Spring is by far my favorite season of the year. It’s all about rebirth and renewal after the winter months… and I know y’all must be feeling as stir crazy as I am. While it’s still quite chilly in New York, the days are starting to warm up which means it’s time to get my spring wardrobe ready for its big debut [wink]. I recently snagged a few new looks from Free Assembly on Walmart, and let me tell y’all, this newly-launched line stocks incredible items that fit you and your style.

This look is spot-on for my style! The Free Assembly jacket is one I won’t be leaving home without on those chillier days. I love how lightweight and versatile it is. The long-sleeve cotton sweatshirt is soft… as… butter. And the painter’s jeans are the same premium kind of denim I’m used to without the premium price. My wallet is certainly thanking me for that one!

If you’re looking to upgrade your spring wardrobe with cozy, trendy pieces without breaking the bank – mosey on over to Free Assembly at Walmart.com to infuse your style with pieces that’ll help you vibe freely!

SHOP: Free Assembly Zip Jacket | Free Assembly Striped Sweatshirt | Free Assembly Painter’s Jeans | Superga Sneakers

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When we were thrown in quarantine nearly a year ago, I shifted my weekly Music Monday playlists into larger Quarantine Mixes every month or two. I didn’t imagine in my wildest dreams that we’d still be in quarantine into 2021… but here we are! I know that many of us are struggling to find balance in our lives with everything going on in the world but one constant that has kept me ever-so-slightly sane has been music.

This week’s playlist (Quarantine Mix 5) is full of some new favorites and a couple of old tunes that I’ve been hanging on to. So grab those headphones and dive into this playlist.

Do you have a favorite song from this list?

Last year was a mess; I think that’s at least one point where we can all agree. Not a day has gone by since the start of COVID-19 where I haven’t woken up thankful for my overall health, but I can’t help but feel like my mental health took a serious blow. I used to consider myself an extremely creative and adaptable person. Keywords here are: “used to.”

I lost my spark last year and that was probably the most maddening aspect to me personally. This year had a slow start but I’m making strides in recovering some of that joy and passion that I felt disappeared in 2020.

New York City was hit with a major snowstorm yesterday so it felt like the perfect excuse to break out the face paint and get a little creative. I was already wearing this Champion hoodie so I ran with the tennis-ball-green neon theme.

I realize how silly it sounds, but something as small as painting my face chipped away at those feelings of self-doubt a little bit. I felt like ‘old Justin’ even if just for a few minutes. I’ve still got a ways to go – but, at least, I’m sensing I’m headed in the right direction.

I won’t lie, I certainly hit a learning curve during quarantine. Like most of you, I realized just how much I took everyday experiences like eating out at restaurants and getting a haircut for granted. I consider myself a fairly creative person and someone who is good with their hands, but having to cut my own hair just didn’t play out right so I have been relying heavily on my grooming products to get me my desired look!

With many salons still closed in NYC, I am learning to manage my longer (and decidedly uneven cut, thanks to me) hair. I recently began using the new styling collection from Head & Shoulders and just like their fantastic shampoos and conditioners, the styling collection is not only incredible but also is the first to be scalp-friendly! The collection is created with skin care ingredients, is dermatologically-tested, and contains scalp-soothing zinc pyrithione to address itch, dryness, and delivers stellar anti-dandruff benefits. It’s a win-win-win all around!

My personal favorite from the Head & Shoulders styling collection is the scalp-friendly Styling Cream because it’s highly-versatile with a lower hold and matte finish… perfect for keeping my natural curls and waves in place from day-to-night. Rounding out the rest of the collection are the Styling Gel (great for short or long hair for a high hold), the Molding Clay (perfect for lots of hair or thick, wiry hair for hold and control), the Texturizing Putty (great for short, curly, and long hair to tame the mane), and the Shaping Pomade (stellar for flexible style at any hair length).

Whether you’re going on a virtual date or grabbing takeaway with friends, for anyone looking to tame their manes and protect their scalp, I can’t recommend the Head & Shoulders styling collection enough. Be sure to check out the full collection here, and let me know which one is your favorite! Happy styling, friends!

SHOP: The Head & Shoulders Styling Collection

This post is sponsored by Walmart.

It’s no secret that I absolutely love using face masks – and while I can’t afford to get spa treatments on the daily, who’s to say I can’t bring those spa-quality treatments to my medicine cabinet! Over the last few weeks I’ve stocked back up on some of my favorite products over on Walmart’s Beauty homepage and while I was there I decided I would snag a few new items (lots of masks, duh!) that I hadn’t test-drove yet! Since I had a little free time this afternoon, I decided to dive into a little impromptu at-home spa day… and I’m so happy I did! <<blissful exhale>>

I know I’ve said this a few times before but Walmart’s Beauty homepage has become my one-stop shop for my higher-tier skincare. They offer next-day delivery on most items (!!), which is perfect for me because I regrettably ALWAYS wait until the last minute to restock an essential in my regimen. Walmart also offers incredible deals on my premium favorites that I won’t get anywhere else. And, by the way, it’s not just skincare that they excel in – they’ve got the lock on so many categories!

I’ve rounded up some of my favorites below, you’re gonna have to try them and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to check out Walmart’s full Beauty Homepage!

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This post is sponsored by Walmart, but all opinion within are my own.

For years, I struggled with managing my curly hair. Between the frizz, overall texture, and my inability to understand a proper haircut I had nearly two decades of bad hair days (you think I’m joking but I can assure you I am not). It wasn’t until a few years ago when I started paying attention to the products I was putting in my hair (and how I was treating it) that I found my magic routine!

Recently, I’ve partnered up with Walmart (#WalmartBeauty) to explore some beauty and wellness topics that I haven’t really discussed on my platforms. My hair care routine is something I wasn’t sure you guys would want to hear about but over the last few months, it has been one of the most requested! All of these products are ones I’ve loved and currently use – and all can be found on Walmart.com. If you haven’t had a chance to check out Walmart’s vast beauty offering… it’s a must! Aside from stocking all of the top-tier favorites, the Walmart beauty homepage is a great discovery engine for new brands you might have not heard of or tried yet!

Armed with my favorites, I took Walmart’s challenge to get my curls tight, right, and holiday-ready! What do you think of the final look? Here are some of the products I used:

SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

I put a little dollop of this stuff on my damp hair after I get out of the shower and massage from root to ends. It helps to keep my curls hydrated and frizz-free before I go into styling it.

Wet Shine Enhancer Brush

A detangling dream! This brush also helps to redistribute your hair’s natural oils so you can go longer between washes.

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

A spritz or two of this helps to give my curls volume prior to fully styling.

Bed Head ‘Curls in Check’ Diffuser Hair Dryer

While I usually like to air dry my curls, I don’t always have the time so this hair dryer has become a standout in my routine. I love that it is made specifically for us curly-haired folk!

Color Wow Dream Coat for Curls

A miracle worker to give my dried curls a little shine and lock in hydration. You don’t need much so this bottle will last you a while!

These products are ones I used a few times a week (if not daily) but I’ve also included a few more below that I love if you want to check them out! And don’t forget to check out Walmart’s beauty offering for tons more amazing product

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This blog post is sponsored by Crest 3D Whitestrips, but all opinions are my own.

The holidays are a crazed time for anyone, but I find it exceptionally chaotic! Trying to fit everything I need to do into the 16 hours I’m awake each day becomes an increasingly Herculean task. So, anything that can help make multitasking easier is a welcome partner in my day. Cue Crest 3D Whitestrips!

I’ve been using Crest 3D Whitestrips since I was in high school. Crest 3D Whitestrips give my smile that transformational boost that I need to not only feel more confident but also more productive… the better I feel, the better I work! With my busy holiday schedule, Crest 3D Whitestrips give me the hands-free ability to tackle my to-do list while still focusing on self-care. Here are just a few of the moments where I’ve worn Crest 3D Whitestrips in the last two weeks:

• Online shopping for Christmas gifts for my family
• Headed to a friend’s birthday dinner
• Working out at the gym
• Shooting outfits for my blog and social media
• In a taxi en route to a meeting
• Getting my passport renewed at the DMV

Honestly, you can wear Crest 3D Whitestrips ANYWHERE – that’s the beauty of the product. It’s truly a self-care sidekick in just about any life moment: easy to use, barely noticeable while wearing, and incredibly kind to your teeth. It is professional-level whitening in a 100% enamel-safe way… and for only 30 minutes once a day! Crest 3D Whitestrips have slip grip technology that keeps them secure on your smile – no slipping, no sliding! You’ll start seeing a whiter smile after just three days, and full results in 20.

If you’re looking to bring the bright this holiday season (that’ll last through the new year and beyond), then order your Crest 3D Whitestrips directly from the source! Get ready to show off those pearly whites this holiday season!

SHOP: Crest 3D Whitestrips at CrestWhiteSmile.com

This post is sponsored by Walmart Beauty.

I’m usually a no-frills kind of guy when it comes to Halloween costumes. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still turn it out but I usually opt for the pre-packaged all-in-one-bag kind of costume. I decided that this year I was going to change it up and explore a different avenue. I stocked up on some colorful makeup essentials on Walmart’s Beauty homepage and went to work!

I found this amazing skull makeup tutorial and gave it my own spin – it’s like the Underworld in vibrant technicolor! What do you think? Would you be game to recreate this look for your Halloween festivities?

If you’re looking to get some last minute ideas or need to stock up on some beauty essentials to turn your Halloween look up a notch – check out Walmart’s Beauty homepage! And Walmart is now offering next-day delivery on most items so you’ll get them quickly… now that’s the kind of online shopping I can get behind!

Shop all of my picks below or via this link: http://liketk.it/2GcJo

And the colorful eyeshadow palette I used can be found here: http://bit.ly/3691v67

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This post is sponsored by Everlane.

I’ve been obsessed with Everlane since they launched years ago. Everlane’s modern workwear approach to crafting their collections has always had me swooning – timeless pieces that can take you from day-to-night with ease. I was so stoked when they asked me to be a part of the launch of their Tread Sneaker’s Color Refresh!

The Tread Sneaker is hands-down one of the most comfortable (and affordable) in the business — and the four new color-ways are divine! The Tread Sneaker is one of Everlane’s many initiatives toward zero impact by crafting a shoe that is truly one of the world’s lowest impact shoes. The leather trainer is the lowest impact of its kind: less waste, less energy, and 54% less virgin plastic. They’ve also offset the emissions we can’t eliminate—yet. I love wearing products that are helping to leave a better ‘footprint’ for our environment. Plus, this particular pair is a combo of all my favorite shades of green .::swoon::.

I paired the Tread Sneakers with a soft-as-clouds cotton crew tee and Everlane’s popular Air Chino, a versatile chino made for all-seasons but especially handy on those warmer days when you need a little extra room to breathe! If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe this fall, look no further than Everlane… now let’s get shopping!

SHOP THIS POST: Everlane Tread Sneaker | Everlane Air Chino | Everlane Cotton Crew T-Shirt

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This post is Sponsored by Dockers® and ShopStyle.

I’ve always said I’m a “jeans and t-shirt” kind of guy but I suppose the better way to define my style is “extreme comfortability.” While I consider my wardrobe both stylish and effortless, I don’t like to sacrifice comfort for pieces that can’t move, transition, and adapt easily with my hectic schedule. That’s where Dockers’ Supreme Jean Cut comes in.

These Supreme Flex Jean Cut are inspired by your favorite pair of worn-in denim with all the flexibility you need to tackle your day-to-night in style. They’re knitted so they have a soft-to-the-touch feel that’ll almost make you forget you’re wearing pants at all. The Supreme Flex Jean Cut quick recovery fabric technology means they’ll also bounce back to their original shape even after all-day wear… hubba hubba!

I snagged this pair at Macy’s last week ahead of fall dressing and I’m so happy I did. I’m really digging this purple jewel tone and ended up pairing it with a deep blue top. Since we’re in transitional weather here in NYC (not too hot, not too cold) I kept it light with black sandals and some silver jewelry! What do you think? Would you wear this look?

If you’re looking to up the ante (and comfort) in your transitioning wardrobe – be sure to keep Dockers Supreme Flex collection in mind and you can shop these khakis and more over at Macy’s!

SHOP THESE PANTS: Dockers Supreme Flex Jean Cut in Dark Red

Or SHOP THE FULL DOCKERS® COLLECTION at MACY’S

This post is sponsored by Finish Line. 

I’ve been a fan of adidas’ line of Stan Smith sneakers since the early 2000s. I remember getting my first pair during my sophomore year of high school and thinking I was the coolest kid in my class. I mean… I wasn’t wrong. The vintage silhouette and color accents felt like a nod to an era when style wasn’t bought but born from within.

Adidas first released the silhouette in the 1960s, then renamed them the adidas Stan Smith in the ‘70s after the tennis star of the same name. Admittedly, I wasn’t that into tennis but lord if I didn’t love my Stan Smith’s!

I picked up this green pair from Finish Line just this week and can’t stop wearing them. They’re comfortable, cool, and, best of all, at $80 they won’t break the bank! Finish Line has become a go-to of mine for the latest drops from some of my favorite sneaker brands but it’s their incredible stock of adidas sneakers that I’ve found myself gravitating toward the most!

I paired my new adidas Stan Smith’s with a modern take on the Canadian tuxedo – denim on denim with a grunge edge. The blue palette complements the sleek green and white sneaker so beautifully and this is certainly a look I’ll be sporting long after summer has passed!

What do you think? Would you wear it? Let me know in the comments!

And if you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe with your own pair of adidas Stan Smith’s, then hop on over to Finish Line – they’ve got the best stock, believe me!

SHOP THIS POST:

adidas Stan Smith in Green | adidas Superstar Collection | adidas Originals Continental 80 Collection

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