Archives for May 2016

Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays.  Since our brother Patrick’s birthday is just a few days after, every year as kids we always celebrated his birthday on the fourth while at the beach in Mississippi.  My mom went all out and made the fourth a really fun, festive holiday for us. We had endless popsicles and ice cream sandwiches, dug deep trenches in the sand, grilled hamburgers, shot off fireworks, and went to sleep on the floor, bunks, and couches surrounded by friends and siblings.
For my own family, most summers we celebrate the fourth of July either at the beach in Alabama or Mississippi, or at a lake in Northern California.  I love to get the kids inexpensive red, white, and blue clothes to wear while eating otter pops next to the pool/gulf/lake with their family and friends.  If I plan far enough in advance, I can get it in time to wear from Memorial day (May 30th) through Labor Day (September 5)!  Since I like to plan in advance, here is some of what I’m thinking about for this coming summer with enough time to order it and get it by Monday, May 30th.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16

For the kiddos:

I feel like I need to start with these adorable swimsuits!  These anchor shorts for boys (#5 – $8.99) and this rash guard and bikini bottoms for girls (#8) are just too cute!  I’m become obsessed with rash guards because it is less area I have to worry about when it comes time to put on sunscreen!  In California they are very common for both boys and girls now.  For a little baby, this watermelon bubble suit (#9 – $9.99) just melts me!  Who doesn’t eat watermelon on the fourth of July?!  This is just the cutest little suit ever.

Shoes like #2 and #6 would make a more basic staple that you already owned into something fun for the fourth – like a plain white tee and denim shorts or a solid color dress.

How adorable are the rompers for girls (#1, #10) and boys (#7)?  I’m also obsessed with this popsicle print two piece (#3).  There are so many cute dresses and cover ups for girls, but I had to post #4 because it is less than $10!  Everything I’ve posted for kids is under $35, with most of it less than $20.  I don’t want to spend a ton of money on summer kids clothes because with the pool and the sunscreen, so much of it takes a major beating.

For the mommas:

Not to let the kids have all the fun, I like to do red, white, and blue for myself as well, but in a slightly more subtle way.  How amazing is this hat (#11) and it is under $12.  I also really want these red shoes (#15) – I could see them with this breezy white off-the shoulder (#12) and a pair of cut off denim shorts (favorites here and here).  This little starry clutch (#16) could also turn something plain into patriotic.  Finally, I might actually NEED this red, white, and blue straw bag (#13), packed with this amazing towel (#14).  It is so fun that summer is finally here.

Xo Alice

dress: chevron hi-lo halter dress c/o // shoes: black sandal c/o // lipstick: chanel no. 104

him–>blazer: here // shirt: here // jeans: here

Alexis and I have 8 (!!) weddings in between now and our own wedding, so to say this is a busy year for parties and celebrating, wouldn’t be an understatement! When Express asked if they could tag along on one of these special occasions, it was hard to decide which one! We ended up settling for a friends engagement party – something that this dress was perfect for. How gorgeous are all the colors? I love the detailing of the slick chain {it makes the dress feel more elegant}, and the low back {which makes it feel more playful}. This dress is truly one you could dress up or down easily by switching out the shoes. Speaking of shoes – I was so excited to finally grab this style! I have had my eye on this style of shoe for a while {i love a thicker heel} and when I saw them in the store, I knew they would look amazing with this dress. They’re super comfortable, and they also come in a brown, which I’m loving.

Now for Alexis’ outfit, I was also super excited to help him {pronounced uh-lex-ee btw!} pick out his look. We loved how simple and clean the white jeans looked with the textured stripe jacket. The lines on the fabric of the jacket are so subtle, yet detailed, that they add an unexpected interest. If your man is on the lookout for new blazers or suits, I highly suggest checking out Express’ men section – we had such a hard time narrowing down our picks!

Happy Monday, friends! xx

photos: stephanie drenka

thank you to Express for partnering on this post!

Swimsuit: here & here // Shorts: One Teaspoon {my vacation go-to’s!} // sunglasses: here

Dress: here // Sandals: here // Clutch: similar here

Dress: here // Shoes: here // Clutch: similar here // Sunglasses: here

Shorts: here // Shoes: white version here // Clutch: similar here

Dress: here // Bag: here // Swimsuit: here // Sunglasses: here

Top: similar here // Skirt: here // Shoes: here // Clutch: similar here // Sunglasses: here // Earrings: here

I was in the Bahamas (Harbour Island to be exact) this past weekend for an old friends wedding. The wedding was spectacular, and the beautiful little island added so much charm. I can’t get over how bright and colorful everything was – and how clear the water was. I could have stayed a week! The island vibe is very laid back and colorful, so I made sure to pack my brightest and most fun (but still comfortable!) outfits and accessories. Which look is your favorite? Shop them all above or below!

On most days you’ll find me in yoga pants and t-shirt.  If it’s cold, I add a fleece.  In Northern California, things tend to be pretty casual for the stay-at-home mom crowd during the day, during the week.  I pick up the kids, run errands, bring kids to various activities, cook, clean, and go to the park or playdates.  I need only to be comfortable and my clothes to appear clean. However, on the weekend I do make more of an effort – I dry my hair, wear cute shoes, and throw on a more thoughtful outfit.  Here are some of the things that I’m excited about for summer!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13 // 14 // 15 // 16 // 17

Being from the South, I love it when it finally warms up enough to ditch the fleeces and jeans for a little while (even in the summer, it tends to be cool/chilly/cold in Northern California at night and in the morning).  I’m currently craving shorts ( still waiting for warm weather)!  I got this floral print pair (#10) and I love love them.  They are surprisingly versatile – I love how they look with a chambray shirt (like #2 – LOVE this fabric, I got it last winter and it is on constant repeat – so versatile) or a white silk scalloped cami (#4).  Both the cami and the chambray shirt you could literally wear with anything in any season.  I love having pieces like that – great fabrics, great shapes, great for layering (a must in Northern Cali).

The white frayed edge cuffed denim shorts (#17) are already in constant rotation. The fabric is thick enough not to be see through (the problem with SO many white shorts). During the week I pair them with these bright tennis shoes (#6), this simple chambray shell (#5), or a simple v-neck tee (getting so many compliments on this simple linen one – tons of great colors and long enough). On the weekend I pair these white shorts with something more special – like that off-the shoulder shirt (#3!!). I’m also loving the combo of that amazing embroidered shirt (#1) & denim cut offs (#9) w/ those amazing fringe sandals (#8).  

Last summer I lived in a pair of elastic waist pull on chambray shorts (#15) – they were perfect after having had a baby in the late spring and were forgiving and versatile as I lost weight over the summer months.  I have a weakness for scallops (#4, #7, #14) and I love these shorts (#14) – they come in 2 colors!  These hot pink shorts (#16) are so so vibrant in real life.

DRESSES!  Casual dresses are so fun and these three are so easy.  I love the easy structure of #13 (my sister-in-law has it in both colors) and the fabric (and back) on #12 is perfect.  This chambray shirtdress (#11) is currently in the mail headed my way!  Those scalloped flats (#7) would be perfect with them (they are on my wish list for sure).

Xo Alice