J.Crew try-on session!

Today I have a great J.Crew try on session that I am excited to share with you! I found some amazing summer pieces that I can't wait to pack on my upcoming beach vacation, but a lot of these pieces are great for everyday summer wear too! J.Crew never fails to deliver on the preppy and classic pieces for all season, but especially for summer.

Let's take a look at the pieces and I will chat about fit and sizing for each piece below...

above: This blue/white striped popover top is SO classic. I've already worn it twice since I got it... I just love it! It's lightweight and comfortable and doesn't wrinkle easily (which is a definite bonus). I love it here with white jeans and sandals, but I am packing it for my beach vacation as both a top and a beach cover up. I love pieces that work for multiple settings and this piece is one of those!  This top runs true to size - I am wearing a size small here. (shop the pieces: blue/white striped popover, jeans, studded sandals, clutch)

above: Another great beachy piece is this pale blue sweater.  I am obsessed with this gorgeous blue color and the oversized and slouchy fit. I am in a size small here which is a quite oversized, I recommend sizing down and think you will still have the slouchy feel. It's also available in a few other colors. (shop the pieces: pale blue sweater, jeans, studded sandals, clutch)

above: This graphic tee listing the Great Lakes is a must-have if you live in the Great Lakes states like I do. It's so, so cute! It runs true to size, I sized up for a slouchier feel, so I am wearing a size medium here. (shop the pieces: Great Lakes tee, jeans, Birkenstocks)

above: I've been looking for a new white button front top and I'm really trying to find the PERFECT one. I really like this white utility shirt!  I love the double pockets and the crisp-ness of the fabric. This top wrinkles really easily, so if you are wrinkle-averse... be warned. This top runs a little big, I went down a size to XS and think it still has that "boyfriend" fit but I'm not swimming in it. You've likely already seen this very cute denim skirt on the blog already - I styled it 6 ways here. It fits true to size and is a great summer staple. (shop the pieces: white utility shirt, denim skirt, studded sandals, clutch)

above: I'm such a sucker for a striped top - especially these red/blue stripes leading up to Fourth of July. They are so fun! This cropped tee has a super boxy fit that works great with high waisted jeans. This top runs true to size, I am in my usual size small. These high waisted cropped wide leg jeans are fun, no? They are definitely different than what I usually go for - but definitely are fun for summer! I am wearing my usual size - 26. (shop the pieces: cropped striped t-shirt, wide leg jeans, sandals)

above: I saw this striped pencil skirt and I was immediately intrigued. This one is not at all what I am usually wearing but it's definitely fun to try! This one fits a little too small - I am in a size 2. I'm not sure if sizing up would work with the fit through the thighs - so I can't speak to that. I love it here with a chambray top and sandals! (shop the pieces: top, striped skirt, studded sandals)

above: I've gotten lots of requests for cute swim cover ups this summer and I just haven't found many, which is a total bummer! BUT this beach dress is SO cute. I am definitely packing this for my beach vacation and it's great for hanging at the local pool too. Plus, it's on sale! I am in my usual size small here and the straps are adjustable in the back. 

amazon HOME finds under $100!

I recently snagged a few new HOME items from Amazon and I love them so much (and their prices!) that I wanted to share them with you here. You have loved my previous Amazon posts here and here and here - make sure to check those out if you haven't already - and I hope you like this home post as well, even though it's a little different than what I usually feature here.  I'm featuring some pieces I've bought for my own home and below I am rounding up some other fun finds under $100 - all from Amazon.

I've been perusing the Amazon home offerings for a while and have always been impressed with the selection. It was time for us to update our dishes and flatware recently and it's not something I usually spend a lot of money on. I usually go to Target or IKEA, find something simple and classic and INEXPENSIVE and that's it. We don't need anything fancy for around the house or expensive. I am easy to please in this category. Our flatware was a wedding gift (almost 17 years ago!) and was really worn out (who else always has a fork or spoon always end up in the garbage disposal!?!? Oops!) and our existing plates were chipped and missing quite a few pieces.  I found this white dish set and this silverware set and we've used them for about a week and also been through quite a few rounds of the dishwasher already.  So far I am impressed. The quality is great and I love the way they look too. I also threw these flat bottom wine glasses in my cart too because I've seen a few other bloggers post them and they are so fun and modern!

above: white dishes set, silverware set (more finish colors available) & matching serving set, wine glasses, similar dining chairs, similar linen placemats, similar rug or similar rug

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It's hard to believe we have lived in our house for almost a year now! We are still working on pulling together our outside spaces and our front porch definitely needed a bit of greenery.  I do not have a green thumb by any means, unless outdoor plants and flowers have access to the sprinkling system they will likely die (eek! I know, I know! I'm terrible!). So instead I decided to go with faux greenery on our porch. I found these gorgeous large garden planter pots and then this faux cedar tree were the perfect addition. They look real, don't they!?!? And especially since our front porch has a lot of shade it's an ideal spot for faux greenery. 

above: large garden planter, faux cedar tree

1. planter 2. wall sconce 3. arrow bedding set 4. throw blanket 5. modern wine glasses 6. art print 7. printed throw pillow 8. marble look lamp 9. throw pillow 10. bronze stool 11. striped bedding set 12. knit pouf 13. white dish set 14. geo planter 15. mini faux succulents (perfect for bathrooms or kids bedrooms!) 16. decorative beads 17. flatware set (more colors/finishes available!) 18. led light balls (perfect for pools or yards in the summer!)

Want more Amazon posts!?! Check out more here and here and here!

J.Crew Factory try-on session!

I haven't shopped at J.Crew Factory in FOREVER and really I don't know why! I fell down an online rabbit hole shopping there the other day and ordered quite a few cute things for summer and for our summer vacation.  I sure am glad I did because there are some real gems here and of course the prices are always so great at J.Crew Factory. A few of the pieces were a little wonky on sizing - so let my lessons learned help you avoid ordering the wrong size. I'll outline my sizing recommendations below to make ordering easier.

above: I am a sucker for a tie front top and a stripe - so this top is my best case scenario! Naturally! I love this top - it's soft and roomy while still being really flattering. I am in a size small here - which is my usual size - and it fits great. It's also available in quite a few solid colors too, if you aren't into the stripes!

above: Okay this mock neck tank is a little departure from my 'usual' but I LOVE this style so much. It's very flattering and it works great with a more voluminous bottom like these wide leg pants or boyfriend jean or "mom jeans." I am in a size small here which is a little bit on the armpits. So if you are between sizes I recommend going down a size. Otherwise just go with your usual size. Then I tried these wide leg linen pants which are SO cute. I went with a 4 - I am usually between 2/4- and they are a little big. So go down a size if you are between sizes. They have an elastic waist that makes them quite forgiving size-wise. I paired them with both heels and flats here to show how cute they look with both. Both of these pieces would be great for an office look for summer!

above: I'm such a sucker for a graphic tee and this simple "le weekend" tee is so dang cute! I went with my usual size small and it's a touch small. If you are between sizes, I suggest going up a size. I have been long searching for a casual pair of joggers and these are a great find! I ordered a small and they are quite big - so definitely size down in these. Otherwise I love them.  They are soft and super stretchy and are perfect for around the house or paired with a tank for a day of errands.

If you are looking for more cute graphic tees I also love this "SUMMER" tee, this "summer Fridays" tee and this "beach bum" tee too! 

above: I have been looking for some casual shorts that are good for the pool or beach and this chambray pair of shorts is totally THE ONE. They are so cute with a drawstring and pockets. I would say they run a bit big - these are a small but I could've gone down a size. I am going to keep this size though because I have a feeling they might shrink up in the wash a bit. 

above: I LOVE a white dress for summer. I have been looking for a casual white dress for hot summer days and while this one is dressier than what I was looking for I still wanted to show it to you guys because YOU GUYS IT'S SO CUTE.  I am shocked at what a good deal this dress is because it's gorgeous in person. It has a nice fitted top with a beautiful flare skirt and is so well made. It's also fully lined and has pockets (pockets!). This would be so beautiful for a summer event or even for the office this summer. I went with a size 2 - usually I am between 2/4 - and it fits PERFECTLY. I don't have an event to wear this to - but I might keep it anyway! It's so gorgeous for an amazing price.

above: No one loves to put themselves on the internet in a bathing suit. (well maybe someone does, but I sure as heck don't) BUT for this suit I will! It's SOOOO good you guys. I threw this in my cart on a whim and HELLO - it's amazing. I went with a small - which is my usual size - in both the top and the bottom and they fit perfect. I have tried the high waist bathing suit bottom before and liked it so-so, but this one I LOVE. It's very comfortable and flattering. Plus how cute is the star pattern? Not only for Fourth of July but for all summer. I'm in LOVE. And I don't say that about swimsuits often. (This pattern is also available in a one-piece, and a different top & bottom option here and here) 

above: With a beach vacation on the horizon I am looking for easy pieces for day and night. I love this terry sweatshirt for cool evenings or mornings at the beach. It's SO soft. I am in a size small here and it's a bit big so I will be exchanging this one and going down one size. It's available in a few other colors and also there are matching shorts - how cute is it as a set!?!? So cute.

my everyday style: white straight leg jeans for summer!

I'm loving the straight leg jean trend right now... it's been nice to have an alternative to skinny jeans after so many years of that being the "it" style. I don't think skinny jeans are OUT of style by any stretch of the imagination - it's just more cuts are IN style right now.  Everyone's style and body is different, having more cuts to choose from at mainstream retailers is definitely a win for everyone. Plus, it's always fun to try something new.  Not everyone will love the straight leg/high waist trend and even I admit some days I am feeling up to it and others I just want the comfort of my skinny jeans since they have been my "usual" for so long.

You can see two other pairs of straight leg/high waist jeans that I love in this post - including six outfit ideas too! I LOVE white denim and so it was inevitable that I would find a great pair of white straight leg denim and love and wear the heck out of them for summer. This is definitely true for these jeans... they are comfortable (I went up one size), they give a fun trendy edge to outfits and they are affordable too.

Today I am styling them TWO ways... first up I've got a classic summer look with a olive tank, wedge espadrilles and a basket tote (similar). This look is perfect for weekend hangs or a trip to the farmers market. I love the olive green paired with the white for a crisp summer look.  For look two I went everyday casual with a linen blend t-shirt (I am OBSESSED with this one! So comfortable for summer!), a lightweight jacket and sneakers. This look is what you will most likely see me in for running errands or my summer "taxi service" (which is what I have learned is my new summer role as a mom).  White and grey are such a simple combo that always looks good together.

Outfit 1: jeans, tank, espadrilles, similar basket bag, similar sunglasses (only $10!)

Outfit 2: jeans, v-neck tee, jacket, sneakers, handbag, similar sunglasses (only $10!)

Father's Day Gift Guide!

Father's Day is SO close you guys! It always sneaks up on me each summer with all the end of school year craziness. So if you are last minute shopping for the DADS in your life... then we are in this together. Because so am I!  Today I rounded up some of my husband's perennial favorites and a few extra items that I know he - or really ANY DAD - would love!

My husband likes to do tons of research to find the "BEST" of any type of thing. Is that a guy thing? It must be. I guess I am more of an impulse buyer - haha! When it comes to those items he has hard core researched there are two brands he is super loyal to lately. So my husbands relentless research is your gain - because I can tell you without a doubt that this merino blend tee and these workout shorts are the best of the best. They are two brands and two pieces that are in heavy rotation in his closet.  And I can attest to the fact that they wash well - because I'm the resident laundress.  So it's a win-win for both of us.  Also my husband recently discovered the Madewell men's offerings and this cotton tee and these jeans are both really great pieces that are his go-to weekend pieces. Plus the men's Madewell pieces are at great price points too.  I talked him into these sneakers over the winter and since then he lives in them on the weekend. The sneaker trend is SO fun for both men and women right now and with my husbands tendencies towards "picky" (disguised as "extensive research") I wouldn't recommend them unless he really loved them and he wouldn't wear them if he didn't love them.

Other fun gift ideas include a classic and simple money clip, a cool Apple Watch band, some slide sandals for the pool or weekend hangs and I love this duffle bag for the gym for guys. I know my husband has had his eyes on this YETI backpack cooler and a portable speaker is always great for the garage or the yard this time of year.

1. Burberry money clip 2. merino blend grey tee 3. metal link Apple Watch band 4. blue cotton tee 5. YETI backpack cooler 6. Adidas slide sandals 7. Patagonia hat 8. duffle bag 9. coolest dad pillow 10. camo workout shorts 11. jeans 12. portable speaker 13. p448 sneakers

new arrivals for summer!

It's finally starting to feel like summer in my hood - and just like a switch I'm totally in summer mode. Just a little late ;) or it seems late, at least.  I'm all about easy outfit builders with ALL the summer activities in mind. Farmer's markets, beach days, ice cream runs, bbqs, backyard parties and of course the Fourth of July is on the horizon too. Here are some new arrivals I am loving that are definitely giving off those summer vibes....

wide leg cropped jeans - this is a fun trend that I am slowly warming to. And let's be honest it's a summer-only trend because no way wide legs and open ankle would work in winter. So why not take the leap now?

rainbow Adidas - how fun are these? They would be perfect with simple jeans and tees or summer dresses. I love them.

white eyelet dress - does this scream summer or what? I want to wear this to a barbecue stat!

bucket bag - I'm always a sucker for a bucket bag - this one looks so classy and expensive for a great 

price (especially for leather!).

boyfriend swim cover up shirt - I'm coming up short on cute cover-up options for summer. I like simple and classic silhouettes and can't find many I like - BUT this one is perfect!

striped sweatshirt - how cute is this for cool summer nights at the beach or fireworks? I love a cozy sweatshirt in the summer - probably because it's so rare to wear them it feels special!

beaded earrings - I am obsessed with these earring for summer. They would instantly dress up tanks and tees or dresses and coming in a few fun colors!

basket bag - this is definitely the summer of the basket bag - or really fun small bags of all types. Basket bags like this work great for weddings and summer events or just for a casual date night or brunch. 

stars & stripes tee - this is SO perfect for the Fourth of July! I love having a cute tee at the ready for celebrating!

pale blue sleep shirt - this is technically a night gown - which I can totally see - but wouldn't it be cute as a swim cover up too?

espadrille flatforms - I have this style stuck in my head after seeing a similar pair at Target which then promptly SOLD OUT (major bummer!) - but here's the Target link in case they come back in stock. Until then, I am deciding if I should splurge on these or not!

6 ways to style a denim skirt!

Today I am back with another 6 WAYS TO STYLE post and I'm really excited about this one! Be sure to check out the archive of 6 WAYS TO STYLE posts - because there are just TONS of ideas there.  I often get requests to do a certain pieces like "leggings" - but I've already done them.  So if you are looking for styling inspiration on a certain piece, check there first!

I just snagged this button front denim skirt and I am really loving it for summer. It's comfortable and the perfect cut for busy moms too - not too short, not too long. The skirt runs true to size, I am in a 26, which is my usual size. Summer is taking it's sweet time arriving here in Michigan so you will notice lots of the looks include lightweight layers. We are getting a few warm and sunny afternoons but our mornings and evenings are still chilly and we've had lots of rainy/gloomy days.  I've definitely been challenged lately to finding outfits that look summery but still have some warmth to them.

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Outfit 1 (above)

striped top, skirt, belt bag, sandals

Let's start with a bang with probably my favorite look of the bunch. I love classic stripes and pairing them with a denim skirt is a best case scenario for warm weather. The belt bag is perfect for busy moms and simple sandals are comfortable but pulled together for meeting with friends or just running errands.

Outfit 2 (above)

sweater, skirt, sneakers, tote

Have you tried the "cardigan as a sweater" trend yet? It's new to me and I like it! This sweater is nice and lightweight for summer and this look is perfect for a summer date night or chilly mornings.

Outfit 3 (above)

blazer, similar tank, skirt, similar bag, loafers

You can definitely dress the denim skirt up for a casual day in the office with a simple striped tank and a sweater blazer. This makes for a great casual Friday look and is so easy to pull together!

Outfit 4 (above)

jacket, tank, skirt, sandals, similar bag

Lightweight layers are on repeat around here for sure. I love this camo jacket with a simple black tank top - it's perfect for cool OR warm summer days. 

Outfit 5 (above)

similar sweatshirt, skirt, shoes, tote

I have to include at least one sporty look since this is a look I tend towards a lot lately. It a sweatshirt is too heavy for where you live a simple graphic tee will make an easy swap with the same feel. 

Outfit 6 (above)

tank, skirt, similar bandana, similar basket bag, wedges

This is a fun more styled up option if you are looking for something a little more accessorized. This would be fun for brunch or a girls lunch. I love the little bandana at the neck as an alternative to a necklace and espadrille wedges are always a classic and feminine touch.

summer old navy try on session!

Today I have a new Old Navy try on session for you ladies! You all have been loving the try on sessions lately here on the blog and I love bringing them to you. It's always so nice to see how pieces fit versus how they look online or on the hanger in the store. Old Navy always has SO many cute warm weather pieces, I feel like it's the season they do best. And this summer it's no exception. I found tons of cute pieces and I am excited to share them with you. Let's take a look....

above: This ruffle sleeve top is just SO gorgeous. The front button detailing is really nice and then that open v-neck of ruffles is really flattering and feminine. I found this top to fit true to size, I am wearing a size small here. I paired it with some of my favorite ON jeans and sandals and a basket clutch (similar) for an easy summer look!

above: It's a sad fact that lightweight sweaters are still needed - we have had the coldest spring! But if they are necessary at least this one is AMAZING. It's super soft and the perfect not-too-hot-not-too-cold piece for these cooler days. Plus it's comes in TONS of color options. I find it runs true to size, I am in a small. I love the sweater paired with these high waisted denim shorts. I find high waist denim shorts to be flattering but usually too short. This pair is the exception. It's got a nice high waist AND a full 3.5 inch inseam which is nice and mom friendly. They are true to size, I am in a 4 and I usually wear a size 26/27 in jeans. I love the sweater and shorts paired with sneakers and a tote (similar) for mom-duty.

above and below: I love a good tank dress for summer and this midi style is simple and classic. It's a nice stretchy material that isn't too clingy and there are a few color options. I tried the stripe and the black.  They look great on their own or you could dress it up a bit with a belt. (shown with brown sandals and black sandals) The dress runs true to size, I am in a small.

above: This eyelet top is GORGEOUS in person. I am really excited about this piece for summer. I will definitely be styling it with blue denim or white denim too this summer. It runs true to size, I am in a size small. These black denim shorts are another winner! Again they have the nice high waist and I love the button front with a flattering 3 inch inseam that is still mom friendly. I found them to be true to size. I am wearing a size 4 and I usually wear a 26/27. I love the black and white pieces paired with brown accessories like these sandals and bucket bag (similar).

above: Wearing a cardigan buttoned up as a sweater is a trend I've seen popping up this spring. I wanted to try it and I am so glad I did! It's so cute and fun for something different. I love it paired with high waist jeans and pale pink accessories like these sandals and clutch (similar) for a summer date night or lunch with friends. The sweater runs a little big. I am in an XS here.

above: This fit and flare dress is a style I've been wanting to try and I'm glad I did! I love the fitted top with the nice and flowy skirt. This dress is super comfortable and a great price. You could dress it up with fun accessories for a really affordable wedding guest dress or pair it with sandals and a denim jacket for a casual weekend look too. The dress runs true to size, I am wearing a size small. I paired it with sandals and a clutch bag.

above: These classic tanks seem to have a cult following and I can see why. They are soft and stretchy and really flattering. They are available in quite a few colors and it runs true to size, I am in a  size small. I love it paired with a black denim skirt for a sleek summer look. This denim skirt is really comfortable and stretchy. It also runs true to size, I am in a size 4. The look is completed with gold sandals.

above: I am always a sucker for a striped dress and they seem to sell out so quickly each season. This one is semi fitted without being too tight. I found it to run true to size. I love it paired with sneakers and a bucket bag (similar) for running around town.

above: Lastly are these simple linen blend t-shirts. They aren't anything too special but each season I stock up on a few. I find them to be really comfortable and flattering for a simple t-shirt and the price is definitely right! I am wearing a size small here, they run true to size. I love them with distressed jeans for just about the easiest outfit ever.

my everyday style: 4 summer wardrobe essentials 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.

Have you seen the meme that says "I'm so excited to transition from wearing the same 5 things in the winter to the same 5 things in the summer"? That one always gives me a chuckle... because I definitely get in a rut with my clothing and ESPECIALLY during summer. But this summer I am actually EXCITED about wearing the same five things... and not just sarcastically.  I just need a few very simple basics clothing-wise to get me through the summer months as I tend to find a few basics and then wear them repeatedly. So when I finally find these unicorns you know I am going to be excited to share them.

Since I work from home with plenty of mom-duties mixed in during the summer, I need easy pieces that  are comfortable and practical but still cute and on-trend too. That's why when I recently found some new wardrobe basics that met all these requirements from Nordstrom I was excited to tell you about them! These proverbial unicorn pieces aren't always so easy to nail down.  But I think I found the PERFECT pieces. Nordstrom's exclusive brands like Halogen, Caslon and BP, just to name a few, offer a great mix of classic and trendy pieces at budget-friendly prices. For instance I snagged this white tank and a simple striped tank for under $40. These classic tops are perfect with shorts, jeans or skirts all summer and can easily be layered with jackets or cardigans too. Truly proving that they will be the most versatile pieces in my closet this summer. I am loving this lightweight camo jacket, also by Caslon, with the stripe detailing at the buttons. It's the perfect summer weight, being not too hot and not too cold, for those over air conditioned spaces or a cool morning or evening.  A simple striped tank, this tie-front tee, these denim shorts and this camo jacket are going to definitely be my top four summer wardrobe essentials this season.

I love shopping at Nordstrom because of their wide selection and their ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING and returns. Plus they offer other mom-friendly services like curb-side pick up and a loyalty program, The Nordy Club, to earn you gift certificates towards future purchases (I stock up on clothes and shoes for my kids each season but then spend the rewards on myself - shhhh! Don't tell my husband!).

Outfit 1

Tie Front Tank, Shorts, Similar Straw Bag, Sandals, Similar sunglasses

Outfit 2

Similar striped tank, Shorts, Camo Jacket, Crossbody Bag, Sandals, Similar sunglasses