While California is still pretty shut down right now, I’ve finally made it past the “everyday sweatpants” phase I was in because, well, the weather got warm. Full disclosure, you can still find me in workout gear or these Gap sets that I swear by (sweatshirt here and shorts here – both on sale) a TON, but these days I’m mixing in some easy basics and fun accessories to at least pretend like I tried, ya know?
Here are a few casual staples that have been in heavy rotation lately:
You guys, I finally did it. I dipped my toes into the “mom jeans” trend, and now there’s no turning back. Am I late to the game? Yes, but it’s not for lack of trying. Over the last couple of seasons I’ve tried ALL of the popular pairs. I tried ’em, and I promptly returned ’em. After years and years of high rise, stretchy skinny jeans, I just couldn’t get used to the idea of non-stretch denim again. They felt like torture devices, and I found myself wondering how I’d sit in them. Sounds a little dramatic, but I swear it’s true. I also never found a pair that I felt was as flattering as my good old skinnies.
That’s until I found this pair recently from Daze Denim. It’s a new (or new-to-me at least) denim brand that I really can’t find much about on the interwebs besides the fact that they’re eco-friendly. So that’s a win, right? The real win for me though is the fit and feel of these jeans. The denim is insanely soft, and when we’re talking non-stretch denim, I think softness is important. They’ve got a really good high rise, easy distressing, and a hem that hits me in the perfect spot.
Size-wise, I’d say they’re pretty true. For skinny jeans, I’m normally a 27/28 depending on the brand, and I bought these in a size 28. (They’re a smidge on the loose side, but I’m into it.) I’ve worn the heck out of these jeans in the last couple of weeks – with sweaters, tees, sneakers, and sandals. I’m hoping to hear so much more from this brand in the coming months, but in the meantime, thinking I need to also grab this pair or this one…or maybe this new little cropped jacket. For the price point, you really can’t go wrong.
As I’m scrolling around on social media or different websites, you know what clickbait just gets me every single time? The Amazon roundups. Seriously, I’ll click on just about any “Amazon favorites” list I can find because they just have some of the best, and usually affordable, finds. I actually recently went back and read my last two Amazon posts (see them here and here), and I still 100% stand by everything I linked.
This beyond cozy cardigan that comes in 8 colors (above) – I’ve got a whole slew of black, grey, and other random cardigans, but a couple of months ago I went on the hunt for a great camel-ish / tan one for now and into spring. After ordering, trying, and returning quite a few, I finally decided to (DUH) search around on Amazon. I ordered the one above in medium and large and ended up keeping the medium. I love the super soft fabric, slightly oversized fit, and big pockets. Plus, it’s pretty much the exact shade of camel I was looking for. (Now I’m thinking I probably need the oatmeal color, right?)
A daily SPF that Eric and I both love – A couple of years ago, I finally got Eric into a daily SPF habit. He ends up spending a lot of time on the road in his car for work, so I thought it was important for him to be in a daily sunscreen routine instead of only applying before the beach or outdoor activities. We’ve used up a ton of tubes from a few different brands, and this one tends to be a favorite because it rubs in easily with no greasy or white residue. (We also both love this one from The Treatment.)
This flowy maxi that is just begging for spring weather – OK, I JUST got this dress in this week in the navy color and loved it so much that I already ordered a second color. It’s super lightweight and comfy, has such an easy fit, and couldn’t be more fun for spring. It hits me right at my ankle, so it’s perfect for pairing with flat sandals, wedges, low booties, or sneakers. I’ve got a wine-tasting girls’ weekend in March that this dress was made for – stay tuned, I’ll be styling it on the blog soon.
Grip socks to keep that New Year’s resolution going – I’ve been doing Pilates for years (currently loving the megaformer machines and classes at Seafit Studio) and am probably a year or two late in upgrading and generally restocking the ol’ grip socks. (Where DO they all go, anyway?) These from Ro & Arrows are super comfy, provide a ton of grip, and are made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Plus, they’re pretty cute (with more prints coming soon) – perfect reason to stock up, right?
A muscle recovery soak for post-workout soreness – And after the workout comes the old lady, all-over sore muscles, am I right? (No? Just me?) While a hot bath is always a favorite of mine, a hot bath with this muscle recovery soak is even better. The Epsom salt is super relaxing for sore muscles, and the smell of this one with menthol and eucalyptus is also so great for battling a little winter sickness.
The cherry pepper spread I use in (and on) EVERYTHING – I’m a fan of Jersey Mike’s subs and ordered this thinking it would be similar to their red pepper spread. It’s similar, seriously delicious, and (in my opinion) goes in and on ALL of the things. It’s obviously great on sandwiches, but I also add it to my Safe Catch tuna (instead of another relish) and usually throw a dollop into tossed salads and quinoa bowls. It adds a slightly spicy, vinegar-y kick that I love.
The bathtub caddy that I’m STILL obsessed with – Admittedly I’ve had this thing for about a year and have shared it on the blog before, but I really just love this bathtub caddy. The sides of our bathtub slant inward a bit, so balancing products, magazines, or the occasional glass of wine is out of the question. I’m happy to have this little caddy every time I take a bath and feel like it’s really well-made for the price – ours still looks pretty new.
Happy Monday, friends! Admittedly it’s been a REAL slow Monday around here, finally making my way back into the real world after the best spontaneous weekend in Big Sur. Yep, we had no plans of going anywhere this weekend, but when we found out that one of our favorite bands was playing two shows up in Big Sur, we decided to buy tickets and take the trip. And we are SO glad that we did. The Saturday night show was awesome, but the adventure and general joy of being back in Big Sur were maybe even better. (Seriously, if you ever get the chance to go to Big Sur, even if just for a night, you GO.)
And so today I’m kicking off the week with easy staples – band tees, a new pair of jeans, the under $20 duster cardigan that feels so luxe, and the under $100 booties that always get compliments. I feel like graphic tees and band tees are always an easy go-to, and this Rolling Stones one above is a current favorite. And below I’m rounding up a few more because, well, can you ever have too many? I’m thinking not.
While the skinny jeans in my closet are definitely my most worn and loved, I’ve also got a real thing for a great pair of flares. I spotted these at the Free People store in Palm Springs (with my size still in stock, naturally) and figured I’d try them on “just to see”. Fast forward ten minutes later to me skipping out of the store with my new denim purchase.
They’ve got stretch but not too much stretch – so they’re comfortable and hug curves without sagging – and a super high rise. I’d say they’re pretty true to size. I normally take a 27 in Madewell’s super stretch denim, but I grabbed these in a 28 because they just felt more comfortable. They come in 16 different washes (seriously, 16), and some of those washes are available in short, regular, and tall sizing. And the best part? They’re under $100.
I feel like styling flares can be a little intimidating, so today I’m sharing a couple of ways I’d wear these, now and into spring. (Although for the spring look below, I’d probably switch up the long sleeved tee to this easy tank.) I love keeping them long and pairing with a super high wedge to seriously elongate legs, and personally, I like them with a kimono or long cardigan to keep the lines long. (But for shorter friends, I’ve seen a simple tucked or front-tucked tee work best.)
It can take a little trial and error, but once you figure out what works best for you, I think you’ll love these. What do you think – are flares for you?
While lots of other areas around the country are currently layering, bundling, and cozying up, Southern California is still showing off some warm and sunny shorts weather. (During the day at least.) The nights have been chilly enough for sweaters and the occasional fire in the fireplace, but during the day, I’m living for dresses, fall skirts, and my trusty leather shorts.
I’ve loved leather shorts for years and recently snagged this pretty camel pair on Amazon for under $30. (Size up in these.) I love them paired with an easy thermal and cardigan and will be wearing them with this cozy little ivory sweater for an upcoming holiday event. The Amazon fashion finds have been SO good lately, and I’m working on a new Amazon finds post that will go up this week.
It’s the MOST wonderful tiiiiime… It may be a little early for some, but for me, holiday season and my favorite time of year kick off as soon as November rolls around. It’s my birthday month, the weather is finally getting cooler around here, it’s sweatpants season (here’s looking at you, Thanksgiving), and it’s time to start thinking about all those upcoming holiday parties.
Our little Wilma girl is currently on the mend from spay surgery, so I’ve had plenty of time over the last couple of days to catch up on some overdue work online shopping. (Birthday month – treat yo’self, right?) Fast forward to me spending WAY too much time scrolling around the brand new holiday collection from Scoop at Walmart.
Remember this little Scoop dress and this cozy sweater? I’ve been a fan of the brand since they reemerged a month or two ago, but this holiday collection is seriously on another level. I snagged a couple of knit leopard pieces (here and here), this fun little dress, this cozy boyfriend cardigan, and this adorable loungewear sweatshirt and jogger duo that I think is perfect for holiday travel. I also had almost every single sequin piece in my cart until I remembered that my life in general isn’t very dressy and neither are the holiday parties we attend. But the dressy pieces are just SO good!
Rounding up some additional favorites below, and if you fancy any, I’d recommend grabbing them as sizes tend to sell out fast. (As I haven’t received my order yet, I can’t really speak to the sizing, but when in doubt, I order two sizes because returns are easy and free.) Hoping you guys find some things you love!
Well it’s officially fall, y’all, and you know what that means. Jogger season, of course. I’m constantly on the hunt for the best joggers each season, and this year I think I’ve found them already. This pair is so soft, fits like a glove, and is under $35. (They do run a smidge big, so if you’re between, order down. I’m in a medium for reference.) I love a good pair of joggers for everyday, but they’re the real MVP during travel days. And right on cue, Eric reminded me that Thanksgiving is just about a month away. Can anyone believe that?
So I’ve decided that this will be my fall slash holiday travel uniform – joggers, sneakers, easy tee (or this thermal), and the super soft cardigan that I just found fully in stock for over 40% off. The handbag is admittedly a total splurge, but I love this clean and simple look for less. Add a few airplane snacks and some overpacked luggage, and we’re off to Louisiana for Thanksgiving. Is it too soon to pack?
If you’ve been following along here for a while, you’ve probably seen and heard me swooning over all things Barefoot Dreams season after season. They’re seriously just the softest, yummiest knits around, and once you feel the material, you’ll probably understand the hype. I finally snagged a Barefoot Dreams cardigan (below) during this year’s Nordstrom sale, and now that the weather has finally cooled down around here, I’ve been reaching for it nonstop. It’s just so easy and cozy over jeans, joggers, and (admittedly) my PJ’s every single morning.
Next up on my Barefoot Dreams wishlist was definitely one of their ultra-soft throw blankets, but I just couldn’t quite pull the trigger. Well, last night I stumbled upon a bunch of their blankets over 50% off – some of the best prices I’ve even seen for Barefoot Dreams. My short sleeve cardigan (last seen here) is also included in the sale goodness at over 40% off.
So if you’ve been dying to get your hands on something Barefoot Dreams, scroll below for some sweet sale finds. I ordered a blanket for our home and a couple more as holiday gifts. (Because believe it or not, the holidays are seriously RIGHT around the corner.) Which pieces will you be snagging?
It’s one of my favorite (FAVORITE) sites to shop, and it’s one of my favorite sales of the year. Shopbop is having one of their Buy More, Save More sales with 20% off orders under $500 and 25% off orders over $500, and it’s the perfect time to stock up on so much fall goodness. (If you think about it, that’s a similar percentage that lots of sites give on Black Friday, but this sale is just in time to kick off the new fall season.) Use code STOCKUP19 site-wide on full-price and sale items.
Scoop sweater tank; Free People shorts (also here); Welden handbag; Jessica Simpson sandals; similar bracelets and rings
Amazon jumpsuit; woven handbag; Gigi Pip hat; Steve Madden sandals
Walmart dress; Jessica Simpson sandals; Strathberry handbag (love this colorway); Quay sunglasses
Free People shorts; Old Navy henley tee; Amazon cardigan; Melrose Ave sandals (similar here); Saint Laurent handbag
Free People shorts; Gap sweatshirt; Steve Madden sandals; Time and Tru handbag
AGolde shorts; lemon sweater; raffia sandals; similar straw bag; similar bracelets
Free People shorts; Old Navy henley tee; Circus by Sam Edelman sandals; Gigi Pip hat
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If you’ve been following along here for a while, you’ve probably seen and heard me swooning over 
