Fashion

This is normally the part of Fashion Friday where I share something that may or may not be related to fashion in some way. But I’m not really doing that today. You know why?

Because it’s hot.

And you know what I’m tired of hearing people talk about?

How hot it is.

The good news is there’s a cold front blowing in on Saturday afternoon. Although we could argue the semantics of “cold front” considering that it will mean the high temp on Sunday will only be 90 degrees. Of course the low on Monday morning is supposed to be in the mid-60s which will make me delusional enough to possibly pull my boots off the top shelf of the closet.

Anyway, here are a few great things I’ve found this week while I’ve been on my couch. Avoiding the heat.

1. sweet emotions chevron dress

I love this so much. And I’m betting it’s too short for me to wear as a dress, but I would totally wear it with black leggings and boots. Plus I think you could add a really cute colorful necklace or scarf to add a little something extra to it.

2. chambray shirtdress

This is on sale at Old Navy right now. It would look great belted or just the way it is over a pair of leggings or colored skinny jeans with boots. Or flats.

I just happen to prefer boots. I feel like they keep me from looking like I’m shaped like an ice cream cone when I wear skinny jeans.

3. tweed wedges

These tweed wedges are great for fall. And a good neutral.

4. perfect shirtdress

This is a great shirtdress. It’s long enough that you could wear it by itself, but looks really cute belted over leggings or skinny jeans.

Is it just me or do I seem to be obsessed with what you can wear over leggings and skinny jeans right now?

5. skinny bootcut cords

Now for those of you who do not wish to venture into the land of the skinny jean, these bootcut cords at Gap are really cute. I tried a pair on this week and really liked them but couldn’t decide if I’d rather have a skinny cord instead of a bootcut cord. And then I remembered that they will probably go on sale if I wait about two more weeks.

And then I blacked out in the dressing room because MY WORD at the indecisiveness. But I can’t quit thinking about them and all the cute colors they come in which means I’ll probably take the cord plunge.

6. leopard button down

I’m so conflicted about leopard print. On one hand, I love it and think it really works as a neutral. On the other hand, it sometimes makes me wonder if it’s what senior citizens in Boca are wearing when they dress up to play bridge.

But I think I like this. Maybe under a black blazer with some jeans? Or a black leather jacket? Because then at least you’ll look like an edgy grandma in Boca? I’m conflicted.

That being said, I wouldn’t pay this much for one and now I wonder why I posted it at all. Although maybe you can find something similar at Zara for a lot less money.

7. mossimo skinny cords

I read about these on my friend Paige’s blog yesterday. And I was going to go to Target to try them on but then I remembered that our Target is so far away and I’d have to pack a lunch and sit through seven extra stoplights and the whole thing just exhausted me.

Fortunately, there is FINALLY! PRAISE THE SAINTS! a new Target opening up in October that is only about a mile away. Needless to say, this is going to change my entire life. And I can check out the cords then.

8. smartwool between drops socks

I am a huge fan of SmartWool socks. And I bought a few knee-high pairs last year to wear peeking out of my boots. Then yesterday I went in Whole Earth and saw these with that little ruffle on top and FELL OVER DEAD at the cuteness.

Disclaimer: I may be exaggerating. Although I did gasp audibly. And maybe squealed a little. Which made me stand out from the crowd because the patrons at Whole Earth are by and large not “squeal” type people. They are very serious and I think they can tell by looking at me that I don’t recycle as much as I should.

9. my favorite striped scarf

Francesca’s has an abundance of beautiful scarves in an array of colors and patterns right now. You should totally check them out. And let me know if you figure out how to decide on just one.

10. doily lace skirt

What? A skirt that looks like a doily paired with a denim jacket? Dear Anthropologie, You are totally speaking my love language.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a great Friday.

And GIG’EM AGGIES! BEAT THE HELL OUT OF FLORIDA!

I almost hate to mention this for fear of jinxing it, but then I remembered I don’t believe in jinxes so I’m hoping it’s okay.

We have had no wardrobe drama this school year.

Granted, we’re only five days in.

But we majorly cleaned out Caroline’s closet the week before school began. It was fairly easy since she had basically outgrown almost everything and decided she no longer likes anything plaid.

On the first day of school she had her outfit all ready to go so that was easy. But then the next day I noticed she finished breakfast, announced she was going to her room to get dressed, and came out ten minutes later wearing something that passed as acceptable.

(Sure, it’s probably not what I would have picked but I’m done climbing that mountain.)

Not only that, she’d even managed to put her hair in a side ponytail with a bow all by herself.

What is happening?

I thought maybe it was a fluke. A one time thing. But she’s done it every day this week.

Which is so much better and less stress-inducing than our old method of her asking me to pick out something just so she could reject it. I think she’s finally realized that maybe you shouldn’t make your mother want to drink before 8 a.m.

We’ll see if it lasts.

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

1. leopard print belt

I saw this in Old Navy and it is just perfect. A good leopard print. I can totally picture it with some colored jeans and a denim shirt. Or maybe around a cute tunic of some sort.

2. bus friends cardigan

I like this. It’s a little Joseph and his coat of many colors, but it’s fun.

3. noticed everyday coat

This is just red and fun. And red.

4. wool blend cardigan

Why am I looking at stuff like this when it’s 100 degrees outside?

5. sunset in the fall cardigan

And this. But it might be really cute around Thanksgiving when the temps plunge into the 60s.

6. lenny and eva bracelet

I love these Lenny and Eva bracelets. And the one pictured above is really special because all profits go straight to World Vision.

But there are tons of other options and colors and styles. I don’t know how I’ll ever decide what I want.

7. pintuck texture tunic

I adore this tunic. I would like one in every color.

8. rockstar super skinny jeans

My friend Steph told me one of her friends told her about these jeans. They’re inexpensive, come in a ton of great colors and are the perfect way to enjoy the colored jean trend without a big investment.

But a warning. The pockets aren’t very flattering so you may want to only wear them if you’re wearing a longer top. However, I tend to think that’s a good rule of thumb for skinny jeans in general.

9. maxi skirt

I’m a fan of the maxi skirt. Especially when they’re made of cotton and comfortable and you can throw them on and look like you put some effort into your appearance.

10. mia calvary boots

If you’re looking for a cute boot that’s reasonably priced, these may be it.

That’s all for today.

Y’all have a great Friday.

So now that we’re back home I can tell y’all that we spent most of the week at the beach. Not that I really thought any of you might break into our house while we were gone, but on the off chance that a rogue band of criminals has been reading all my random stories for years now, just waiting for the right moment to steal our 19 inch Sony T.V., it seemed better safe than sorry.

I mean, it’s not like you can just run right out and replace a fifteen-year-old television that weighs four hundred pounds.

Anyway, I’ll have stories from the beach next week (Here’s hoping you can survive the anticipation throughout the weekend!) but in the meantime I felt that there were fall fashions to be shared. Because, yes, even though it’s 100 degrees now doesn’t mean it will be that way in the next thirty days or so. A cold front could blow in and drop those suckers right into the mid-80s before we know it.

Here are a few things I have my eye on right now.

1. sandy hook pullover

I love this. It seems like everything good and right in a sweater.

And it also comes in a lovely pale green.

And it’s on sale.

2. classic western denim shirt

A denim shirt is a must-have for fall. I know it may be hard for those of us who had an array of denim and, lo, even chambray shirts in the 90s, but trust me. It’s versatile and will go with everything.

3. a tale of timelessness jacket

I’m a sucker for a blazer.

4. gathered grace cardigan

This is also on sale at Anthropologie right now. I haven’t seen it in person but it looks really comfortable and is more interesting than the average sweater.

5. stripe boatneck sweater

Speaking of more interesting than the average sweater. This.

6. bubble statement necklace

You know those bubble necklaces that you see everywhere right now and think how cute they are? You can buy them on Ebay for $13 a piece in an array of colors.

7. faux leather bomber jacket

If my sources are right then a leather jacket is going to be something you’ll want this year. Unfortunately, most of the ones I love are upwards of way past my $15 price point.

But this faux leather jacket might be a nice substitute until the leather fairy visits your house and leaves you a real one.

Because that might happen, right?

8. ramona henley

Can you tell I’m ready for fall and curling up on the couch and watching twelve straight hours of football while wearing a comfortable, cute top?

9. towne & reese merrie gold earrings

I’ve been looking for the perfect gold earrings and I think these may be it.

10. cheetah ballet flats

What’s not to love about a pair of cheetah print flats? They go with everything and look cute while they’re doing it.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a great Friday.

We are still on our road trip and the big activities of the day consisted of watching U.S. women’s soccer and going bowling. Oh, and Caroline also earned enough tickets playing various games in the arcade at the bowling alley to get an enormous purple inflatable dice.

(I realize dice is the plural. But I was concerned that if I said “di” it might not really make sense because why would someone want an enormous inflatable di?)

(I can’t really answer that question.)

Anyway, here are some cute things I’ve seen this week. It’s a mish-mash of summer and fall things but that’s kind of what’s out there this time of year. And at some point I really need to discuss the trends for fall and winter but I am so woefully behind on my reading that I have no idea what the trends will be.

It’s like I don’t even know myself.

1. colorblock maxi tank dress

I realize the horizontal stripes might scare you. But I tried this on and thought it was really cute. And I liked the idea of it with a denim jacket over it because it would transition into fall.

Plus it’s on sale. The only downside is it’s almost sold out online but they may have it in your local Gap store.

2. carolina poncho

I like this. I think it might look good with jeans and cowboy boots. Because I believe there will come a time again where I want to wear boots again.

3. black hills bold dress

There is nowhere in my life that this dress fits. But I really like it and think it’s interesting.

4. crimped alabaster blouse

This is another top I saw and immediately thought of jeans and boots. I like that you can wear it now or wear it in the fall.

5. multicolor crochet sweater

I’ve seen this around in various places and every time I think “MAN I REALLY LIKE THAT”. So I thought you should know about it.

6. infinity link necklace

Love this chunky gold necklace.

7. denim shirt

I don’t know this for a fact but I believe that the denim shirt is making a huge comeback. And I really like the styling on this one. Very cute.

8. veronica top

Sophie sent me the link to this a few days ago and said “This looks like you.” And it totally does. I’m a sucker for any kind of white shirt, but especially the ones that are flowy and can look great with sandals now and boots later.

9. orange and grey striped cardigan

I loved this last year and I still like it this year. Which probably means I need to buy it. Thankfully, I saved all that money by not buying wi-fi for $15 on Tuesday night.

10. fairmont boot

I saw these last week and thought they were really pretty. I don’t need any boots this year, thanks to the Christmas gift-giving mixup last year, but I these are great.

And that’s all for this week.

Y’all have a good Friday.

Well I still have my cold. And it appears like it wants to settle into my chest which could mean that Hazel will be paying me a visit by Saturday. I guess we’ll see.

I hate when Hazel comes to visit. Especially on an election year. She’ll be cranky and full of opinions about how the world all went wrong somewhere after World War II. But whatever will be will be.

In the meantime, I’m not doing a normal Fashion Friday list of cute things. Part of it is because it’s just that time of year when there isn’t much out there. The other part is because I have two things to tell you about that you won’t want to miss out on.

1. Towne and Reese Jewelry

I’ve been a huge fan of Carol & Company ever since I first discovered them through my friend Paige’s blog and learned that 10% of all Carol & Company proceeds go to organizations that fight human trafficking. Since then I have spent a lot of time looking at all their pretty jewelry and was so excited when they emailed to tell me about the Towne and Reese collection.

Guess who wears it?

Emily the Bachelorette.

And y’all know I trust her taste because she’s trying to bring back the denim shirt tied at the waist that made America great.

The best part is they are offering 15% off any piece of Towne and Reese jewelry between now and next Friday, August 3rd when you use the code EMILY at checkout.

Not only that, but you have a chance to win a $50 gift card when you leave a comment on this post. You can just say hi or you can tell me which piece you think you’d buy because I’m nosy and I’d love to know. I’ll keep comments open until next Friday, August 3rd. One comment only please. Duplicates will be deleted.

I love these deep teal earrings.

Or this Blake Spice Orange Necklace.

Or the Sabrina Gold Bracelet.

But there’s so much cute stuff it would be hard to make a decision.

2. Open Arms

Open Arms is located in Austin, Texas. They employee refugee women survivors who make beautiful skirts and scarves from 100 percent recycled t-shirts.

Open Arms was founded by a group of women wanting to help women. During the month of July, they are promoting their “Made In America Challenge.” The goal is to encourage women all over the United States to buy 1,000 skirts in thirty days in order to provide more jobs to women refugees with a living wage, family-friendly hours, and a variety of enrichment opportunities.

I wanted y’all to know about this because I think it’s a great cause and the skirts are really cute. Very practical for day to day life. I love when fashion is for a cause. It’s the best of both worlds.

I love this classic flourish navy skirt.

But check out all their stuff because the skirts are all darling and the scarves are great too.

That’s it for today.

Y’all have a great Friday.

And don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Carol & Company or to use EMILY for 15% off any Towne and Reese order.

So this is going to be quick because I’m a little tired from my trip. And all I did was fly to Nashville, spend two days and fly back. I didn’t even change time zones.

Can you imagine how worthless I’d be if I’d actually traveled somewhere where I had to change my watch?

Anyway, here are a few things I’ve found this week.

1. plumage cape

I think this is really pretty and it’s on sale and it’s gotten great reviews online.

2. lilac evening peep toe heels

Love a cork heel. And I think it’s false advertising to say these are lilac.

3. striped scarf

Such a cute scarf.

4. time after time ruffle dress

This falls into the category of something I’d never wear as a dress but would totally wear as a top with leggings and boots.

5. tortoise cocktail ring

I’m a big fan of anything tortoise right now.

6. pam breeze-ly tunic in green

This is one of those tops I’d wear a million times until it grew threadbare and my friends would beg me to wear something different.

7. passerine tank

Here’s another cute top on sale at Anthropologie. It comes in some really cute colors.

8. cutout cover up

Not that I need another cover up, but if I did I’d be tempted to get this one.

9. sleeveless ruffle front maxi dress

I haven’t been in Target in forever because I believe I’ve mentioned that our Target is too far away and over-shopped and all the good stuff sells out too quick.

But this has potential. I may brave the seven extra stoplights and head over there.

10. merona beach tote in kelly green

And while I’m there I’ll check out this tote bag because my current pool bag makes me have a sad.

Y’all have a good Friday.