Diary

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 108

    In this episode we discuss Southern Charm at length so be forewarned.

    But we also discuss caftans, summer books we are reading, and how hormones in your forties are the worst. It’s like we’ve officially crossed over to Mrs. Roper territory.

    You can click here to listen. Or here. You can even listen right here on the blog.

    And if you’re on the Facebook, well, we are, too.

    We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

    Here’s where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

    Chili Pad

    – (Here is Coolio, in case you were confused.)

    State’s huge walk-off win against Florida State

    Southern Charm

    Patricia’s custom pet caftan

    The Bachelorette

    Southern Charm New Orleans

    Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin

    Love and Ruin by Paula McClain

    Fitness Junkie by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza

    Go Ask Ali by Ali Wentworth

    Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee

    Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

    Verdusa women’s summer color block half sleeve split loose shift maxi dress

    Our new Big Boo Cast t-shirts from Milk and Honey Tees! (and for the record, this shirt is CRAZY soft)

    Sponsor:

    FabFitFun (coupon code “BIGBOO” for $10 off your first box)

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 107

    If you’ve been thinking to yourself that you would really like something mindless and light to start your summer off right, then this episode is for you. We discuss the caftan that has the potential to change our life or at least make summer better, along with some thoughts on good nail polish colors.

    You can click here to listen. Or here. You can even listen right here on the blog.

    And if you’re on the Facebook, well, we are, too.

    We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

    Here’s where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

    Urban Outfitters bowtie slides

    Steve Madden SLINKY slides

    OTBT Nova Platforms

    Bussola Frida wedge (Sophie’s FAVORITE summer sandals)

    The Magical Summer Caftan (discovered by Lisa Whittle) (loved deeply by Sophie) (for your inner Maude)

    Lisa Whittle’s 5 Word Prayers Daily podcast (just FYI if you’re looking for something really encouraging and beautiful)

    OPI Lisbon Collection

    OPI Funny Bunny

    The Playtex Funday Bra

    Closing Song

    Our new Big Boo Cast t-shirts from Milk and Honey Tees! (and for the record, this shirt is CRAZY soft)

    SPONSORS:

    Casper

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s officially summertime here

    Today is our first official day of summer vacation. I mean, technically, we’ve already had a few days off due to the high school finals schedule and Caroline’s exam exemptions, but yesterday was truly the very last day. I guess that means my baby is now a sophomore in high school and I don’t even understand how that has happened.

    Needless to say, I’ll be soaking in some downtime with my people this summer and cannot wait.

    Here are a few things I found this week:

    1. steve madden chiara sandals

    I certainly don’t mean to keep pushing these sandals on you, but the more I wear them the more I love them. They are so comfortable and still make me two inches taller. It’s all the benefit of a heel but feels like a flat. I just highly recommend them.

    They are $79.95 and also come in black or white.

    2. bp twist back tee

    How cute it this tee? It’s on sale for $14.98 and also comes in a black stripe, pink or white. It’s perfect for summer.

    3. lush raw edge side slit tee

    This tee is also on sale for $15.90 and also comes in black. I love the raw edge, the side slit, the v-neck and the longer length. The navy would just be perfect with white jeans for a casual outfit.

    4. loft ruffle cuff tunic dress

    Gulley and I ran in Loft this week because she was looking for a few cute dresses and we agreed that Loft has really stepped it up. They have so many cute things, including this dress for $69.50.

    5. j.crew factory tie-front tank

    These tie-front tanks are on sale for $19.95 and also come in white or black. This is the perfect thing to wear with shorts, jeans or skirts. And you can always layer a denim jacket or light sweater over it. It’s the benefit of looking like you’ve tucked something in without having to tuck something in.

    It also comes in a this darling stripe version in case you’re interested in that. I love a stripe for summer.

    6. sims stone pendant necklace

    These cute necklaces are named after my friend Sheaffer at Sheaffer Told Me To and they are $42. They come in several color options and are a perfect pop of color for all your summer outfits. They even make a white t-shirt and denim shorts look like you really tried.

    7. j.crew factory tie-waist midi skirt

    I have featured this before and it is so darling. I actually saw a friend of mine wearing it yesterday with a black tank and wanted to die from the cuteness. It is even better than the picture and it also comes in a seersucker blue stripe.

    8. j.crew factory embroidered sleeve t-shirt

    This cute embroidered tee is just $23.50 and also comes in white or blue. I love that it’s soft and easy to throw on, but still really great.

    9. who what wear wide leg paperbag pants

    I saw these in Target yesterday when I just ran in to get sunscreen and a few new pool floats. Isn’t that how Target always works? These are super soft and could easily be dressed up or down depending on your lifestyle needs. They also come in a black and white striped version and are $32.99.

    10. bp flat oval hoops

    I bought these last fall and Caroline immediately stole them from me. And so I figured it was no big deal and I’d just get another pair since they’re just $8.00. However, they were out of stock. Until today! IT’S A SUMMER MIRACLE.

    But, seriously, they are so great and lightweight and EIGHT DOLLARS.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a good Friday.

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s Memorial Day weekend!

    I’m not sure where the time has gone but here we are at Memorial Day weekend. I have packed my last school lunch of the year because Caroline just has finals and so she doesn’t have any full school days left. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

    And just in case you missed it, Episode 106 of the Big Boo Cast is posted here with all our thoughts on the Royal Wedding.

    This also feels like a good time to suggest that if you’re in the market for a graduation gift, a copy of Everyday Holy might be a good idea. Richard gives it one feather and two wings up.

    Here are some cute things I found this week:

    1. maddie eyelet top

    This cute top is $49.95 plus there’s an extra 25% off all sale clothing at Anthropologie right now. It also comes in a dark gray.

    2. taylor lace dress

    Last summer I had a wedding to attend and searched high and low and never found a dress that I loved. This summer I have exactly zero occasions and I adore this dress. It feels like it’s just a fascinator away from being perfect for a royal wedding. It’s $129.95 plus the extra 25% off all sale clothing.

    All the reviews say it runs a size or two small so keep that in mind if you order it.

    I also love this sonia drop waist shirt dress for a more casual dress option.

    It’s on sale for $99.95 plus an extra 25% off. It also comes in a dark mustard color.

    3. casey geometric cutout faux leather bag

    This is a great summer bag and it’s on sale for $52.93. It also comes in a light tan color.

    4. potenza tie waist tunic

    Nordstrom is having a big sale right now and there are tons of cute things marked down 40%. This top is $35.40 and also comes in white. I ordered it immediately.

    5. toms espadrille slip ons

    These Toms are super comfortable and a great summer shoe option, plus this chambray is a great neutral. They’re on sale for $38.37.

    6. bp tiered faux wrap skirt

    I saw this skirt in the store before it was on sale and seriously debated buying it. I love that it’s a faux wrap and it’s also a knit cotton so it won’t wrinkle. It would so great with just as simple tank or t-shirt and it’s on sale for $35.40.

    7. beaded lariat necklace

    This necklace is on sale for $46.80 and I think it’s so simple and pretty. It also comes in lapis, coral, and black.

    8. crochet trim square neck dress

    Loft has 40% off everything through the weekend and they have tons of cute dresses and tops. This one is $79.50 plus the additional 40% off with code LONGWKND at checkout.

    9. j.crew factory embroidered dress

    I realize this picture is weird but I couldn’t get it to download and finally just took a picture of my screen with my phone. I’m sure there was a better solution but I couldn’t think of one in that moment.

    I love a simple shift dress like this for the hot weather. This also comes in navy or white and is on sale for $44.50. **Edited to add it’s actually only $24.95 today. I’m not sure why or for how long, but that’s a steal!**

    10. dane espadrille wedge sandal

    These are on sale for $71.96 and also come in indigo and caramel. I happen to love the gold and I love love the woven heel.

    That’s it for today.

    Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend.

  • Big Boo Cast: Episode 106

    Well, here it is. All our thoughts on the Royal Wedding. We had some technical difficulties while we were recording so I’m sad to say some of our commentary got lost, but I still think we covered it all.

    Bottom line: WE LOVED IT ALL.

    You can click here to listen. Or here. You can even listen right here on the blog.

    And if you’re on the Facebook, well, we are, too.

    We’d love for you to subscribe on iTunes, and we’d be honored if you’d leave us a review.

    Here’s where you can get more info on the stuff / products / places we mention:

    Sofia Wellesley’s dress

    Kitty Spenser’s dress

    Victoria Beckham’s dress

    Amal Clooney’s dress

    Gina Torres’ dress

    Doria Ragland’s dress

    Queen Elizabeth’s dress

    Camilla’s hat

    flowers at the chapel

    Meghan Markle’s wedding day hair

    Meghan Markle’s wedding day makeup

    Teenager Meghan in front of Buckingham Palace

    Meghan’s wedding dress

    Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s wedding sermon

    The wonder of Meghan’s reception dress

    Serena Williams’ reception dress

    Closing Song: The First Dance Song

    Our new Big Boo Cast t-shirts from Milk and Honey Tees! (and for the record, this shirt is CRAZY soft)

    SPONSORS:

    Prep Dish

    Simple Contacts

    Canidae Pet Food

  • Fashion Friday: Edition it’s a royal wedding weekend

    Is there some kind of wedding happening this weekend?

    I’m just not sure based on all the Lifetime movies and continuous specials about the royal family. In fact, I am currently watching Kate: The Making of A Modern Queen on the BBC.

    Also, stay tuned because later today I will post a very special Royal Wedding edition of The Big Boo Cast because who would we be if we didn’t take the time to discuss all the upcoming festivities?

    Now for some cute things I found this week:

    1. tasseled stella market tote bag

    I ran in Anthropologie yesterday because I had to return a few swimsuits I’d ordered that, sadly, didn’t work out. But I did see this great beach/pool tote and fell in love. It’s $88 but it is made of water-resistant material and is just darling.

    So, while I may not have a swimsuit, I have found a really cute pool bag and that’s really the most important thing.

    2. steve madden chiara sandals

    So while I was out shopping, I went in the Steve Madden store because I’ve had my eye on several pairs of Steve Madden sandals and I wanted to see them live and in person. I ended up with this pair, which is shocking considering I didn’t even know they existed until I walked in the store. Shocking may be a little bit of a stretch, but I was surprised by how much I liked them and how comfortable they are. They truly are a snandal. (That’s a cross between a sneaker and a sandal in case you missed that last week.)

    My first runner up were the steve madden busy sandals

    I love the gold. In fact, I told the salesman that my ideal shoe would be the chiara sandal sole but in the gold color. He didn’t seem that interested in my sandal assessment. All that to say, these are really cute, too, and I love the gold but they are a little bit dressier and I decided I ultimately needed something more casual.

    4. mosley embroidered dress

    Yes, this is pricey. It’s $168. But I feel that it will go on sale at some point and it is so gorgeous in person. The embroidery is to die for.

    5. old navy sleeveless swing dress

    This is a much more reasonable dress option for just $18.90. These Old Navy swing dresses are the perfect summer staple and come in a bunch of patterns and colors.

    6. wadden embroidered dress

    This is what happens when I go in Anthropologie. So many great things. This dress is $158 but this picture doesn’t do it justice. The blue is so gorgeous and the embroidery is perfection. It’s also longer than it appears to be in this picture. I think I stood and stared at it for five minutes, yet I didn’t dare try it on because I know my limits. I would have found a way to justify it and I don’t have a single reason to buy it. This makes me sad.

    7. mad love kasandra slip on canvas sneakers

    I happened to see these online and I think they are so cute and they have so many great reviews. I love this aged camo look and they are just $22.99.

    I also saw these dv brynn flatform sandals in Target this week. I love that patterned wedge heel. They are $29.99.

    These agnes quarter strap espadrille sandals are also an inexpensive version of the Steve Madden sandals at just $32.99

    8. j.crew tie back tank top

    This is a great solution to skirts or pants that need to be paired with a shirt that hits at the waist, but you don’t want to tuck something in. These tanks are $26.50 and come in black, gray, light blue, light red, and moss green. You can wear them tied in the back or let them hang loose, but the back still stays closed except at the bottom. They are super soft and I love that the white one isn’t see through.

    9. j.crew tie waist midi skirt

    I love this skirt. And it would look great with one of the tie back tanks featured up above. It’s on sale for $44.50 and also comes in a blue and white stripe. Both are darling.

    10. lush henley

    These tops are $39 and also come in light mauve, light blue and washed black. This is the perfect top to wear with jeans or even dressier pants for work. They are comfortable, light and versatile.

    That’s it for today.

    Happy Friday.

    And congratulations to Harry and Meghan. All my best wishes to those crazy kids.