Fashion

So we are in the middle of soccer playoffs here and so we are a little focused on that. The team parents even had fat heads made of the girls for the upcoming game and I’m already so excited about all the potential ways I can use it to embarrass Caroline. I mean I would never intentionally embarrass her, but the fact I can act like I’m going to tape her fathead up on the back of my car window is enough to cause her to majorly roll her eyes and want to die inside. Parenting a teen has its moments.

Anyway, if you feel so inclined, you can certainly say a little prayer that the girls play well and have a great time and that everyone stays injury-free.

On another note, we are only about a month away from various high school and college and kindergarten graduation ceremonies. I still can’t figure out why January lasted for three years but February, March and April have flown by while I blinked.

I wanted to share some cute graduation supplies and gift ideas that you can find online at Two Funny Girls. They have these darling full color graduation napkins with your graduate’s bitmoji and lots of other cute supplies for a graduation party, including plates, cups, napkins, water bottle labels and personalize koozies.

You can find them all here.

They also have a lot of great personalized graduation gifts that you can order, including pillow cases, towels, laundry hampers, tote bags and clear stadium bags. You can find them all here.

Best of all, you can get FREE SHIPPING from today until Friday, April 19th when you use the code BIGMAMA at checkout with Two Funny Girls.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. madewell classic corsage smocked button-down top

I stumbled upon this on the Nordstrom site and I love it. It’s got a little bit of a 70’s vibe which I love and would look so cute with denim shorts or some flare jeans. It’s $78.

2. free people penny pull-on flares

Speaking of flares, I know I’ve mentioned these before but I love them that much. They come in several color options, but this white is perfect for summer. They are $78 and Free People is offering free shipping and free returns on denim during the month of April so it’s a good time to try them out. I wear a 27 in these so they are pretty true to size. If in between sizes, then I’d probably size down.

3. noonday collection marina hoops

I love a turquoise accessory for summer and so these gorgeous Noonday earrings caught my attention the minute I saw them. I ordered them and they did not disappoint. They are so gorgeous and will go with just about anything.

I also bought this chain reaction necklace and it’s a great piece that you can wear long or double up depending on your outfit.

It’s normally $58 but is on sale for $34.80.

4. daily ritual dolman sleeve v-neck dress

I ordered this dress in gray from Amazon and I already know I’m going to get another one in a different color. I will wear this all summer long with tennis shoes or sandals. It is so soft and comfy. It’s made out of a good thick cotton, but not heavy at all. It’s $28 and it also comes in black, gray, navy, olive, pale pink, and a black with white stripes.

For size reference, I ordered a small and have plenty of room. I will probably order an XS for my next one and I’m rarely an XS in anything. What I’m saying is, you may want to size down. The length also hits me about two inches above my knee and I’m 5’6″.

5. vans classic slip-ons

It’s hard to beat a pair of these classic slip-ons for comfort and I think this red gingham is so cute for summer. But you can also get the straight up old school checkerboard version of your youth. They are $59.95 and come in a ton of color options.

6. rosalie leopard blouse

This is one of the cutest leopard print blouses I’ve seen and I love that you could dress it up for the office or wear it with jeans for a more casual look. It’s on sale for $89.95 plus an extra 25% off at checkout.

7. steve madden cadence sandal

These sandals are darling and 50% off. They come in several color options and are on sale for $49.96.

8. zella ria hooded cardigan

I love a lightweight, soft cardigan to throw on over my workout clothes when I’m on my way to actually workout or just running errands. This is a really good one and it’s now 50% off and on sale for $39.49.

9. zella live in 7/8 leggings

These Zella leggings are still my favorite of all my leggings. They are 50% off and on sale for $32.40.

10. pennbrooke top

This top is so pretty and has great reviews. It’s on sale for $39.95 plus an extra 25% off at checkout It also comes in black.

That’s it for today.

Have a great Friday.

And Go Mules!!

I do not mean to be overly dramatic (Yes I do) but the oak pollen might be killing me. Everything outside is yellow. And I normally don’t have bad allergies but this seems to be a banner year. If you need me, I’ll be here taking my Zyrtec.

Also, I have to give a special thank you to Dr. Brandt no more baggage eye de-puffing gel that I got in my spring Fab Fit Fun box. It is the sole reason I’m able to leave the house and see out of my eyes.

1. sleeveless peasant top

Anthropologie always has one cute top every season that I adore. This is that top for spring and summer. It is absolute perfection. It’s $140.

2. loft sleeveless wrap dress

This cute wrap dress is on sale for $49.50. It would be easy to dress up or down depending on your wardrobe needs.

3. uo rosalie raffia platform sandal

Urban Outfitter has 20% off shoes right now and I love the raffia platforms. They are normally $59 but are 20% off.

4. old navy ruffle trim swing dress

I ran in Old Navy the other day and ended up trying on this dress. It is so much cuter in person than it is online. First of all, I recommend not buttoning that top button that makes it high-neck. It’s flowy and lightweight and I love it. It’s on sale for $27.

I bought the small just for size reference and the length and fit are good. I’m about 5’6″ and normally wear a 4-6.

5. fisoul raincoats lightweight rain jacket

I was looking for something on Amazon and somehow came across these raincoats. They have great reviews and appear to be really cute. They come in several color options and are $42.

6. old navy running shorts

I discovered these last summer and they are my new go to athletic shorts. I like them better than Lululemon and they’re about $1000 cheaper because Lulu thinks a lot of their shorts. These are on sale for $14 and come in several color and pattern options.

7. steve madden prima espadrille wedge

DSW has the cutest shoes in stock right now, including these cheetah print wedges. They are $69.99 and also come in black or tan.

8. old navy french terry chevron-stripe pullover hoodie

I love a french terry pullover. And I love a hoodie. So of course I love a french terry hoodie. This is $28 but an extra 30% off at checkout.

9. amazon round trendy sunglasses

If you’re looking for a trendy, yet cheap, pair of sunglasses, look no further. These are $9.49 which is the perfect price point for glasses that I will wear to float the river or wear at the beach. They also come with blue lenses, pink lenses and black with silver frames.

10. catherine boyfriend shorts

Good news, it appears that bermuda length shorts are making a comeback. I really like these and Kut from the Kloth are usually very comfortable and have a good amount of stretch. These are $69.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

Well.

After last week’s Fashion Friday, I really had no plan to feature any more pictures of me wearing clothes I feature even though you were so sweet about my lack of fashion blogger skills and poses. But then I went to lunch with a friend on Wednesday and needed to kill about an hour before I picked Caroline up early from school for a doctor’s appointment. And I didn’t want to go home because I knew Piper and Mabel would bark at me until I took them to run at the park and I had actually washed my hair and put on makeup that morning and didn’t want to take them.

I realize this means I am letting my dogs bully me. I can’t deny it. But in my defense, they are relentless when they decide it’s time for an outing.

So I ran in Gap because Sophie had texted me earlier in the week to tell me they had some cute things and I decided I should see for myself. And I tried on some jeans that I liked so much that I thought, “Maybe I should take a picture of myself in these jeans for Fashion Friday” and, long story short, after Gap I went to Target and found some things there I really liked, too. I also ended up following around these two delightful older ladies who were shopping together at Target because their conversation was priceless. There was a lot of “Will you look at this bag? I saw one just like this at Neiman’s” and “I’m going to wear this shirt with a scarf and some pants and look like I’m on the cover of Vogue.”

Anyway, pictures of me trying things on in dressing rooms probably won’t become a regular thing, but I have a few today. **Edited to add for reference: I am 5’6″ and usually wear a 4-6 in most things.

I’m also editing to let you know that ABLE is offering 25% off everything on their site through March 31 with the code SPRINGTIME at checkout. This includes my very favorite denim jacket ever here.

Here are the cute things I found:

1. loft leopard print flippy skirt

I love this light version of a leopard print skirt for spring and summer. You could wear it with a tank, denim jacket and sandals. Or dress it up for the office with a dressier blouse or a black blazer and heels.

It’s $59.50 but 40% off with the code HELLO at checkout, along with a lot of things at Loft right now.

2. knox rose sleeveless dress with eyelet trim

I saw this hanging in Target and thought it was cute enough to try on. And so I did.

It’s $27.99 and the perfect dress for summer. It’s lightweight and a little longer in the back than it is in the front. The eyelet detail across the top isn’t sheer enough that you can’t wear it with a normal nude-colored bra. I am wearing a small for size reference. Oh, and I bought it.

3. a new day open cardigan

This cardigan looks so much like one I’ve seen at Nordstrom that’s much more expensive, but I’m glad I took a picture of it while I was in the store that shows how vibrant the colors are in person.

It’s $24.99 and also comes in ivory with black stripes if that’s more your style. I personally like the gray and yellow for summer.

4. gap sky high distressed true skinny jeans

This is what started my dressing room try-on. I had tried on a pair of high waisted jeans a few weeks ago, but they were super expensive and more than I wanted to spend. So I saw these at Gap and decided to try them because I loved the distressed hem and I’ve been wanting a pair of light-colored jeans.

The ones I tried on were a little different than the ones above because mine had a distressed hem, but other than that they are the exact same jean.

They were super soft and comfortable and I have to admit I kind of like the high waist. I mean, I wouldn’t tuck in a shirt or wear a belt with them, but they kind of suck everything in. These are on sale for $52. I am wearing a 27.

I also tried on these gap mid rise true skinny jeans in sculpt.

I really liked these, too. They feel more like leggings than jeans and are so soft. They are on sale for $52. I am wearing a 27 in these.

5. loft lace wrap dress

It’s always good to have a great dress in your closet for weddings and such and this black lace one is so pretty. It’s normally $118 but 40% off with the code HELLO at checkout.

6. boyfriend shirt in linen

I love a linen shirt for summer because you can wear it tucked out and by itself. Or tie it at the front with a pair of shorts or jeans. Or wear it open over a tank like a lightweight jacket. This one is sale for $30 and comes in several color options I have on a small.

7. vintage soft pullover sweatshirt tunic

If you are looking for a longer, oversized sweatshirt, then look no further. This one is so soft and comfortable and totally long enough to wear with leggings.

It’s normally $54.95 The blue is $33 but other colors are on sale for $27 I am wearing a medium but could have totally worn a small.

8. xhilaration striped knit v-neck cropped jumpsuit

This is really cute and super soft. And sometimes jumpsuits don’t work for me because my torso is too long, but this one fit perfectly. It also has adjustable straps which helps it really fit well.

It’s $29.99 and I’m wearing a medium. It also comes in teal. And I think you could easily wear a white blazer or a denim jacket over it if you wanted more coverage.

9. ae military button down shirt

I already own this and happened to be wearing it while I was at Gap so I took a picture so you could see it on. It’s one of my favorite spring purchases and I’ve worn it a ton.

It’s $44.95 and I’m wearing a small.

I also have on this universal thread short sleeve v-neck t-shirt.

It’s $8.00 and comes in a ton of color options. I’m wearing a medium.

And I’m also wearing these hue essential denim leggings that I keep telling you about. I love them. They are so comfortable and never lose their shape. Also, mine were longer than I wanted so I just grabbed my scissors and gave them a raw hem. Worked like a charm.

They are $38 and I’m wearing a small. They look tiny when you pull them out of the package, but then they stretch.

I think Nordstrom is sold out of my exact booties, but this bp barris block heel is pretty similar and on sale for $59.90.

10. steve madden aida platform sandal

These are really cute basic sandals. I love the wooden platform that gives a little bit of height. They are $79.95 and come in several other color options, including a really fun snakeskin.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

Okay, so today’s Fashion Friday is a little different than usual. And here’s what I now know about myself. I could never be a real fashion blogger. And I’m about to tell you why.

A few weeks ago, the nice people at Evereve emailed me and asked if I’d be interested in visiting one of their Texas stores and trying out their clothes.

Um. Yes, please.

This shouldn’t even be a question. Evereve is a great store with an inventory full of trends and classics at various price points. Yet, it’s small enough to not feel overwhelming when you’re in the store. This is basically my favorite kind of place to shop.

So last week while Caroline was on Spring Break, we drove to Austin and visited the Evereve store at the Domain. It didn’t take us long to fill up a whole dressing room with things to try and I managed to leave with a shopping bag full of stuff. It was great.

Here’s what isn’t as great. They mentioned that I could maybe do some Instagram stories as I tried things on, but a dressing room feels overwhelming enough for me. And I had my teenage daughter weighing in on all my choices and fashion preferences. At one point she actually used the phrase, “No, you look too much like a millenial in that”.

But I did want to show you some pictures of me wearing the actual items that I ended up getting. This is so far out of my comfort zone that I can’t even see my comfort zone. I don’t know how to pose. I don’t know where to look at the camera. I don’t know how to take selfies. I can’t figure out how people manage to film try on stories and talk at the same time. And I think it’s safe to assume that P is not an Instagram husband.

I had Caroline take some pictures of me yesterday afternoon after a failed attempt to figure out how to take selfies in a full length mirror and I’m going to say it wasn’t the most glamorous of photo shoots. My photographer was impatient with my outfit changes and kept telling me she had Chemistry homework. As if that’s more important than taking pictures of your mom in various outfits.

Anyway, by the time it was over, I was exhausted. I have a whole new respect for fashion bloggers that do this day after day. It’s a lot of effort to get dressed and figure out how to pose. I mean I didn’t even do it right or have a Starbucks cup to hold and it was exhausting.

But, with all that being said, I do have some really cute things to share with you today. Please note that I included the stock photo images as well as my own because, let’s be honest, they are much more effective at showing you what something looks like.

1. billabong sea and moon kimono

I fell in love with this kimono in the catalog before I ever walked in the store. And then when I got to the store they didn’t have it in stock yet because it’s brand new. However, they were nice enough to let me order it online and it arrived on my front porch three days later. I can already tell it’s going to be my favorite item of summer.

Caroline and I decided that pic will be the photo I use on the cover of my album containing my version of 1970s hits.

My denim shorts are these BlankNYC boyfriend denim shorts. They are $68 and are so soft and comfortable.

2. best life tee

This tee is so cute and the perfect color. It’s slightly distressed without being absurd and it’s $68. This is the kind of thing I’ll throw on all summer long with everything from jeans to shorts to skirts.

I’m also wearing these Free People penny flare jeans in black. They are $78 and come in several color options.

3. free people posh tee

I love the length of this tee. It could easily be worn with leggings and it’s super comfortable, yet fits closely enough that it doesn’t look frumpy. I have the lace cami featured below under it which gives it a little something extra although it’s hard to see in this picture. Imagine that.

It’s $58.

4. AG farrah ankle skinny jeans

These jeans were a total splurge at $198. I wasn’t even going to get any jeans. But then I tried these on and they are like butter. Plus, I have a couple of other pairs of AG jeans and they are just hard to beat in terms of comfort and holding their shape. I can wear them for days and they never get stretched out. And I love this color that isn’t quite black, but is darker than a charcoal gray.

I wear jeans enough that they are worth investing in when I can because I’ll wear them forever. I have jeans in my closet that are over ten years old that I still wear all the time. I’m loyal to some quality denim.

5. lovestitch multi-stripe tie front shirt

I wasn’t sure about this top at first but Caroline made me try it on and I was so glad she did. I love the stripes and the tie front. Plus it looks great with the jeans up above and equally great with these flowy pants. I’ll wear this all summer long and into next fall.

It’s $68 and the v-neck isn’t too deep so you don’t have to wear anything under it.

My wedge sandals are old, but these Steve Madden Breathe wedge sandals are similar and come in several color options. They are $89.95. And I also love these Steve Madden luna cognac sandals with a wooden heel. They are so 1970s. And they are $69.95.

6. allison joy crop slit front pants

Oh my gosh. These pants. I love them. They are so lightweight and comfortable and they have an elastic waistband. You could wear them as casually as throwing them on over your swimsuit or dress them up with a cute top and heels. I’ll wear these all summer long.

Also, yes, this picture is blurry. We were at the end of our photoshoot at this point and the whole thing felt ridiculous.

These pants are $78.

My sandals are the Steve Madden Asher cognac multi sandals. They are $79.95 and I thought they’d sold out forever, but they are back in stock. It’s a sandal miracle and they are so cute and comfortable.

7. cloth + stone wide leg pant

This is another great pair of flowy pants that could be dressed up or down. I’ll wear these with the white Lush top I have on here or just with the Best Life tee featured up above for a more casual look.

They are $128.

8. lush twist front top

I loved this top so much that I bought it in the white and in the black. It’s just $48 and I love that it gives you the look of having a shirt tucked in but then is a little bit longer in the back. Plus, it’s made out of that polyester material so it drapes beautifully and doesn’t cling.

I’m also wearing these Hue essential denim leggings in white. They are $38 and so comfortable.

And my sandals are the Steve Madden Chiara sandals in nude. They are $79.95.

9. cloth + stone camo pocket joggers

I love these joggers. I can dress them down for soccer games and the weekend and then dress them up with wedges and a cute top for a night out.

This is when I attempted a mirror selfie in Caroline’s room. I didn’t feel good about it.

I’m also wearing this white tunic t-shirt from Amazon and my favorite denim jacket from ABLE. And I have on these Converse shoreline sneakers in white.

In that last photo, I’m wearing the Lush twist front top up above and my black wedge sandals are old, but here’s a similar pair that are on sale for $69.30

10. cosabella say ever lace cami

I’m going to draw the line at posting a picture of myself in just this cami. But I will tell you that it’s really soft and is a great layering piece. It’s not too sheer and it has adjustable straps. It’s $45 and also comes in black or gray.

11. david lerner silky shirt dress

I tried this shirt dress on and loved it. It’s so pretty and the fabric is amazing. But I do not need one more black dress in my closet and so I had an intervention with myself. But this is $98 and would be great with just flat sandals or dressed up with a heel.

12. michael stars drape neck jumpsuit

This jumpsuit is amazing. It feels like pajamas, but you can wear it out in public. I daresay that you could find a cute white linen blazer to pair with it and wear it to the office. I was so tempted to get it, but I also do not need another jumpsuit. It’s $108.

So there are all my Evereve finds. I’d encourage you to go to the Evereve site and look around because they really do have a great selection of clothes, jewelry and shoes at all kinds of price points depending on your budget. I’m a fan. I mean, I loved it enough to have my picture taken in all of my finds and if that isn’t a ringing endorsement, then I don’t know what else I can say.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

That’s right. As of the end of school today we are officially kicking off Spring Break 2019. I’m going to start it off by heating up heavily processed nacho cheese in the high school stadium concession stand as I work my shift before the soccer game. It’s really all I dreamed Spring Break would be once I was an adult. Robert Earl Keen was right, “The road goes on forever and the party and the concession stand shifts never end.”

But we do have some fun things planned like painting Caroline’s bedroom and cleaning out all our closets. I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel jealous.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. downtown sway multi stripe tie top

I love a colorful top for spring and summer and this one would look so cute with white jeans. It’s $48.

2. old navy flutter sleeve midi-dress

This is about my favorite shade of green of all the shades of green. I might add a belt with this dress depending on how chintzy the elastic looks, but I love the color and the way it fits. It’s $44.99 but I bet Old Navy has some sort of online sale this weekend.

I actually think it would look so cute with a leopard print belt like this one and some cute gold sandals.

3. best by far top

I featured a maxi dress made from this same material a few weeks ago, but I really love this top option. It’s $50.

4. loft dotted smocked neck flutter shell

This is $54.50 but there is 40% off at Loft with the code NEWNOW until Sunday. This could be dressed down with jeans or perfect for the office with black pants and a sweater or jacket over it.

5. treasure and bond woven raffia hat

I basically spend my summer months in some sort of hat at all times because the sun is not a friend to my face. Also, summer hair is hard and hats make it easier. I have a hat that’s similar to this that I bought at Gap years ago and it’s my favorite. This one is $39.

6. loft smocked mixed media blouse

This is such a pretty color and I love this style of top. It’s $54.50 but 40% off with the code NEWNOW until Sunday.

7. elyssa buckle mule

I have seen a lot of leopard print mules and such, but these are my fave. I love the buckle detail and I think they could easily be dressy or casual depending on your outfit. They are $89.95.

8. sam edelman lotus denim shorts

Denim shorts are everywhere again for this spring and summer and I really like a cut off style because they look a little more trendy than a cuffed version. But it can be hard to find them with an inseam that’s somewhere between mid-thigh and is this a swimsuit bottom? These have a four inch inseam which is just about perfect. They are $78.

9. steve madden pam espadrille platform wedge sandal

These may be my favorite sandals I’ve seen thus far. I love the woven detail, the heel height, the whole thing just works. And you could wear them with everything from the green Old Navy dress up above to the cut off denim shorts with a cute shirt. So versatile. They are $79.95.

10. old navy smocked flutter sleeve blouse

This top is darling. I saw it in person the other day and I don’t always love florals, especially tiny florals. But this just works. It’s $29.99.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.