Author: Big Mama

Caroline and I went on a little mother/daughter trip this week and spent some time shopping, at the spa and by the pool. In other words, our ultimate trifecta of fun and relaxation. For all the years I spent treading water in the deep end of the pool while she jumped on my head from the diving board, it has paid off in the form of a person who know enjoys reading books poolside with her mother. What a time to be alive.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. small town summer light wash denim dress

This dress totally feels like a throwback. In fact, I may have owned this exact dress circa 1988. But here we are…back again. And I actually think it’s cute.

It’s $52.

2. hidden treasure handbag

This is such a pretty little handbag that looks much more expensive than $42.

It also comes in blush or white.

3. it’s so simple top

This is the perfect top to wear with higher waisted pants or skirts. It’s elastic at the bottom so it gives the look of a tuck in without a tuck in. That’s a win.

It’s $36 and comes in several color options.

4. knox rose floral print dress

This is the cutest dress. Love the bright color and it’s just $34.99.

5. ruffled eyelet top

I realize we aren’t even to July yet, but at this point in the summer I start looking at clothes that I could transition to the hot Texas fall. This top is one of those things.

It’s $98 and comes in several colors.

6. pilcro tiered tunic blouse

Listen. I love a tunic blouse. I just do. They work for me. I love them with skinny jeans, I love them with flares. I like them in the rain, I like them on a train.

This top is $118. It comes in several color options.

7. nike court legacy canvas sneakers

I think these are just about the cutest sneakers. They’re on sale for $46.97.

They also come in all white or black, but this pink owns me.

8. loft striped long kimono

This darling kimono is $59.50 but 30% off through Sunday with code SOGOOD at checkout. This would be so cute over all white. Or over a simple dress. Or even worn as a swimsuit coverup.

9. loft beach striped flounce v-neck swimsuit coverup

This is $89.50 but 30% off with code SOGOOD at checkout. I love a swimsuit coverup that looks like an actual piece of clothing that you can wear out and about. And I learned after packing for our vacation this week that I tend to keep a coverup for a long time so it’s worth the investment.

10. aerosole dada wedge sandals

Sophie originally told me about these sandals and I was immediately intrigued. I love the gold, I love the way they look and I love that they have a platform heel that gives me some height. They look great with everything from cut off denim shorts to dresses. They are $110 but you can get 15% off if you sign up for emails.

They also come in black or soft white.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

We started this week with the news that ERCOT was asking Texans to please conserve energy this summer by keeping our thermostats at 78 degrees during the day and 82 degrees at night. To which I say NO THANK YOU, GOOD SIR.

Listen, the winter storm was bad enough and I tried to give ERCOT a little grace because it was unprecedented and blah, blah, blah. But this is Texas. In the summer. It’s always hot. It’ll be hot for the next four months. We know this. This is old news.

In short, do better ERCOT.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. Eva border print shorts

I have a pair of shorts like this that I bought two summers ago and they are really the only shorts I wear besides my cutoffs and my running shorts. These are my dressier option.

And I was going say I bought them last summer but then I remembered last summer was a total wash thanks to Covid and I didn’t buy anything except a few tie-dye sweatshirts and some new pajama pants.

These are $69.

2. Maeve textured open back tunic blouse

I basically love anything Maeve from Anthropologie. They always fit well and are made well. This tunic top is so cute and we all know how I feel about a white top.

It’s $118.

3. salinger dress

This is really similar to a Free People dress but substantially less at just $69. Love the color and it could be really cute if you have 4th of July plans.

4. Brodie top

If there’s anything I like more than a white top, it’s a multi-colored top in a fun print. This is just darling.

It’s $52.

5. perfect poise maxi dress

I have a thing for blue and white dresses this summer. This one is so pretty.

It’s $74.

6. beach breeze babydoll top

This is such a cute top to wear with shorts or jeans.

It’s $78.

7. free people pretty cozy maxi dress

This dress is not for everyone, but I love a long, flowy dress. And you could even wear this one open over jeans and a top like a kimono-type things.

It’s on sale for $89.97. It comes in a few different color options.

8. crocs Brooklyn wedge sandals

Here’s the thing about Crocs: They are comfortable. In fact, C has learned while working at the vet this summer that they are the only shoes that don’t make her feet hurt at the end of the day. But not all of us want to walk around in what are essentially gardening clogs.

But look at this cute wedge version. All the comfort and waterproof qualities of Crocs but with a platform heel. They come in several cute color options and I think they’re just a great summer shoe that’s not a sneaker.

They are $54.99.

9. once in a while denim blue dress

This is a great, easy dress for summer. Good length, good color, good neckline.

It’s $45.

10. aztec striped dress

See? Another blue and white dress. Yet different than the other blue and white dress.

This is $45.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads who aren’t out there reading this post.

Except for ERCOT because we are in a fight.

Well we’re not even halfway through June and I’m already over the summer heat. And it’s actually not so much the heat as it is that it feels like I’m being suffocated in a warm, wet blanket covered in mosquitoes every time I walk outside.

No thank you.

The good news is you can shop online in the air-conditioning.

Here are some cute things I found this week.

1. Zelma royal blue midi dress

I think this is the cutest little dress if you’re in the market for such. It’s $205.

2. hot pink eyelet blouse

Love this pink eyelet top. Super cute with white jeans or shorts.

It’s $46 and it also comes in white.

3. know you well relaxed fit top

This is just a great basic top that can be dressed up or down. It comes in a ton of color options and is just $26.

4. robin tiered mini dress

I love this little dress from Anthropologie. Perfect summer dress and it comes in a bunch of color options.

It’s $138.

5. ruffled crochet blouse

This is such a pretty top and could easily transition to fall.

It’s $98.

6. Maeve embroidered peasant blouse

This is just summer in a top. Love this turquoise color.

It’s $148.

7. vici denim

I bought these jeans on a whim because I needed a jean that wasn’t a skinny jean so I could be trendy like the kids. These are so much more than anything I expected. They fit like a dream, super comfortable, just the right amount of stretch without bagging out at the knees and a great wash.

They are $52.

8. printed maxi dress

I love this dress so much that it’s worth figuring out the bra situation. It’s on sale for $139.99.

9. caftan dress/swimsuit coverup

This is such a cute coverup option or even just a great summer dress option. It fully fits into my summer is a time for caftans theme. It’s $26.99.

10. crochet v-neck top

This is a great little top from Amazon and it comes in several different color and style options. I’m partial to the one pictured, but there are several to choose from. It’s $23.89.

That’s it for today.

Have a Good Friday.

So Caroline and I just spent the last few days at Texas A&M for her new student conference. This is basically an orientation for new students and included all manner of information, including meeting with her academic advisors and choosing her classes for the fall. She is now officially an Aggie and I have to say that I walked away loving Texas A&M more than ever. Which, if you’ve read here long, is really a bold statement.

I’m sure I’ll talk more about it on the podcast this week, but seeing A&M through her eyes and knowing all the great things she has in store is just about the best thing ever.

Anyway, here are some cute things I found this week:

1. lovely desires white eyelet top

This top is so similar to one Anthropologie has this year and so much more affordable at just $52. Perfect top to wear with jeans or shorts this summer.

2. red tile print top

I think this is darling and would be perfect with shorts for the 4th of July or really just any day.

It’s $39.

3. looks like fun gingham dress

This is another great 4th of July option and it also comes in red gingham.

It’s $39.

4. jacquard tunic dress

I think this dress is so pretty. It also comes in a white and blue motif that I actually like better than this one. Such a great summer dress.

It’s $148.

5. ruffled lace peplum top

This is really pretty. I think I’d pair it with some flare jeans and wedges.

It’s $128.

6. marc fisher diona faux wood platform wedge

These are really cute platform heels with a retro feel. They’re on sale for $39.97. They also come in taupe and black.

7. kut from the kloth katy distressed boyfriend shorts

If you have been wishing for longer denim shorts, then you’re in luck. These longer version of denim shorts are super trendy for summer and these are just $36.97. There are several different Kut from the Kloth versions at Nordstrom Rack so there’s truly something for everyone.

8. stars above cozy chenille robe

I’ve been needing a good robe for summer that’s still soft and cozy, yet isn’t as heavy as my winter robe. This one from Target is perfect and just $37.99. It also comes in gray.

9. converse chuck Taylor all star shoreline sneakers

I love these shoreline converse because they’re so easy to slip on. This new leopard print version is super cute.

They are $54.99.

10. hilor one piece swimsuit

If you’re looking for a good one piece swimsuit, this one is actually pretty great. It’s slimming, holds everything in, comes in a bunch of colors and is just $33.99.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.