Fashion

Fashion Friday: Edition and now it’s Labor Day weekend

We’ve finally made it to September.

It’s only been sixty-four years since last March.

And in typical 2020 fashion, our weather forecasters talked up a “cold front” that was supposed to get here next week and drop our temps into the 80s. This sounded glorious. This felt like evidence of God’s mercy in the lives of those of us who have survived a Texas summer.

However, they are already backing off their claims of a “cold front”, proving once again that meteorologists don’t mind crushing our spirits.

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In the meantime, there’s no reason why we can’t make plans to wear sweaters again someday.

Also I hate to get political and maybe you’re not even aware that we are currently in an election year, but look what Milk and Honey Tees has brought back just in time for election season.

That’s right. Tami Taylor might be the only candidate we could all agree on. And you can get this cute tee for 20% with the code BIGMAMA20 at checkout.

Here are some other cute things I found this week:

1. quay australia jezabell 57mm round sunglasses

Quay sunglasses are my new favorites. They have the best styles that fit a range of face shapes and they are reasonably priced.

I love these oversized round frames. These are $65.

2. h&m off the shoulder sweater

You wouldn’t think sweaters from H&M would necessarily be soft, but you would be wrong. I have had the best luck with their sweaters and I love this off the shoulder version. It would look so great with jeans or paired with a maxi skirt.

It’s just $19.99 and also comes in light gray.

3. smiley be happy tee

How many graphic tees are too many? Asking for a friend.

I feel like a smiley face is the reminder we all need right now and I love this charcoal gray color. It would be perfect to wear alone or layer under a cardigan.

It’s $44 and also comes in tie-dye.

4. floral blouse

This blouse would be perfect for the office or date night. I love that it feels a little retro and reminds me of the tops my grandmother used to wear when she started selling real estate in the 1970s. It would look divine with a pair of flares and wedge heels.

It’s $17.99. It also comes in a leopard print and a couple of solid colors.

5. universal thread button down shirt

I have a shirt that’s very similar to this that I bought a few years ago and I still love it. It’s a great neutral top that is like a denim option, but different because…well…it’s not denim. It looks cute with everything from jeans to joggers with a tee or tank layered underneath.

It’s $19.99.

6. marc fisher gabi slingback sandals

These are the cutest sandals. The heel alone is worth it.

They are on sale for $67.98 and come in a couple of color options, but sizes are limited so they are selling fast.

7. universal thread cardigan

This is a great fall basic. It’s a great length that looks great with jeans or leggings or even over one of those t-shirt dresses that I love so much.

It’s just $25 and comes in so many great colors. It also comes in plus sizes.

8. free people print wide leg pants

I love a wide leg pair of pants and these are so cute and different. They would look great with a black fitted top or with a denim shirt tied at the waist.

They are on sale for $76.80.

9. kendra scott scarlet gold hoop earrings

Kendra Scott has so many cute pieces right now and they have 20% with free shipping and free returns this weekend.

I love these turquoise hoops, but they also come in white or royal blue.

10. ae offline warmup drawcord leggings

These have become one of my must have basics and I buy a new pair every year. They fit like a legging but are styled more like a jogger with pockets. I cannot express how comfortable they are and they are on sale for $34.96.

They also come in black.

11. h&m cotton tunic

This definitely feels more summery to me but it’s too cute to not show you. It would be the cutest little tunic over white jeans or a great swimsuit coverup.

It’s $34.99.

12. puff sleeve cardigan

Abercrombie has a bunch of stuff on sale right now and this cardigan is a steal. I love the puff sleeve and the length.

It’s on sale plus an additional 15% off making it just $33.57 and it comes in several color options.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Labor Day Weekend.

Fashion Friday: Edition I’m traveling like people used to in the olden days six months ago

Yep.

This is going to be a quick post today because Caroline and I are on a little road trip which is basically the only advantage of online school. We drove to Dallas on Thursday to see some friends and we’re headed to College Station for a soccer tournament this weekend. I have to say that I had forgotten how much I love to get in the car and take a trip.

Not even I-35 could steal my joy and that’s about as bold of a statement as I can make.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. leggings depot jogger track pants

I featured these last week, but I had to show them to you again because they are so incredibly comfortable. I plan to live in these basically every day. And they are just $14.99.

I ordered a medium and they fit kind of loose. I would say order your regular size for a tighter fit and a size up if you want them to be a little more loose. You will not be disappointed by these.

2. abercrombie mid rise jean leggings

I ordered these jeans from Abercrombie a few weeks ago because I’d heard good things about them and they were on sale and I figured I might as well try them.

Well, let me tell you that I love them. They are so comfortable, fit like leggings, don’t get bagged out at the knees and are really flattering.

They are on sale for $39.50 and come in several color wash options, including black which I think will be the next color I order if I ever have events where I leave the house again and have to look nice.

3. mix print kimono duster

Will I ever get tired of kimonos? I don’t think so.

I love the colors and fun pattern of this one and it’s $39.

4. adidas platform sneakers

This week on the podcast, Sophie mentioned she’d love a pair of cute sneakers but wasn’t sure what to order. I went on the search for a good pair that she might like and found these. I really like the platform, yet they’re simple enough to wear with basically anything from joggers to dresses.

They are $65.

5. leopard platform sneakers

I bought a version of these last year and they were one of my favorite purchases. It’s a great shoe to transition into fall. And they are just $32.

6. breathe old navy jumpsuit

This is the cutest jumpsuit and it has fantastic reviews. I think it’s a great piece to wear by itself now with sandals and then transition to fall with sneakers and a denim jacket.

It’s on sale for $32 and comes in several other colors.

7. the merly denim jacket

This is my favorite denim jacket of all time. It’s pricey at $148 but you can get 20% off your first purchase or wait for it to go on sale which is what I did.

I love it because it’s lightweight and so soft that it feels like you’ve had it for a million years. There’s also a longer more oversized version if you like that look.

8. a new day long sleeve babydoll dress

I haven’t seen this dress in person, but I think it has real potential. The reviews say it hits right above the knee so it would work for the office, but could also be a fun night out option with booties.

It’s $27.99 and also comes in a rust color.

9. universal thread puff sleeve t-shirt dress

Puff sleeves are a big fall trend and this is a great dress to transition into cooler weather. It comes in so many pretty color options and is just $24.99.

10. daily ritual sweatshirt tunic

Look at the sleeves on this. I love Daily Ritual stuff on Amazon and have found so many great basic pieces. This lightweight sweatshirt tunic is a great elevated basic that would work perfectly with leggings and sneakers.

It comes in several color options and is under $15.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

Fashion Friday: Edition we’ve (kind of) survived the first week of school

This week was our first week back to school. Online.

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It certainly wasn’t how I imagined Caroline’s senior year in high school would begin, but we are making the best of it and hoping she can actually be in school in person again before too long.

The good news is we saved a fortune on back to school clothes shopping because we have all the pajamas we need. And I totally forgot she might need actual things like new notebooks and pens until Tuesday when she said, “Hey Mom, I need new notebooks and pens.”

What I’m saying is things are totally under control at our house. The Shankle Institute for Distance Learning is currently rated a D minus.

Here are some cute things I found this week while I wasn’t back to school shopping at Target.

1. neve tiered blouse

This is a darling top with a longer length and it’s on sale for $49.95 plus an additional 25% off. It comes in a couple of other color options and all are equally great.

2. H&M loose knit sweater

I have the black version of this sweater from last year and love it. So I went to see if H&M had it again this year and found this beige one from last year on sale for $11.99. I’m not sure how long that price will last, but even at full price it’s just $24.99.

It’s a great lightweight tunic length sweater that’s perfect with leggings or jeans. It comes in black, olive and beige.

3. stars above striped pajama set

I saw these pajamas in Target this week and they called out to me because I love a stripe. And I also love pajamas. These are $24.99 and also come in gray.

4. farm rio gabriela knit maxi skirt

I featured this skirt a couple of weeks ago but wanted to feature it again because I cannot stress how great it is in real life. The colors are perfection, it’s super soft and the fit is so flattering.

It’s on sale for $89.95 plus an additional 25% off.

5. leah kimono

This kimono is the perfect piece to get you through the end of summer and then transition into fall. It’s on sale for $59.95 plus an additional 25% off.

6. serena surf henley blouse

I know I’m heavy on the Anthropologie items, but they have so many great pieces on sale right now. This cute top is $59.95 plus an additional 25% off and also comes in other colors and a blue and green striped pattern.

7. natalie flounced tunic

I love this little tunic dress. It would be cute with sandals now and then booties and a leather jacket later. It’s on sale for $89.50 plus an additional 25% off.

The length is 36.5 inches so it will hit right above the knee on most people 5’7″ or shorter. (I checked because they call it a tunic but then it’s styled as a dress and I wanted clarification.)

8. giorgia embroidered maxi dress

This maxi dress is so gorgeous and would transition so well into fall. The reviews say to size up because it is smaller through the bust area so keep that in mind.

It’s on sale for $129.95 plus an additional 25% off.

9. leggings depot jogger track pants

I ordered these last week and they are so soft and dreamy. They are lightweight and the perfect lounge jogger pant, yet I would wear them out as well. I ordered a large because the reviews said to size up and they were way too big so I’m trying a medium next. So I would say order your true size.

They are just $14.99 and come in several other colors and patterns.

10. aerie boyfriend voop oversized t-shirt

I didn’t know that one of my favorite necklines is a voop but apparently that’s the word for a scoop/v-neck t-shirt. I like a voop. It’s the flattering cut of a v-neck but the softness of a scoop. This is oversized, so soft and just $24.95.

It comes in a ton of color options and you can wear it loose or tie it up.

That’s it for today. Have a good Friday.

Fashion Friday: Edition it’s my birthday

That’s right. It’s my birthday today.

I’m officially starting the last year of my forties and so I can only imagine that the money I spend on skincare will increase over the next year.

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Here are some cute things I found this week that I may or may not buy myself to celebrate my birthday.

1. milly plaid button down

Here’s what you need to know immediately. Francesca’s currently has everything on sale for $20. EVERYTHING. I personally really like this plaid button down for myself, but the truth is we find a lot of cute stuff for Caroline there.

So if you’re a mom/grandma/aunt/friend of a teen girl, this is a great time to find cute things for a great price.

2. chic grey cardigan

I know it’s hard to think about a cardigan when it’s so hot outside, but I think this one is really fun. It’s $46.

3. solar wind and rain anorak

Athleta has a lot of things on sale right now, including this lightweight raincoat for $49.99. It also comes in a shoreline beige color.

I love that it’s such a feminine cut. It would go well with just about anything. Also, I wish it would rain.

4. universal thread short sleeve flutter dress

Anthropologie had a dress really similar to this last spring, but this one is priced much better at just $29.99. It also comes in plus sizes and a couple of different print and color options. I personally really like this color for fall.

5. salutation jogger

These joggers at Athleta aren’t on sale, but I really like them. I think this could be a basic that I’d wear almost every day because it’s not like I ever have to get dressed up anymore. They are $89 and come in several color options.

6. vince camuto rumple fabric blouse

I’m not featuring much of Nordstrom’s anniversary sale because most of the things I really like are already sold out. The exception is this top. I love that the length is a little shorter than some of the tunic length tops I have. Plus, it’s just a great versatile basic.

It’s on sale for $48.90 and comes in several colors.

7. cloudlight restore tank

I wouldn’t normally spend $49 for a workout tank, but I’m also not in a life situation where I basically wear athleisure 24/7. I love the longer length of this and the asymmetrical hem. It comes in several color options.

8. good fortune green camo sneakers

These are super cute sneakers for just $28.

9. vince camuto gradina block heel bootie

This is my only other Nordstrom sale item. I’ve needed a pair of booties with a heel because my old ones are totally beat up. These are my personal favorites from the sale and they are on sale for $99.90.

10. breathe Old Navy pullover hoodie

Did I mention all I’m wearing is athleisure? This Old Navy pullover is the perfect weight and length to wear with my workout leggings or shorts. It’s on sale for $25 and comes in several color options.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

Fashion Friday: Edition is it fall yet?

Here’s the highlight of my week:

It rained here on Monday night.

Actually, Monday was Caroline’s birthday so that was the biggest highlight, but the rain was a close second. It’s just so dang hot and the rain made it actually feel cool for a second. It made the sky cloudy enough that our air actually quit running for a few minutes because it was able to cool off our house without the intensity of the sun beating down on our roof.

I realize you didn’t come here for a weather report, but that’s an indicator of how boring this week has been.

However, there are a lot of good sales happening. I’m not talking about the Nordstrom sale yet because I’m assuming most of you are like me and can’t shop it until August 13th at the earliest. And if you can shop it earlier, then you probably have someone smarter than me telling you what you should buy.

Anyway, here are a few cute things I found this week:

1. farm rio gabriela knit maxi skirt

Let me tell you a short story. Last fall back when life was normal, I stopped by Anthropologie to check out the sale room. There was a gorgeous maxi skirt marked down to 50% off and so I tried it on. Then I fell in love.

I had never heard of the Farm Rio brand until that day, but now I’m a huge fan of their gorgeous prints. This skirt is very similar to the one I bought that day. The knit is so soft and it’s very forgiving even though it’s a fitted type skirt. It’s not tight and so comfortable. Mine is a small and I’m normally a 4-6.

This skirt was $138 but is on sale for $89.95 plus an additional 25% off all sale at Anthropologie.

2. just you wait navy blue floral top

I think this is the cutest top. I love the colors and it would be so cute with skinny jeans and booties for the fall. It’s $36 but you can get 15% off when you sign up for emails.

3. old navy linen blend shirtdress

These Old Navy shirt dresses are such a great basic piece. You can wear them now with sandals or sneakers and then wear a long cardigan over them with booties for the fall.

This is $28 with an extra 30% off at checkout.

4. breaking free magenta batwing sweater

I realize I am getting ahead of myself with this sweater, but the color is so gorgeous. You also don’t have to wear it off your shoulder like that unless you just want to. It’s $54 but you can get 15% off if you sign up for emails.

And if you’re in the market for some faux leather type leggings this fall and winter, these American Eagle crackle leggings are great and on sale for just $38.46.

5. stars above wide leg lounge pants

I know I featured these last week but I don’t want you to miss them. They are the softest dang thing I’ve maybe ever put on and just $19.99. I love them so much that I’m going to get them in the light gray, too.

And the matching stars above lounge sweatshirt is also $19.99.

The whole set is so comfortable and soft. I’m just saying that pandemic times require pandemic clothes. Treat yo’ self.

6. zella high waist daily leggings

These are my very favorite leggings of all time. I wear them dressed up with boots and tunics and I wear them to work out in when the weather is cool. This is a great deal on them right now. They are normally $58 but on sale for $26.97.

7. perfect puff sleeve blouse

My friend Ashley has the cutest online shop called The Bluest Willow. You can follow her shop and see all her new arrivals each week on Instagram here.

This top was my show stopper this week. I love the color and the style. Plus, you know how I love a piece that you can wear now and then transition for fall later.

It’s $36.

8. daily ritual jersey muscle swing dress

This has been my shining star for the last two summers. It’s just a great basic and I find myself wearing it over and over again because it’s just so easy to throw on any time I have to leave the house.

It’s just $18.50 and it comes in a ton of colors and some stripe options.

9. abercrombie mid rise jean leggings

Abercrombie has all jeans 50% off right now and these are even an additional 25% off. They feel just like leggings and are so comfortable. But there are a ton of great options and styles on sale so I’d definitely look around if these aren’t your style but you are in need of jeans.

10. marc fisher hopee booties

I realize these are awfully winter-ish, but they are on sale for $49.98 and that’s a great deal. I bought a pair similar to these last year and replaced the laces with red shoelaces from Amazon and they were my favorites.

These also come in black.

11. ripped ultra high rise straight overalls

My overalls have been a quarantine staple for me and so I’m either way on trend or I’m too old to care that I’m now back to wearing overalls after I swore I wouldn’t do that again in 1996. The heart wants what it wants.

These are on sale for $55 and I love the distressed look. You can wear them now with a tank and sandals and then later with long sleeves and booties. I’m a fan. The end.

I also love these white wide-leg overalls for something different.

They are also on sale for $55 and I think they would look so cute with a black long sleeve top and booties this fall.

12. madden girl booties

Speaking of booties, I really like these if you’re in the market for a new pair. They are on sale for $59.99 and also come in black.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.

Fashion Friday: Edition the end of July

Well, here we are at the very end of July. I’m not sure if time is going faster or slower at this point and I guess it doesn’t really matter.

Here’s what I do know. I’m predictable even in a pandemic because I’m starting to think about fall clothes. In a normal year this means I’m thinking about all the places and events I have planned for the fall and what I’ll need.

This year?

I don’t know what it means. I just know I love fall and winter clothes.

Here are some cute things I found this week:

1. solene midi dress

I always like to see what new dresses Anthropologie has in and I love this one to transition into fall. It would be so cute with sandals now and booties and a denim jacket later. It’s $148 but I bet it goes on sale at some point.

2. ae ribbed henley t-shirt

This is the softest long sleeve shirt I’ve found and it looks cute on its own or as a layer. It comes in several color options and is $39.95.

3. army button down

I saw this and immediately fell in love. I know camo isn’t for everyone, but I can see this with black leggings and tall boots this fall. It’s $42.

4. prologue cap sleeve dress

It’s hard to beat a good basic dress for $22.99 This one has great reviews and also comes in tan.

5. kimberley tunic

We have a Sundance store here in town now that I haven’t been in much because we are currently in a pandemic. But I ran in there the other day and found this top on sale for 50% off. I cannot tell you how much I love it. It’s supposed to be wrinkled which is a plus and is so lightweight and easy to wear.

It’s $88 and not on sale online unfortunately. Although I’d pay full price for it now that I’ve discovered how much I like it. It also comes in pink.

6. universal thread shirt dress

This is another great basic to transition into fall. It’s longer than it looks on this model and hits me about an inch or so above my knee and I’m 5’6″. It works great with sandals or boots or even sneakers.

It also comes in a rust color and is $27.99.

7. zella strength racerback tank

This is a great workout tank for $25. It comes in several color options and, personally, I like to size up one because I like my workout tanks a little roomier and longer.

8. free people getaway with me tunic

I think this is the cutest tunic and it’s still full price for $108 at Nordstrom. But I found it for 40% off with code BACKTOSCHOOL at checkout at Belk making it just $64.80.

It comes in a couple of different colors and Belk has a ton of great Free People things 40% off right now so it’s worth looking around.

9. cloth and stone woodland pocket button down

I love a good plaid buttondown for fall and winter. Evereve is a having a huge clearance sale and this is normally $88 but on sale for $35.99.

10. 7 for all mankind dojo jeans

Evereve also has a ton of designer jeans way on sale. These are so cute and on sale for $103.99. They are normally $165.

11. stars above cozy lounge pants

I have a pair of lounge pants like these from Target and I wear them every night. The wide leg is my favorite. I just ordered these pair as well because I can’t risk them going out of existence. They are $19.99 also come in light gray.

You can also get the matching stars above cozy lounge sweatshirt.

It’s also $19.99 and comes in light gray.

12. nashelle pure bar drop earrings

These pretty earrings are normally $41 but on sale for $16.40. They also come in silver and rose gold. I love a simple earring that’s different from the hoops I normally wear.

That’s it for today.

Have a good Friday.