You know it’s been a good shopping month when there’s a pair of hot pink shoes in the mix. The Freda Salvador “Jada” flats have been making their way around social media recently — and for good reason. They’re both eye-catching and incredibly comfortable (thanks to a cushioned insole). It took me a bit of time to find the right size, though. I first ordered the metallic lilac pair in my usual 7.5. They were snug and when I went to exchange them for a size up, I found they were sold out. I exchanged them for the marigold suede in 8 (which would have been a fun color of autumn), but they ended up being too large. I went back to my usual 7.5 and opted for pink since the marigold were then sold out. All of this is to say that I believe the suede runs true to size and the metallic a half-size small. Plus, a hearty “thank goodness” for free exchanges.
(As a reminder, you can always see what I’m eyeing up on ShopMy.)
OTHER NOTABLE PURCHASES
Lands’ End midkini and high-waisted bottom swimsuit set – I typically prefer a one-piece swimsuit to keep my midsection under wraps. However, with our upcoming trip to Italy and plans to hike and swim, I was on the lookout for a comfortable two-piece that I could wear under my athletic clothes during the day. I ultimately selected this set from Lands’ End. It doesn’t show much skin, so I still feel confident wearing it.
Warby Parker “Zoya” eyeglasses – My glasses were outdated by many prescriptions and it was finally time to get a new pair. I chose these chunky, wine-colored frames. I rarely wear glasses out of the house, so I figured I’d get something more fun than a standard tortoise shell.
Rothy’s “The Max” square Mary Jane – I wear the black version of these far more than I expected to, so I added the red pair to my wardrobe for event days at the University of Wisconsin. (As an event manager, I’m always reaching for a simple flat that I can run around in without risk of blisters.)
Sam Edelman swing jacket – This was my sole purchase from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year. It’s incredibly well made, which was a wonderful surprise at the sale price point of $130. It’s fully lined, water repellent, comes with a detachable hood, and it feels substantial. It also runs extremely large. I went down a size and there’s still plenty of space, even with a chunky sweater underneath. It feels like a practical coat for unpredictable fall weather.
Curious to see what else I’ve purchased? Find this year’s wardrobe additions here and home additions here.
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TOP ROW
- A necklace that has Lizzie Fortunato vibes for much less with actual semiprecious stone beads. (Plus, it’s 25% off through Aug. 9!)
- A chic set of cheese knives that come in five colors. I’m partial to the sage green.
- A graphic plaid car coat.
BOTTOM ROW
- Update your fall handbag collection with this snake-embossed bucket bag. It’s a splurge, but a piece you’ll keep forever.
- An affordable cashmere sweater in a pretty grey-brown.
- A sweet set of pillow cases in a bold gingham print. There at eight color combinations to choose from!
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I’ll admit that red isn’t one of my preferred colors, but when you work at the University of Wisconsin, little touches of cardinal start to creep into your wardrobe. This Boden cardigan is one of the latest pieces for the “school spirit” section of my closet. It has a boxy fit, so you can go down a size, and the cotton knit is substantial. It’s really cute and [almost] makes me excited for Badger games this fall.
(As a reminder, you can always see what I’m eyeing up on ShopMy.)
OTHER NOTABLE PURCHASES
Madewell ruffle A-line midi dress – I have this in two other versions from previous years and it’s my most-worn dress when it’s steamy outside. I joke that it’s like wearing a bedsheet because it really is that breezy! This year’s iteration is still generously oversized — I went down two sizes — although it has a touch less fabric than the older versions.
Athleta linen shorts – I had wanted a pair of linen shorts with a longer inseam than the pairs I already owned and purchased these during a recent sale. They’re incredibly comfortable and I appreciate the zippered pockets, which makes them a smart option for casual hikes. They do get stretched out fairly quickly, though, which is their only downside.
Adidas “BRMD” sneakers – If you love Sambas but find they rip open the back of your ankle like they do for me, this style (inspired by skate shoes) is a much better option. They have more padding and are truly comfortable right out of the box.
Boden smocked jersey midi dress – I purchased this summer dress to wear to the office. The fit is flattering with the smocked bodice and it has pockets.
Curious to see what else I’ve purchased? Find this year’s wardrobe additions here and home additions here.
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The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is live! You can find my top picks here. Sizes will pop back as things are returned, so be sure to bookmark anything you have your eye on.
Designer airline uniforms over the decades.
I tried my hand at Bon Appetit’s no-knead focaccia over the weekend. Mine didn’t get that beautiful brown crust, but it was still delicious.
Japanese influence on the Craftsman movement.
Dorsey’s “Floating” collection is quite pretty.
Has anyone tried these French-made hairbrushes? I can’t tell if they’re amazing or just Internet hype. You can take a quiz to figure out the best brush for your hair type. According to the brand’s Instagram, they’re handcrafted in France. Nordstrom has select colors available, with a free detangling comb with your purchase. I’m very tempted by the sage green, but it’s not cheap.
A roundup of home items that recently caught my eye.
“Grandma hobbies” are making a comeback.
36 Hours in Bruges, Belgium. I can attest to the fact that visiting the city is the closest you’ll get to being in a fairytale.
I have two other versions of this dress from past seasons. It’s the best on hot humid days, since it’s basically like wearing a bedsheet. I wasn’t initially sold on the wider stripes and color blocking, but I’ve ordered it to see it in person. I just love the other two so much!
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- HAY “Rey” chair – I love the curves on this deceptively simple chair.
- Stoff Nagel candle holders – You can stack these into different configurations based on how many sets you have.
- Lacquered cabinet knobs – These come in three different colors.
- Established & Sons gelato portable lamp – This quirky lamp that looks just like the perfect scoop.
- Schoolhouse catch-all bowl – I hesitated to buy this before Schoolhouse closed earlier this year. Now that the brand is back under new ownership, it’s likely that I’ll make this mine soon enough.
- Arne Jacobsen table clock – Enough motivation to stop using your phone to check the time.
- HAY “Barrow” cups – The oval handle gives these mugs a pleasing shape.
- Georg Jensen vase – I tend to prefer brass to chrome, but I’ve been more and more drawn to the material lately.
- Wool throw pillows – These wool-blend pillows look more expensive than they are, thanks to the playful contrast piping.
- IKEA PS 2026 lamp – This lamp has been all over the Internet thanks to its bold color, simple shape, and adjustable configurations. If you’ve been waiting to buy it, now’s the time.
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I’m the first to admit that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has lost some of its pizazz over the years. It used to be the best time to start curating your fall wardrobe at a discount before the season began. There have been fewer standout items over the years, but I still wade through the sale pages in hopes to find key classics to wear throughout the season. I just have a handful of recommendations this year (you can find them all at my Shop My collection here).
The items that caught my eye include:
- A pair of leather woven flats. You can wear these now and then into early fall. I have a similar pair from Madewell that I wear more often than I anticipated, so I feel confident that you’ll get as much mileage out of these.
- A tennis bracelet with lab-grown white sapphires. The sparkle of a diamond bracelet at a much more attractive price point.
- A pair of cropped wide-leg jeans. I still love a cropped jean to show off a pair of cute flats or stylish sneakers.
- A merino wool and cotton sweater. Bell sleeves add interest to an otherwise basic sweater. It’s available in a few striped options and a pretty cobalt blue.
- Jenny Bird knocker earrings. This earring style isn’t going anywhere. I love Jenny Bird pieces for their quality and durability.
- Puffy hoop earrings. Another Jenny Bird style for your collection. These are a bit more subtle for every day wear.
- A corded pendant necklace. Pendants are everywhere this summer. I like the dark green cord on this one that makes it more appropriate for fall.
- A suede shoulder bag. If you buy one item to update your wardrobe this fall, make it a supple suede bag in a structured shape.
- A swing jacket. This is the item that is most likely to make it into my wardrobe. I love a classic swing jacket. This one has tabs on the side to lend it some shape.
Key Sale Dates
You can find all of the information here, but these are the key dates to know:
- Icons: July 14–17
- Ambassadors: July 15–17
- Influencers: July 16–17
- Everyone: July 18–August 9
Is wine overdue for an invitation back to the dinner table?
Schoolhouse is back — and so is the catch all bowl I had my eye on but never purchased.
Very tempted by these shoes now that they’re on sale. I can’t decide between metallic lilac or mint.
A home tour to swoon over.
Learn more about Maison du Pastel, the world’s oldest pastel maker.
A fun outdoor table lamp.
I don’t shop at Wayfair very often, but I came across this outdoor set that I like. The sides of the chairs fold out to be used as tables.
36 hours in Philadelphia. (Plus, here’s my travel diary from last year’s trip to the city.)
Could I be a hat girl?
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Moments after the Madewell x Shopbop collaboration launched, I had this awning-striped dress in my cart. The pattern reminded me so much of the fabric we had on our porch swing while I was growing up that nostalgia took over and I just had to have it. It’s a wonderful summer dress for sweltering days and I appreciate the adjustable tie detail at the back that lets you tweak the fit.
And that bracelet — gorgeous, right?! It’s the Jenny Bird “Gia” bangle. It had been on my wish list for awhile and I was delighted to receive it as a birthday gift. The oval shape is more comfortable to wear than a typical circle bangle and it’s substantial enough to be eye-catching on its own.
P.S. I started a ShopMy page! Feel free to follow along! (And if you need a referral code, here’s a link!)
OTHER NOTABLE PURCHASES
Vintage Kent Coffee lowboy via Facebook Marketplace (see the style here) – We’ve been looking for a vintage credenza for the past couple of years and finally found the one on Facebook Marketplace in May. Technically this is a dresser, but it serves the same purpose. It was in amazing original condition and the perfect fit for our living room.
Old Navy jersey dress – Every now and then Old Navy has an amazing piece — and this is one of those items. The jersey is soft and substantial, and the gathered waist is flattering. Plus, it washes and wears well. It fits true to size.
East Fork Pottery Everyday Bowls in Water Lily – As you may recall, I bought a couple of East Fork pieces in this seasonal color a few months ago. I thought the glaze was so beautiful — especially against my other pieces in Eggshell and Heron — that I bought a set of four Everyday Bowls for my emerging collection.
Madewell woven pouch – This is a beautiful woven pouch. I’m using mine to organize smaller items in my work tote.
Adina Reyter mini initial pendant – This little pendant was my birthday present to myself. It’s absolutely charming and a fun everyday item. It is small, though, so be aware of that. I bought mine when they had a 20% off sale for Mother’s Day.
Soludos espadrilles – We tend to bike to social outings in the summer and I was tired of always reaching for sneakers. I bought a pair of slip-on espadrilles to add another option into the mix. Go with your regular size as the fabric will stretch slightly.
Zara beaded bag – With its macramé body, beaded detailing, and sculptural acetate handle, this bag checks every box for a summer statement accessory. But the neutral color palette keeps it feeling surprisingly wearable rather than over the top.
Curious to see what else I’ve purchased? Find this year’s wardrobe additions here and home additions here.
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Thank you for stopping by! Please note that I may earn an affiliate commission if you buy an item linked here, which is at no cost to you. I truly appreciate your continued support.
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HELLO AGAIN
When I’m not around this part of the internet, it means my personal life is chaotically busy — usually in a good way! May was a whirlwind of contractor appointments for the hail damage we had in April, my parents came for a visit, the return of warm weather had us making plenty of social plans, we tidied up the yard and moved mulch, we enjoyed a long weekend in Chicago, and then there was my birthday! The month felt as it if passed in the blink of an eye and I couldn’t be happier that we’re now firmly at the beginning of summer.
ON MY RADAR
Design at 329 is a vintage collective in Chicago that’s open to the public twice a month. We visited for the first time last month and it takes a few hours to get through everything. The vast majority of the pieces are furniture, but there are smaller decor items sprinkled throughout. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the neighborhood.
Paint colors that no longer exist in their original formulas.
Madewell x Shopbop! The striped items remind me of vintage awning stripes. I ordered this dress and I’m eyeing the tote, even if I absolutely do not need another tote in my life. You can shop the collaboration here, too.
A home tour with plenty of Midcentury charm. My favorite feature is the little tiled alcove with the floating shelves.
A video of a cat making its way onto the set of Romeo and Juliet made me laugh.
36 hours in Athens.
Filed under things I don’t need, but would very much like: a brass tape dispenser.
American sunscreen is finally getting an upgrade!
I just adore these recently released coupes in olive green.
The prettiest set of the internet’s favorite travel containers.
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HOME
I just came across the brand Olde Brick Lighting, a lighting company founded in Pennsylvania making vintage-inspired fixtures. This looks like an amazing alternative to Schoolhouse for lighting made in the U.S. I really like this fixture with the striped shade.
Brooklinen has a new striped linen quilt in olive green.
On my must-bake list: a strawberry-lemon loaf cake.
I’ll be ordering some mulch soon to top off our beds. Here’s the right way to spread it.
Dishwasher-safe melamine plates for dining al fresco. The textured exterior is reminiscent of stoneware.
TRAVEL
Sechseläuten, a springtime celebration in Zurich, ends with burning down the Böögg, a snowman that symbolizes winter. Sounds like we need to book another trip to Switzerland to experience it!
What to know about the fuel crisis and summer flights.
A new Google feature for hotels.
STYLE
This woven leather pouch looks so luxe!
The best of the Met Gala. Zac Posen’s gown for Kendall Jenner was one of my favorites. It was made from Gap t-shirt material and inspired by Winged Victory. I also liked Madonna’s outfit with her entourage, which was inspired by Leonora Carrington’s “The Temptation of St. Anthony.”
Old Navy has a few cute dresses right now. Over the weekend, I picked up this one (it’s even lined!) and this one.
Gorgeous statement earrings that look vintage.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
- Wood bead bags for the upcoming season
- A suitcase brand to know
- Springtime snapshot
- Noteworthy purchases
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Thank you for stopping by! Please note that I may earn an affiliate commission if you buy an item linked here, which is at no cost to you. I truly appreciate your continued support.
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