Fashion

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.

Certain prints always seem to be in style–namely, some version of dots, stars, hearts and flowers. I love the star print fashion trend because stars give a youthful vibe, but can still look chic and modern.

I found three new best beauty finds under $10 — a great lip tint, ultra rich lengthening mascara, and a fun minty nail polish. My makeup routine in the summer shifts to lighter and more sheer lotions and concealers. I also stick with lighter eyeshadow colors and very simple lip moisturizers. With the start of summer, I wanted to add a few new beauty products to my arsenal. Mineral Fusion Sheer Moisture Lip Tint – Shimmer – $9.99 June best beauty finds under $10I’m mostly a lip gloss or chapstick girl. Every now and then I’ll throw on a lipstick, but that’s rare. For summer, I especially like to keep my lip color light and sheer. I love this Mineral Fusion lip tint because it’s light, has subtle shimmer and the peachy-pink shade is perfect for summer. Essie Mint Candy Apple Nail Polish – $8.50 June best beauty finds under $10 I usually don’t wear nail polish in the winter, so I wanted to find a new fun shade for summer sandal weather. I already have lots of pinks and other pastel shades, but I thought it would be fun to try something totally different. This mint color is so fresh for summer and looks great on my toes. Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara – $8.99 June best beauty finds under $10 I’ve been a Rimmel London fan for quite awhile, but I usually stick with the standard brushes. When I ran out of my old faithful mascara, I wanted to try this Lash Accelerator mascara because it has a smaller and thinner brush that I thought would add extra length. I love the ultra rich black color and the thin brush really delivered on giving me ultra long lashes.

A quality wrap dress is one of my wardrobe staples, especially in the summer. I own a black jersey one with a giant beige palm leaves print that I’ve owned for at least 5 years, if not closer to a decade. It’s one of those pieces I choose to wear on days when I want something comfortable, but that still looks very put together and always chic.

What’s your current go-to summer sandal? I’ve been on the hunt for some new ones because I’ve pretty much worn-out my old gladiators. Even though my husband hates how they look, I really love gladiators because they are much more stylish and supportive than basic flip-flops.

I’m a bad mommy. I dress my daughter in her brother’s hand-me-downs. The shock, the horror, the embarrassment! In all seriousness, I only put her in his old jeans (that appear unisex) and his old pajamas (yes, they have trucks and dinosaurs on them, but no one sees her but me and her dad).

This is my first summer back in Phoenix after a five-year hiatus. I recently realized my standard work outfit that worked great in California – even in summer – just won’t work in Phoenix. Looking more closely at my wardrobe, I own way too many fall and spring-friendly cropped pants and blouses and not nearly enough summery dresses.