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Top 5 Favorites – May 2020

With summer approaching, it’s no surprise your Top 5 Favorites from May were all about warm-weather essentials.
Here are your faves from May 2020

1) Straw hat

Janessa Leone Siro

I purchased this hat for it’s mega sun protection (the brim is over 5 inches wide) and happily found an alternative for $45.  The $45 version comes in black and white (I purchased the white) and has an adjustable inner band.  Awesome news if you have a small head like me!

If you saw my Instagram Stories I did a side-by-side comparison of the two.  Clearly the designer version is much sturdier since it’s hand-woven with substantial straw.  It won’t flip up in the wind and the stylish crown gives it that extra edge.

The $45 version isn’t as sturdy, but it’s lightweight and could be packed into a beach bag.

I love them both.  They each offer something different and am happy I have two colors of the same silhouette to choose from.

2, 3 and 4) Denim cutoffs

Denim Cutoffs

This post about my go-to denim cutoffs was hands down your favorite from May.  You can read the full breakdown of sizing information and the Pros and Cons of each pair here.

This high-rise pair was your favorite, followed by this classic pair, and finally this mid-rise pair.  These three styles are honestly the only denim shorts I will EVER buy.

Here is my breakdown depending on what you’re looking for:

Most Stylish
Most Comfortable
Most Versatile

5) Comfortable bra

Comfortable bras

With the amount of time we are spending at home, the name of the game is comfort.  I ordered some new bras and you guys loved this one.

The pads are removable and the straps are completely adjustable.  As someone who always has trouble adjusting straps to the right length, I was thrilled that this bra offers so much leeway.

Pro tip: insert the pads AFTER you’re already wearing the bra.  SO MUCH easier.

Below are my three favorite bras because they are all wire-free and SUPER comfortable.  Each offers a different level of support.  Here is the breakdown:

Least Support
Medium Support
Most Support

Memorial Day Sales

Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressHappy Memorial Day!

We plan on spending the entire day outside – BBQ in the front yard, a bike ride and lots of nature excursions with the dog and toddler in tow.  Sending you all well wishes for a wonderful holiday and an extra special thank you to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve!

This weekend also kicks off the beginning of sale season, so I’m rounding up my favorites.  Below are items I’m coveting.  Some items I’ve already purchased – stay tuned for photos and reviews!

Need Supply

I’m dying over these tennis shoes. Such a rad Nike collaboration!

The subtle glitter on these sneakers is SO fun.

I own this dress and adore it.  See how I styled it here.

The block heeled sandals scream chic and can be paired with ANYTHING.

Levi’s

Now’s the time to stock up.  This style looks good on EVERYONE and is on sale in 9 washes.

This style is a classic and all 4 washes on sale are divine (the white is amazing for summer).

These are a recent addition for me (see how I styled them here) and I can’t get enough of their chic vibe.

You’ll live in these denim cutoffs this summer.  They also come in white.

Moda Operandi

They have tons of amazing swimwear on sale and I just picked up this bathing suit.  The sparkly fabric is insane!

This leopard print summer dress is too cute to pass up.

I’m dying over the mod 60’s vibe of this mini skirt.

This is the time to pounce on one of my favorite designers.  This dress is so gorgeous it hurts.

SSENSE

I just picked up these jeans and shared them on Stories.  You loved them too and I can attest that they are worth every penny.

They have one of the best sales on Dr. Marten’s.  I have my eye on these sandals.

These jeans have a high waist and edgy 90s vibe that I adore.  I own them and wear them a ton.

There’s a reason these jeans have a cult following.  I featured them here.  Get them while they’re on sale!

Life Lately

Janessa Leone Siro

Last month I shared a post about my life, lately.  It’s been one of my most popular posts of 2020 so I thought I would make it a monthly series.  This unprecedented time of coronavirus has definitely shifted my routines, priorities and attention.  Here is what I’ve been loving lately.

Binge-Worthy Shows

I thought I would start Tiger King, Cheer or Schitt’s Creek, but what has captured my attention of late is The Amazing Race.

It’s one of the only reality shows I enjoy, and although I’ve seen every season, it’s been awesome to go back and re-watch my favorites.

Here’s why.

I love to travel.  Since it’s going to be a long time before I can indulge my travel bug, The Amazing Race is the perfect solution.  I get to revisit my favorite cities and see parts of the world I’ve never visited.  The show does a great job of incorporating local customs and off-the-beaten-path venues.  My husband and I have been analyzing each episode to determine how well we’d do if we were on the race, haha!

Workouts

Last month I talked about my journey with BBG (the Bikini Body Guide).  In addition to these 30min circuit workouts I can do from my phone, we also invested in a Peloton.

I’ll be the first to say it’s a significant investment.  We do not plan on flying anywhere for the rest of 2020, nor do we plan on going back to the gym, so we decided to invest the money we would have spent on those things into a Peloton.

Has it been worth it?

1000%.  I can honestly say this is one of THE BEST investments we’ve ever made.  My husband and I have both ridden the bike every single day since we got it.  You can choose between cycling classes ranging from only 5min up to 45min.  They have low impact, HIIT, rides with arm intervals, and every musical genre you can imagine.  I love having the camaraderie of a group class from the instructors (my favorites are Robyn Arzon and Cody Rigsby).

I seriously don’t ever plan to return to a normal class unless I get to see friends and meet for brunch afterward!

Fashion

Now that the weather is warming up, I’m spending more time in shorts.  I wrote a review on my favorite denim cutoffs and they have all been on constant rotation.  From high waisted with a longer inseam, to the coziest pair ever, there’s a pair for every summer activity.

Straw hats are another must-have for me right now.  I just picked up this one and it’s a dream.  A true gardener’s hat (TONS of coverage) but elevated and stylish.

Sandals are the last must-have in my summer arsenal, and I’m all about the platform.  I desperately want these, but think I may try these instead because they’re on sale for $70.

Shop my Summer Favorites
Life Lately

Two-plus months into quarantine life and things are starting to shift a little.  I went to a coffee shop for the first time to grab an iced coffee to go and it felt so indulgent and lovely.

We also made the decision to utilize outside childcare, something we haven’t done since quarantine started (hello, grandma and grandpa’s house).  Having time to catch up on chores, do a long workout, and sit at my computer uninterrupted felt so foreign – it was amazing.

As we move forward into the new normal, I’m discovering new things that I consider must-haves (journaling, time to exercise).  Slowing down has made me more reflective of all the blessings in my life.  I hope you are doing well and staying safe!

What I’m Coveting: Denim Shorts

Agolde Dee ultra high rise shortsTibi sweatshirt (similar here and here) // AGOLDE denim shorts // Celine sunglasses

Ah, shorts season.

If you’re a long-time reader, you know I am 100% a fall/winter girl when it comes to wardrobe.  But there’s something to be said about the perfect pair of denim cutoffs.  Classic, comfy, chic.

Since they are what I live in during summer, I wanted to share my favorites.  I have three pairs that I reach for most.  If you have questions about other brands or styles, let me know.  Chances are I’ve tried them.  Denim is kinda my thing.

My 3 Favorite Pairs of Denim Cutoffs

Denim Cutoffs

The great news about all three of these styles is that they are perennial AND they each come in TONS of washes.

1.AGOLDE Ultra High Rise Denim Shorts

Pros: SUPER flattering.  The high rise (12.25 inches) and longer inseam (4 inches) mean these cutoffs give you the most coverage.  No Daisy Dukes here.  They are especially flattering on pear shapes because they accentuate the waist and give you room in the hips.

Cons: Because they are ultra high rise, I don’t recommend doing summer sports in these (bike rides, etc.).  They are a lounging-by-the-pool pair of shorts.  Out of my three favorites, these are the least comfortable because they have no stretch and such a high rise.

Sizing: TTS but size up if you’re between sizes.  They are 100% cotton so there’s zero stretch.  I’m wearing my true size (25) but wish I would have sized up to a 26 for added comfort.

Shop High Rise Cutoffs

2. AGOLDE Parker Denim Shorts

Pros: SUPER comfortable.  While these are technically 100% cotton, they absolutely feel like they have elastane in them.  They stretch and mold to your body.  I can crawl around on the floor with my daughter, play beach volleyball and take a long bike ride in these shorts.

Cons: They have a 10.25 inch rise and 2 inch inseam so there’s not a lot of coverage.  Out of my three favorites, I think they are the least flattering on me because I have wide hips and a small waist (the rise isn’t high enough to highlight my waist).

Sizing: TTS.  I went up one size (wearing a 26) because I wanted them to be my workhorse/super comfy pair, but the size 25 looked SO MUCH better on me.

Shop Comfy Cutoffs

3. Vintage Levi’s 501s (go for modern-day 501s or Mid Thigh 501s for the same style)

Pros: My ride or die pair.  Comfortable, classic, cool.  I love how the wash has aged with time.  The key to this pair is the way they are cut.  The side seam is cut slightly higher so they form a U-shape.  This elongates the leg and makes the hips look even.

Cons: None.  The modern-day 501 shorts are just as awesome.  If you are pear shaped, try the mid-thigh 501s.

Sizing: If you find a vintage pair, size up.  Vanity sizing is a thing for both men’s and women’s.  I’m wearing a Men’s 31.  In modern-day Men’s, I’d choose a 29.  If you go with a modern pair of Women’s, take your true size.

Shop 501s

What I’m Coveting

The Shopbop Sale is here!

Every spring, Shopbop has a buy more, save more sale.

This is the time to pull the trigger on any investment pieces you’ve been saving for.  It’s also the time to take advantage of brands and styles that never go on sale.

Because Shopbop’s inventory is HUGE, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

My advice:

  1. Stick to wardrobe staples (premium denim, LWD’s, a great summer sandal, everyday accessories like sunglasses)
  2. Shop the sale ASAP.  It ends March 8th and inventory sells out fast.
  3. Err on the side of caution.  In between sizes?  Not sure which color to get?  Buy both because Shopbop has free shipping and free returns.  Because the sale is so short and inventory sells out, don’t risk losing out on something you’ve been eyeing.
Use code SPRING for:

15% off orders of $200+

20% off orders of $500+

25% off orders of $800+

What I’m Coveting in the Shopbop Sale