Dress Hat Sandals

When we talk about taking care of our skin, most of that focus is on the face but it’s also important to take care of the skin on our body. Below are my essentials for taking care of the skin on my body during the summer.

Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair I love to wear foot masks during the winter to keep the skin on my feet soft but they do make my feet peel, so I don’t like to use them in the summer. This foot treatment is my go-to for keeping my feet soft in the summer months but doesn’t make my feet peel.

La Roche-Posay Thermal Water Spray This is great to have on hand if you’re going to be outside all day. It feels very cooling on the skin.

Aloe Vera Gel While I like to use the thermal spray while I’m in the sun, I like to use aloe vera gel after I’m out of the sun. I’m pretty careful about sun protection so I never get sunburned but it’s still nice to use aloe vera gel after my skin has been exposed to the sun all day.

Sunscreen This is my favorite sunscreen for the body. I love that it’s not just sunscreen but also hydrating. It doesn’t leave a white cast and doesn’t feel sticky.

Hemp Bronzing Lotion I know fast acting self tanners have become very popular over the years but I’m still a fan of gradual tanners. Gradual tanners give a more natural look and they also fade naturally just like a real suntan would, as opposed to the blotchy fading of a self tanner. I love this one because it doesn’t look orange but just enhances my olive skin tone.

I’m a strong believer that you don’t need to spend a fortune for good skincare products. I’m also the type of person willing to splurge on certain items (like a compound cream I get from my dermatologist or sunscreen) but I also love to save on other items. Below are my favorite drugstore skincare products.

La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser I use Tretinoin as part of my evening skincare routine so it’s really important for me to use a gentle cleanser beforehand. This is my all time favorite gentle cleanser. I think it would be great for all skin types.

La Roche-Posay Balm Since I use Tretinoin my skin can get dry and flaky. I like to use this balm in the evenings on the areas of my skin that get flaky.

CeraVe Vitamin C Serum Vitamin C Serum can get very pricey but this is a great affordable option. It used to be that drugstore Vitamin C Serums were so weak they were pointless but they have come a long way in recent years.

La Roche-Posay Moisturizer My dermatologist recommended this to me years ago but I just recently tried it and I’m kicking myself for not trying it earlier. I absolutely love this because it’s very hydrating and soothing. I use this as part of both my morning and evening skincare routine.

L’Oreal Glycolic Acid Cleanser I love using a Glycolic Acid cleanser to exfoliate my face, however it can be tricky to incorporate into my routine since I also use a Tretinoin. I find this one to be effective but still gentle. I’ve worked my way up to be able to tolerate using it every morning.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is now open to all card holders and opens to all non-card holders next week. Today is the day it opened up to my tier so below is everything I ordered.

Donna Karan Deodorant Oribe Set Thong Aveda Shampoo Aveda Conditioner

I shared my wishlist last week and this does vary from that a little. I decided to not get the wine preservation system I shared because I felt it wasn’t worth it given I’m not much of a wine drinker. Portioning out and freezing leftover wine to cook with seems to work fine for me. I also decided to not get either pair of boots that I had on my wishlist. They were both knee high boots which I haven’t been wearing much over the last couple of years.

Every year Nordstrom has a huge Anniversary Sale in July. You can learn more about/ how to shop the sale here. To be completely honest, I have shopped the sale for so many years I feel like in terms of clothing and accessories, I have everything I want from the sale (they tend to release very similar items each year). Because of that, I’m not planning on buying a lot from the sale this year. I will share my wishlist and/or everything I buy from the sale later this week. That being said though, if you don’t already own similar items to the ones below, now would be the best time to buy them. The items below are all items I own or have almost identical items to.

Women’s Clothing

1. Puffer Jacket Puffer jackets can get very expensive but this one is over $100 off during the sale. The one I have I bought during the sale and it has lasted years.
2. Slouchy Sweater I have this exact sweater and I love it because it’s oversized so it sort of feels like I’m just wrapped up in a blanket. It’s not the softest sweater but it is also not itchy. I suggest sizing down one size. It’s quite long so if you are 5’2″ or shorter, you might be able to wear this as a sweater dress.
3. Thong This is my favorite thong of all time. I pick up a few during the sale each year. They wash well and last forever.
4. Sweater I think if you are going to buy a sweater from the sale I would suggest buying one that is a little more premium and focus on quality over quantity.
5. Silk Pajamas I love sleeping in silk pajamas. This set is great because it’s washable and it’s a great price on sale.
6. Shirt I have a shirt from this brand and it’s one of the most comfortable shirts I own. I also get compliments on it almost every time I wear it.
7. Faux Leather Leggings These leggings are one of the most flattering clothing items I own and surprisingly one of the most comfortable.
   

Shoes

Converse When I was in middle school I had a pair of converse shoes that were incredibly uncomfortable and up until recently I never gave them another chance. I ordered a pair a few months ago and now they are so comfortable.

Hunter Boots Rain boots are a necessity in most places in the Fall and Winter. I’ve had my hunter boots for so many years and they still look new.

On Shoes I wear these shoes every morning when my husband and I go for a walk. They’re very supportive.

Home

Mirror Under normal circumstances I would never recommend spending this much money on a mirror BUT it’s not so bad when it’s on sale. I like it because it really does mimic natural light and it’s chargeable.

Pillowcase and Scrunchie Set There is nothing better than sleeping on a silk pillowcase. It’s always cool to the touch. I use these pillowcases on our bed and my husband and I both use the hair ties as well.

Carry-On I don’t have this carry-on but I do have this brand’s large checked luggage and it’s the lightest luggage I own which is what I primarily look for in luggage.

Blanket I have this blanket in the peach color and I believe I’ve owned it for 6+ years. I wash it once a week and it’s still just as soft as the day I got it.

Accessories

Bracelet I bought this bracelet last year during the sale and it’s the perfect dainty bracelet.

Handbag This handbag is beautiful and would make the perfect bag for Fall and Winter.

Beauty

1. Lancome Serum This serum has so many benefits for the skin. It’s one of those products that I think regardless of your age and skin type you’ll see benefits from. I love this but I’m not currently using it because I get a compound cream prescribe by my dermatologist that does everything this serum does, plus more.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Set The Pillow Talk shade from Charlotte Tilbury is iconic because it’s universally flattering. I used this set on my wedding day.
3. Oribe Set I’m currently using a different shampoo and conditioner but I might have to pick up this set during the sale because the price is unbeatable and it’s one of my favorite shampoo and conditioner sets of all time.
4. T3 Flat Iron I switched over to T3 products years ago and have no interest in trying anything else because they’re so good. They’re not as damaging on the hair as other hot tool brands and they work really well.
5. T3 Hair Dryer Set I never owned a hair dryer until recently because I prefer to let it dry naturally. I bought this because my husband has long hair too and he needed a hair dryer. I cannot personally attest to this but my husband likes it.
6. Clinique Set This is one of my favorite moisturizers of all time. It’s great for all skin types.

Recently the “trend” of “old money style” has been circulating around social media. I personally hate the term “old money style” for a few reasons. First of all, style is a very personal thing. Not everyone of a certain socio-economic background dresses the same (regardless of what socio-economic background that is). Secondly, I find the term to be a bit distasteful because it involves a lot of assumption about other people’s personal finances which is not our business.

I’ve come to the realization that “old money style” is ultimately just a new way of referring to timeless fashion. I personally love timeless fashion and I think everyone can incorporate it into their wardrobe. I’m not the type of person to ever pretend to be something I’m not. I’m not only money, but I do love timeless fashion, which is why I really hope society starts referring to it as timeless fashion again. Below are Summer wardrobe essentials for timeless fashion.

Espadrilles Boater Hat Stripe Tee Shirt Shirt Dress Linen Pants White Jeans Cotton Button Down Slides

If I had to pick one style of shoe to wear for the rest of my life (solely based on preference not practicality) I’d pick sandals. Maybe it’s because I was born and raised in California, but I just feel most like myself in sandals. Below are my top picks for sandals this season.

1. Slides I have these slides in a different color and I get so much use out of them. I love that slides can make a look very casual and effortless.
2. Rockstud Heal Slide To me, these sandals are the ultimate shoe to wear as a guest to almost any Summer wedding. They look good with almost every dress from casual to semi-formal. The block style heel also makes it easy to walk and dance at outdoor weddings.
3. Flip Flops Flip flops are the ultimate utilitarian shoe for the Summer. I like these ones because they are made of leather so they are more comfortable and durable.
4. Raffia Mule I have an almost identical pair of shoes (from previous season) and I love wearing them out to dinner in the Summer. They’re stylish and surprisingly comfortable and easy to walk in. I know most people gravitate towards light colors during the Summer but since these are a raffia material they still feel very Summery despite the dark color.
5. Clog Sandals I have a pair of clog sandals that I wear non stop in the Summer. I think most people see the wooden heel and assume it’s uncomfortable, but every pair of clog sandals I’ve ever had have always been the most comfortable shoes in my wardrobe.
6. T-Strap Sandal T-Strap nude sandals are probably my most worn shoe in the Summer. Whenever I can’t decide what shoe to wear, this is my go-to.

One of the reasons I prefer Fall and Winter style to Spring and Summer style is the accessories. I find it much easier to accessorize in the colder months. It takes more of a conscious effort for me to accessorize this time of year. Over the years I’ve collected some go-to accessories to wear during warm months which has made accessorizing much easier. If you are like me, and find it difficult to accessorize this time of year, below are my favorite accessories to wear in the Summer and how I style them.

Earrings I’ve never been much of a jewelry girl, and when it’s hot outside wearing jewelry is less appealing. I find that sticking to earrings and rings on a hot Summer day is more comfortable than wearing necklaces or bracelets.

Sunglasses Sunglasses are a necessity all year but especially if you plan on spending more time outside during the Summer.

Twill I’ve gotten so much use out of this silk twill over the years. It’s one of my most worn accessories this time of year. I primarily use it in a ponytail this time of year but there are tons of ways to style it which I’ve outlines in this post.

Boater Hat I’m pretty big on sun protection so I wear a lot of hats during the Summer. This is on of my favorite hats to wear this time of year because it protects the part on my hair from getting burned as well as some sun protection on my face.

Headband I like to keep my hair out of my face on a hot day but sometimes I don’t want to wear it up. On those days I like to wear a headband.

Belt I have a lot of loose flowy style dresses that I love to wear in the Summer. Sometimes I like to wear them loose but sometimes I like to cinch in the waist with a belt.

I recently shared a post on the Best Beach and Pool Accessories for this year and I included a couple of bags. In my search for beach and pool bags to include in that post, I came across a ton of great options. Over the last couple of years I haven’t seen a lot of cute bags for the beach and pool. Since there are so many great options I came across this year, I decided to dedicate a blog post to the best beach on pool bags this year.

1. Lemon Raffia Bag I just had to include this bag because the detailing is gorgeous. Raffia style bags are my personal favorite style bag for the beach. This bag is stylish enough you could wear it on other occasions than just the beach or pool. I love that you can get more use out of this than a typical beach/pool bag.
2. Hat Bag I love this bag because it is designed to carry a hat in the straps which is very convenient.
3. Beach Please Bag I want to include a canvas style bag because I know not everyone prefers raffia. This bag is ideal for anyone packing for 2+ people because of it’s larger size.
4. Black and Pearl Bag I have a handbag from this brand that I absolutely love. This is another bag that is suitable for the beach or pool but can also be worn on other occasions.
5. Woven Bag I love an open woven bag like this one specifically for the beach. Since it is more loosely woven, sand won’t collect in the bag it will just fall through. If you are concerned about smaller items (like lip balm) falling through then I suggest putting those smaller items in a makeup pouch in the bag.
6. Coral and Starfish Embellished Bag I love the embellishment of this bag. I personally would wear this bag for a pool day rather than a beach day. This bag is so beautiful you could also wear it on other occasions.

Summer is particularly here and I’ve become more fond of dressing for it. Below are some outfit ideas to spark inspiration with your Summer wardrobe.

Shirt Pants Brooch Sandals

Dress Hat Sandals

Tank Jeans Earrings Shoes