Diary

I just got home yesterday from the most delightful girls’ trip to Breckenridge. We biked, we hiked, we rode horses and just enjoyed being outside in an environment that didn’t feel like a hot, wet sock.

But here’s the problem. Now I’m home and ready for fall. Yet it won’t feel like fall here for probably another three months at best.

Such is life in Texas.

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

1. alluring adventures berry print maxi dress

I love this skirt. It’s a perfect transition piece for fall and it’s $54.

2. stay in step white booties

I’m still not sure how I feel about white booties for myself, but I really like them on other people. These are a great price point at just $45 to try them out and see if it’s a relationship I want to pursue.

3. what you want army green button tunic

Love the color of this for fall and the length is great. It’s $44.

4. moonlight pajamas

Everyone raves about these Nordstrom pajamas and they’re on sale for $42.90. They come in a lot of color options and could make a great Christmas gift.

5. treasure and bond high low crewneck sweater

I bought two Treasure & Bond sweaters on sale at the end of the season last year and they were my favorites. So soft and just easy to wear with jeans.

This one is on sale for $45.90. It also comes in oatmeal and a red ochre color.

6. oversized sunglasses

Gulley wore these sunglasses when we were in Colorado last week and I thought they were so cute. Imagine my surprise when she told me they were Amazon and just $9.99.

7. chuck Taylor all star lift platform sneakers

These have great reviews. I love the gold accents, the platform heel and the fact that they’re white leather instead of canvas. They are on sale for $49.90.

8. old navy dolphin hem run shorts

I love these Old Navy running shorts. They are so lightweight and fit so well. They are currently on sale for $9.97.

9. madewell leather pouch clutch

I bought a Madewell clutch like this several years ago and love carrying it. I use it by itself and then can just throw it in my larger handbag when I need more room.

It’s on sale for $35.90.

10. Zella live in high waist leggings

These are my favorite leggings for anything active. I wore them last week in Colorado and it reminded me I need a new pair this year.

They are on sale for $38.90 and come in several colors.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

I feel like everywhere I turn it’s all about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, but today is the first day that just normal cardholders can shop even if you didn’t spend half your annual salary at Nordstrom last year. I have had years in the past where I’ve gotten sucked into buying stuff I didn’t really need, so I have resolved to be the best, wisest version of my shopping self going forward.

I believe the real draw of the sale is because we are finally looking at fall clothes instead of the same tired summer stuff we’ve been looking at for the last three months. It’s always thrilling to me to dream of fall and sweaters and cooler temperatures and football games. All that to say, I’ve included stuff this week that isn’t from Nordstrom, but I am featuring a few things I would actually buy.

Here’s what I found this week:

1. all the info embroidered top

Caroline’s high school colors were blue and gold which really means nothing to me anymore, but I’ve trained myself to look for cute lightweight tops in her school colors to wear to early season football games. This one would fit that requirement, but now I’m all about maroon everything.

However, this is really cute and also comes in hot pink. It’s $44.

2. mara denim jacket

I love this denim jacket with stars. It’s a fun twist on a classic and a great layering piece for fall.

This is $59.95.

3. bp layered chain necklace

This is not part of the Nordstrom sale yet it is on sale at Nordstrom for just $7.50. I love the layered necklace look without the work of actually layering necklaces.

4. Catherine Ab Fab kut from the kloth boyfriend jeans

These jeans are part of the Nordstrom sale and the newer version of my favorite pair of boyfriend jeans. They have the perfect amount of distressing and are so comfortable.

These are on sale for $59.90 and true to size.

5. dojo tailorless flare leg jeans

Flare jeans are back and this makes me happy. They are my favorite of all the jeans. I love this lighter wash version and this brand is always a winner for me.

These are on sale for $99.90.

6. maggy London bold floral long sleeve maxi shirtdress

I think this is the prettiest dress for fall. It looks so great with boots and perfect for a variety of occasions.

It’s on sale for $87.90.

7. vince camuto afelia knee high boots

These boots are my favorite of the sale boots at Nordstrom. I love them like I loved the Sam Edelman camellia boots all those years ago. These have a great western look without being overtly cowboy and the heel is a great height.

They are on sale for $149.90. They also come in black, sable, and cognac.

8. vince camuto v-neck shirred satin blouse

Vince Camuto makes great tops that are simple, yet add something extra to a pair of jeans. I really love the v-neck and the sleeves on this one.

It’s on sale for $45.90. It comes in a bunch of color options, including a red and a green that would be cute for the holidays if your brain can compute that time of year.

9. quay cat eye sunglasses

I love my Quay sunglasses because they are super cute and a great price point that doesn’t stress me out. This cat eye version is great and they’re on sale for $35.90.

10. tory burch Carson zip top crossbody bag

I love this bag. It’s a classic that would go with just about any outfit and it’s on sale for $149.90. It also comes in black or sand.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

I’m going to be honest. This time of year is just not my favorite shopping time.

I’m over summer to the point that I don’t want to buy anymore summer clothes even though I know it’s going to be hot here for another three to four months at least. And it’s too early to buy fall clothes that I won’t be able to wear for a long time because I don’t even know what I’ll want by October.

And I used to get really excited over the Nordstrom Anniversary sale but it’s lost its luster for me because I have been tricked into buying too many sweaters and booties that I thought I loved in July and regretted in December.

Thank you for coming to my TED talk.

Here are some cute things I found this week in case you’re in more of a shopping mood than I am.

1. white ditsy floral midi dress

I really do love this dress. It’s bright and happy and just a really cute style. It’s $62.

2. think about it yellow midi dress

This is another great basic dress for summer. It’s $56.

3. clair colin botanical robe

At full price this was too much for a robe in my opinion, but it’s on sale for $79.95 plus an extra 25% off right now which makes it a game changer. I think the colors are so pretty and I do love a pretty robe since I like to be back in my loungewear by about 6 p.m. every night.

I didn’t choose the rockstar life, the rockstar life chose me.

4. simple Sunday pullover

I like a lightweight sweatshirt type of thing to throw on over my workout clothes when I have to go run errands in stores that are usually blasting the A/C. This is really cute and $38.

5. oversized vintage tie dye tunic sweatshirt

This is a great tunic sweatshirt that would be so cute with leggings. It comes in several color options and is on sale for $17.97.

6. a new day slim fit tank top

I bought this tank in white last year and it’s just a great shape and fit. It looks so good layered under sweaters and jackets, but also works on its own because it’s not too thin or see through.

It’s just $5 and a great basic.

7. vaudie structured blazer

I can tell I’m wanting to shop for fall clothes because I am drawn to this blazer. I think the colors are so pretty and it’s easy to dress up for work or down with jeans and sneakers.

It’s $155 but you can get 20% off everything at ABLE with code BIGMAMA20 at checkout.

8. nike blazer low ’77 sneaker

You know how I feel about a great sneaker. These are so retro and fun. They are $85 and come in several color combinations.

9. pavoi 14k huggie earrings

I bought these just to wear everyday and I love them. They are the perfect size, so lightweight that you forget you have them on and just $12.95.

10. sail away white and blue midi dress

This is the prettiest dress. I do not need it which I am repeating to myself over and over again. But I love it. It’s $98.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

I hope y’all have a great 4th of July weekend!

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. afternoon calm floral print maxi dress

I think this is the prettiest dress if you happen to have an event coming up. It’s $86.

2. flutter short sleeve scoop neck linen t-shirt

Love this tee with flutter sleeves. It’s a great upgrade on a basic white tee and only $12.

3. knox rose eyelet tank top

This is such a pretty white eyelet top.

It’s $27.99.

4. free people sunny skinny sweatpants

I love these skinny sweatpants. I would size up if in between, but they are lightweight and don’t look schlumpy on.

They’re on sale for $29. They come in bunch of color options.

5. total eclipse printed midi dress

The reviews for this dress are amazing but it definitely seems like you need to size down. This is such a pretty dress that could transition to fall.

It’s $149.

6. make it your own black midi dress

Love the v-neck on this dress and the simple style. This would be so easy to dress up or down.

It’s $55.

7. Maisie gold hoop earrings

I featured these darling earrings last week, but now they’re 20% off and on sale for $54.40. Kendra Scott has a bunch of cute pieces 20% off through Monday so it’s a good time to buy and maybe even think ahead to Christmas presents.

8. karis gold ring, set of three

These rings are so pretty. They are 20% off and on sale for $70.40.

9. shayla embroidered midi dress

I saw this dress in person a couple of weeks ago and it is so pretty. I love the embroidery and the colors.

It’s $149.

10. allie+bess kaleidoscope stack bracelets

I love my Allie+Bess bracelets. I literally wear them with every single outfit I put on. There are so many different stacks and color ways to choose from. This set is $260 but all stacks are 30% off with code STACK30 through Monday, July 5.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

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.