This smocked floral dress is a perfect example of a piece perfect for the in-between. With its blousy sleeves, smocked waist (which you can adjust perfectly for your height), and muted green hue, it has all of the qualities I love in a dress this time of year.
It’s always dress season in my book, but I especially love that in-between moment, early august August through mid-September, when silhouettes get a bit flowier and colors get a bit moodier. There’s something romantic and expectant about the transition from summer to fall, and I love it.
This smocked floral dress is a perfect example of a piece perfect for the in-between. With its blousy sleeves, smocked waist (which you can adjust perfectly for your height), and muted green hue, it has all of the qualities I love in a dress this time of year.
Wear it with sandals through the end of summer, then switch to a pair of ballet flats or booties and a jean jacket when autumn rolls around. At $49, it’s one piece that will serve you well for months!
Last Friday, Nordstrom published the online preview to the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020! Here are a few pieces I’m particularly excited about.
Last Friday, Nordstrom published the online preview to the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020!
Unlike the traditional catalog Nordstrom typically sends out, this virtual preview allows you to save anniversary sale items to a wishlist. (You’ll find the option to “save to wishlist” at the bottom of each product description.) Then, once you get access to the sale (which depends on your Nordstrom rewards tier), you’ll be able to check out with your wishlist easy peasy!
As a long-time Nordstrom Anniversary Sale shopper (see last year’s posts here) I’m excited about this change. I think it will allow for more thoughtful planning and purchasing… and hopefully, stock will be reserved for each tier so items don’t sell out quite as quickly!
I will be shopping the nordstrom anniversary sale 2020 on August 7th and can’t wait to bring you along for the fun as I hunt for classic, timeless pieces and the frequent pop of fun. An Instagram Try-On session is always requested, and I’ll keep you posted on when it will go live!
In the meantime, click here to check out the nordstrom anniversary sale 2020 preview, and see a few favorites I’m eyeing below! Keep in mind, the preview doesn’t feature every sale item. Nordstrom is updating it with new sneak peeks daily!
nordstrom anniversary sale
2020 preview favorites
cashmere coat
I can already tell you which investment piece I am most excited for. This gorgeous camel cashmere coat is regularly $600, but will be $299 during the Nordstrom anniversary sale! An investment, to be sure, but one that will look (and feel) fabulous for years. I couldn’t be more in love with the elegant, chic draped silhouette and or the timeless color. Cashmere?! Yes, please!
ag ankle skinny jeans
Each year, I look for a perfect pair of jeans to take me through fall and winter. In fact, I still have a pair of rag & bone jeans from the Nordstrom anniversary sale two years ago that I’m obsessed with! The sale is a great opportunity to purchase a high-quality pair of designer denim at a great price. This pair of AG skinny jeans, originally $215 but under $150 during the sale, has my name on it!
$20 lipgloss trio
I rarely update my makeup arsenal, but seem to always find something affordable and fun to freshen up the mix with during the Nordstrom anniversary sale. This year, I’m eyeing this set of pretty pink-to-nude lip glosses. At $20, this set is a fun way to treat yourself and buy a few extras for the gift closet/stocking stuffers!
cap-toe kicks
Last year, I became obsessed with the Chanel-inspired cap-toe shoe trend. In fact, I wore this pair so much I’m planning on replacing them this year! Needless to say, I cannot wait to scoop up this casual, loafer style for under $100. The teeny chain detailing is giving me serious heart eyes!
my favorite bra
It’s back! It’s back! And I’m so excited! Last year, I posted about the best bra everthat I scooped up from the Nordstrom anniversary sale. (Read my review here.) I had countless messages from y’all saying you had then purchased it and agreed… it’s amazing! While you can purchase it year-round, grab a few during the sale for $20 off. Trust me, you’ll love it! This year, I also saw this spaghetti strap style is included. I’m planning on purchasing and will let you know my thoughts!
hexagonal rayban shades
Ray Bans on sale? Sign me up. This current style is fresh and unique, without being too flashy. I love the subtle angles and the classic black/gold combination. Can’t wait to snag these!
white patagonia jacket
While the last thing I want to think about is a jacket during the heat and humidity of July in Gainesville, I can’t help but be excited about this Patagonia jacket! It’s a new style, and I love it. The only problem is it also comes in pink! Which to choose?! If past years are any indication, this piece is going to sell out quickly.
silk scrunchies
I’ve been hearing rave reviews of these silk scrunchies… especially in regards to how great they are for sleeping with! Apparently, the silk keeps hair smooth and soft instead of warped and crinkled. I haven’t pulled the trigger because of the price, so I’m so excited to see this set included in the Nordstrom anniversary sale this year!
leopard tote
This. Bag. I splurged on this same style last year in a solid tan color with a navy and red strap. Swoon. I actually ended up gifting it to my mama, and have had serious envy ever since! Now that it’s being released in this fabulous leopard print with an ever-versatile white and black strap, I have a feeling history is going to repeat itself again. Except this time, I’m keeping it! :) (You can borrow it, mom!)
I already have quite the wishlist created, and can’t wait to share more inspiration as the date approaches. In the meantime, let me know what you’re shopping for and what would be most fun/helpful for you to see! Your feedback is always appreciated.
And before signing off, I wanted to repeat a sentiment I always share regarding the Nordstrom anniversary sale. You don’t need anything from it, plain and simple. In all the buzz surrounding it, it can be easy to forget that! This year especially, times are hard. So while I’m excited to share all sorts of inspiration regarding the sale like I do every year, remember that if it’s not for you, thats perfectly fine.
You can take it from me, this sweet white romper gets five stars in my book! First off, I simply love anything and everything eyelet. The fabric is soft and flowy, making for such a flattering piece that is also fun to wear. But, it’s also available in solid white (not eyelet) for $10 less!
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it a thousand times… I am pickyyy, picky, picky when it comes to rompers. While the silhouette has been quite of-the-moment these past few years, I’ve been pretty selective with the actual pieces I add to my wardrobe. To be quite frank, I just feel like there’s so much that can go wrong, especially in the torso and leg areas!
When it boils down to it, the romper I always love is the romper with a flattering, cinched waistline and a super flowy, almost skirt-like bottom. I’m convinced the combination of the two makes for a flattering look no matter your frame!
So you can take it from me, this sweet white romper gets five stars in my book! First off, I simply love anything and everything eyelet. The fabric is soft and flowy, making for such a flattering piece that is also fun to wear. But, it’s also available in solid white (not eyelet) for $10 less!
Secondly, little details like the adjustable straps and cinched waist make this piece adjustable for a perfect fit. (Also, the neckline is stitched closed and worry-free!)
And speaking of fit, I ordered my usual, an XS. While it definitely works, in hindsight I wish I had sized up to a S. This brand, Row A, is a juniors line (and an adorable one at that) so I’d suggest sizing up in their pieces!
I actually believe this is the first romper I’ve purchased this spring and summer, and I love it so much I’m eyeing it in this color as well. While that second color is nearly sold out, the classic white is currently in stock in all sizes. At $45, I don’t think it will last long!
Here are a few other rompers that pass the test for me:
I normally save happy list posts for the end of the week, but when isn’t it time for a little dose of positivity?
I normally save happy list posts for the end of the week, but when isn’t it time for a little dose of positivity?
After a quiet, restful and low key week away at the beach, I’m back home with my little family feeling oh so grateful. One of the things I’m most thankful for living here in Florida is that sand and salt water are only a few hours away! They never cease to calm my soul and refresh my spirit.
Today, I’m excited to share a few happy things with you… from my favorite (and affordable) swimsuits being on sale to a new Trader Joe’s product I can’t wait to try. I hope the mix brings a smile to your face!
Book recommendation! The Heir Affair was a wonderful beach read. Full disclosure: there is some language and a couple of “adult” moments. But, it is filled cover to cover with fabulous characters, a well fleshed-out plot, and a story I didn’t want to end!
Two of my favorite swimsuits are on sale! This blue toile bikini has a fabulous fit (full coverage bottoms, ptl) and I’m in love with this green pattern.
I ordered this rattan sideboard for our living room, but have ended up putting it in the kitchen as our bar cart. It is so cute, and I can’t wait to share more!
Loving all of the interior inspo from this lady lately!
I just came across what looks exactly like my Monolo Blahnik wedding shoes, but at a fraction of the price. Check them out here!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is around the corner, and this year they’re doing something differently! Everyone will be able to preview the entire sale this Friday, July 24. Even if you’re not a cardholder, you’ll be able to add your favorites to a “wishlist” so you can easily check out when the sale opens up. I’ll be sharing my favorites on Friday, so stay tuned!
Looking to support an incredible mission dedicated to bringing women out of human trafficking? Check out Starfish Project. I just ordered this necklace and this bracelet!
I shared this song on my Instagram Story yesterday. It always encourages me and centers me back on what is important, and what I’m striving to live for!
I was sent this new beauty product and am honestly obsessed with it! I swipe it down the bridge of my nose, along my cheekbones and on my eyelids for a warm, summery glow.
Did anyone else feel like their mother dressed so lame as a child, only to grow up and find yourself wanting to steal her entire closet?
*sheepishly raises hand
Me and my mother, to a tee! When I was younger (and all my friends seemed to be in sparkly light up shoes and loudly-embroidered denim) I couldn’t understand why she dressed my sister and in such simple, boring pieces. Now, as I look back, I have a different word to describe our childhood wardrobes. Classic. And vastly different feelings about the “boring” ensembles she put us in, too!
It should come as no surprise, therefore, that her style has vastly influenced my own, especially the older I get. As each year passes, I find myself reaching more and more towards the simple and chic instead of the loud and trendy. And while I still love to mix the two, the scale has started tip towards timeless. Future children, beware! :)
An example? This fabulous dress! At $39, it’s such a steal. And let me tell you, if there’s one thing my mother does well, it’s finding gorgeous pieces at attainable price points.
Loving the contrast between the structured collar and blousy silhouette, she scooped it up from Zara. Luckily for me, she was wavering on whether or not to return. I told her I’d save her the trouble and claim it as my own!
This dress has turned out to be one of my favorites of the season, and I think that is largely due to the perfect collar detailing. Something about it gives this dress a touch of structure and timelessness, and I can’t help but feel instantly chic when I throw it on!
Speaking of timeless, I couldn’t go without mentioning these beautiful slippers Dallas-based clothier Hadleigh’s was so kind as to send me! They are exquisitely made, and have quickly become one of my favorite pairs of shoes. Fit tip: size a half size up!
To wrap it all up… I have yet to discover one thing my mom was actually wrong on. It’s true what they say, she always knows best!
Pinch me, please! Tomorrow, the August edition of Southern Living hits stores… and in it, you may find a familiar face. I am beside myself with excitement to share that you’ll find me alongside twelve truly bright, creative, and hardworking women as the 2020 Southern Living Tastemakers!
Pinch me, please! Tomorrow, the August edition of Southern Living hits stores… and in it, you may find a familiar face. I am beside myself with excitement to share that you’ll find me alongside twelve truly bright, creative, and hardworking women as the 2020 Southern Living Tastemakers!
Growing up, I distinctly remember a huge, heavy chest my mother had filled to the brim with years and years worth of Southern Living editions. There was always a new recipe she was excited to try, a destination she wanted to take us to, and a beautiful interior design tip she wanted to implement. In a way, Southern Living has been a part of our family for as long as I can remember.
Today, it’s the only magazine I am religiously subscribed to, and definitely the one magazine I read cover-to-cover. One of the many little habits and preferences I’ve adopted from my mother!
Needless to say, when I got the news that I had been invited to Birmingham to join an unbelievable group of women for the 2020 Southern Living Tastemakers convention, you can only imagine my reaction. (Jumping around in my kitchen and copious amounts of tears may have been involved.)
It was a whirlwind 24 hours of photo shoots, delicious food, and my personal favorite moment, a round-table conversation during which each woman shared her story. What a privilege to hear the backgrounds, ins and outs, successes, failures, visions, and dreams each of these Tastemakers shared. I don’t know that I have ever been so deeply honored to have been included in a room and in a discussion.
While the convention seemed to be over just as quickly as it began, I left endlessly inspired by each new friend and with a deep appreciation for what it means to be a southern woman.
I wish I had snapped more photos than I did (it truly was such a whirlwind) but here are a few I managed to squeeze into this incredible trip.
Funny story: the image on the top right is of me and a precious Gainesville follower at the Birmingham airport. I had accidentally grabbed her carry-on instead of mine, and she realized it because she saw on Instagram Stories that I was flying to Birmingham! She DM’d me about the mixup (turns out she had purchased the same pink carry-on after seeing it on Lonestar Southern) and was gracious enough to wait for me to swap bags. She was headed to her boyfriend’s formal, I was headed to the Southern Living Photoshoot… we were both relieved to have our correct outfits! Haha! This story always makes me smile.
I don’t want to give the feature completely away, but before I sign off I wanted to share a couple of photos as well as a link to each fabulous Southern Living Tastemaker.
Let me tell you, each of these women is a true marvel in her own way. I hope you spend a few minutes acquainting yourself with each one. You may even recognize a few, like friend and fellow Dallasite Cristina of one of my favorite brands, Mi Golondrina!
Like I mentioned above, you’ll be able to find this edition of Southern Living in-stores tomorrow. In the meantime, you’ll find the digital version here. I truly hope you enjoy it!
And to Southern Living, thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me, and allowing me to me share the heartbeat behind Lonestar Southern with your audience. This is a moment I will never forget!
Love from the Sunshine State,
Kate
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