20 Cool Things You Need to Click (Plus, The Best Black Friday Sales!)

J.Crew Chateau Parka (50% off with code FRIDAY!); Chloe Marcie Small Crossbody Bag ($50 off on Neiman Marcus!);  Such A Fun Age (preorder here), 

Did you guys have a good Thanksgiving? We're down in Raleigh, North Carolina, with my husband's side of the family. Our hotel is actually in a mall (!), so it inspired me to put together these links today. I'm not doing a crazy ton of Black Friday shopping, but I am planning on taking advantage of a few really great deals (sharing those below!). And of course, don't forget about books! I've listed some awesome ones I've read lately, below. Target is doing a 2 for 1 sale on books right now (check it out here), so it's the perfect time to stock up. And Amazon is doing Black Friday deals on select books, as well. Whatever you're up to this weekend--whether it's shopping, reading, or leftovers--here's a few fun links to check out in the meantime.

• Before we get to the clothing Black Friday sales, let's talk books! If you have been thinking of joining Book of the Month, now is definitely the time to start. December is, hands down, the best group of book choices I have seen so far! I have actually already read and loved three of the books: Long Bright River (suspenseful family drama/crime story--and one of my top, top books of the year), Dear Edward (beautiful story of a young boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash), and Red White and Royal Blue (fun, smart romance--more on it below). I also already have a copy of The Wives, which I've heard is an awesome thriller, and the fifth book--The Glittering Hour--is the only one I hadn't read/don't own, so that was my pick this month! I've heard great things about it, so I'm excited... If you would like to join BOTM, you can use this link, and we'll both get a free book!

• J.Crew's Black Friday sale is so good! 50% off (and 60% off sale!) with code FRIDAY. I want this pom pom sweater, this mockneck sweater in like five more colors (I already own the light gray), and these gold slippers. (I already own them in beige and they are so comfy and warm. The gold is way more fun though!) Also, the Chateau Parka is the BEST coat. I've had it in tan for a couple of years now and it has held up perfectly. (That's it in the photo above!) I kind of want it in another color now, too. Hmm...

• My hotel in Raleigh is right across from Anthropologie, so I stopped in this morning and found so much good stuff--all 30% off! Limited suitcase space though, so I took pictures of everything I wanted, and am ordering it online. :) Here's what I loved: this braided velvet headband (cuter and a little more unique and special than the knotted style that everyone is wearing), this green dress (love that it could be worn for three different seasons), and this amazing sequin sweater!! (I love it with jeans, but it would also be so good dressed up with a skirt for a cozy holiday-party outfit).

• There's always so much stuff I want at Madewell, but I feel like they rarely have sales. But the Madewell Black Friday sale is 30% off everything (!) with code GIFTWELL, so I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on this colorblock cardigan, this buffalo check sweater coat, and maybe a backup pair of my absolute favorite jeans: these 8" skinny jeans in the Ames Wash.

• This rainbow sweater is so cute. And it's on sale for $46!

• Christmas tree rings seem to be the cool new thing, and I really love the way they look. This gold tree ring is the one I have my eye on. It's so pretty, and on sale right now for $48!

• These aren't on a Black Friday sale, but I love them so much and wanted to share them anyway. I bought these jeweled combat boots after one of my favorite bloggers Landyn recommended them, and I am obsessed. They are comfy and just so cool. They are my go-to boots for going out to dinner, etc now. They look amazing tucked into skinny jeans, and in person, the jewels are actually pretty subtle. They just add a little something extra. LOVE. 

• I unfortunately didn't get around to doing a "Everything I Read In October" post like I did with September, so here's a mini one. If you're looking for a good book, here are the eight books in October (spoiler: I liked all of them, and LOVED quite a few!): 

- Dominicana - This is definitely one of the best books I have read this year. It's a moving, beautiful story of a 15-year-old girl in the Dominican Republic who is married off to a 35-year-old man and then moves with him to 1960s New York City. It's moving and beautiful with wonderfully developed characters.

- The Institute - I LOVED this latest book from Stephen King about a young boy who is violently kidnapped and then taken to an "institute" where he meets other kidnapped children, all with mysterious powers. This book is heart-stopping, suspenseful, and SO good.

- Red White and Royal Blue - I am super picky about romance--they have to be SMART and non-cheesy--and I really enjoyed this one where the son of the first female president of the United States falls in love with the prince of England. And as I mentiond above, it also happens to be a December Book of the Month pick! (Reminder: If you want to join BOTM, use this link and you'll get a free book!) 

- Twice in a Blue Moon - Another romance that I actually really loved! In this new one by Christina Lauren, two teenagers meet, quickly fall in love, and then the boy breaks her heart in a terrible way. Many years later they meet unexpectedly on a movie set (the girl is now a famous, up-and-coming actress) and they are forced to come to terms with their past--and their future.

- The Other's Gold - This is a story of four female friends from college through adulthood. Each makes a mistake at some point and you learn about these four mistakes throughout the book. I thought the characters were very interesting, and though I had mixed feelings about the book, I did like it. It's not a super page turner, but not everything has to be.

- Toil & Trouble - Another fun memoir from Augustus Burroughs. In this one, he shares how he is actually a witch--!--with psychic abilities. I always love his writing, so I really enjoyed this.

- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - The true story of a black woman who had her tissue taken from her without consent prior to her death. The tissue happened to be very special though, and then went on to lead to countless medical breakthroughs. It's a compelling story and there are so many interesting questions about ethics and what rights we have or don't have over our own bodies.  I did the audio version of this and recommend it!

- The Tipping Point - I'm the last person to read this book, I know. It's interesting, though I'd probably be a little more into it if I worked in a business/marketing type job. Note: I did the audio and the audio version is very short, which was nice.

• In other news: My long-time friend Laney (we worked together at Lucky magazine about a million years ago) has big news. She launched a makeup line called Saie Beauty! And the best part? It's CLEAN!

• My friend Carrie always posts the best quick, EASY meals. I want to make this chicken stroganoff soon. It looks fantastic! 

• If you haven't read it yet, drop everything and read this incredible account of a day in the life of two homeless kids trying to get through a school day in New York City. It will absolutely break your heart, but it's a must-read. And then, after you finish, please visit this Twitter thread for ways that you can donate to help these kids and other's like them. I bought some items off the Amazon Wish List for Sandy's school...

• And in case you missed it, I did an unintentional mother/son photo shoot with my little guy. (And I'm obsessed with the resulting pics!)

13 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

Long-sleeved swimsuit, J.Crew. Hat, Anthropologie. Sunglasses, Electric. Book: The Whisper Man

We're in Fenwick Island, Delaware, right now for my annual veg-out-at-my-parents'-house trip. We've done a lot of pool time, a lot of playground time, a beach day, and a lot of relaxing, which means ipad time for them and READING for me. (They start school in a few days, and mom needs a vacation, too. I refuse to feel guilty about the gross amounts of screen time they've had over the last few days.)

I hope you all are enjoying the last few days of summer (wahh!), and that you have something fun (or nothing at all--I love that even more) planned for this weekend. Here's a few fun links to check out in the meantime.

• I'm going to be on a podcast! I taped an episode of Laura Tremaine's awesome and super smart podcast 10 Things to Tell You earlier this week. It was so fun and I can't wait for you all to hear it! It's going to air next week, and I'll be sure to share a link. We talk all about our favorite books of the summer!

• September Book of the Month picks are out! I thought this was a really, really good month. I had a really tough time choosing! In the end, I went with Wild Game for my pick (I've heard it's incredible) and If Only I Could Tell You as my add-on. (Tender Land would have been another add-on for me, but I happen to have an advance copy of it.) Quick reminder: If you're not yet a Book of the Month member, you can use my link to sign up and you'll get a free book! (PS: You should be a BOTM member. I'm obsessed! More on why I love it here.)

• Speaking of reading, I've done a ton of it since I've been on vacay. Here's what I've read and loved in the past month: The Gifted School (cray cray parents battle to get their kids into a new school for gifted children), Park Avenue Summer (Mad Men meets magazines in this fictional take on Helen Gurley Brown's reinvention of Cosmopolitan magazine in the 60s), American Predator (a heart-stopping non-fiction book--that reads like a really good crime novel--about the terrifying serial killer you've never heard of), The Beekeeper of Aleppo (the harrowing tale of a couple who must flee Syria during the war. Beautifully written with a twist. Reminded me of The Kite Runner!), We Came Here to Forget (a smart, engrossing romance/family drama with some definite twists/reveals), The Need (part sci-fi novel with some INSANE twists/part societal commentary on motherhood. This is definitely the craziest book you'll read this year), I'd Rather Be Reading (a non-fiction love letter to reading that any reader will relate to! Also, just noticed it's free on kindle unlimited or only $7 for the hardcover right now!), and the audiobook of The Rainbow Comes and Goes (Anderson Cooper and his mom Gloria Vanderbilt write letters to each other about their lives, so that they will have no unanswered questions between them. Fascinating and so beautiful--and I really think the audiobook is a must with this one!). 

• A few great Labor Day sales to check out: Gap has 40% off everything with code DAYOFF (I just did a ton of back-to-school shopping for my son there!), J.Crew has 40% off regular price and 50% off sale with code SUNSET, Ann Taylor has 40% off plus an additional 10% off with code LASTHURRAH, and Boden has 20% off women's clothes and 25% off kids with code R8W3 (I love their kids clothes!).

• I ordered this under-$100 lacy going-out top from Anthropologie last week and I love it! I got the berry color, which is very unlike me. (I really like the black version, too, but I already have something very similar...)

• Cool new beauty line alert: Floral Street is a brand-new-to-the-U.S. line from the U.K. that was created by the legendary beauty exec behind lines like La Mer and St. Tropez. The bottles are insanely gorgeous, the company is big on sustainability, and the fragrances themselves are beautiful and unlike anything you've smelled before. My favorites: Neon Rose, a zingy fruity floral (with no actual rose in it!) and London Poppy, a light, fresh blend of orange blossom, lemon, and neroli.

• The fuzzy plaid packaging for the Tarte Fall Feels palette is so cute, and the shadows inside are really pretty.

• Wait. I'm dying. The new, studded matte black cup from Starbucks is now being resold for $100 online?!?! I actually bought one here in Delaware a few days ago, but haven't used it yet, so if anyone would like to pay $100 for it, it's YOURS! Lol. (I do love the cup though. But not that much...!)

• Your battery will thank me: Seven iPhone settings to turn off right now.

• Science says it: Reading makes your brain feel like it's on vacation!

• Carly influenced me! I really, really want to start a little free library now...

• The Shawshank Redemption is one of my all-time favorite movies, so I adored this look back at why it's so beloved.

• For the last week, I've been absolutely captivated by a story on Instagram. Eva, the young daughter of @lindsayletters.co had a freak fall off a golf cart two weeks ago and has been fighting for life in the hospital ever since. The prognosis has not been good so far. She's around the age of my own daughter, so it really hits home. Thinking of her often and really hoping they get some much-needed good news soon. 

14 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

I can't believe it's almost August. I mean, how?? The summer is over half over! It's going by way too fast. My kids are finishing their fifth week of camp today, which is just bizarre. (And it's hitting me how I had hoped to accomplish way more during those camp hours that I actually have. Eek!)

And, now, we're finally doing a little bit of (local-ish) traveling. We visited friends in the Hamptons last weekend, which was great, and are heading to Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore next week. (Believe it or not, I haven't been to the Jersey Shore since I was a kid!). This weekend, we'll be laying low at the lake, which I am definitely excited for. A lazy weekend of reading sounds good to me. 

Whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you make it a great one. Here's a few fun links to check out in the meantime.

• If you've seen me in person in the past two weeks, there's a decent chance I was wearing this Vici dress, because I have been living in it. It's kind of the perfect dress: It's basically a big, soft t-shirt, so it's super comfy, but the cut is just right, so it's not shapeless or overly baggy. And I love the dusty black color; it looks vintage-y and just a little worn in. I've dressed it up with gold sandals and a long necklace, and worn it running around town with flip flops and a hat. And it's under $50! I'm obsessed.

• I've always been an Anthropologie fan (fun fact: I worked there years ago!), but lately I've been rediscovering it in a big way. They have so much great stuff right now! I recently bought this hat, which I love, and two of these $18 knotted headbands, which are perfect (and much less expensive) dupes of those Lele Sadoughi headbands everyone is wearing. And this lacy top is next on my list. How pretty is it?!?

• Got these blush-pink sandals from Target (!) the other day, and they are even cuter in person.

• As I mentioned a few weeks back in this post about how to increase your reading, I've been reading a ton this year. I'm now up to 64 books in 2019! And in case you're looking for a beach read, here are a few of the very best ones I've read since that post: Recursion (this one actually ranks as an all-time fave. SO GOOD), A Nearly Normal Family, Lock Every Door, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, The Beekeeper of Aleppo (out in late August, but you can pre-order), and You Were There Too (this doesn't launch until January, but it's worth preordering. I loved it!).

• Speaking of books, I'm super excited about a new podcast coming soon from one of my Instagram buddies, @bookishkatenyc. It's called The Shelf-Care Podcast, and it combines two of my favorite things: books and beauty. (Uh, why didn't I think of that!??!) Kate already told me who the first guest is, too, and it's a good one!

• I went to an Amazon holiday preview earlier this week, and there was so much good stuff. A lot of it is already available, so here's a peek at my three very favorite things I saw there: this amazing gold flatware set (four five-piece place settings for under $95), this stunning serving piece (so good for entertaining!), and this jewelry storage cabinet hidden inside a mirror (I need this).

• I never knew I wanted a "snuggle nook" until I saw this one. Now, I need a snuggle nook. (I mean, how cozy and gorgeous and snuggle-worthy does it seem?!?)

• I hadn't even heard of Electric sunglasses a year ago--and suddenly they are by far my favorite brand. I own three pairs now! My latest is this Honey Bee style in Nude Crystal, which is a big departure for me (I almost always wear black sunnies), but it's so fun. And my absolute favorite pair is the Crasher in Matte Black. So cool! They're definitely not cheap, but they are extremely durable, and just so damn good-looking.

• Besides being a blogger and a beauty-PR wizard, my friend Meghan is a true Paris expert (she has so many dreamy posts of her many trips there on her blog!). She recently launched a new service where she'll help you plan your trip there by creating a personalized, curated list of cool things to do and see including lots of hidden gems you won't find in the guidebooks. If you're heading to Paris soon, 1) I'm jealous, and 2) check out her service, Paris, Perfected. It's only $25!

• Watermelon Mint Frose?! Uh, yes, please!

• After hearing rave after rave from people I admire, I had to check out this much talked about essay. You should, too. It's worth it.

• A photographer asked elderly couples to pose for engagement-style photos--and the results are adorable.

And in case you missed it, I...

• Told you why you must visit Nosara, Costa Rica immediately.

• Shared exactly what I bought at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Have a great weekend!

My Fall Bucket List

Art by the very talented Sophie & Lili

So I did okay on my Summer Bucket List. Quick scorecard: It was a "Yes" on the reading, the nap outside, the fruit picking, and the multiple Cliff's ice cream cones. It was "sort of" on the cobbler (my mom made one--and I ate it!), solo stuff with each kid (I took my daughter to a big day at the outlets, but that's pretty much it), and the dinner party in our new backyard (we're having a party--though not really a dinner party--there in two weeks!), and a sad "No" on more date nights and learning to make a green acai bowl. 

But now it's (almost) fall! Here's what's on my to-do list so far. (BTW, I'm going to write it on this adorable fall bucket list printable, so I can do some very satisfying crossing out!) 

Go apple picking. We went peach picking this August, and my kids loved it (well, until they both got allergic skin reactions to either the peach fuzz or the pesticides. #city kids). I know they'll love apple picking--and the hay rides that go along with it--even more. Plus, we haven't done it in ages. 

Go pumpkin picking, too. At an actual patch. We usually just pick one up at the garden center near us, but I think my kids would love to do it at the patch. Maybe combined with apple picking?

Use my resusable cup for all those lattes. I'm not a PSL girl, but I love my regular lattes. And it pains me how much waste I alone create by visting Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts every day (and sometimes even twice a day). I've tried to get in the habit of bringing my own reusable cup before but it's never really caught on for me. But I just got one I'm really excited about. The Stojo cup is absolutely adorable, it works for both hot or cold drinks (has its own reusable straw!), and (best part) it collapses into itself and squishes down into a little disc that is much easier to throw in your purse. I really, really want to start taking it with me--and using it. Wish me luck! #notsponsored

Beef up my fall wardrobe. It's sad, guys. Since I rarely go into the office anymore, I tend to shop less. My fall wardrobe definitely needs a kick in the butt. I want to focus on great basics and a few fun things. I just bought this J.Crew Factory sweater (love the bright blue and the fact that it was just $21!) and this camo fleece jacket.

Decorate the house for Halloween. Sometimes we go all out decorating; sometimes we just kind of phone it in. Halloween is big in my town though, and this year though, I want to be one of the must-see houses in the 'hood.

Take some fall photos. We want family pics, pics of the kids, and also some shots with our au pair!

Make at least one photo book. I need to make about 1,000 of these, but there's one I need to get done by a mid-fall deadline, so...I'm going to do it!

Clean up/organize dining room and kitchen. The list of places that need to be de-cluttered and properly organized in my house is long, but I'll start with these two rooms. (Do you guys follow @horderlynyc? She's been an inspiration to me!)

Host an outdoor fall party in the backyard. We never got around to doing the summer dinner party, so I want to do an outdoors fall party before it gets too cold. S'mores on the fire pit would be fun, right?

See a Broadway show. I love seeing plays and musicals, but when you live in NYC, it's one of those "Oh I could do that anytime" things that you end up never doing. I'm trying to be better about seeing them more regularly though, so I'd definitely like to catch one in the fall. On my list right now: Waitress, Harry Potter, Mean Girls, The Band's Visit, and maybe Dear Evan Hansen (for the third time...eek!).

Go to a football game. I generally hate football, but we already have plans to go to a college football game in Chicago this fall, so I'm cheating and putting this on the list. Now there's at least one thing that I know I'll cross off! ;)

---

So, that's mine. Nothing earth-shattering, but seems like the start to a pretty good fall to me. Now, tell me: What's on your fall bucket list?

13 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

If you follow my Instagram Stories, you know that I spent yesterday at a big toy show called TTPM with my daughter. It's kind of heaven for little kids, because you get a peek at the brand-new (and soon-to-launch) toys and you leave with a killer gift bag. (FYI, I always let my kids choose one or two toys to keep, and then we put the rest in storage until December when we donate it to a holiday toy drive.) 

There was a ton of great stuff at the show, including the feminist backpack shown above from 7AM Enfant. I need one for my daughter--and maybe one for myself, too!  (Side note: Would you be interested in seeing some of our favorite toys from the show? Maybe in a gift-idea post?) 

This weekend we've got some fun family things planned, plus I'll be working on some DIY projects for my son's upcoming birthday party. Whatever you're up to this weekend, I hope you make it a great one. Here's a few fun links to check out in the meantime.

• Speaking of Insta Stories, you may have seen me rave on there about my new Rothy's camo loafers. I'm obsessed! They are so comfy, so cute, and they are made from (get this) recycled water bottles! (You would never know though. Somehow they feel like cloth.) Anyway, if you're interested, you can get $20 off your first purchase if you use this link.

• Um, how cute is this breezy, $105 romper?

• This maxi dress is so pretty. Feel like it would be so easy to dress it up or down.

• Always looking for good sleeveless tops that I can wear with jeans, and this one is such a cute twist on a basic shape. (Love that it's under $100, too!)

• Need these slip-on sneakers. Love the thick gold stripe and the fact that they're just around $50 bucks!

• I made this cauliflower rice earlier this week and it was the best I've ever had. SO. GOOD.

• What do you do when you find out your dad isn't really your dad? My friend Kelsey wrote a beautiful piece for Refinery 29 about how those ancestry DNA tests completely changed her life.

• This post from Landyn makes me want to go on a Disney Cruise!

• The actress who plays Anna in the Broadway production of Frozen had a panic attack and couldn't go on stage. Absolutely loved her honesty and openness about it.

• I couldn't stop watching this video of New York in 1911. You so rarely seen moving images from this time period--and perhaps never as high-quality as this--so it's really, really cool to watch. People from the Victorian era...they're just like us! 

• This story about a troop of homeless (!) Girl Scouts really moved me, so I forced myself (heh, heh) to support them by buying cookies from them online. Note to self: Buy more Samoas next time.

• Pretty much every one of my Facebook friends were posting this funny New Yorker piece about having it all, so you may have seen it, but if not, it's definitely worth checking out!

• For me--and pretty much anyone currently working in magazines--ed2010 was a godsend that helped launch my career. So it was with a heavy heart that I read this poignant piece about why they are discontinuing their formation of college chapters. It's very sad, but also a realistic sign of the times. It's hard to accept, but magazines are dead, guys. And on that note...

Have a great weekend! ;)

SHOP THE POST

I Want This Cute Spring Stuff (And You Will, Too!)

It may be gross and rainy today, but for two days this past weekend, we had a glimpse of spring! And it was glorious! But it also reminded me that I hate all the warm-weather clothes I already own (isn't that always the case?!) and need some new stuff. The items below are on my current wishlist--there's spring dresses that will take you straight into summer, pretty sandals, and more. (Just click on any of the photos for more details.) 

And while I love everything shown, here's a few standouts that top my list:

Slouchy grey bag - My current everyday bag is on its last legs. I love the shape of this one and the color (neutral enough to wear with everything, but still light and spring-y), and I looove the price. $59! Sure, it's not real leather, but no one has to know that but us, right?

Blue cutout dress - I love that the cutouts are teeny and in an area that's not super revealing. (Because no one--including me--needs a front view of my tummy.) And it's $50!

Tassel sandals - Obsessed with these! I like that they're neutral so they go with everything (no crazy weirdo colors), that they're flat/comfy, and that they aren't ridiculously pricey. 

Embroidered dress - This would be so pretty and breezy on a warm day (maybe with the sandals above?). I like that it's roomy and just so easy to throw on.

Dinosaur sweatshirt - The softest sweatshirt with the cutest pastel dino print. Too cute.

Off-the-shoulder top - The crochet on this under-$100 white top is really pretty and I love the off-the-shoulder silhouette. Love this with jeans for drinks with friends or date night.

What's your fave thing on  my list? And is it warm yet where you live? Tell me so I can live vicariously!

Hawaii Packing List

It's snowing here today, so it seems impossible, but...I've got a trip to Hawaii coming up soon! Yep, we're heading to the island of Oahu for spring break, and I couldn't be more excited! We had toyed with the idea of renting a house, but in the end, we decided to do Disney Aulani. I've heard it's amazing for families, and it has a great kids club, which as I've said before, pretty much makes or breaks a vacation. (If you're not doing so already, definitely follow me on Instagram for lots of fun pics and Stories of my kids, fruity drinks, Mickey-shaped shave ice, countless Dole Whips, and more!)

But I have to be honest that I'm super nervous about the flight right now. We are flying direct, and from the East Coast, so that means an 11-and-a-half-hour flight (!!). We are coming with iPads (DUH), lots of activity books, and a few new toys, but I'm stressed about my kids becoming bored (or hangry or worse) after just a few hours. If you have any good tips for long-haul flights with kids, please, PLEASE share them with me!

But back to the fun stuff: With an impending vacation, the last few weeks have meant lots of shopping since the kids have outgrown most of their warm-weather stuff. And of course, even though I haven't outgrown my stuff, I still did a little shopping for me. So, check out some of the fun new pieces I've bought (or will be scooping up soon ) for those essentials that I always pack on a beach vacation.

1. Cutest Romper - I saw this in the store and thought it looked amazing on the rack, but figured it would look horrible on me. (I'm not typically a romper person.) I kept walking...but kept thinking about it, so turned around and decided to give it a go. And, you guys, it is SO cute on. The shorts aren't too short at all (that was my big fear) and it's sooo comfortable (elastic waistband FTW!). Excited to wear this in Hawaii--and then at home all summer long.

2. Insta-Ready Cover-Up - I have had the same favorite cover-up for...way too long. I haven't retired it yet, but I wanted to add a new one into the rotation, too. This rainbow pom pom cover-up dress caught my eye immediately. It's just so happy and fun!

3. Superflattering Swimsuit - I bought this Kenneth Cole one-piece online (in the burgundy shade--it comes in other colors) and held my breath. (Buying swimwear online is so risky, right?) But it fit perfectly and I love it! It sucks you in and doesn't show too much, but still manages to look pretty sexy. And even though it's about $100 bucks, the quality is great; it feels much more expensive. (I also bought this one!)

4. The Best Sunscreen - I've mentioned Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 as one of my favorites before, but it deserves another plug here. It looks and feels completely (yes, totally) invisible. I'm obsessed! 

5. Pretty Little Dress - Well, this is a given, right? You need a bunch of great dresses for any warm-weather trip, and this Shoshanna dress is so feminine, breezy, and pretty, and would work for day or night.

6. Affordable Straw Clutch - I always bring one clutch on vacation with me, and always in a neutral shade so it goes with any outfit. I love this Mar Y Sol clutch, because the straw feels so beachy, and it's under $50. 

7. Coolest Sun Hat - I've wanted an Eric Javits sun hat forever. They're very high quality, they're super chic,  and they're squishable, so you can pack them in your suitcase without destroying them. Last week I actually bought this Squishee IV hat, which is the one I have wanted since I saw it on a friend. (It's hard to tell but the brim is slightly smaller than most, so you can totally wear it to walk around and not just for lounging by the pool.) And I love it! But then I saw this gorgeous straw bucket hat (which is giving me a Chanel-tweed vibe) and now I want it, too! 

8. Metallic Sandals - I don't do heels on vacation. Period. So I always bring a great pair of flat metallic sandals, and then I can wear them out to dinner at night or even during the day, as well. These Toms rose-gold sandals are really cool and different--and they're just $59!

9. Bathing-suit bag - At every vacation's end, there's always the dilemma of what to do with your wet swimsuit. Eliminate the issue by packing one of these little waterproof bags. It's slim, takes up barely any space, and keeps the rest of the stuff in your suitcase from getting soggy.

10. Best New Pedicure Shade - I always get a pedicure right before vacation in either a dark shade or a bright, tropical one. I've been rocking dark all winter long, so I am really, really ready for something happy. This new coral (Essie At the Helm) is perfect.

11. Giant Rainbow Beach Bag - I've mentioned this Las Bayadas El Palo tote  as one my my favorite things before because it's incredible. It's huge, but because it's made of a soft, thin fabric, it folds up completely tiny, taking up barely any room in your suitcase.

Are you guys going anywhere for spring break? And have you been to Aulani? (Or gone anywhere on a long flight with kids?) Please give me all the tips!

SHOP THE POST

11 Great Buys For Fall

Dress, Anthropologie. Burgundy sweater, Boden (20% off with code 2F5Z). Bag, Rebecca Minkoff (on sale!). Yellow-and-beige sweater, Boden (20% off with code 2F5Z). Burgundy faux-leather skirt, J.Crew (use code SHOPMORE for 30% off a $200 purchase or 25% off $125). Sunglasses, Illesteva (on sale!). Sneakers, New Balance. Green-striped sweater, J.Crew (30% off with code SHOPMORE). Booties, Madewell (30% off with code DOUBLEUP). Necklace, Baublebar. Camel-and-black striped sweater, Banana Republic.

Not sure if it was the slightly chillier air this past weekend or all of the killer sales going on right now, but I'm suddenly totally inspired to do some fall shopping. Here, I've gathered a few things currently on my wishlist. (Bonus: Most of it is either on sale or can be bought with a discount code! But act fast, because some of the sales are only going on through today! Codes are listed in the caption above.)

A few standouts: 

• This yellow dress! I love it with bare legs and booties now; it would be super cute with tights and a cardigan once the weather gets colder. 

• Sweaters. I live in them in the fall and winter. Right now, I've got my eye on this cute button sweater, this cool colorblock, this camel-and-black striped sweater, and this green-striped one.

• Necklace. This one is so cool. It looks just like Lulu Frost--but costs under $50! 

• Fall-ready shoes. These Madewell booties kind of remind me of my all-time favorite Rag & Bone Newbury boots. But they a) are way less expensive, and b) have a much lower heel so they'll be much more comfy. And these sneakers are plaid! How cool, right? Need.

So, tell me: Have you guys started buying fall clothes? I definitely don't want summer to end, but I'm can't help admitting that I'm getting excited for sweaters and boots, too...

SHOP THE POST

Cute Dress Alert!

I just had to tell you guys about my new dress, which I am currently, completely obsessed with. I bought it a few weeks back at Anthropologie without trying it on. (Totally dangerous, but they have a good return policy, so I took the chance.)

Well, I'm so glad I did, because once I got it home and tried it on, I realized that this dress is BEYOND CUTE. It's comfy, flattering, and really pretty. It's got a cool trompe l'oeil thing going on, so even though it's all one piece, it looks like there's a little striped tank top underneath the main part of the dress. I know it's going to be an awesome dress for daytime during the summer, and because it's made of a silky material, it could actually even be dressed up for going out at night. (Because, you know, I do a TON of going out at night. #not #iprettymuchjustfallasleepinfrontofthetv #momproblems) And...it's under $150!

I obviously bought the tan, but it also comes in a rust color, as well as a dark gray, which I actually just ordered this morning, because there is a rule that if you find something you love, you buy it in multiple colors. (At least I tell myself it's a rule, so I feel less guilty about spending the money...!)

If you want to check out the dress, you can find it here. (And psst: Use the code FS100 for free shipping TODAY ONLY.) I've also linked to it (and a few other Anthro dresses I have my eye on) below!

(BTW, this post is not sponsored. I just love, love, love my dress and wanted to share!)

SHOP THE POST