Fall Favorites (For Men and Women)+ Domestic Violence Awareness Month 🤍

Hello, friends! 🤍

With October right around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to highlight something important. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to support survivors and their children, raise awareness, and shine a light on an issue that impacts so many women, children, and families.

This topic hits close to home for me, and one thing I feel especially passionate about is the importance of financial independence and economic opportunity for women. Having access to your own resources can provide security, confidence, and—most importantly—choices and options, especially for women trying to leave unhealthy or abusive situations. Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm; it can also include emotional and verbal abuse, gaslighting, financial control, intimidation, isolation, and other patterns of behavior used to gain power or control over another person.

I was also encouraged to see the City of Austin authorize an agreement with Travis County supporting the creation of a Austin/Travis County Family Justice Center, intended to bring coordinated resources together for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. I’m hopeful that efforts like this will make it easier for survivors and their children to find the help and support they need.

Economic development matters. Economic development is what gets people and countries out of poverty. It can help women build independence, give families greater stability, and create opportunities for a safer and more secure future.

As we head into October, I hope we continue supporting survivors, strengthening families, and encouraging women to build lives filled with safety, independence, strength, and hope. 🤍

And now, on a much lighter note, I wanted to share a few things that have been making everyday life a little easier, prettier, and more comfortable lately. These are products I genuinely love and think are worth sharing. 🤍

I’m starting with a few luxury skincare and  favorites for the guys—products that the men in my life are loving and that make great gifts, too. 🤍

1.) Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

Excellent “luxury skincare for men who normally don’t care about skincare” recommendation. 

2.) How to Be A Gentleman

For dates, go the extra mile. Put your phone on silent and be fully present. Have her favorite flowers waiting, order her favorite wine, or remember the little details she’s mentioned along the way. I’ve experienced this kind of thoughtfulness before, and let me tell you—it earns about a million extra points. 🤍 It doesn’t have to be extravagant; the smallest gestures often make a woman feel the most seen, valued, and cared for.

3.) Vineyard Vines Shirt

I love when men know how to dress well! There’s something about a classic, polished look that never goes out of style. A few of my favorite brands for men are Vineyard Vines, Peter Millar, and Mizzen+Main—all great options for looking put-together without feeling overly dressed up.

For a more casual, laid-back look, I also love Southern Tide and BURLEBO. Think effortless, masculine, and polished 🤍 For colors, always have a few great basics (white, navy blue, grey, etc).

4.) Great Fall Everyday Basic Comfy Men's Pullover

Again, stick with the classic colors—white, navy, neutrals, etc. You really can’t go wrong with a timeless color palette.

And gentlemen, again if you’re dating someone, go the extra mile. Before a nice dinner, date night, or special event, ask her what color she’s wearing so you can coordinate.

‍

‍5. ) A Book I Think Every Man Should Read — Wild at Heart

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge is one of those books I think every man should read at least once. It explores faith, purpose, courage, adventure, and what it means to live fully as the man God created you to be. It’s also a great gift for the husband, boyfriend, father, or son in your life who wants to grow deeper in his faith and purpose. 🤍

‍

10 Things I’m Loving Right Now 🤍

I’m always trying new things, but these are the products that have actually earned a place in my everyday routine. From beauty favorites and wardrobe basics to a few mom-on-the-go essentials, these are 10 things I’m genuinely loving right now—and would absolutely buy again.

1.) The Comfiest Everyday Leggings

I have literally been wearing these 3–4 days a week. They’re incredibly comfortable, flattering, and so easy to dress up or down. The perfect everyday leggings!

2.) What Helps My Hair Stay Beautiful- Dyson Airstrait™

Probably one of my most-used beauty tools. People ask me what I do to my hair, and this is a huge part of it! I typically wash my hair only a few times a week, and the Airstrait makes getting that smooth, polished look so easy.

3.) Cute + Comfy Lace Undies

Because basics can still be pretty. 🤍 These are feminine, flattering, and actually comfortable enough for everyday wear. Trust me—you’ll feel great in them!

4.) For hydrated, volumized, and beautiful hair

The hair oil that makes such a difference! Kérastase Elixir Ultime leaves my hair looking silky, smooth, and SO shiny without feeling heavy. It gives my hair that gorgeous, healthy-looking finish, and the scent is absolutely amazing. 🤍

5.) Eyelash Enhancing Serum

One of my favorite little beauty finds! I love how this helps give my lashes a longer, fuller, but still natural-looking appearance.

6.) My Favorite Hair Curler

If you love soft, elegant hair, this is such a good one. It gives me the prettiest curls without making my hair look overly “done.” Think effortless, feminine waves. 🤍

7.) The Portable Charger I Never Leave Home Without

Between work, errands, and constantly driving my kids around, my phone is always being used. This little charger has been a lifesaver. I actually keep extras in my car and purse because I never want to be without one!

8.) My Gracefully Kristen St. Barths Silk Pajamas

Cute, comfy, and one of my favorite things to throw on at home. These silky-soft pajamas are lightweight, feminine, and perfect for lounging, getting ready for bed, or sipping coffee in the morning. I wear mine 3–4 times a week—they’re just that comfortable! ☕️

9.) The Everyday Basic That Goes With Everything

Classy, comfortable, and ridiculously easy to style. This is exactly the kind of basic I love because you can throw it on and instantly look put together.

10.) Cute Fall Matching Lounge Set

I wear a size small! This is perfect if you work remotely, are traveling, running errands, or just want to be comfortable while still looking cute. I absolutely LOVE a matching comfy set for fall. 🍂🤍

That’s my current top 10! 🤍 Please note I may earn a small comission on these purchases, with no additional cost to you.

I’m all about finding things that make everyday life a little easier, prettier, or more comfortable, and these have definitely made the cut.

Shop all of my current favorites above, and check back because I’ll keep sharing the things I’m actually using and loving—both on my Gracefully Kristen Instagram and here on my website.

Cheers to pumpkin spice, cooler weather, cozy matching sets, and a beautiful fall season ahead. 🍂🤍 Wishing you and your families a happy, healthy, and safe rest of the month!

Until next time,

Gracefully Kristen 🤍

Health * Faith * Fashion

‍

‍