As much as I love basics, I find that I love basics with a little something extra. This sweatshirt with the puff sleeves is a perfect example. That detail ends up amplifying the entire look, yet you only feel the comfort that a sweatshirt has to offer. These shorts remain my favorite denim shortly, possibly ever. They feel as though I’ve had them for years on end and have the perfect fit for me. High rise, just enough distressing and that perfect 4″ inseam. Looks such as this carry me just about anywhere I need to be these days. You know, like the grocery store and back again ;)
Outdoor living spaces seem to be something that many of us are appreciating more than ever. Being able to expand your square footage by any amount can feel like quite the luxury. This year we made a few updates to our deck that have made a huge difference in the way we utilize the space. I’ll share details as I discuss everything but I’ll also include exact and/or similar options to everything at the bottom of the post.
Last year I found this dining table at HomeGoods and immediately loved it. We had been using a table that had been handed down by my in-laws previously and took the time to settle into our home and contemplate what we wanted our deck to look like. A long rectangular table fits the space well and gives us more seats to utilize.
Also, for anyone questioning a mini-van, let me tell you that my husband managed to get this whole set home in one trip! He’s also a very determined person ;)
We used an umbrella out here in the past, but being that it was only necessary during the mid-afternoon hours (not our typical time to hang out there), we decided it wasn’t something we needed. Come late afternoon, the trees block any blaring sunlight and creates a relaxed setting.
We’ve certainly debated about adding a pergola over our deck, and it may be something we add down the road. We’d also love to eliminate the maintenance of the wood deck and use composite in place, so that may be something that evolves at some point in the future.
In an effort to add both light and ambiance, my husband added a post to the corner of our deck so that we could hang some outdoor lights. I can’t begin to tell you what a difference those lights make! If you’ve been debating on adding any, do it! We used these which are weather resistant and shatter proof and put off the perfect amount of light.
We also added this fire column at the beginning of the summer and love that at the flick of a switch we can have some flames. I’m also looking forward to fall when we can cozy up out here and enjoy the extra warmth.
The rocking chairs were also added and I love how it created a little extra seating area. Honestly, we can never have enough seats outs there and it’s nice that two can sit (or rock) and chat. This was the set I ordered. They’ve been in and out of stock and took over a month to arrive, but they were worth the wait. They were easy to assemble (per my husband) and I’m thrilled with both the comfort and quality of them.
We’ve had this bar cart for a few years. It’s very practical for hosting any type of gathering. Honestly, it would be helpful to have a few more!
Our exact dining set isn’t available, but I’ve linked a number of other options below. We’re thrilled with how everything has come together (it’s only taken 5 years), but the longer we live here the more I realize it’s best not to rush things. It takes time to figure out exactly what you want and then even longer to find it! I have no doubt this space will continue to evolve, but for now, it’s exactly as it needs to be.
I love coming across a really goodsummer sweater. What I mean by really good is that it has to have a nice, relaxed fit, be warm enough for chilly nights but still light and breezy and come in a light, neutral color that goes with everything while also showing off sunkissed skin ;) Every good find I come across this year seems to sell out in a flash, but this sweater is thankfully still available and on sale. You can easily layer a tank, cami or swimsuit under this, but I wore a nude bralette (this one to be exact) and I didn’t feel overly exposed in the least. I’m wearing the XS but I think the S would have worked just as well giving an even more over-sized, relaxed fit. These shorts of course sold out but certain sizes have been popping back in stock here and there. I’ve linked some similar options below.
I don’t know about you guys, but we are enjoying every bit of summer. Fall feels so daunting to me, especially for those of us with school-aged children, so I want to soak up these days that are full of less worry and decision making. Being able to be outdoors as much as possible, enjoying our spaces at home, taking hikes and enjoying our local pool have all been wonderful reprieves for us all. I hope you all are enjoying this time as well in whatever unique ways you are able!
Below is a little catch up of what I’ve been sharing on Instagram. Outfit inspiration and a little decor recommendation that makes quite an impact!
A handful of favorite basics here. The best denim shorts with a 4″ inseam, a classic white top that I’ve had for a few years and love, and a simple ball-cap that you can get in just about any color.
Amazon does it again. I’m most comfortable in a one-piece suit, but this high-rise number quickly had me shifting gears! It runs TTS, I’m wearing the S.
I shared on my stories this week how cleaning my kitchen led to rearranging some things and then adding a lamp to my counter. This one worked, but felt just a tad to large for my space…
Last night the girls had their dance recital. It was a few weeks delayed, broken up into mini-sessions, held outdoors (yes, we got rained on), and they loved every minute of it. They both look forward to this day like it’s Christmas, so I was thrilled that they were still able to have the experience.
As much as I’d prefer sunny days all summer long, I know that the rain is what brings life and color to our beautiful surroundings. I have a solid navy rain jacket that I’ve had for probably close to ten years and still love, but when I saw that this fun leopard print was marked down, I decided to grab it. This may sound like an obvious style tip, but I’d choose to pair this print with an otherwise solid outfit (as seen here) whereas I’d toss on my solid jacket if I were wearing prints or a less subtle outfit. They don’t call this the ‘perfect rain jacket’ for nothing. It has a great length, attached hood and a cinched waist to prevent the shape from looking frumpy. Plus, there are a number of print or solid options to choose from (see below).
The rest of my outfit consists of some go-to closet staples. These shorts are a perfect length for me, short but not too short, and come in various denim washes. I’ve had this particular chambray top for a couple of years and love that it’s still available. It makes sense because it’s a great neutral top that pairs with any number of bottoms. My espadrilles are another item that have been in my closet for years. Yet they continue to be available year after year, making them a great classic. I’ve included some options below that are still available.
I love a good girly look. Ruffles, bows, eyelet details…I’m here for it all. For the past few months, my focus has been practical in purchasing what I’m most comfortable wearing around the home. But now that my schedule isn’t completely empty, it’s nice to have a few pretty pieces to turn to. The problem with online shopping lately is that all the good things sell out almost immediately. This top actually just popped back in stock in a bunch of sizes and it’s majorly marked down. I also included some other options that would allow you to create a very similar look (see below). Tie-waist shorts and a pretty top is the simple formula! Also to note, these sunglasses are currently on sale. I own them in two colors (mint and beige tort) and absolutely love them!
Workout-wear feels more important to my wardrobe than ever before these days. With summer upon us, there are many days that I never make it out of my morning workout attire. Unless we are heading to the pool, it doesn’t always seem necessary since we’ll likely just be carrying on outdoors. I’m becoming quite fond of a few Lululemon pieces. The align leggings for one and this boyfriend tank as another. If you have yet to try the align leggings, they basically feel like another layer of skin. Barely there yet they give the most fantastic shape. Feeling confident in leggings is a big perk, making them worth every penny in my opinion. Then there’s this boyfriend tank that I can’t wash and re-wear fast enough. The material is soft, comfortable and has the perfect relaxed fit. I love this subtle tie dye, but it also comes in some other color options.
I’ve shared this water bottle before and it continues to remain by my side each and every day. It’s extremely helpful as I try to hit my daily water goals, especially during the summer.
Enjoy your glimpse of Audrey. I can never turn down a child that wants to take a picture with me. I know it won’t last forever!
Every year the 4th of July rolls around all too quickly. This year especially, we are enjoying the summer months that allow us to be outdoors in the sunshine taking advantage of as much as we are able to. In true 2020 fashion, this holiday will look a little different for all of us, but even if on a smaller scale than usual, I hope you’re all able to enjoy the long weekend with some friends and family.
I’ve put together my sale round-up for the weekend that you can check out below. There are a lot of cute things marked down, the only problem is that they continue to sell out quickly! Have a great one guys!
