Ever since quarantine, I've been dreaming about that first day of summer and what that would look and feel like....the sun shining on my body, breathing in the salty air at the beach, the feeling of sand between my fingers and toes.
I had a step by step process in mind. I couldn't shop until that first post quarantine haircut. That day felt so liberating! I thought I would keep growing my hair out and was excited for some lush long bouncy beach waves, but I felt like I wanted to start fresh, so I cut my hair about chin length and love it so much shorter for the summer!
Once I had my post quarantine haircut, I felt some sense of style again and I felt motivated to update my wardrobe. I really wanted to streamline my closet, so I donated or sold a lot of my clothes on Poshmark.
I recently found a bunch of cute and chic pieces that I wanted to share with you. Here are a few new pieces I've added to my summer wardrobe....so far..
I am OBSESSED with these Elizabeth and James shorts from Mary Kate + Ashley Olsen's clothing line! They are beyond soft, incredibly comfortable (gotta' love an elastic waistband), and super lightweight! They are available at Kohl's in 4 different colors: Chambray (which I have), Dull Black, Tan + Spanish Vanilla. BONUS: They are currently on sale right now and you can find them here .
For those cooler summer nights, I found THE cutest, softest, chic sweater to wear all summer long! I love the loose fit on the arms, jersey construction, drop shoulder sleeves, ribbed cuffs, crewneck (I despise tight fitted t-shirts & sweaters around my neck) and I especially LOVE the fact that this cotton sweater supports more sustainable cotton farming practices. This Elizabeth and James Casual Crewneck Sweater is available in 2 different colors: Yellow Tie-Dye (which I have) and Light Blue Tie-Dye (which I need). BONUS: They are currently on sale right now and you can find them here
The first store that I went to post-quarantine for "just a few things" was Kohl's. I found so many great pieces and the prices were insane! I purchased a top similar to this one on the right, but it looks like it's sold out. It's the same exact style & fit though. This equally chic squareneck volume-sleeve top is available in 3 different colors: Kismet Blooms Teal (on model), Surat Fleurs + Champagne Rose Stripe. And once again...BONUS: They are currently on sale right now and you can find them here .
A functional rashguard combines with your favorite features of a cool swimsuit for a swimwear staple. A one-piece design makes for slick dressing while keeping everything in place, and short sleeves keep your shoulders covered — wonderfully paired with a UPF 50+ rated material for protection from the sun. You can always adjust the coverage with the help of a full-length zipper down the front, making it easy to layer over your favorite swim top as you can pull down the zipper when you’re feeling toasty. You can find this functional rashguard at Target here . I am such a big fan now of the brand, All in Motion. They make it easy and comfortable to embrace a bustling lifestyle. From running errands to running intervals, the collection AIMs to propel you forward with thoughtfully designed pieces that fit and feel great — movement is the core of this performance line, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Here are some more deets (aka details): on why I am in love with this brand and my new rashguard:
Remove-able cups
UPF 50+ Rating: Sun blocking fabric that protects from UV rays - Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation (both UVB and UVA) a fabric allows to reach your skin. With UPF-protected clothes, the weave is different and often times is made from a special fabric to help form a barrier against the sun's rays.” UV light can penetrate through the micro holes in the weaves of regular clothes or can even travel directly through a light-colored shirt.
Recycled Polyester
All in Motion designed this product using at least 20% recycled polyester (excluding trimmings, ornamentation, interlinings, and linings, a fabric that's created by turning old plastic into new polyester fibers. Making products with recycled polyester helps prevent plastic waste from ending up in landfills - another way All in Motion is committed to promoting sustainability.
I don't know about you, but I still need a long sleeve pajama option during the summer, especially when the air conditioner is on and I like that fine balance of not too hot or too cold when I go to sleep.
Slip into a sleepwear option that's equally comfy and chic, like this Beautifully Soft Notch Collar Striped Long-Sleeve Nightgown from Stars Above that I just scored a few days ago. This nightgown is made from the most buttery soft fabric (ala Barefoot Dreams...IYKYK) for heavenly comfort, with a long-sleeve design lending a touch of extra coverage that's exquisitely complemented by the longer fit. You can always accompany this nightgown with pajama leggings, a long-sleeve sleep tee or plush robe on chillier nights, allowing you to create your own warmth level to suit your comfort needs. A pink and white striped print, notch collar and button-front silhouette add to the chic look, making this a thoughtfully styled piece you’ll love to incorporate into your morning and evening rituals. You can find this buttery soft nightgown at Target here .
I love a classic white t-shirt, but I was looking for a more elevated style of this classic. When I saw this soft knit, sleeveless, crewneck fresh white muscle T-shirt with sewn-in shoulder pads for added definition, I was SOLD! This top looks so damn chic with literally anything! Pair it with jeans, shorts, a long or short skirt, biker shorts + sneakers, sandals or a sexy pair of heels. This top is beyond FIERCE and if there were more in my size, I would have bought them all! There are a few sizes + styles (regular / tall / petite) still on sale, so grab them while you can here !
Rag & Bone is one of my top go-to shops for basics and this bodysuit is no exception. Cut from a lightweight rib jacquard, the Mac bodysuit has the look of a henley tee with a button down front but creates a body skimming silhouette. I love the contrast white snap detail with raw edge jersey trim at the neck. There were only a few left on sale the last time I checked, so find your size before it's too late, here !
I absolutely love my Birkenstocks! I have extremely soft and sensitive feet and I seem to get blisters so easily, but with these Birks, NO BLISTERS whatsoever! I have them in Metallic Silver to go with everything and now I want to get a few more pairs of the fun bold colors like, Bold Jade + Pink.
My Mama Joy was so in love with my pair that she just got 2 pairs for herself in Scuba Blue + Metallic Copper (which are really pretty and have a slight iridescence to them). We used our Amazon Prime account to get ours. Check out all the colors on Amazon here .
She may be Paul McCartney's daughter, but Stella McCartney earned her way into the ranks of fashion's most elite designers. She learned tailoring while working on London's Savile Row, did an internship with Christian Lacroix, and served as creative director at Chloe (succeeding none other than Karl Lagerfeld). She launched her own label in 2001 and has made her mark with sweet and sophisticated designs that reflect both her signature style and her personal philosophy by incorporating a natural confidence and consciously avoiding all use of leather and fur.
These trainers are literally like WALKING ON CLOUDS. I have never worn a trainer this comfortable EVER! They are a wee bit pricey, but worth every penny. Check them out at Neiman Marcus here .
The day I wore this dress, I got over a dozen compliments! You'll love to style yourself a look that works well for anything from a lunch date to a fancy dinner to a stroll around town with this Puff Long-Sleeve Tiered Dress from Universal Thread. Cut from 100% cotton construction for breathable comfort, this dress features a flowy silhouette with tiers that lends lovely movement and charming flair. Puff sleeves with cinched cuffs add extra definition and sweet style, while a square neckline with extra cinching creates a neat and polished look. You can wear this dress with a pair of sandals during warm weather, and then layer with tights and switch to boots for a cool-weather twist. I loved it so much that I snagged it in both green and orange, which you can find here.
The Puff Long-Sleeve Tiered Dress from Universal Thread is available in XS-XXL. A few more reasons I love this dress:
Easy to transition through the seasons with the right layering
Tiered silhouette makes for a charming look
100% cotton construction lends comfortable wear