Below, a random roundup of current obsessions:
+Our sudden and unanticipated plans to get out of town in a couple of weeks! Our plans were canceled for us earlier this summer, and then my cousin announced she had rented a beautiful house for a few weeks and invited us to come out. We are over the moon, because we have been going stir-crazy. Looking forward to lots of outdoor dining, dips in the pool, running through the lawn sprinkler, etc. Gorgeous image above from this coffee table book. (P.S. Did you know that Walmart has some unexpectedly chic outdoor patio furniture?! This set reminds me of the chairs above, and this white-and-navy situation is preppy perfection.)
+The audiobook of Lady in Waiting (narrated by the author, Anne Glenconner, herself — now around 90 years of age!). The story is full of interesting historical tidbits and archaic traditions — but also heartfelt admissions and thoughtful observations. I admire her wit and self-deprecation and it’s a delight to hear her upper crust British accent narrating the memoir.
+I wrote about this on Instastory not long ago, but I probably google and stare at the photos of Hailey Bieber channeling Princess Diana for Vogue Paris once every other week. I don’t know why, as the vibe is definitely not my style (white dresses or nightgown dresses with Nicola Bathie earrings all day erryday), but there is something enchanting about the spread. The high-low combo? The throwback of it? AHH. Don’t hate if you see me walking around in my own twist — bike shorts (look for less) with an oversized denim button-down or this USA sweatshirt while at home.
+Still love these spicy crackers (cayenne seasoning) with a glass of red wine at happy hour. Perfect. (More happy hour at home ideas here.)
+This face mask really transformed my skin. I needed a little pep in my routine. I just ordered this inexpensive vitamin C serum in lieu of my usual Vintner’s Daughter serum to see how it compares. I have been a devotee of Vintner’s Daughter for the last year or so but am always open to testing more wallet-friendly options…
+Mini has a ton of fly-aways/baby hair growth around her hairline and it drives me crazy because she always seems to have hair in her eyes! I have tried barrettes, different types of elastic, and even finishing creme but finally bought these inexpensive, colorful metal clips (major throwback to my youth). Thank God! (This finishing creme also helps, but not enough to keep all of the hair in place for a full day.)
+Found my favorite bra on sale for $41 in select colors here. There is something so satisfying about finding a “staple” you are willing to buy at full-price on sale!
+Speaking of: the verdict is in on these inexpensive Hanky Panky dupes. They are a fantastic buy for the price — you get like 5 for what one pair of Hanky Panky cost! They aren’t quite as stretchy as HP but I have no complaints. Run TTS.
+Amazing and inexpensive children’s finds from Amazon: stocked up on these kick shorts for mini (she is getting a little too old to wear bloomers right now but often wears short pima dresses that call for something beneath); this darling gingham one-piece, which reminds me of Minnow Swim; unfussy zipper pajamas for micro in baby blue; and the absolute best (super soft, tagless!) camisoles for little girls.
+This foot cream is INSANE. Highly recommend as an antidote to a pedicure-less summer.
+This lobster-print reusable grocery bag, which reminds me of the precious items I found at Nantucket Kids’ outlet sale: this pima lobster print dress for mini and this sweater for micro!
+My Mason Pearson brush. Truly worth the investment–though this one (open box)–is about half of what you’d regularly pay!
+You may remember that we bought these Toulon planters for our living room. Our royal palms are not yet quite tall enough to fill the planters perfectly, so I found these planter inserts as an inexpensive way to accommodate right now!
+Swooning over these rattan loafers!
+Nowhere to wear this, but I love it. Would pair with a white midi skirt.
+My new butter keeper! Can’t wait to make bread service a little fancier. Also love these simple glass cloches to keep over candles when not in use and love the idea of this for a dinner party / picnic / lazy happy hour!
+When I’m not wearing a breezy dress, I like to wear J. Brand white jeans with a white tee (I’ve tried a ton but I continue to like J. Crew’s inexpensive “essential” tees — they are soft, tagless, and nicely proportioned!) and either some fun earrings or a scarf or India Amory pareo around my neck/shoulders for some color.
+Things I am eyeing right now:
HAS ANYONE TRIED TAN LUXE DROPS?? I’M USUALLY SCARED OF SELF TANNING PRODUCTS, BUT THIS SET IS SUCH A GOOD VALUE, I’M TEMPTED
THIS HAND-PAINTED BLOCK DRESS FOR $64!
THIS PRETTY GINGHAM RUNNER FOR OUR KITCHEN
FUN, INEXPENSIVE SUMMER SHADES (I LOVE THE PINK)
A FRESH PAIR OF SUPERGA SNEAKERS (SOLID WHITE + ON SALE…ON EVEN STEEPER DISCOUNT HERE IN SELECT COLORS)
P.S. More of my latest inspirations and discoveries.
P.P.S. A book I truly loved and memories from youth I cherish.
P.P.P.S. I can’t stop thinking about the fact that this time last year, I was so close to giving birth to Hill. Just re-read this post written just days before his arrival and then this post written three weeks after his birth on adapting to being a mother to two. All the feelings. Funny, though, that I can feel the heartache in my voice over all the changes in my relationship with mini, and now, a year out, I am so deeply reassured that things have “gone back to normal” and that my relationship with my daughter is as strong and nurturing as ever. Change is hard.