How to Write a Resume With Little or Irrelevant…

When it comes down to it, the resume is your greatest marketing tool—it highlights your skills and expertise and shows potential employers why you’re the best fit for their organization. So, needless to say, writing the perfect resume can be a challenge.

But, what if you’re just starting out and have very little experience under your belt? Or, what if you’re making a career transition and think you don’t have relevant job experience to share? This makes crafting the perfect resume that much more challenging (as if it needed to be any harder).

But there’s no need to panic. Here are five tips to write a powerful resume—how to highlight your best attributes and clinch that prized interview even if you have very little or completely irrelevant job experience.

 

1. Analyze the Job Description

This is a must when you’re applying for any job, but it’s particularly essential when you need to appropriately tailor or expand on your professional history in order to present yourself as qualified.

Before even opening up a blank document and putting your name at the top, take the time to go through the job description with a fine-tooth comb. Are there key words like leadership, communication, or organization that keep popping up? Do they list Photoshop expertise as a desired skill? Is there a certain line of the description that makes you think, “Hey, that’s totally me!”

Getting a solid handle on the specific qualifications they’re searching for is incredibly important for helping you appropriately tweak and target your resume. Once you’re armed with the details of what they consider a perfect candidate, injecting some of that information into your own document (while still being honest, of course!) will be much easier.

 

2. Play Up Your Skills

Whether you have little to no job experience or experience that doesn’t directly correlate to the job you’re applying for, this tactic will be beneficial. When drafting a resume, make the effort to place the majority of your emphasis on your skills and knowledge, rather than past experience.

What exactly does this mean? Well, it all starts at the top of your resume where the key skills section should appear. This portion is typically a bulleted piece that highlights your strongest expertise—such as public speaking, database management, or search engine optimization. This is the perfect place to insert any skills they listed in the job description that you possess. Think of it as your chance to demonstrate your quality and relevancy.

When emphasizing skills, it’s also important to broaden your view a bit—especially if you have very little professional work experience. Did you have a college internship that refined your project management skills? Have you become a master at creating graphics for your personal blog? Did you volunteer for a community project that made you a great team leader?

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the skills you list on your resume need to be the direct result of a previous professional position. As long as you can successfully demonstrate those abilities, go ahead and list them—it really doesn’t matter where you learned them.

 

3. Write an Impactful Summary

If you’re anything like me, the “About” page on websites and blogs is one of your favorites. It’s great to learn a little bit more about a particular person in their own words. Think of the summary at the top of your resume in the same way: It’s your opportunity to step away from short, bulleted fragments and share a little bit about yourself.

Some resume writers disagree, but the standard objective statement is a thing of the past. Instead, begin your resume with a powerful professional summary. This short paragraph introduces you as a candidate and expands on your resume’s details in order to show why you’re a perfect fit for the open position.

It goes without saying that you should use this section as your opportunity to shine. Instead of simply rewording and reiterating everything already listed on your resume, use this space to expand on all of those skills that make you a fit for the position. The summary is one of the first things a hiring manager will read, so make sure it’s top-notch and targeted! Injecting a little personality never hurts.

 

4. Polish Your Positions

Yes, you want to showcase your skills. But that doesn’t mean you can ditch the standard descriptions of your positions completely. While you could utilize a functional format resume, which is categorized based on area of expertise rather than previous jobs, most recruiters agree that those are significantly more difficult to read. Instead, tailor the descriptions of your previous positions to make them as powerful as possible.

Need an example? Let’s say you’ve worked part-time at a customer call center through college and now are looking to transition to your first professional job in marketing. Instead of listing one of your duties as something basic like, “Answered customer calls” try “Fostered continuous brand loyalty by providing high quality customer service over the phone.” It’s the same duty, but the second one sounds better and mentioning brand loyalty demonstrates relevancy in the marketing field.

You always want to be honest and avoid filling your resume up with large, complex phrases that don’t add any actual value. But, finding common threads between your past positions and the one you’re applying for will help put your resume on the top of the pile.

 

5. Play with Structure

For the most part, resumes are pretty cut and dried—there are certain things you need to have. But, that doesn’t mean you don’t have any room for flexibility.

If you’re someone that has a relatively extensive history with a variety of different positions, there’s no rule stating that you need to have a detailed description of all of them. Instead, provide more detail on the ones that are at least somewhat relevant and then add an “Additional Experience” section. Under that header, you can list positions that aren’t as closely related and only include essential information like company, job title, and dates of employment.

Not only does this downplay any unrelated experience in your history a bit, but it also helps free up valuable resume real estate for you to emphasize the things that actually do matter!

There’s no doubt about it, crafting an effective resume is no easy feat. And having very little or completely irrelevant job experience can definitely add fuel to that fire. But, it doesn’t mean you need to throw your hands up and resign yourself to an eternity of constantly working the same job. Put these tactics to work to help you craft a resume that presents you as an accomplished and qualified candidate and get ready for that interview call.

 

How to Show Your Passion in a Cover Letter and Resume

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5 Super Simple Vegetarian Trader Joe’s Recipes

Source: Danielle Moss for The Everygirl

I will shout it from the rooftops until the end of time: Trader Joe’s is the best grocery store to exist. It’s affordable, fairly accessible, and packed full of delicious options to stock your fridge and pantry. I’ve been shopping there regularly since my adulthood began, so as someone who doesn’t eat meat, I’ve nailed down a few vegetarian Trader Joe’s recipes that I go back to time and time again. 

Trader Joe’s is really a vegetarian’s paradise, with tons of meatless options that make great pantry staples and meal bases. I’m someone who generally enjoys cooking and trying new things, but I also have a few go-to recipes that I make at least once a week and don’t get sick of. After years of experimenting and figuring out what works for me, it just so happened that a large majority of these recipes contain ingredients from Trader Joe’s.

Keep reading for five super simple vegetarian recipes that you can make with Trader Joe’s items:

 

1. Hash brown with avocado and a fried egg + Meatless Breakfast Patty

In the first few months of 2021, I saw a TikTok that truly changed my life (that might be dramatic, but it’s kind of true). In this TikTok, a girl shared what she makes for an easy breakfast: a Trader Joe’s hash brown patty topped with avocado and a fried egg. I thought to myself “Wow, that looks good, I’m going to try it,” and now, months later, I eat it for breakfast at least three times a week.

I have truly perfected the process: I put a hash brown patty and a veggie sausage in the air fryer and cook them for about 10 minutes, turning them over halfway through. During the second half of their cooking time, I mash up half an avocado and season it with TJ’s Everything But The Bagel, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (as if I’m making avocado toast) and fry an over-easy egg.

When the hash brown is done, I drizzle it with spicy honey, top with the avocado mixture, sprinkle on some crumbled goat cheese, add the fried egg, drizzle with sriracha, and enjoy the sausage on the side. This meal is so delicious and flavorful—try it and thank me later.

 

2. Fully-Cooked Falafel on a pita with hummus, Tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, and chopped veggies

Hiding under all of these chopped veggies are three Trader Joe’s Fully-Cooked Falafels—I swear. I love falafel as a meat alternative, as it’s nutritious and full of flavor but isn’t a “fake meat.” Trader Joe’s definitely has the best frozen falafel that I’ve tried, so I’m always sure to stock up whenever I go. 

I eat it a lot of different ways (including on its own, dipped in hummus or tzatziki), but my favorite is on a pita as a deconstructed wrap. I cook three falafels in my air fryer (for about eight minutes), and while those are cooking, I chop up whatever veggies I have in my fridge and need to eat—usually cherry tomatoes, red onion, mini cucumbers, bell peppers, and sometimes avocado. 

Then, I lightly toast a piece of whole grain pita, spread a layer of hummus on it, add the falafel, and then top that with tzatziki, the chopped veggies, feta cheese crumbles, and a bit of sriracha. 

 

3. Vegetable Fried Rice cooked in Island Soyaki sauce + Thai Vegetable Gyoza

You might be seeing a pattern now: The TJ’s frozen section is my (and all vegetarians’) best friend. I’ve been obsessed with this veggie fried rice for a very long time, but it took me a minute to figure out what I like best on the side. After trying lots of things like meatless orange chicken, vegetable spring rolls, and more, I landed on these Thai Vegetable Gyoza (which I also cook in my air fryer—sorry, everything frozen is just so much better cooked in the air fryer). 

For the fried rice, I prepare it from frozen on the stove in a large pan. Personally, I like to add extra frozen edamame and corn (also from Trader Joe’s) because why not? Once the rice is almost done, I add this Island Soyaki sauce. If you haven’t tried it yet, definitely pick it up on your next TJ’s run; it’s a cult favorite for a reason. If I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll also fry an egg in the same pan and mix that into the rice. 

Once that’s done, take your gyoza out of the air fryer, get a side of your favorite dipping sauce (I like sriracha mayo or TJ’s Sweet Thai Chili Sauce), and enjoy. I usually make way too much rice and have leftovers, which are perfect for lunch the next day.

 

4. Cauliflower Gnocchi with pesto, balsamic glaze, and crumbled goat cheese

You didn’t think I’d get through this whole list without mentioning Cauliflower Gnocchi, did you? I know you’ve heard about it, probably have tried it, and may even have some in your freezer right now. Listen up: If you were left unimpressed by this gnocchi in the past (or any of TJ’s gnocchis), there is hope. It’s all about how it’s prepared.

Step one: Ignore the instructions on the bag. To get the perfect consistency, you have to either pan fry these with a bit of olive oil or make them in an air fryer (my preferred method, of course). I like gnocchi soft on the inside but crispy on the outside, and I finally figured out how to achieve that. I put the frozen gnocchi in the air fryer on a piece of foil with a little bit of olive oil and cook for about five minutes. Then I take it out, add a little more olive oil, and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese, then put it back in for five more minutes.

Once it’s done cooking to the consistency I like best, I add Trader Joe’s vegan pesto and goat cheese crumbles and drizzle with balsamic glaze. This method is definitely my favorite that I’ve tried, and it tastes great with other types of gnocchi—such as Outside-In Stuffed or Kale Gnocchi—as well.

 

5. Old Fashioned Organic Oats sweetened with raw agave + a dollop of natural peanut butter

This might seem basic, but I’m a long-time oatmeal lover, and I would say that finding a good one is a little bit difficult. There are so many different types and cooking methods, and a lot of oatmeals have unnecessary added sugars. So when I first tried Trader Joe’s Old Fashioned Organic Oats, I knew that they were the ones for me. The only ingredient is oats, so you can decide for yourself how you want to add flavor or sweetness.

I prepare mine in the microwave with vanilla almond milk, and then add cinnamon and Organic Raw Blue Agave to achieve the best flavor. They’re sweet without being too sweet, and agave is a great natural sugar alternative. Depending on what I’m feeling, I also like to top my oats with a dollop of natural peanut butter, and then add banana or whatever other fruit I have on hand. 

 

What I Buy From Trader Joe’s When I Want to Have a Healthy Week

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Our Picks From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Source: Jordan McDonnell for The Everygirl

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has earned its status as one of the absolute best sales you can shop. It’s not often that a retailer places absolutely mind-blowing discounts on brand-new arrivals, but every summer, Nordstrom does just that, and has given our closets some of our most-worn pieces of all time at prices that made our wallets sing. We no longer need to wait for the deals that we’ll be blessed with this summer—the 2021 Nordstrom Anniversary sale is officially here.

The date you can access the sale depends on your Nordstrom Card tier level. The dates go as follows:

• July 12: Early access for cardmembers with Icon status
• July 14: Early access for cardmembers with Ambassador status
• July 16: Early access for cardmembers with Influencer status
• July 28: The sale opens up to the general public

Your access will begin on whichever date you qualify for at 3am ET/12am PT online, or on the date during store hours. Regardless of status, the final day of the sale is August 8th.

Sure, hunting for deals is fun, but you know what’s even better? Scoring discounts that someone else already found for you (we’re all about high reward with less effort). We’ve scoured every single page of the sale and have found the absolute best deals you pick up this year. From steal on timeless jewelry that never goes on sale (hello, diamonds) to brand-new drops that you’ll wear for years to come, you’ll want to grab these before they sell out.

 

In this article

1
Sweaters

2
Jackets & Blazers

3
Coats

4
Pants & Jeans

5
Shoes We Love

6
Accessories

7
Activewear

8
Lounging

 

Sweaters

4 colors available

V-Neck Sweater, $69.90

Originally $108.00
Shop now

4 colors available

Ribbed Cardigan, $45.90

Originally $69.00
Shop now

2 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Vince Cashmere Sweater, $179.00

Originally $295.00
Shop now

2 colors available

Half-Zip Sweater, $45.90

Originally $69.00
Shop now

6 colors available

Cashmere Sweater, $69.90

Cashmere rarely goes on sale, and this is the least expensive we’ve ever seen one’s price drop. We’ve already added this to our carts in multiple colors, and will be patting ourselves on the back for having them come fall.

Shop it now

 

Jackets & Blazers

4 colors available

Shirt Jacket, $31.90

Originally $49.00
Shop now

4 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Wubby Jacket, $31.90

Originally $49.00
Shop now

2 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Suede Moto Jacket, $99.90

Originally $188.00
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1.State

Double-Breasted Blazer, $85.90

Originally $129.00
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Coats

The North Face, in stock in all sizes

Down Parka, $224.90

Originally $300.00
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Sam Edelman, in stock in all sizes

Belted Coat, $149.90

Originally $320.00
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2 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Belted Coat, $149.90

Originally $265.00
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2 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Wool Jacket, $249.90

Originally $380.00
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Trench Coat, $227.40

A piece truly worth investing in? A classic trench coat. It’s timeless, seasonless, and is as versatile as a piece can be. This cult-favorite one never goes on sale—until now.

Shop it now

 

Pants & Jeans

BP.

Mom Jeans, $29.90

Originally $45.00
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Levi’s

501 Straight Leg Jeans, $58.00

Originally $89.50
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Paige

Straight Leg Jeans, $149.00

Originally $229.00
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Good American

Coated Jeans, $114.90

Originally $179.00
Shop now

in stock in all sizes

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings, $64.90

If there ever were a Everygirl-endorsed item, it’s these holy grail leggings. Every single one of our editors owns these, wears them to death, and swears by them. The beauty of a faux-leather look while they feel like a legging? You can wear them for just about anything.

Shop it now

 

Source: Jordan McDonnell for The Everygirl

 

Shoes We Love 

 

Nike, in stock in all sizes

Running Shoes, $74.90

Originally $100.00
Shop now

5 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Classic Sneakers, $49.90

Originally $100.00
Shop now

2 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Over-the-Knee Boots, $89.90

Originally $134.95
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4 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Knee-High Boots, $149.00

Originally $225.00
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2 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Water-Resistant Boots, $59.50

These boots sold out in under a week last year—and that was before they were marked down to almost half their original price. These boots are on-trend with their chunkier style, and their water-resistant exterior makes them the perfect footwear for just about anything. (Our fashion editor bought them last year and they were here most-worn boot of the fall!).

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Accessories

Monica Vinader

Textured Chain Necklace, $105.90

Originally $160.00
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Wolf

Travel Jewelry Case

Sale price: $69.90 After sale: $105
Shop now

3 colors available

AllSaints Leather Shoulder Bag, $199.90

Originally $298.00
Shop now

3 colors available

Longchamp Canvas Backpack, $92.90

Originally $140.00
Shop now

3 colors available

Dana Rebecca Diamond Studs, $220.90

When do diamonds go on sale? Never, but these classic, pavé studs are more than $100 off, and come in three different metal colors. These are the kind of earrings you’ll never take off—we’re snagging these before they’re sold out.

Shop it now

 

Source: Jordan McDonnell for The Everygirl

 

Activewear

2 colors available

Nike Racerback Sports Bra, $22.50

Originally $30.00
Shop now

2 colors available

Alo Cropped Tank, $34.90

Originally $54.00
Shop now

2 colors available

Zella Track Jacket, $58.90

Originally $89.00
Shop now

Sweaty Betty, in stock in all sizes

Leopard Leggings, $49.90

Originally $78.00
Shop now

1 color available, in stock in all sizes

Zella 7/8 Leggings, $38.90

This cult-favorite workout legging is famous for never slipping down, being completely opaque, and being all-around one of the best pairs of leggings to work out in.

Shop it now

3 colors available

Beyond Yoga Cropped Tank, $45.90

Originally $74.00
Shop now

3 colors available

Beyond Yoga Midi Leggings

Originally $97.00
Shop now

Lounging

3 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Barefoot Dreams Cardigan, $69.90

Originally $116.00
Shop now

3 colors available

Fleece Sweatshirt, $49.20

Originally $68.00
Shop now

1 color available, in stock in all sizes

Beyond Yoga Joggers, $57.90

Originally $88.00
Shop now

2 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Zella Plus Joggers, $45.90

Originally $60.00
Shop now

6 colors available

Ugg Slippers, $69.90

Because of their classic appeal, Uggs are something you never see go on sale, so we’re snagging a pair of these slippers while we have the chance and are planning on wearing them for years to come.

Shop it now

2 colors available, in stock in all sizes

Comfy Hoodie, $24.90

Originally $39.00
Shop now

4 colors available, in stock in all sizes

V-Neck Sweater, $39.90

Originally $59.00
Shop now

40+ Must-Have Home Essentials From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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Our Beauty Editor’s Picks From the Nordstrom Sale

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How to Protect Your Hair from Humidity

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Source: @laurenireland

Ah, we’ve made it—that point in the summer in which you’ve had most of your fun, worn your cutest outfits, and had your favorite barbecue food, and now, you’re just sweating nonstop. Summer isn’t all that fun when you spend an hour getting ready and look a mess before you even step in the Uber. But we’ve still got a few months of sweltering weather, meaning accepting a few tips and tricks are probably smarter than cursing out Alexa every time you ask her the humidity levels.

Especially if you have thick, curly, coily, and textured hair, dealing with the humidity in the summer can be enough to make you never want to leave your house. “I feel like when the weather is humid, it’s best to work with your texture than try to change it,” said Kathleen Riley, celebrity hairstylist and founder of SHAE Hair. “Using the right products will help keep humidity at a minimum and your styles last.” Here’s what to swap out in your routine and a few expert-approved tips to try:

 

1. Clarify your scalp

With more heat and humidity (and probably using more products to beat the heat and humidity), your scalp is probably suffering a bit. Build-up, irritation, redness—it’s all a recipe for disaster if you’re trying to keep your hair in tip-top shape. Make sure to use a clarifying product on your scalp once a week, like a detox shampoo, and follow it with moisturizing scalp products.

Act + Acre

Cold Processed Scalp Renew

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OUAI

Detox Shampoo

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Mielle

Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Melanin Haircare™ (@melaninhaircare)

 

2. Moisturize your hair

This might seem counterintuitive if you’re dealing with greasy roots and frizzy ends, but the humidity actually pulls a lot of the moisture out of your hair, which is what leaves it looking poofy and sticky. Opt for moisturizing ingredients in your haircare, especially your shampoo and conditioner. You should also make sure to use a leave-in conditioner that will leave moisture in your hair even after you’ve rinsed out your conditioner.

Mata Ayurveda

Hair Oil

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Melanin Haircare

Multi-Use Softening Leave In Conditioner

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dae

Cactus Flower Leave In Conditioner

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3. Use a microfiber hair towel

To avoid frizziness from the get-go, invest in a microfiber hair towel. Regular towels pick up your strands of hair and make them prone to breakage and damage, whereas a soft, microfiber fabric is gentle. Microfiber actually dries your hair faster too. Adding one to your routine will make your hair softer, more voluminous, have more bounce, and have fewer split ends.

Aquis

Luxe Hair Turban

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Amazon

Microfiber Hair Towel

Shop it now

 

4. Add hold when your hair is wet

Once you’re out of the shower and your hair isn’t sopping wet, it’s time to start adding products. Anyone who deals with humidity should use products that will add extra hold to your hair when it’s wet, rather than saving all of that hard work for once you’ve completed your style.

Miss Jessie’s

Jelly Soft Curls Gel

Shop it now

COLOR WOW

Spray Anti-Frizz Treatment

Shop it now

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AQUIS Hair (@aquishair)

 

5. If you have fine or medium hair, skip the blow dryer

Frizz happens when the humidity levels outside are higher than the moisture in your hair. Blow drying your hair removes all the natural humidity in your hair, only making it more susceptible to frizzing and going berserk once you head out into the elements and it absorbs the humidity outside. Instead, use an air-dry cream and your microfiber towel to help your hair dry faster without having to remove all that moisture. And if you can do second-day hair, even better.

Kristin Ess

Weightless Shine Air Dry Creme

Shop it now

Bumble and Bumble

Don’t Blow It Fine Hair Air Dry Styler

Shop it now

 

6. For curly/coily textures, opt for a high-quality blow dryer

If it’s going to take your hair three days to fully dry on its own, not blow-drying is out of the question. But that doesn’t mean you have to throw away a good hair day either. Your blow dryer should work for you, not against you, so choose something that aims to protect hair from frizz by keeping some of the moisture in your hair. You can also utilize any attachments like wide-tooth combs and diffusers to direct the airflow right where you want it and keep your style intact.

If you have the funds, our editors swear by the Dyson Supersonic. The negative ions, faster dry time (so you’re not standing in the heat forever trying to do your hair), and low heat setting make your hair stay frizz-free for days.

ghd

Helios Professional Dryer

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ghd

Professional Hair Dryer Diffuser

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Dyson

Supersonic Hair Dryer

Shop it now

 

7. Choose a protective style

And if doing your hair is just not in the cards, you have options. Go for a protective style, like knotless box braids, faux locs, bantu knots, twists, buns. They’ll be your savior when dealing with frizzy summertime hair, and you’ll save yourself lots of time getting ready too! If you have fine to medium hair, there are also so many styles that will keep your hair in place, like French braids, buns, and high ponytails. 

 

Hairstyles to Rock When It’s Hot AF Out
Put the curling iron down and try out these easy, heat-free hairstyles this summer.
KEEP READING

The Best Plus-Size Pieces From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Source: Jordan McDonnell for The Everygirl

I spent a really long part of my life getting frustrated over fashion. Nothing fit me right, and the only stuff that came in my size looked like it was made for my grandma (no offense to Grandma Barb, but your style isn’t exactly mine). So, I decided to resort to baggy, cozy T-shirts and the same jeans or leggings every day. Thankfully, those days are behind me.

Now that companies have started taking a hint, fashion has become something I’m excited and passionate about—I love putting new pieces together, trying trends, and of course, shopping. What’s better than shopping is a good deal, and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the epitome of good deals. It’s a fashion lover’s dream! Nordstrom has a plethora of plus-size options from all of our favorite brands (BP, 1.STATE, Good American, and more).

We pulled together everything we’re loving from the sale (I’ve bought a few of these items for myself already)—everything from winter coats and sweaters to the best leggings and denim. Grab your wallet. You’ll need it!

 

Casual clothes

 

8 colors available

V-Neck Tee, $12.90

Originally $19.00
Shop now

Good American

Henley Bodysuit, $59.90

Originally $99.00
Shop now

2 colors available

Oversized Crewneck Sweater, $18.90

Originally $29.00
Shop now

WAYF

Cutout Sweater, $54.90

Originally $78.00
Shop now

2 colors available

Bobble Cardigan, $58.90

Originally $98.00
Shop now

4 colors available

Waffle Knit Sweater, $49.90

Originally $75.00
Shop now

$54.90

Faux Leather Moto Jacket

A classic faux leather moto is a quintessential item in everyone’s fall wardrobe for how versatile and chic it looks, regardless of what you’re wearing underneath (trust me: I wear my leather jacket with sweats and a tee all the time and always feel good). BlankNYC is also one of our most trusted brands. Their faux leather feels so much more high-quality than others given the price point, and we love the way they add special details like gold hardware and pockets that make it look unique.

Shop it now

Madewell

Oversized Denim Jacket, $79.90

Originally $138.00
Shop now

BARBOUR

Quilted Jacket, $119.90

Originally $180.00
Shop now

Good American

Straight Leg Jeans, $109.90

Originally $169.00
Shop now

2 colors available

Ab-Solution Straight Leg Jeans, $54.90

Originally $88.00
Shop now

Levi’s

Ribcage Straight Jeans, $64.90

$98.00
Shop now

Madewell

The Perfect Vintage Jean, $69.90

Originally $128.00
Shop now

$64.90

Spanx Faux-Leather Leggings

There’s a reason these sell out every single year—they’re the most comfortable leggings on Earth that actually look put-together. You can wear them to the office with a long sweater or blazer, to the bar with a lace cami, and I’ve even seen girls wear them at the gym (and I can’t lie, they’d probably be pretty dang good). They’re the most versatile pants in any closet, so don’t hesitate to grab an extra pair. (Yep, that good!)

Shop it now

 

For the office

 

WAYF

Ruffle Blouse, $49.90

Originally $72.00
Shop now

Madewell

Oversized Button-Up, $49.90

Originally $78.00
Shop now

2 colors available

Ruffle Top, $29.90

Originally $49.50
Shop now

Open Edit

Satin Button-Up, $29.90

Originally $49.00
Shop now

4 colors available

Long Cardigan, $49.90

Originally $79.00
Shop now

1.STATE

Plaid Blazer, $78.90

Originally $119.00
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$89.90

Leopard Wrap Dress

A cute dress that makes you look and feel like a knockout is an essential in anyone’s closet. If you thought leopard print was gone, think again. Leopard print is a big fall trend, especially on statement-making items like dresses and coats. Aside from how good it looks, it’s Good American, so you know the fit is impeccable, even on a plus-size body. The wrap detail and tie waist are so flattering, and the material is thick without feeling heavy. I need this in my closet ASAP.

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Treasure & Bond

Sleeveless Knit Dress, $38.90

$59.00
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WAYF

Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $49.90

Originally $78.00
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Halogen

Relaxed Crop Pants, $46.90

Originally $79.00
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Spanx

SPANX Pants, $84.90

Originally $128.00
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Lounge and activewear

 

2 colors available

Barefoot Dreams Cardigan, $76.90

Originally $116.00
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Barefoot Dreams 2-Piece Set, $119.90

Originally $188.00
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4 colors available

Cozy Top, $24.90

Originally $39.00
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4 colors available

Comfy Joggers, $24.90

Originally $39.00
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$22.90

Nike Sports Bra

This isn’t just your regular, run-of-the-mill sports bra. It’s basically the antithesis to the uncomfortable, unsupportive sports bras we’ve been sold time and time again. With padding, built-in underwire, adjustable straps, and a hook closure in the back, this bra is made for the hardest of workouts, regardless of your chest. It comes in bra sizes and goes up to a 44G so everyone can have a good workout without having to tug at their bra the entire time.

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2 colors available

Short Pajamas, $29.90

Originally $49.00
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2 colors available

Long Pajamas, $35.90

Originally $55.90
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$44.90

Nike Fleece Crewneck

Everyone needs a comfy gray crewneck come the fall and winter, whether it’s for running errands, hanging around the house, or with your leather leggings for a cool look. We love this one from Nike because it makes the classic gray crew stylish, and it’s beyond comfortable. I’ll be wearing this over my sports bra to the gym practically every day this fall.

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2 colors available

Nike Bike Shorts, $25.90

Originally $35.00
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Zella

High-Waist Leggings, $38.90

Originally $59.00
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The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Is On! Here Are Our Favorite Picks

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40+ Must-Have Home Essentials From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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Our Beauty Editor’s Picks From the Nordstrom Sale

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The Badass Women We’re Cheering on at The Olympics

Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

The Olympics are finally here! After a year-long delay, a second state of emergency declaration in Japan, and considerable controversy, the world’s greatest athletes have convened in Tokyo for the Games of XXXII Olympiad.

Of course, we’re #TeamUSA in all the sporting events, but we’re cheering extra hard for the incredible women who are competing in this year’s Games. Many of the women are moms or Olympic first-timers, and others have overcome barriers and injury to join the world’s largest display of athleticism.

Women began competing at the second modern Olympic Games that were held in 1900. 121 years and 30 Olympic Games later, women will make up nearly half of the competitors for the Summer 2021 Games. Here are some of the women we’ll definitely be watching:

 

In this article

1
Simone Biles

2
Sue Bird

3
Mariah Duran

4
Tara Davis

5
Allyson Felix

6
Ashleigh Johnson

7
Alix Klineman

8
Naomi Osaka

9
Simone Manuel

10
Caroline Marks

11
Grace McCallum

12
Naya Tapper

13
Crystal Dunn

 

Simone Biles

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A post shared by Simone Biles (@simonebiles)

The G.O.A.T. Period. If Simone Biles wins at least four medals at the Games this year, she will be the most decorated gymnast, male or female, of all time at global championships.  And that feat, though it sounds incredibly challenging, is totally possible for Biles. She is the first woman to win seven all-around gymnastics titles, she’s won 25 medals at world championships—19 of them gold—she won five medals (four gold, one bronze) at the 2016 Games in Rio, and she has four moves named after her. Did I mention that Simone Biles is the G.O.A.T.?

View Simone Biles’ Schedule

 

Sue Bird

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A post shared by Sue Bird (@sbird10)

Four-time gold medalist Sue Bird is no stranger to the Olympics. Making her fifth Olympic appearance, Bird will represent Team USA Women’s Basketball. She plays for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, and at 40 years old, she is the oldest player in the league. Even better, Bird has won four WNBA championships, she’s the most decorated International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup athlete in history, and she’s a Guinness World Record holder for the most consecutive gold medals in a team Olympic event.

View Sue Bird’s Schedule

 

Mariah Duran

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A post shared by Mariah Duran (@mariahduran_)

Skateboarding is one of the new sports added to this year’s Olympic Games (along with baseball, softball, karate, sports climbing, and surfing), and 24-year-old Mariah Duran is a street skater whose love for skating outweighed the “taboo” of competing in a seemingly male-dominated sport. Trained by her brothers, Duran got used to being the only girl at the skatepark. Her talent, fearlessness, and diligence paid off because she is the highest-ranked American woman in street skating according to World Skating rankings, a two-time Women’s Street X Games gold medalist, and now, a member of the inaugural USA Skateboarding Team.

View Mariah Duran’s Schedule

 

Tara Davis

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A post shared by Tara Davis Oly(Tar Ruh) (@_taarra_)

University of Texas at Austin graduate Tara Davis is making her Olympic debut as a long jumper for the USA Women’s Track team. A recent graduate, Davis was a showstopper in college, earning NCAA championships in indoor and outdoor long jump as well as setting multiple collegiate long jump records. Her boyfriend, Hunter Woodhall, is a two-time medalist on the USA Paralympic Track and Field Team, which competes in Tokyo in August. Talk about a Power Couple.

View Tara Davis’ Schedule

 

Allyson Felix

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A post shared by Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix)

This new mom and nine-time Olympic medalist (six golds!) is more than just one of the greatest track and field athletes ever—she is also an advocate for mothers’ equality. As a woman in sports, Felix was already familiar with the male-centered nature of the industry, but the inequality was even more glaring when she became pregnant. Nike cut Felix’s sponsorship pay after the birth of her daughter, and when she called them out, Nike changed their maternity policy. Recently, she partnered with Athleta and the Women’s Sports Foundation to provide financial support for women athletes who need child care during Olympic training. After experiencing life-threatening preeclampsia during her pregnancy, competing in the 400-meter dash at this year’s Games is Felix’s triumphant return.

View Allyson Felix’s Schedule

 

Ashleigh Johnson

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Back for her second Olympic Games, Ashleigh Johnson was the first Black woman to represent the United States in water polo. She is considered one of the best goalies in the world, and she led the USA team to gold during the 2016 Games in Rio. Out of the water, Johnson is a vocal advocate for racial equality. In 2018, she helped develop a swim program for underserved children, and she has suggested that she will violate the International Olympic Committee’s Rule 50, which bans demonstrations of support for “political, religious, or racial propaganda.”

View Ashleigh Johnson’s Schedule

 

Alix Klineman

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With a career spanning nearly 15 years, Alix Klineman is a first-time Olympic competitor for the U.S. Volleyball team. An indoor and beach volleyball pro, she played overseas in Italy for three years and in Brazil for two years. Off the court, Klineman has spoken out about women’s health in sports, particularly the stigma surrounding periods and hormones. She struggled with side effects from birth control pills and advocates for women taking control of their menstrual health. She was named part of the Association of Volleyball Professionals Team of the Year in 2018 with her longtime beach volleyball partner April Ross and will compete with Ross.

View Alix Klineman’s Schedule

 

Naomi Osaka

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A post shared by 大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka)

Officially representing Japan, Naomi Osaka is making her Olympic debut as the #2 tennis player in the world. A dual citizen, Osaka was born in Japan and has relinquished her U.S. citizenship to represent her country of birth. Recently, she withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon competitions to take time for her mental health. Her decision to withdraw was highly praised by those in the sports and mental health communities. It is only fitting that the Olympics set the stage for the return of one of the world’s greatest tennis players.

View Naomi Osaka’s Schedule

 

Simone Manuel

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A post shared by Simone Manuel (@swimone)

Recently named the co-captain of the U.S. Olympic Swim Team, Simone Manuel almost didn’t make it to the Olympics at all. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with overtraining syndrome, an exercise-related condition that can result in accelerated heart rate, fatigue, muscle aches, and depression. Manuel was experiencing the effects of overtraining during the Olympic trials, and her race times took a hit. She did not qualify for her typical 100-meter sprint for the Olympics, but she will compete in the 50-meter sprint. She is on a recovery journey to improve her health, and hopefully, a medal at this year’s Games will boost the process.

View Simone Manuel’s Schedule

 

Caroline Marks

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A post shared by Caroline Marks (@caroline_markss)

She’s only 19 years old, and she’s on the inaugural U.S. Surfing Olympic Team—it doesn’t get much better than that. Marks started surfing when she was 3, and at 15, she was the youngest person to qualify for the World Surf League Championship Tour. After receiving critical comments about her body on social media, she became an advocate for body positivity and speaks out against body shaming. Last year, she graced the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, and this year she’s going for her first Olympic medals.

View Caroline Marks’ Schedule

 

Grace McCallum

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A post shared by grace mccallum (@grace.mccallum)

18-year-old Grace McCallum might be making her Olympic debut this year, but she is no stranger to competing with the best of the best. McCallum was on the 2018 and 2019 gymnastics world championship teams alongside Olympic teammates Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee. In January, she broke her hand, leaving her Olympic fate in question. After a rigorous recovery process, McCallum is an Olympic first-timer to keep an eye on.

View Grace McCallum’s Schedule

 

Naya Tapper

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A post shared by 👑Naya Tapper (@nayatapper)

Naya Tapper is a track star-turned-rugby standout who is competing in the Olympics for the first time. She wanted to play rugby in high school but didn’t explore the sport until she walked onto the team at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Tapper has put in the time (she’s been playing professionally for five years) and work to represent the U.S. in rugby. She has competed in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland.

View Naya Tapper’s Schedule

 

Crystal Dunn

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Soccer phenom Crystal Dunn is looking to regain the title and go for gold with the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT). The last few years have been busy for Dunn with multiple championships, a team change, a position change, and now a highly anticipated Olympic performance. Back for her second Olympic Games, she’ll be asked to help the team in the attack and shore up the defense from the left-back position—the position she’s adapted well to since transitioning from forward to defense for the team. The USWNT’s semi-controversial loss to Sweden during the 2016 Rio Games was a big upset, but with other soccer greats like Christen Press, Megan Rapinoe, and Becky Sauerbrunn on this year’s team, the USWNT is a true force.

View Crystal Dunn’s Schedule

 

How to Eat More Vegetables (Without Just Eating Salads)

Source: Blue Apron

It’s the topic you’ve pondered since your mom tried to bribe you to eat broccoli when you were a kid: how to eat more vegetables. We all know that spinach, red peppers, and Brussels sprouts are good for us, but what’s a girl to do when spicy vodka pasta exists in the world? The answer: a few easy tips and tricks to sneak more in. Veggies are not just something we try to eat because we’re supposed to but because nutrients in vegetables can help us feel our very best. And feeling our best doesn’t have to mean eating boring salads or entirely transforming our diets. Read on for five easy tips that make eating more veggies a breeze. 

 

1. Get your meals delivered

TBH, the hardest part about eating your veggies is making the decision to. When you’re at the grocery store or planning out recipes for the week, it’s easy to stock up on frozen pizzas or plan for tasty pasta dishes without thinking of fitting in fresh produce. Plus, we all know the produce section can be overwhelming AF (sorry, how many kinds of squashes are there?). The fix: Get your meals delivered. Blue Apron offers wellness options like vegetarian, 600 calories or less, WW-approved, and carb conscious, so you’ll have veggie-loaded dishes that you didn’t have to think about prepping or grocery shopping for delivered to your doorstep. The best part is that you’ll be cooking with a wider variety of veggies that you never would have thought to cook for yourself (I just made a recipe with kohlrabi and shishito peppers for the first time this week, thanks to Blue Apron!). 

Get 8 free meals and free shipping when you switch to Blue Apron!

 

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A post shared by Blue Apron (@blueapron)

 

2. Add leafy greens to two meals a day

You get it at this point: What can’t leafy greens do? Since leafy greens pack a whole lot of health benefits, one of the simplest ways to eat more veggies is to add greens like arugula, spinach, and kale to at least two meals a day. Try making a side salad with dinner or adding it to your smoothie in the AM. If you’re bored with the same old salad or smoothie, there are lots of tricks and tips to incorporate greens into the meals you love. For example, replace a wrap with a collard green or bib lettuce, make a pesto sauce out of kale, or add spinach to your omelet.

 

3. Eat the rainbow

Incorporating reds (tomatoes, apples, red pepper), oranges (sweet potato, butternut squash, tangerines), yellows (spaghetti squash, bananas, corn), greens (leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, zucchini), blues (blueberries, blackberries, blue potatoes), and purples (purple cabbage, eggplant, grapes) is the easiest—and prettiest—way to ensure you’re getting an abundance of phytonutrients and the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. As an easy hack, try to add at least three different colors to each meal or keep in mind each color of the rainbow while grocery shopping.

 

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A post shared by Jeanine Donofrio / Love&Lemons (@loveandlemons)

 

4. Try one new food every week

While having a go-to grocery list is necessary for us busy people (and my other lazy people out there), it doesn’t always set you up for the most inventive meals. Challenge yourself to try one different veggie that you’ve never tried before. Maybe you saw a delicious butternut squash recipe and have never cooked butternut squash, or maybe you saw beets at the grocery store and want to Google how to prepare them. Or perhaps you came across a new leafy green at the farmer’s market that you’ve never tried but want to eat. Trying (or cooking) something new will make your meals more exciting, and having a wider variety of food means a wider variety of nutrients. Plus, you might like something so much that it ends up on your go-to grocery list. 

 

5. Add them to sauces, soups, and smoothies

A truth that will inevitably change your life: You can add vegetables to just about anything you’re going to blend. Even your strawberry banana or peanut butter and chocolate smoothie could get a major upgrade with some spinach or cauliflower without a difference in taste. Beyond just smoothies, you can toss a wide variety of veggies into sauces or soups to not only make them more nutritious but also to make them more flavorful or creamy. A butternut squash soup tastes decadent even without cream, and arugula adds a peppery element to cauliflower or broccoli soup. For sauces, add spinach, kale, broccoli, or even beets to pesto, purée carrots or red bell peppers and add them to a marinara sauce, or make a creamy sauce a little healthier by including cauliflower or hearts of palm.

 

Health Experts Share Their Favorite Salad Recipe

READ NOW

 

This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Blue Apron, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

 

How to Style Casual Dresses This Summer

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Source: @meganrunionmcr

I’m a very strong believer that casual dresses make the perfect summer uniform. They’re easy to throw on (only one piece vs. multiple), they’re comfortable, and they keep you cool on those extra hot days. Not to mention that a lot of the time, they’re super affordable too. 

My closet is overflowing with T-shirt dresses, midi dresses, and breezy sundresses, but sometimes, I find myself struggling to decide how to style them. I usually want to keep it pretty casual, but it’s easy to feel overdressed when you’re wearing a dress.

Because of that, I decided to make it my mission to find the cutest casual dresses on the internet—broken down by T-shirt dresses, midi tank dresses, mini dresses, flowy dresses, and knit dresses—so that we could figure out how to style them together.

Check out the cutest casual dresses to add to your cart right now, plus how to style them:

 

1. A T-shirt dress

dress / sandals / belt bag / sunglasses / claw clip

T-shirt dresses deserve a spot in all of our closets purely because of how versatile they are. They are so easy to throw on and go, no matter what you might be up to that day. While you could always go for the obvious and throw on some white sneakers and your favorite tote bag, an athlesiure look is a fun way to switch things up. 

 

More of our favorite T-shirt dresses

A New Day

Sleeveless Hem Knit Dress

10+ colors available; comes in regular and plus sizes
Shop now

A New Day

Elbow Sleeve Knit T-Shirt Dress

10 colors available; comes in regular and plus sizes
Shop now

H&M

Tennis Dress

3 colors available
Shop now

Old Navy

Loose Vintage Garment-Dyed T-Shirt Shift Dress

4 colors available; also comes in plus
Shop now

2. A midi tank dress

dress / sandals / tote / sunglasses / necklace

dress / sandals / tote / sunglasses / hoops

I like to think of a midi tank dress as the cool older sister of a classic t-shirt dress. It’s a little bit more trendy, but still can be very casual and comfortable to wear. These are perfect for a summer day of activities and errands, so keep it comfortable with a pair of slip-on sandals and your go-to tote bag. 

 

More of our favorite midi tank dresses

H&M

Sleeveless Jersey Dress

3 colors available
Shop now

Abercrombie & Fitch

Scuba Knit Midi Dress

6 colors available
Shop now

A New Day

Slim Fit Sleeveless Knit Dress

6 colors available; comes in regular and plus sizes
Shop now

Madewell

Ribbed Tank Scoop Midi Dress

Take $25 off your Madewell order of $125 with the code TheEverygirl through July 31!
Shop now

3. A mini dress

dress / sneakers / bag / hoops / clip

While it may seem bold to put on a mini dress, I promise that there are options out there that will still make you look and feel confident and comfortable. Since these types of dresses can easily lean on the dressier side, opt for sneakers and classic accessories to keep it casual. 

 

More of our favorite mini dresses

H&M

Ribbed Jersey Dress

3 colors available
Shop now

Old Navy

Sleeveless Tiered Dobby Plus-Size Swing Dress

Shop now

Abercrombie & Fitch

Traveler Mini Dress

8 colors available
Shop now

A New Day

Flutter Short Sleeve Tiered Dress

10 colors available; comes in regular and plus sizes
Shop now

4. A flowy dress

dress / tote / sandals / earrings / hair scarf

dress / sandals / necklace / earrings / headband

Is there anything better than a loose flowy dress during the unbearably hot summer months? I think not. Paired with strappy sandals and fun hair accessories, a flowy dress will make you feel like you’re just hanging out on an island—which is exactly the vibe I’m striving for this summer. 

 

More of our favorite flowy dresses

Old Navy

Garment-Dyed Fit & Flare Plus-Size Midi Dress

Shop now

A New Day

Sleeveless Dress

8 colors available; comes in regular and plus sizes
Shop now

Madewell

Square-Neck Tiered Midi Dress

Take $25 off your Madewell order of $125 with the code TheEverygirl through July 31!
Shop now

Banana Republic

Frill-Sleeve Gauze Tiered Midi Dress

4 colors available
Shop now

5. A knit dress

dress / sneakers / bag / sunglasses / hoops

 

dress / sandals / bag / necklace / sunglasses

While knit dresses might be the newest addition to our casual summer dress repertoire, they definitely deserve a spot in our closets. A knit dress is the perfect way to achieve that effortless cool girl look, while still being comfortable enough for a hot summer day. Pair one with sneakers and ’90s-inspired accessories for a trendier look, or opt for classic with crossband sandals and gold sunnies.

 

More of our favorite knit dresses

H&M

Rib-Knit Dress

Shop now

Abercrombie & Fitch

Crossback Ribbed Elevated Knit Mini Dress

2 colors available
Shop now

Zara

Polo Collar Knit Dress

Shop now

Old Navy

Sleeveless Cross-Back Rib-Knit Midi Shift Dress

3 colors available; also available in plus
Shop now

How to Maintain Friendships as You Get Older

Source: @alexadagmar

One thing that becomes clear as we move through our 20s and 30s is just how easy it is to end up in a very different life stage from our friends. There are real things—big things–that can separate us from each other, like deciding where to live, committing to graduate school, investing in our careers, settling down, and even starting a family. There’s less time to spend with friends, other relationships might take priority, and it can start to feel like we have less in common than we used to. And while being in a different stage from our friends can be tough for so many reasons, it doesn’t have to signal the end of our friendship.

Here’s how to maintain friendships when you feel like you’re in different places:

 

1. Remember what brought you together

It probably goes without saying, but remembering why you became friends in the first place goes a long way toward making your friendship last. Talking about the history you have together, like your inside jokes and past experiences, can help you feel close when you’re in different places and might not be able to see each other as often as you’d like. That’s why finding opportunities to reminisce, laugh, and even cringe about old stories and memories is so important!

 

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A post shared by H i L L A R Y L A U R E N (@hillaurenn)

 

2. Make time for new memories

It’s always fun to remember the past, but any relationship, including a friendship, won’t last unless you set aside time to make new memories. Trying out a new activity together a great way to stay up-to-date on each other’s lives while getting in some much needed leisure time. Being spontaneous probably wont work as well as it used to, so planning ahead helps make sure that your time together doesn’t get sidelined by other commitments or responsibilities.

 

Be vulnerable. Talk about your struggles, celebrate your successes, and share your hopes for the future. Authenticity will bridge the gap between your different situations in life.

 

Of course, making new memories isn’t just about doing things together, although that certainly helps. It’s also about having meaningful conversations that bring you closer together. Social media definitely makes it easier to stay in touch (especially for long-distance friendships). But it also makes it harder to have real conversations and it’s not always a substitute for quality time.

Regardless of whether you’re able to catch up in person or over the phone, focus on having conversations about what’s really going on in your life. Be vulnerable. Talk about your struggles, celebrate your successes, and share your hopes for the future. This kind of authenticity will help you better understand what the other person is going through and bridge the gap between your different situations in life.

 

3. Label your limits

Finding time to connect isn’t the only issue. There are plenty of other obstacles that make it difficult to maintain a friendship when you’re in different life stages. Maybe one of you has kids to juggle while the other is balancing regular travel for work. It’s also more than likely that finances will influence the kinds of activities you’re able to do together or even how often you’re able to see each other.

While it helps to be accommodating and flexible, it’s equally important to be upfront about how much you’re realistically able to bend and to be realistic about what you can expect from your friend. Not only is this the starting point for finding solutions or compromises (like outings that are less expensive), it helps avoid misunderstandings or conflicts (like a friend assuming you don’t want to see them when you turn down dinner plans because finances are tight). It also never hurts to take initiative and suggest an idea or alternative that takes your friend’s situation into account. This kind of thoughtfulness is often deeply appreciated.

 

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A post shared by Brandy Melville (@brandymelvilleusa)

 

4. Be prepared to be surprised

When you’re in different life stages, it’s really common to make assumptions about what the other person is going through. The problem is, more often than not, our assumptions end up being wrong. They can also hold us back from dealing with situations and lead to even more distance between friends. Say one of your friends has a tendency to talk at length about her kids whenever you get together. And as much as you love her babies, you find it difficult to get a word in edgewise (and there’s only so much you can contribute on the topics of diaper genies or preschool waitlists). You might worry that she’ll be upset if you (gently) bring up your desire to talk about something (or anything) else. She might be. But she almost might be thrilled to talk about your recent vacation and welcome a bit of an escape! Instead of jumping to conclusions, keep assumptions in check (and check-in with your friends when you’re not totally sure where they stand).

 

5. Avoid social comparisons

We’ve all compared ourselves to our friends from time to time. But when you’re in a different life stage, it’s possible to get carried away with trying to determine who is doing “better” or who seems further ahead. This is especially true when you’re the friend who feels behind. As uncomfortable as it is, jealousy is a completely normal reaction.

However, getting caught up in social comparisons can get in the way of your friendship and take away from the life stage you’re actually going through. Instead of noticing all the ways you feel behind or being overly self-critical, remember that everyone deals with their share of ups and downs. You never really know what someone is struggling with, even a close friend. And you don’t know how challenging an experience (even a positive or welcome one) can be until you’ve gone through it yourself.

 

Instead of noticing all the ways you feel behind or being overly self-critical, remember that everyone deals with their share of ups and downs. You never really know what someone is struggling with, even a close friend.

 

6. Change your perspective

If you’re feeling upset about how hard it is to keep a friendship going when you’re in different places, it can help to focus on the advantages of your current life stage. Like having the flexibility to do what you want and the ability to be spontaneous, or feeling grateful for knowing the value of a dollar.

Tweaking your take on the situation as a whole is another option. As hard as it is, going through this can sometimes be helpful, in that it gives you a glimpse of a different life stage. Whether you’re thinking about moving in with your partner, getting married, accepting a promotion, or having a child, watching a friend go through a similar experience can sometimes help you decide whether it’s something you’re ready for.

 

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A post shared by Bethany | OOTD Blogger (@twentysomethingplus)

 

7. Make new friends (and keep the old!)

Ultimately, it’s really common and (even expected) that friendships will change or drift as we go through transitions in life. And so in addition to adjusting the terms of your old friendship (like what you talk about or the kinds of activities you’re able do together), you might decide to branch out and make new friends who are in a similar stage as you (like single friends, new mom friends, or work friends). Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to give up on your old friendships! It also doesn’t mean that you’ve done something wrong or that you’re being a “bad” friend.

Staying friends when you’re in different life stages or reach milestones at different times isn’t easy. That’s why there’s something really special about those long-term friendships that last with the help of a little renegotiating and a lot of patience and understanding!

 

7 Things to Stop Saying to Your Single Friends

READ MORE

 

The Gua Sha Combo That Made My Sore Muscles…

The Everygirl’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Source: Stocksy

While I’ve had quite the run of working out from home (thanks to Obé Fitness and a well-stocked cabinet of workout gear), since I got back in the gym, my workouts have been a complete step above. I’m lifting heavier, going longer, needing fewer breaks—to say I’m thriving would be an understatement. But what comes with harder, more intense workouts? Feeling sore AF. I won’t complain that my body feels sore from my workouts because we all know that bittersweet feeling that we actually accomplished something when we wake up with shaky legs after a day of heavy squats or a long run. But when you get really sore, it can make even the simplest of tasks (like sitting on the toilet) feel like the most laborious chore.

If you’re looking for a quick fix, massaging your body with a gua sha tool is probably the highest on the list, and it’s the only method I’ve found useful for both relieving and preventing soreness. 

Gua sha is the act of scraping at the skin to promote circulation. “Gua means ‘scrape’ and Sha means ‘petechiae’ (tiny, flat red or purple spots) in Chinese,” said Dr. Ervina Wu, PhD, LAc, co-founder of YINA. “It’s commonly used in Chinese medicine to scrape the skin (mostly on the upper back) to invigorate blood flow, release heat-toxins, stimulate lymphatic drainage, activate various points of the body, and stimulate an immune response bringing helpful cells to the area.” If you haven’t tried it yourself (likely with a jade or rose quartz stone on your face), you’ve probably seen it on TikTok labeled as a natural way to sculpt and massage your face. It’s been used in ancient Chinese civilizations for centuries to bring out redness and treat ailments all over the body, using sharper objects like coins or scrapers. In Western culture, we’ve seen jade and rose quartz-shaped stones to lightly massage the face, moving around lymphatic drainage and sculpting the face.

However, most of us are forgetting that one of the best ways to utilize our gua sha tools is on the body. I’ve added body gua sha to my nightly routine for the last two months. Here’s how I use it, what I use, and the Equilibria CBD products that have totally changed my gua sha routine.

 

In this article

1
Using Gua Sha With CBD

2
Shop My Favorite Gua Sha Tools

3
Benefits of Body Gua Sha

4
How Often Should You Gua Sha?

5
How to Gua Sha on Your Body

 

Meet the expert
Dr. Ervina Wu, PhD, LAc
DOCTOR OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, FOUNDER OF YINA
Dr. Ervina Wu is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and registered TCM Dermatologist and the founder of YINA, a beauty and wellness brand by two AAPI founders and doctors.

 

Using Gua Sha With CBD

When I want to really help my sore muscles, I pair a gua sha body massage with Equilibria’s CBD products, specifically the Relief Balm and Daily Treatment Oil. To get the gua sha moving around the skin, you always have to apply some kind of slippery product so you’re not tugging at your skin, and opting for CBD doubles the sore muscle-fighting powers. The Relief Cream is already my favorite product from Equilibria for relieving menstrual cramp pain and treating migraines, but it quite possibly works its best when used for sore muscles. It massages very deeply into your skin, and you can almost immediately feel it making a difference. When I use it with a gua sha stone, it glides beautifully. The stone itself is great for massaging the skin and relieving some of that soreness, but the Relief Balm actually feels like it’s taking away the soreness rather than just treating it.

When I don’t use the Relief Cream, I’ll use the Daily Treatment Oil. Since my soreness is pretty prevalent right now, I’m trying to use my gua sha every other night before bed in my nighttime routine, and for the sheer sake of saving every last drop of my Relief Balm, I turn to this oil for everyday treatment. It’s a lot lighter obviously, so it goes a long way. A tiny bit of this covers practically my entire body. It’s definitely not as strong as the Relief Balm, but for an everyday massage, it still makes a bigger difference than using a regular body oil. The added benefit of this oil is that it makes my skin feel so soft and supple after I use it. I haven’t even been using my usual body lotions since I added this to my routine.

Equilibria

The Relief Balm

get 20% off with code theeverygirl

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Equilibria

Daily Treatment Oil

get 20% off with code theeverygirl

Shop it now

 

Source: Equilibria

 

Shop My Favorite Gua Sha Tools

YINA

Bian Stone Body Gua Sha Tool

This is the body gua sha I’ve been using, and it’s a game-changer. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t have to invest in a bigger gua sha to use on your body if you already have a stone you love for your face. But I love the rippled edge on this and also love that it’s a little bit bigger than a gua sha stone you’d use on your face so you can cover a lot more surface area in one swipe. Plus, it was developed by doctors of Chinese medicine and the brand’s founders are AAPI, and when buying a product that is so focused on a practice in Chinese culture, it’s important to support them.

Shop it now

Amazon

Gua Sha Body Scraping Tool

For a less expensive alternative that you can use to really get into your muscles (especially your legs and calves for runners), this stainless steel tool will be your best friend.

Shop it now

 

Benefits of Body Gua Sha

I’ve seen so many benefits since I added this practice to my nighttime routine. “Gua Sha is especially effective at relieving muscular tension and breaking down fascia adhesions, [making it] perfect for those with tight muscles, sluggish circulation, and tech necks,” Dr. Wu said. Here’s what I’ve experienced so far:

 

Better Sleep

 

Because I do my body gua sha at night, I feel so relaxed that I fall asleep easier. But what I really love is how much deeper, longer, and more comfortably I sleep after using gua sha. Because I’ve relieved some of the tension in my muscles, I’m not tossing and turning all night trying to find a comfortable way to sleep.

 

Softer Skin

 

Thanks to my nighttime oil from Equilibria, my skin feels softer and smoother. It’s a reminder to use a moisturizing oil before bed, when I otherwise would scroll on my phone and avoid spending some extra time on myself, and my skin is thanking me for it. 

 

Less Soreness Over Time

 

Using gua sha on my sore muscles has actually made me get less sore over time. Because the gua sha increases circulation to those areas, they heal faster and are more prepared to recover on their own after a workout.

 

Releases Tightness

 

The gua sha massage breaks up tension because you’re massaging out those muscles and moving that lymphatic drainage around your body. When I use it on sore muscles, I notice an immediate difference: Those muscles feel energized and recovered. Dr. Wu also suggested trying gua sha on your legs and ankles for long flights to reduce swelling or keeping it at your desk to relieve shoulder tension, text thumbs, and achy keyboard hands. 

 

More Relaxed Nighttime Routine

 

Rather than feeling the scaries or anxiety before starting my night routine, I feel relaxed and excited to get into my gua sha massage.

 

If you’re pregnant or menstruating, you should avoid using gua sha on your abdomen. If you tend to bruise or are on blood thinners, Dr. Wu recommended using lighter pressure. Also, you should avoid broken skin, wounds, scrapes, and any sensitive areas. 

 

Source: Stocksy

 

How Often Should You Gua Sha?

You can gua sha anywhere from daily to once or twice a week. When I first started, I was only doing it as needed when my muscles felt a little sore, but I’ve started doing it just about every night before bed and have noticed the most results that way.

 

How to Gua Sha on Your Body

You can gua sha your entire body or just the areas you’re feeling sore and tight. Here’s my routine:

1. Apply Relief Cream or Treatment Oil to my skin. I do this section by section so the oils don’t absorb into the skin before I can make it to that area. I don’t rub this in too much—just enough to get it spread out.
2. Start at the top of your body and go down the rest from there. You can even gua sha your scalp like you’re combing your hair to feel extra relaxed. Follow this by doing your neck, chest, arms, abdomen, legs, and feet. Don’t forget the soles of your feet, ankles, and palms of the hands. According to Dr. Wu, you should move to another area once it starts to turn pink or warm. 
3. Start with minimal pressure, and tailor your experience using all sides of the gua sha. When I want something more intense, I’ll use one of the sharp edges. When I want a larger surface area, I use the longest edge. My gua sha has a rippled edge as well, which I like to use on bigger muscle areas, like the tops of my arms, the shins, hamstrings, and top of the back.
4. Do anywhere from 10-20 swipes for each section. This is pretty intuitive, so I focus on where I need the massage most and what feels most effective for me.
5. Finish the massage by running your hands over each area, rubbing in any excess oil or balm.

If you experience any redness from your gua sha, that’s normal! Especially if you use a firmer pressure, gua sha can bring up lots of redness and inflammation in the body, but it should go away in a few hours.

 

This post is sponsored by Equilibria, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.