Recently.

My parents visited me in Chicago last week and it was such a gift.  It was like hitting the reset button, coming back to center.  Parents give you perspective in the best of ways–reminding you of what really matters, reminding you that they’ve been through all of life’s challenges and survived (and you will, too), reminding you of why you are awesome.  Go home to visit your parents, my little bloglettas.

So that’s been on my mind lately, family.

And P.S., there’s a hilarious song about family ties by the incredible Kacey Musgraves (“Family Is Family”) — it’s a bit snarky (hilarious), but it reminds you of the depth of kinship we all enjoy:

“Family is family, in church or in prison

You get what you get, and you don’t get to pick ’em

They might smoke like chimneys, but give you their kidneys

Yeah, friends come in handy, but family is family…”

Also on my mind recently — these items:

I finally splurged on La Mer eye cream ($195) after seeing myself in a picture and being unable to look at anything other than the fine lines under my eyes. #Thisis31.  (I’ve been using Shiseido’s anti-dark circles eye cream for awhile, and it’s good.  But I’m thinking I need to up the ante.)

Love these statement flats ($90).  Great way to punch up a simple white or black dress.

People are obsessed with Dior’s Addict Lip Glow ($34) and I’m going to give this stuff a whirl.  Maybe next month, though, as I’ve already been a naughty girl and snagged two new lip colors: YSL’s Rose Dahlia #17 and Dior’s Delight.

Mama mia do I love a white dress for summer.  So impractical, so easy to ruin with red wine, BBQ sauce, puppy paws, etc.  But this sleek obi-style dress is calling my name ($73!).  This is also pret-ty cute.

I’ve seen a lot of chic peas wearing sleek slide sandals this season, and I’ve had my eyes on this leopard/calf-hair pair from Ancient Greek ($225), but may have to change course for these sleek white leather babies (on sale for $63!).  For something a little more dressy, check out these from Sophia Webster ($325 — more colors here)…and Jimmy Choo has a chic woven pair that would go with anything ($475)

A denim peplum top ($68) is the perfect versatile piece for summer.  Looks pulled together and sleek but fashionable.  Need another chic but affordable top?  This one ($75!) is at the top of my list, and this one looks like it’s from SelfPortrait or another higher end line!

The colors/striping in this pareo/scarf is so freaking chic ($39, plus 30% off).  Great gift for a friend with a summer birthday / just the sort of thing I’d throw on as a shawl on a cool evening over white jeans and a little tank.

Who knew you could look chic while extending your blowout?  See ya, old granny shower caps — hello new shower-friendly turbans from Shhhowercap ($43).

Ladies, until we can afford Van Cleef + Arpels, these lookalikes will do just fine ($25).  Also available in a drop variation ($85).

Love this easy tie-shoulder dress ($70).  Reminds me so much of this Thakoon dress ($690).  Another affordable style in this vein: check out this Madewell steal ($110).