If you saw my closet [1], 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 [2], 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: [2] B.Clawed Sweater Weather Press-On Nails [3] at $24
- The chic way I schlep heavy items around the city: [3] Hulken Signature Rolling Tote Bag [4] at $125
- My go-to skincare kit from a celebrity-favorite aesthetic doctor: [4] Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Skin Care Discovery Set [5] at $130
- My secret weapon for pain relief after a workout: [5] Chirp RPM Mini Massager [6] at $150
- This viral tool is a steamer and iron in one: [6] Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer in Rose [7] at $180
- My dream dress with puff shoulders and delicate embroidery: [7] Damson Madder Audrey Puff-Sleeve Organic Cotton Midi Dress [8] at $215
- Podiatrist-designed shoes that saved me on my last day of NYFW: [8] Frankie4 Liberty Black Boots [9] at $284
B.Clawed Sweater Weather Press-On Nails [10] ($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.
Hulken Signature Rolling Tote Bag [11] ($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 [12] ($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 [13] ($55) and Hulken x Susan Alexandra Schlep-mates Coffee Bagel Charm [14] ($59). I smile every time I look at them.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Skin Care Discovery Set [15] ($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.
Chirp RPM Mini Massager [16] ($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 [17] ($20) for heel and arch pain.
Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer in Rose [18] ($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 [19] ($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.
Frankie4 Liberty Black Boots [20] ($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.
Jessica C. Andrews [21] (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.