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The Amazon Finds I’m Loving Right Now

Amazon maxi dressWelden bagBrixton hat (more colors here);  Walmart sandals

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.

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Another Day, Another Pretty Midi

Free People Groovy dress | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastFree People Groovy dress | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastFree People Groovy dress | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastFree People Groovy dress | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastFree People Groovy dress | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastFree People Groovy dress | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Free People maxi dress – size down, I’m wearing an XS (also love these colors – fully in stock);  Ash sandals (similar here);  Strathberry handbagQuay sunglassesGorjana long necklace and short necklacesimilar beaded bracelets

Another day, another midi / maxi dress.  There have been lots of these on the blog lately, and I swear it’s for good reason.  Worn barefoot around the house, a good flowy midi just feels a little more glam than the old sweatpants without being too fussy or uncomfortable.  When I saw this one, I just thought it was too pretty to pass up.  It’s super lightweight, but warning – it’s a lot of fabric so I’d definitely recommend sizing down.  (I’m wearing an XS for reference and just paired it with my own slip instead of the one it came with.)

Once we’re back open for business around here (California is taking things REAL slow), I can’t wait to wear it out of the house with studded sandals or wedges and a dressed up crossbody bag.  And my first stop on the post quarantine out and about tour?  Definitely somewhere with chips, queso, and a yummy skinny margarita.  Or a mall.  God knows this mall rat loves a good mall and has definitely been missing South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island.  Or a solo movie afternoon at The Lot.  What have you guys been looking forward to post-quarantine?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Skin Cancer Awareness Month with Cabana Life

UPF 50+ clothing from Cabana Life | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastUPF 50+ clothing from Cabana Life | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastCabana Life maxi dress (c/o – take $20 off $100 with code MYSTYLEDIARIES);  Steve Madden sandals (c/o);  similar hatQuay sunglassesStraw handbagJulie Vos banglesGorjana necklace

Happy Thursday, friends – how is my MSD fam?  Unlike quite a few states, California is still pretty locked down right now, but fresh air and sunshine are still very much encouraged.  (Feeling so lucky for that because the weather here lately has been just beautiful.)  We’ve been enjoying weekends in the backyard, bike rides along the beach for exercise, and extra long walks with the pups lately, and honestly, I can’t complain about the extra time spent outdoors.

And while we’re out here enjoying the kick off to summer weather, it’s definitely not the time to forget the sun protection.  May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and while we always seem to think it could never happen to us, Melanoma is the deadliest cancer for women ages 29 to 34 and affects one in five Americans in their lifetime.  So I’m doing what I can to avoid becoming one of those statistics.

We’re religious about sunscreen around here – always, every single day – and feel pretty much the same about hats to protect our faces.  And today I’m taking things one step further with adorable sun protection clothing from Cabana Life.  (You can read more about their UPF 50+ fabric that blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays here.)  With a great selection of swimsuits, coverups, dresses, loungewear and hats, they’ve got you covered for all of your upcoming summer days.  Enter code MYSTYLEDIARIES to take $20 off any $100 purchase.

Hope everyone has a great weekend ahead!

xoxoUPF 50+ clothing from Cabana Life | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastUPF 50+ clothing from Cabana Life | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Cabana Life coverup (c/o – $20 off with code MYSTYLEDIARIES);  Madden Girl sandalssimilar hatQuay sunglasses

Favorite Finds from the Anthropologie Sale

Free People dress (sold out);  similar straw bagSam Edelman sandalssimilar hatRay-Ban sunglasses

Happy Sunday, friends!  Today I’m rounding up a bunch of my favorite finds from the current Anthropologie sale because, well, I’ve spent my morning scrolling around, drooling over so many pieces.  From breezy maxi dresses to the prettiest blouses and adorable accessories, there are so many summer-ready faves priced at 50% off today.  If you’re currently looking for a little retail therapy, click through my favorites below.  (Don’t wait – the sale ends tonight.)  And if not, here’s hoping you do something today to make yourself happy.

xoxo

Three More Walmart Looks to Love

Walmart summer style | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart summer style | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Time and Tru sweaterdenim shortsCircus by Sam Edelman sandalsTime and Tru straw bagsunglassesWalmart summer style | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart summer style | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Knotted maxi dressEliza May Rose straw bagCircus by Sam Edelman sandalsEliza May Rose hatsunglassesWalmart summer style | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart summer style | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki Prendergast Time and Tru jumpsuitCircus by Sam Edelman sandalsstraw bagsimilar sunglasses

If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you’ve probably seen that the husband and I are on a little long-awaited vacay.  We kicked things off with a weeklong trip to Idaho with his family and then hopped into a rental car for another week of road-tripping together.  I’ll be sharing a full recap of the trip – where we stayed, where we ate, what we did – once we’re back, but today I’m checking in with a few more looks to love from Walmart.

If you saw this post and then this one, you know that I’ve been finding ALL the summer things for the best prices from Walmart.  And today’s post is no exception.  Y’all, these jean shorts are seriously the $10 gift that just keeps on giving, and when I saw this little striped sweater in store during my trip home to Louisiana, I knew I needed it for the chilly nights ahead on our road trip.  (I sized up two sizes for a looser fit.)

The black jumpsuit (available in four colors) is perfect for the hot weather that’s just setting in at home in SoCal, and that knotted maxi dress is a summertime dream.  I searched and searched but sadly couldn’t get my hands on it in black before it sold out.  If your local store still has the black version, grab it…and every other color.

I’ll be checking out for a few more days, but if you’re interested in following along on our Idaho / Montana / Wyoming rambles, be sure to follow along on Instagram.  Hope everyone has a great rest of the week ahead!

xoxo

Head to Toe Summer Look Under $80

Walmart Fashion | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart Fashion | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart Fashion | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart Fashion | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart Fashion | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart Fashion | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart Fashion | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart Fashion | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastWalmart Fashion | My Style Diaries blogger Nikki PrendergastLA Gypsy maxi dressCircus by Sam Edelman sandalsstraw handbagEliza May Rose hat

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?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Katie Stuart

Palm Springs Outfit and Restaurant Recap

Fashion bloggers in Palm SpringsVici palm print coverup (c/o);  White Elephant Designs personalized hats and beach bag (c/o);  Mark & Graham striped towels (c/o)That Pink Door in Palm Springs, CA Lilly Pulitzer dress (c/o);  Rebecca Minkoff heelsCult Gaia bagKaren Walker sunglasses (affordable version here);  Julie Vos braceletsVici palm print coverup, Miracleswim swimsuit, JadeTribe beach bag Miraclesuit swimsuitVici palm print coverup and sunglasses;  Dolce Vita sandalsJadeTribe woven bagBrixton hatOrange doors at the Parker Palm Springs Free People shorts (also here);  SheIn sweater (c/o);  Sam Edelman sneakersGiGi New York handbagKaren Walker sunglasses (affordable version here)Floral spring wrap dress and Cult Gaia bag in Palm Springs, CA Vici wrap dress (similar here and here);  Rebecca Minkoff heelsCult Gaia bag (under $50 version here);  Ray-Ban sunglassesBanana print sweater and Free People shorts in Palm Springs, CA Free People shorts (also here);  banana print sweaterSam Edelman sneakersKaren Walker sunglasses (affordable version here)KAS New York maxi dress and Sam Edelman handbag in Palm Springs, CA KAS New York dress (c/o);  similar hatSam Edelman straw bagRebecca Minkoff heelsKaren Walker sunglasses (affordable version here)Lilly Pulitzer sweater, BP shorts, Cult Gaia bag at the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs, CA BP shortsLilly Pulitzer sweater (c/o);  Cult Gaia bag (under $50 version here);  Jemma Sands necklace and braceletsRay-Ban sunglassesSteve Madden wedgesLa Blanca swimsuit and pants in Palm Springs, CA La Blanca swim top and pants (c/o);  JoFit Apparel chambray shirt;  White Elephant Designs hatRay-Ban sunglassessimilar beach bagMark & Graham striped towelsimilar Joss & Main hammock chairMy Style Diaries, Haute Off the Rack, Carrie Bradshaw Lied, A Pinch of Lovely in Palm Springs, CA It’s really not that often you get to have a laugh-filled girls’ weekend in someplace sunny, and this month, somehow I managed to have two.  I’m fresh off of an amazing long weekend in Mexico (more on that coming soon), but today I’m throwing it back to a fun few days in Palm Springs with Kathleen, Jenn and Krystal.

We had been planning the week in Palm Springs for months, and I was so looking forward to some pool time and a little tan.  BUUUUT, then the day arrived and things were looking more like sweater-and-shorts weather than anything warm enough for taking a dip.  So we stashed the flamingo pool floats, snapped a couple of swimsuit pics (I mean it is Palm Springs), and then settled in with ALL the snacks and a little wine and made the best of it.

We stayed at our home in Palm Springs and made sure to check out a couple of my favorite restaurants while there.  You just can’t go to Palm Springs without a little food on the agenda.  This time around, these are the spots we picked.

Dinner at Las Casuelas Terraza – Palm Springs has a handful of Mexican restaurants that I really enjoy, but this one is probably my favorite for a skinny spicy margarita and shrimp fajitas.  The place is HUGE, but don’t be fooled –  it can get packed and sometimes has long wait times.  Reservations are usually a good idea – especially if you want to be near the live band.

Lunch at Melvyn’s – It’s a bold statement, but I think I’ll say that currently this is my favorite place in Palm Springs for lunch or dinner.  It’s an old-school restaurant that’s been around since the 70’s, and the food is just plain GOOD.  Lunch is served on the prettiest little patio (the Chinese chicken salad is my favorite), and dinner is in a swanky, dark dining room.  If you’re going for dinner, the lobster pot pie is what dreams are made of.

Dinner at Tropicale – So this one isn’t exactly a rave review, but I have friends who have eaten at Tropicale and loved it.  So maybe I need to give it another shot?  We ordered Vietnamese Spring Rolls and the Firecracker Shrimp as appetizers, and those were great.  My entree though, as well as everyone else’s, was just kind of, meh.  (For reference, I ordered the fried chicken salad which was supposed to be amazing.  I guess I was thinking it would be boneless chicken, which to me makes much more sense in a salad.)

Breakfast at Norma’s (located in the Parker) – On our last day in Palm Springs, we figured we’d leave town on a high note.  A REAL high note.  Breakfast at Norma’s is pricey, but if you haven’t been, it’s definitely worth a try.  We ordered a few things to split and loved every bite.  The “Waz-Za?” and the Huevos Rancheros are seriously where it’s at, and taking in the pretty scenery at the Parker is a nice little bonus.

Overall it was an amazing few days, and I’ve already got the itch to go back.  Eric and I are always looking to try out new restaurants in the area, so I’d love to know – what are some of your favorites?

xoxo

Photos thanks to Michelle Preau

Giving the Cold Shoulder

Devlin maxi dress (c/o);  Johnston & Murphy heels;  vintage belt;  Henri Bendel clutch (c/o);  Julie Vos bracelets and ringKaren Walker sunglasses (affordable version here)

Happy hump day, friends.  It’s not often I go with a one-shoulder dress or top, but when the temps outside are borderline boiling, a gal could use a little cold shoulder.  And these days, that cold shoulder is extra exposed because recently this mane of mine got a hefty chop.  Long hair, be gone, y’all, and at the risk of sounding like a drama queen, it was no easy decision.

In case you haven’t heard me spill the beans a thousand times in the past, I’ve had hair extensions for years.  And I loved them.  LOVED them.  They gave me that extra volume that I always wanted, perfectly matched my hair texture, and were relatively easy to maintain.  All in all, I would absolutely recommend extensions to anyone who finds themselves in my “toddler mane” position.  But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

I don’t know exactly when, but something in my head just clicked.  It was time.  Time to get back to basics a bit, lose the thick mane, lighten the load, stop trying to keep up with so many bloggers out there I think.  (That comparison game can be a trap from time to time, and it’s a drain on my creativity.)  And now?  I couldn’t be happier with it.

The new ‘do is so light and easy, and these days my getting ready routine is pretty much a summer dream.  Most days I just air-dry after my shower, blow-dry my bangs, and call it a day.  So much more free time for activities!  (Or really, just taking one particular rambunctious puppy for loooong walks.)  Hope everyone is having a great week!

xoxo

Photos thanks to Vincent Elejorde

Stay Here: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

hyatt-hb-6 Coverup (c/o);  Clutchnude flip flopsHatBraceletsSunglasses (affordable version here)

In yesterday’s post, I gushed a bit about a few reasons why I love where we live, but I’ve saved a couple of my favorite spots for today’s post.  Recently Eric and I did a 2-night stay-cation at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach for his birthday, and y’all, it was SO nice.  I’ve gotten to check out so many hotels and resorts over the past few years, but this one really was one for the books, having a little vacation in our own city, literally a few blocks away from our house.

When I first checked in, Eric was at work so I got to have a little girls’ spa and pool day with Miriam, Lydia, and Kathleen.  Not a bad way to kick things off, right?  While the cat’s away…  The Pacific Waters Spa at the Hyatt was so nice and relaxing, and if we hadn’t had lunch plans by the pool, we totally could have hung there all day, sipping champs and living our best robe lives.  I’m always a facial over a massage type of gal, so I had a Pacific Waters facial and seriously loved every minute of it.  I told Eric to keep the spa in mind for when my birthday rolls around.  Hint, hint.

After the spa we headed over to the pool and had an amazing lunch (nachos, hummus, crab cake sliders, fries, all of the things plus a little rosé, naturally) in a private cabana.  There are two pools on the property – one with a water slide that’s perfect for families and the one we went to that’s a bit more quiet – so there’s something for everyone.  The pool area was huge with so much space to accommodate guests.  Plus, you know, nachos – so you’re all set.

My favorite part of our stay was dinner with Eric for his birthday at Watertable.  Y’all, this place is so, SO good!  We tried out the hamachi crudo, filet with bacon jam, and the Chilean sea bass, and along with the vino, everything was delicious.  I also stopped in for a quick breakfast here (so many healthy options) and currently can’t get their Spirulina bowl out of my head.  And while we’re on the subject of bowls, you HAVE to try “The Barrel Bowl” at Pete’s Sunset Grille.  We ate at Pete’s (also on the Hyatt property) on our second night, and that ish did not disappoint.  We will definitely, definitely be back to both Watertable (have to check out the happy hour!) and Pete’s.

And then there was our room.  We had a one-bedroom suite that was super spacious, cozy, and just like home once I unpacked and made a giant mess.  Also, I’ll never say no to a huge balcony.  With our stay situated right near the end of our home construction, it was so nice to get out and have a change of scenery for a couple of days.  Whether you live here and could use a little getaway or you’ve been looking to visit Orange County, you definitely have to look into the Hyatt Regency in Huntington Beach – you won’t be disappointed.  Hope everyone has an amazing weekend!

xoxo

hb-hyatt-2hyatt-hb-7hyatt-hb-5 Eberjey coverup (c/o);  White Elephant bag (c/o);  BraceletsHatSunglasses hb-hyatt-1 ClutchHatSunglassesSandals;  Spirulina Bowl – so good! hyatt-hb-4hyatt-hb-8hyatt-hb-9 Maxi dressDenim jacketSandalsClutchBracelets

A Few Favorite Resort Finds

Orange County fashion blogger Nikki Prendergast of My Style Diaries rounds up a few favorite resort style picks. 1. Cover-Up Kimono  2. Pom Pom Striped Mini Bag  3. Exotic Print Slides  4. Pom Pom Rainbow Tote  5. Rainbow Heeled Sandal (More sizes here)  6. Coverup Caftan Maxi Dress  7. Beaded Bracelet Stack  8. Lace Up Striped Shirtdress  9. Mirrored Aviator Sunglasses  10. Straw Baby Pom Pom Bag  11. Gold Heeled Nude Mule  12. Wide Straw Hat  13. Shine Straw Tote  14. Pearl Embellished Slide Sandal  15. Embroidered Cover-Up Dress

The last couple of days have been really chilly and gloomy in Southern California (and I know that parts of the country woke up under a blanket of snow today), but dang it, it’s spring break time and I’ve got resort style on the brain.  Plus, I’ve got an upcoming trip to Mexico in just a couple of weeks that I can’t stop daydreaming about.  And by daydreaming, I mean packing and planning outfits in my head.  I can’t wait to share more about that trip with you guys!

But for now, I’m rounding up a few favorite resort style finds that are on my radar and in my shopping cart.  You guys, the shoes at numbers 5 and 11 – did you know that Katy Perry has a new shoe line?  And as could be expected, it’s a really fun one – no shocker there.  Also, these bags.  I have a total thing with beach bags and little beachy clutches.  I certainly do not need any more of them, but they’re so cute!  And I pretty much live in coverups and caftans here in the spring and summertime.  They’re so comfortable and prevent the hot-and-bothered overheating, so I tell myself I can never have too many.  What are some of your favorite resort vacation essentials?  (Plus scroll through below for more of my favorite finds right now.)  Hope everyone is having a great week so far!

xoxo

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