Five Friday Favorites - Fall Transition Pieces

It has been a really long time since I've done a Five Friday Favorites but an idea sparked yesterday that I thought would be a fun post - Five Fall Transition Favorites. 

 top left / top right / bottom left / bottom right

#1 - Fall (but could still work for warm weather) Dresses 

Love all of these dresses because you can wear them now with sandals or flats and then once the weather gets warm you can transition to booties or boots. And did I mention all of these dresses are super affordable! 

Right Side Outfit Details - top / jeans / shoes

#2 - Casual Sneaker 

I have always wanted a pair of Golden Goose sneakers but couldn't justify the big price tag since I wouldn't wear them all the time. I found these Sam Edelman ones and they are the perfect dupes and they recently went on sale. Super cute and comfortable. Another great casual sneaker that I have and love is Rothy's slip ons. Come in a bunch of colors and they are washable. And click here to get $30 off your first purchase. 

#3 - Jean Jacket 

A jean jacket is a MUST HAVE in your closet. I use mine year round and I love it. Goes with SO any things and its so perfect for layering. I've had this Kut from the Kloth one for years now and it never goes out of style. Highly recommend. 

Left Look - cardigan / tee / jeans / sneakers

Right Look - cardigan / dress / sneakers

#4 - Layering Cardigan 

As we transition to fall clothes, you definitely need a layering cardigan in your closet to pull for those cool mornings and nights. This one from Target is perfect and very affordable. Goes with so many looks. I'm also a big fan of Barefoot Dreams ones...they are pricier but SO soft!! 

wrap / top (oldie) / necklace / jeans

#5 - Wrap

When I was working in an office every day, I would always have a wrap on hand because it could get really chilly. The same applies at home because some mornings it is so chilly. I LOVE this camo one from Amazon - so comfortable and chic. Comes in other prints as well. I also love a good plaid, like this one. 

Five Friday Favorites - Amazon Finds

I haven't been doing a ton of Amazon fashion shopping partly because I just haven't been feeling like shopping! I know that's a shocker (even my husband commented on the lack of packages) but truthfully it's groundhog day every day so I'm just not motivated. I have found a few items that I love so sharing them for this week's Five Friday Favorites! 

#1 - Cropped Sweatshirt

sweatshirt / leggings / slippers / water bottle

Love a good sweatshirt these days and this cropped one from Amazon's Core 10 line is amazing. The perfect cropped length for me. Love the funnel neck. Fit is true to size. Other colors available.

#2 - Summer Purse

purse / dress

LOVE, LOVE this purse I snagged the other day. I can't wait to rock it on spring break. Love the bamboo and the sturdiness of it. There are two different sizes...I opted to go for the smaller one and it will fit everything I need for a night out. 

#3 - Travel Container

When I travel I don't like to bring big containers of everything so this little contraption allows me to bring my shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion all in one. You can really put whatever you want in them but that's what I picked. Stores easily in my cosmetic bag. The only down side is that it requires a lot of pumps to get out the amount I need but its worth it. 

#4 - Pink Dress

I absolutely LOVE this dress. I love the babydoll style with the ruffle sleeves. It's so comfortable but still flattering. And, the color is SO me!! If you aren't into pink, don't worry there are other colors available. Layer it with a jacket for cooler days. Fit is true to size. I'm in a small. And did I mention it's under $30! Definitely one to check out! 

#5 - Joggers

I just ordered my second pair of these joggers because they are so amazing. A nice slim fit and flattering but SO comfortable. I actually sized down to an XS in these and they fit great. Come in a bunch of colors and are constantly in and out of stock. Highly recommend. 

Five Friday Favorites - Looks for Fall

Temperatures here are a bit all over the place but I think in a few weeks if will definitely feel like fall. Sharing five of my favorite fall looks that work for a variety of occasions. 

jacket / top / jeans / booties

sweater / jeans / boots

glasses / sweater / shirt / jeans / shoes 

top / clutch / jeans / shoes

top / jeans / shoes

Five Friday Favorites - Thriving During Virtual Learning

We just finished the first week of virtual learning and I thought I would share the things that are helping us survive thrive in this new world. 

#1 - Headphones 

The one lesson learned I had during the first round of virtual learning was that my kids needed to be wearing headphones so they weren't easily distracted...especially Little Mini who just started kindergarten. I got these gaming ones after a recommendation from a friend and they have been working perfectly for both kids. And I like that there's a microphone built in so I know the teacher will hear them. Highly recommend. 

#2 - Rolling Cart

Another lesson I learned from last time was making sure we kept everything "contained" because their school stuff over took my kitchen. I wanted them each to have a dedicated space but then on the weekends we could put it away. Using a rolling cart has been great. It holds all their books and activities and then we roll it into the closet Friday night and bring it out again Monday morning. 

#3 - Supply Organizer 

In the picture in #2, you can see the desk organizer that I put on the table. They have everything they need at their finger tips and don't have to interrupt their Zoom or independent work to get something. I have pencils, glue, scissors, extra erasers, post-it notes, ruler and note cards. It's definitely help avoid distractions.

#4 - Evening To-Do List

Now that the girls are older we all can be involved in getting things done. In my opinion one of the best ways to be successful each day is to prepare the night before so I've created a nightly to-do list to help get us. Maybe it's my OCD but I love coming down to a clean first floor so a lot of the to-do items are around that. The list includes things like - lay out clothes, pack lunches, pack bags for after-school program, make sure we know what we are having for dinner the next day, wipe counters, vacuum kitchen floors, etc. Each chore has a couple of names associated with it and they are responsible for getting it done and initialing when it's complete. We are two days in and so far so go. I just used a Word doc template but you can get a fun printable from Etsy.

#5 - Something for the Moms

Virtual learning wouldn't be successful if it wasn't for the moms (and dads) out there helping guide their kids along. It's so stressful and such a harder job than any other position I've held. So at the end of the day, I take out these glasses and pour myself a glass of wine while I prep myself for the next day. These glasses stay in the freezer when I'm not using them and they help my wine stay cold because I don't have the luxury these days of just sitting and drinking a glass. These are also unbreakable so I use them outside too. They are the perfect glass, at least right now while it's warm outside and I'm drinking white wine.

Five Friday Favorites - What I'm Loving this Beach Trip

We've had a great week at the beach. It was so good to be at a different place. We kept with the same quarantining and haven't left the beach house (had all our groceries delivered via Instacart). Here are some of the items I've been loving on this trip.

#1 - Beach Bag

This bag has been my favorite bag to use all summer. Fits everything we have in a nice and organized manner. And what I LOVE the most about it for the beach is that it's mesh so the sand doesn't get all in the bag. It's back in stock but it sells out quickly.


#2 - Beach Hat

hat / sunnies / bathing suit

This hat was a last minute purchase before the beach. I've been trying really hard to take care of my skin and limit sun exposure and this hat is perfect for it. It has a nice wide brim but was sold me was the fact that I can have my hair up in a ponytail or bun while wearing the hat. A nice bonus is that it rolls up for easy packing.

#3 - Face Mask

This intense hydrating mask is a skin life saver while I've been at the beach. My skin gets SO dry from all the beach and pool time so after my shower I lather this on my face and it gives it a big drink. I use it regularly at home but this is the first time bringing it to the beach and I'm SO glad I did. 

#4 - Sand Cup Holder

This holder was gifted to me a few years ago by my SIL and I've used it every beach trip since. It's the PERFECT lay at the beach accessory. Fit's my Yeti perfectly so it doesn't get sandy and I can easily access it.  I've gifted it now to family and friends. HIGHLY recommend.


#5 - Sweatshirt

sweatshirt / shorts

This was a recent Amazon purchase and I last minute added it to my beach packing for those cool nights on the beach. I'm so glad I did because I've worn it almost every night. It's SO soft! Comes in a bunch of colors. I size up to a small because I like a looser fit. 

Five Friday Favorites - Fourth of July Sales

There are SO many great sales going on for the long Fourth of July weekend so I wanted to focus this week's Five Friday Favorites on the ones I think are the best.

#1 - Anthropologie

I took advantage of Anthropologie's sale a couple of weeks ago and I should have waited because it just got better. Now you can get an additional 50% off the already marked down sale items. Two of the items from my order are still in stock and are amazing. I highly recommend them.

sleeveless blouse / wrap dress

#2 - Gibson

I'm a BIG fan of the Gibson brand. They sell it at Nordstrom but they also have their own standalone site. Right now on their site they have marked down TONS of fabulous pieces and you can get an additional 25% off with code SALEONSALE25. Here's just a sampling of my favorites that are on sale -

 romper / skirt

dress / jumpsuit

#3 - Colleen Rothschild

Colleen Rothschild is a skin care line I've been using for a few years now. They are having 20% off site wide with code FIREWORKS. Love incorporating these products in with my Beautycounter routine. I specifically use the Intense Hydrating Mask, Face Oil No 9 and Retinol Supreme Night Oil.

#4 - Stella and Dot

Stella and Dot has major markdowns going on right now...some are only temporary through the holiday weekend. You can get some fabulous jewels and accessories for a steal. This is just a sampling of my favorites.

 rebel pendant / camo clutch (only $29)

very popular and versatile sutton necklace

#5 - J.Crew

J.Crew is offering 50% off almost all full-price styles and an additional 70% off already marked down sale items...which means major savings for you. LOTS of amazing items up for grabs.

stripe dress / blue dress (comes in other colors)

Five Friday Favorites - One Piece Bathing Suits

I've been getting some requests for suggestions for one piece bathing suits so this week's Five Friday Favorites is focused on all my favorites....and there were so many I couldn't keep it to just five so enjoy the two bonus ones! And make sure you check out my post on how to keep your bathing suits organized. 

#1 - My Go-To One Piece

I've had this Cupshe one piece for a couple years now and LOVE it. The mermaid print is so cute. Full coverage with subtle built in cups. I know lots of you have bought this one and if you haven't yet, I highly recommend you do! Fit is true to size. I'm in a small.

#2 - One Shoulder

If you are looking for a one-piece that has a little more of a style element to it, then try this one shoulder one from Cupshe. Love the color blocking and subtle texture. Comes in a couple other color options but I'm partial to the baby blue and white. Fit is true to size. I'm in a small.

#3 - Palm Print

This Cupshe palm print suit so SO cute and very flattering. A not too deep v-neck with ruffle detail and small cutout. Fit is true to size. I'm in a small.

#4 - Color Blocking

I got so many compliments on this Cupshe suit last year. I love the color blocking style. It hugs in all the right places. I feel secure because it has a built in shelf bra with subtle padding. Cross style in the back. Highly recommend. Fit is true to size. I'm in a small. 

#5 - Floral Print

I absolutely LOVE this floral Cupshe one. I wish it also came in a bikini style. The floral print is super cute and it has ruffle sleeve detail. It's a nice plunging neck line but not too much...my girls still felt secure. There is something about the style of this suit that I felt like it sucked my tummy in just right. Fit is true to size. I'm in a small. If floral isn't your thing, this suit also comes in a bunch of solid colors.

#6 - Deep V from J.Crew

If you are looking for something that's a little sexy, then try this deep V one from J.Crew. Definitely shows off the girls but not too in your face. Comes in a bunch of colors. Fit is true to size. I'm in a size 4. And right now you can get it 40% off with code CHECKOUT (this was as of post time).

#7 - Christina's Favorite Thing Fan Favorite

This suit has been a fan favorite for a couple years. It's full coverage with lots of support but you don't lose the style elements. Love the straps and peek-a-boo waist. Comes in a bunch of colors and now prints. I'm loving the pink stripe and the palm versions. Fit is true to size. I'm in small.

Five Friday Favorites - Pool/Beach Must Haves

I'm a simple girl when it comes to what I need at the beach/pool. Give me the sun, sand, water and a few small things and I'm a happy camper.

#1 - Beach/Pool Bag

cover up (similar) / bag / sunnies (similar)

LOVE, LOVE this beach bag. I got it over the holiday times and we have been using it non-stop since we started pool hopping. It's big enough to fit all our towels and then some plus it has a ton a of pockets to fit goggles, sunscreen, etc. HIGHLY recommend and it's under $20! 

#2 - Polarized Sunnies

While I love my Ray-Ban sunnies, I have a hard time spending a lot of money on sunglasses each season because I tend to lose them or scratch them. Thankfully, last year I discovered these amazing sunnies. They are polarized and really do block out out the sun...plus they are fashionable and come in all different color options. I converted my family at the beach last year. Check them out.

#3 - Cover Up

cover up / beach bag

I love a good cover up and Amazon has been my go-to spot for them the last couple of years. Lots of great styles and really good prices. Above are the new ones I got this year and below are the ones I snagged last year. I LOVE them all!

blue cover up / white cover up

#4 - Insulated Cup

When I got to the beach, I bring two insulated cups - one is my big Yeti to have with water (and then later fill with cocktails) and the other is my Corkcicle to keep my wine (or other cocktails nice and cool).

#5 - Phone Cover

I don't bring a camera down to the beach anymore....instead it's my phone so I need something to protect it. I got these cases last year and LOVED them. We will use them every year. Easy to use and definitely protects your phone from water and sand.


#6 - Good Book...and I'm now going to try a Kindle

I had to add a sixth one this week because there is nothing like curling up at the beach or pool with a great book. Now that my minis are getting older, it's much easier for me to read. I did end up ordering a Kindle on sale yesterday based on the feedback from my Facebook post. It's still on sale (as of post time) so check it out if you are interested in joining me. Here are some of my all time favorite beach reads...and a few recent reads from last summer.

Anything by Emily Giffin but my all time favorites are Something Borrowed and Something Blue.
Some of my favorites from last summer - Tattooist of Auschwitz, Where the Crawdad Sings, Little Fires Everywhere, The Other Woman, Before We Were Yours and The Woman in the Window. I just finished The Nightingale and about to start Sold on a Monday.

uschwitz