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Pretty Pinks

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that pink, well, specifically rose, has been my color theme lately. Honestly it’s a color I’m always drawn to. That and mint. But with the recent addition of a rose colored sofa in our living room, rose just may be taking the lead. The dusty, muted pink is appealing on so many levels and after my recent furniture purchase, I’d say I’m committed!

When it comes to fashion, rose is a color that pairs so beautifully with colors like camel, navy and grey which will be perfect for fall. This short sleeved sweater is darling with it’s scoop neck, puffed sleeves and ribbed detailing. It’s also a great piece to dress up for work or down for the weekend. If rose isn’t what you’re drawn to, it also comes in camel or a subtle, pale pink.

If you need a great fall bag, MZ Wallace totes are some of my favorites. Durable and practical for everyday life, they have a size and style that will work the way you need it to.

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LOFT Try-On

With school starting and fall just around the corner, I stopped into Loft to see what new arrivals were trickling in. Although there wasn’t as much filling the racks as I was hoping for just yet, I still found quite a few share-worthy pieces. When I posed the question on Instagram as to what everyone was looking for, the requests were predominantly for work, school, zoom calls, fall transitioning as well as wedding/shower options. Unfortunately dresses were hard to find outside of one that you can see below, but I’m linking a number of others that you can find online, both casual as well as wedding worthy.

shirt / pants

Oh my gosh guys, I didn’t even notice the dust on the mirror when I started snapping these pics!! You’re just going to have to take my word that these pants are fantastic. They are a crepe material with a tapered leg and a tie waist that adds so much to any top you’d pair them with. In addition to black, they also come in rust and an olive green. As I typically do in Loft pants, I sized down to an XS.

shirt / pants

If you’re looking for a top with a little flair, this puffed sleeved shirt is a perfect option. It also comes in white for a classic piece that would go with everything. It runs TTS.

top / pants

Here’s another great work top that would also transition to the weekend with a pair of jeans.

shirt / pants

I love the style of this ribbed top. This look is one I would wear with a pair of heels for a night out, but it could also be a great layering top for work under a blazer or cardigan.

sweater / pants

Sizes are running low on this sleeveless sweater, but honestly I think you can be flexible on sizing. I’m wearing a large which was all they had in store and I could have totally gotten away with it. It’s a perfect late summer/early fall top and being that it’s sleeveless it would be easy to throw a jacket on over top without feeling too bulky.

sweater / jeans

These jeans were so comfortable, even in a size too small, they still felt great with a nice amount of stretch. The problem is I didn’t get a picture of the tag and cannot figure out which pair I had on! I would assume that they are the crop flare since that’s the closest thing I can find online, but I feel slightly hesitant because crop jeans are never this long on me. If a longer flare comes online, I’ll be sure to update! **Update: They are LOFT’s slim flare jean, not yet online.

sweater blazer

Many of you know my love for sweater blazers! I love the plaid on this navy option. It’s perfect dressed casually or for work.

pj top / pj bottoms

I shared these pj’s when they first came out in my last Loft try-on and I can’t tell you how much I love them. I have a couple of tops and bottoms that I mix and match for bedtime. Now they not only have a shorts and biker shorts option for the bottoms, but if you prefer a jogger pant, they offer that too! Such a cozy and luxe feeling material. Trust me, you’ll love them!

top / bottoms

I thought this was a fun tee with the animal print and loose fit. Although it leans casual, I could also see it tucked into these pants that I shared above for a work-appropriate look.

tee / pants

I love this color of skinny jean for fall. The color ‘chai latte’ feels all to appropriate!

top

Another beautiful fall top that could go from work to weekend. The colors were beautiful!

dress

This was one of the few dresses that I was able to find in-store and it was a good one. Pretty enough to dress up for a wedding, but also could be worn with cute booties as a teacher. I’d say you could size down unless you need extra room in the chest area, in which case I’d recommend sticking with your true size. I did track down a few more dress options online (see above) that are worth checking out.

dress
sweatshirt

This quarter zip style sweatshirt is my go-to. I love the stand up collar, and the stripes add the perfect detail to keep it from feeling too casual.

sweatshirt / leggings

Another great sweatshirt option with the quarter zip and a playful tie-dye print. Then there’s these leggings which I’m still blown away by. The fit is amazing and they are a smooth, soft, stretchy material comparable in my opinion to the Lulu aligns, but a fraction of the price. They also come in a bunch of color options which I just may grab more of! They run TTS as does the sweatshirt.

Currently Wearing

To be honest, many of my summer days are spent makeup free in workout clothes (that I never make it out of) or a swimsuit. I’ll pull myself together when I have meetings but otherwise I’m thankful for the flexibility in my schedule, allowing me to work in whatever I please. With fall around the corner, life will change in a big way and we will all be on much more of a routine schedule. There’s a lot I’ll miss about summer but there’s always an eagerness to get back into the swing of things come September.

With that being said, below are some of my go-to pieces and outfits as of lately. T-shirt dresses, bodysuits and scarves seem to be a trend for me. I hope these looks can serve as some inspiration for you as you enjoy these last weeks of summer!

dress / sandals / belt bag (old) / sunglasses / bracelets (use code Lovely20 for 20% off order)

I love the fit of this t-shirt dress. It has a very subtle rib to it and will be a go-to with a jacket and booties this fall.

shirt / pants / sandals / scarf (similar)

My favorite cargo pants! Flattering and a fantastic fit, they’ve gotten a lot of wear this summer but will get even more in the coming months. If you need a good white top, check this one out. I’ve had it for a few years and love it. The buttons up the back are an unexpected surprise!

bodysuit (similar) / kimono (similar) / jeans / sandals / earrings

A bodysuit and a kimono make a great pair. And I’ve been loving relaxed/straight leg jeans lately, which also work well with the fitted look of a bodysuit.

swimsuit / dress / hat

One of my favorite swimsuits this year layered under a shirtdress to get even more wear out of it!

bodysuit / jeans (size down)

Yet another bodysuit and a pair of jeans that you’ll love if you’re a big ruffle fan! I sized up in this particular bodysuit and love the ribbed texture.

scarf / bodysuit / shorts (similar) / sandals / sunglasses (similar) / cup

A white bodysuit is a closet staple. No worries about how to tuck them, just a sleek look to pair with shorts, jeans, skirts or pants alike!

Light Layers

There’s just something about a beautiful scarf that can add so much to an outfit. This one in particular is light-weight and airy so that it can even be worn in the thick of summer to give your outfit a little more interest. To keep things simple, I layered this scarf over one of my go-to bodysuits and a pair of cargo pants. Come fall I’ll toss on a denim jacket or oversized cardigan and be set!

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Making a home feel welcoming and cozy often comes down to those small decorating details. Corners that entice you to curl up and chat or relax with your coffee and a good book are spaces that I image many long for. The good news is that it only takes some thoughtful items to make these areas come to life. A comfortable chair, cozy throw, plenty of lamps and a coffee or end table are the basics that would set the stage. Then styling those tables with plants and/or a candle and a good coffee table book for guests or yourself to enjoy will help to complete the space. Not only does a book full of great pictures prove to be practical but they also serve as beautiful pieces of decor that can be stacked and layered with other elements as needed. Think about putting one or two under a lamp, or placing a candle or plant on top of a small stack. You could of course place them vertically on a shelf or mantle to fill in any gaps as well. Below are some books that I would recommend. Most of which I own or have given as gifts and all have been well received. Take a look at some of those nooks in your home, a few small tweaks could turn it into a little retreat under your own roof!

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A Pretty Summer Dress

When it comes to easy summer looks, dresses have been my go-to. Midi and maxi lengths have been my favorite and they come in such an array of styles. I couldn’t pass up this darling floral dress when I saw it. The puffed sleeves and smocked detailing in addition to the floral print combine to create the sweetest, most feminine dress. I wore it this past weekend for a brunch at my house and on to a birthday celebration in the evening and wasn’t uncomfortable for a minute. If you love this style but would like a more budget friendly option, check out this one!

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A Pretty Ruffled Top

If you guys know me at all, you know my love for a good ruffle. When used well, they are such a beautiful accent that elevate an outfit. This top has a loose fit, but with a subtle front-tuck it’s both beautiful and flattering. Paired with jeans, this outfit is versatile enough to fit any number of outings you may be heading too. Speaking of jeans, this particular pair is a long time favorite of mine. A slightly relaxed, yet flattering fit in a great medium wash. I recommend sizing down for a more fitted look.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is underway! It is now open to cardholders and will open to everyone on July 28th. Despite being a bit over-hyped in my opinion, there are still some great deals to be found. There are a number of items that pop back every year and a bunch of go-to brands that mark certain pieces down and can be worth taking advantage of. Granted, a number of things can and do sell out, but that’s the nature of the sale and often times you’ll find them back in stock (and once again marked down) come fall when you need them. Below you’ll find some of my tried and true favorites, items on my wishlist as well as some of the things I’ll be grabbing for my children. (click on images for shopping details)

Above are some of my favorite items that I own and get a lot of wear out of. Spanx faux leather leggings have been a closet staple for years, as have my Hunter boots. My Ugg robe was gifted to me at Christmas this past year and it’s even better than you’d expect it to be. I was wrapped in it all winter long! These undies are my absolute favorite and have been forever. They are smooth and comfortable and flattering all at the same time. I typically grab a few pairs while they’re marked down every year. This past year pushed many of us to go wire-free when it comes to bras and this has been one of my favorites that I’ve found.

During this sale, I like searching for some splurge pieces that I may otherwise disregard were they not drastically marked down. Vince, being a brand that I know and love, had me loving this sweater coat as soon as I saw it. Unfortunately my size has sold out in a number of things I would have liked to try, but I’ll keep an eye to see if they pop back in stock over the coming weeks. This dress was an eye catcher as was this adorable cross body bag. I did order these boots to try on as I love the more sleek look of the combat boot, a barefoot dreams blanket because they’re amazing and this cute bracelet to add to my daily stack. I’d love to try these black jeans as well because they look to be so flattering, but again, I’ll have to see if my size pops back in stock. Fingers crossed!

When it comes to kids, this is what the bulk of my order included. Most things are still fully stocked and you can get a great start on your back to school shopping. They have a great selection of fall/winter coats, all sorts of shoes as well as great everyday outfits for boys and girls alike.

If you plan to shop the sale, let me know what you’re on the hunt for or what you may have already gotten!

Summer Shirt Dress

I love shirt dresses during the warmer months. They have such a classic and timeless appeal to them that always draws me in. The neon embroidery on this one is a perfect summer accent. I styled it here for church but later on left it un-buttoned and wore it as a coverup to the pool. Another way I often wear my shirt dresses is worn open overtop of denim and a tank or bodysuit. Lightweight layers that work well in the summer heat.

dress / shoes / sunglasses / bracelets (use code Lovely20 for 20% off)

LOFT: try-on

I popped in to Loft earlier this week to see what was new and found a handful of stand-out pieces. And by stand-out, I’m referring to quality, cuteness and comfort :) Most things are currently on sale which is when I like to shop and share with you, so here’s what I found this time around…

dress

I knew I was going to love this cutie as soon as I saw it. The blue and white pinstripe paired with the neon pink pops (which stand out more in person) are so fun for summer time. This is a dress that you could throw on for just about anything. Wear it open over a swimsuit, with white sneakers for running errands or with sandals for church, picnics etc. A perfect, casual, go-to dress.

dress / jacket

This is a great over-sized jacket. It not only comes in this natural white, but also a light and dark denim, washed black and lilac as well. I’d say you’re safe to size down and size have that over-sized look.

top / jeans / sandals

This top was one of the first things I saw when I went into the store. It’s pretty and feminine yet still has a casual vibe to it. It comes in a few other colors, but the cream was my favorite. It runs slightly large in my opinion, so I had them order me one size down as the sleeves were sliding off my shoulders. The jeans are a fantastic straight leg fit, love them. Sizes are running low online, but if you’re able, I’d check your local store.

top / shorts

I feel slight ‘pretty woman’ vibes with these pleated shorts, but in an updated, cool mom way. I love them paired with this striped dolman tee that says I’m ready to hop on my sailboat ;)

top / shorts / jacket

Another way to wear this oversized jacket.

dress

I’m not sure if this dress is old or new because I can’t find it online, but it may be worth checking your local store for. Another super cute, wear anywhere dress! **dress is now linked.

sweatshirt / shorts

Anyone slowing down with the tie-dye yet?? Apparently I’m not, lol. This set is just too cute. The shorts for me were slightly too short, but that didn’t stop me from bringing home the sweatshirt. This quarter zip is my favorite style of sweatshirt these days.

pj top / pj bottoms

Quite possibly my favorite find is this pj set. It’s description says ‘luxe’ and that’s exactly how it feels. My favorite set that I’ve found in a while. There are multiple color options including regular pj shorts and a tank, so you could mix and match your pieces.

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