One Casual Dress, Three Ways

Denim Dress// Cream Handbag (use code SYDNEYC17)

I love denim dresses and always have. I fondly remember the Oshkosh denim dresses I wore as a kid, and that is when I must have first fallen in love with this casual wardrobe staple. 

Ann Mashburn is a classic American brand out of Atlanta. The pieces are timeless with modern sensibilities and understated elegance. I can always count on high quality, too. The brand sent me this dress and I was thrilled to receive it as it is the perfect 3-season wardrobe staple. I'm honored to even be on their radar as this is a brand I've admired for years! 

This Denim Dress epitomizes versatility, so I wanted to style it a few different ways. Ideal for pairing with sneakers or sandals, this is polished and practical. Made from a soft, stretchy denim, it has a relaxed, breezy fit that’s perfect for all-day wear. It's the type of dress you could travel in without wrinkling, walk 10k steps in while on vacation, wear to the office with a cardigan and flats, or pair with wedges on a spring date night. What I love about it most is that even though it is soft and comfortable, you get a very structured, ladylike look. The dark wash makes it effortless to transition from day to evening with minimal styling. It’s chic and laidback. Best of both worlds. It runs big! I originally got a size small and then exchanged it for a size XS. I am typically a size small or 4, so I recommend sizing down one size. 

Striped Sweater (use code SYDNEY10)// Handbag (use code SYDNEY20)

Sandals 

This is a comfortable and laidback style I'd wear for a coffee run or errands! I thought I'd only wear these Sandals with more athletic styles, but I actually really like these Sandals with the dress! Since they are suede, I sprayed them with this shoe spray that keeps water and anything else from staining them. 

As a sidenote, the J.McLaughlin team emailed me this weekend and said they reactivated my code SYDNEY20 for 20% off full price items through the end of this month! Woo! 

 

Sunglasses (similar, under $20 option)// Sneakers

Canvas Tote (use code HIKE10, ends today!)

This is how I envision it styled for summer activities like exploring a new city, attending a baseball game, strolling in the park, enjoying the farmer's market, or hopping on a flight. It's comfortable and practical. 

Nude Sandals (a great look for less)// Cream Handbag (use code SYDNEYC17)

This is the dressiest of the three looks and is something I'd wear for lunch or dinner with my husband or friends. I would also wear my fave espadrilles and add a small wicker clutch to dress it up another notch! It would also look fantastic with a colorful scarf over the shoulders. See what I mean? The styling options are truly endless.  

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

Brown Leather Crossbody// Silver Signet Ring// Navy Athletic Dress

Floral Necklace// Striped Skirt

Wicker Handbag// Gold and Diamond Hoop Earrings

Striped Pullover// Visor Sun Hat// Cream Leather Handbag

Some items of note... 

- Why no, you are not seeing things, there are SIX handbags in this week's wish list. There are so many good ones out right now and I am not even a big handbag gal. This Wicker Handbag looks like something Samantha Stevens had in her closet. 

- I tried this Silver Signet Ring on this past weekend and loved it. A pretty piece of jewelry for under $400. 

- I am all about the hats in the summer months to protect my face, especially on walks. I love this Visor Sun Hat so I don't have to flatten my hair! 

- Drooling over these Gold and Diamond Hoop Earrings.

- I have not seen a designer handbag in a while that has truly piqued my interest but wow, I love this Cream Leather Handbag. Also, cream handbags seem to be everywhere this season. Love! 

- An athletic dress or skort is my summer uniform and this Navy Athletic Dress is cute! 

Clutch (with gold strap)// Blockprint Jacket// White Bow Shoulder Dress

Pink Dress// Round Mirror

Gold Signet Ring// Raffia Tote// Rain Jacket// Plumping Lipstick// Blue Raffia Handbag

Some items of note...

- When I shared this Raffia Tote someone said they were ordering it because it looks like the Ferragamo Hug bag and she is so right. Major designer vibes. 

- The photo of this cream Clutch is not doing it justice. You have to click over to really see multiple angles to understand how cool it is. The gold embellishment on the front is actually a 'handle' you can use if you carry it as a clutch. It also has a longer gold chain strap. 

- Love the shape and color of this Rain Jacket. Is it just me or are more rain jackets being sold without hoods? As much as I don't like the look of a hood, a rain jacket is a purposeful piece of clothing so I feel like it's kind of silly without a hood... what do you all think? 

- This Round Mirror is such a good Ballard Designs look for less. I love round mirrors! 

See last week's Weekend Wish List, here!

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

- Everything I Wore In Charlotte

- February Favorites

- 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

Lunch at RH cafe is always a treat!

Shopping at Capitol and Poole. Gorgeously curated boutique! 

Dinner at Oku in Charlotte

Some things I spotted and liked at the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall in Charlotte

I hope you all have been enjoying your week! I can't believe we are nearly halfway through March. The weather has been glorious here, and I've been soaking it up as much as possible. It's been my favorite weather, where you can wear a light sweatshirt and shorts or a skirt when walking. I love that kind of weather. 

I spent a long weekend visiting my sister in Charlotte, NC. I can't believe she has lived there for almost eight years! It is always so much fun to visit. This time, just my mom and I went down, so we had a fun little girls' weekend. It was equal parts relaxing and upbeat. We enjoyed delicious food and drinks and did some shopping. Tuesday's blog post was about what I wore in Queen city! 

Tonight, we are going out to dinner, which will be nice. On Saturday, we have a fun date night at a new restaurant I've been wanting to try! I hope to spend every other second either outside enjoying the weather or taking care of chores. I've got a mile-long to-do list of things I need to do around the house and a few errands to run. 

LOTS of stuff in today's blog post, so get ready to scroll!

Zip Up// Shorts

100% cotton Long Sleeve Tee

Wearing: I ordered this tee on a whim because it was described as 'heavyweight' and while I would not consider it heavy in the least, I took that to mean 'high quality' and it's just that. It's a nice, thicker cotton tee. I sized up to a medium and it's very oversized, but the small was a little shorter than I would prefer. I think this will shrink a bit so it won't be as oversized next time I wear it! It's a great basic. Speaking of 'heavyweight', I also ordered this white tee. It seems odd that the names 'premium weight' and 'heavyweight' are used to describe a basic cotton tee. They're not lightweight, I know, but they're just quality- not overly heavy. I wish this quality was standard, but unfortunately, it is not. 

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! 

Eating: We stayed in on Friday night and my sister and brother-in-law made us the most delicious dinner. My sister is very into cooking and so good at it. They made homemade pasta, homemade vodka sauce, homemade caesar dressing for the salad. We finished things off with Ina Garten's brownie pudding which was the most wonderful, decadent finish to the meal. I enjoyed every bite! My sister was also the one who introduced me to the goodness that is Tillamook ice cream, so she served the brownie pudding with Tillamook. Do not sleep on that- it is the best store bought ice cream by a mile! 

Watching: I can't even keep track of everything on TV anymore! But my focus is on Severance right now. I can't wait for Friday's episode! I have SO many thoughts on all that is going on in the show but I don't want to share them because I don't want to spoil anything for those who have yet to watch! 

Listening: My sister told me about the artist, Berlioz, and it makes such a great playlist for working, cooking, hosting a dinner, etc. It's light jazz- sounds like you are in a swanky metropolitan cocktail bar. 

Pinky Ring// Bracelet 

Loving: I randomly treated myself to this silver Bracelet this weekend. I had been eyeing for a while as I've collected some silver pieces over the past 2ish years. I never ordered it online because there are many different widths to this bracelet and I thought I'd want a larger width or even the thick cuff, but my mom, sister, and I all agreed that this looked the prettiest on my wrist. I'm primarily a yellow gold gal, but I love the look of mixing metals. Sometimes, a cooler toned outfit just calls for silver accessories. I was a big DY fan in high school and college but haven't been in recent years. I fell back in love when seeing the sculpted cable line, though. The pieces are so beautiful! Anyway, I'm calling it an early birthday present to me, from me! I loved the Pinky Ring, too. I have a gold signet ring I wear weekly, which is one of my favorite jewelry pieces. This silver version was priced so well at under $400. I may get that at some point, too! I don't think I'd wear the two together or at least not on the same hand. 

Red Light Mask// use code SUMMERWIND for 10% off

Loving II:  I was beyond excited to receive this Current Body mask from the brand a few weeks ago. I've been diligently using it and am loving it so far. It's worth looking into red light therapy and the benefits. I always thought something like this seemed gimmicky, but if you look into it, there is real research that backs this up, and it's pretty fascinating to read about. I also understand the popularity simply from a practicality standpoint. It takes 10 minutes and it couldn't be simpler to use or easier to work into my day. Anyway, my skin looks more even, but it really takes 4-8 weeks of use to see results! I'll report back. 

Cream Contour + Blush Stick in Starlit// Powder Blush in VIP Pink

Loving III: I just tried two new makeup products this weekend that I am not incorporating into my routine. One was an iteration of a product I already love and use, just a different color/sheen, and then another is a powder blush. LOVE both so much and would recommend. 

Wanting: This pink dress is chic in the most effortless way. This is niche, but do you all remember when J.McLaughlin used to do grosgrain ribbon pieces? They were incredible and unique. I still have all of mine and could never part with them because they are special!! Anyway, this skirt reminds me so much of that. Love! This tennis skort paired with this pullover is adorable. I've noticed cream handbags everywhere, and I love to see them. I don't love a stark white handbag, but something creamy white is stunning. I love this bag. I'm not big into designer bags, but this is the first one in a long time that my interest has genuinely been piqued. I recently stumbled upon this website, and they have so many things, but I like these sandals. I'm not sure about the quality, but the prices sure are great! This is a fabulous summer bag! Love this dress from the J.Crew new arrivals! I just got this dress and it's incredible if you are looking for a Kentucky Derby dress. It looks like something Princess Kate would wear. My current daytime moisturizer brand just launched eye cream, and I used it for the first time this week. I'm using it in the evenings and enjoying it so far. This basket bag has Samantha Stevens vibes all over it. This pink shirtdress is timeless. Excited for these classic sunnies to arrive! Lots of good Lake new arrivals- love this set. 

Belt Organizer

Amazon Rec: This belt organizer is such a simple thing, but it's made such a huge difference in how I store my belts. You don't even want to know how I stored them before, ha! You could also put it in your laundry area/room to hang dry things like bras. 

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!

Smelling: I smelled a bunch of Creed scents this weekend. Aventus for Her is what I wear often. It's one of my all-time favorite scents and my husband wears Aventus. They have an 'Aventus Cologne' which is confusing because I thought it was another men's product but it's actually unisex. It smelled SO good. Similar to Aventus for Her but a little spicier and brighter. I am so bad at describing scents, but it might be one you want to try next time in a department store! 

Quoting: 'The key is not to prioritize your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.' - Stephen Covey // 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). 

February Favorites

Peptide Lip Treatment// Rollneck Sweater// 1/4 Zip Pullover// Seafoam Cashmere Cardigan

Extra Long Curling Iron// Goose Down Pillows

Candle

Face Oil// Clover Charm// Tweed Jacket// Eye Cream

Well, we are nearly halfway through March, but better late than never, right?! 

I round up my favorite things each month for a monthly favorites list. At the end of the year, I pull from each monthly list and create a yearly favorites list. Here is my 2024 favorites list. It's my way of keeping track of the very best things. The lists work because when I look back on the past few years, most things on each list are still my favorites. My only rule is that I don't repeat items from month to month or year to year, so there is no overlap. 

Peptide Lip Treatment// This lip balm is also considered a 'treatment'. I've been using it many times daily, and I think it helps hydrate and plump my lips. My lips have been soooooo dry since winter, and I'm hoping this cures them! My code SUMMERWIND should make this on sale. I love that this has no scent. 

Rollneck Sweater// There are so many of these rollneck sweaters out right now. It's 'on trend' even though this is one of the most classic sweater designs. This is one of the best quality rollneck sweaters on the market. It's so thick and the knit pattern is stunning. It's cropped, so I recommend sizing up for a little added length. 

1/4 Zip Pullover// This pullover is SO lightweight and I love the fit. Many pullovers like this are skintight, but this one is pretty loose but flattering. It's so comfortable and perfect as a base layer or a light pullover in the spring/summer/fall. It's made of a stretchy, soft, athletic material. This runs true to size, and if between sizes, size down. I got a size small.

Seafoam Cashmere Cardigan// This is not only the prettiest shade of green but it is also such a unique knit. It's light and airy but warm. The knit pattern gives a lofty handfeel and a beautiful texture. Truly a special cardigan. This cardigan runs big. I would suggest sizing down. I got a small and wish I had gotten an XS. 

Extra Long Curling Iron// This has been such a game changer for me. It's great for long, thick hair because you can wrap the entire length of your hair around the barrel so that the entire strand heats evenly. My code SUMMERWIND should work on this for up to 20% off. 

Goose Down Pillows// GH sent me one of their goose down pillows and I've been sleeping on it for nearly a month. I've always been a goose down gal for my head. I use 'regular' pillows otherwise, but for the one I put my head on, I love the 'fluff' feeling of goose down! This one is supremely luxurious. With goose down, you can use these pillows longer than most synthetic ones. I had my last pillow for nearly 10 years. The two pillows are very similar in quality and density, so I'd suggest if you are in the market for a new goose down pillow to select whichever is on sale (both go on sale occasionally). 

Candle// This is the most wonderful smelling candle. I like that the scent is light and while it fills a room, you don't feel slapped in the face by the scent. The notes are lemon leaves, sage, cedarwood, palo santo, and vetiver. All scent notes that I personally love. The candle is also 'clean' so it's free from things like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates! 

Face Oil// This oil is made for the face but can be used on hair, skin, cuticles, etc. It's Scarlett Johansen's skincare company and a new-to-me brand. I really love the skincare products I've tried so far. They are simple and effective. This oil has been wonderful for my dry winter skin. 

Clover Charm// This is one of my favorite jewelry pieces right now. I wear it often. It's such a statement but also works with most outfits. It's 14k gold coated sterling with mother of pearl 'petals' and a white topaz center- so it's not fine jewelry, but it's nicer than costume. It's a beautiful piece and I know many of you are interested. It says on their site that it should be back in stock in April. As soon as I see it pop back up, I will share! 

Tweed Jacket// This tweed jacket is just FUN. Tweed jackets can look ladylike and proper, but this one is anything but boring. The thread throughout the jacket is rainbow. It's subtle, but it makes the jacket special in person and stand out from any other tweed jacket in my closet. The jacket runs true to size and if between sizes, size down. 

Eye Cream// This is the best daytime eye cream I've ever used. I've tried A LOT of skincare products. I was using a nearly $200 eye cream and loved it so much until I found this, which is a fraction of the price and works just as well if not better. I love that it's tinted but not tinted in a concealer-like way but more of a color correcting and brightening way. It doesn't look like makeup, and it's not, but it helps lessen the appearance of my dark undereye circles. It sits beautifully under makeup. 

2025 Monthly Favorites:

- January

Check out my yearly favorites... 

- 2024 Favorites

- 2023 Favorites

- 2022 Favorites

- 2021 Favorites

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).