Outfits Lately + Getting Ready for Back to School

Happy Friday friends! It’s a bittersweet weekend over here  as we prepare to send James back to school on Monday!  He’ll be going into third grade and that suddenly seems so old!  At this age, he’s a fascinating mix of maturity and innocence, with a good bit of sweetness still there.  Since he was a baby, I’ve loved every age and 8 is no different.

GETTING READY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL

We’re still waiting for his backpack to arrive and I ordered him these khaki pants and khaki shorts for his school uniform.  I’ve found they’re good quality and a lot less expensive than at the regular uniform shop.  Now we need to get him a haircut, grocery shop for school lunches and try to get back on the sleeping routine STAT.  I taught James in kindergarten how to get ready for school without me nagging, so we’ll see if we’re still good on that this week!

Although we’ll be sad to not have James home everyday with us, I know I’ll be happy to get back to our routine.

Working From Home With Kids During The Summer

I’ve struggled with “balancing” summer with work and life and exercise and all.the.things.  I work from home, so I often felt like I should be doing more with my kids.  Even as I type that sentence, I feel the mom guilt wash over me.  It’s so hard, right? I don’t feel like I really excelled at any of it- but I knew from past summers that’s how summer tends to go.  So, I tried to lower my expectations and do the best I could.  If I’m honest with myself, the kids are FINE.  In fact, they’re awesome. It’s me I need to work on.

Giving Yourself Grace

I have a lot of help and I’m so thankful for that.  I’d never be able to get done half the things that happen at home and on my blog without it.  I’m not too proud to admit that I can’t do it alone!  I’m really good about giving others grace, but then I have to remind myself to extend those same sentiments to myself.

Is summer a struggle for you too?  If you need to hear you’re doing a good job, let me be the one to say it!  You’re doing a great job! ♥

OUTFITS LATELY

Today I’m rounding up what I’ve been doing and wearing lately as summer winds down and the kids head back to school.  It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these posts, so be forewarned- it’s a long one!

My white jeans are still going strong and they’re on sale for a steal right now- under $27!  They go with everything and I especially like them with this palm print cami that’s 33% off now. 

Wrap Top • White Jeans • Sandals • Tote • Necklace • Earrings

In fact, most of the entire Gibson x HiSugarplum collection is 33% off and there are lots of pieces left in varying sizes!  I love how happy this collection is with cheerful colors and prints, including this halter and this romper.

Halter Top •  White Jeans •  Tassel Necklace •  Wooden Bag •  Sunglasses •  Watch • Earrings • Everyday Wedges

Floral Romper • Tassel Necklace • Everyday Wedges • Bamboo Bag

But you also can’t go wrong with casual joggers in grey!

Tank • Joggers • Sneakers • Crossbody Bag • Sunglasses

We are so excited to be launching a holiday glam collection with Gibson in time for all of your holiday festivities this year!

For the trip to LA to preview the collection, I kept it comfy and cute in my favorite crop joggers and eyelash tee! Lots of compliments on that top and it’s only $13!

Joggers • Eyelash Top • Stripe Top •Shoes • Socks • White Tote • Suitcase

First stop in LA was dinner at The Ivy.  It was wonderful to get to hang with Mallory and Ashley in person for a change and to get to enjoy a meal outside without sweating our butts off!

While we were there we met with Mrs. Gibson herself, who is actually named Suzie and a super cool and all-around fabulous woman I am thrilled and honored to be working with. She founded three clothing lines: Gibson, Harlowe & Graham and Olivia Moon.

Of course, I wore one of my current favorite Gibson tanks (50% off) to the meeting. 😉

Floral Top • Necklace • Skinny Cargos • Purse • Shoes

That evening at dinner, I wore my sassy red jumpsuit.

Red Jumpsuit • Shoes • Necklace •Earrings • Clutch

Bottega Louie is the cutest place and a gorgeous array of colorful Macarons greets you as you enter.

I got a lot of questions about these cute polka dot pajamas on Stories.  They are darling and from Amazon!  Speaking of, my first ever Amazon fashion haul will be live on Monday!  

Polka Dot Pajama Set (more colors/patterns) (XS)

Crop joggers and a cute striped top for the ride home too. As you can see, I’m already loving my Amazon finds! That top is only $15!

Joggers • Stripe Top (XS) • Shoes • Socks • White Tote • Suitcase

I wore those same joggers when I traveled to Denver last month too! #joggersforever

Tank • Joggers • Jacket • Flip Flops • Watch • Necklace • White Tote • Suitcase

OUT & ABOUT

I’ve been mixing it up with jeans, shorts and dresses for running around, heading to dinner, or just enjoying this last month of summer with the kids.

Peplum Tank •  AG Skinny Mini Jeans • Wedges • Round Bag  • Earrings • Necklace

The Farmer’s Market was one of the new things we did last month and I’d love to go back when it’s not blazing hot and we can browse around more.

Overalls • Fave Tank • Round Bag • Flip Flops • Sunglasses

This dress was great for running errands on a hot day! It’s light, but fully lined so I felt comfortable! One of those dresses I’ll be thinking about on the coldest day of the winter wishing I could wear it again! 😉

Dress (on sale + 60% off) • Wedges •  Sunglasses

I try to make a point to get together with my girlfriends because I love our time together so much.  Sometimes we make a date two months out to get on everyone’s calendar.  Or sometimes, an impromptu date it is!

Dress • Everyday Wedges • Purse • Earrings

I love how sassy the back of this dress is with the little tie and ruffle. I don’t wear a lot of red, but when I do I love when it’s got extra sass (see jumpsuit below). Plus, it has pockets!

Dress • Shoes • Sunglasses • Bag • Earrings

This top has the cutest peplum shape and tiny floral pattern with tie sleeves.  You’ve seen these scallop shorts before, I love them so much I bought them in the black also.  They’re easy to dress up or down.

Top • Shorts • Sandals • Purse • Earrings • Necklace • Jeans

This cute summer cami with a bar back and loose fit came to family date night. We went and had dinner with the kiddos and treated them to McDonalds shakes afterward. This is the kind of look is easy for looking put together in public but still being a comfortable, casual look.

White Jeans • Arrow Tank • Wedges • Round Bag

This peplum tee is a super soft, lightweight sweater material, and it comes in a rainbow of colors- Size down though.  These boot cut jeans are my favorite for legs for days. They have a lot of stretch so I sized down in them too.

Peplum Top • Bootcut Jeans • Heels • Earrings • Round Bag  • Necklace

This t-shirt and jeans outfit is complete with cute slide sandals for running all the errands. The tee has a flowy, fun neckline and is just regular cotton the rest of the way down. It really adds that little something extra to your basic t-shirt.

Top • Jeans • Slides • Round Bag • Earrings

You can’t go wrong with a striped top and some universally flattering skinny jeans. I’m also loving the wedge sneaker. Ali-Shaun too! 😉

Tee • Tee • Jeans • Wedge Sneaker • Blue Sunglasses  • Ali-Shaun Sunglasses • Crossbody Bag

I was lucky to get to celebrate my BFF’s 50th birthday in Denver.  We had such a good time and those trips are rare occasions for us so we soak up every minute.  She doesn’t live close to me anymore, so any chance to see her for an extended time is special.

Dress • Shoes • Purse • Necklace

This top is co cute – a sweater tank with stripes. #spiritanimal And when you turn around, it has the most darling bow-tie back!

Bow Back Tank Top • Jeans

More casual jeans and jean shorts for everyday life.

Stripe Tee • White Jeans • Slip On Sneakers • Bag

Round Bag • T-Shirt • strappy sandals • jean shorts

And I was crazy for this colors in this dress.  So pretty for summer and so easy to wear with the forgiving shape.

Dress • Wedges • Bag • Sunglasses • Necklace

Dress • Bag • Wedges

The day trip to Galveston was one of the highlights of our summer too.  James had a blast on his boogie board in the ocean and Jordan is all about digging in the sand.  I swear she could dig for hours!

Tank • Jean Shorts • Sunglasses • Watch • Necklace • Earrings

And I spent more than my fair share of time at the Houston Galleria last month during the Anniversary Sale.  We even ate dinner there one night- gotta love the Cheesecake Factory.  Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cheesecake is my fave!

Top • Jeans • Sandals • Earrings • Necklace • Purse

A FULL day of shopping requires comfort. This v-neck tee is easy on and off between dressing rooms and these skinny mini jeans are my all-time fave. The everyday wedge sandal looks cute, but is also easy on your feet when doing a lot of walking!

Stripe Tee • Jeans • Everyday Wedge • Sunglasses

These were my three favorite jumpsuits from the sale!  But I did have to alter the length in all three.

Navy Jumpsuit • Booties • Necklace • Earrings • Bag

Faux Wrap Jumpsuit • Similar Necklace • Shoes • Similar Black Clutch • Stud Earrings • Strapless Bra

If you’re #teamjumpsuit this is one you’ll want to get your hands on! It looks great on everyone I’ve seen it on! I love the vibrant red, but it also comes in black and cobalt blue. It’s made of comfortable, stretchy crepe material with pockets and a faux tie belt.

Red Jumpsuit • Shoes • Necklace •Earrings • Clutch

WORKOUT OUTFITS

I fell off the workout wagon in July with only a couple workouts here and there, but I’m back at it and gearing up for the next HWH Fitness Challenge that will start in September.  But, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, because the first meal plan will go out on Saturday, September 1st to subscribers!

Nike Tank • Sports Bra • Crop Leggings • No Show Socks • Sneakers • Similar White Watch

Zella Wrap Top • Similar Shorts • Sneakers

Top • Shorts • Sports Bra • Shoes • Socks • Watch • Crossbody

SWIMWEAR

It wouldn’t be summer without trips to the pool!  It’s the only way to stay cool in the 100 degree heat and humidity in Houston!

Similar Cover-Up • Flip Flops

Swimsuit • Necklace

PAJAMAS

I can’t leave you without my favorite thing to wear- pajamas!  I love slipping into a cozy pair of pajamas at the end of the day and then staying in them as long as I can on the weekends!

Top • Bottoms