Summer Dresses Under $100

It has been HOT here and the thought of wearing anything besides a light, breezy dress seems miserable. There is no outfit that makes someone feel better than a dress you can throw on with your favorite sandals and simply walk out the door. There are so many sweet ones right now and the best part is they are budget friendly. Here are some current favorites...

1. Short Floral Puff Sleeve $88 / 2. Floral Puff Sleeve Maxi $84 / 3. White Eyelet $55 / 4. Tiered Cotton Maxi $90 / 5. Flutter Sleeve Wrap Midi $20 / 6. / 7. Ruffle Gingham Mini $28  / 8. Striped button up $29 / 9. Pink Puff sleeve $90  / 10. Boho Sleeveless $29 / 11. Citrine Linen Midi $89  / 12. White Poplin Puff Sleeve $40 / 13. Balloon Sleeve Paisley $98 / 14. Striped Wrap Romper $55 / 15. Pink Polka Dot Mini $28 / 16. Black Shoulder Tie $28

xo

erin 

Summer Lovin'

How is Summer going? 

I am trying to relish in the madness of it and really enjoy the moments as they are happening. Like sun soaked pool days, friendly tennis matches, and backyard bbq with lots of kids running about. And while there is always the ever looming "What is next/What should I be preparing for?" swimming in my head, this summer has been all about ignoring it. Just flying through it all and being (dare shall I say the buzz word???) present. 

A few fun new outfits can always make these warm days event better, so you know I have been scoping out a few new things. Here are some of the best...

1. I think I could live in this cute jumpsuit 

2. Tie Dye slides!!! 

3. The perfect puff sleeve sweatshirt for cool nights

4. Just wore this breezy dress and love it

5. These pink jeans are high waisted, cropped, and the perfect hue

6. Just invested in these platform Golden Goose's and I am not regretting it one bit

7. This camo windbreaker is a great activewear topper

8. Such a sucker for a block print in an easy dress

9. Just bought this Nars oil infused lippy, and it is so moisturizing 

xo

Erin 

My Current Skin Routine and What I Am Adding in for Summer (for the littles too!)

The battle to fight wrinkles, lighten dark spots, ease redness, and fight adult acne (THE WORST!) continues. And now with summer here, extra sun protection is a must. I am trying to have a less is more approach by finding products that are effective and results can be seen fairly quickly.  Cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect are the simple steps I am using currently and my skin is into it. 

The kids skin and hair is also in need of lots of extra attention from the sun and pool, so I load up on these to keep on hand all summer long. 

1. Cerave is my tried and true cleanser. It gets your face really clean, but is also gentle. 

2. I also love cleansing with micellar water! So gentle, but effective. I use it a lot when my skin does need quite as much of a clean or needs a more calming cleanse. 

3. I tone (pat, pat, pat) with Biologique Recherché P50. The price tag is bananas, but it is incredible. If you do not tone, you need to! This Glossier toner is also great and much more budget friendly. 

4. Cerave moisturizer plumps up skin but is so gentle and calming. 

5. I do not wash my face in the morning. I throw on some lotion and then Elta sunscreen. I like the tinted one, but it also comes in clear. It works so well, calms skin, and evens out skin tone just a hint. 

6. Another investment, but totally worth it, is this eye cream. It plumps up and smooths out the damage that I have already done (i.e. AZ sunbathing for years with no SPF! ugh) while preventing it from getting worse. 

7. I love this drugstore hero for a smooth and realistic tan without the sun damage. 

8. For face tanning, I swipe tan towels and then use my hands to blend it in well. Avoid your hairline and make sure to blend it down your neck and chest. 

9. My hair texture changes in the summer a lot. I comb styling cream into my hair and it is so much smoother whether I blow dry or not. Usually not. 

10. My lips tend to get a lot of melasma in the summer, you know that lip liner effect? Spf lip balm fights it and these smell just like summer.

11. This oil sunscreen is awesome and so moisturizing! 

12. Everyone has a spray sunscreen in their bags for the summer. Easy to apply for the kids! 

13. Mary gets the worst green hair from the pool, so this shampoo and conditioner is a must. 

14. Reapplying sunscreen at the pool on kids is impossible. Love Wetskin Sticks for an easy way to reapply while kids are still wet. 

15. This sunscreen powder is a lifesaver. It works for hours, is sweat proof, and waterproof! It is the easiest way to reapply and with a little tint it is great for outdoor events over make up. 

16. If green hair still appears on Mary, I use these crystals to wash out the tint. It is magic! 

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The Best Memorial Day Sales & Picks

Memorial day weekend always brings on the patriotism, a little taste of Summer, and most importantly, killer sales. This year the sites I shop the most have seriously upped their discounts and best part is it can help everyone (including my house) get summer ready. 

Here are just a few: 

Nordstrom up to 50% off Women, Kids, Men & Home

J. Crew 40% Off. Use code WEEKEND

J. Crew Factory 60% Off Entire Site

Serena & Lily 20% Off use code SUMMERPREP

Pottery Barn (Including Teen & Kids) 15-30% Off use code SAVEMORE

Net-a-Porter up to 50% off designer everything

Shopbop Up to 40% off thousands of items

Lou & Grey 40% off 

Here is what I have on my weekend wish list...

1. Two huge trends in one top, yellow and puff sleeve. 

2. This is such a sweet take on rainbow and love the high waist bottom. Also comes in a one piece

3. This rug is gorg and for the price you can get the REALLY big one you always wanted. (this one too)

4. I just bought this jumpsuit and I will live in it all summer. Looks like an outfit, feels like pajamas. The DREAM! 

5. I have always loved this woven fixture. Would look so pretty over my island or the guest room. 

6. Slides with ruffles that will look chic, but not kill your feet. 

7. The sweetest flutter sleeve dress for Mary. 

8. Again with the puff sleeve, I know! But this dress hugs in all the right places and has such a great print. (and this one)

9. I swear by this boys seersucker swimsuit. And for the price you can get multiple for the inevitable popsicle stains.  

10. Clear is everywhere and while I wasn't sure I loved it until seeing this crossbody. 

11. A soft as can be PJ set (top & bottom $37 for both!) you can also lounge all morning in. Since you DO NOT HAVE TO MAKE LUNCHES OR DO DROP OFF. ha (or this one)

12. The perfect time to upgrade your sheet game. Simple white sheets with a simple seam that comes in lots of colors. 

13. Alexandre Birman bows are just the cutest. These espadrilles seem easy to throw on and feel great in. Love the red with navy, black, and white dresses and outfits. 

14. The chicest woven bag that can hold everything but also looks refined enough for a dinner out. 

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Caprese Orzo Salad with Arugula

Whilst deep into summer, your side game better be on point. Because let's be real, side dishes are the stars of the menu during these months. This recipe came together in minutes just based on what I had on hand to go with some grilled chicken. It was a way to highlight sweet summer tomatoes and peppery arugula that rounds out the dish. 

It would be perfect to bring to a party and can be made in advance to savor later. You can also easily make more or less based on how many mouths you are feeding. There is nothing fancy here, but it surely will look like you slayed it at home or amongst friends.

Caprese Orzo Salad with Arugula

Imperfect Polish 2018

serves 6-8 as a side dish 

1 lb of orzo or any small pasta, cooked to al dente, drained, and rinsed with cool water

1 cup of balsamic vinaigrette (home made or bottled)

6oz arugula 

1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup of pine nuts (toasted if you would like)

10 oz of fresh mozzarella, cubed (you can use more if you want!)

Balsamic glaze (you can find this by the vinegars)

Place the cooked orzo in a bowl and pour 3/4 of the vinaigrette over it. Season heavily with salt and pepper and toss to combine well. Taste and add more vinaigrette to your taste. You want it to be heavily seasoned as this is the dressing for the entire salad. Set aside

Get out a large platter or shallow bowl and place the arugula in the bottom. Spoon the orzo over the arugula leaving a border along the sides. Then sprinkle the tomatoes, mozzarella, and pine nuts on top. Lastly, drizzle with the balsamic glaze and season with some fresh ground pepper and salt. 

*You can make this an hour or two ahead of time and refrigerate. Skip the salt and pepper at the end and wait until before you serve to add it. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Summer Dresses to Live In Under $100

There is nothing easier than throwing on a dress to make an outfit. Add slides for day and a heel at night and poof, instant outfit. It really is the best part of summer. And it is those casual, comfortable dresses that get the most play. So in the spirit of trying to invest more in what we all actually wear, I wanted to find budget friendly dresses that you can wear to death all season long. 

1. Classic Breton stripe dress (comes in other colors) $69 / 2. Embroidered Dress (comes in other colors)  $53 / 3.Tie front Shift Dress $69/ 4. Off the shoulder dress $47

5. Olive Midi Dress $76/ 6. Knotted Maxi Dress $88 / 7. Tiered Maxi Dress (also this one) $32 / 8. Channel Amal Clooney in this number (also this one) $77

9. Chambray dress $69 / 10. Pretty white dress $89 / 11. Striped Shift Dress $59/ 12. Tie Strap Dress $35

13. Rainbow stripes dress $40 / 14. Own this and love it, comes in a ton of colors $69 / 15. Easy LBD $64 / 16. Stripe tank dress $59

xo

Erin 

9 Great Looks from the Nordstrom Sale

School gets out this week! There is this strange feeling of excitement and anxiety. Like what is the schedule? What will they do all day? How many times will I hear "Mom!?" I would say I am equal parts pumped and scared, we will see how that turns out. ha

To keep things fun for the first week of Summer, Nordstrom is having their Half Yearly Sale and it is full of new Summer items. Because we need to at least look like we have it all together and I am obsessed with all of these outfits. 

Dress / Bag / Shoes

Dress / Bag / Shoes

Dress / Bag / Shoes

Jeans / Top / Shoes

Dress / Bag / Shoes

Dress / Bag / Shoes

Dress / Bag / Shoes

Skirt / Top / Bag / Shoes

Jumpsuit / Bag / Shoes (cute 4th of July look!)

xo

Erin 

Summer Wardrobe: Splurge vs. Steal

So Summer is here. Did you notice? 

And in anticipation of days by the pool, warm evenings on the patio, and adventures with family, it is time to suit up.

 I wanted to come up with a list of the perfect additions for your closet in price points for everyone. All of it is amazing and in fact, the lower priced items might be my favorite grouping to date. 

So many sites are having huge sales too! I tried to pull as much from them, but you can check out Nordstrom, Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, J. Crew, and Loft for more details. 

So here is to a happy Summer, may we stay sane and stay cute. 

 Now, for a little splurging...

1. A cute jumpsuit / 2. Black aviators / 3. A day to night dress / 4. White slides / 5. Gold Hoops / 6. Little White Dress / 7. White jeans / 8. Nude Block Heels / 9. Striped One Piece / 10. Basket Bag / 11. Daytime Stripes / 12. A fun sweatshirt / 13. Pretty skirt

And a lot of Saving...

1. A cute jumpsuit / 2. Black aviators / 3. A day to night dress / 4. White slides / 5. White jeans / 6. Little White Dress / 7. Gold hoops / 8. Striped One Piece / 9. Nude Block Heels / 10. Basket Bag / 11. Daytime Stripes / 12. A fun sweatshirt / 13. Pretty skirt

xo

Erin 

Shopbop Sale

The week is turning up my friends. 

There are 70s in the forecast and a four day Shopbop Sale to help us get out of the late winter blues. 

20-25% your entire order, including sale items. 

Florals and stripes and pastels to put a smile on your face. 

Thank goodness, because the way this week is going I need some pretty little things to do just that. I hope it can brighten your week too. Here are some of my picks. 

1.  A striped jumpsuit  / 2. The perfect mini bag, comes in many colors / 3. These white heels are everything  / 4. The denim cut of Spring.  / 5. Love the print of this floral dress / 6. Stripes and pom dress / 7. A sweet two piece set / 8. Party heels or these  / 9. A breezy jumpsuit / 10. Classic sneakers in a great hue / 11. The perfect Summer dress / 12. Neutral mirrored shades / 13. Chunky gold hoops / 14. A soft sweater with flattering cut outs / 15. A pretty camisole / 16. The prettiest mules / 17. Minimalist heels 

Use code EVENT18 at check out. 

Happy shopping. 

xo

Erin 

Favorite Summer Recipes

So when you think of Summer, you think of a lot of relaxing time in the sunshine with cold drink in hand. And while that happens, it is also a lot of juggling and strange new schedules and worn out kids parents. Cooking in the Summer is the absolute best, but I am having a hard time finding my creativity after I have been running around all day. I want to do all the relaxing then. ha So I have been going back to a lot of my old stand by recipes to keep things easy. Which everyone always loves, those that live in my house and those that are just visiting. Here is what will be on rotation in the coming months...

Brussel Sprout Salad with Almonds

Turkey Burgers with Grilled Avocado

 Banh Mi Burger

Chicken Burgers and Lemony Kale Salad

 Summer Chopped Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Greek Grilled Chicken with Lemon Couscous

Honey Mustard Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Kale & Brown Rice Salad with Toasted Almonds

Orzo, Corn, & Avocado Salad

Pine Nut & Parmesan Crusted Fish

Pork Tacos with Honey Lime Slaw

Lemon, Quinoa, & Arugula Salad with Parmesan 

Santa Fe Quinoa Salad

Steak Caesar Salad

Tuna & White Bean Salad

BBQ Asian Sea Bass

xo
Erin 

The Summer Clothes You Will Wear to Death

There are those pieces, those work horses in your closet, that make them worth every darn penny. You know which ones they are and some are looking a little sad. I know mine are, but those clothes are exactly what I need. Not the trendy top I wore once, the dress I love but is too short to handle kids with, or that jumpsuit that can only be worn for the most specific of occasions. So I am concentrating on those "going to wear to its death" pieces and not because they are not interesting or do not have details that feel fresh. But because they are easy to throw on, make a statement, and could be worn almost anywhere this Summer. Best part is I found all of these options at Nordstrom for under $200. Most way, way under that. 

1. The one shoulder ruffle is definitely the top of the season. Love this blue color, also this stripe, and classic white. 

2. Sweet little block heels that are not too high. 

3. A light knit dress that would look just as good with sneaks as it would heels. 

4. This top would no doubt get tons of play all Summer long. With shorts or jeans. 

5. Stretchy, silky shorts to wear with any top you own. 

6. A go to, high quality stripe tee dress is always a win

7. A fancy update to the classic slide you could get away with wearing to dinner. These are also classic. 

8. This ruffle wrap skirt is a statement, but so easily paired with a tank or tee, then flats or heels depending on where you headed. 

9. These capped toe espadrilles from Tory Burch are great dressed up or down. 

10. A silky top is the easiest thing to grab for a night out. Just mix it up with what you wear on the bottom. Comes in other colors too. Don't forget this so you can ditch the strapless. 

11. I lived in a cotton romper last year that is no longer available. This one would be a cute update. 

12. Got to love a drawstring short and a simple stripe paired with a tee is an instant look. 

13. I do not think I could be any more obsessed with this long dress.

14. Taking your lounge look to a higher level with this long sleeve tee. 

15. A chambray dress that will always feel comfy. 

16. Another top that would look great with pretty much anything on the bottom. Especially white jeans. (think I am into stripes? geez)

17. Nude sandals that go with everything in a comfy block heel. 

xo

Erin 

Everything But the Suit

How was your long weekend? We played outside, drank cold drinks in the sunshine with friends, and hit up the pool. Which while getting dressed and packed for made me realize that I could use some more of what is really important for pool time. All the things to cover up. ha Seriously though, the cover up over your suit, the sunglasses, and the hat are great for sun protection and are what makes it an actual outfit. 

Love the boho vibe of these

1. Classic print in a great length / 2. Love the sweet silhouette of this blue dress. 3. This romper could go from pool to dinner easily / 4. Great mixed print dress on sale / 5. This romper would be perfect on hot days

And a couple of takes on the maxi/poolside romper

From left: Wide leg jumpsuit I want to wear every day/ Equally this one as it looks beyond comfortable / This maxi is super light and comes in a bunch of colors

Some fun prints 

From left: Tie dye will always scream Summer to me / This breezy black and white would be fun / The cutest and most comfortable dress for $62 / You can wear this off shoulder or not, great pool to dinner. 

Love a good stripe on light linen

From left: Gauzy stripes and off the shoulder greatness / I had another version of this tunic and loved it / Love this Lemlem that is on sale

And white always looks great in the Summer

From Left: Love this simple trapeze dress / Sweet details on this romper / This dress has the best texture to is and love the ties

I love my always on pair of shades, but really want to find a fun pair for the pool

1. Stars for Summer couldn't be anymore perfect / 2. Such a sucker for a good retro moment  / 3. Crushing on white shades right now / 4. This shape will always be my jam and I love the size of them 

 Mirrored is still the thing and great by water

1. Cool shape / 2. Love the shape of these and the colors / 3. Dying over these pink mirrored glasses, also come in black / 4. Cool girl glasses for $50, also come in blush / 5. classic shape with mirror is perfect / 6. Oversized, mirrored and under $100

And  maybe most important part, protecting that sweet face of yours from the sun. (Because melasma, whose with me?)

1. Simple, but love the white / 2. Lots of coverage, but not as hot in this visor / 3. Love the shape of this braided hat / 4. An oversized Panama / 5. This is the back view of this oversized visor / 6. Have it and love it, great price too. (this one is too)

xo

Erin 

Price is Right Summer Looks

Yes, it has been awhile. And I can now tell you that my absence is mostly because we are coming to the end of a long renovation on our home. It has been seven months long and we just moved back in. I promise that I will be sharing little snippets and eventually full photos, so make sure to follow me on Instagram and check back in. 

My internet traffic has been mostly to home sites and amazon as of late, but I did notice that Shopbop just put thousands of new items on sale. thousands And you bet your ass I spent way too much precious time scoping it out when I could have been doing countless other things. But, I know where my priorities are and time sucking them on Shopbop is at the top. ha

I put some looks together for us...

This gingham dress looks so comfy, but chic / Love the tassels and white of this Loeffler Randall / Hot pink shoes are always a good idea

Super light jeans are a great alternative to white / Love this embroidered top / The copper color of these slides is so cool

Worship these Hudson skinnies  / I like this update to the off shoulder trend / The straps on these sandals are so flattering

Victoria Beckham amazingness in this flutter dress / This pink bag is a three in one / I always loved these lace up star sandals

 A super soft romper / A straw tote for every day all Summer / Winking espadrilles seem like a need 

An easy off the shoulder dress you will wear to death / This bag is a tote and a backpack. LOVE  / Black and white Vince are so good

I am a sucker for a smocked maxi /  Love the color of this little cross body / The classic Stuart Weitzman wedges in navy 

The most elegant sequin dress I have ever seen / Been coveting one of these Edie Parkers for awhile. This one is cheeky too / Love these sweet block heels 

xo Erin

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