File it under trends I said I’d never try, but here we are discussing this year’s oddly satisfying strong shoulder trend. I snagged this little padded shoulder tank during Shopbop’s last sale, and while I wasn’t so sure at first, it’s kind of grown on me since. Is it something I’ll have in my closet forever? Nope, just ask the 80’s. But for now, I think it’s something really fun. Also yes, I’m sleeveless in December because we’re back in 70+ degree days here in SoCal.
Shoulder details aside, the rest of this look will probably live in my closet for quite some time. Combat boots are literally everywhere right now, and I just couldn’t resist this $20 pair (also below) that happens to be seriously comfy. (There’s a memory foam insert – SO cushy!) They’re simple and classic, so if you’re looking to try out the combat boot trend without breaking the bank, look no further than this pair – NO ONE will know they were only $20.
And then there are the jeans. If you’re perpetually on the hunt for high rise jeans that are actually high enough, this is probably the pair for you. They’re seriously high rise for those of us with a longer torso (even named the “Mile High Super Skinny”), suck you in, and fit like a glove. It’s my second pair in this style – I’ve had this dark blue wash for years, so when I saw the black pair on major sale, it was an easy “add to cart” decision.
Here’s hoping everyone has a great rest of their week ahead!
Happy Tuesday, friends! If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you probably noticed more than a couple of snaps from a snowy winter wonderland recently, and today I’m sharing a bit more about our trip to Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana.
Eric and I first laid eyes on Lone Mountain Ranch during this road trip last summer, but they were completely booked at the time so we settled for a quick lunch before hitting the road again. We knew we wanted to eventually make it back for a stay, so we started looking into packages and summer dates sometime around January of this year. Obviously within a couple of months Covid-19 was the new reality, and that trip was shelved for the future.
Fast forward to sometime around the end of summer and I came across an Instagram ad that Lone Mountain Ranch was staying open through the month of October (something they don’t normally do) and offering incredible cabin rates for that month. For reference, LMR offers a bunch of different packages, but for the most part, it’s an all-inclusive experience that includes your meals, trail rides, horse-back riding, and tons of different activities. (And for additional reference, the packages are pricey.) But because it’s 2020 and nothing is normal, we were able to book a cabin for a sort of a la carte stay that was so perfect for us.
We stayed in the “Ouzel” cabin, and given the chance, I would 100% book it again. It was spacious but so cozy with a wood-burning stove fireplace and a clawfoot tub that I loved. There are no TV’s (which we both enjoyed), but the wifi and cell service on the property is excellent which made it easy to get work done when needed. Horn & Cantle, the restaurant on the property, is seriously delicious, and we ate there for every breakfast and almost every dinner. The Korean Chicken Wings were probably the best wings I’ve ever had, and the Vegan Enchiladas were a surprising favorite for a couple of meat-eaters. The entire staff was beyond friendly, warm, and so helpful, and going during Covid restrictions, we felt completely safe – mask rules were in effect in any building we entered.
When I first booked it, I figured we would get some pretty chilly weather. I wasn’t really thinking it would be covered in snow and -6 degrees during one of the days, but it honestly just added to the trip. We spent one full day exploring Yellowstone National Park, and after seeing it last summer on our road trip, it was pretty cool to see it again in the winter. The snow really does add a magical layer to the park. We spent Saturday eating and shopping in downtown Bozeman (about an hour from the ranch) and then a lazy Sunday in the cabin, sitting by a fire, reading a book, and watching the snow. (I had scheduled horseback riding that had to be cancelled due to the weather – even the locals were surprised by the amount of snow and negative temps in October.) Overall, the trip was incredible, and Eric and I both agree that we’ll be back to Lone Mountain Ranch, hopefully sooner rather than later.
xoxo
P.S. – We were supposed to leave on Monday and fly home, but we decided we were just too close to Jackson Hole to NOT go. (Jackson has been a favorite of ours that we try to visit at least once a year.) So we extended our trip a couple of days and took the rental car the four hours to Jackson. It was a short stay but totally worth it. (You can see a bunch of my favorite spots to visit in Jackson Hole here.)
I probably ask myself this every year, but why oh why in Southern California do I feel the need to have a closet full of outerwear? Our “fall” shows up sometime around Christmas, and sometimes “winter” just doesn’t show at all. And yet here I am, scrolling around trying to figure out which cozy pieces my closet might need this year. (Because sometimes even loungewear needs a top layer, right?)
I guess in my defense we do try to plan a cool or cold weather trip every year, and we’ve got a fun few days in Montana planned for later this month. And just like that, jacket purchases justified. See how that works?
If you’ve got outerwear on the brain like me, today I’m rounding up some of my favorite affordable outwear finds from around the web. Every single one is under $100, but a ton of these are $50 and below. (Because it’s easier to justify that way, right?) Take a little scroll and let me know your favorites. Here’s hoping some glorious fall weather follows.
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:
Summer is officially in full swing around here, and to be honest, I have NO idea where it came from. I seriously can’t believe we’re already in July, and although our summer may look a little different this year, I fully intend to embrace it all – the weather, the cookouts, the fashion – even if it is from my own backyard.
When it comes to summer style, I’m all about versatile pieces that can be worn a few different ways, and this palm printed caftan from Walmart is so good. It’s perfect over a swimsuit (worn open or tied in front) and also easily elevates a simple shorts look (below). It’s part of the latest collection from Scoop and also comes in a fun paisley print or this chic animal print.
And now I have to chat a little about this swimsuit because if you’ve been following along for a while, then you know the swimsuit struggle is always REAL around here. I am quite busty, and while swimsuit companies are constantly striving to make their sizing more inclusive, I find that they usually miss the mark (completely) when it comes to bigger bust-lines. I ordered this swimsuit from Walmart with zero expectations of it actually fitting, but I just had to try because I thought the bottoms were so cute. In real life once the suit arrived, the bottoms ARE so cute, AND the top fit pretty perfectly. (It’s adjustable in the back, so you can loosen or tighten as needed.) The fabric is so nice, and I was extra thrilled when I found the matching striped straw tote. (How could I resist, right?)
I seriously can’t get over the quality of every piece here and have been finding so many looks to love from Walmart season after season. If you haven’t checked them out lately, what are you waiting for?
Well if there ever was a time to round up some current Amazon faves, it’s now because let’s just say that our Amazon Prime account has definitely seen some use lately. From dresses to pretzels and sanitizers to kitchen gadgets, here are some of the Amazon finds I’m loving right now.
This easy, lightweight maxi dress– I’ve had good luck with Amazon maxi dresses in the past (still LOVE this one and this one), so I figured I might as well go for round three. (Honestly, I feel like as long as something is on Amazon Prime and offers free returns, you really can’t go wrong. Returns are so easy for things that don’t work out.) The dress above comes in a million different prints and colors – including some that are plus sized – and is just so lightweight and easy for summer.
Some seriously addictive pretzels – OK, I know what you’re thinking. Pretzels? But trust, these are SO good. I came across recommendations for these a couple of times on the interwebs and figured I needed to check them out. And well, they totally live up to the hype. They’re crunchy, delicious, and coated in some type of addictive savory seasoning that makes them hard to put down. We also like to kick things up a notch around here and dip them in a spicy mustard. I’ve already ordered more and included a couple of bags of the Southwest flavor because, you know, research.
Apple AirPods and a handy little case – Eric gave me AirPods for Christmas, and I seriously had no idea how much I would use them. I knew they’d be great for listening to music while walking the pups, but I also really love them for phone calls. The sound quality is so good. So when Eric started stealing mine while working from home, I ordered him a pair from Amazon. And then a pair each for our moms for Mother’s Day. They’re a pretty versatile gift for anyone in the family, and I love this handy little case to easily take them on the go.
Sunscreen for the pups – Full disclosure – I KNOW I’m a crazy dog mom, but I’m fine with that. Dogs can get melanoma too, and I’ve seen too many social media posts of Vizslas who have it, so here we are. I pretty much just make sure to spray their nose and ear areas before super sunny walks. They don’t love it, but they also don’t flip out, so that’s a win, right?
A super handy candle lighter – We’re still spending most or all of our time at home, and somehow days are just better when the house is clean and a candle is lit. I’ve been stocking up on these candles (that smell exactly like a much more expensive brand) and lighting them with this nifty little flameless lighter. The bendy neck lets you easily get down into candle jars, and the fact that it’s rechargeable means you’ll never run out of fluid. It’s a cheap kitchen thrill that I’ve been using almost every day.
The prettiest caftan coverup – You guys know I live for a good caftan – over a swimsuit or layered over a slip – and even better when I can find one that doesn’t break the bank. I figured I’d try out this under $30 blue one (again – easy returns) and was so pleasantly surprised. The embroidery is so pretty, and the lightweight fabric is so good for the beach or poolside in Palm Springs. You can see a peek at how it looks on here.
Easy-spray hand sanitizer – Thankfully now that there’s no shortage, hand sanitizer is easy to find, but we all know that some brands are better than others. While this lemon coconut scented one is definitely my number one, I also love this version with a continuous spray pump similar to spray-on sunscreen. Some of the reviews complain about the smell, but I don’t notice it at all, and we love that it’s super convenient for hands or things like…Amazon packages.
This huge pack of ChapSticks – Just where do all the lost ChapSticks go? Eric and I were constantly on the hunt for ours, especially when we spent a few weeks in the desert heat, so here’s a pack of 18 in all the best summer flavors for those like us who are hooked on the Stick.
A new favorite pair of summer sandals – I wanted a new pair of comfortable summer sandals that were dressed-up enough to wear out in place of heels. Something I could easily pair with a mini or maxi dress for casual dinners or desert nights out with friends. Basically, I was hoping to find something exactly like this pink pair I own from a few seasons back. Well, I found them and seriously love them. I ordered the gold pair from Amazon and then ended up finding them in red in my size on eBay, sooo I now own those too. I’m not big on “designer dupes”, but I do LOVE these studded sandals that just so happen to look a lot like this designer pair.
A genius little egg bite maker – We can blame this one on the damn Facebook ads that track my every move because, well, they got me again. If you’re a sucker for those Starbucks egg bites like me, then you’ll love this little egg bite maker so that you can make them at home in your PJ’s. It comes in three different color options and includes molds for both the mini egg bites and a size that’s perfect for breakfast sandwiches. I ordered mine on Amazon but just found it cheaper here through Target.
A new rug for my office – You’ve probably seen the new rug a hundred times in flat-lay photos and quarantine mirror selfies on Instagram, but after testing it out for a few weeks, I’m still really loving this rug. The colors are as pictured, quality is nice, and free Prime shipping to your door just makes everything easier these days.
Happy Thursday, and holy crap it’s April, friends! With the recent extension of our current stay-at-home orders through the end of the month (and perhaps beyond), I figured it was time to snag some loungewear that might work better with the SoCal spring temps. You know, a little quarantine business casual, but make it April.
I have to admit it’s been a long while since I’ve shopped from Gap, but once I spotted this little cream set on major sale, I had to give it a shot. And y’all, I LOVE it. (Enough so that I’m going back in for the coral color.) The pieces are so great for mixing and matching (as is this little striped tee from Old Navy) with jeans, denim shorts, and other tees in my closet. And bonus? Every piece of clothing you see here is on sale – including my favorite denim that’s currently 40% off.
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?
Last week I shared some of my favorite picks from the Scoop collection at Walmart, and today I just had to double-down and once again recommend this under $30, cozy as all get-out sweater. Living in Southern California, I usually only invest in two or three new sweaters each fall and winter season, and at around $29, I figured this one was a no-brainer.
After seeing and trying this sweater in person, I feel like it would be worth double the price tag. When compared to sweaters I snagged at department stores and specialty boutiques last year, this one is equal to if not better in quality. (Here’s looking at you, $85 snagged and pilled 2018 sweater that looks like poop after three wears.) It’s super soft, and after wearing it for a few hours, it wasn’t shedding all over my entire life.
If you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing down. (I’d probably best fit a medium but am wearing a large here for an oversized fit with my favorite leggings.) I’ve currently got the ivory and hot pink in my shopping cart, and while the turtleneck sizes have flown out of stock, the v-neck version is still pretty much fully available. (I’ve tried that one too and can say it is the same nice quality.)
Whether you’re already facing sweater weather or anticipating it sometime in the next 24 months (It’s bound to come at some point, right?!), you won’t regret grabbing this under $30 cozy find.
Ohhhh, GIRL – July hit, and Mother Nature turned up the heat around here. Like, sweating it out, searching through the depths of the closet for all my summer gear. I’m not even going to lie to you – we have a couple of cooling bandanas for the dogs, and yesterday I took them for a spin myself. I’m currently living for anything super lightweight, and bingo, this dress is IT. It’s super breezy, so comfortable, and priced under $25. Win-win-win.
The entire look is actually a steal with the dress, sandals, hat, and adorable bag ringing in under $80 total. I’m telling you guys, if you haven’t checked out the sweet fashion finds available right now at Walmart, what are you waiting for?
Levi’s jeans; Shopbop tee; Walmart boots; Bottega Veneta handbag (similar look for less); Quay sunglasses; necklace via Fashionphile
High rise jeans, band tee, duster cardigan, combat boots, crossbody bag – all via Walmart
Bison in Yellowstone National Park
Grounds of the Rustic Creek Inn
If you’ve been following along here for a while, you’ve probably seen and heard me swooning over 
