Fendi

For one of my first fashion posts, I used flowers as inspiration to create a fashion collage (part 1, part 2). Even after a year of posting, we liked the idea so much, we wanted to repeat it again this summer.

One of my favorite parts about spring is getting to wear light weight jackets. One of my favorites is this airy green trench coat. Phoenix weather doesn’t usually allow me to wear many coats, but I’ve been traveling a lot for work, so I’m glad I get to bring along some of my favorite jackets to layer when the weather is a bit iffy.

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.

I’m a total school nerd. Growing up, I loved school and I still love school (I work at a university). I also loved summer breaks, but I always looked forward to getting ready for another year to start in school. I looked forward to back to school shopping so much–I used to make up lists of items I needed to buy (pink trapper-keeper, check).

The Fendi Monster is iconic. Whether you like their furry monsters and bag bugs or not, they are a status symbol for the ultra cool and stylish. There has literally been a Fendi frenzy, with Kendall and Kylie out in front as Fendi’s informal (and formal!) models, regularly toting the little fur balls.

Have you watched HBO’s Vinyl yet? I’ve only watched it a couple times and it’s already taken me back to a 70s frame of mind. I’m sure you’ve noticed the fringe style so popular in the 70s is back in a big way, and for spring 2016, we are seeing 70s inspired sunglasses everywhere.

I love a statement necklace, and one with leather detailing is even better. An eye-catching necklace is still my go-to accessory because it instantly changes the whole vibe of my outfit. I might wear the same black dress every couple weeks, but it suddenly feels different and new depending on which necklace I pair with it. This statement leather necklace really sets off my look.

My friend was telling me about how her son started kindergarten this week, which got me thinking about Rocco. In just a couple years, I’ll be preparing to send him to his first day of school. I can distinctly remember my first day of kindergarten. I was so excited to start school and I absolutely loved shopping for back to school clothes for kindergarten — and every year there after.