While the official start of summer is still a few weeks away, Memorial Day weekend—the unofficial kickoff to the season—is just around the corner! Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of summer thanks to the heat, but there’s so much to love about this time of year that I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things to help get into the spirit along with some of my favorite summertime photos I've taken over the years!

The calming hum of bugs/wildlife in the evenings 

Birds chirping in the mornings

Fresh fruit, especially watermelon and cherries

4th of July fireworks 

Grilled meals

The glow of pretty outdoor/garden lights

Basket bags

Lots of time to walk my pup

Drive-in movies

No socks!!! 

Ice cream runs, especially Dari Delite (which is only open seasonally)

A shower after a day at the pool/beach/lake

Grilled corn on the cob with the good butter and flaky salt

Many hours of sunlight

The tropical scent of sunscreen

A crisp, all white outfit

Outdoor meals and cocktails 

Outdoor concerts 

Farmer's Markets with the most beautiful fresh produce

A cozy afternoon thunderstorm 

Fresh herbs aplenty 

Being barefoot

An evening of 9 holes followed by dinner at the club

Getting dressed is so quick and easy with sundresses and sandals

A glowy tan (but still use sunscreen!)

A fully stocked picnic cooler

Crisp percale sheets at night with the air conditioning cranked on a sweltering night

Pool water sparkling in the evening sun

Getting excited about fall when it's 99 degrees in August 

The distant scent of a neighbor's grill or bonfire 

Cute golf/pickleball/athletic sets

The serenity of watering the plants in the early mornings or evenings

Straw hats and/or baseball hats

Casual, last-minute picnics and BBQs

The scent of fresh-cut grass 

A break in the humidity after a grueling few days

A homemade deli sandwich in a basket on the boat

Pre-season football

Linen, lots of blue and white stripes, flag sweaters, white jeans, and swimsuits 

4 Beautiful Linen Dresses for Summer

Black Linen Dress// Sandals// Bag

It was undoubtedly a pinch-me moment when J.Crew sent me four of their newest linen dresses!!!! I am already well-versed in J.Crew linen. In general, I'm a big linen fan, but I think J.Crew has some of the nicest at a great price point. I've been collecting their Baird McNutt shirts for many years! 

So, I figured I would style these linen pieces and share them with you all. What surprised me most was that this first black dress was my favorite. It's incredible, and one I would have glossed over at first. Black clothing pieces can be hard to photograph because the details get lost. 

This black dress has buttons from top to bottom and a placket over the top for a very seamless look. Pintick stitching from shoulder to hem creates the most flattering, long lines. It's one of those effortless dresses that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for travel. It's also elegant in its simplicity, so even if you throw it on with sandals and no jewelry or accessories, it's stunning! I got my true size, small. 

Navy Linen Dress// Sandals// Bag// Sunglasses

I gravitate toward this straight-style dress with the fun hem. I'm 5'6 "and don't think I'd go any shorter than this, but it's the perfect mini length. Linen is typically a summer fabric, but I think when it's done in navy blue, you can get away with wearing it in the shoulder seasons. I am wearing a size small, and it fits true to size! 

White Linen Shirtdress// Tote (use code SYDNEY20)

This is very much a 'Nancy Meyers movie, stroll through the garden barefoot' type dress. It's effortless and timeless. It comes with a little slip, which I appreciate, so you can wear it as a true dress, but personally, I love this as a swimsuit cover-up. It has two side slits which keep the dress youthful. I got my true size, small, and it fits true to size but is roomy. You could size down a size! 

Pink Linen Dress// Sunglasses// Sandals

 I was hesitant about this one because I was concerned it would be too short, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it was a great mini-length. I read the reviews that mentioned it runs very small, so size up to a size 8. I am usually a 2/4 in J.Crew- every so often a 6. The size 8 fits like a typical J.Crew 4, so I'd say go up two sizes, and as the reviews state, this is not for larger busts, as there is not much give in the chest. 

Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Weekend Wish List

Striped Dress// Sweater Polo Shirt// Embroidered Dress

Red Sandals// Knit Lounge Pants// Candle

Scarf// Pearl Clutch

Some items of note... 

- This Striped Dres is summertime perfection. Exactly the type of thing I love to throw on to look polished but comfortable. 

- This Sweater Polo Shirt is pricey but wow do I love the texture! 

- This Pearl Clutch is an Amazon find- it is giving Cult Gaia for much less!

- Saw these Red Sandals in person the other day and they were gorgeous. Gucci-esque but under $100. 

Navy Dress// Striped Maxi// Striped Coverup

Sunglasses// Raffia Hat// Cropped Button Down// Raffia Flats// Perfume

Some items of note... 

- How fun is this Striped Coverup?! I love the ricrac details. 

- I smelled this Perfume in person and it's the most incredibly cream, musky scent. Based on the description, this is not something I would have ordered online without smelling, but wow is it good. 

- I have these Raffia Flats in a tan suede and love them. They are so comfortable! But isn't the raffia so good for summer?! 

See last week's Weekend Wish List, here!

For your weekend reading, here are blog posts you may have missed from this week:

- April Favorites

- Red Light Therapy Mask Review

- Spicy Watermelon Cocktail Recipe

- Lately

Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 

Sign up here to receive my blog posts delivered right to your email inbox! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Lately

What I wore to the hat luncheon this weekend! Use code SYDNEY15 for 15% off this dress!

A fun PR package I received from Talbots!

All clean!

Post pilates snap! Love this pullover that the VV team sent me. It's a new fabric- not the same as old my old Shep shirts. This is SO incredibly soft. Love! 

How is everyone's week going?! Mine has been good! I had a full weekend attending the Pittsburgh Parks Hat Luncheon and my aunt and uncle's annual derby party. The weather was terribly rainy for the hat luncheon, which is held outside, but it was fun nonetheless. More importantly, over $650k was raised to help beautify and support all of the city's fantastic parks!  

This week has been pretty 'regular', which has been nice. Henry got a bath, which is always my favorite because he smells so much better and is so fluffy! We love Pawsitively Purrfect mobile grooming. Sam is the best and always takes such great care of Henry. This was an excellent recommendation from one of my Pittsburgh readers a few years ago, and we have been using them ever since! 

I fit in some Orange Theory, Pilates, and walks. Moving my body is my favorite thing to do. I'd even consider it a hobby! I also got my hair highlighted. It's always a long time sitting in the chair, but it's worth it for the results! I'm actually curious as to how long your hair takes to do if you get it colored/highlighted? I avoid getting a full highlight because it takes nearly 4 hours without a blowout and cut, and just leaving with wet hair! 

We have a packed schedule later in May and into early June, but this weekend, we have very few set-in-stone plans, which makes me SO happy. I am going to soak it up. I think we are going to get pancakes and shop for plants at some point—my idea of FUN! I love a weekend where we can be spontaneous. And of course, Mother's Day is Sunday! We are having dinner with my parents and grammie to celebrate... one of my fave meals, too!! 

Navy Lounge Set// Pink Mug

Wearing: I did an Instagram collaboration with this brand and I've been such a fan ever since. This cotton collared pullover and lounge pant set is just SO comfortable but I actually feel very put together in it! Great for lounging at home but I've gone grocery shopping, walked Henry, etc. in this! It's the perfect long flight set. I got a small in both the top and bottom and they fit true to size- roomy and comfortable. 

Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 

Lambrusco

Drinking: I am not a big white wine drinker and this lambrusco is such a good light, crisp, dry alternative to a cold white wine in the summer months! It's so delicious. I'm a newer fan of this Avaline brand of wine. They don't add sugar and it's organic. I have also tried their rosé and it's good! I'm not a big rosé gal but particularly loved how light it tasted!

Cookbook

Reading: I have loved following Wishbone Kitchen and when I saw this, I knew I had to preoder it! I just got it earlier this week and am looking forward to trying out some of the recipes! 

Dress (use code SYDNEY50 for $50 off)

Sale: Bloomingdales is having an up to 25% off sale! My go-to espadrille wedges are included! 20% off bags and accessories at Madewell and it's good timing because I've been eyeing this leather tote! A new discount code this week from Sue Sartor- a small business I have loved for years! SYDNEY50 for $50 off! 

Watching: Have you all seen that they are making a live-action Lilo and Stitch that comes out later this month?  You can watch the trailer here. This is one of my all-time favorite movies- I LOVE the soundtrack. I know all of the words to He Mele No Lilo- which is in Hawaiian. That's how much I listen to that, song, ha! I am not a Disney adult, but do have a tendency to love very specific Disney things here and there. We went to Disney a lot growing up, though... like probably 10 times because my grandparents had a timeshare in Florida. Anyway, I don't even see movies in theaters much anymore, but my husband and I are going to see it. I hope it's good and not a flop! 

Loving: My red light mask! Did you catch my review?!

Wanting: This dress is my idea of the perfect easy, casual summer dress. The Mark Sikes collab with PB is fun and unexpected! These shoes are EVERYTHING! This red, white, and blue scarf is fantastic! Does anyone have one of these outdoor door mats? I am thinking about getting one for our back door since Henry traipses so much into the house, and I hope this may help! My only question is if it gets too hot in the sun? This is such a pricey sweater but boy is it gorgeous! I'm eyeing this rug for our living room.  I like the one we have but sometimes I get the itch to switch it up. These striped heeled sandals are so fun! A classic with a fresh cropped length for highwaisted shorts, skits, and denim! A stunning black dress! A perfect white summer dress. I can never resist a fancy lip balm! These pants look cozy and chic! This is such a cute and classic athletic dress.

Pittsburgh: There's a new sushi spot downtown, Sushi I! It's right near the Industrialist hotel. Sushi is my favorite, so I will be checking it out. The article says, 'All-you-can-eat sushi prices are $18.99 for lunch and $29.99 for dinner and includes sushi, appetizers, soup and salad, hibachi, fried rice and other options.' That sounds crazy inexpensive for all you can eat sushi, doesn't it?! I've never been to an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant... I didn't even know that was a thing! I spend much more than that at Little Tokyo (my favorite sushi in Pittsburgh). I'm curious about how good it will be, but I'm willing to try it out. I will report back! Also on my Pittsburgh food list is Dad's, Thyme Machine, Polska Laska, and Rockaway Pizza's new location in Regent Square. 

Amazon Rec: I came across this mirror and I think it looks so much like a Serena and Lily mirror that I have hanging in our powder bath! 

You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here on my Amazon page where I am constantly updating it with all of my finds and top picks from home, beauty, fashion, and more!

Quoting: 'Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.' - Angela Duckworth // See more of my favorites, here.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).