style session: everlane utility jacket!

 I've been wearing this utility jacket from Everlane on repeat. I love that the color isn't the usual army green color, this is more of a rusty brown. It's a color that is surprisingly easy to style and I love that it's a breath of fresh air in my closet. I'm in my usual size small here, which is maybe a touch oversized. If you are between sizes you could size down or if you wanted it a bit for fitted you could also go down a size. It's lightweight and unlined but is the perfect weight for spring.  

I've found it's so easy to throw over almost any outfit and today I've got six ways to style it that I think you will love... 

Outfit 1 (above)

Lightweight sweaters work great with this jacket, especially for the cooler spring days. I love this look for errands and working around the house.

jacket, jeans, similar sneakers, sweater (runs big)

Outfit 2 (above)

The sweater/jacket/jeans combo is definitely a go-to for me. I love this jacket paired with black, it looks so sharp.

jacket, sweater, jeans, flats

Outfit 3 (above)

I'm never going to be over sweats! This wide leg sweatsuit looks and feels like a jumpsuit and it's easy to throw a little jacket over top to dress it up!

jacket, wide leg pants (runs big), sweatshirt, slides

Outfit 4 (above)

This jacket works great with an athleisure look too... it's the perfect length with leggings!

jacket, similar striped top, leggings, similar sneakers

Outfit 5 (above)

I love this jacket with white jeans too... it's a great spring look. 

jacket, sweater, jeans, similar flats

Outfit 6 (above)

Shorts season is coming! I love a little jacket with shorts for those chilly spring or summer mornings.

jacket, gingham top, shorts, sandals

spring outfit combos!

Need some spring outfit ideas!?!? Today I pulled together some outfit combos that I am loving/craving these days. Layers are key since the weather here in Michigan is all over the place. Let's take a look at the outfits...

cardigan, hat, headband, ruffle neck jacket

grey tank, denim jacket, black flutter sleeve tee, sweater tank

linen pants, long t-shirt dress, light jeans, white jeans

slide sandals, sneakers, black espadrille sandals, gold sandals

square handle bag, canvas tote, straw tote, camel crossbody bag

#ootd 58!

Mood: Spring sports mom back in full effect. Her bag is full of snacks, her sneakers keep her going all day.

 grey sweatshirt, jeans, sneakers, tote, necklaces, phone case

Nordstrom finds!

 I've got a few fun Nordstrom finds for you for spring/summer... we are having that back and forth spring weather. One day it's T-shirt weather and the next it's sweater weather again. So a few of these are still transitional pieces since that's where I'm at right now. The dresses I ordered for spring break and one was too big and one didn't come in time. So now they will just be for summer! Let's take a look at my finds...

pale blue tiered dress (above)

Sizing: Runs very big. I went down a size and it's still too big on the armpits. I'm in an XS here, I suggest sizing down two.

Thoughts: This is GORGEOUS in person, I love this blue (more colors available) for spring and summer. It's just so fresh and summery. It feels like a breath of fresh air. It's perfect for dressing up a bit or just lounging around the house.

Shown with: sandals

white tie-back top - looks like it's sold out at Nordies but fully stocked HERE (above)

Sizing: Runs big, I went down a size to XS.

Thoughts: This was darling on the website and looked like a tent out of the box. I thought it was going to be a total flop so I didn't even steam it in advance. But it's actually AMAZING in person - I'll be steaming it asap! It's quite boxy but it has a tie in the back so you can pull it tight for a more fitted look or looser for a more flowy look. The v-neck is not too deep and I was worried the fabric would be see through but I had my husband help me test it in a few different light settings and it's not. It's also available in black which would be gorgeous too. I already can not wait to wear this!

Shown with: sandals

bold sleeve tank (above)

Sizing: I'm in my usual size, it's a bit cropped. You could go up a size for more length)

Thoughts: If you aren't a fan of the padded sleeve tank trend (seen here) for spring - this is a great alternative to get the look without the shoulder pads. Plus I think this half tank/half tee look is super flattering on the arms.

Shown with: jeans

black puff sleeve top (above)

Sizing: True to size. I'm in my usual size small.

Thoughts: I just LOVE a puff sleeve top. This trend to me is so easy to wear while still being a little something extra to make an outfit feel special. This one isn't so much a sweatshirt, more of a really thick t-shirt material. It drapes really well, so it's super cozy and casual to wear but looks dressed up.

Shown with: jeans

half zip sweatshirt & pale blue leggings (above)

Sizing: Both are true to size. I am in my usual size small in both.

Thoughts: Let's talk leggings first - I saw this color earlier this winter and instantly fell in love and they sold out so quickly. When I saw they restocked this color I grabbed them asap. I love this pale blue color right now and these leggings are perfect for spring and summer walks. The fabric is soft but very structured making them comfortable and flattering. The half zip sweatshirt is a current obsession - it's a fun take on a sweatshirt (since they are a major percentage of my closet these days). This one is that cloud soft almost fluffy fabric. It's a dream and I love the dolman sleeves. Both pieces are perfect for lounging, workouts or spring walks. 

Shown with: sneakers 

Key West vacation recap!

Quite a few of you requested a Key West vacation recap with all of the details of where we stayed, what we did, etc. So here it is!  We booked it wanting to get far from home without leaving the continental US and of course, to be somewhere warm. A bunch of people started giving us recommendations for their favorite bar or telling us their wild drunken Key West stories - which really isn't our vibe, especially with two teenagers traveling with us. So as the trip approached we were a little nervous what to expect. Key West is DEFINITELY a party town. I've heard it called the New Orleans of Florida and that is actually quite accurate. We had a great trip and did (almost) all the things we wanted to do because we likely won't be back. It's very beautiful in Key West (dang that water is blue!) but we also found it really difficult to get down there... we flew into Fort Lauderdale and drove down. It was a beautiful drive but LONG. I can't say definitively if I recommend that or not. Flights straight into Key West can be pricey though. Here's all the details:

Where We Stayed

Parrot Key Resort & Villas

This resort was our favorite part about the trip. It was such a quiet oasis away from everything. If you want to be right in the action this hotel isn't for you though. We had to drive and find parking (which wasn't so bad actually!) to get into the 'action' in Key West. But for us, it was perfect. We are more "quiet" vacationers and loved how lush and beautiful the grounds were and the four pools are just stunning.

Where We Ate

Firefly Cafe - more upscale dining with great outdoor seating, we sat on the top patio and it was a good view and a nice breeze.

Blue Heaven - yes, the wait times are atrocious. We checked in for brunch around 10am, with a two hour wait we did some shopping and also toured the Hemmingway House. If you have the Hemmingway House on your list and Blue Heaven on your list this is a great way to do both since they are walking distance to one another. The brunch/breakfast was insanely good and the Key Lime pie is NOT to be missed. Definitely our favorite on the trip. If you don't want to wait for a table or only want drinks and pie they have a small walk up window across the street for both with no wait.

Alonzo's Oyster Bar - my husband and son love oysters and I love seafood. This is a fun (but busy!) location in the marina section of the island so get a table outside and enjoy the boat watching! We went for happy hour, which I highly recommend. The prices were great and we all shared a bunch of food. Their Key Lime pie was minimal but delicious.

Eaton Street Seafood Market - this is a walk-in seafood market that also makes quick lunches and dinners with outdoor seating. We got peel and eat shrimp and lobster tails and I order the best lobster roll I've had in a long time (or ever!?!) that was so stocked with lobster I almost couldn't finish it. It is ultra casual and fun and sells some beers and wine too. 

Le Meson de Pepe - this cuban food is INCREDIBLE. Huge portions and a great atmosphere right in the middle of Mallory Square. They supposedly have the best Key Lime pie on the island but they were sold out. (I still think it would be difficult to beat Blue Heaven's pie though, but now I'll never know.)

What We Did

Mostly we sat by the pool because that was very much our mood for this trip. We also rented a pontoon one day but the winds were dangerous and we sadly were not able to reschedule. I'm still sad that wasn't a go though. We also weren't able to visit Fort Zachary beach because of some poor planning on our part, but it looks very cool. 

Hemmingway House - I loved this and so did the family. It's a beautiful home and interesting to see how the islanders lived before all the tourists flooded in. Plus, there is some great memorabilia, photos, etc to see here. The kids loved all the cats!

The Truman Annex - This is a gorgeous neighborhood to stroll with historic homes and it's closed to the public in the evenings. It's also home to the Little Truman White House where many presidents have visited to work.

Smather's Beach - we were told not to expect much from the beaches, but we thought this one was beautiful. It was quite windy the day we were there but super blue water and lots of parking.

Mallory Square - there are lots of shops and restaurants in this area and in the late afternoon before sunset performers set up shop. There were bagpipes and a magician and food booths. 

What I Wore

Here's a look at some of the outfits I wore!

Such a fun and lightweight swim cover up! (swim cover up, sunglasses)

The best "mom" shorts for exploring or a casual dinner! (shorts, sweater, birkenstocks, bag, stripe bag strap)

I wore a lot of dresses and LOVED it. So easy! (dress, sandals, hat)

White jeans and a tank is one of my go-to combos for warm weather! (white jeans, sandals, similar bag, similar ruffle top)

I love a white on white look! (white shorts, ruffle sleeve top)

I wish I could go back to these lazy pool days! (similar swim cover up, swim top & bottom)

shop bop buy more, save more sale!

It's time for the Shopbop BUY MORE, SAVE MORE sale! This is a sale that only comes around two times a year and it's a super popular one for good reason. It's a great time to stock up on items that rarely go on sale. I always focus on BASICS for this sale. Some of my most worn, most loved pieces are from this sale. Pricier items like shoes, jeans, bags and wardrobe staples are on sale and today I'm chatting about the items I own and love from the sale and also a few items that are on my wishlist from the sale!

my favorites: 

ruffle sleeve dress, the perfect everyday dress!

black mules, I've owned these forever. They are super comfortable and the perfect dressed up, but not too dressed up shoe.

white slouchy tunic (all sizes!), this is a LONG time favorite in my closet. It's pricey but so worth it. I've worn it SO many times and it's truly reasonless.  

v-neck tanks, the best layering tanks or they work great on their own. 

agolde jeans, trendy and fun, these are NO stretch but I love them for when I'm feeling like a hip mom ;)

white denim shorts, I just bought these and LOVE them.

blue denim shorts, the most popular shorts that are always selling out! Snag them on sale if you can!

sunglasses, a great pair of budget friendly sunglasses. Also the infamous "Meghan Markle" sunglasses. They were sold out for like a year after she wore them.

veja sneakers, this pair is very close to the pair I own. Simple and classic and these are a great mom on the go pair of shoes. 

blue/red stripe camel bag, the perfect mini cross body bag. I love this one for vacation (it's a Disney favorite) or when I only want to carry the basics! 

space dye leggings, another oldie but goodie in my closet. These are BUTTER soft and I've seriously had this pair for like 5 years and they still fit great.

my wishlist: 

camel mules, snagging these since I love the black pair so much! 

straight leg jeans, I can't seem to get enough of straight legs these days.

striped puff sleeve top, how cute is this?

quilted bag, obsessed. I just ordered and I hope it's as good in person as it looks!

white/red/blue woven tote, how fun and different is this? It looks so summery to me! 

lounge shorts & top, I can't get over these pajama-y/lounge-y sets for around the house in the warmer months. 

white denim review!

 Today I've got a whole bunch of white jeans to share with you! Finding the PERFECT pair of white jeans can be tricky but I'm hoping this post helps you find the best pair for. I've got some long time favorites here and a few new styles as well. I will lay out sizing and fit details and feel free to let me know if you have any questions... happy to help! 

(above) Madewell Perfect Vintage

Sizing: These run a little big, I am between a 26/27 and I am in the 26 here.

Stretch: Perfect amount of stretch to be flattering but comfortable.

Fit: This pair has a high waist and a straight leg. It's a modern and flattering cut that is easy to wear. 

Length: This pair is from last year and has a raw hem (which I slightly shortened after purchasing), this years version has a sewn hem.

Thoughts: This is by far my most worn out of the bunch. The white is called "tile white" which isn't a bright white but isn't so far as a creamy white either. I find these super comfortable and flattering to wear.

Shown with: tee, sandals

(above) Madewell Stovepipe Jeans

Sizing: I'm between 26/27 and these are a 26. They run a touch big.

Stretch: These have soft denim with great stretch. 

Fit: This is what I call "skinny jeans on the top and straight leg on the bottom." If you want to try a straight leg for the first time, this is your fit. It's subtly a straight leg for a modern look while also being very approachable. 

Length: This is the regular length and I'm 5'4 for reference. I believe they are also available in petite or long.

Thoughts: This pair of jeans in blue was a top seller for 2020. It's a very approachable and chic cut for all body types. I love the great stretch and classic vibe.

Shown with: tee, sandals

(above) Madewell Demi Boot Crop

Sizing: I'm between 26/27 and this is a 26 (they've been washed multiple times) and likely a 27 would fit better. So go with your true size or your bigger size I would say.

Stretch: Good stretch. Perfectly comfortable and flattering.

Fit: This is a mid rise jean, fitted through the thigh with a slight flare at the ankle. 

Length: This pair is a few years old in a raw hem. I did not trim these hems.

Thoughts: The flare at the ankle on these is so fun. Definitely a more trendy piece but super cute for spring and summer with just a little bit of extra personality. 

Shown with: tee, sandals

(above) Everlane Curvy Cheeky

Sizing: I'm in a 27. I always go with my bigger size for Everlane denim.

Stretch: This is a classic thick denim but it does have a perfect amount of stretch to keep them comfortable.

Fit: This is a classic "mom jean" style with a high waist and straight leg. This pair is super flattering on the bottom... thus the name 'cheeky.'

Length: I went with the ankle length on these and they fit perfectly. Also available in regular and long lengths.

Thoughts: This is a classic mom jean while still being quite approachable. It's definitely the most trendy out of the bunch. I love the creamy white color too.

Shown with: tee, sandals

(above) Madewell Skinny

Sizing: I'm between a 26/27 and always go for the 27 in skinnies for a little extra room. These have been through the wash A LOT so they feel a little small.

Stretch: Great stretch!

Fit: Classic skinny fit.

Length: I trimmed these myself to make a raw hem. So they were a little long on me.

Thoughts: I'm not over skinny jeans, but I might be over skinny white jeans. I think the other cuts with a more straight leg are just so much more forgiving and flattering on me. That's just my personal take.

Shown with: tee, sandals

March Bestsellers!

 Wow! March was a super fast month! With the longer days and the hustle and bustle of life somewhat returning, this month just flew by. I'm excited for April and warmer days and getting my kids back in sports full time - it's going to be a great month. I can feel it!

Let's take a look of the most popular pieces you all loved from the month of March! You all were in the mood for spring this past month... as was I. Sandals, denim shorts, summer blouses and swim cover ups made the list for March. Here is what YOU all loved the most last month!

low key slide sandals (shop here, here, here - most stock!, here and here)

These sandals are 100% the IT sandal for this season. They are so chic and fun and also a fun alternative to sneakers with athleisure for spring and summer. They run true to size.

tiered long sleeve swim cover up (here or here)

You all LOVED this tiered swim cover up! And I can see why... it's just darling and so fun for lounging at the pool or beach this spring or summer. It's nice and lightweight and super soft. This runs a little big, but I am in my true size small. You can see the full Nordstrom try on session here.

denim shorts 

These shorts are a bestseller for the second month in a row! They are just great, I can see why you all love them. They run a little big. I'm between size 26/27 and went with the 26 for these. You can see my full round up of denim shorts for spring and summer here.

striped blouse

This gauzey striped blouse from Target is SUCH a classic. I love it for spring and summer and you all loved it too. It runs true to size. You can see the full Target try on session for spring here.

quilted handbag 

This bag was featured in this post and you all LOVED it. The quilted handbag is big for spring and summer and this bag is so cute!

white blouse

I've been looking for that PERFECT white shirt for a while now and this one is it! It's soft but still a little crispy and perfectly oversized. It runs big, I went down one size to XS. You can see the post where this is featured here.

mix & match styles for spring with Nordstrom!

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom and ShopStyle. All opinions are my own.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog.

Spring style is all about finding super versatile pieces for my wardrobe. Some spring days are so warm and sunny and others can be quite cool. It's key to find those pieces you can mix and match and wear lots of different ways.  Today I have some fun finds from Nordstrom that are perfect for whatever weather spring doles out this year. 

I love that this eyelet sleeve sweatshirt is so cute and perfectly feminine and sweet for spring, but also warm-ish for those cool spring days. You can wear it with shorts or with jeans this spring for an easy mom-on-the-go look. This simple tie front tee (available in quite a few colors too!) works great with white jeans for meeting a friend for coffee or leggings for a day of running errands. This tank dress is perfect on it's own but also works well layered with a denim jacket for chillier evenings or mornings. 

Nordstrom has all the mix and match styles for spring that I am looking for and I love their always FREE shipping and returns or super easy curbside pickup options. 

(above) sweatshirt (true to size, size up for a roomier fit), shorts, tote bag, sneakers

(above) sweatshirt (true to size, size up for a roomier fit), jeans, sandals, straw tote

(above) tie front tee (true to size), jeans, sandals, bag

(above) tie front tee (true to size), leggings (true to size), similar jacket, sneakers

(above) tank dress (runs big, I went down a size), similar jacket, birkenstocks

spring book recommendations!

 It's been a while since I've done a book post around here! I know, I know! If you want up to the date info on what I am reading I highly recommend you sign up for my email newsletter. Each THURSDAY I send out what book I am reading at the moment. And since I average about a book a week, it's usually a new book featured each week. But anyway... today we ARE talking books and I thought it would be fun to round up some of my FAVORITES over the past year.

I love warm weather reading... reading at the beach, on vacation, at the pool, on the porch, in a chair in the sun in the driveway... I'm game for it all! So whether or not you are reading in the sun in your driveway or somewhere more tropical this spring and summer, here are some reads I highly recommend!

Historical Fiction

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, I love everything Hannah writes and this book was no exception. The Great Depression in the in the time of the Dust Bowl - it's heartbreaking and beautiful.

Meet Me In Monaco by Hazel Gaynor, If you love following the Royal family you will love this story of American Princess.

The Queen's Fortune: A Novel of Desiree, Napoleon, and the Dynasty That Outlasted the Empire by Allison Pataki, In my opinion, no one does historical fiction as well as Pataki. She introduces you to characters and pieces of history that you never knew you wanted to know about!

Contemporary Fiction

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle, This story does not take you where you think you are going. It's a tear jerker too!

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell, I don't usually go for creepy or thriller type books. But when I do I want it to be worth it! This one completely is!

Time Travel Fiction

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, Time travel meets historical fiction meets an epic love story. I couldn't put this one down.

Time After Time by Lisa Grunwald, I have to admit I just love a good time traveling book. This one is very well done and the story is still one I think about!

Feel Good Fiction

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, What if you could change your life, your reality at a whim? Haig's books are beautiful and he's outspoken on the issue of mental health which shows in his beautiful writing. This one was a page turner.

The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller, The feel good book that will make you crave a day in the kitchen baking - or a trip to your favorite bakery!

Non-Fiction

My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress by Rachel DeLoache Williams, This book is straight crazy. And true! If you want something a little different than your usual novels this reads like a novel but it's a true story.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottleib, I'm trying to read more non-fiction lately and this is a fascinating look at the life of a therapist and her therapist.

Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by Susan David, This is the book we all need post-2020. I read this a few years ago and then revisisted it recently. It's important reading for this crazy time in our world. David also has some great podcast appearances - so if you are interested in her work look her up on your favorite podcast app too!

#ootd 57!

Mood: That almost April vibe... ready for all things spring!

black eyelet top, jeans, lace up sandals, straw tote, sunglasses, heart earrings

J.Crew Factory try on session!

 Today I have some fun J.Crew Factory finds. Fair warning: I got the sizing wrong on a few of the pieces so - grrrrrrrr - frustrating. But let my mistakes guide you! I'll make note of where I went wrong with sizing and hopefully it will make shopping for your correct size much easier for you. I chose just a few basics and right after I placed my order J.Crew Factory had a whole slew of new arrivals. So while I'm not featuring them here, be sure to check out the new arrivals too. I'm loving this eyelet dress is so pretty, this tiered sleeveless dress is darling, this simple t-shirt dress is an instant classic, this striped top is a great basic to have on hand for warmer weather and these linen pants look perfectly casual for spring and summer.

Let's take a look at some of my finds, even though the sizing was off on some of these they are so cute!

sweatshirt & sweat shorts (above)

Sizing: In the past J.Crew Factory has run a little big, so I sized down on both, but they were both a little smaller than I would have liked. I went with an XS for the shorts and small for the top (wanting the top to be a little more oversized). I think a small bottom and medium top would've fit better.

Thoughts: Besides the fit I really love both these pieces. I am VERY here for a short sweatsuit for spring and chilly summer evenings. This is a look I really love. This navy color is so pretty too. Here in the photo it looks more bright blue, but in person it's a true navy.

striped flip flops (above)

Sizing: True to size, I went with my usual size.

Thoughts: If you love the classic J.Crew capri sandal - you will love this style. It has a little more padding in the footbed and TONS of color ways for a really great price.

tiered t-shirt dress (above)

Sizing: Again, thinking that J.Crew Factory runs a little big, I went for an XS in this size. It's too small on the chest and arms for my liking. So I would suggest true to size on this one!

Thoughts: This is such an easy everyday dress. I love the v-neck and midi length. It would work well with a denim jacket too for cooler days. Overall, just a really classic and simple closet staple for warmer months.

linen-cotton button front blouse (above)

Sizing: I am in my usual size small here. And this fits perfectly. You could also go up a size for a more oversized fit.

Thoughts: This is such a great spring and summer basic. You can wear it with jeans, shorts or as a swim cover up. Or it layers great with blazers, cardigans or jackets. This is a true closet work-horse. I love simple tops like this for the warmer months.