CMK Starter Pack
CMK Starter Pack
When I started this blog over seven years ago, it was my goal to share things that I learned (sometimes the hard way) in hopes of making your day, life, and getting-ready process a little bit better or easier. I never set out to “influence” anyone, just hoping to add value to your day. Several weeks ago, I received a message about several previously shared items and how they have improved their life. They also jokingly mentioned how I should compile a list of items to create a “CMK Bingo Board” with some of our favorite finds over the years. Challenge accepted! I threw a question box up, and here are some of our favorite items over the years.
ONE | CAKES BODY
This is a relatively newer item on the list, I first shared them Summer of 2022 when I discovered this small sister-owned business. They are meant to provide modesty and smoothness underneath unlined bras, to replace the awful padding on sports bras and swimsuits, or to be worn underneath a tight top or dress. They’re reusable, washable, and adhere with the help of the warmth of your skin. They’re now available in three skin tone shades and three size ranges. I own and wear the OG size and + size, which both work well in different situations. You can still use my code CARALYN towards your purchase!
TWO | RACERBACK CONVERTER STRAPS
These under $10 straps can easily convert any properly fitting bra into a racerback style bra by gently bringing the straps of your bra inward. If you have narrow shoulders and struggle with slipping straps, this could be a good option too! I previously shared a tutorial on how to use here!
THREE | ELOMI MATILDA BRA
This is one of my favorite bras of all time. It’s got a rigid fabric but keeps the breasts front and center, it’s one of my go-to styles for low-cut tops and dresses. See more of my fit-focused bra favorites and suggested brands for all shapes and sizes here.
FOUR | TRUE & CO WIRELESS BRA
Every bra wardrobe should include a few comfort options! I mostly wear this one for lounging, working from home, traveling, and sleeping. I think the sizing is more generous than the sizing chart reveals. I’m a 36H/I right now and wearing a L, full cup. See more about the rules of wire-free bras and my favorite styles in this previous post.
CAKES BODY - USE CODE CARALYN
FIVE | SPANX THINSTINCTS
These shorts are fantastic for lightweight shaping and support for everyday or special occasions, they come in a mid and high rise. It’s a level 2 out of 3 as far as support goes and comes in several skin tone shades. Read more about support levels and my suggested shapewear solutions (including maternity) in this recent post. You can still use CARALYN10 on all things Spanx.
SIX | SOMA VANISHING EDGE
If you’ve ever struggled with finding underwear that doesn’t move throughout the day and doesn’t show any visible panty lines, you’ll want to try these. I’ve even shown them on underneath the thinnest pair of leggings, and you can’t see them! It’s best to buy when they’re on sale, they come in several rises and even a supportive tummy option. See more of my favorite underwear here.
SEVEN | NO-SHOW SOCKS
If there’s one item that I never thought would be a part of my legacy, it’s definitely these socks. I understand the hype, though, because they are THAT GOOD and have a 99% success rate. They even come in two sizes now, which I’ve gotten good feedback about from my smaller foot friends. I wear a size 11 and the larger size works perfectly.
EIGHT | WHITE SNEAKERS
I have worn and shared these sneakers for several years; they are truly my favorites! I recently shared an updated guide on shopping for white sneakers, keeping them clean, tying the laces, and what to wear with them. I wear these sneakers with dresses, skirts, wide-leg pants, jeans, etc. They’re truly the most versatile pair of shoes in my wardrobe that I wear year-round.
NINE | SHOE HORN
If you’re not using a shoe horn, you’re missing out! I learned about this extra long size while I was on set as a model several years ago in Germany, and it has changed my life ever since. It’s helpful to keep by the door for easy on and off, especially now that I’m pregnant! It’s been on several of your “most loved” lists, including 2022!
TEN | MEGABABE THIGH RESCUE
I started using the brand in 2018, right before my wedding, and have never looked back. It has single-handedly changed how I wear shorts, skirts, and dresses without needing to wear shorts underneath. The thigh rescue helps with chafing, and I love to keep the smaller size in my purse for in between my thighs and wherever chafing strikes.
ELEVEN & TWELVE | MY DESIGNS FOR AMAZON THE DROP
I started working with the Amazon team in 2019 to help them improve their sizing and fit offerings. In 2020, I was the first to co-launch a limited edition collection for Amazon The Drop, offering sizes XXS-3X. I did several more collections, including my Staples collection that is available year-round, worldwide and now XXS-5X. You can read more about the collection here, including the jumpsuit that took years to perfect and the easiest, breeziest throw-on-and-go dress that can be worn year-round.
THIRTEEN | HANDHELD STEAMER
This small but mighty device often comes in handy and has replaced ironing for me! I’ve done several demos/tutorials, but it is best used when you use it on clothes from the inside, out. It’ll remove wrinkles in no time when used correctly!
FOURTEEN | BLUE MOVING TOTE BAGS
I originally discovered these blue tote bags when we moved in 2021, and they quickly showed their value when moving clothes, bedding, pillows, and more. We still use them daily for seasonal storage, transporting gifts, donations, and more. I’ve heard they’re great for college dorms too!
FIFTEEN | PACKING CUBES
If you’re not using packing cubes when you travel, you’re missing out! I previously shared an in-depth tutorial on how to use them and keep your items organized. These are also great if you’re traveling with family members to keep everyone’s items organized from each other.
SIXTEEN | TAJIN SEASONING
Best served on watermelon, in my humble opinion! It’s a chili-lime salt seasoning that brings out the best flavors of fruits, vegetables, and meats! People either love it or hate it, I think it adds a fun pizzazz to any snack or meal.
SEVENTEEN | WILEY WALLABY LICORICE
It’s no secret we are a Wiley Wallaby family, enjoying their elite licorice for years! We’ve had a lot of fun partnering with them over the years, trying all the flavors and sharing how we incorporate it seasonally into our holidays and spreads. Whenever we have house guests, they always know we’ll have it on hand!
Thanks for reading!
I absolutely loved going through this list and seeing all of your favorite items that I’ve shared with you over the years. I’d love to hear; what items have you tried? Is there anything missing from this list? A sincere thank you for all of your trust and support over the years. It truly means a lot! I created a Bingo Board filled with most of these items, feel free to screenshot and repost it on your IG stories so I can see.
xx CMK
