Happy Tuesday, friends! This week Orange County is taking a much-needed break from that whole heatwave business, and although I don’t want to jinx it, we MAY even get a smidge of rain. GASP! Maybe I’m a total weirdo (actually that’s more than a possibility), but I love a good rainy day around here. I’m currently working from bed, looking out at a super gloomy morning, and thinking about ALL of the fall fashion that I’m dying to get my hands on.
If there’s one thing I’ll definitely be wearing on repeat this fall, it’s this little fall combo from cabi, styled 100 different ways. The sweatshirt dress is SO soft and cozy – the perfect fall substitute for summer’s t-shirt dresses. Wear it with sneakers, booties, over-the-knee boots, ballet flats, whatever. It’s so versatile and easy, you seriously can’t go wrong with a sweatshirt dress.
And then there’s the jacket. cabi designed a similar jacket to this one so many seasons ago, and I pretty much wore it ’til the wheels fell off. It was my absolute favorite year to year, and this one is like a tricked-out, updated version. The embellished patches are so good, and I love the easy fit of this one. It’s so good over a dress and will definitely be a go-to over skinny jeans and leggings in the cooler months.
And now I’m off because, y’all, little Weeze girl is headed off to school today – for ten whole days! – so I’m headed to the big drop-off. Wish me luck!
xoxo
P.S. – Reminder about tomorrow night’s Kendra Gives Back event with Kendra Scott at Fashion Island. If you’re in the Orange County area, I’d love to see you there!
Well guys, I’m not much of a gambler, but I’d say if there’s one safe bet out there it’s that every blogger and fashion-loving gal will definitely jump the gun on some fall fashion in the coming weeks. You know who I’m talking about. You’ve seen the girl sweating it out in some leather pants or leggings like she’s taking a cue from Ross Geller.
And I can’t blame that girl! I mean, you get your hands on some fresh fall threads, and you’re ready to get real cozy, sit by a fireplace, sip on something pumpkin flavored perhaps. (Fast forward to me shooting the coziest of cashmere sweaters and ponchos yesterday in a Southern California heatwave. No comment.)
So in these in-between-y days where my heart is saying fall and my sweaty forehead is saying summer, I’m all about some sweet transitional pieces like this lace-up little black shift dress. For now, rock it solo with an embellished heel and oversized clutch, and later on, throw on a layering turtleneck and the snakeskin boots that make me feel like JLo. (And who doesn’t wanna feel like JLo these days? Just sayin’.)
So do yourself a favor, girl, and put down the sweater dress – unless of course you live in an area with weather that’s actually cool enough, and in that case, lucky you – and pick up something a smidge more practical. Oh, and speaking of practical, I can’t recommend this bootie and handbag combo more. Promise, they’ll be your new go-to neutrals. Hope everyone is having a great week.
In the summertime (when the weather’s less than fine), there’s probably nothing, seriously nothing, I wear more than a good old pair of denim shorts. For the past few years I’ve been lucky (or persistent) enough to find a pair that’s comfy and cute and a bit more roomy than denim undies. (You know the “shorts” I’m talking about.) And this year, these are definitely IT.
I stumbled on them super early in spring when it was still too chilly out for shorts, but a good find is a good find, so they clearly had to be mine. For reference, I sized up two sizes from my normal jean size, but after wearing them a ton, they’re pretty stretched out. I probably could have gone just one size up. If you’re still looking for the best pair this year, this cuffed version is still available here in a few sizes – and on sale!
I’ve worn these 544 times at least already, and there’s definitely no end in sight. They’re the perfect partner for a basic tee, and I equally love them with a featherweight little blouse and wedges. Enter this cabi blouse which has just become my go-to. It’s the thing I wanna grab when it’s 5,000 degrees outside, and well, it’s making me think my wardrobe needs WAY more yellow. Any blonde gals feel me on that one? (Also, bonus points – throw it in the washer, hang to dry, and you’re good to go.)
And this little monogrammed crossbody bag? Well, it’s the icing on the melting summer cake. Hope you guys are having the best week!
Over the past couple of weeks I’ve worn this little midi skirt twice and received SO many compliments, which obviously has me wondering why I don’t wear skirts more. Truth be told though, I’m not much of a skirt kind of gal these days, but when I saw this one, I just couldn’t pass it up. The wrap style and ruffle details – yes please. Plus, I love the knotted front detail, and seersucker is basically a Southern summer necessity.
Also, let’s chat about this little bag for a sec, shall we? This silly little clutch is literally EVERYWHERE I look. So many bloggers have it, and it’s now available in so many colors. I held out on buying it for quite a while, but when I saw the black one, the holding out was over. And here’s the deal. It’s totally impractical for some outings and can become a real pain if you, oh I don’t know, decide to take it up the Palm Springs tram one day and walk around lots of scenic lookout points with a glass of wine in your hand. (Sounds far-fetched, but I accidentally achieved just that recently and was wishing I hadn’t brought this little birdcage along. To fully paint the picture in your mind, I’ll let you know that I was also wearing studded gladiator sandals and a bright kimono in a sea of hiking shoes, Teva sandals, and fanny packs.)
BUT, in some settings, I just think it’s the cutest little outfit topper. Fashion isn’t always 100% practical, right? And if you’ve been wanting to get your hands on this black version without the steep pricetag, then click right over here for a matte black style that’s a bit more budget-friendly. Just remember to keep it in the car should you decide to hop on the Palm Springs tram. (I swear, it was a last-minute idea.)
Ohhh, what do we have here? Another Friday? Well count me in, friends, because there’s just nothing better. And here we are at the start of summer, so let’s talk swimsuits once again, shall we? Well I’m here to bring a little blast from my teenage past – tankinis!
They were my first dip into the two-piece swimsuit pool back in the day, and I felt pretty freaking cool about myself. Fast forward (quite) a few years, and I thought my tankini days were done. But hey 2017, we’re bringing it back. And they’re just as great as I remember.
The two in today’s post are so great for a variety of sizes (Hey D-cup girls!), and they’re super comfy for all day wear. Weather you’re looking to get sporty on the beach or trying to get your sandy nap on, I can’t say enough good things about these suits. They’re supportive and versatile – wear ’em as-is, tie them in a knot, add a little coverup, whatever you wanna do, girl. (Also, so great for long torso girls like myself who have troubles with most one-piece suits – hashtag, thumbs up.) I’m here to tell you, the tank suit is back in our 30’s, friends, and I’m not mad about it.
Whoa, whoa y’all – this post has seriously been in the works FOR-EV-ER! And well, today is the day, sister. When Eric and I first got engaged in 2014, the whole process of wedding planning seemed fun but admittedly a little daunting. One task that didn’t scare me at all though – handling the wedding registry. I mean, shopping is my thing. Send me to a store armed with some sort of scan gun situation and I’m ready, Freddie.
What I hadn’t planned on was every Tom, Dick, and Harry who wants to tell you exactly what you should be registering for. “Definitely register for fine China, even if you don’t think you’ll use it.” Huh? No. By the time we got married, Eric and I had lived together for close to four years, so I had a pretty good grasp on what we’d use, what we wouldn’t, and what we couldn’t wait to get our hands on. Eric didn’t seem too jazzed by the registering process, so I went alone. I grabbed some breakfast and then headed to the mall for my scan gun. It was a good day.
Over the last year plus a couple of months (that totally flew by), I’ve gotten a hold on the things we’ve really used and loved around here, so today I’m sharing a few. Now, I’m not trying to be the aforementioned Tom, Dick, or Harry, but here’s my two cents if you’re in that registering phase and looking for a bit of direction. (Or, if you’re just looking for some new goodies for your own kitchen.)
Scroll down for my picks, but in the end, just consider your own life with your partner. Do you need the super expensive silverware that’s going to tarnish in the dishwasher and make you spend your Saturdays polishing it? I don’t know your life, maybe you do need it. Do you really need three sets of various nesting bowls? Well maybe, because I freaking love them.
1. Keurig Brewing System – There’s no time like the wedding registry to finally get that fancy coffee maker you’ve been wanting, and if you’re like me, it’ll be something you use everyday. And maybe, multiple times a day. Personally, I love the Keurig machine, but Eric is more of a normal cup-o-joe kind of guy so we also have this coffee maker.
2. Cake Plate with Dome – Admittedly, I did not put one of these on my registry, but I’ve recently acquired this one and love it. No, I’m not in the kitchen baking cakes all day, but this house does frequently have doughnuts or muffins or some other sort of pastry situation going on, so why not put them on display?
3. Cheese board – I registered for, like, four cheese boards which is probably a lot, but we really like cheese. We do pretty much use all of them, but in particular I love this slate board because you can put it in the fridge beforehand to keep cheeses or other apps cold for a bit longer. Also, this one – we use it a ton. And although they can be beautiful, I don’t really recommend the wood and marble combo versions because in my experience, they just don’t look nice for very long.
4. Kate Spade Vase – Aww, that sweet friend of yours shows up with unexpected flowers, and you coolly drop them into…whatever water pitcher or wine bottle you can find. Hashtag, adulting. I never had nice vases before our registry, and now it’s nice to know that I’ve always got a couple on hand for when I surprise myself with peonies. (Aw, I shouldn’t have.)
5. 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set – See #8 for my obsession with nesting bowls, but I love that this little set is adorable and comes with lids – perfect for mixing, storing, and even bringing a little something yummy over to a friend’s house.
6. Pepper Mill – I didn’t actually register for a pepper mill, but one of Eric’s aunts gave us a really great one engraved with our names and wedding date. I thought it was a really neat gift, but I had no idea how much we would use it. ALL. THE. TIME. There’s just something about using real cracked pepper, and I use it every single time I cook. A wooden version is always nice, but I’m also loving this little seafoam one.
7. Stemless Wine Glasses – I received some beautiful, stemmed wine glasses from our registry and promptly shattered one in my hands the first time I hand washed them. We still love and use them (carefully), but I find myself mostly grabbing for our simple, stemless glasses – and then tossing them in the dishwasher.
8. Nesting Bowls – Before my wedding registry, I never knew what a stacking bowl fanatic I was, but then, there I was, just oogling every nesting bowl situation I came across. While I think a classic glass set is great, they’re heavy as hell when stacked, so I definitely use this lightweight version the most. Plus, I love the turquoise color.
9. Chicago Cutlery Knife Block Set – I love to cook, and for years before our wedding I was literally sawing through vegetables with the dullest knives on the planet. Not ideal for your fingers. Eric recommended getting new ones, but I lovingly reminded him that we would someday put them on our wedding registry. Someday. Having a nice knife set has seriously made me love cooking even more, and I love that this knife block has the sharpener built in. There are a ton of knife block sets out there though, so this one may require a little bit of research to figure out what you really want.
10. Serving Trays – Because around here, parties happen. And frequently. So it’s nice to finally have a bunch of different platter and serving tray options for serving up whatever.
11. Calphalon Non-Stick Multi-Pot with Lid (also here) – You just don’t even know how happy this pot makes me. Is that weird? Ha! It has a built-in colander for easily draining pasta, veggies, you name it and also comes with a basket for steaming vegetables. I went for all Calphalon pots and pans and am really happy with them.
12. Wooden salad bowl – We make a lot of salads around here, and if I served them up in any old dish, what kind of a monster would I be? I kid, but I do LOVE these wooden salad bowls. I have a larger version for servin’ up friends and family and this smaller one for when it’s just Eric and me.
13. Crock-Pot (or any slow-cooker, really) – Anyone who follows along on my Instagram stories knows that I’m ALL about my Crock-Pot. I’ll be honest, I didn’t actually have to register for one for our wedding because we already had…three of them. When you’re a fan, you’re a fan. This particular one is my favorite because I love that the lid latches on – things seem to cook faster when you need them to.
14. Nesting storage containers with lids – Maybe I’m a weirdo, but the day that I could finally kick all those mis-matched, hodge-podge storage containers that were causing an avalanche in my cabinet to the curb in favor of this sleek, stacking set was a good day. And in fact I’m thinking I may need to spring for a second set. These are always in use in our house.
15. Oil & Vinegar bottles – I registered for oil & vinegar pour bottles because I thought they’d look so nice on our counter. Now, they’re so much more than just counter decor, and we use them all the time, either when cooking, making salads, or having cheese and crackers. Bonus, the friend who gave them to us included a nice bottle of balsamic vinegar and blood orange olive oil. So yum.
16. Vitamix – I picked out every single thing on our registry while Eric was at a football game, but the Vitamix was Eric’s one request. They’re pretty pricey, but this machine can make ALL of the things. We use it a ton for smoothies, and I’ve even made a couple of soups. (The blades spin so fast that if you leave ingredients in for a few minutes, you’ll actually get a piping hot soup.) Also, you can make homemade almond butters and things like that if your inner Martha is just aching to emerge.
It may not feel like it here today, but summertime is officially upon us, and that means it’s officially romper season. I’ve been a romper fan for years – I mean, what’s not to love? A one-and-done outfit that consists of shorts instead of a skirt? Sold. Add shoes and a bag and you’re done.
Unfortunately for me though, finding a romper that actually fits can be a bit of a challenge. I’m 5’8″ (or something close to that) with a really long torso, so getting into a romper sometimes requires a little maneuvering. Not today though!
I recently picked up this easy navy romper from Banana Republic, and guess what – she fits like a dream. I’m wearing the regular sizing (in a medium for reference), but this utility romper is also available in tall sizes if you need even more room. The design is so versatile, can be dressed up or down, and I love that it has pockets. (Duh, always.)
I actually paired this romper with printed pumps and a leather jacket for a blogger event last week. I got about halfway to the event before realizing I had the date wrong (blame the new puppy), so I’ll be saving that look for a future event. Anywho, the romper is currently on sale, and right now you can take 40% off your entire purchase with code BRSUMMER. Hope everyone’s week is off to a great start, and happy shopping!
If there’s one thing I love most in the summer style department, it’s probably a good two-piece set. I’m still loving this lightweight set from a few weeks ago, and I’m not gonna lie, I wish this little set was still hanging in my closet. (Admittedly, the skirt got a smidge too short, thumbs down emoji.)
But in my two-piece pursuit over the years, I always nixed any option that involved a crop top. Let’s be real, busty gals tend to have a hard time in the crop top department. In a rare surprise though, this one from Wayf actually fits, so I figured I’d give it a whirl. I first took it for a spin in Mexico paired with a full midi skirt, but today I’m wearing the cropped, high-waist pants that were made to match.
While I loved the look, I was feeling a bit naked on top, so cropped little denim shirt to the rescue. Also, if you’re looking for a perfect lightweight denim shirt for summer, this one is it. Also also, I got this little black clutch thinking that it would come in handy for a few summer events, but I have seriously carried the heck out of it. It really does go with so many of my outfits lately.
Anywho, what did I learn today? That sometimes it’s A-OK to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new. Crop tops? For summer? Groundbreaking. Hope everyone is having a great week!
Well, well, well – how in the world is it almost Memorial Day weekend already? I swear, it was just February last week. I don’t know how it got here, but I’ll surely take it. And like any fashion girl who loves a good theme, I’ll take any excuse for a little red, white, and blue color palette, so I’m rounding up a few of my favorite pieces for the upcoming long weekend here. We’ll call it Memorial Day style inspiration, but really, it’s just a little peak at some of the summer’s best.
Number six will be arriving on my doorstep tomorrow morning, and we’ll see if I have the patience to save it for the weekend. My money’s on no, but I’ll report back. But how cute is this little tank dress paired with the wedges at number three that are already in my closet? Way cute. Just add a fun straw clutch and you’re good to go. Also, I’m pretty sure I need these stars and stripes shorts at number 11, so that’s probably happening today. #ThatShoppingStruggle
Whether you keep it casual or get a little fancy, you can’t go wrong with the fun and festive picks above and below. Which pieces would you choose?
A season or two ago, I was roaming around some store shopping for God knows what when I came across a pair of culottes. Admittedly I did a double take, picked them up, and thought, what year is it right now? Where am I? I actually felt similarly last week when I noticed a new Aaron Carter song on the radio. What theeee? But back to the pants. I shrugged off the culotte thing and chalked it up to some buyer gone rogue.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I spotted this pair in Amour Vert. I wanted to look away, but damnit, I couldn’t resist. I mean, chambray culottes? They’re pretty darn cute in my opinion. They’re also pretty much the softest pants ever, and with a comfy striped tee tucked (or half-tucked), it’s such an easy, standout look. (Also, head right over here to see why I think you need ALL of the Amour Vert tees.) I added a favorite heeled mule, but these will be just as cute this summer with a flat sandal. And like, a pretty pastel bike with a basket full of flowers. Are they growing on you yet?
xoxo
P.S. – If you’re a mule lover like me, I seriously cannot recommend these more. There are only a couple of sizes left in black, but if your size is there, YOU NEED THESE.
cabi Flashdance Dress and Hanson Anorak (c/o); Nike sneakers; Zac Zac Posen handbag; Quay sunglasses; Kendra Scott ring (c/o)
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