Aisha Milton

The Versatility of EXPRESS

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EXPRESS is easily one of my favorite stores. This retailer offers high-quality denim, tops, and sneakers that never disappoint. I’m particularly obsessed with their dark and light wash denim in both skinny and boot-cut fits. Their skinny jeans look incredibly stylish paired with a blouse, a blazer, and leather ankle boots—the cut is unique because it fits perfectly over the boot.

Another reason I love shopping at EXPRESS is the incredible variety. One day, I might be hunting for the perfect professional workwear; on the next trip, I’m stocking up on casual denim and trendy sneakers. Plus, the store always offers fantastic sales on both apparel and accessories. It is my reliable go-to for a wardrobe refresh!

Luxury Finds at Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue is my ultimate destination for luxury brands and high-end investment pieces. Whenever I visit, I immediately head to the denim department; they offer such high-quality brands like L'Agence and Paige. Beyond the jeans, I’m always hunting for chic blouses and tailored blazers that make me feel instantly stylish. Another reason I adore Saks is the convenience of browsing multiple departments, from luxury makeup to designer shoes, all in one trip. I always leave Saks feeling inspired and completely satisfied.

Inspiration at Bloomingdale's

Bloomingdale's is another top destination, and I always start my visit by checking out their incredible window displays. The mannequins are always styled in such unique attire; they give me so much inspiration for my own outfits! As I walk through the store, I keep those creative looks in mind while heading to the clothing department. From high-quality denim to sharp workwear, Bloomingdale's has it all. It’s more than just a store—it’s where I go to find my next big style idea.

The Gucci Runway Feeling

Gucci is an iconic Italian brand that I especially love for their footwear. I am obsessed with the Horsebit black ankle boots—they look incredible paired with skinny jeans and a chic blouse or a cozy sweater. These boots make my legs look sculpted, and whenever I pull them on, I feel like I’ve just stepped onto a fashion runway! Gucci’s boots are designed with the finest craftsmanship, so you truly can’t go wrong. When it comes to luxury boots, Gucci is my ultimate go-to.

The Timeless Elegance of Chanel

Finally, Chanel is my premier destination for handbags. What I love most about this iconic house is the unparalleled craftsmanship; each piece is designed with rich calfskin leather and the signature Chanel logo. A Chanel handbag truly makes any outfit look elegant! To me, these aren’t just purses—they are timeless heirloom pieces that I will treasure forever. It is my favorite stop for rich, luxe accessories that never go out of style.

Favorite Shoe Brands: The "Walk on a Cloud" Edition

They say shoes are the first thing people notice about an outfit, and in my closet, they are the stars of the show! After sharing my favorite stores with you all, I knew I had to give you a deeper look at the brands that keep me stylish from the ground up. Whether I’m going for a classic streetwear vibe or a hidden gem find, these are the shoes I can’t live without.

Favorite Shoe Brands: The "Walk on a Cloud" Edition-The Timeless Classic: Nike Air Force 1

One of my all-time favorite shoe brands is the Nike Air Force 1. These are at the top of my list because they are the perfect trifecta: comfortable, stylish, and timeless. I’ve owned several pairs over the years, and I love collecting them in all different colors to match my mood.

One of my favorite ways to style them is with a cute T-shirt and a pair of skinny jeans for an effortless, chic look. Honestly, whenever I wear these shoes, I feel like I am walking on a cloud! I truly can’t go wrong with this brand—it will be a wardrobe favorite of mine forever.

The Hidden Gem: EXPRESS Sneakers

My next shoe favorite is a pair of sneakers from EXPRESS. I’ll never forget the day I found them; I was busy shopping for new skinny denim and matching tops when I wandered into the shoe section. I saw a pair of crisp white sneakers and thought to myself, "These would look so cute with my new outfits!" I tried them on immediately and it was instant love. They were so comfortable and stylish—exactly what I’ve come to expect from Express. I’ve had these sneakers for a few years now, and they are still one of my go-to pairs. I love shopping at Express because they always deliver on both quality and style!

Handbag Faves: The Timeless Appeal of Coach

Besides shopping for a luxe handbag at Chanel, I also adore the Coach brand. It is another truly timeless name in fashion. What I love most about Coach is their famous signature print; it makes the handbags look so stylish and helps them stand out from the crowd.

I’ll never forget a shopping trip I took about ten years ago. Coach was having a major sale that day, and a black cloth handbag with a leather strap immediately caught my eye. It featured that iconic Coach "C" signature, and I remember thinking to myself, "I must have this purse!" I asked a sales associate to see it, and the moment I tucked it under my arm, I was in love. I walked out of the store with my new find that day, and believe it or not, I am still using that same handbag today! Coach is the definition of a timeless brand that actually lasts.

My Beauty Faves: From Bold Lips to a Natural Glow

We’ve talked about the perfect stores, the dreamiest shoes, and the most iconic handbags—but no look is truly complete without the right beauty routine! Today, I’m opening up my makeup bag to share the brands that make me feel radiant and confident. Whether I’m looking for a bold, high-fashion moment or a soft, natural glow, these are the beauty faves that never let me down.

The Magic of MAC: A Magnificent Mile Splurge

One of my absolute favorite beauty brands is MAC. I love this brand because their products are so richly pigmented and high-quality; whenever I wear them, my face truly radiates!

I’ll never forget a day when I was strolling down Michigan Avenue (the famous Magnificent Mile) in Chicago. I had just run out of my MAC Lipmix—a total staple for me because I can mix it with different glosses to make my lips really pop. I walked into the store intending only to restock, but as I began browsing, I just couldn't help myself! I thought I’d "just check out" the new items, but I ended up walking out with a bag full of products instead of just one. Yes, I’m guilty—but I just couldn't resist! From eyeliner to a new bullet lipstick, I wanted it all. That is just how good MAC products are; they will always be my go-to for a bold beauty look.

Natural Radiance: My bareMinerals Discovery

Another makeup brand that holds a special place in my heart is bareMinerals. I remember shopping at the Simon Outlets in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, and strolling through the mall when I decided to stop by their store. This was actually my very first encounter with the brand, so I decided to treat myself to a makeover!

The sales associate was so helpful, asking me detailed questions to understand my skin tone and whether my skin tended to be dry or oily. She then applied the Foundation in Golden Dark to my face. When I looked in the mirror, I was instantly in love! The foundation gave me a flawless, natural look that made my skin truly glow. I’ve been using this foundation ever since that first visit. If you are looking for a natural finish that highlights your inner radiance, bareMinerals is definitely the brand for you.