Summer Essentials

My favorite season is in full swing, and I'm just finishing stocking up on my essentials.

Chino Shorts

I basically live in these during the summer! My favorites are from J.Crew, of course, and they literally have every color under the sun.

Sundresses

Perfect for grad parties, barbecues, going out to brunch, lunch, or dinner...Every occasion could use an adorable sundress! I love Lilly, Vineyard Vines, and J.Crew for their sundresses.

Sandals

There are two ways you can go here: flat or wedge (I love high heels, but I'm not really a fan of regular heels in the summer because I'm always outside). For flat sandals, I love Jack Rogers and Tory Burch.

As far as wedges go, I'm a huge fan of Sperry Top-Sider and Jack Rogers.

Flip Flops

I know what you're thinking...she just talked about shoes! But hear me out on this y'all. Flip flops and sandals are completely different. You wear sandals everywhere, and with pretty much everything. Flip flops, on the other hand, should only appear when you are going to, coming from, or at the beach or pool. For this reason, I refuse to buy really expensive flip flops (anything over $50 is an automatic no). My favorites are from Tory Burch (the only moderately expensive ones that I tolerate) and Vineyard Vines.

Tote

Your tote needs to be cute, versatile, and (most importantly) big enough to throw everything in! I recommend the L.L. Bean Boat &Tote for basically everything. Get a medium or a large at the biggest and thank me later. I carry an extra large for school, and it's bigger than me! You'll have plenty of space in a large, trust me.

 I also have a straw tote from San Diego Hat Company that I'm in love with, and I love VV and Lilly, natch.

Sun Hat

I love hats! They're perfect for keeping a little sun off your face and out of your eyes. The monogrammed floppy straw hats from Marley Lilly are my absolute favorite, and I also really love straw fedoras!

What are you're summer essentials?

XO

North Shore Prep

Spring Staples

I honestly cannot tell y'all how happy I am about this weather. The winter was super mild (no complaints!) and I've been so happy to pull out all of my favorite spring items early! Each year, I have a list of things that I consider must-haves for that Spring (that post coming soon!), but I definitely have my favorite things that I always fall back on.


Chino Shorts
I've been wearing chino shorts forever. Now I'll admit, I definitely rocked the Abercrombie & Fitch ones in middle school with pride. Yikes. (But really, didn't we all??) Nowadays, I prefer to choose from J.Crew's wide array of offerings.


I'm totally loyal to the 3" chino short. Basically, I live in these shorts from the minute the thermometer hits 75 degrees all the way through mid-October.

I have them in a bunch of different colors already, and just ordered them in purple!


J.Crew also makes these shorts in a 4", 5", 7", and 9" inseam.


Drapey Tanks
 With the temperatures rising constantly, the first thing on my mind is staying cool. That's why my go-to top is a floaty tank like these (more often than not with a bit of a racerback) when it really heats up!

J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tank

Frenchi Silky Sleeveless Top

Lush Sleeveless Chiffon Blouse

Lilly Pulitzer Allison Top

Sunglasses
Every year, I tell myself, "This is the year I will get good sunglasses." It never happens and I end up getting at least three pairs of cheap sunglasses because they break, I lose track of them, etc. So for real this year, I will be getting quality sunglasses. I've decided on Ray-Ban Wayfarers in black. Classic.

But it was definitely a tough choice to make between Wayfarers and Aviators!

I think I'll get the Wayfarers as my "good" pair of sunglasses and get some inexpensive aviators to wear on the side.

KW 'Fame' Sunglasses


The juniors' department at Nordstrom has some really cute and inexpensive sunglasses in a variety of different styles. I've relied on them as my official cheap and cute sunglass shop.

I grabbed a pair of these for my friend as part of her birthday gift. They were perfect as part of a larger present and she loved them!


What I really like about Nordstrom's juniors' department, is that they usually have a great promotion going on with the sunglasses this time of year. When I was in there the other day, all the sunglasses were 2 for $20! Perfect for stocking up in different colors and styles!


Sperry Top-Siders
Sperrys are my go-to shoe in the spring. If it's not quite warm enough for sandals, or I'm too lazy to paint my toenails, or, in my case right now, I just haven't bought new sandals yet, Sperrys are the answer.


Right now, I have A/O's in classic brown and metallic gold. I'm thinking white for my next pair!

The only thing I don't like about Sperrys is breaking them in when they're brand new. Hello, ankle blisters! Make sure you've got band-aids on hand for those first two weeks or so. Ouch! After a while though, they fit to your feet perfectly and are definitely the comfiest shoes in my closet.


What are your spring must-haves?


XO

North Shore Prep

Back to School: Shoes

Confession: I hate fall. Hate the colder weather, hate the thought of starting school again. But I love fall fashion, and I love fall shoes. Here are some of my favorites for this new school year.

Sperry Top-Sider Women's Authentic Original Boat Shoe in Classic Brown Leather

The must have shoe. I almost considered not even putting it on the list, but I love them so much -- and pretty much live in them until it gets way too cold! -- that I had to include them.

Minnetonka "Kilty" Suede Moccasin

I just got a pair of these for the first time ever after hearing tons of people rave about them. Add me to that list, because I'm hooked. They're so comfy and cute for fall.

Hunter "Original Tall" High Gloss Rain Boot

These are perfect for colder, wetter days. Just pull them on with a pair of skinny jeans and you're good to go. 

Frye Dorado Inside Zip Riding Boot

These boots are classic, and equestrian style boots are huge for fall. The Cognac color is perfect with a pair of jeans, and I like the Black with a pair of dark tights and a black skirt for a night out.

Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flat

The flat that goes with everything. Enough said.

What are your favorite shoes for fall?

XO

North Shore Prep