Fashion

I’ve been on the fence about the slip dress trend. It reminds me so much of ’90s grunge that I just wasn’t sure it was a trend that should come back around. Whether you like it or not, the slip dress trend is back in a big way.

Lace is by far my favorite textile. I am always drawn to lace pieces, especially in pastels and whites. Lace is so feminine and pretty.

The hunt to find the perfect little white dress is always at the top of my summer shopping list. Nothing says summer fashion to me quite as much as a little white dress. Shorts, sandals and swimsuits are a given, but finding the perfect white dress can sometimes be elusive.

Like most moms, I’m often too busy to find time to pamper myself. My weekends are too jam packed to fit in a professional manicure, and weeknights are full of caring for the kids and dinner prep. If you’re a busy mom like me, you know that an at-home manicure is usually the only option.

So I’m still totally smitten with midi skirts. When I saw this J. Crew denim jacket white skirt look, I was drawn to the contrast between the crispness of the white midi skirt and the casual faded denim jacket. Then, they dress up the look with fashion-forward black and white printed lace-up heels.

Have you noticed how cut off jean shorts are everywhere this summer? It seems like the more tattered and worn, the better. Ironically, cut off jean shorts remind me of my dad because, in high school, I stole an old pair of his Levi’s and made them into cut-offs I wore with this old 70’s belt. I’m not saying it was the best look, but it totally fit the 90’s grunge style at the time.

One of my favorite looks for summer is a floral print midi skirt with a crisp white blouse, tucked in or cropped. Floral prints are so feminine and fun and I think the midi shape gives a bit of a retro vibe, while being subtly sexy.

If I’m honest, I generally do my own pedicures at home or visit my local strip mall for the $20 standard pedicure. I never get the add-ons –no sea salts or flower decals for me. When it comes to pedicures, I just never really thought there were that many benefits of a spa deluxe pedicure that would make it worth the high price tag.

Who’s headed to the beach this weekend? I wish I was–instead, we’re staying home and continuing potty training. Fun, fun! I’ve been missing the beach lately, which is the biggest negative of leaving California. Since I’m not actually getting a beach vacation this holiday weekend, I decided to daydream about all the things I’d bring with me. Here are my 20 summer beach essentials.