Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Happy New Year: Top Posts of 2019




Dress// Dior Pumps (similar)
I'm wishing you all a very happy new year! If you are out celebrating tonight, I hope you have a wonderful and safe time! I don't do resolutions, but I did share some things I am most excited for in 2020 that you can read about, here. I also shared the top products of 2019, here. So today I thought it would be fun to share the top blog posts of 2019 and top searches of 2019!


Most Searched 2019:
- Wedding
- Hair 
- Goyard
- Engagement
- Home
- Sephora 
- Amazon
- Diamond Necklace
- Makeup
- Chanel
- After Party Sale
- Charleston
- Gift Guide
- Henry
- Bedroom
- Workout
- Lake Pajamas
- Diet
- Bedding
- Sneakers

I am a big analytics girl and that's a big part of what drives the content here on Summer Wind. I check this every single week but it's fun to look at a big chunk of time as a year to reflect and see a bigger picture. Obviously, reader feedback plays a big role as well as what I truly want to write about and share... but analytics don't lie and they paint a pretty clear picture of what audiences want. And this isn't just for my website- this is for most sites across the board! 

For example, I'm truly not a crazy wedding obsessed girl- but I see the popularity in the analytics (both through which blog posts perform well and the #1 search term is 'wedding'... not to mention the amount of wedding-related post requests I receive when asking each month for post ideas on instastories...it all adds up) and this is what is super popular and what you all want to read! You all also love reviews of products so I'll definitely keep that in mind for 2020- let me know if there are any, in particular, you'd love for me to review! 

It also paints a picture as to what particular posts are performing really well in terms of SEO/SEM. For example, the Goyard blog post is a few years old now, but the SEO on that post is performing particularly well. I also think there aren't a ton of resources out there on that topic, so that's why my post performs so well. A post like the Botox post which is a few years old is performing well because I have linked to it several times throughout 2019! 

And as for the search terms, it paints a picture of what people want to know about. The topics that you all want to know about are topics I should be posting about...I'm glad to see Henry on the list :) It also helps me to know what words to use in my posts. For example, I see 'sneakers' on the list and that teaches me that I should be using the word 'sneakers' over tennis shoes... not always, obviously, but this is a good illustration. 'Diet' doesn't really make sense to me because I don't post about diets so that one is one of those 'outliers' that just can't be explained- also a topic I don't really plan to post about either. And 'wedding' is likely popular for 2 reasons: because of the sheer amount of content I have posted in regard to that topic AND the genuine interest from the audience... there are so many variables! 

And as always, you can email me at summerwind41490@gmail.com with any post requests or even DM me on Instagram...although e-mail is a lot easier for me to use as DM's constantly get lost! Thank you all so much, from the bottom of my heart, for continuing to visit this little corner of the internet. This is truly my passion project and connecting with kind, smart, enthusiastic women brings me so much joy throughout the year. I can only hope that Summer Wind brings you joy, too! Wishing you all a very wonderful, healthy, and prosperous new year! Cheers, everyone, see you in 2020! 

Friday, December 27, 2019

Serena and Lily Winter Tent Sale







 Shop Pajamas: 

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is kind of weird, isn't it? I love it- staying in PJ's until noon, extra cups of coffee, watching shows and movies and spending time with family and friends... no appointments, no meetings, and nothing pressing. I relish this time period. I don't think I could take more than a week of it as I do love a good routine and a strong sense of purpose, but this week is just so luxurious! 

I've been living in pajamas and this flannel set from Serena and Lily is beyond soft, thick, and cozy! They run generously, so if you are between sizes, definitely size down. But these are truly the nicest flannel pajamas I have ever worn. The quality and the way they are made is just exceptional. They are currently on sale for $60 off! 

Now that I know what their flannel feels like, I would really love a set of their flannel sheets (now on sale) and OMG this plaid flannel duvet cover is beautiful (also on sale). 

Right now, Serena and Lily is having a Winter Tent Sale where you can get 30%-70% off on select items!
Bed// End Tables

I partnered with Serena and Lily back in October to update our guest bedroom and I loved it. I was so obsessed that I ended up getting a few of the same things for our own bedroom. Right now, the Decorative Pillow Cover is on sale and we love it. It's the softest and most beautiful cover. The texture is really luxurious and I'm considering getting the matching blanket that's also on sale. 

We already have counter stools, but had we not, I'd definitely get these in the gray color. They are beautiful. Scroll through the widget above to see more items that I love that are included in the sale! Thank you to Serena and Lily for partnering with me on this post, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 
We ordered one of these rolling baskets last month and ended up loving it so much, we ordered a second. They look so cute sitting out by our washer/dryer and I love that they can roll so we can tuck them away if needed. My fiancé also got this hamper- he loves it! They are both unfortunately on sale but I thought I would share because they're so cute and very functional. 

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Lately



How was everyone's Christmas? Ours was so great! Christmas Eve is one of my favorite nights of the entire year. It's crazy to think we only have a few more days in this decade! I'm planning on taking it easy, visiting with friends and families and setting myself up for a great start to 2020! 

On Saturday, 12/28, we will have been engaged for exactly 1 year. It's crazy to think we have already been engaged for an entire year. My fiancé is taking me out for a surprise date night! It truly feels like he just got down on knee like yesterday! But it's also crazy how quickly this wedding is about to happen. I honestly can't believe it. I actually chatted with our priest the other day on the phone as we are about to meet with him to do paperwork. AH! I feel that there will be a lot of craziness in the early half of 2020 as I prep for the wedding, so please bear with me for the crazy fun that is about to ensue! 

Wearing: We had the most fun time at our country club's Christmas party! All of our friends and family were there and it was just so much fun to all be together and celebrate the holidays. I wore this gorgeous sequin dress. I can't wait to find another excuse to wear it!!

Eating:

Drinking: 'Tis the season for all of the healthy new year's resolutions. Since so many seem to want to make healthy changes around this time of year, I thought I would share with you all the blog post I did a few years ago about collagen peptides. I still love it to this day! 

Reading: Buzzfeed's funniest tweets of 2019. Some of them had me cracking up. 


Watching: There is a 3-episode series on Netflix called Don't F With Cats. Based on the name alone, I likely would have never watched it. My fiancé suggested it and so after some convincing, we started the series. It's 3 episodes and each episode is an hour-long. It's based on a true story and it's truly unbelievable. It definitely seems like it should have been a podcast first! I'll warn you, though, it's gruesome and at some parts, I had to look away. But it's really well done and I the storyline is truly crazy. I sat in my pajamas with coffee all morning watching the entire thing with my fiancé! 

Loving: I am obsessed with this basket bag. I mean, how cute?!? I can't wait to bring it on my honeymoon. This would also make such a nice gift for a bride-to-be! 

Wanting: Literally nothing! There is a LOT on sale right now and right now is that lull where retailers don't really drop too many new items or collections so snag items on sale while you can! 

Quoting: 'People are afraid to make a change because they focus on what they have to lose instead of what they have to gain.' // See more of my favorites, here. 

Monday, December 23, 2019

Top Products 2019


I always think it's so fun to look back on the most popular products from the year. It helps me to see a clearer picture of what you all love. Today I'm sharing the most popular items! First up is this gorgeous dress that I wore to our engagement party and several other events throughout the year. It's so gorgeous and now comes in pretty emerald green.

I feel like by now, we all have these Gucci headband lookalikes! At only $12 for 3 headbands, these are a steal and so cute! 
Check out the original post on this faux fur vest because I seriously love it SO much. It's so insanely soft and truly looks like real fur. It has a beautiful elegant drape to it!

I have talked a lot about this lip color through the years and it's because I LOVE it. It's so natural and easy to wear year-round. It's creamy and easy to apply without a mirror. There's a reason that it has a cult following. 
This is my 'Jackie O' top. You all know I love this funnel neck/mock neck style as it has a very 1960's vibe. This style is hard to find so whenever I find a piece with the neckline, I scoop it up! 

I wear this sweater non-stop. It's truly one of my favorite things I own. It's really pricey, however, I found an identical version for so much less and you can find it, here

I have 3 colors of these linen-blend shorts because they are the best. It feels like you're wearing athletic shorts but they look more put together. They're so inexpensive, too, and it seems like they restock them each year. You can still get them now if you are headed somewhere warm! 

These scarves are amazing. They're under $50 and truly beautiful. They remind me SO much of Hermés and look so elegant with anything. I love scarves in general because they can really dress up even the plainest of outfits. 
These are my wedding shoes! I love them so much and can't wait to wear them again at our shower! They're truly a classic and I feel so fabulous when I wear them. 

This is one of my most favorite swimsuits ever. The print, the colors, everything about it, I love. I can't wait to wear it again! 
For the price, these are truly the nicest and most comfortable chaise lounge chairs EVER. You can choose any fabric and it includes free in-home delivery. Such a good deal and I would highly recommend. 
How fun are these? Taking my love for blue and white up a notch, ha! I ordered these to wear on the morning of my wedding. Likely not when we are getting ready but to truly sleep in them and wake up in them haha! 
This is such an inexpensive wardrobe staple. It's just a nice, easy, wear-everyday type top! 


So I don't have a photo of these leggings- I have shared them a bunch on instagram stories, hence their popularity, but not one single photo. Why, you ask?! Well, if you do follow me on stories, then you know I literally LOST them. I lost my pants. How does one do that?! I lost them a few weeks ago (after only wearing them once or twice) and have yet to find them. They're fabulous, though. They look black, and then in the right light, they are so pretty and shimmery! Subtle shimmer but different than your typical black workout leggings. I have worn them to Orange Theory so they hold up nicely in an intense workout. 
You all have seen these tops so much since they came out. I truly think it is one of my most favorite tops ever. The fit is so flattering and comfortable and the fabric has such a nice texture to it. It's faux suede but it doesn't look cheap at all. Highly recommend! It runs big so size down. 

I wrote an entire blog post about this product so definitely check that out, but I stopped wearing foundation this year and it was the best decision!! 

I have two windows dressed in these curtains and I love them. They are super inexpensive. As much as I really wanted custom drapes in a designer fabric like Schumacher, it just didn't make sense to spend that kind of money when we will only be in this house for a few years. Down the road, in a forever home, I definitely plan to splurge as I think draperies can drastically change the look of a room! Anyway, I find most drapery panels that aren't custom to look kind of cheap. I searched for months and read TONS of reviews to find these drapes. They're fully lined and incredibly made for the low price. The fabric has a nice, quality weight to it and while the print isn't necessarily 'high end' it does not look cheap at all!! Highly, highly recommend! 
In my opinion, this crisp white button-down is a must for any woman's closet. The fabric doesn't need to be ironed and it's a nice, crisp white. It looks equally as good with jeans as it does with dress pants or a skirt. 
This is quite literally a plastic crossbody bag but a lot of places like stadiums only allow you to carry a clear bag. This is cute enough and the price is super inexpensive. I wouldn't carry it if it wasn't necessary, but when it is, it holds a lot and keeps my items secure. 
I love this beautiful knit cardigan that looks like a tweed blazer. It has Chanel vibes and is so comfortable! 

These slippers are one of my most favorite things that I own and I think my fiancé would say the same about his slippers, too. These are such high quality, so insanely comfortable and wonderfully warm. I could not recommend them more. 

These are one of my favorite pairs of pants. They're inexpensive, fit nicely and are so comfortable. I have had mine for over 3 years now and they have worn so well. They run true to size! My mom got a pair for herself and she loves them, too! 

I don't think I go a month without talking about Lake pajamas. You all know I am obsessed and for good reason. 

This one got its own blog post so you know I love it so much. I use it pretty much daily and you can read the post for a much more in-depth review. Highly recommend. 

This one kind of surprised me since I haven't chatted about it a ton on my blog and not much on Instagram stories either! But I truly LOVE it. It's so lightweight that when I first got it, I was worried it wouldn't be warm enough but this coat is truly incredible. It keeps me so warm. My other Canada Goose feels like I'm wearing a sleeping bag- it's just really bulky so it can be annoying sometimes... sometimes it's necessary because it's that cold, but when the temperatures aren't in the negatives, this is my go-to jacket. It also packs up into a small pouch. Perfect for travel- it can act as a pillow on the plane and also talk up minimal space in luggage.

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Saturday Shopping



Happy weekend, everyone! Can you believe this is the last weekend until Christmas? Are you all off all next week or are you working? Last night we went to a really fun Christmas party and then tonight we are going to my parent's for dinner since a lot of our family is in town for the holidays!

Friday, December 20, 2019

New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas


Do you have plans for New Year's Eve? We are going to a family friend's house! I am excited. Two years ago, we traveled to Arizona and then last year we hosted 4 friends from out of town and went to a ticketed bar event... 3 years ago to the day, my fiancé and I met. You can read how we met, here. I am truly not a ticketed bar event kind of girl for new year's. I'd personally rather be at someone's house celebrating. I think it's cozier and quite frankly, safer! Since we will be at someone's house this year, I won't be dressing to the nines like I have the past two years, but I love an elevated casual outfit. 

I scoured the internet to find some really cute sequin/metallic pieces. So whether you're staying in or going out, there's something for everyone. I actually just ordered these pants (more sizes here) and plan to wear them with a chunky black cashmere turtleneck.

Feathers:



Midi Skirts:

 

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