Happy July, friends! I seriously cannot believe that the 4th of July is this week. It’s hands-down one of my favorite days of the year, both a celebration of a country that I love and a sort of kick off for the rest of summer. We get together with family in the morning, ride bikes to the Huntington Beach parade, then head to Newport to round out the day with friends, fireworks, and BBQ. It’s a day of traditions that I look forward to every year. And it’s THIS WEEK, EEEK!
So today I’m sharing a couple of easy peasy, relaxed and casual July 4th looks in case you need a little last-minute red, white, and blue. Y’all, these shorts are under $10, and I’m obsessed with the fit. (I went up two sizes from my normal skinny jean size.) . I’ve now ordered a backup pair and have been wearing them nonstop. Dress them up with a boho blouse and wedges (below) or dress them down with a $10 striped tee and sneakers (above). Here’s hoping everyone has a great week ahead!
Happy Tuesday, friends! I’ve talked about it before in these parts, but if there’s one thing that drives me nuts this time of year, it’s that the fashion industry as a whole seemingly forgets about one key little accessory: a BRA. Now don’t get me wrong. I think those little strapless, backless, or spaghetti-strap dresses that flood the racks of just about every clothing store for summer are super cute and great for gals that don’t mind a strapless bra or (gasp!) even sticky boob covers all day, but at 32 years old, I’ve realized that they’re just not for me.
And I’m 100% A-OK, cool with that. So today I’m rounding up a bunch of bra-friendly little floral dresses in case you, like me, feel like your best self in an actual bra. I mean, am I alone on this? Can we all agree that it’s not that crazy to design some clothes that can be thrown right on top of some damn UNDERGARMENTS?! And I’m keeping them all under $100 (with some under $25!) because I’m not trying to break the bank on a mini dress. (Although I’ve already gotten a TON of wears out of the dress above.)
So take a scroll below, find a favorite (or two), and then pair them with wedges, sandals, or sneakers for a day-to-night, goes-anywhere look. Hope everyone has a great week ahead!
It’s almost April, and we FINALLY got a little taste of Spring weather over the weekend. Oh man, it was SO nice out on Sunday that I actually pulled out a dress for the first time in a long time. We spent all afternoon sitting outside in the sunshine, and it really had me thinking that spring and summer are seriously right around the corner.
And just in time for Spring, Joie is having their Friends & Family sale. I’ve been seriously LOVING all things Joie lately, and currently you can stock up for the season with 25% off everything with code JOIEFRIENDS. My personal faves? This blue dress is the cutest, these white jeans are actually flattering, and how good are ALL of these sneakers?
So load up your cart because the sale ends tomorrow, and there’s no time like now to give your wardrobe a little spring refresh. Hope everyone has a great week ahead!
Blame it on the fact that this SoCal “winter weather” just won’t quit or that my current everyday uniform consists of workout wear and sweats, but if there’s one trend from fall that I’m still loving, it’s anything resembling a teddy jacket. And let’s be honest, I knew this one wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon for me. Something cozy and soft and oversized and just so good? Sign me up…times a few it seems.
I first scooped up my favorite ivory version in New York during the fall (seen here and here) and have worn that fuzzy little number more than I even care to admit. It’s just…so fun. I recently snagged this oversized version in green, and then a couple weeks later, wouldn’t you know the pink puff above somehow made her way into my closet? I guess you could say things are getting a little out of hand, but I gotta say, I really don’t care.
If you haven’t tried out the trend (or just want to get a little out of hand with it like yours truly), I’m rounding up a few favorites below that are almost all under $100 with a bunch under $40. Most of the versions that I’ve tried have run a little large, so I’d say it’s usually best to size down. So scroll around and pick your fave – something’s gotta hold us over until spring, right?
Ever take a stroll through an activewear section or store at the mall and think, when the hell did this stuff become so expensive? Because when the new year kicked off, it was time to add a few new pieces to the old activewear drawer, and man did I have some sticker shock. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m totally down for paying a little extra for quality pieces that will last me a few years, but am I supposed to be out here selling organs for a good pair of stretch pants? No, girl. No.
When it comes to activewear and athleisure, I’m all about shopping that sale section, so today I’m rounding up a few favorite finds that are on sale or are just a steal to begin with. My go-to spots? Old Navy (cannot get enough of these tees with activewear or with jeans), Fabletics (their member deals are great), Target, Nordstrom Rack, and the Athleta sale section. What are some of your favorite places to find affordable workout gear?
Well, well, well – look who made it out of sneakers on the blog today. Not that I have a single problem with sneakers and stretch pants everyday because athleisure is currently my lifestyle, but sometimes it’s nice to throw it back to my old uniform: all black with a pop of color or two.
After wearing these jeans 475 times, I decided I needed another pair and decided on a clean, super soft black pair that I have seriously been loving. The dolman sweater is a favorite Christmas gift from Eric that’s sadly only still available in a couple of sizes – if your size is there, I totally recommend grabbing this one. It’s SO soft, and has the perfect long and loose fit that I love. (It’s also long enough to wear with my favorite leggings and – you guessed it – sneakers.)
When it comes to a cute (and affordable) leopard faux fur coat, I’ve been searching for quite a while now. I actually ordered three of them on Black Friday this past year, and none of them fit me quite right. 0 out of 3 – needless to say I was pretty bummed out during that try-on session. There are a ton of pretty options out there like this one (size down), this one (size down two sizes), and this one for a cute cropped look, but when I found the one in today’s post for under $30, I figured it was worth a try. It runs a little on the large size, so if you’re between sizes, I’d probably recommend sizing down, and while it’s definitely not meant for super cold climates, it’s pretty ideal for our Southern California winter.
And now, to tackle one last rainy day this week with our two wild pups. I’m normally a huge fan of the rain, but anyone else ready for a little sunshine this week?
And just like that, January is almost done. And what do you guys think – did it fly by or crawl along? I’m pretty torn on that one to be honest, and as I type this, it feels like New Year’s Eve was 100 years ago. As I’m sure lots of you did, I made a few health goals wayyyy back here at the beginning of the month, and how are those working out, you ask?
Well the “drink enough water” thing is still a work in progress (go figure), but in the exercise department, I’m happy to say that I’ve been moving this month. I’ve been a fan of pilates for years (check out my favorite local studio here), so I took a few classes at the beginning of January. But when my package ran out and I went to purchase more, I started to think about ways to get in a quick workout at home before taking Weeze on our daily 3-mile walks.
A quick scroll around Amazon and I had these weighted medicine balls and this exercise ball delivered to my door in two days. Of all the millions and squillions of things I’ve purchased on Amazon recently, these have by far been my favorite. It’s something easy I can do while the dogs run wild, with the tv or music on in the background for distraction, without ever leaving home. I’ve loved the weighted balls for both arm and core workouts, and they’ve been so key on the (usually rare) rainy days we’ve had around here lately – with four more coming at us this week.
I’ve found different exercises to do online but also just kind of mimic things that we do with weights in pilates classes. And so far, so good. Will I be going back to pilates or Orangetheory classes? Definitely. But now I can buy a few less classes and get in a quick workout whenever I can at home. I’d say that’s a definite Amazon win for the month. Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
I’m not trying to kill my cold weather based readers or anything, but this weekend in SoCal we basically got a little taste of spring. Saturday was 82 degrees in Huntington Beach, and I had to double-check my phone to make sure it was still January. I legit thought I had time traveled or something, but nope. Still January. While I have no complaints about a little sunshine and warm weather, I was thinking for a minute that MAYBE I overdid it on the faux fur purchases for this year. But then I saw a low of 52 for later this week and thought, nahh, I’m good. (SoCal reasoning, you know?)
Also, I really can’t regret these two faux fur jackets because they are just so cozy and lovely and warm. The two-toned purple and black bomber (that comes in two additional colors and a plus-sized version) was just too fun to pass up. It’s plush and luxe and has the best hood for those ultra chilly days. And the grey and taupe one is a bit sleeker (slimmer) with a super soft knit lining. I scored it as a little souvenir from Jackson Hole, but you can skip the trip and Amazon Prime one right to your door. You really can’t go wrong with either, and they’re both under $100.
And then there’s the rest of the look – the jeans, easy black tee, and comfy metallic sneakers – that I just so happen to be wearing as I type this. It’s come to my attention lately that I definitely have a “uniform” these days, and for good reason. These jeans have become my ultimate go-to pair. They’re high-waisted, comfortable, and hold me in perfectly, and by now, I’ve worn them on the blog about 100 times. If you are looking for a good pair, I can’t recommend these more.
I’ve got an arsenal of black tees these days – short sleeves, long sleeves, and everything in between. Doing laundry lately looks like lots and lots of the same thing, and I’m not mad about it. I like super soft, slightly thicker fabric and a longer length and recently found these for under $15 that are SO good. (I bought 3 of them – no regrets.) And these sneakers are seriously the best. I bought them in camo a few months ago and wore them so much I decided I needed a second color. (I blame Amazon Prime for that one.) . It’s legit the everyday uniform that keeps on giving, and it just works for me.
I get so many questions from readers and friends about the pieces that every closet needs, and I think I’ve decided on this: find what really works for you, something you feel comfortable and confident in (without looking like a slob kabob), and embrace it. Currently, I’m loving that jeans, black tee, and sneakers life (with a fun faux fur every now and then) and invest in pieces like a handbag or piece of jewelry that I’ll have for years and years. (And then I keep said investment pieces away from the wild puppies around here because my mama didn’t raise a fool.)
What are the pieces that you’d consider part of your “uniform” right now?
Ahh, the first Monday of the new year, and I figured the only way to kick it off was with stretch pants, coffee, a cute pup, and one giant sale. The Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale is once again kicking off, and it’s the best time to grab a couple of new favorites for spring. Got a warm weather vacation on the horizon? I don’t, but I’m thinking I need to grab this coverup and these sandals and plan one STAT.
Looking for something super versatile that you’ll wear a ton? This linen button-down is seriously so good. I’ve worn the white version so many times (see here, here and here), and right now you can grab it in four different colors for under $40. I’m rounding up a few more favorites below – snag your picks before they’re gone!
Hope everyone has a great first full week of the year!
Well, guys, it’s officially January 2nd and time to kick off some of those “new year, new me” goals. Sure, the new year did start yesterday, but everyone knows that January 1st is for useless hours on the couch and takeout Chinese food. Bonus points if you actually Postmated two meals yesterday. Not that I’d know anything about that.
But today’s a new day, and it’s time to get yourself together, girl. I’ve made a few fitness and overall just healthy goals for the new year and for going into spring in particular. I’m not the kind of gal who wants to give up every sweet, snack, and splurge trying to attain some unrealistic goal weight. I didn’t even do that before my own wedding and still have no regrets about it. I did set a few goals to look and feel my best, healthiest self, though.
Exercise – I want to make sure and get in some type of workout five days a week, whether it’s a pilates or Orangetheory class or just taking the pups (well, solo pup until Wilma has all of her shots) for a long power walk. It really is just about getting moving, and before the holidays, I was more than on top of this.
Eating – I generally cook pretty healthy, and we’ll have dinner at home 3-4 times a week. For the other nights, we try to grab sushi or something with actual nutritional value and save the cheat meals for the weekends. After a November and December filled with travel, parties, and holiday treats, I’m SO ready to get back to healthy eating and plan to share more meal and recipe ideas with you guys here and through Instagram stories.
Alcohol – Eric and I are hosting one last Christmas party with friends this weekend, and after that, we’re planning to have a dry January. We haven’t done one before, but I think it’ll be great to reset, recharge, and save all those calories!
Water – Good God I say this every single year, but perhaps 2019 is the year I finally start drinking more water? It’s seriously something I have to push myself to do, but when I do manage to drink enough water, I notice a difference in how I feel and how my skin looks. (One might think that would be motivation enough, right?) Well, with my current post-holiday breakout, it’s bottoms-up on the H2O currently.
And so this morning I woke up bright and early (to the sounds of a screaming puppy ready to make a jailbreak out of her crate) and scheduled my first pilates class of the new year. I threw on my new workout gear (No better motivation really. The husband got me these capris for Christmas and I’m OBSESSED.) and soon realized that my car battery was dead. Sweet.
So I Ubered to my first workout of the year, popped into a nearby grocery store for a few vegetables for the fridge, and Ubered my butt home to these wild-ass pups. No complaints over here, but perhaps the universe could cooperate when a girl’s just trying to make it to the gym? Here’s hoping everyone has a great rest of the week.
Pistola denim shorts; Time and Tru striped tee; Johnston & Murphy sneakers; Saint Laurent handbag; Ray-Ban sunglasses; Gorjana necklace
Pistola denim shorts; Aqua top (old); Time and Tru wedges; straw handbag; Gorjana necklace; Ray-Ban sunglasses
