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. 

palm print tank summer outfit

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.

Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Marona Halter top

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

Gibson x Hi Sugarplum floral romper

Floral Romper • Tassel Necklace • Everyday Wedges • Bamboo Bag

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

Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Joggers

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!

Comfy travel outfit

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!

The Ivy Los Angeles

The Ivy Los Angeles

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. 😉

Gibson Top

Floral Top • Necklace • Skinny Cargos • Purse • Shoes

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

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.

bottega louie macarons

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 pajamas

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!

Crop joggers travel outfit

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

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

Comfy travel outfit

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.

yellow summer tank

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.

white overalls

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! 😉

white eyelet dress

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!

Striped ruffle dress

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!

red apron dress

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.

White scallop shorts

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 for summer

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.

Cute summer outfit bootcut jeans

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.

Blue butterfly sleeve top

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! 😉

Summer to Fall Outfits casual

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.

Free People SundressDress • 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!

Stripe Tank and jeans

stripe bow tank

Bow Back Tank Top • Jeans

More casual jeans and jean shorts for everyday life.

white jeans summer outfit

Stripe Tee • White Jeans • Slip On Sneakers • Bag

summer striped tee outfit

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.

LOFT striped dress

Dress • Wedges • Bag • Sunglasses • Necklace

Cute Summer white maxi dress

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!

pink summer tank

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

Galveston beach

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!

striped ruffle sleeve tankTop • 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!

Striped tee outfit

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.

wide leg jumpsuit

Navy Jumpsuit • Booties • Necklace • Earrings • Bag

wide leg black jumpsuit

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 v-neck jumpsuit

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!

Nordstrom Sale athletic wear Nike tank

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

Zella workout tie top

Zella Wrap Top • Similar Shorts • Sneakers

workout outfit

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!

crochet swimsuit coverup

Similar Cover-Up • Flip Flops

crochet one piece swimsuit

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!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pajamas

Top • Bottoms

♥ WEEKEND STEALS ♥

Below are the weekend steals you don’t want to miss out on with my picks!

NORDSTROM • Lots of new 40% off markdowns

My picks: I obsessed over these High Waist Crop Skinny Jeans last year and a love a good twist hem tank, especially under $15.

NORDSTROM RACK • Everything is always on sale!

My picks: If you love boyfriend jeans, you’ll love these dark wash casual jeans! And you can’t go wrong with some of my fave workout leggings!

LOFT • 60% – 75% off Original Prices

My picks: Sleeveless sweaters are a great transition to fall piece. This criss cross ruffle flare dress would be perfect for a special occasion! 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH • 50% off “Need It Now” items

My picks: This cozy sweatshirt will be nice for fall and this wrap front sweater has serious Work.Weekend.Wow potential!

ANTHROPOLOGIE • 20% Off all dresses

My picks: Fall weddings and work events were made for dresses like this, this and this! I can you tell I’m having a floral moment?

BLOOMINGDALES • Earn a gift card up to $750 based on how much you spend!

My picks: Lots of good cold shoulder options – this chiffon blouse is so pretty and $35. This floral print has pretty flare cuff sleeves too and it’s $32! 

JCPENNEY • Extra 25% off $100 or more with code 7BIGSALE

My picks: Back to school must-haves – uniform pieces, school shoes, and backpacks!

JCREW FACTORY • 40% – 60% off Kids Styles

My picks: Some of the cutest fall basics for the kiddos and a good sale on denim!

OLD NAVY• Jeans, tops and shorts on sale 50% off

My picks: Loving this relaxed utility shirt and this peplum chambray.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

9 Comments

  1. Would love to hear about some of your lunch ideas for James! My son starts kindergarten in a couple of weeks and he wants to take his lunch. I’d love to be able to meal prep the Sunday before and have his meals ready to throw into his lunch box the night before school.

    1. James is so happy eating the same things on repeat so that’s what we do. I’ve seen so many creative ideas on Pinterest, but my son would refuse anything but his usual.

  2. I totally get the summer struggle. While I love the weather, beach/pool days, many joys of summer since I live in Boston and winters are long, I love a good schedule and I feel like in the summer we are never on one! Between camps, vacations etc. I work full time outside of my house so I always have mom guilt! But I have learned to be able to do what I can that make me and my family happy! My mom is so helpful and is at home after school daily so I can be in the office!

    Happy First Day of School! We don’t go back until after Labor Day.

    1. That’s sounds like a really healthy perspective. I try to set and stick to ‘work hours’ but it’s hard with so many demands on our time. I feel like our school year starts so early!

  3. Absolutely! Lately, in preparation for going back to school, I’ve been enjoying learning about different outfits, and I’ve also immersed myself in helping out with some projects. It was incredibly interesting to try out new styles and create fresh looks for the next school year. I am very grateful to the capstone project help service, which prepared my task for me and gave me the opportunity to do what I am interested in.

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