Latest Purchases: Early Summer 2024

The past few months have been a blur and I realized many things I've added to my closet or routine I haven't shared with you so wanted to do a quick update:

Shoes

• This spring I bought ecru Birkenstocks with the big gold buckle and left them in the box. I already have tomato red, and some well-worn white and silver pairs. I decided if I didn't wear them by July 1st I'd return them (thank you Nordstrom for your flexible returns). Well I pulled them out mid-May and wear them weekly. The bigger and gold buckle makes them look more luxe than any other pair. I baby them, and they look super chic with wide-leg pants and maxi dresses but also with jeans.
• I got these loafers from Vionic and they are amazing. Buttery soft right out of the box, wide width is actually wide and these fit high volume feet and high arches. The insoles are removable if you want to do my no-sock hack or if you have orthotics. I got the cream but every color is awesome.
• I'm writing this while wearing these low-heeled sandals from Ros Hommerson in gold cork. These are incredibly comfortable and the color goes with most everything. (code OXYGEN10 gets you 10% off)

Accessories

• When I saw Dagne Dover's new Deep Sea blue collection, I wanted it so much… but I couldn't justify it. My sister bought the large Dakota backpack (ALISON10 for 10% off) in the blue color and it's even more lovely in person. I splurged and got this crossbody, which is a size I don't own and will be great for summer and travel as there's no metal to get hot and it can hold more than any of my other crossbodies.
  • I know, I know, the blue is sold out. Check out Nordstrom, which still has the Landon bag and the Micah crossbody I bought available in the bright blue color!
• When The Sak saw I recommended the Tess Sling Bag as a great crescent bag, they offered to send me one in the color/fabric of my choice. I got the black leather version and I love it. The strap is adjustable so it fits a range of bodies and whether you want it higher or lower on the body. Two pockets inside and the pouch one fits an iPhone. A really comfortable bag to wear, lightweight, flexible, and looks luxe. Code AGARY20 gets you 20% off sitewide through 8/31/24 too! You can see the bag on me here.
• I had a Banana Republic straw fedora I LOVED that got squished and never returned to its original shape. I tried a bunch of hats and ended up going with this one from Banana Republic Factory (I got the lighter color). I first got the M/L because I have a big noggin, but exchanged it for the smaller version. There is a tie inside to adjust the size, which I had to do to keep it on my head in a breeze. It looks far more expensive than its price! You can see it on me here.
• Full disclosure, Quince offers me a store credit once a quarter to get what I desire and if I like it, I can share it. This time, I got this swimsuit for my daughter and am hella impressed by the quality. Built-in cups, lined, adjustable straps, this is too nice for a teenager and I recommend if you have an average to smaller bust and wear Misses sizes. Runs true to size. But for me, I got these sunglasses and they are also hella nice. An Oliver Peoples vibe, they are polarized, lightweight, but well made. I got the clear brown but they're all nice. I got my husband the Brixton which is similar but a bit bigger. He has the honey with green lenses, they are equally stylish and have polarization.
• I had a keyring wallet from Athleta I loved but it got so dingy so fast. I replaced it with this $8 version at Target and it's a hint smaller but seems to hold more, and is super durable and I can clean it with a bit of vinegar or even hand sanitizer or a damp cloth. I have the yellow which is a highlighter color but any color is good!

Clothes

I really should write this next week after I've tried on what arrived today, but if I wait I likely will not have time next week to finish the post! So what I've bought or ordered thus far and what from last year I'm loving and is still in stock:

• This winter when it was on clearance, I bought this linen tunic from Lands' End. The pink color is so delightful. I've worn it as a swim coverup, I've worn it half-tucked into denim cutoffs, tied at the waist with white linen pants (these pants), and as seen in this Reel, I wear over my pink overalls.
• Also from Quince, I got another of these silk slipdresses. I have the red one which I had hemmed shorter and wear under a red-orange mesh dress I got a bit ago at Universal Standard (see here) but the teal color (which is gorgeous) I got just to be a silky fancy nightgown (I ordered XL). It's washable so why not? FYI, they now make this dress in extended sizes, though right now, it is only in 3 colors.
• Full disclosure, Ann Taylor and LOFT often offer me gifted clothing. I recently asked Ann Taylor for the following things which arrived today and I have yet to open and try on. Ann is great for colorful pieces and petites over size 10. I am usually XLP or 16P in pants and vary between L and XLP on top:
  • These white linen pants in XLP
  • This black one-shoulder top in XLP (envisioning with the white pants)
  • These “fiery red” linen pants in XLP
  • This sweater shell in “fiery red” in XL (envisioning with the matching pants but honestly with a lot as this is a color I really love)
  • This hat in white (always on the search for chic sun protection!)
• I ordered this red linen dress from COS (size 14). It's still in the package for me to try on this weekend.
• Still wearing and loving this Lands' End swimsuit; you can see my Lands' End swimsuit review from 2023 where I model it and a few other lovely pieces.
• You know I am a Universal Standard fan! I loved the print of the new cooling cupro pieces and got this top and this skirt in XS. I wore the top separately, but today I am wearing the two pieces together, the top tied in the front, tucked into the skirt in back and it creates a dress effect. The fabric is different from the old US cupro, which wrinkled so easily and showed sweat. This is a but crisper, feels more luxe, and doesn't cling or show sweat in the heat and doesn't wrinkle easily!
• This week I ordered more Universal Standard! I bought myself this top and these pants in the green print, and this caftan in the Cenote Blue, all in XS. We'll see how they turn out!
• I love the Madewell Harlow pants; I have them in stone and black. Last summer, end of the year, I also got them in white linen. Then when they had a clearance this winter, I was able to snag a pair in black linen. I wish they had more colors in petite, I'd get more (I wear a 14P in these, though they are more snug in the linen version).
• When I was growing up, my friend Kelli's mom wore these little terrycloth rompers. Tube top, shorts, elasticized on top and the waist, they were a summer uniform. My version is these Old Navy active dresses. I have some in L, some in XL, some in XL tall and L tall with the straps shortened by my tailor so they are longer but fit me in the torso. I find I can get away with a bra for being around the house and add a bra for running errands. This year's colors aren't as exciting, but they continue to be great. I have black, a pale neon green, lavender, and dark teal.

Makeup

I'm not doing a ton of makeup these days; no point when I sweat it off. I am testing out mascaras from Alleyoop and Sweed, keeping my brows looking nice with this product from Julep in taupe, and a touch of this Bobbi Brown concealer.

If I want some impact, I do some fun lipcolor (Glossier Coupe, L'Oreal Matte-Traction Red, Mally Boss Lady, Flyte.70 Tempted, and Bobbi Brown Sunset Orange) and when I put my finger in my mouth and pull it out to remove excess that would get on my teeth, I rub that excess on my cheeks.

If I just want a “me only better” look I use Flyte.70 cream blush in Look of Love and use it on my eyes, cheeks, over my nose. You can totally use your fingers with this but I use this brush and tap it on; it's the perfect shape to get the cheekbones but also to tap right on the eyelid to get a touch of contour. (WOXYGEN15 for 15% off)

Hair and Body

Vida Bars sent me their shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner bars. Designed specifically for curly hair, I was intrigued and so far I am a fan. For those who are hardcore CGM, these do have some oils but I find them effective, and vary between them and LUS Brands. For storage, I got this which I stuck to the shower tile and has an extra shelf for regular soap.

For styling product, my stylist Billy Maloy always suggests a bit of conditioner but I find it too heavy for my fine curls. Then a couple of appointments ago he tried Bumble & Bumble Thickening Conditioner and I LOVED the result, especially now that we're in heat and humidity season. I keep playing with amounts and methods, but thought these two curly girl products would be worth sharing!

And because I wrote about natural deodorants, I often get offers to try new versions. Right now I am only accepting gifting from brands that either I'm intrigued by or are more sustainable than what I currently use. Community Goods makes plastic-free bodycare and now has a deodorant. They sent me both scents; one smells a bit too much like Old Spice on me but the Coconut Vanilla scent is nice if you like those smells. I like the scent better than the popular natural deodorant in Target with the same scent, I also find it a creamier product easier to apply, and the cardboard “push pop” container is easy to manage.

I hope to showcase these items in detail soon, but wanted to pop in. Things have been busy with the end of the school year, putting my mom's house on the market, and various behind the scene things with running this blog and business. But all is well! How is your summer going thus far?