*Image via Asia Typek.
Q: Nursing-friendly tops — prefer budget friendly because my size fluctuates.
A: I would suggest nursing tanks beneath button-downs like this, this, and this, which you can order in a size up for a boxy look no matter what size you are at the time. ASOS and H&M also occasionally have gems — love this nursing friendly $24 sweatshirt and how clever is this nursing-friendly striped tee dress? (Pair with fun statement sneaks!)
P.S. Almost all of the dresses here are nursing-friendly!
Q: Not a shopping question, but what was your last order from Amazon?
A: Ha! Almay oil-free makeup removing pads (still my absolute favorite — the perfect size and moistness for taking off mascara), a set of Bob starting to read books (so many of you have recommended this series for emergent readers over the past many years!), and this phonics workbook. Mini has been working diligently on her writing and reading skills and I am trying to support her in that!
Currently in my cart awaiting decision: a new hair clip (in white!), these Jenni Kayne-esque sweater pants (trying to decide whether to splurge on The Real Deal for fall), a travel Magnadoodle (already stockpiling more travel activities for another road trip), and these running shorts (pro tip: size up, apparently).
Q: August black tie wedding guest dress — under $350?!
A: Fun! I like this saucy Significant Other, this Jay Godfrey, and this Reformation.
P.S. More special occasion dresses for summer here.
Q: A coffee table that’s preppy but less beachy and more RL home.
A: I like the clean lines and stain of this one from S&L, but this raffia-wrapped one would work beautifully in nearly any room, and the herringbone on this as well as the nailheads on this remind me of RL.
Q: A classy but not too stuffy everyday dress.
A: This J. McLaughlin. I would wear with the collar up and classic leather sandals like these or these. I also love Daphne Wilde’s tiered shirt dress.
Q: Two year old girl gifts.
A: Happy birthday to her! Bigger ticket items: Micro scooter, Maileg house, Teamson Kids play kitchen, and Tonies box. We have and love all of these items! Smaller items (all under $100): Maileg mice, dress-up set, dress-up shoes, Ooly paint sticks, Duplos, Scribble Scrubbies, Calico Critters, ThinkTouchLearn ABC Book (both of my kids LOVE this book), Fisher Price Little People House.
P.S. Children’s toys that aren’t hideous.
Q: First date looks — I’m 30.
A: My first thought was — “anything by La Ligne”! That brand gives off sophisticated-but-sexy-and-doesn’t-take-herself-too-seriously vibes. Love this dress and this dress in particular. Both of these also feel like “things I just had in my closet,” not trying too hard or being too dressy or anything. A few other pieces I like that feel “easy-chic-sophisticated-sexy”:
THIS RAILS (ON SALE IN SELECT SIZES HERE)
THIS SHIRRED BLACK TANK WITH YOUR FAVORITE JEANS
THIS CULT GAIA (LOVE THE SIDE TIES)
THIS CROCHET STYLE FROM SEZANE
THIS FLOATY STYLE FROM THE GREAT
Q: Classic black dress, a step up from casual — budget around $150.
A: Oo, good question. Theory has some sophisticated ones worth considering — this one is $177 but just so sleek. People absolutely LOVE this $168 Anthro dress, though that one is a bit on the trendier side. This timeless RL is a forever piece, and I love this linen variation from BR. If you’re looking for something fitted along the lines of the dress at the top of this post, check out Marine Layer, Enza Costa, Monrow, and Vince.
Q: October wedding, bridesmaid, pick your own green dress!
A: I like this La Ligne, this olive green draped satin dress, this Evarae, this pleated Zimmermann, this Cinq a Sept, this Reformation. Have a great time!
Q: Dressy casual summer sandals.
A: Splurge: I’m lusting after a pair of YSL’s Nu Pieds in the brown or black. Less expensive: this strappy A. Emery pair, Tkees Gemma in black, this pair from J. Crew, Staud Pippa sandals, LR bow sandals, this leather cutout pair from French Sole that almost all my friends own, and Tory Burch’s rope pair.
LOVE that shade of blue in J. McLaughlin’s shirt dress! The drop waist adds a nice detail too. I should remember to look there more often.
Re: “dressy casual summer sandals” — I can vouch for Margaux’s flat slide sandals. Some colors are marked down in their archive sale for $89 I think…
Love that JMcL dress! Definitely on my late summer shopping list. Thanks for the tip on Margaux!