Author: Big Mama

There are several fun things going on today. First, I’m in College Station because I dropped Caroline off at Aggie Soccer Camp yesterday morning. This doesn’t really mean anything except that I’m always happen to have an excuse to be in College Station.

Secondly, there’s this.

Sophie and I are going to be guests at the next PopCast Live with Knox and Jamie in Chicago on Saturday, September 8th. Tickets go on sale today and seating will be limited. So if you’re in the Chicago area or plan to be in the Chicago area, we’d love to see you there. Based on the last one I did with them in Dallas, I can guarantee that it will be the most fun.

Third, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public today and I included some of my favorite basics in this post today along with various other things I found. Just remember that the Nordstrom sale items typically sell out fast, so you may want to go ahead and order anything you love. I will tell you that I hesitated for an instant on a North Face jacket last week and now it appears to be gone forever and I am filled with regret and sorrow.

1. eloise embroidered blouse

This is on sale for $69.95 plus there’s an extra 25% off sale items at Anthropologie right now. I have a black top that’s very similar and it’s one of my favorite tops of all time. Plus, this would be great on its own right now and layered under a jacket or sweater when the weather (mercifully) cools off at some point.

2. sleeveless hooded cardigan

I really like this because I love both a vest and a hood. It’s on sale for $49.95 plus an extra 25% off.

3. rosario jumpsuit

This darling jumpsuit is on sale for $78 and also comes in black. I have the long version of it and it’s one of my favorite things in my closet. The fabric hangs so beautifully and it doesn’t wrinkle.

4. tigist crossbody bag

This is a great crossbody bag and it’s normally $138 but is on sale for $84. It also comes in dusty rose and pewter

5. tiered ruffle sleeve cardigan sweater

J.Crew Factory has a bunch of stuff on clearance plus an extra 50% off with the code EXTRA50 at checkout. (The code may change but the 50% off clearance is ongoing. Just check the website for the newest code.)

That makes this cardigan just $24.99 It’s final sale just know that going in. But this is a great closet staple and it comes in camel, gray or black. Your winter self will be so pleased that you thought ahead.

6. cableknit sweater

I ordered this for myself in the camel because I love this sweater. I also got a large because I wanted it to be oversized.

This is part of the J.Crew Factory sale and is just $17.49 It also comes in camel and deep jade.

7. old navy flutter sleeve jumpsuit

How cute is this jumpsuit? It’s so soft and I think might be even cuter with a belt if you are so inclined. It’s $44.99 and also comes in blue.

8. lou and grey striped tunic sweater

This lightweight sweater has great reviews and I love the stripes. It’s $59.50 but Loft has 40% off new arrivals right now with the code HOTHOTHOT at checkout.

9. zella live in high waist leggings

These are my very favorite leggings and I wear them constantly in the winter. They are normally $54 but are on sale for $35.90. The high waist makes them so comfortable and helps you avoid a muffin top situation. I have washed and dried mine in the dryer a million times and they don’t fade and they keep their shape. I wear them to workout, I wear them to run errands and grocery shop, and I wear them with tall boots with dressier tunic tops. They are so versatile and I can’t recommend them enough.

There is also the live in lite crop leggings if you’re more of a crop legging type of girl. Bonus, you can still wear these with tall boots and no one would know the difference.

They are $52 but on sale for $33.90.

I also love this zella favorite hoodie.

It’s normally $79 but on sale for $52.90. It also comes in navy or gray.

nike 3-pack no show socks

Somebody told me these are the best no show socks because they actually stay on your feet. I ordered a pair to find out for myself and they really are the best no show socks. They stay on your heels and don’t slip. This is what you wear with Converse or other shoes that need a sock but you don’t want to have a visible sock. They are normally $14 and are on sale $8.90.

10. bp raw edge v-neck tee

I love these bp v-neck tees because they are just a great basic. They’re super soft and wear well. They are normally $17.00 but on sale for $11.90 and come in several color options.

This leith ribbed shawl cocoon sweater is another closet staple for me. It’s the perfect weight sweater to wear over t-shirts or whatever all winter long.

They are normally $69 but on sale for $45.90. It comes in several great colors. I have the dark gray so I’m thinking I may go for this soft pink next.

The halogen open front pocket cardigan is another great lightweight sweater option. I bought a light camel color one in the spring and I throw it on all the time.

It’s normally $79.00 but on sale for $42.90 and comes in several color options.

And this boiled wool blend drape front coat is gorgeous if you’re looking for a splurge.

It’s normally $239 but on sale for $159.90. It comes in several colors and I just think it’s stunning. It would be a great work piece.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

Here’s a disclaimer for today’s Fashion Friday. Caroline and I are in Fort Worth right now because I spoke at an event in Southlake yesterday. After the event, we came back to the hotel and I changed into a pair of denim shorts and a top. I’ll be honest. I knew it wasn’t necessarily my best outfit, but I had neglected to pack a better casual option and it was rainy and gross and we were going to walk around downtown to find something to eat. And as we walked down the street, Caroline said, “Mom, I have to tell you that those shorts are next level mom shorts.”

So, basically, I’m telling you that I’m going to leave those shorts in the hotel when we check out tomorrow.

I just want you to be aware that you are getting fashion recommendations from someone who wears “next level mom shorts”. I believe this is when I officially retire shorts from my wardrobe except for when I’m working out or cleaning the house.

On another note, maybe if you’ve been on the internet and pay any attention at all, you’ve noticed that it’s the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Yesterday was the first day and until July 19th the sale is only available to Nordstrom card members. But it’s not too late to get a Nordstrom card and shop now if you are so inclined. I personally love my Nordstrom card because you get Reward points and early access for sales and all that. Otherwise, you can wait until July 19th to shop.

Here’s what I’ve learned about the Anniversary Sale. There are certain things that I love to go ahead and buy while they’re on sale because I know they are basics that I’ll buy eventually anyway. But I no longer get carried away with impulse purchases for other things because I usually end up filled with regret. So, just shop smart. But the free shipping and free returns means you can always change your mind risk free.

Not everything on my list today is from Nordstrom, but some of it is because I thought I’d share some of my personal sale favorites.

1. bp raw edge v-neck tee

These are a Nordstrom standard for me because they are great all alone or for layering under sweaters and jackets. They come in several color options and some stripes and are on sale for just $11.90.

Oh and another basic I ordered are these Zella high waist leggings. I wear them all the time in the winter. They are so comfortable and working out is completely optional.

2. leith ribbed shawl cocoon sweater

I buy one of these every year. It’s a great lightweight sweater, yet warm enough to be a jacket for me on a lot of South Texas winter days. I wear mine with everything from jeans to workout clothes. This comes in several colors and is on sale right now for $45.90.

3. natori rose dream custom coverage underwire bra

Listen. Buying a bra is like renting a shovel. There is no joy in it other than the fact that a good bra does make your clothes look better. This is one of my favorites and is on sale for $47.90, but it’s normally $72. I always buy a new one during the sale.

4. blank nyc meant to be moto jacket with removable hood

I love this leather jacket and the detachable hood gives it a cute casual option. It’s on sale for $64.90 and is normally $98. It also comes in a tan and an olive green color.

5. annabelle wrap tee

This is on sale at Anthropologie for $29.95. I happen to love this color but it also comes in a black and white stripe.

6. williston embroidered tank

I saw this in person the other day and love it. It’s a good length and would be super cute with white jeans. It’s on sale for $39.95.

7. wadden embroidered dress

I loved this dress from the moment I saw it. It’s the perfect summer dress in my opinion and the color is even better and richer in person. I’ve been waiting for it to go on sale and now it’s on sale for $99.95.

8. margo striped button down top

This is cuter in person than it is in this picture. It reminds me of a Madewell top but at a lower price point. And if you sign up for emails from Francesca’s you can get 20% off your first purchase.

9. jerran top

I love a green top and this one is even better with that embroidery. It’s $38.

10. carleigh scalloped lace kimono

This mustard color is having a big comeback right now and I like this version of it because it’s more on the bright side. This looks great paired with all black or all white.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

I hope you all had a lovely Fourth of July holiday. Ours was pretty low-key because we actually ended up getting a lot of rain late in the day, which was the best holiday gift of all, and we knew we had to be up at 3:45 a.m. the next morning to get Caroline to the airport by 4:30 a.m. so she could fly to North Carolina for soccer camp with her team. If you think I didn’t come home right after that and crawl back in bed for several more hours then you must be new here.

But I will tell you the highlight of our Independence Day celebration (I mean other than our freedom and living in the United States) was this banana cake that Caroline and I made. I saw a post on Facebook about a week earlier featuring banana cake and I’d been craving one ever since, which is weird because I don’t know that I’d ever even had a banana cake. I happened to have some ripe bananas that needed to be used and so all my banana cake dreams that I didn’t even know I had came true. We used this recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction and it is truly delicious. The icing alone is worth it.

I was a little concerned about Caroline when I asked her if she wanted a piece for dessert and she asked, “Is it going to taste like bananas?”

Um.

I would have thought that was obvious. But she did really like it even though it most definitely does taste like bananas. It’s basically like a really good banana bread with icing that they probably make in heaven.

And now for some cute things I found this week:

1. madewell central shirt in shea stripe

I love these Madewell shirts because they are so light and soft. Perfect for when you feel like you’re living on the actual sun. It’s currently 20% off and $54.50.

I also really like this chambray version if you’re looking for more of a neutral. This would look great with everything from white denim, to olive, to just a basic blue.

2. wrap front crop leg jumpsuit

I can’t get enough of jumpsuits right now. Yes, you have to pull them all the way down to go to the bathroom, but they’re so cute that I declare it to be worth it. This one is $100, but I love the cropped length and a v-neck is universally flattering.

3. knit tulip hem pants

These pants have great reviews and are $49. I love a good, flowy pant and these would even be perfect to just throw on over your swimsuit.

4. gardenia lace top

Okay, you need to know this top isn’t lined. And I originally thought it wasn’t worth how pretty it is if you have to mess with a tank top. But now it’s on sale for $49.95 plus an extra 40% off and I’ve decided it’s totally worth the tank top hassle. If you’re like me, you have at least five different white tanks in your closet anyway so might as well get this darling top to wear over one.

5. madewell stripe canvas tote

This stripe tote is so adorable and I’m more than a little in love with it. It’s on sale for $46.60 and also comes in a light pink stripe if that’s more your style.

6. grecerelle v-neck maxi dress

I know I keep talking about this maxi dress but it is truly my favorite purchase of the summer and it’s just $23.80. I wear it over and over again because it’s so comfortable but still looks like I put some effort into looking presentable. It comes in several different color options.

7. j.crew factory striped faux wrap dress

I tried this dress on the other day and it is so cute for summer. I love the blue and white stripe and it could easily be dressed up or down. I didn’t buy it because I don’t need another dress but it made me wish I did.

It’s $39.50 plus an extra 20% off with the code SUPERSTAR at checkout.

8. asher slide sandal

I think these are so cute for summer and even into fall. I love the striped platform paired with the cognac color. They are $79.95.

9. chuck taylor shoreline sneakers

So I had a pair of white Vans and Caroline basically took them from my closet and I never saw them again. I’d been needing a white sneaker replacement but couldn’t decide what I wanted, so I finally just ordered these because I found the slip on feature to be super appealing. And they are definitely keepers. They are comfortable, really cute and just a little more feminine than the original Converse sneakers.

They are $50.

10. sorrento stackers

These colorful bracelets are perfect summer accessories, plus everything at Accessory Concierge is 40% off with the code AMERICA and they have so many cute things.

11. all over florals kimono

I added this in because I saw it at the last minute and really love it. It’s just $22.

12. floral embroidered bomber jacket

Caroline and I have been watching eighties movies at night and saw Pretty in Pink the other night. I still stand by my original opinion that Andie’s prom dress was disappointing. However, she wore this incredible bomber jacket during one scene and I love it as much as I did in 1987. I can’t find that jacket because I’m sure it was a one of a kind thing, but I do love this one at Forever 21 that’s just $19.90.

And my search also led me to this ceretti bomber jacket which is absolutely gorgeous and I adore it.

Sadly, it’s $328 which is significantly more than my current bomber jacket budget. So I will just admire it from afar and hope that at some point it goes on sale for 80% off.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.