Jessica Andrews's Shopping Must Haves
13 Must Haves That Style Director Jessica Andrews Is Shopping This Season
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If you saw my closet, you wouldn't be surprised to learn that I spend an inordinate amount of time shopping. Long before I became the senior style director at Popsugar, I considered myself somewhat of a retail expert because I really treat it like a sport. When I go shopping, it's not just that I'm looking for the perfect beauty find or home decor item, I need to get it on major sale with store credit I've been saving and an extra gift with purchase added on top. That's the equivalent of a touchdown for me. My first love is fashion, and I have the aforementioned closet to show for it, but my shopping list has expanded to include everything from furniture to travel products to spa services. My mission? To find investment pieces and experiences that are truly worth the purchase — and even better if I can get them for half the price.
Keep reading to peruse my shopping list from retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, and more.
Jessica Andrews' Shopping Must Haves
- The press-on nails I always get complimented on: B.Clawed Sweater Weather Press-On Nails at $24
- An amber-scented candle with a heartfelt story behind it: Harlem Candle Co. Eartha's Garden Luxury Candle at $55
- A travel pillow I rely on for long flights: Trtl Travel Pillow in Coral at $65
- The chic way I schlep heavy items around the city: Hulken Signature Rolling Tote Bag at $125
- My go-to skincare kit from a celebrity-favorite aesthetic doctor: Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Skin Care Discovery Set at $130
- My secret weapon for pain relief after a workout: Chirp RPM Mini Massager at $150
- A digital picture frame you can add photos to remotely: Aura Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame at $149
- This viral tool is a steamer and iron in one: Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer in Rose at $180
- My dream dress with puff shoulders and delicate embroidery: Damson Madder Audrey Puff-Sleeve Organic Cotton Midi Dress at $215
- For any shoe lovers that want a go-with-anything heel: Brandon Blackwood Lola Heel in Gray Denim at $250
- Podiatrist-designed shoes that saved me on my last day of NYFW: Frankie4 Liberty Black Boots at $284
- A viral It bag with Amazon-fast shipping: Telfar Large Shopping Bag at $272
- The bestselling smart TV and artwork display in one: Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame TV at $1,000
B.Clawed Sweater Weather Press-On Nails ($24)
One of my favorite beauty routines is getting my nails done — but if I need a fun style in a pinch, my hack is press-on nails. The designs are more intricate and head-turning than ever (they rival professional manis, quite frankly) and they're super easy to apply and remove. One of my favorite press-on sets was this textured set from Etsy that's designed to look like a sweater, I can't tell you how many compliments I received.
Harlem Candle Co. Eartha's Garden Luxury Candle ($55)
I love a good amber-scented candle, and this is one of my favorites. It's a delectable blend of French Jasmine and rosewood with notes of sichaun pepper, cali lemon, and earthy moss. The only thing better than the scent is the story behind each one: the brand itself pays homage to the Harlem Renaissance, so both the name and candles honor an iconic person or place from that era (or a cultural giant in Harlem, in general). This "Eartha's Garden" candle is named after legendary Eartha Kitt, and I'm a big Black history buff, so I appreciate that special tidbit.
Trtl Travel Pillow in Coral ($65)
I have to travel for work often, and this pillow keeps me comfortable during long plane rides. With its super-plush cushion and ergonomic design (which keeps your head perfectly tilted), I don't have to worry about waking up with pain from sleeping awkwardly. What's more, the design (and color!) make it look like an oversize scarf. Read more about why it's worth the investment in our Trtl travel pillow review.
Editor Quote: "I never considered buying a travel pillow (I usually roll up my scarf or sleep on my handbag) but now I don't know how I traveled without it. Once I figured how to wrap it properly, it was so convenient and comfy I nearly fell asleep in my cab ride home from the airport. The cushion is super supportive, so you wake up feeling rested and without any aches or neck pain from awkward positioning. And the pink color helps — when I turned the pillow around to rest on the back of my neck, it simply looked like a vibrant scarf." — Jessica Andrews, senior style director
Hulken Signature Rolling Tote Bag ($125)
As a professional Aunt, one thing I always seem to be doing is schlepping. Schlepping groceries, soccer equipment, beach toys, and the list goes on. This viral rolling tote bag is a godsend; I can pile everything in and roll around to spare my shoulders and back from the pain of lugging a huge load. I also invested in the Hulken Tidy & Chill Insert Set ($58) for two inserts to keep everything organized. It doesn't get more convenient than this.
Plus, they all come in a chic rose gold color that makes schlepping feel, dare I say it, stylish (other colors include silver, midnight blue, and standard black. And to add even more fashionable flair, I added two charms from their collection with design darling Susan Alexandra to celebrate "the city we schlep in": Hulken x Susan Alexandra Schlep-mates Coffee Cup Charm ($55) and Hulken x Susan Alexandra Schlep-mates Coffee Bagel Charm ($59). I smile every time I look at them.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Skin Care Discovery Set ($130)
Nothing thrills me more than good skin care, and this set from Dr. Barbara Sturm helps me maintain my routine when I'm traveling. The acclaimed aesthetic doctor's clients include perpetually glowing celebrities like Angela Bassett and Bella Hadid. And this collection specifically caters to shoppers with darker skin tones, with items like an enzyme cleanser, a hyaluronic serum, and hydrating creams.
Aura Carver HD WiFi Digital Picture Frame ($149)
I'm so delighted to be an Aunt, and I always light up whenever I get new pictures of my nieces and nephews. This picture frame lets me put their photos on display without having to print them at home or at a nearby drugstore. Easy to set up and use with the free Aura app, this frame boasts free unlimited storage. The best part? You can invite friends and family to add photos, too — so my siblings surprise me with new pics sent directly to the picture frame.
Chirp RPM Mini Massager ($150)
Between working out and running around for events like New York Fashion Week, my body can get pretty sore at the end of the day. So, I absolutely love Chirp's massager to relieve tension — especially because it's compact enough that I can travel with it. I use it everywhere from my shoulders and back to arms and hamstrings. And after years of working in heels as a fashion assistant-turned-editor, I also throw in the Chirp 2" Plantar Fasciitis Relief Foot Roller ($20) for heel and arch pain.
Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer in Rose ($180)
For someone who wears as many dresses as I do, it's important to invest in a steamer that will ensure I stay wrinkle-free without damaging my clothes. The Steamery Cirrus 3 produces high-quality, dry steam and since you can press it against your garment, it functions like an iron and steamer in one.
Damson Madder Audrey Puff-Sleeve Organic Cotton Midi Dress ($215)
I'm a huge fan of the London-based fashion brands that create dresses with romantic flourishes and a vintage feel. Damson Madder is my current obsession, and I love them even more for working with recycled materials and committing to small-batch manufacturing. This particular dress features puff shoulders, a demure midi hemline, and gorgeous embroidery on the bodice and removable peplum waist.
Brandon Blackwood Lola Heel in Gray Denim ($250)
I'm a bonafide shoe lover and just couldn't resist adding these Brandon Blackwood heels to my collection. With a gray denim upper, a three-inch heel, and a chic strap, these comfortable heels give an elegant touch to all my dresses and pantsuits. The shoes also come in medium blue denim for an eye-catching spin.
Frankie4 Liberty Black Boots ($284)
When I learned that Frankie4 footwear was founded by podiatrists, I knew I had to add the impossibly comfortable shoes to my repertoire. Their heels and flats feel like I'm walking on a cloud, thanks to a the Sole Hero™ Footbed which features arch support and cushioning to make each step comfortable. I pulled out the chic Liberty Black Boots on the last day of New York Fashion Week, and my feet thanked me for it.
Telfar Large Shopping Bag ($272)
The Telfar shopping bag is an everyday wear for me: it houses so much and it's so chic and instantly recognizable. I was so happy to learn the brand is available on Amazon (starting when Oprah made it one of her favorite things) and that means you can get quick shipping. The copper tone is a neutral with a little edge; you can pair it with any outfit and it'll add a stylish vibe. Plus, it's just big enough to fit all your essentials, including a laptop.
Samsung 55-Inch Class QLED 4K The Frame TV ($1,000)
Once I moved into a new home, the Frame TV was the first item on my shopping list. One of the most in-demand tech finds on the market, the TV features hi-def, 4K Ultra HD picture quality, and it turns into a display for paintings in art mode. It also boasts a slim-fit wall mount and a clear cord that won't be an eye sore in any living space. Check out our editor's review of the Samsung Frame TV for more details.
Editor Quote: "If you have the budget and prioritize aesthetics, I think Samsung The Frame TV is worth the money. The difference between what a typical TV looks like on the wall vs. The Frame TV is night and day. Yes, you can find a TV with 4K resolution in the same size for almost half the price, but it won't blend in seamlessly with your decor like The Frame TV does." — Angela Elias, former contributing shopping editor
Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.
