Lately

Are you all having a good week? This week has been so-so. Nothing too exciting to report! I am going to one of my favorite spots for dinner tomorrow night which will be fun and then I also have quite a bit of work to do this weekend as I am trying to get ahead a bit because I am traveling a lot/have a lot going on in April and May! 

This past weekend was my sister's shower! They had a couple's shower cocktail party and it was so much fun!!! I was so glad to see Callie and Timmy so happy and having the best time! 

Wearing: The only thing I can link between the two of us is our shoes- sorry for the black and white photos but the lighting was horrible haha! My shoes are Lilly and I love them and Callie's are Manolos! 

Drinking: On Tuesday, I shared a cocktail recipe that is similar in taste to a pina colada but is lower in calories!! 

Reading: This article is about Meta's push for Reels on Instagram (if you don't know, Meta is now the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, etc.). With 13 years of experience in this industry, I have SO much to say about this entire article and overall topic but for now, I'll just say that it is worth the read whether you are in the world of social media creating content or you consume content on social media.

Sale: The Sephora Sale starts tomorrow. It's a tiered sale that spans almost two weeks and you can shop depending upon your status. The tiers are... 

April 1// 20% off for Rouge Members

April 5// 15% off for VIB Members

4/7 10% off for Insider Members 

The sale ends on April 11th! I'll be back here with some of my favorites and will be on stories sharing favorites, too. 

Watching: I finished season 2 of Bridgerton yesterday and was totally underwhelmed. The sets and costumes and all of that were so well done, per usual, but the storyline was a little flat for me. I just started Love is Blind season 2 which is totally one of the most ridiculous reality shows on Netflix. I actually cringe as I watch the show, but it's sure as heck entertaining, ha!! 

Listening: Would That I by Hozier.  I have been playing it over and over. It's SO good. 

Loving: I'm excited about the Stoney Clover x Target collab! It launches on April 2nd! I think the stuff is so fun and cute for summertime! 

Wanting: I'm going through a period where I want everything, hahah! But mostly pretty colorful sundresses! 

Wanting II: Do you know what I spent a lot of my free time doing this week? Researching plants. Tis the season! I think I am going to order these planters, btw! 

In my 'old age' I have come to love plants and I have a slight interest in gardening but am not good at it/not knowledgeable enough. I have a nice big windowsill above the sink in the kitchen and the windowsill is deep enough to hold medium-sized planters. I love having plants on the windowsill and have kept various ones alive year-round. I kept my fern alive for like 2 years which I am proud of (LOL), but I think it got sick because it started to smell REALLY bad so I ended up throwing it away. Right now I have a kalanchoe that has been going strong since 2020 and then some sort of cyclamen plant that was from fall 2021. The cyclamen looks like it could be on its last leg and my kalanchoe has grown so tall and large but it hasn't flowered in like a year. 

Anyway, long story short, I want to kind of start over with the windowsill and be strategic about what I choose. The plants that I have had on the windowsill before are just random ones I will get at Trader Joe's if I see something I like and don't really pay attention to whether or not it will fare well on my windowsill. 

Maybe some herbs? Maybe some sort of ornamental topiary? I think a maidenhair fern is pretty! I am literally ALL over the place! Do you all have any recommendations? This is for indoors with full sunlight. I can't really seem to find anywhere to actually purchase a topiary or a beautiful indoor plant. I feel stumped! 

Amazon Rec: This small metal contraption is meant to hold hangers! It is one of those things you never knew you needed until you get one. It keeps all of my extra hangers neat and tidy and it makes it so easy to just grab one! These are my favorite hangers that you can buy in a pack of 50! You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here!

Smelling: I'm so curious about this foam body wash! I love a mandarin scent and love foamy body wash so I think I'd like this! 

Traveling: I'm headed to Amelia Island and Palm Beach in April (two separate trips) and I am so excited!

Quoting: Social media is designed to make you think: 'Maybe I should be somewhere else, doing something else, with someone else.' But if you always think your happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are. // See more of my favorites, here.

Lightened Up Pina Colada

Although we just had a bout of snow here in Pittsburgh (shocker!), we are headed towards warmer temperatures! With that in mind, I am always on the hunt for a fun summertime cocktail. I love a good pina colada, strawberry daiquiri, etc. but they are so high in sugar and calories so I usually have one or two each summer as a treat.

I love to make 'lighter' versions of some of my favorite drinks and I think I created a really good pina colada with fewer calories and less sugar than the traditional beverage. 

You'll need...

- Coconut Rum*

- Whole Foods Pineapple Passion Fruit sparkling mineral water 

- Lakewood Organic Coconut Blend 

- Juice of a half of a lime

*I used Big Spring Spirits Coconut rum which is made right here in Pennsylvania and it's higher in alcohol content than a typical rum, so this recipe is based on using this exact coconut rum! 

Instructions...

Pour 2 oz coconut rum, 1 oz organic coconut blend, and juice from half of a lime over ice in a cocktail shaker. 

Shake, shake, shake. 

Pour over ice in a pretty glass. 

Top off with the pineapple passion fruit sparkling water. 

I would garnish with pineapple to make it pretty, but didn't have any on hand when I was making this! Now, this is not a frozen drink and it's very light, it's not super creamy like a pina colada, so be prepared for those differences, but the actual flavor is pretty darn close to a pina colada! It's delicious! 

I also think this could be really good with tequila, too, for a sort of spin on a margarita!  

Swimwear for Summer

I love finding a fabulous swimsuit with a coordinating coverup. I've been on the search lately as I have two separate Florida trips coming up in April, which will be lots of fun! 

So I thought I would share with you all the suits that have caught my eye as well as some of the gorgeous coverups! 

I am daydreaming about the warmer weather because in Pittsburgh it has been downright FREEZING the past several days. It's snowed a bit each day this past weekend and let me tell you, I am very much over this winter weather!

Linen Button Down// Black One Piece// Woven Tote

Sunglasses// White Swimsuit// Red, White, Blue Sarong// Canvas Tote

Raffia Straw Hat// Pareo// Pale Blue Low Back Swimsuit// Straw and Gingham Bag

Ruffled One Piece// White Sheer Coverup// Raffia and Leather Tote

Pink Bikini// Green and White Wrap// Monogrammed Tote

Floral Swimsuit// Beach Towel// Sheer Skirt

Terry Top// Terry Shorts // Gingham Swimsuit

Bikini Top + Bottom// Pineapple Coverup// Straw Tote

Saturday Shopping

Cable Knit Cashmere Cardigan On Sale

Cardigan (currently 40% off)

Tee// Jeans// Bag// Sunglasses

 Sneakers (use code SUMMERWIND20 for $20 off your first purchase of $100 or more)

Cardigan (currently 40% off)

Button Down// Jeans// Chanel Flats

I buy a lot of stuff from the men's section. I often find that the clothing is better made and/or more classic in style. Men's clothing tends to have a lot of blue and white stripes (which I love) and the roomier fit can skew casual but is always oh so comfortable! 

When I think about the men's things that I won, it's mostly basics (like a tee or sweater). I have definitely noticed myself perusing the men's section even more than usual lately. I just don't love a lot of the things that are 'in' for women right now and I've noticed it is even harder to find classics for women! 

I saw this cable knit Cardigan sweater and I knew I had to have it. It is a splurge, but I figured I would order it and try it out. I LOVE it. I could not sing its praises more. It's currently on sale for 40% off so if you're interested in it, this is the time to buy. It looks (and feels) like something Ralph Lauren would sell under their collection label for $900+. 

I am wearing a size small. It's roomy in the best way and even though it is roomy, I don't think it looks sloppy. In fact, I actually think it looks quite polished! 

This is one of those pieces that you will have in your closet for a very long time. Years from now someone will comment on it and you'll have realized you've owned it for 10 years! 

This sweater is very similar looking and in cotton so it's better for warmer climates and it is also under $100 on sale right now! A few years ago, Ralph Lauren came out with a similar cardigan and it was 3x the price. I love the nautical vibes! This one is about as classic as you can get- very 'Nancy Meyers on the beach'. Another absolute classic. Stripes are always a good idea.

Lately

Sunglasses// Headband

Sweater// Jeans

Loafers (use code SUMMERWIND20 for $20 off your first purchase)

How is your week going? Mine is going well! I've had quite a bit going on so I feel like time is just flying by! My sister's shower is this weekend so that will be so much fun! She's also doing an evening couple's shower so it will be similar to mine!

I was working on my April and May calendars this week and kind of organizing everything both for my job but also socially and wow are these next two months coming up going to be CRAZY. So many fun things happening! 

Wearing: This striped Sweater is a men's sweater and might be one of my best finds. It's a men's sweater and I got a small. I find it to be very generous but in a cozy, very comfortable way! The quality is amazing. So, so nice!!! 

Reading: Have you all read about this sports bra that is supposed to correct your posture? I honestly don't think I have the worst posture, but I have always felt like my sports bras make my posture worse because of how they fit. I'm curious about this! It's a lot of coverage so I feel like it's more like a longline sports bra top vs an actual bra. 

Sale: Reminder that the Saks friends and family sale is still going on through 3/29!

Watching: Bridgerton season 2 comes out tomorrow! Is anyone else excited to watch? 

Loving: With the derby coming up in May, this is a really cute fascinator. I have the navy one and it's inexpensive and so cute! I'm going to the Pittsburgh Hat Luncheon in May so I am excited to have an excuse to wear something beautiful on my head!! 

Ruffled Bowl

Rattan Tray

Loving II: I ran into Target the other day and didn't see too much I was loving but these two decor items caught my eye! I didn't need either but thought both were so cute! 

Wanting: How fabulous is this skirt?! I'm not sure this is a want... I'm thinking it's more of a need... the most perfect tweed shift EVER. 

Amazon Rec: The best bra ever is now marked down the $30. It's my absolute favorite for everyday wear. It's SO comfortable. I find it runs small in the cup size so I size up one cup size. You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here!

Traveling: I'm headed to Amelia Island in early April for a brand shoot with my friend, Abby, which will be so much fun! I have never been to Amelia Island before!

Quoting: 'A quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest.' - Albert Einstein // See more of my favorites, here.

The Best Wedding Guest Shoes Ever

Dress (old)// Bag

Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal 90 in Gold Napa (gifted)

Use code SARAHFLINT-SYDNEY50 for $50 off

Today's post is long overdue as I have been a fan of not only the Sarah Flint brand for years but the Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal 90 are *the* shoes that you need as a wedding guest and I'm here to tell you exactly why (this is not sponsored!!!).

Did you know that in 2022, there are supposed to be an unprecedented amount of weddings? I've talked to so many friends who are going to something like 10 weddings this year which is just wild! We are actually only going to a handful of weddings ourselves but the big one is my sister's wedding in May in which I am wearing these Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal 90.

My favorite part of any wedding is always the dancing! I just LOVE to dance... am I a good dancer? No, but that's neither here nor there. The worst part, though, is the time in the night when my feet start to hurt so badly that I have to go and sit down. I have very high arches and it's nearly impossible to find any comfortable shoes and it's even harder to find high heels that are comfortable for 8+ hours. 

Sarah Flint is a brand that has saved my feet. Seriously. I am slowly replacing all of my heels with the SF brand because they are so much more comfortable. I would often wear flats to events and parties just because I knew I wouldn't last the entire event in heels but now, with Sarah Flint shoes, I can wear heels, and not even just the shorter pumps, but like actual high heels without my feet hurting. 

I'm going to be super thorough in this review as the SF shoes are a bit of an investment but I am telling you, they are worth every penny and then some. The overall quality is as nice if not nicer than any other designer pair of shoes I have ever worn, I think these shoes could be sold for twice the price. 

 

So this is why you need the Sarah Flint Perfect Block Sandal 90 as a wedding guest...

- This shoe is made in different neutral colors and heel heights so it works with pretty much anything and everything. I personally prefer the gold as I find metallic to skew dressier. 

- In any other brand's shoe, I would choose the 60 (which is the lower height) but with SF, I'm so thrilled I can wear the taller heels without worrying about foot pain! 

- Have you ever worn heels and felt almost wobbly? These not only have a block heel which is easier to balance on and won't dig into the grass (if it's an outdoor wedding) but the block heel is inset so it doesn't feel clunky like some block heeled shoes can feel. I also love their perfect pump and wear them often. With the pumps, the heel actually has a steel rod in the center so you feel super sturdy as you walk. 

- The toe box is wider. I loathe whenever my toes start to pinch or even go numb. It can be SO painful. The wider toe box is a gamechanger. I have no idea why all shoe brands are not making their toe boxes like this. It's not noticeable in the shoe design at all, but my foot feels so much better. I actually think this is one of the most noticeable differences, especially in the perfect pump, which is closed-toe. But even with an opened toe sandal design, I've had the strap across the toes dig in and become painful. These Perfect Block Sandal 90s never dig in!!! 

- There is extra padding in the footbed which I think makes a huge difference, especially if you plan on wearing these heels for many hours at a time. I also think the higher the heel, the more wonderfully noticeable the padding is. 

- There is AMAZING arch support. You can see in the photos that the footbed is unlike any other shoe in your closet. There is like this little 'bump' at the arch and it's small so when I first saw it, I thought 'how is that going to make a difference' and lo and behold, it's a total gamechanger. My feet feel totally supported and I think this is another reason that I never ever feel 'wobbly' in Sarah Flint shoes. 

- The materials that these shoes are made with are such high quality. I am so rough on my shoes and I usually have to get them re-soled or touched up every so often but these barely show wear! And I'm talking about my most expensive shoes here! 

- The strap around the ankle is perfectly placed. Have you ever worn a pair of ankle-strap shoes and the strap hits you at a weird spot on your ankle and makes your legs look shorter? These hit at the perfect spot! 

Definitely read the 'About' section on Sarah Flint's website to learn more about the thought and attention to detail that goes into each pair of shoes. I strongly believe in this brand!

And, finally, my mom totally signs off on this post as she wore the Perfect Block Sandal 60 (which is just a shorter heel) for my wedding and will be wearing them for my sister's wedding! Any chance that my mom gets, she will rave and rave about her love for the Perfect Block Sandal 60. She is excited we will have matching shoes on my sister's wedding day!

You can use code SARAHFLINT-SYDNEY50 for $50 off your first order. 

Saks Friends and Family Sale

Blue and White Floral Dress// Cashmere Travel Wrap

Sandals// Pearl Earrings

Shop the Look:

Today I am so excited to be partnering with Saks to share some pieces that I love! Saks has so many beautiful things and is the best spot for gorgeous dresses for all sorts of occasions. 

I personally have a lot on my social calendar for the next few months. Easter is just a few weeks away, my sister's shower is right around the corner, I have a few trips planned, my sister's wedding, a friend's wedding, and my birthday in April. A lot of occasions for dresses, that's for sure! 

I saw this dress and immediately knew I had to order it! Not only is the blue and white floral print right up my alley but I can never resist a dress with a full skirt. The bows at the shoulder (which are fully adjustable) were icing on the cake! This beautiful blue and white floral print is also available in a top! 

I wore this on our trip to Charleston and it got me so excited for spring temperatures up north! This dress is such a good Easter dress option. Some more great Easter ideas? 

- Love this yellow floral print and midi length. 

- I love the textured floral appliqué on this dress.

- A classic that you can wear again and again. I love the square neckline and the solid navy is so elegant!  

- A stunning white lace dress perfect for Easter or, a great option for a bride-to-be for a shower!

- Sophisticated in bubble gum pink! 

Today kicks off Saks Friends and Family Sale! You can take 25% off new arrivals, 20% off jewelry, plus 10% Off beauty & fragrance. Use Code BEAUTY10. Some exclusions apply. This sale goes through March 29th! 

More Dresses That I Love:

Thank you to Saks for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own! 

A Few Home Finds

Ribbed Hurricane// Napkins// Bunny Napkin Ring// Vase// Pillow

Initial Soup Bowl// Rattan Lampshade// Framed Fox Print// Table Lamp

Tablecloth// Set of 6 Herb Planters// Wicker Canisters

Ice Bucket// Wreath// Coffee Table Book// Boxwood Topiary

Sofa// Tole Cachepot// Pendant Light

Shop the Post:

Yesterday was the first official day of spring! The weather has been milder than what is typical for March in Pittsburgh so it feels extra Spring-like and I am here for it! 

I don't do much when it comes to seasonal decor but I do think this roundup lends itself to spring in terms of the textures and colors of items! I had to include these Bunny Napkin Rings because, I mean, how cute!!! We don't host Easter dinner, but if we did, I would for sure be getting these! I love a themed table! 

I'm not currently on the hunt for much for our home other than a dining room table, of course. But I always keep my eyes peeled for pretty decor items. I'm specifically looking for a few pretty planters for our kitchen windowsill. Mine are all mismatched and I think it looks a bit cluttered. I want to get three matching for my little plants!

Saturday Shopping

Amazon Finds

Shop the Products:

This Amazon list is really a hodgepodge of things... it's kind of all over the place! But these are all things I've ordered from Amazon recently and would recommend. You can find my Amaozn favorites, here. 

Glycolic Pads// This is a forever re-order for me. These are 20% glycolic peel pads and I swear by them. I notice if I use them consistently, my pores look smaller and skin looks more even! 

Hangers// This is also a re-order. These are the hangers we use in every closet in our house. They are slim and since they are that faux velvet material, clothing doesn't slide off of the hanger. Great for the price! 

10 ft Charger// I had been ordering so many garbage charging cords lately that break within a few months. I finally decided to spend a little more and I am so glad I did. This is now the highest quality charger that I own and I love that it is 10 feet long!! 

Margarita Salt// I ordered this after having so many cocktails in Charletson with a spicy salted rim. This stuff is SO good for cocktails but you can also use it in marinades, dressings, etc. 

Magnolia Leaf Wreath// I ordered this on a whim thinking there was a 50/50 shot that I would like it. It arrived and I am SO pleased. It looks real, it's very full and the color is spot on. I am so impressed with it.  

Light// This clips on your phone (almost like a chip clip) and it's a mini ring light! I love this for filming Instagram stories when the light is less than optimal! 

Socks// I have shared these before but these are just the best no-show socks. They are SO soft and comfortable and wash really well. 

Sticky Phone Mount// This is a phone mount that will stick to anything. I mostly use this to film Instagram stories and things like that. 

Hand Mask// My hands have been SO dry lately. I don't know what is up but I needed something a little more dramatic than hand lotion. I just put these on for 15 minutes and my hands feel rejuvenated. They are really well designed and totally mess free.

Cordless Lamp// This is a cordless light with three different brightness levels. You can easily recharge it. I have had it for a few weeks and used it a lot and haven't even had to recharge it at all yet! This lamp is small so it is the perfect thing for limited counter space or even outdoor dining. 

Plant Food Spikes// I have a few indoor plants on the windowsill in my kitchen. They were looking a little sad lately so I got these plant food spikes. You just bury them into the soil of each plant and they are supposed to help nourish the plant. I can't really tell if anything major has happened, but I will say, they have not died yet, so that's good! 

Travel Pill Organizer// When I travel I like to bring medicine for everything. Advil, Pepto, Zyrtec, Benadryl. I always like to be prepared so this is a great, small little pill case perfect for travel! 

Shower Steam Packs// These are scented cubes that you just toss in while you shower and they turn your shower into a steamy spa oasis. They smell so good and are such a treat. You can cut them in half as you don't really need an entire cube for one shower!