Happy Tuesday, friends! We are fresh into the second full week of summer vacation, and boy are we struggling to grow accustomed to our new summer schedule. The twins will stay in in school all summer, but the girls are definitely making our jobs a challenge. I’ve been working from home their entire lives, but this is Craig’s first summer vacation as a work-from-home dad and he’s learning the struggle.
Camps, sleepovers, play dates, and finding time to work in between – oh my! He has set office hours at home, so it’s non-negotiable for him, but he’s definitely seeing how difficult it can be for me to rearrange my schedule so often to accommodate theirs sometimes!
I can only play so many rainy-day games of Uno or Go Fish or Candy Land or Monopoly, for real. Right now we are in our office working and listening to them across the house in the family room arguing over who is definitely going to draw the lollipop during their game of Candy Land (someone is definitely cheating).
While they’re actually leaving me alone entertained in the family room, I thought I’d share with you a couple of my favorite summer must-haves. It’s hot in Florida. We sweat a lot in Florida. It’s hot in Florida. I’m a 30-something mama of 4 who can’t function if I don’t feel put together, yet I can’t stand to be in the closet for more than 3.2 seconds on a weekday morning deciding what to wear.
That said, I have three summer favorites for your closet that might just be the answer to your every fashion problem – I’m a big believer in buying the classics and items that never really go out of style…I get it from my grandmother!
Lilly, Lilly and More Lilly
Yes, we Floridians and southerners are a little obsessed with Lilly Pulitzer, but it’s for several good reasons. Let me elaborate:
- It’s hot here and we sweat a lot, but you can’t tell when you’re in so many bold, beautiful patterned dresses.
- How do you not feel pretty in something fun and fabulous?
- They’re light and airy.
- They’re so stylish.
- They’re so easy to wear without spending too long deciding what to wear when you know you don’t have that kind of time.
I just love LP. I mean, honestly – I’m addicted. My go-to dress is the Essie. I have them all – I buy the new ones every time a new pattern or color is introduced. The gorgeous pink one will actually arrive tomorrow on my front doorstep and I can’t wait!
Tory Burch Sandals
With four kids, flats are my summer go-to. It’s so much easier when we have them, especially since so much of our time is spent at Disney World where walking is a way of life. The Miller Sandals are worth the price every single time – but there are so many other options that cost far less and still last forever. Also, I love some TB espadrilles, and my newest pair just so happens to be on sale RIGHT NOW so check it out if you’ve been coveting a pair of your own. I seriously get so many compliments on these every time I wear them.
Cross-Body Bags
9 times out of 10 I’m carrying my Neverfull GM, but I do love a good crossbody during the summer. With four kids the Neverfull is a must most every day, but summer means being a little more carefree. When I’m not carrying the Neverfull, you’ll find me carrying one of my favorite cross body bags to keep my phone, my brightest pink lipstick, and my cash-money – kidding, I totally bring my husband along with so he can hold the $$ and the keys!
My TB cross body is from last year, and it’s out-of-stock, but there are so many adorable ones available right now at a variety of price points. I love this one, this one, and this one. My husband also surprised me with a gorgeous Prada crossbody that I’m in love with. It’s a little small – but perfect for date nights and Disney days. Mine is sold out now in most colors because it went on sale about a week ago – big time – but there’s still a red one available that I was able to find (MAJORLY marked down) and I also love this one, this one, and this one if you want to spend a little more on something that’ll last a lifetime.
Tiffany Raiford 