How-To Build The Perfect 2025 Capsule Wardrobe (Plus, The Essential Beauty Products To Match!) With Liv Perez

Summary

Breaking Beauty Podcast Summary
Episode: How-To Build The Perfect 2025 Capsule Wardrobe (Plus, The Essential Beauty Products To Match!) With Liv Perez
Release Date: December 4, 2024
Hosts: Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins
Guest: Liv Perez, Fashion Stylist and Content Creator

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Introduction

In this special hybrid episode of the Breaking Beauty Podcast, hosts Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins delve into the art of crafting the perfect capsule wardrobe for 2025, complemented by essential beauty products. Joining them is the renowned fashion stylist and content creator, Liv Perez, known for her impeccable style and influential presence in the fashion industry.

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Understanding the Capsule Wardrobe

Carlene Higgins introduces the concept of a capsule wardrobe, emphasizing the importance of selecting timeless, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. She shares her personal experience of working from home and the challenges of curating a functional yet stylish wardrobe.

Liv Perez elaborates on the practicality of a capsule wardrobe, stating, “These select pieces last forever and can adapt to various occasions without overwhelming your closet” (00:47).

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Key Wardrobe Staples for 2025

1. Denim Essentials

Liv Perez highlights the resurgence of boot-cut jeans, a favorite among Gen Z and a staple for 2025. She specifically recommends the Val Gene from Reformation, praising its softness and high-waisted fit that flatters various body types (10:32).
Notable Quote:

"I'm obsessed with these. They have a lot of different colors, but this is a true blue, and it's pretty true blue." – Liv Perez (10:37)

2. Everyday Slacks

Transitioning from denim, Liv underscores the significance of high-quality slacks as the “elevated version of your jean workhorse.” She praises the Aritzia Effortless Pant for its comfort and versatility, making it an ideal choice for both professional and casual settings (18:21).

Notable Quote:

"These are my workhorse. If I'm working from home and I need to show up and look good, these pants and a white tee make me feel like a person." – Liv Perez (18:44)

3. The Perfect White T-Shirt

A foundational piece in any capsule wardrobe, Liv emphasizes the importance of selecting the right white tee. She recommends the Joe’s Jeans White Tee for its perfect weight and drape, ensuring it pairs seamlessly with various outfits (20:07).

Notable Quote:

"This tee has the perfect weight. It can sit on its own and doesn't need to be fidgeted with." – Liv Perez (20:07)

4. Blazers and Jackets

Liv advocates for a versatile black blazer as a must-have item. She mentions brands like Anita Bang for their no-collar designs and Stod for their chic outerwear, which can effortlessly transition an outfit from day to night (22:59; 50:03).

Notable Quote:

"A blazer is like my highlighter. It gives your outfit that extra umph and catches people's eye." – Liv Perez (23:43)

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Essential Beauty Products to Match Your Wardrobe

1. Blush: The Foundation of Every Look

Liv Perez identifies blush as the "blue jeans of beauty," essential for adding life and luminosity to any makeup routine. She prefers a combination of cream blush with a powder overlay for longevity and a natural finish (14:17).
Notable Quote:

"Blush really was the most important thing. It was what gave us life on stage from afar." – Liv Perez (14:17)

Recommended Products:

• Patrick Toshi’s "Not Too Much" Duo(15:52)
• Charlotte Tilbury Highlighter (30:26)

2. Skin Tint with SPF

Carlene Higgins draws a parallel between versatile jeans and the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, highlighting its role as a foundational beauty product that pairs well with any outfit (17:00).

Notable Quote:

"It's like the foundation for every look, just like a pair of jeans." – Carlene Higgins (17:00)

3. Highlighter for Evening Looks

For evening enhancements, Liv recommends the Dior Backstage Glow Palette for its multiple shades and high-impact shimmer, perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any nighttime outfit (30:26).

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Accessorizing Your Capsule Wardrobe

1. Footwear

Liv Perez emphasizes the importance of having versatile shoes that can transition from office to evening. She recommends pointed toe flats from brands like Laura Piana and Emmy Parsons for their elegance and sophistication (24:06; 25:19).

Notable Quote:

"A pointed toe flat elongates an outfit and adds sophistication without sacrificing comfort." – Liv Perez (24:06)

2. Belts

Belts serve as crucial accessories that can define and elevate an outfit. Liv suggests investing in quality belts from brands like Orem Collective and Amazon's 1999 Duo for their durability and style versatility (39:46; 41:00).

Notable Quote:

"Belts are about trial and error. Find what feels right and complements your silhouette." – Liv Perez (39:46)

3. Jewelry

From Janessa Leone's sculptural earrings to vintage pieces from The RealReal and Vestiaire, Liv highlights the significance of jewelry in personalizing and enhancing your overall look (41:30; 42:03).

Notable Quote:

"Jewelry is the cherry on top. It showcases your personal style effortlessly." – Liv Perez (37:14)

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Evening and Travel Essentials

1. Evening Wear

For evening outfits, Liv recommends brands like Reformation and Tay Park for their refined and timeless designs. She emphasizes choosing pieces that can be styled simply yet elegantly for special occasions (48:32; 50:18).

Notable Quote:

"Evening looks are all about refined simplicity and investing in timeless pieces." – Liv Perez (48:32)

2. Travel-Friendly Items

Traveling requires a thoughtful selection of essentials. Liv advises investing in multi-use beauty products like Summer Fridays Bomb and Vanessa Hernandez Skin’s calming jelly masks to maintain skin health on the go (55:39; 56:16).

Notable Quote:

"Having a streamlined beauty routine with multi-use products makes travel seamless." – Liv Perez (55:39)

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Beauty Routine and Personal Preferences

Liv shares her preference for a consistent beauty routine, favoring classic looks over experimental makeup. She highlights the importance of maintaining well-defined brows and minimal but impactful makeup to complement her capsule wardrobe (52:00; 52:13).

Notable Quote:

"A bold brow and a consistent makeup routine simplify your look and enhance your natural features." – Liv Perez (52:13)

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Conclusion and Takeaways

Jill and Carlene, alongside Liv Perez, conclude the episode by reiterating the importance of investing in quality, timeless pieces that offer versatility and longevity. They encourage listeners to explore their personal style through thoughtful wardrobe and beauty product selections, ensuring that each item serves a dual purpose in both fashion and functionality.

Final Quote:

"A capsule wardrobe is not just about simplicity; it's about intentionality and expression through every piece you own." – Jill Dunn & Carlene Higgins (57:38)

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Key Recommendations

Wardrobe:

• Val Gene Jeans by Reformation
• Aritzia Effortless Pant
• Joe’s Jeans White Tee
• Anita Bang Black Blazer
• Stod Dresses and Outerwear

Beauty:

• Patrick Toshi’s "Not Too Much" Blush Duo
• Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
• Dior Backstage Glow Palette
• Charlotte Tilbury Iconic Nude Lipstick
• Anastasia Brow Pencil

Accessories:

• Laura Piana Pointed Toe Flats
• Orem Collective Belts
• Janessa Leone Sculptural Earrings

Travel Essentials:

• Summer Fridays Bomb Lip Butter
• Vanessa Hernandez Skin Calming Jelly Mask

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Additional Resources

For detailed product links, exclusive promo codes, and more styling tips discussed in today’s episode, visit breakingbeautypodcast.com under the episode recaps section. Additionally, watch the episode on YouTube to see Liv Perez's wardrobe selections in real-time.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the podcast guidelines.

Transcript

[Carlene Higgins]

The following podcast is a Dear media.

[Jill Dunn]

Production Attention New York City based listeners. Carlene and I are hosting a live podcast event. It's coming up so soon. It's on Monday, December 9th. It's in the evening in Soho. And we really hope that you can join us because we're going to be speaking with two inspiring women. The founder of Jenny Bird Jewelry, so that's Jenny Bird herself, as well as the founder of say, Beauty, Laney Crowell. So we have so much to learn from both of them and we'll be chatting all about beauty, style, entrepreneurship, holiday gifting and much more. Plus, there's a great gift bag and an exclusive discount to shop from Jenny Bird. So to find out more and to rsvp, click the link in our show notes or the link in our Instagram bio. Space is limited, so don't delay and we can't wait to see you there.

[Carlene Higgins]

Welcome to Breaking Beauty the podcast, all about the breakthrough people, products and moments in beauty.

[Jill Dunn]

We're your hosts, Jill Done and Carlene Higgins.

[Carlene Higgins]

Hello and welcome back to Breaking Beauty Podcast. I'm your host, Carlene Higgins, here with my genius co host, Jill Dunn. Hello, Jill.

[Jill Dunn]

Hey, Carlene. Well, that's high praise. I don't know if I would say.

[Carlene Higgins]

That, but sure, you're always inspiring me.

[Jill Dunn]

Well, we're two longtime magazine beauty editors turned beauty podcasters delivering the breakthrough people, products and moments in beauty. Our longtime listeners know that, of course, but if you happen to be tuning in for the very first time, we've been very fortunate to chat with so many epic guests on this show in nearly, you know, 400 episodes. At this point, everyone from makeup by Mario to Patty Dubrov and Jen Atkin and Violette Serra and Emily Weiss, the list goes on. So proud.

[Carlene Higgins]

Absolutely. We dig deep on beauty every single Wednesday. However, I'm really excited to be shaking things up today because we're doing kind of a hybrid episode where we're chatting about fashion and beauty, how to build the perfect 2025 capsule wardrobe and the beauty products to match with the people's fashion stylist, Liv Perez.

[Jill Dunn]

And if you're not familiar, Liv Perez, she's a fashion aficionado, content creator, and she hosts the chart topping style podcast. It's called let's Get Dressed. It used to be called Friend of a Friend, but it kind of underwent a rebrand recently and it's been doing really well.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah, and Liv is really known for her impeccable style. I'd say she rocks kind of that stealth wealth aesthetic. And she's earned over 350,000 followers across social media, where she's sharing tips on personal style, brand building and fashion trends. She collaborates with the likes of Chanel and Dior. She's often spotted in the front row at fashion weeks around the world. But what I think a lot of people are drawn to is the fact that she kind of does this high, low mix. So she'll throw you an Amazon recommendation as well. That's why, hence the name the people stylist.

[Jill Dunn]

And Liv is a contributor for NBC's the Today show, where she hosts monthly trend segments. And she's just mingling with the who's who in fashion and beauty. I mean, she personally got married this past summer. The photos were to die for. And, like, Gigi Hadid is one of her bridesmaids. Patrick Taw did her makeup for her weddings. She interned at Teen Vogue. She was a contributing writer at Forbes for years. And she even worked at Glossier back in the day.

[Carlene Higgins]

Oh, yeah. So you know she's going to come through with the really good beauty recommendations. And I loved getting super specific with Liv on, like, what the blue jeans of the moment are, the brands, the silhouettes, what are the essential items for a modern work wardrobe? I work from home, so I've gotten a little lost on that front. What are people wearing out to a night of dancing these days? What is she loving for holiday cocktails? The it bag. You know, the list goes on. And then it was just super fun to pair up these capsule items to what the beauty equivalent would be. So, like, what's the blue jean of beauty that goes with absolutely everything. We were weighing in with our picks. She was weighing in with what's always in her makeup bag. Really fun conversation ahead.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah, she gets very specific to, like, I love when she talked about her nails because she only gets one color and she has the standing appointment and the reasoning behind why she only gets one color. It was just like extremely specific. And I think people appreciate that.

[Carlene Higgins]

The true definition of a capsule wardrobe. Right. These select pieces that last forever. Everybody's going to want to shop this episode, so don't worry. We have everything listed that we talk about on our website, breaking beauty podcast.com under episode recaps. And we are also going to be showing this episode on YouTube so you can actually see what Liv is wearing and watch our conversation live.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah. And if you haven't subscribed yet, what are you waiting for? You need to subscribe to our YouTube channel. It's so fun to watch. And we've been publishing on there a lot more regularly, so I can't wait for y'all to tune in. It's just at Breaking Beauty Podcast is our handle and we are also excited to share that we did a pod swap with Liv when we were in Los Angeles because she's also fellow pod fam at Dear Media. So on Monday, December 9, coming up, we are appearing on her show where we're sort of like recapping the year that was in 2024. Sharing some product must some product flops. So we will link to that episode on our social media.

[Carlene Higgins]

But before then, if you haven't had enough of us yet, we have a bonus episode coming out this very Friday.

[Jill Dunn]

That'S an episode all about sensitive skin. You and I both have sensitive skin, and I don't think I've laughed that much in an interview in a very long time. And it's all thanks to our guest, Jenna Haley, who works with First Aid Beauty.

[Carlene Higgins]

She's a ray of sunshine and we really got a lot of takeaway tips and hacks for what to do as Sensitive Skin Girlies as the weather turns. So be sure to tune in Friday. We just have so much extra content for all of you. If you're loving our episodes, please write us a review in Apple Podcasts. It helps other people to find us and share the episode. You can go ahead and hit share and text it to any of your friends. And without further ado, here she is, Liv Perez.

[Liv Perez]

SA.

[Carlene Higgins]

This episode is brought to you in part by Hill House Home. So if you're not familiar with Hill House Home, they are the inventors of the Viral Nap dress. You've probably seen this on your feet at one time or another. It's that dress that has like a tiered bottom, and then at the top it has these great ruffled straps and kind of a ruching, I would say, across the chest. So it looks great on everyone, every body, typ shape, it kind of like levels me out because I'm like a pear shape. So I love it for that. It's so flattering. Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Canneling, they're all fans of the Viral nap dress. And these dresses start at about 150, which is quite reasonable. And you can wear them, like from work to out to cocktails. And what I really think is clever is that they switch up the prints for the season. So right now for holiday, you can get a tartan one. Like there's a dark green one. It's so, so cute. They even have a tool material. So there's red, there's black. So beautiful for a cocktail or like a winter wedding. And they also have great other pieces. Like during this interview right now that we're recording with Liv Perez, I was wearing the burgundy Valentina jacket. It's kind of nubby, very French, gold buttons. I love it so much. And quality is amazing. And it actually extends into bathrobes, pajamas, bedding. And they have like mini me sizes as well. So you can match your toddler or your baby with the nap dresser pajamas. How cute is that? And of course, we have a deal for everyone. Get 15% off your order of $100 or more at Hill House Home.com with code BEAUTY15. Again, that's code BEAUTY15 for 15% off your order at Hill House Home.com. whitney, Whitney, Whitney.

[Jill Dunn]

I need you to tell me what it's giving. Listen, Whitney, I need help.

[Carlene Higgins]

You ain't gotta worry. Cause girl I'm here. I'll tell you what it's giving.

[Jill Dunn]

I'll tell you what it isn't. I'm Whitney Adebaya. You may know me from Love island, but it's time to know me from a little island called life. My podcast, what's It Giving? Features my sister Lizzie, as well as special guests getting into all the things life, love, laughter. I'm not saying tea will be spilled, but I'm also not saying the floor will be dry. Send me a DM on Instagram if you have any dilemmas you want to be answered on our podcast. Watch or listen to what's It Giving? Wherever you get your podcast every Wednesday. Be there or be square.

[Carlene Higgins]

Welcome to Breaking Beauty Podcast live. Really excited to learn from you how to build a capsule wardrobe. And because this is a beauty podcast, we're going to be peppering in the beauty products to match as we go along. So I mean, where else to start? But I'm a jeans girl until I die. So what is the denim silhouette of the moment to invest in? What are you loving right now?

[Liv Perez]

1. This is so fun. I'm like visualizing this whole episode as like Polly pockets, like things we can swap out. Okay. Like this gene with this flash. I think a I've been seeing a lot of boot cut jeans back in the fold. Definitely kind of like the Gen Z TikTok style right now that I see a lot of. But I think more than that, a jean that's really long, but like perfectly long where it folds at your foot.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

Is what I'm seeing a lot of. And this is not an easy thing, in my opinion.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

Because you really have to find that gene that's long enough where you can tailor it a little bit to your shoe, whatever, like, shoe you're wearing. I am wearing a pair right now that I am obsessed with and can't, like, sing their praises enough. It's the Val gene from Reformation.

[Carlene Higgins]

Oh.

[Liv Perez]

They're soft, which I like. There's nothing I hate more than like sitting down and feeling like I'm in a corset from the jeans that I'm wearing.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

So I'm obsessed with these. They have a lot of different colors, but this is a true blue and it's pretty true blue.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yes, it is.

[Liv Perez]

It's high waisted. But because they're soft again, I don't feel like I'm just deeply uncomfortable.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

I don't think we realized for how, like when high rise jeans came back into the fold, I don't think we realized how uncomfortable they were.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

We were all just kind of down with the trend.

[Jill Dunn]

Right. And we, we were just making excuses for it being like, these are our standing up jeans.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

And these are sitting down jeans.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And like, if I eat one thing, I'm like, I need to go home. I hate my life right now. Like, I'm deeply uncomfortable.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

So I, I love a high rise. I love a, like, I love a. Not a high rise. What are they called? High waisted. Sorry, Brain is turning on this morning. Yes, I love a high waisted, but they need to be soft so I can live my best life. But yeah, these ones, I think having that longer silhouette that kind of gives you a little bit of height. I love when they fold at the bottom just a little bit.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And I think this is kind of V2 of like our departure from skinny jean land.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

I have not seen a skinny jean in so long.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I'm seeing again, a lot of boot cuts, a lot of straight fits.

[Carlene Higgins]

And is this one a straight fit?

[Liv Perez]

You are. This is a straight fit.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay. So like, we're talking about a straight leg. Very classic.

[Liv Perez]

Yes.

[Jill Dunn]

The official name is the reformation val 90s mid rise straight. But you say you got the high rise one, so.

[Liv Perez]

Well, these are, you know, maybe I have a short torso, so maybe they come a bit higher on me.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

But I love a straight leg. I think for me, that's what I'm telling everybody to invest in right now.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Because one with sneakers or flats, they have that kind of nice bunching at the bottom.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

With a boot or a heel. They just give you that really elongated silhouette.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah. I also recently got a pair of boot cut, like, with a bit of a flare, which I have not worn in years.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah, it's a little foreign, but I.

[Carlene Higgins]

Did, and I actually, when I put them on, I was like, you know what? These won't be my everyday, like, straight leg jean, but I do appreciate because I'm more, like, hip. I have bigger hips, and so the proportion does me favors. Like, it really does. So they're really nice, actually. Beyond any kind of trend, I actually appreciate just having these in the mix, you know?

[Liv Perez]

And I think it comes to jeans. I know that we're in the time of, you know, e commerce and buying online, but there's nothing like going to your local Nordstrom Bloomingdale's and trying on a bunch of different fits.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I actually think if you're someone who, like, hasn't found your denim yet, that's what you need to be doing to go look in the mirror, feel what fits your body shape. Right. Bring a couple different shoe options with you so you can see what works for your closet. That, for me, I think, is something that's really overlooked with denim today.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And I love. I love a bootcut. I was wearing a pair the other night from Citizens of Humanity, and I think a boot cut for me, for my body shape. I have really long legs, so I like the way they look on my legs, but I need something that's really almost boxy on top to contrast that. Like, bootcut leg. Yeah, Bootcut shoot. Bootcut jeans, to me, are really all about styling.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah, absolutely. And the ones that I have, by the way, are denim forums, so you get them at Aritzia. The price is really good. Now, beauty wise, what would be kind of the blue jeans of beauty in your wardrobe? Like, the workhorse that goes with everything. It's just like the fundamental.

[Liv Perez]

A blush 100%.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

I grew up dancing, so the way that I learned how to do my makeup was stage makeup.

[Jill Dunn]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

Definitely not the natural kind of French way of beauty. I could do a winged eyeliner by the time I was seven.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I'm still really good at it. And when people ask me to do it for them, I'm like, it is muscle memory for me. Like, I can just do it from having to do it for a stage for so often. And blush really was the most important thing. It was what gave us life on stage from afar. And so for me, I'm loving this. This era right now that we're in of intense Blush Like, I am always in a cream blush with a powder blush on top. And I love the life that it gives.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

I think it's the foundation for every look for me. The same way a pair of jeans would be.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I'm not afraid to. To over blush. And even if I'm, you know, leaving my house and I don't have time to do a full foundation, concealer, eyebrow mascara moment, I'm doing blush because it makes me look alive.

[Jill Dunn]

Okay.

[Carlene Higgins]

Well, I have a good blush I'm going to recommend to you later. That's brand new. I'm gonna get. I'm gonna come back to it. What's the blush? What's your go to?

[Liv Perez]

I love a cream blush with a powder blush on top. I think the same way that you put foundation and concealer on and then a powder is the same way that you should be doing blush that way. Especially for my skin that's a little bit oily. I need that powder on top.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

No, I was just gonna say you also had the privilege of Patrick Todd doing your wedding makeup.

[Liv Perez]

Yes.

[Jill Dunn]

What blush did he use? Because he's got the duo. Right?

[Liv Perez]

Yes. The powder and the cream he used. Not so much.

[Jill Dunn]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

Yes, yes. Right, Sorry.

[Jill Dunn]

So this went out of the major headlines. Double take cream and powder blush duo. And the color is not too much.

[Liv Perez]

Not too much. Yeah. It's called not too much.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

That was, I would say when I look back on my wedding day photos, the blush was everything.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

It really gave such good kind of like luminosity to my face and I have high cheekbones. So I love the way he painted my cheeks for that day. It was everything. That and the lip combo for me.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Really are what shown.

[Carlene Higgins]

And it has that cream and the powder built in.

[Liv Perez]

That is the best duo.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

What's your everyday blue jeans version? Is there a shade, you know, or is there a tone?

[Liv Perez]

So I do love the Patrick Toshi's the moment. I use that one a lot at home. I also love road freckle. I have that in my purse all the time. Because it's just an easy on the go.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

The little like pop it on. I'm also someone who loves like a multi use beauty moment. I'll put it on my lips, my eyeshadows, like on my eyelids.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And just kind of call it a day.

[Carlene Higgins]

Absolutely.

[Liv Perez]

And that freckle is so good for that.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And then sometimes I'll powder on the Charlotte Tilbury blush right on top of it. Y again, I love like a poppy blush moment.

[Carlene Higgins]

I'M a blush girl, too. I feel like the blue jeans of beauty to me is a good kind of skin tint that has an SPF in it, because that's a workhorse the way that blue jeans are for me, it's like I can pair jeans with a jacket or whatever. So I love the Ilia super serum skin tint SPF 40. That would be my vote.

[Jill Dunn]

Ooh. Okay, what's next? Joe, we need to ask you about what we're wearing to work. What do you think for 2025? Everyone invest in.

[Liv Perez]

For starters, I used to go into Office two for editorial. I got my start at Teen Vogue.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And my favorite memories from that era were going to class at NYU in a heel and a mini skirt and usually a coat over it in New York City in the winter. I don't know what I was. I don't know how I did that, but I did it. And I would go to the 4th street subway, take the subway up in my little heels, and then be in the Teen Vogue office the whole day until, like, the late evening.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Getting dressed up for work is everything.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Like, it's what gave me so much life and so much inspiration. Inspiration. And that was such a formative time for me. I remember so many of those outfits. But, yeah. Now this is my office, so it's a little bit different. I really think that people underestimate the strength of a good slack.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

A good everyday trouser that can feel like the elevated version of your jean workhorse.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

I think we're. We can get really stuck in, you know, maybe a dress for the office or just not invest in finding that pair that is perfect for our wardrobe.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I have the Aritzia effortless pant, and I talk about it probably three to four times a week because that is my workhorse.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Jill Dunn]

Those pants, those are a staple.

[Liv Perez]

Those are my jeans.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

If I'm working from home and I feel like I'm having an off day, but I need to, like, show up and look good, because that's kind of my medicine is getting dressed every day and feeling my best self. I'm putting on a white tee like this one, and those effortless pants, and I feel like a person.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

Instead of just putting on maybe, like, a sweat or a legging.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

They're also so soft that they feel like a jean. They feel like a sweatpant. Like, they don't feel like you're wearing a hard slack. And I also feel like slacks are still kind of getting a new, updated like, iteration for next generation. Like, slacks in the past felt very office. Felt very like working mom going to the office. And I think there's a way to make it feel really young and fun and not so stuffy. I never wear a slack with, like, a white button down. That feels a little obvious. I'll wear it with, like, a cropped leather jacket or, like, a long trench and really make it feel fun and different.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah. And what's the white T shirt? Because we're talking about capsule wardrobe. I mean, there's got to be some go to brands for you, and that can be hard to find.

[Liv Perez]

Honestly, I have two that I really love. One's ribbed and one's not.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

This one I actually, I just got, and it's from Joe's jeans. And Dani Michelle, who is stylist Kendall Jenner. So many incredible women with incredible fashion. She's the creative director there now. And so this is her iteration of the white tea. And I love it.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I. When it comes to tees, even tees for men, I go to. I like, I'm really passionate about this. Even with my husband's wardrobe, it needs to be a shirt with weight. I find that, like, the thin shirts don't drape well. They can always look really messy, and they don't really lie well underneath jackets, even, like a shacket, anything like that. This tee has the perfect weight. It, like, can sit on its own and doesn't need to be, like, fidgeted with. And I think it's great. I love it. It's so soft too. I got like, three of them the second I got it in the mail. My other one that's ribbed that I love is from an independent vintage store here in Los Angeles called Shop rlt.

[Carlene Higgins]

Oh.

[Jill Dunn]

I follow them on Instagram.

[Liv Perez]

I've actually known the curator of that store since we were in middle school, and I'm so impressed and admire what she's built so much. So half the. Half the store is vintage curation. She goes to the Rose bowl every Sunday at 5:00am and, you know, sources herself. And then she has her own line of essentials that she's curating based off of vintage silhouettes. So the great tee, a cropped baby tee, a black mini dress, a great sweater, and her RLT baby tee is ribbed, and it's absolutely perfect.

[Carlene Higgins]

Amazing. Love it.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

I just recently bought a T shirt because I've tried a lot of. I've been looking for the perfect white T shirt and failed sometimes. Like, I thought I was Gonna love the Uniqlo ones. And then I was like, you know, I just. I don't love it. And I finally found one that I really like. It's from Le Bon Shop. Do you know that brand?

[Liv Perez]

I don't.

[Jill Dunn]

I have. I have a couple other T shirts.

[Carlene Higgins]

You like it? Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

And I have a T shirt dress from them.

[Carlene Higgins]

I really like it.

[Jill Dunn]

They make the best socks of all time.

[Carlene Higgins]

I know, I know. So this is like. We're seeing it all over Toronto.

[Liv Perez]

So this is more of like. That's like a loose fit. More of a loose fit.

[Carlene Higgins]

It is. I mean, it depends on what size you. What I like about that one is it has, like, a little bit of a drape to the sleeve. And so again, it just kind of like, squares you out a little bit. And it get. Again, with my hips, I think it just kind of gives this balance, which is really nice. And it is true. They have the best socks to wear with Birkenstock.

[Liv Perez]

Oh, love. Oh, my God. I think that is, like, such a thing right now. A lot of these brands are coming out with, like, the perfect. They're really, really Birkenstock socks.

[Jill Dunn]

They're really good quality. And they have these. They have these socks called the cloud socks. Now I'm going on a Tangen.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

But they're, like, fuzzy and they're. They're like cottage appropriate or like fall vibes. Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

The original cloud sock was Aurora James. If you know she is. She has other bellies. During COVID she was doing kind of monthly drops from Brother Valleys from around the world.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And she came out with a cloud sock that was like the coziest, thickest.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

They weren't like, dainty socks for loafers.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

They were the quintessential cottage cozy sock obsessed.

[Carlene Higgins]

And we're going to link to everything.

[Liv Perez]

I don't know if she still has them, but let's see.

[Carlene Higgins]

Oh, interesting. Okay, we'll find out. What about the jacket? Give us a couple jackets that you love for work. The brands, the cuts right now, colors.

[Liv Perez]

So I think everybody should have a great black blazer in their closet. If you are someone who likes to do a matching set, by all means, go get the Aritzia one that matches the effortless pant. I have a lot of anina Bang blazers. I would say this is probably my third one, and I just got this one. I like it because it has no collar, so that's kind of nice sometimes for something that you want to feel a little bit less informal. So I love Anita Bang I have a checkered one from them that I think is great. This is a striped one. My goal is to have a blazer in, like, every color and every print and just have like my own cute little Polly Pocket wardrobe of just different blazers. Because for me, that feels like the blazer feels like my highlighter. Like it's the thing that I'm putting on to just umph the outfit.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

And give it a little bit of light.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah, yeah. Outfit maker for sure.

[Liv Perez]

For me, that's a highlighter, too. It's like, it's the thing that kind of makes you stand out a little bit. It's the thing that catches people's eye.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah, definitely.

[Carlene Higgins]

And how about. Let's talk about accessories that are great for. For work. What's the shoe? I'm always struggling with a computer bag. Kind of a tote situation. Tell us what to invest in there.

[Liv Perez]

So when it comes to shoes, I think the best everyday business shoe to take you from the office to drinks while looking good is a pointed toe flap flat. Especially after this year, I think we're. We kind of forget that the pointed toe flat also exists because we've been in Mary Jane Land Ballet Flatland, and to be honest, that's not the most flattering silhouette on everybody. I think you have to be really tall with long legs to pull that off. I'm not really tall and I have a ton of ballet flats and I love them for more casual everyday wear, but they're definitely not elevating my outfit. They're like the shoe that just is something comfortable if I'm like, running errands. But I have a pointed toe flat that I love. It's definitely a splurge. They're from Laura Piana. I have them in a lot of different colors because they're so well made and I wear them all the time with everything I think the brand is. There's a really good dupe from Mark Fiser that's very similar and they have them also at, you know, shs. Steve Madden makes them. I would just look for any pointed toe flat because I think it elongates an outfit and it gives that level of sophistication that a rounded toe flat wouldn't be able to give. But you still get the same level of comfort.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah, I like the Emmy Parsons ones. Do you know that?

[Liv Perez]

I don't. So many brands I haven't heard of.

[Carlene Higgins]

I like that.

[Liv Perez]

That always makes me excited.

[Jill Dunn]

And what's the silhouette? We know of the show, but are you doing, like, black leather? Are you doing, like, leopard print? Like, what is the go to for.

[Liv Perez]

The capsule hot take?

[Carlene Higgins]

The Emmy Parsons.

[Liv Perez]

Oh, yes. I've seen those. Exactly. The dark brown MME persons.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah, I really want those.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah. It's just a good silhouette, but hot take. I'm not a leopard print girl.

[Jill Dunn]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

I wish I was. I know it's definitely a hot topic whenever it's brought up, like with my friends who do love leopard print, but I am a classic black leather.

[Jill Dunn]

Got it.

[Liv Perez]

And I honestly, if I could, I'd get them in every color. Don't care from what brand. I'd find the shape from any brand and get them in any color.

[Carlene Higgins]

What about the. Again, the computer bag? Like a tote bag that kind of fits everything. What would be a good investment right now because it's so practical.

[Liv Perez]

I just got the Kuyanoto, and I was really impressed with the process of getting one.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

In the sense that they put you through kind of a quiz of what your everyday looks like. Are you someone that goes around with the, you know, do you want a makeup tote? Do you want to put your laptop in there? And then they customize the inserts of the bag for your everyday.

[Carlene Higgins]

Wow.

[Liv Perez]

I really loved that. And it was so nice having this coat tote that, like, perfectly fit my laptop and also came with its own, like, it became a laptop case.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

Which I loved.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

And the price points on those aren't that bad. They're like 300 bucks.

[Liv Perez]

350. Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

Wow.

[Jill Dunn]

For leather.

[Liv Perez]

And, you know, they have them a lot of different colors. Black leather, brown leather.

[Jill Dunn]

And you can get their initial.

[Liv Perez]

Yes. And I mean, obviously, look, I could sit here and tell you all the splurge totes that I would go for, like, the Saint Laurent Le Cinq Accept, I think is what it is. My French is terrible. I've had my eye on that bag for months. I'm obsessed with it. It's just.

[Carlene Higgins]

Would it fit a computer?

[Liv Perez]

Do you think the big toe would.

[Carlene Higgins]

Oh, okay. Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Not the. There are multiple sizes of this tote. There's the, you know, smaller of the shoulder. There's the other one, and then there's the big, big one, and that would fit. Get a laptop. That is a dream computer bag. But if you're looking for something that is relatively affordable, good quality. And I also think has all the bells and whistles to get you through a nine to nine, not just a nine to five. That bag's great.

[Jill Dunn]

Awesome.

[Carlene Higgins]

And what color did you get?

[Liv Perez]

I got it in the, like, classic brown yeah, I'm not sure what their exact tone is, but yeah, I have it in classic brown.

[Carlene Higgins]

What about a watch? I feel like watches are so back.

[Liv Perez]

Watches are so back for sure. Yeah, I have a few. I mean, I'm someone who sees watches as an investment and also something I like to like, you know, bring into my life for big moments. So a birthday, an anniversary. So because of that, I'm usually a splurger when it comes to a watch. I love the Cartier tank more than anything in the world. I think it's so beautiful and so classic and I'm lucky enough to have gotten mine from my mom. She passed it down to me. So it's something that I really cherish and absolutely love and so good. Is really like just. It makes every outfit. Yeah, it's so beautiful. But there are so many new watch brands that are coming out right now or brands that are, you know, existing heritage brands that are putting a big effort on beautiful classic watches that feel of our time right now. One Heaven Mayhem makes a really good kind of similar Cartier tank vibe.

[Jill Dunn]

She's everywhere right now.

[Liv Perez]

And yeah, she's done a really good job of taking these, I would say kind of old school heritage aesthetics and bringing them to the masses, which I think is hard to do. And she's doing it so well.

[Jill Dunn]

She's also stunningly gorgeous.

[Liv Perez]

Yes, she is. She's been on my podcast before. She's wonderful and such a businesswoman, which I love. Also, believe it or not, Tory Burch makes wonderful watches. I'm a big Tory Burch girl. I love their accessories. I think they're really different, stand out and a great investment if you're someone who wants to like have fun with fashion. And I was actually just looking at their watches the other day and they have like a great gold kind of dainty similar tank esque watch, one with a black strap and a brown strap. I was really impressed by those the other day. So I actually just got one and I can't wait to take it around, try it.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah, I'd love to have her on the show one day. I just so like, she's done so well for herself. I don't know, she's. She's, it's like classic now. There was a time when it was just so of the moment. Remember the tea, like triggered.

[Jill Dunn]

I can't. Yeah, sorry.

[Carlene Higgins]

But now it's become classic, like it has.

[Jill Dunn]

I just immediately think of those shoes and the big gold.

[Carlene Higgins]

I know, I know, but we're, we're beyond that. She's she's transcended. That's the point. Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Like, just get an irresponsible.

[Carlene Higgins]

I wear my Apple watch to work out when I want to track things. Although, am I really tracking things? And then I wear my fancy watch elsewhere.

[Liv Perez]

I'm more of an Oura ring girl. I mean, it's really big and bulky, and I can see it in pictures, which.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Is why I take it off.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

But I. I think if you're wearing an Apple watch, you're committing to the athletic look.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Jill Dunn]

For sure. Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

I want to circle back to you mentioned highlighter. So I'm guessing this is the. This is the item that you would use to elevate for work. And I'm curious what the highlighter is. What's your go to?

[Liv Perez]

I'm a Dior tried and true highlighter girly. The Dior Backstage Glow palette is one of my favorites. I love that it comes with four different shades because I think it's fun to kind of mix and match. Also, aesthetically, it's very pretty for, like, any countertop imagery that you're working with.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I also do really like the Charlotte Tilbury highlighter wand, but I'm desperate for her to repackage those.

[Carlene Higgins]

I agree.

[Liv Perez]

Desperate.

[Carlene Higgins]

I was just thinking that the other day. I was like, you know what this needs? It's not a new package.

[Jill Dunn]

People are saying so on TikTok, so it's probably gonna come.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yes.

[Liv Perez]

For those of you who haven't tried it, it's a tube, and in order to open it, you twist where the applicator is, which is just the messiest.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah. And it's a spongy little top. It just looks pretty unique.

[Liv Perez]

It explodes everywhere. I do love the idea of a wand, and, like, being able to apply it is really fun. They just need to change how you open and close it.

[Carlene Higgins]

Absol agree.

[Liv Perez]

But I have that in highlighter contour blush. I love that product. So, Charlotte, if you're listening, I love you.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah, yeah. Same, same.

[Jill Dunn]

Come on, girl.

[Liv Perez]

Sa.

[Jill Dunn]

Helio Care is one of our show partners this week. As a dutiful beauty editor, you know I'm committed to wearing SPF 365 days a year. And I also know the importance of antioxidants, fend off free radical damage. And one that I recently discovered is called Heliocare. And Heliocare is an antioxidant dietary supplement. And it's designed to help maintain the skin's ability to protect itself from free radicals. And there's a proprietary and powerful extract that's rich in antioxidant properties called firm block PLE technology and it can be found in Heliocare's daily use Antioxidant formula. So the clinically proven plant derived supplement is recommended by dermatologists across the country because it really works to provide an extra layer of skin defense and helps maintain healthy skin. Love that. And please note that these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. I like to think of Heliocare as a supplement or additional step when I'm using my topical spf. So we have a very special offer just for breaking beauty listeners. If you'd like to check out Heliocare daily use antioxidant formula for yourself, you can visit lovelyskin.com hcbb15 and use code hcb15 at checkout for 15 off your heliocare purchase. Once again, visit lovelyskin.com hCBB15 to save. We'll link to the software in our show notes and on our website.

[Carlene Higgins]

Today's episode is brought to you in part by Masterclass For a gift that's always on time and lasts a lifetime, you can't do better than Masterclass. With Masterclass, your loved ones can learn from the best to become their best. Masterclass is the only streaming platform where you can learn and grow with over 200 of the world's best best. That's why Wirecutter calls it an invaluable gift gift Unlimited Learning. Learn from any Master class instructor anywhere on a smartphone, computer, smart TV or even an audio mode. Just the way you're listening right now. Help them build life changing habits with New York Times best selling author James Clear. Improve their physical and mental well being with leading gut and brain health experts and the classes really make a difference. 88% of members feel that Masterclass made a positive impact on their lives. For me personally, what I'd be listening to Toot Sweet would be Martha Stewart. She started her business at age 50. It's probably worth about a billion dollars by now. I'm going to be starting a business next year. A lot of you may know that in the beauty sphere. So I'm just so inspired by everything that she does. So this is the perfect gift and there's no risk. Every new membership comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. So give your loved ones a year of learning with Masterclass. And Masterclass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50 off. Head over to masterclass.com beauty for their current offer. That's up to 50 [e-mail] beauty. That's masterclass.com beauty. What about everyday essentials beyond the workplace? Like you're just, you know, you're shopping down fifth Avenue, you're meeting the girlies for brunch. Like what are the pieces that are kind of would be capsule pieces for you that we haven't talked about yet.

[Liv Perez]

I would say finding what your sweater shape is. Everybody has their shape. It's oversized, it's cropped, it's V neck, it's cardigan. You can have them all. But we all have kind of our go to.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

For me, it's the Flynn cashmere sweater from Jenny Kane. I have it literally in every color. I wearing it without a shirt underneath. I love wearing it with a shirt underneath. I love wearing it layered underneath a blazer. Yeah, it just adds that extra layer, an extra element and texture to whatever you're wearing. So I love that.

[Carlene Higgins]

Is it cashmere? Is it wool or cashmere? Yeah, of course. Cashmere investment piece. The best.

[Liv Perez]

And they're actually not that bad. I think they're 200. And I have a code I can share with your listeners if you guys want.

[Jill Dunn]

Let's hear it.

[Liv Perez]

It's live. P15 for 15% off. Off. I am on Jenny Kane every day.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

What about Alex Mill? Have you worn any?

[Liv Perez]

I haven't worn, but I often get targeted ads for Alex Mill. Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

What about the quint one you just got? Cuz that's cashmere and it's like 60 bucks.

[Jill Dunn]

It's $50.

[Liv Perez]

Talk to us about Quint. Yeah, I have not taken the plunge on it.

[Jill Dunn]

Okay. Yeah, no, what I really appreciate when you go on their website is like they are so transparent that they're like this is the cashmere sweater we have $50 and. And literally they put beside it J. Crew. It would cost you this much to buy a J. Crew or this much at, you know, another like Nordstrom or something. So they're like being. They're just naming names, you know. So I think that, I think that price transparency is everything. And yeah, I think that the colors are on trend. And listen, for me, my cashmere that I have that I've spent 400 on pills anyway. So you know, for 50 bucks I've been impressed so far with like the fit and everything.

[Liv Perez]

Okay.

[Jill Dunn]

And the size inclusivity too. Like they have sizes that aren't just like four straight sizes. Like we have extended sizing. So I think that's important because that's unfortunately shrinking.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

In a lot of other retailers, so I appreciate that.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay. Any other capsule pieces for just every day elevated.

[Liv Perez]

I would also say figure out what your accessories DNA is. Everybody has their own. Some people love a black belt. Some people have a brown belt. Some people like gold, silver. And for me, I think that has really been a big style unlock in the last few years is figuring out what earring shapes fit my face, what belt earring pairings I like together that will take jeans, a white tee, and a blazer to another level.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

That really has been kind of like the cherry on top. And I think it's such an easy, effortless thing to figure out. And I think there are so many different great jewelry belt brands now more than ever, that are. You know, a lot of these brands are leaning into accessorizing more than now more than ever. So I think it's a great kind of window into your personal style. That's an easy, effortless lift for your closet. It's not, hey, go invest in this bright red sweater. Hey, go and invest in this expensive bag. It's. How can you showcase your style in just these little ways?

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Jill Dunn]

What about Gigi's sweaters?

[Liv Perez]

It's so funny. I was actually just gonna bring it up. I love that brand.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I really do. I think there's so much innovation, and it's fun, and it's cozy, and I really appreciate brands that. That feel like their founders more than anything. And it just. It does. It feels just like her and the colors and the shapes and the fabrics.

[Jill Dunn]

Did she ask you for feedback at all while she was, like, maybe doing colors or silhouettes?

[Liv Perez]

Oh, she doesn't need my feedback. She's such a great designer and has such a great aesthetic on her own.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah, I love them. I love the look of them. I haven't tried them.

[Liv Perez]

They're very soft and very.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah, they look super cozy.

[Liv Perez]

And the store on Bond street is amazing. It feels.

[Carlene Higgins]

Feels.

[Liv Perez]

They've really built a world that feels like the brand. And again, I appreciate good branding and good quality. Like, over everything, when you feel like you're going into a world.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

It's called Guest in residence is the full name. Everyone.

[Liv Perez]

I just got a flannel jacket from them that I'm obsessed with.

[Jill Dunn]

Oh, I.

[Liv Perez]

It's so soft, which usually, like a flannel. Like, flannel you'll get. And it feels more like a puffer. This is like a cashmere flannel, and it has a contrast collar. Which I really love right now. And I've been wearing that on the weekends in our quote unquote, 80 degree fall.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right, right.

[Liv Perez]

With jeans and, like, flats and it's just so cute. Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

Okay.

[Carlene Higgins]

What about the jewelry? Like, are there just a couple of brands and. And silhouettes you're loving right now to invest in? And the belt? Because I often feel like a belt is like. It's like the hidden. What do you call it? The sleeper hit of a wardrobe, really. And sometimes it can be hard to get the exact right. Great width and details. So tell us, Tell us that.

[Liv Perez]

I really think belts are about trial and error. I don't think there's a formula to them. It's funny. I had a friend ask me to do a video on my Instagram of, like, finding the right belt.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And I really. I think. I don't think there's a formula. I think it's feeling okay. I love Cast Amicio. She's a content creator who started a brand called Orem Collective. Cass, if I just said any of that wrong, including the last name, I'm so sorry, but I adore you.

[Jill Dunn]

We will link to it in our show notes. The right spelling.

[Liv Perez]

That brand is amazing. She's brought in a lot of vintage styles into her collection. It's all accessories. So great belts. I think she did eyewear. She has jewelry, and I am obsessed with all of it. It's elevated. It's definitely a little bit more of an investment belt than anything, but for me, I think really worthwhile because it's something that you could wear every day and have for a long time. Time.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Jill Dunn]

I feel like Haley Bieber wears those belts.

[Liv Perez]

Yes, Everybody does. They're amazing. Yeah. She's done a really fantastic job.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

I also, believe it or not, I am an Amazon girly when it comes to belts. I have found so many great pieces on there. And look, you can splurge on a belt, but at the end of the day about. Yeah, like, if I don't. I don't need it to be, like, perfect. Premium Italian leather. Like, I just need it to work and, like, hold my pants concept.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah. I've actually found there's one belt duo that I share a lot. It's like a 1999 duo that's like a black leather belt with a gold buckle and then the same thing for brown.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

And I wear them all the time and get asked by so many people, where's that from? That's such a good belt. Amazon.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay. What are the earrings? You're wearing the most. And this is a podcast so people can't see, but you're. It's kind of that, like, sculptural, chunky.

[Liv Perez]

These are from Janessa Leone, who's also a great accessories brand. She's primarily known for woven hats.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

And she also has a great tote and a couple other accessories. She's a great brand, but I love these from her.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I'm also a big vintage gal when it comes to jewelry. I love going on the realreal and finding, like, vintage Chanel earrings. Givenchy has the best vintage earrings, and I've been able to find two different pairs, both in the, like, 250 range that I adore.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

I look on the realreal. I look on Vestier.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I always kind of have my eyes out.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And then there's one brand that's based in London that I am just obsessed with that I would get every single piece if I could. It's called completed works. Okay. And her stuff is very architectural, very sculptural. A lot of pearls, a lot of resin. And that, to me is. Her pieces are really a moment. Like you're building the outfit around the year moment. And I actually first found them from Chrissy Rutherford. She was wearing. Yeah. Insane ear cuff. And I was like, what is that?

[Jill Dunn]

Who is that?

[Liv Perez]

Tell me everything. And now I feel like I share them like, once a month. Okay.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah, that's great.

[Carlene Higgins]

I want to talk about everyday elevated perfumes, and I don't know if you've. Are you a perfume person?

[Liv Perez]

You know, I. I'm someone who finds my perfumes and, like, sticks to what I know.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah. Okay.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

So I've seen the new Merit. I'm wearing it today, so I'm going to pass it for you to smell. It's a beautiful sculptural bottle. Actually reminds me kind of of the type of jewelry we've been talking about. I am in love with this perfume.

[Liv Perez]

It's very floral.

[Carlene Higgins]

It is. But it's.

[Liv Perez]

But, like musky floral.

[Carlene Higgins]

It is. It reminds me a little bit of Fleur, the way it's the missing person skin kind of effect.

[Jill Dunn]

Wow.

[Liv Perez]

Perfume is interesting to me because I think it smells different on everybody, obviously.

[Carlene Higgins]

Absolutely.

[Liv Perez]

So I am always. I. That's what I love about perfume is it takes its own shape.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

On everyone. That's a gorgeous bottle.

[Carlene Higgins]

You're not in love with the scent, is what?

[Liv Perez]

No, I am.

[Carlene Higgins]

Do you like it? Oh, you like it?

[Liv Perez]

I'm a floral girl, so I wear Valentino Roma. Believe it or not. A lot of people are shocked when I tell them that I wear it just because it's not maybe in, like, the popular zeitgeist all the time. Very floral, and I don't know, I just love the way it smells on me.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I also love that they have the main size and then they have a travel size.

[Jill Dunn]

Oh, my God. I have the travel size with me on this trip. Yeah, I do. Because they have the rubberized rock studs on the outside, so you're not gonna smash it.

[Carlene Higgins]

Y. Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

And it had. It's not a roller ball. It's an actual spray, and it has a cap on the spray. Unfortunately, with the merit. I don't know if I would travel with that.

[Carlene Higgins]

Like, it.

[Jill Dunn]

It looks like beautiful sculptural.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah. No, I think this is more about every day. Like, you're going to wear this. You know what I like about this fragrance? First of all, it took them, like, five years to produce, so they were going back and forth, and they worked with a French perfumer, but it's called Retrospect. And they really. They're kind of moving away from this idea of, like, the solo flore, which we've seen for so long now. This ide of, like, one note essential oils. Very recognizable, and went back to an idea where they're really building the scent out of, like, fruity top notes, like pears. And then the middle notes are really floral, like you said, of, like, violet rose, jasmine, and then the dry down has that, like, vanilla and musky note. So it's really old school. That's why it's called Retrospect. But they've modernized it. Like, it smells like you said. It's more like, like, you know, musky and, like, what Fleur is doing kind of thing. Very wearable. I think this is going to be huge. And.

[Jill Dunn]

Okay, the price point is good, too.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah, it's like 90.

[Jill Dunn]

It's like around $90.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I will also say I feel like I've been opting out of perfume because I'm obsessed with Cyclar. Like, I am.

[Carlene Higgins]

Oh, really?

[Liv Perez]

I have been obsessed with cyclar since the V.1 of it. And she came on the podcast we're calling. Talking about Claudia Slewski here.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

She came on the podcast right after the original launch, which was in a glass. Glass container.

[Jill Dunn]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

And she walked in, and I was like, make me a perfume. Make me this. I'm obsessed with the scents that she's developed. And since she just rebranded, I've been wearing and using every Lotion. I'm obsessed with the rebrand.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah. Well, it. That actually makes sense because her same parent company, Incubator, does missing person. They do floor, so they know who to call.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yes.

[Jill Dunn]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

It is, like, so good. And I even noticed, like, like when I have the lotion on, I don't need a perfume because it is fragrant and you could just kind of smell.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay. I need to try this line now.

[Liv Perez]

I'm forgetting which scent I wear, but it's the one in the brown tube.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

And I'm so glad that she switched to a tube because for the nail girlies who were, like, dipping into the tub before, it would, like, get in my nails. I'm so happy that she has it in an actual, like, squeezy tube now.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah. Since you didn't mention your nails, are you the type of person similar to your scent where you're just always wearing the same color?

[Liv Perez]

Yep.

[Jill Dunn]

Okay, tell me what it is, because boring.

[Liv Perez]

No, I want to be boring.

[Jill Dunn]

This is why we're talking to you about capsule. And I think you're not alone. I think people are like, I will not deviate from. This is what I feel comfortable in. I have to look at my nails for three weeks on end because I'm getting the gel or the dip or whatever. So what are your. What's your layer?

[Liv Perez]

So I think when it comes to beauty, for me, it's not that I'm not adventurous.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

It's that I just. I'm a classic person. I know it works for me. And I'm not fussy.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I'll try new beauty looks when maybe I'm going out for dinner or going to an event, but on a day to day basis. Basis. I like what I like.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And that even goes, like what I'm putting on my face. It's the same thing every day. And with my nails, I've been doing a Russian manicure for about three years now, and I have been wearing the same color ever since. Okay. I wear a color called Strawberry Milk. I love it. It goes with everything I'm wearing. And yes. Like, I have these on for a month and I'm not willing to commit to, like.

[Jill Dunn]

Couldn't agree more.

[Liv Perez]

Like, I would love to be a maroon girl right now, but, like, I can't do that.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

Ain't nobody got time for switching all the time either.

[Carlene Higgins]

Like, no.

[Liv Perez]

And like, what if I'm wearing an outfit and throws it off?

[Carlene Higgins]

Exactly.

[Liv Perez]

I just look at outfits. Like, I look at math.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Like, if one thing's off the equation's not going to work.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

So if my nails are like bright red and I'm wearing tones that don't work with that, I am having a bad day. Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

And where do you get your Russian manicure? In la.

[Liv Perez]

So I have a girl in LA who comes to my house.

[Jill Dunn]

Brilliant.

[Liv Perez]

Yes.

[Jill Dunn]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

And by the way, the cyclar in the amber tube, that would be the sacred centel.

[Liv Perez]

There we go.

[Carlene Higgins]

That's the name of the set, everyone.

[Liv Perez]

I got the gifting and it went immediately in my bathroom. I didn't look. I was like, nope, this is. Is it? Yeah, I didn't look. So thank you for looking for me.

[Carlene Higgins]

Love it. I want to ask you about going out. What are people wearing out these days? I have no idea. So how do you like, turn it up that you can wear? Yeah. To look fancy.

[Liv Perez]

Going out looks, I think are the most like heated topic on the Internet. Where are we getting cute tops? Where, like, what's the dress that we're going out in? It's really tough because I think especially, you know, when I was in my early 20s, it's like I was living in New York, going out, going to a club. And like what I was wearing then is very different than what I'm wearing now to like go to dinner with friends and have a drink.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I think people are gonna be like, what a basic answer. But I'm a tried and true reformation girl. I think that they make such good going out tops and they make something for everybody, which I really like. And I also feel like when I see it out in the world, everyone kind of styles it a little bit differently. Me, I'm someone who still feels good, like in my blue jeans and a cute top. Like, I. I rarely like put on a mini skirt to go out. And when I do, maybe I'll amp it up with like a knee high boot.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And like a big coat or a leather jacket. So, yeah, I try not to overthink going out.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Wardrobe too much. It's like, how can I just take what I'm wearing already and maybe make it a little bit more evening? Think I definitely don't have a separate wardrobe of like going out items. If anything, I feel like over the last decade I've found like more refined items to go out. Maybe it's like a long sleeve top with like a keyhole cut out at the chest. That's like refined chic, but still kind of gives evening. Do you know who's making great evening wear right now that I'm obsessed with is Stod. Oh, yeah, I love Stod. First of all, their boots are incredible. Talking about knee high boots I have, they're black knee highs, black short ankle boots. Like, I love Stod. But they're making really cute kind of like a little black dress with, you know, a little like belt detail at the top where like your decolletage is, like, cute kind of moment there. They're making great going out tops. Things that, like, feel fashionable.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

But for evening.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Which again, is really hard to do. And I think they do.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah. I also love a brand based out of New York called Tay Park. They, you guys probably remember it was. They came out with like a corset top that had like the ruching around.

[Jill Dunn]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

I absolutely love that brand. A little bit more of an investment brand, but when you get that top, you're going to wear it for years to come. The construction is incredible and Tay is an amazing designer and all the. The tops are really great for going out.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah. My last one is a brand called Mimchik that I love, that I support and wear all the time. They've got great going out items too. How do you spell that?

[Carlene Higgins]

Sorry.

[Liv Perez]

M I M C H, I K. Okay. Yeah. Okay, good. Like tops, little skirts. Actually, they made a custom dress for me for my bachelorette. It was like a little like tank dress with a bubble skirt and they make it in a bunch of different colors and like, that's a fun going out dress.

[Carlene Higgins]

Is there anything you do to amp up makeup when you're going out? Do you ever go for like a strong lip look or is it a mascara? Is it a wing liner? What would be your going out essential?

[Liv Perez]

That's a great question. Skin. I probably go a little heavier on the eye.

[Carlene Higgins]

Okay.

[Liv Perez]

I have really big eyelids. There's a lot of real estate you do.

[Carlene Higgins]

Makeup artists must love you.

[Liv Perez]

There's a lot of, like, room to play around. So maybe I'll add in like a little bit of a shimmer there on a daily basis. I'm not someone that wears a lot of eyeshadow to begin with. I have very oily eyelids.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

So they kind of have that shine on their own. But yeah, for night I'll probably bring in like a little bit of like a darker tone. I haven't done a winged eyeliner in a long time. Do we think winged eyeliner is on the way out?

[Jill Dunn]

I think it's about to come back in a little bit.

[Carlene Higgins]

I think it's classic. Yeah. And I think that's A capsule one for me.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think. I think it had its moment. Clean girls weren't wearing eyeliner, but I think in next year, we're gonna definitely see it more.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Even lip. Like, I have the same color every day.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah. What is it?

[Liv Perez]

I'm a Charlotte Tilbury iconic nude girl. I just. Just goes with my skin tone so well. And I think with the blush combo that I do, it just works.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Jill Dunn]

And your brows might as well get it all since you wear it every day.

[Liv Perez]

Browse. Brows, to me, are really special. I grew up in Los Angeles going to Anastasia as a kid, so she taught me to keep my eyebrows big and amazing. Unruly and.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Not do anything to them. So I fill them in with Anastasia brow pencil, and then we'll use her brow for. To keep them up. And I just kind of let them live their best life. But I will not leave the house without filling in my eyebrows. Like, you won't see me without filled in eyebrows. Yeah, I used to henna them. My mom. My family's Moroccan, so my mom taught me how to henna dye them at a young age. I just think having a bold brow, like, I could have no makeup on.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yes.

[Liv Perez]

And my brows could do all the talking.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah, that's absolutely true. It adds so much structure to the face. I feel like traditionally it would be a red lipstick that you would have as a capsule piece for when you want to, like, amp it up for a fancy event. But I just don't see a lot of people doing that in this day and age realistically. So I'm gonna go ahead and recommend what I like to do, which is just like a lip liner look with a really high gloss on top of it and just kind of really try to plump them up. I think that's very modern. And the one that I'm really liking right now is this Refy limited edition plum lip collection. This one just came out. I don't know if you guys have seen it.

[Liv Perez]

I'll take a plum lip over a red lip every day.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Like something with a deeper tone. Even in the summer when, like, maybe plum's not the go to color.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

I'm still in that world.

[Carlene Higgins]

So I've seen quite a few girlies wearing this.

[Liv Perez]

Beautiful. I think they got their jacket.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah. I think I saw Nara Smith. If she wasn't wearing this one, it was one very similar that she was putting on in a car. And her lips just look so beautiful. I've seen Ruby Lynn wear a look like this. It's Very kind of. Again, that almost like Saint Laurent love.

[Liv Perez]

Yeah.

[Carlene Higgins]

Kind of vibe where you can wear it with, like, a cute, like, short dress and hosiery.

[Liv Perez]

Yep.

[Carlene Higgins]

And actual high heels.

[Liv Perez]

I think Chanel beauty makes that color perfectly.

[Jill Dunn]

I was just gonna say my capsule piece is The Chanel Rouge.

[Liv Perez]

Chanel 31.

[Jill Dunn]

Come on, if you're gonna invest vest.

[Carlene Higgins]

This is the girl Y. Oh, yeah, this is. That's $100 lipstick, everybody.

[Jill Dunn]

But refillable. But it is. It is so chic.

[Carlene Higgins]

The limit of lipsticks.

[Liv Perez]

Let's be honest, when Chanel launched refillable lipsticks, I felt like the game changed.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, it also comes with its own little leather pouch, which is white, of course, and it is.

[Carlene Higgins]

It's not quilted, but still, it's.

[Jill Dunn]

It's pretty chic.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah, it's.

[Jill Dunn]

It's gorgeous.

[Liv Perez]

I will also say when we're talking about blush, highlighter, all that the Chanel Le Beige is the sun Kiss trio that they have. It's like a round compact that has. It literally looks like a sun setting. It's so beautiful.

[Jill Dunn]

Beautiful.

[Liv Perez]

But I will, like, literally put my brush in that and, like, go all around and, like, put that on my cheeks.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

And it's just kind of that one and done product that you can walk out of your house if you don't have time to, like, do the contour, the blush, the highlight. Yeah, it's just like a nice. Feels like you. It's literally like you sat in the sun.

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah. Oh, I love that. Well, we're gonna hit you with one more capsule collection because you do travel so much. So speaking of that, what would be a couple of capsule pieces that you absolutely love to travel in, whether it's on the plane or just, like, when you touch down. What's worth investing in your air?

[Jill Dunn]

What's your airport fit?

[Carlene Higgins]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

Ooh. My airport fit is from Aritzia, actually. It's a long sleeve, like, cotton shirt that is just, like, my favorite thing in the world. It's linked on my shop, my, like, in my travel section. I have a lot of stuff in that travel section of, like, the things that I need. I feel like I'm a pro traveler at this point because to the airport, I go through tsa. I'm in the lounge, like.

[Carlene Higgins]

Right.

[Liv Perez]

I have, like, my refillable capsules that I, like, put all my beauty products in. I know exactly, like, what is coming with me on the plane. I would say two products, beauty products that I take on the plane. And, like, if I'm Taking off and they're not in my purse. I'm freaking out. Summer Fridays Bomb is, I would say, my hero product.

[Jill Dunn]

Oh, literally.

[Liv Perez]

No. The Lip Butter Bomb. There's one in every corner of my house. There's one in every purse. There's one in my car. I cannot function if that's not with me. I'm upset, obsessed with it. It's so great. The other thing, I go to Vanessa Hernandez Skin here in Los Angeles. She's in Brentwood, and she has a calming jelly mask and also under eye patches that I swear by. The under eye patches are like $5 each, which is incredible.

[Carlene Higgins]

Oh, wow.

[Liv Perez]

And I think the actual mask is $15 each. I buy them online in bulk and I take them every time I'm traveling. Yeah, they just. My skin looks. I look like a new person afterwards. So, yes, I'm that person that's masking on the plane. But it's worth it for me.

[Carlene Higgins]

Absolutely.

[Liv Perez]

Might scare you. I love it.

[Carlene Higgins]

I love the cooling under eye, too. Charlotte Tilbury came out with some, and it's so, like, refreshing.

[Jill Dunn]

Awesome.

[Carlene Higgins]

Thank you so much for your time today. Honestly, I'm going to Google so many of the items that you recommended and add them to my own capsule wardrobe. And I'm so excited to be on your show as well.

[Jill Dunn]

Yeah.

[Liv Perez]

So fun.

[Jill Dunn]

So check us out over on let's Get Dressed podcast.

[Liv Perez]

What's in, what's out? All the fun stuff.

[Carlene Higgins]

Thank you, Liv. Thank you.

[Liv Perez]

Thank you, you guys.

[Carlene Higgins]

Thanks for listening. You can find details on every product mentioned in today's episode, along with our exclusive promo codes on our blog @breaking beauty podcast.com.

[Jill Dunn]

While you're there, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Every episode will be delivered directly to your inbox, so you won't miss a.

[Carlene Higgins]

Single thing and get social with us. Let us know what you think of the episode. You can follow us on Instagram at Breaking Beauty Podcast.

[Jill Dunn]

And did you know we also have a private Facebook group? Just search Breaking Beauty Podcast chat room.

[Carlene Higgins]

You can even leave us a voicemail at any time with questions or feedback at 1-844-227-0302.

[Jill Dunn]

And don't forget to subscribe to us wherever you get your podcast fix. Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, and Apple Podcasts, where you can show us some love by writing a review.

[Carlene Higgins]

See you next Wednesday. Please note that this episode may contain.

[Jill Dunn]

Paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services.

[Carlene Higgins]

Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.