editor Lindsey Smith says this organic cotton dress is "super comfortable and flattering." It has crossed straps and an easy fit-and-flare silhouette. "I love that it comes in a variety of colors," she says. "I have the black one and pair it with a denim jacket and sandals, but it also looks equally as good with sneakers." o.p.t Evie Cotton Dress If you're a fan of trendy brands like Reformation, Staud and Dôen and want to get the look for less, retailer Few Moda is the key. Many of the styles it sells are made by the same manufacturers of the brands you already know but are available at a fraction of the cost with a cheap monthly membership. I love this sweet cotton frock from o.p.t for spring, inspired by a $250 designer style. Hyacinth House Pink Tweed Kit Minidress Stylist Katie Schuppler loves this pretty pink number. "This dress is a great option to rock the 'prep' trend without leaning too much into it," she says. "It's feminine, classy and classic while still being fashion forward." Hill House Home Corinne Nap Dress "Marrying elegant, demure style with grungy plaid is a tall order, yet this dress delivers," Conroy says. The cottage core-inspired silhouette adds a touch of romance, while the plaid cotton can carry you through multiple seasons. Endless Rose Sequin Chiffon Maxi Dress A special occasion calls for some sequins and chiffon. Schuppler says this dress is "a great option for a daytime party but could also be worn for an evening event as well. It's whimsical yet sexy." According to the stylist, pistachio is a hue we'll see a lot of this spring. Kimchi Blue Virginia One-Shoulder Bow Midi Dress Testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy is on the hunt for a party dress for spring and summer, and loves the flirty details of this polka-dotted dress. The ruffle trim and bows give it an extra-festive feel. Bardot Adoni Mesh Maxi Dress "I splurged on this dress last spring, and it quickly became a staple in my wardrobe," associate testing writer Carolina Gazal says. "I've dressed it up with heels for weddings and even wore it with a denim jacket and flats." The lace overlay dress comes in several shades, including a trendy butter yellow, Aqua, Lilac and more. Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress A year-round favorite, this simple dress comes in 18 colors and prints. "This slip dress is a perfect base layer for the spring," Smith says. "It's gorgeous on its own, but there are so many different ways you can wear it by layering other pieces." Endless Rose Sleeveless Textured Midi Dress "The embroidery of this dress is so unique and could be used for more than your next beach vacation," Dawn says of this midi dress. It comes in seven colors, from vacation-ready ivory to this deep Wine shade that's been everywhere this year. Never Fully Dressed Safari Erin Dress This satin dress could easily be dressed up or down. "The color and the subtle print of this dress adds so much personality to your personal style without looking tacky," Dawn says. "The dress is classy and fun." It's also a size-inclusive option, coming in plus sizes and petites. Banana Republic Stretch-Poplin Long Midi Dress "A strategically placed cutout adds a daring touch to this ultra-feminine spring dress," Conroy says, adding, "I love that it's in one of the most-talked-about hues of the season: fruity red." The cotton style features a sweetheart neckline, gathered waist and full skirt for a comfortable and flattering effect. Because spring can look so different across the map, the season's trends don't always translate for your locale. That's why the stylists say to focus on the silhouette, length and versatility of your dress options, rather than focusing on trend-driven details. 'I would pay attention to the cut of the dress as that changes your visual shape overall,' Dawn says. 'Different strap widths can affect the shape of your shoulders, while the skirt volume can affect your overall proportions.' Conroy says to ask yourself, 'What makes you feel beautiful and comfortable?' This can mean opting for a long-sleeved dress in an airy material so you still get that coverage or choosing a style that works with flats. 'Remember that a spring dress doesn't always have to include towering heels,' she says. If you like to have fun with trends, the Schuppler says bohemian dresses, preppy styles and pistachio green are ones to watch. Dawn adds powder pink, chartreuse and icy blue to the trending colors, while lace patterns and bold florals are making a comeback too. The following FAQs have been answered by stylists Cindy Conroy, Samantha Dawn and Katie Schuppler. How do you style a spring dress? How do you style a spring dress? 'Some places are still cold, so if this is the case for you, I would layer the spring dress with tall boots and a blazer or bomber jacket,' Dawn says. 'You could also pair your sundresses with sneakers for a more casual look.' Conroy adds that you can strike a balance with a sweater dress and ballet flats. If the weather permits, embrace the warmth and 'start styling your dresses with open-toe sandals or loafers,' Dawn says. What is the best fabric for a spring dress? What is the best fabric for a spring dress? The stylists recommend light fabrics that are good for layering. 'Cotton and linen will be your most breathable fabrics to wear,' Dawn says. 'Silk is also a natural fiber that can make you feel more luxurious in your dress.' Other more formal suggestions from Conroy include chiffon, crepe, organza and tulle. 'On chilly mornings or evenings, simply layer with a linen sweater, cotton cable knit or cotton-silk cardigan for added warmth,' Conroy says. What colors are best for a spring dress? What colors are best for a spring dress? Schuppler says pastels are a typical choice, 'but those colors don't always look good on everyone.' The stylist adds that you can choose pops of color or neutrals that are complementary to your skin tone. White or cream are always a good option, according to Dawn. She says you can also go bold with color. 'I love the lavenders and powder pinks that make your dresses have an even more feminine feeling,' she says. Meanwhile, Conroy calls out on-trend shades for spring like baby blue, olive and orangey-tomato red. For this article, we consulted the following stylists to gain their professional insights on the best spring dresses. Cindy Conroy, fashion expert and TV personality Samantha Dawn, stylist and style coach Katie Schuppler, Chicago-based wardrobe stylist, personal shopper and founder of KS Style Consulting CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw consulted three professional stylists to find the best spring dresses of the season.
CNN
31-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
The 26 best tote bags for hauling your essentials, recommended by stylists and editors
In a perfect world, we'd leave home with just the basics: a phone, a wallet and keys. But the reality is, there's usually much more to haul around than our hands or pockets can carry. Equal parts fashion and function, tote bags are the perennial solution for carrying everything you need for the day, and anything else you might pick up along the way. Fortunately, totes bags never go out of style, but finding the perfect one — the one that can carry all your must-haves without adding bulk — is easier said than done. To help you find a bag up to the task, we reached out to stylists and tapped our very own product-schlepping editors for their favorite tote bags that are spacious enough to hold it all. Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote Underscored updates writer Ellen McAlpine says she's long been obsessed with her Longchamp Le Pliage Tote. 'It's durable, easy to clean, holds everything for my daily work commute but can also be packed for a weekend away,' McAlpine says. 'I've had one for nearly 10 years and the leather is still intact.' Clare V. Le Box Tote Sportif For a tote with a sportier edge, Allison Berlin, stylist and founder of Style Made Simple, likes this Clare V bag, which is made from durable nylon ripstop fabric. With 11 inches of height, width and depth, it's a more modest size than other oversized totes on this list, but it's still plenty spacious enough to hold your phone, keys, wallet and other odds and ends. Grab it in one of three color options: black, mocha or army green. Boat and Tote Zip-Top Bag One of the very best canvas totes you can buy, bags are about as classic as they come. Made in Maine, these heavyweight canvas totes also have reinforced handles and double stitched seams to ensure they last for years. You can choose from four sizes, 12 color options and even optional personalization to make the bag your own. Montana West Hobo Bag After this bag went viral last year as an affordable alternative for Coach's slouchy Brooklyn Shoulder Bag, associate editor Rachel Dennis tested it for herself. A bag made for practical folks, Dennis appreciated the sturdy construction of this faux-leather bag, plus its comfy straps and zippered center pouch that keeps everything from getting jumbled. Read our review Quince Italian Leather Small Handwoven Tote Editor-loved Quince is a great place to shop for quality basics at a fraction of the cost. Both Berlin and founder of Style Yourself Chic, Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, called out this simple leather tote from the brand, which has a touch more richness and pizzazz than other basic bags thanks to the textured woven design. Baggu Horizontal Zip Duck Bag A longstanding devotee of the Baggu Duck Bag, editorial director Chelsea Stone has seen many iterations of this tote. 'My love for these spacious carryalls (of which I own several) has only grown over the years thanks to improvements, like the zipper, and Baggu's penchant for releasing new, fun patterns,' Stone says. 'What I find most useful is the adjustable strap, so you can wear the bag over your shoulder as a tote or lengthen it to make it a crossbody bag.' Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag We know firsthand that you can get a functional and stylish handbag from Amazon, including this under-$50 Lovevook bag that can store your laptop, notebooks and more with ease. Made of water- and scratch-resistant materials, this tote comes in over 35 colors, so whether you want to make a fashion statement with a bold red or green or opt for a neutral beige or black, there's an option for everyone. Cuyana Classic Easy Zipper Tote 'The butter soft leather of this lightweight carryall looks and feels so luxurious,' personal stylist Joy Asibey-Gabriel says. 'It comes in two versions but this one with the hidden zipper is my favorite.' Rothy's The Lightweight Tote Just like Rothy's iconic shoes, its sturdy tote bags are also washable. Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus loves that between toting this roomy bag to the beach or the office, all it takes is a quick machine wash to make it look brand new again. Dagne Dover Signature Tote Dagne Dover makes some of our favorite bags that can carry everything from work files to diapers. Chenoweth likes this coated canvas tote, which is a departure from the brand's well-known neoprene material, and features a padded laptop sleeve, plus organization compartments for keeping your office gear and after office gear in order. It also comes in two size options: one for a 13-inch laptop and one for a 15-inch device. Large Hand-Knotted Packable Tote Bag Perfect for your next warm weather or beach getaway, Berlin likes that this tote lays flat for easy packing in your luggage. Plus, the interior pocket is handy for keeping your keys, sunglasses and sunscreen secure and easily in reach. Naghedi St. Barths Medium Tote As a mom of three, personal stylist Alex Lamb says she loves this Naghedi tote bag. 'I have the medium size and it fits my newborn's essentials plus any snacks and items for my big kids,' Lamb says. Telfar Medium Shopping Bag Reviews editor Tobey Grumet Segal says it's hard to resist buying more than one Telfar bag, and personally now owns this medium-sized bag in three different colors. 'The best part is, when you rock a Telfar, you become part of a community,' Grumet Segal says. 'No matter where I am, I can count on someone coming over and giving me a compliment — which is always a nice surprise. Plus, I can fit a laptop and all my personal items, so it's perfect for work as well as travel.' Loeffler Randall Medium Tote Combining straw and Italian leather, this Loeffler Randall bag is the perfect accessory for your casual and flowy spring dresses. Choose from one of two straw pairings to accent the espresso-colored leather; a light, natural brown or a deep, red-tinted chestnut. Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote A modern bucket bag that adds a touch of cool to any look, this minimalist Madewell tote loved by wardrobe consultant and stylist Taissha G. LaReau will age beautifully over time thanks to the full grain leather design. Mansur Gavriel Everyday Soft Leather Tote If a chic work tote is what you're after, both Lamb and LaReau like this luxurious yet understated leather tote from Mansur Gavriel. At nearly $800, this bag is definitely an investment, but its minimalist look and spacious design will make it a versatile option in your wardrobe. Chenoweth is also a fan of the brand's Large Zip Tote style, which is slightly smaller than the Everyday Tote. Baggu Small Cloud Carry-On If you travel a lot or want something super casual for daily use, online personal stylist Dacy Gillespie likes this Baggu tote, which fits under airplane seats and folds up neatly into a matching storage pouch when empty. Lands' End Five Pocket Zip Top Canvas Tote Bag 'The is the classic tote bag, but I'm going to dare to say that this Lands' End tote is an improvement over the original because it has lots of interior pockets and the option for a zip top,' Gillespie says. Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman also enjoys rocking this tote for running errands, picking up household necessities or hitting a workout class. Cuyana System 16-Inch Laptop Leather Tote LaReau says this leather tote from Cuyana is 'perfect for professionals looking for a refined yet functional bag.' You can even opt to purchase a matching laptop sleeve, flap bag or storage pouch for more customized organization options. Kule The Etna Tote A playful patterned bag that's suited for anywhere from the beach to the grocery store, this cotton tote has a zip-top closure to make sure all your goods remain well secured. Reiss Delphine Tote It doesn't get much more sleek than this black leather tote from Reiss. Simple gold accents embellish this structured bag, which can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, making it ideal to the person who likes to keep all their creature comforts nearby while still looking incredibly chic. Tom Bihn Monster Truck A multi-purpose and monster-sized bag, this Tom Bihn tote is designed for carrying grocery hauls. Testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy is a fan of the bag's large 38-liter capacity and its three-compartment design that helps to keep everything organized. 'I also love that it has a rigid bottom, which keeps things from jostling around, front and back pockets, and a glossy inner lining which helps with leaks,' Uy says. 'And the handles are large enough to comfortably sling over your shoulders even when the bag is full.' Tumi Voyageur Just in Case Packable Nylon Tote LaReau says this Tumi tote is a travel-friendly option. Made with durable nylon, multiple compartments for staying organized and a trolley sleeve for easy airport navigation, it's spacious enough to pack in for a weekend getaway too. Clare V. Summer Simple Tote 'I adore bright pops of color and a cheeky slogan, and this tote delivers,' Asibey-Gabriel says. With a cherry red and turquoise color-block combo, this crocheted Clare V tote makes a statement while still being large enough to hold a 17-inch laptop if you need. You can also snag it in a black and white checkered combo too. Able Selam Tote On top of being ethically made in Ethiopia, Gillespie also likes that this Able bag is slim, while still having enough room for a laptop. Plus, the three roomy organizational pockets make sure nothing goes missing. Vee Collective Porter Basque Matt Black Bag Ideal for whatever life throws at you, this Vee Collective bag is made of water- and stain-resistant fabrics. 'This is a perfect tote for running around whether you're going to the gym, you have a new baby or you're traveling,' Lamb says, and also notes the plethora of compartments that help to keep everything tidy. As fashionable as they may be, tote bags are first and foremost about function. 'You want one that can take you on a trip as a carry-on, a catchall for your kids' or grandkids' items, something that you could take to the local farmers market or even use as an everyday bag when you wear a lot of different hats throughout the day,' LaRussa Chenoweth says. The first thing to consider is how much space you'll need in your tote. You want a bag large enough to comfortably hold what you need — be it a laptop, water bottle, journal, sneakers or something else. To help keep everything organized, Berlin says to look for bags with interior pockets or pouches included. Because totes are so spacious, you can either look for options that come with interior pockets, like Berlin mentions, or you can even add your own organization solutions. 'I also love the trick of placing my 'daily essentials' in a small zip-top bag that can easily be dropped into my tote or any everyday handbag,' LaRussa Chenoweth says. She adds that another good feature to keep an eye out for is a zip or magnetic closure at the bag's opening to prevent items from falling out. Our stylists also recommended checking the length of the bag's shoulder strap and, if you're shopping in person, trying it on before you buy. 'You want it to comfortably fit on your shoulder and under your arm for ease of carrying,' LaRussa Chenoweth says. 'If you are someone that likes to be hands free, see if you can find one with a shoulder strap and a crossbody strap.' The following FAQs have been answered by wardrobe consultant and stylist Taissha G. LaReau and cleaning expert Jolie Kerr. What are the best materials for tote bags? What are the best materials for tote bags? Tote bags come in a wide selection of materials. The best material for you will depend mainly on what you plan to use your bag for. For a work tote, many of the stylists we talked to recommended investing in a quality leather tote, both for aesthetics and long-term durability. 'Full grain leather is the gold standard for durability,' LaReau says. 'While coated canvas or nylon are lighter, more weather-resistant options.' Canvas totes are a popular choice for more casual style, since they're durable and have the added benefit of being easy to clean at home. Additionally, LeReau says that you'll want to look for bags that have reinforced double-stitched straps to help prevent wear and tear. She adds that a great tote should have interior organization features like separated compartments, zippered pockets and a laptop sleeve. What is the best way to wash a tote bag? What is the best way to wash a tote bag? Your tote bag may or may noy be washable depending on the material. For instance, you'll never want to douse a leather tote bag in water, but you can gently clean, condition and protect it with the help of some specialized products. Canvas tote bags can be machine washed, but should always be air dried. If your bag comes out wrinkled from the wash, cleaning expert Jolie Kerr says you can run an iron over it to help restore its appearance. To take it a step further, coat the bag in a spray starch to give it an even crisper look and help keep it from getting wrinkled while in use. Though unlikely, some non-canvas tote bag styles like those from Rothy's, may be machine washable, but you'll want to check the brand's care instructions before taking any action. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights: Joy Asibey-Gabriel, personal stylist based in Toronto Allison Berlin, stylist and founder of Style Made Simple Dacy Gillespie, online personal stylist Alex Lamb, personal stylist Taissha G. LaReau, wardrobe consultant and stylist Megan LaRussa Chenoweth, style coach and founder of Style Yourself Chic Here at Underscored, we make it our job to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don't just find them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product we recommend is worthy of your money. In addition to hands-on testing products, we also consult top experts to understand what features, benefits and possible downsides each item offers. We also seek out important considerations and advice from our experts to help give you the information you need to make smarter shopping decisions. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy, consulted six professional stylists for their tote bag recommendations and sourced Underscored editors for their go-to totes.
