Saturday Shopping

Black Midi Dress (under $60)// Jack Rogers

Visiting Callie in Charlotte was SO much fun. I wish we could have stayed longer, but we are now at the lake! While in Charlotte, we went to 7th Street Market, Two Scoops, J'Adore Nail Boutique, Soul Gastrolounge, Golden Cow Little Village Grill, and Rhino Market.

Soul Gastrolounge was AMAZING. Seriously, if you are in Charlotte, go there immediately. They have an adorable little bar area and their food is all small plates to share, plus sushi, meat kabobs, etc. Every single thing we ate was incredible, but I definitely suggest the tuna tartar tacos and the pork belly and watermelon tacos. Holy cow, sooooooo good. 

I also could not recommend J'Adore Nails more. It was the cutest place for a mani/pedi and the woman who did my manicure gave me the best manicure I've ever had. They also have a 7 day guarantee, so if your nails need fixed/touched up within in 7 days after you receive your manicure, you can go back and get them touched up for free!

Now, I'm officially on vacay mode. Everything is scheduled and my brain is on cruise control. It's SO nice to be somewhere remote with family and friends. I'm looking forward to spending most of my time in a bathing suit in the sun, enjoying cocktails, taking boat rides, water skiing, and lots more!

But, even though I'm checked out, there's some fun coming up next week here on Summer Wind. I'll have a personal post (which makes me a little nervous and excited to post). I'll also be posting a Ritz-Recap/Philly Recap, a Thursday Lately post chock full of fun stuff and some cute outfits. The following week (the first week of August) I have a major surprise, so stay tuned!

Also, just as a little housekeeping: If you Snapchat message me or DM me and do not receive a response, I really apologize about that! I have been getting so many messages lately, which I love and appreciate all of you reaching out, but it can be hard to keep track of sometimes! With Snapchat the disappearing messages I can never remember who asked what, so if you ask something and I need to go find out the answer for you, I typically lose track. And with DM's, once I read them, if I don't respond immediately, they get lost in the shuffle. So, if you have a question, your best bet is to always e-mail me!! I don't want anyone to think I'm ignoring them on purpose.

Items Featured In This Post:

The Nordstrom Sale is officially open to the public now, I'm excited about that! Did you catch my try-on post, here?

I also noticed that it looks like a few new items were added into the sale (like this classic navy blazer), so that's exciting! In other news, did you catch the new pieces that Monica Vinader has been rolling out? I've been a fan of the jewelry for years now and I love that there are so many choices now! I'm especially eyeing this ID bracelet. So simple and chic, don't you think? Scroll through the widget above to see more pieces I have been loving!

I packed super lightly this week in terms of clothing because the atmosphere is very casual, but, I brought so many skincare products. One of them being my favorite resurfacing gel. I could not recommend it more. It's SO gentle and my skin gets clearer and clearer everyday. I use it at night and in the mornings! Use code: SYDNEYSPRING20 for 20% off your order!

You may have missed:

• My favorite white tee under $10
• My favorite neutral/natural lip colors and balms
• A lately post recommending an outdoor restaurant in Pittsburgh
• My Nordstrom Sale Try On

Nordstrom Sale Try-On

Items Featured In This Post:

This is Post 2/2 of my Nordstrom Sale posts (see original post, here) and it's a highly requested one! Last week, I shared a Snapchat try-on of some of my Nordstrom Sale picks, so now that the sale is officially open to the public, I'm translating my Snapchat try-on to SummerWindBlog.com! 

Since this is the first day the sale is open to everyone, I suggest shopping quickly. Periodically, Nordstrom will restock items, but on the more popular items, once the pieces are sold out, that's it. So to make sure you get your size, work quickly! 

Dress// Pumps (Jimmy Choo, old)

My Thoughts: This dress is something that immediately caught my eye. The stripes remind me of a men's tie and looks like something that Brooks Brothers would design. I love that. It also looks like a classic shift dress from the front but has a fun little ruffle hem in the back. 

Sizing: This dress runs very big. I would suggest sizing down at least one size.

Quality: The quality for the price is excellent. The fabric is very thick and does not wrinkle easily. 

Dress// Shoes

My Thoughts: You guys consistently ask me for wear-to-work outfit ideas and this dress is a really great wardrobe staple for just that. What I love about it is that you can dress for work as I have it styled here, but a quick change of jewelry/accessories can make it work for a bevy of other events.

Sizing: This runs a little big, I would suggest sizing down. I am wearing a size small, but definitely could have gone down to the XS.

Quality: This dress also comes in print options, however, I think the prints cheapen the dress. The fabric isn't the best, but it's nice enough to be able to steam easily and get many wears. 

Cashmere Cardigan// Lace Camisole

Jeans// Chanel Ballet Flats 

My Thoughts: I really loved this cashmere cardigan, but I ultimately ended up returning it in favor of this cashmere cardigan (reviewed below). I LOVE the lace camisole. It looks a little like lingerie, so I know some of you won't like that. But I like that it is basic and adds a little texture and interest to an outfit... especially because I wear a lot of all-black outfits, the more texture I can incorporate into an outfit like the above, the better! The jeans fit well, the fabric has the perfect amount of stretch (not too much, not too little) and I love the raw hem cuff. The cuff makes it easy to wear with any type of shoe!

Sizing: The cashmere cardigan runs big, definitely size down. The denim runs true to size and the lace camisole also runs true to size, too. 

Quality: The cashmere is top notch, and while pricey, the sale price sounds about right in comparison to other pieces of that nature. The jeans are a great price and definitely a pair that will stand the test of time because they have a good amount of stretch to them. The camisole isn't the best quality, but for the price (under $25), I say buy one in every color. It's such a closet staple and very comfortable. 

Cashmere Cardigan// Lace Camisole

Jeans// Chanel Ballet Flats 

My Thoughts: This cashmere cardigan is a MAJOR winner. The cashmere is so thick and extremely soft and luxe. 

Sizing: The cardigan runs BIG. I would say size down at least one size. I got the smallest size they offer. It is meant to be roomy, but I usually wear a size small and it swallowed me. If you are super petite, I think this might not work for you just because it really is roomy. 

Quality: The cashmere cardigan is very pricey, but well worth the price, in my opinion. It is my #1 favorite thing from the sale. I wore it on the plane to Charlotte and was SO comfortable. I plan on wearing it on the plane to Paris with black leggings and a simple white tee. It's so versatile and jut really an overall high-quality closet staple. 

Sweater// Tee

Jeans// Princetown Loafers

My Thoughts: At first impression when I received this v-neck sweater, I didn't mind it. But as I thought about it and really felt the fabric, I decided to return it. It is very affordable and I personally didn't want to keep it because I knew I wouldn't get any wear out of it since I'll most likely choose my nicer sweaters over this one. I do, however, think it would be great if you are on a budget and don't have a lot of casual sweaters. The fabric is cheap, but it isn't itchy and doesn't look super cheap. Overall, it's comfortable, but just not for me. 

I ordered these jeans because I've heard amazing things about the brand. I loved the zipper down the side by the ankle because I thought it was interesting and different. I also loved that the ankles weren't perfectly skinny. They look a little different. They're slightly trendy, for sure. 

Sizing: The sweater runs big, but it is mean to fit oversized. I'd recommend sizing down or choosing your usual size for more of a 'boyfriend' look. The denim runs true to size and has a bit of stretch to it. 

Quality: Like I mentioned above, the sweater quality is not up to my standard, but it's also not itchy or thin and doesn't look overly cheap when wearing it on my body. I think if you are going to get this sweater, that you should get it in black. I think that will be the nicest looking option out of all of the colors. The jeans are very high quality- some of the highest quality I've felt. 

Tweed Skirt

Tee// Cashmere Cardigan// Lace Camisole

My Thoughts: This tweed skirt is gorgeous. The melange of colors throughout the fabric is gorgeous and enables you to really pair a lot with the skirt. This skirt is longer, so it's perfect for a conservative office, but you can also dress it up for a cocktail event or even down for a more casual atmosphere. I love love love the faux wrap look as well as the fringed/raw edges. It really updates an otherwise classic tweed skirt.

Sizing: I think this runs slightly small. I'm usually between a 2 and 4 in skirts and I got a 4 in this skirt and it fits. If you are in between sizes, size up. 

Quality: The price for the quality is out of this world. The fabric is beautiful to the touch and to the eye. I'd easily pay the full price for a skirt of this quality, so the sale price (under $50) is an amazing deal.

Lace Camisole// Tweed Skirt

My Thoughts: I love this skirt for a holiday cocktail party. It will look great with tights or a turtleneck but also looks great with the simple camisole. It's definitely a wardrobe workhorse in that it's neutral and you can change the look of it very easily.

Sizing: This runs VERY small. I'm wearing a size 4, but could have easily worn a 6, too. Size up at least one size. It's meant to be a true mini skirt. I honestly don't think this would be appropriate for work because it's short and really form fitting (shows off your behind!). Maybe you could get away with it with tights in the winter. It's more of a cocktail skirt anyway because there is a bit of metallic silver woven throughout the fabric. 

Quality: They came out with a tweed skirt last year in this brand (and the year before) and the quality was out of this world gorgeous both years. This year, I think they skimped on the quality. While the fabric is gorgeous and has a lot of depth, it feels thin. It's pretty expensive for a mini skirt, and I still love it, but if you're only going to choose one tweed skirt, the pink skirt that I reviewed prior to this one is higher quality. 

Tee// Jeans

My Thoughts: I got this tee because SO many people were talking about it saying it is amazing. I do love the deep v-neck, the pocket, and the side slit hem (the back is longer than the front). At $15, it's a low price and I refuse to spend a lot on a plain cotton t-shirt. However, I have two other tees that I paid even less for that I actually like better. Ultimately, I kept this tee because the color is unique (it's like a dusty blush), but if you are looking for an inexpensive white tee, I suggest this one or this one. 

Sizing: It runs true to size. I am wearing a size small in the photos above. It is mean to fit loose/boyfriend-style. I think you could definitely go down a size for a more fitted look. 

Quality: For the price the quality is nice. Its just your average plain tee, but I think it will hold up nicely in the wash and many wears. 

Pieces I did not like:

• Pumps// I was SO excited about these pumps because they look like a much pricier pair of Jimmy Choo pumps that I have been eyeing. I think my biggest mistake is that I tried on the Jimmy Choo pair prior to getting the pumps, so I knew as soon as I felt them and tried them on, they just really fell flat. The blush is the shade that I chose and I felt that the fabric both felt and looked cheap. I also felt like the shoe overall was not well made and looked cheap- especially for the price. 
• Dress// This dress is awful. I think it would be great for a very petite woman/girl but it's extremely short and just overall ill-fitting. I did not expect much in terms of quality because of the super low price, but the fabric is very very cheap. 

Lately 7/20/2017

Tank (J.Crew, old)// Navy Pleated Leather Skirt 

Vara Bow Shoes// Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses

Coin Necklace// Tank Watch

This has been such a crazy and fast week. I stared off the weekend by getting take out at one of my favorite sushi spots and then spent Friday night working because I was waking up early to head to Philadelphia Saturday morning.

I spent Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Philadelphia and got home super late Monday night. So my week started off on Tuesday where I was insanely busy trying to play catch up and also trying to get ahead because yesterday I flew down to Charlotte to visit my sister, Callie. Friday, we head to Georgia to spend 10 days at the lake! Needless to say, packing for Philadelphia then unpacking then re-packing for Charlotte and then 10 days at the lake was a time consuming task and I am SO glad that is done and over with. Only thing worse than packing is unpacking!

I also spent a little time getting all my ducks in a line for a very exciting surprise I have been keeping for months and it's almost time to  fully give it away, so definitely keep an eye out for that.

Wearing: You guys all loved this all-navy outfit I wore in Philadelphia so I thought I'd share it here, too. I'll have a full Philadelphia recap next week! The navy blue pleated leather skirt is part of the Nordstrom sale. It runs true to size (a touch big, so if you are between sizes, size down). I have it in black as well as a deep red shade and I get SO much wear out of these skirts. I find them to be chic but also classic in the cut.

Eating: Callie has these in her apartment and just introduced me to them. Holy cow are they incredible. I am an onion lover and also love me some salty snacks and this is totally the best of bot worlds. These are like potato chips but I find them to be even better (less of a crunch, though). And luckily, they are 'healthier', too. They're hard to find. Callie found them at a special market in Charlotte, but I looked online and it looks like there is a website called Thrive that carries them (and at a way lower price than usual, too!). 

Drinking: La Colombe was literally right next to the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia and I was SO happy to get a cappuccino and a chocolate chip cookie. It's literally my favorite coffee in the entire world. If you are in a city that has a La Colombe and are a coffee lover, you absolutely must try it out. I also recommend their draft latte. 

Sale-ing: I went to the King of Prussia mall on Monday and made out big time at the Club Monaco store. I am not a huge in-person shopper and don't typically love visiting an actual shopping mall, but the King of Prussia mall is really an experience. They have so many incredible stores. I made sure to pop into Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Cartier, Ferragamo, etc. I may or may not have tried on my dream watch at Cartier. Butttt, I only left with a few things and they were all from Club Monaco because they were having a huge sale. I got this vest (which is stunning in person), and this cashmere cardigan (that I would have never bought seeing it online but the fabric is incredible in person), and then this black tee shirt that is insanely soft, but the cut is unique, too.

Sheets// Monogrammed Duvet// Pajamas (pant version)

Giving Away: You may have seen my instagram last night, but I am partnering with Hibernate Bedding to giveaway one set of sheets (you must enter on this instagram). They sent me a set of their sheets and I cannot tell you how comfortable they are. Sheets can be VERY expensive so finding an affordable set that are actually super soft is such a win. You can get 20% off your purchase, too, with code: SW20 at checkout. 

Watching: Erdem x H&M is coming in November! I love when retailers partner with higher end designers. And I can't wait to see more of the videos created by Baz Lurhmann. 

Listening: I just started to re-listen to Mac Miller's Blue Slide Park album. I haven't listened in so long and it's really one of my favorites. 

Loving: Just sharing a few things that have caught my eye this week! 

Wanting: I am a big believer in splurging on quality shoes/handbags/jewelry and saving on clothing. A gorgeous pair of shoes can really dress up a $40 dress! With that said, my favorite splurge is definitely Salvatore Ferragamo. I have a very real obsession with Ferragamo. Their vara and varina shoes are the best shoes ever, and I wear them constantly. I also have a Ferragamo handbag that I absolutely adore and wear an insane amount. Their pieces are extremely well-made, they are understated with logos and the designs are typically classic, ladylike and simple. This season Ferragamo is killing it, which I love, but it's so bad for my wallet! I am absolutely dying for these shoes and this navy handbag. They moved to the very top of my wish list!!

Pittsburgh-ing: A few weeks ago, we went to dinner at Redfin Blues. It's somewhere I had never been before. It is located on Washington's Landing right across from the Strip District. It's situated right on the river and is actually a marina. The food was just ok but the atmosphere was amazing. It totally felt like we were on vacation rather than just 10 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh! 

Traveling: I am currently in Charlotte visiting my sister, Callie! Last night we had a casual dinner, ran a few errands and went for ice cream. I am working from her apartment today and this evening, she is taking me to one of her favorite restaurants in Charlotte. Charlotte is such a beautiful, clean city, I am loving it already and so happy to see Callie has made such a cute and cozy little home for herself here! 

Quoting: 'Never apologize for your enthusiasm.'// See more of my favorites, here.

The Best Natural/Neutral Lip Colors and Balms

Lip Balms In This Post:

I have always been such a lip color junkie. It could be gloss, lip stain, lip stick, chap stick, you name it, I love it and have probably tried it. Truth be told, I have an unnecessary amount of lip products in my arsenal. Drawers full to be exact. 

While I do love lip color, I find that the products I use most often are those that are hydrating to my lips, and if they're pigmented, they usually side on the more natural end of the spectrum. 

So I went through all of my lip products and today I'm sharing my absolute top must-have lip products in my arsenal. They fall at all different price points, so there really is something for everyone. I'd love for you to let me know of your favorite lip products in the comments below, too! 

Balm Dotcom// This is what I like to call 'fancy overpriced vaseline'... and yet, yes I have it... in several flavors. I think what sets this apart is that the flavors aren't cheesy or chemical-y. They're very natural and subtle. I personally love the coconut one, especially during the summer time. There are tinted versions, too! That's next on my 'to-try' list!

Burt's Bees// This might be an unpopular opinion, but the Burt's Bees lip balm is not my favorite. However, the tinted version is. The color is so natural, you can apply and apply and apply and it never looks overdone. One thing I love about Burt's Bees is that the balm is made from 100% natural ingredients.

Blistex Medicated// Hands-down my favorite chapstick of all time. I've been using this exact Blistex Medicated balm since I was little. I love the texture (light and smooth and not shiny) and it really does get the job done. I keep one in my car, in my desk, next to my bed, in my bathroom, in all handbags... literally I have a Blistex within arms reach at all times. SO good. 

Olio E Osso// I think this is really overpriced, however, I'd buy it again in a heartbeat because I love it so much. The oblong shape makes it really easy to apply to your lips. The tint looks a lot darker than it is. I have it in the berry shade and I love it on its own,  but I think it's the perfect thing to layer on over lip stains. It's super hydrating and just an over all flattering color with the most subtle sheen. 

Dior Lip Glow// This is definitely my #1 favorite lip product I've ever discovered (and just look at the reviews, it seems to be everyone else's favorite, too!). I only just recently tried it out and now own it in the sheer pink and the berry (4 shades to choose from). The sheer pink is the most natural color in my opinion. It's a super soft and easy to apply balm (feels a lot like the texture and consistency of the Blistex Medicated) and has a very subtle shine and the most natural flushed pink color. It just looks so 'normal' and right... that's the only way I can accurately describe it, but I seriously think if you only own one lip product it should be this. 

Clinique Almost Lipstick// The name really does say it all. The consistency is very smooth and it looks terrifying in the tube. By terrifying I mean it looks SO dark- and almost purple. But, when you apply, it goes on lightly and just tints your lips in the most beautiful berry hue. It's so flattering on everyone and never makes you look 'done up'. I also love that it provides a little shine, too. It's somewhere between a balm, a gloss, and a lipstick. 

Vaseline// No matter your age or gender, this is a classic that will never let you down. It comes in a tub, a tin, and a tube, so there's a way to apply for everyone. At just around $2, you can't beat it!