At the beginning of every season, I always add some key pieces to my closet. Pieces that I know are going to be staples all season long and that I will grab for again and again to complete all sorts of different outfits. Some I carry over from year to year and still wear the heck out of, but I also add new pieces each year to freshen things up.
So, let’s first review items that I’ve been singing the praises of for at least 2 years (and some as long as 4 years)! Notice that two of the items are shoes. I think shoes are the absolute hardest things to transition between seasons, and the flats and the converse below really hit the mark for being perfect transitional shoes. My faves list is below. I would like to suggest that you don’t just skim over these. Really read the list, and if you have a question about anything, just ask!
- the MUST HAVE denim jacket (I sized up to a medium for a little bit of wiggle room. Wear with white jeans, colored jeans, maxi dresses, t-shirt dresses, etc….)
- my favorite tees (I size up to a medium for a slouchy fit, and I have stripes and solids.)
- the best nude flats (true to size, mine are “classic nude leather”)
- shoreline converse (true to size)
- white jeans that aren’t see thru (true to size, I wear a 27 – if between sizes, I suggest sizing down)
- my $14 sunglasses
- turquoise pendant necklace and wood bead rainbow tassel necklace (this one is a 2 week pre-order for STMT readers!)
- tan towels
- shimmer brick (gives a warm glow – I use the pink quartz)
- the best strapless bra in the history of the world
- Haviana crystal flip flops
- Supergoop products
Here are some thumbnails that you can click on. Again, these are TRIED AND TRUE favorites of mine:
Items I’ve added this year include:
- camo wedge sneakers (size down 1/2 a size, also come in solid colors)
- neutral wedges (true to size, comes in grey also)
- several pairs of statement earrings: ombre tassel earrings, navy fringe earrings, bead drop earrings
- non-distressed denim shorts (consider sizing up if you don’t want them fitted)
Here are all the new items, click on what you are interested in:
So during the past couple of weeks we’ve been talking about my newly added items (seen directly above), and we are going to continue the conversation today. With Spring just around the corner, I wanted to add an easy casual dress to my closet as well as some classic brown sandals. So…I set out on the hunt for both.
Last year I got and wore the heck out of this striped t -shirt dress. I thought it had come back this year and I was so excited for y’all, but I realized that there were very limited sizes available.
Luckily, I found a replacement, and I actually like this one even more! Last year’s version was too long for me in the regular size, and it was a bit short in the petite size. Well, this one is a more appropriate length, and it comes in a navy stripe or a camo option. You can’t tell in these next two pics, but the dress also has these cute little drawstring sleeves. For size reference, the small is perfect on me.
Now, this is an expensive t- shirt dress (and totally won’t be for everybody)….but I realized with my t-shirt dress from last year that my cost per wear on this is going to be minimal, so I didn’t mind splurging! A t-shirt dress gets a lot of wear for me, but if it doesn’t for you, it’s obviously not worth the money!
Pair it with my must have jacket and my new wedges, and you’ve got yourself a great little outfit! If you want it a bit more casual, switch out the wedges for flat sandals or converse.
UPDATE: The t-shirt dresses are SOLD OUT in most sizes at Nordstrom, but a reader found another source! Click HERE for the camo version and click HERE for the striped!
camo dress / must have jacket / wedges / earrings / arrow necklace / similar cross body bag
Get The Look For Yourself Here:
And if you’re not a camo girl, there’s a striped version as well! I’m keeping the camo myself and returning this striped version (since my t-shirt dress from last year is stripes). I used the turquoise necklace here (that I mentioned above in my tried and true favorites list) to brighten things up a bit!
UPDATE: The t-shirt dresses are SOLD OUT in most sizes at Nordstrom, but a reader found another source! Click HERE for the camo version and click HERE for the striped!
striped dress / must have jacket / wedges / earrings / turquoise necklace / similar cross body bag
Get The Look For Yourself Here:
I did find a less expensive t- shirt dress option from LOFT. It’s about $30 less, and looks really cute as well! And there is also a Signature Soft dress from Lou and Grey.
Another dress I have from years past can be found HERE. It’s an awesome staple and looks great with the must have denim jacket with either converse, flat sandals, or wedges! I’ve worn this dress to do errands, to brunch, out to dinner with the girls, to a baby shower, and to church.
So now that we’ve handled options for summer dresses, let’s tackle finding a great sandal! A cognac sandal is ALWAYS a must for my Spring and Summer wardrobe. When I started looking for a pair this year, I started with Sam Edelman, who is pretty much always my GO TO for a flat sandal. I found 3 online that I ordered, and then I saw 1 in store on Friday. My plan was to order several, photograph them side by side, choose 1 for myself, and hopefully make it easy for you ladies to choose a cognac sandal as well.
I will say, if you already have a great cognac sandal, they all come in additional colors as well.
Here were the 4 that I concentrated on. Do you immediately have a favorite?
OH! I almost forgot to report on comfort! All 4 of them are comfortable. #iwontwearashoeifitsnot
- two strap slide sandal (comes in 10 colors!)/ 2. strappy sandal (comes in black too!)/ 3. slide sandal (comes in 9 colors!) 4. cross strap slide sandal (comes in 5 colors, including a cool silver!)
And here I am wearing them all side by side. Is your favorite still the same? I will say, all 4 are awesome, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
I prefer a richer cognac, so my favorites were automatically #2 and #4, just based on color alone. And as luck would have it, those styles were my favorites too! Now, I just have to decide which one I like more!
SIZING TIP: I ordered and am wearing a 6 1/2 (my regular size) in 1, 3, and 4. However, they all seemed a little short, like my toes or my heels could hang off at any moment. I got #2 in store on Friday at Northpark, and when the salesman brought them to me, he brought the 6 1/2 (that I had requested) AND the 7. The 7s were the winners for me, even though I’m always a solid 6 1/2. The salesman explained that all of the Sam Edelman sandals with this foot bed tend to run a bit on the small side. So, I would suggest sizing up a 1/2 size in all of them.
- two strap slide sandal (comes in 10 colors!)/ 2. strappy sandal (comes in black too!)/ 3. slide sandal (comes in 9 colors!) 4. cross strap slide sandal (comes in 5 colors, including a cool silver!)
Here are all the sandals. Click on the one(s) you are interested in:
And I thought you might enjoy seeing a little behind the scenes action when I was taking the pic of all the sandals in the circle. The pups were very involved. 😉
These from Steve Madden also caught my eye. I thought they looked fun!
embellished flat sandal / embellished slide with 2 straps / embellished slide
Now before you go, I also wanted to show you a couple of things that are either in my cart right now or already on their way to me.
This pair of blush pink jeans is in my cart. They are Carly jeans from Articles of Society, which many of us already ADORE. I have them in a light denim, in white, and I’m thinking these pale blush will most likely be in my closet by week’s end. I’ve tried to buy two different pairs of pink jeans in previous years, and they were both the wrong shade of pink. These seem to be a very pale blush, so I’m hopeful! (Also, I know I mentioned Shoreline Converse earlier, and there’s a new pale pink version. Just FYI.)
I actually picked up this lace top at Northpark on Friday. I have a couple of events coming up that are casual, but I still want to look super cute (so I knew I might be paying a little more money than normal), and I thought this top would be perfect to pair with white jeans, cognac wedges, and some statement earrings! It could also be dressed up with a pair of slim black ankle pants ($25 OFF right now with fantastic reviews) and pumps!
Every season I always buy at least 1 pair of new shorts from LOFT. I typically like the 4 inch Riviera shorts, but they have a 6 inch option as well! Later in the season they usually add more colors and patterns, but they already have the basics now.
And I know I showed y’all my new gingham one piece on Friday (also at J Crew), but this one is in my cart as well from Boden! I used to dress Carter in Boden when he was little, but I’ve never owned a Boden piece myself. Well, I got a catalog in the mail last week, and I was blown away by all of the precious swimsuits! They have 1 pieces, tankinis, and bikinis in a lot of gorgeous prints, and they are all mix and match! So much fun! This style of suit is definitely the most flattering on me, and I love the colors. (I also love Target for tankinis. Strangely enough, their one pieces are a little too crazy for my taste, but they always seem to have a good tankini selection.)
Click HERE for the suits below.
Sizing tips for all Boden pieces: The sizes are European sizing, so you will want to size up!
That’s it for today y’all! Leave your comments below with which sandal is your favorite! Also, if YOU have a spring favorite that you think we need to know about, please leave that in the comments as well!
And if you have a spare moment, please be thinking of me today. We’ve got 3 hours of The Bachelor tonight, and I’m not sure I can handle the drama that’s about to take place. Because Y’ALL. I HEAR THERE’S DRAMA. (Click HERE if you want to catch up on all of the previous Bachelor recaps. You need to figure out what the heck is going on so you can watch tonight too. IT SOUNDS AS IF IT WILL TRULY BE EPIC.)
Thanks, girls!
Christy says
#2 for sure!!! I’m going to check them out for myself!
Shay Shull says
Those dresses!! They are all ADORABLE!! Bring on SPRING!
Erika Slaughter says
That dress and jacket combo is getting recreated over here ASAP because #sheaffertoldmeto
Narci says
That dress and jacket is DARLING! I need the stripe on stat!
Tricia says
Hi! Are the shoreline converse good for not giving blisters? My regular converse rub. I’ve tried no show socks but the fall down 🙁
Sheaffer says
Hi, Tricia! Mine don’t give me blisters, and I don’t wear socks! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Tricia says
Cool, thanks!
Kathy Cohen says
What size m red top?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Kathy! I actually bought a 4 and a 6. The 6 is a little loose on me right now…but the 4 is a little snug. Since I’m still losing weight, I wanted to be sure I had one that fit for my first event at the end of March! I’ll return the other one after I decide! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Nichole says
I would love to see more items from Boden! I get this catalog and everytike I page through it, I want everything. However, they’re so expensive. I wish you and Boden could do a showcase and offer some great discounts. 🙂
Jenny says
I have purchased Boden things in the past and they are so well made and such classic pieces. In fact, I bought a super cute T-shirt dress from them about 8yrs ago. I gained weight and it no longer fit, so I gave it to my friend who still wears it and it still looks great! I definitely agree with the sizing up advice.
Kelli says
I ❤️ #2 & #4. I see a trip to Nordstrom in my near future to try them on and grab a pair!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
Yes to everything!!!! Adore those sandals, your outfits and the pups!!! I have several Boden pieces and do need to size up in them since it’s european sizing.
Sheaffer says
OOh, good tip! Will add this to the post! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Rachel says
Thank you for showing us so many fun, spring staples. Very cute! The short sleeve maxi you showed us is on my list…what size did you get – regular or petite? I’m the same size as you and would so appreciate some help with the fit. Thanks for all you do, Sheaffer!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Rachel! Just grabbed it from my closet to check! I’m almost 5’4″ and I got the petite small. If I recall, I think I could wear it with both small wedges and flat sandals! Hope this helps! You’re welcome, and thanks for reading! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Amy says
Is the v-neck on the Madewell t-shirt not too low? It looks low, and I don’t want my girls trying to pop out! Ha! Love me a well-fitting t-shirt, though!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Amy! People ask this all the time, but it’s not too low on me at all….and I feel like I’m pretty short from my shoulders to my chest. Hope this helps! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Amanda P says
Yes, 3 hours of Bachelor tonight and 2 hours tomorrow! Hope it’s worth it.
Amy says
What size did you go with in the black maxi dress? Reviews are mixed. I’m 5’4″ and always worry about looking too frumpy in long dresses. Thanks!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Amy! I just grabbed it from my closet to check! I’m almost 5’4″ and I got the petite small. If I recall, I think I could wear it with both small wedges and flat sandals! Hope this helps! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Amy says
Wow you definitely outdid yourself with this post!! So happy to see you shared images of all 4 sandals on your feet. Absloutely love number 4 and the color choices. Number 2 is super cute as well. Getting ready to order both. Thank you Sheaffer! ????
Sheaffer says
Aw, thanks Amy! Hope you love them as much as I do! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Jessica says
Such a fan of Boden’s swimsuits!!! I have one that I’ve worn for 4 years! It is SO flattering, stays in place, and covers the hiney! It has a very deep V in front and I’ve never had a nip slip catching small children off the slide….not that that has happened in other swimsuits before. Ahem. It washes amazingly well and still looks great after 4 years! It’s my fav!
Sheaffer says
Great information, Jessica! Thank you! Did you size up?
Susan Williams says
I’m so curious as well!! I looked at their rash guards (I’m so fair-skinned) and am curious if I need to size up in it and the bottoms that go with it. Sheaffer – let us know if you decide to order one whether you sized up or not!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Susan! I am ordering it for sure…..I actually think I’m going to order the 8, even though I’m a 4 in bottoms. I need to make sure there’s room in the chest. I’ll keep y’all posted! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Jessica says
I didn’t at the time and in those 4 years I had a baby…and kept about 20lbs. It still fit…a little snug, but like I said, SO FLATTERING!! I will say that I’m very small chested so I would maybe want to if my girls were bigger.
Sheaffer says
Thanks, Jessica!
Libby says
Sheaffer I love that maxi dress! Did you order regular or petite?? Thank you!! ????
Sheaffer says
Hi, Libby! I ordered the petite small, and I’m almost 5’4″. xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Libby says
Thank you Sheaffer! I love how you always respond to everyone so sweetly! Ordering that dress (and some of the shoes, lol!) now!! xoxo
Sheaffer says
Well, I appreciate y’all reading and taking the time to leave comments so much! Thanks, Libby! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Lorie says
The Steve Madden 2-strap slide says to order a whole size up. Have you tried these on? Do you know anything about how they fit? Thanks for your help…love, love all your posts! And I literally look forward to getting to the office on Bachelor Recap days, so I can start my day laughing!
Sheaffer says
I have no idea! So sorry, Lorie! I would do what they say! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Gretchen says
Hi Sheaffer! I always love how you style all your pieces! I have been looking for a great true red nail polish and I love the color on your toes in these pictures! What color is it? Thank you
Sheaffer says
Hi, Gretchen! I’ts OPI and called California Raspberry. xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂 And thanks for the sweet words!
denise says
I love Boden! I bought tons of Boden for my kids when they were little and I’ve been buying a few pieces per season for myself for many years. Years ago they only had UK sizing but a while back they changed that. If you’re shopping on the BodenUSA site, the clothing sizes are standard American sizing. I don’t have to size up. I will say that I do not buy their swimwear for myself so maybe you do need to size up in it. Otherwise, I find their tops, skirts, dresses, and such fit me in the same size I wear from LOFT, Halogen, Gibson, etc.
Sheaffer says
Thanks for the tips, Denise!!! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Pam says
Please reconsider Bachelor posts. I delete when I see them. So trashy-that show.
On a positive spin-LOVE your finds clothing wise! ????
Sheaffer says
Hi, Pam! I did a poll on instagram stories before the season started, and an overwhelming 80% wanted me to do them, so I went with the majority. The season is almost over, so hopefully you’ll keep coming back for the clothes!!!! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Joanne (Europafox) says
Another great post! But I can’t help but ask about the two lovely dogs -a re they both yours and how old are they? They are beautiful! Joanne x
Sheaffer says
Yes, they are both ours! They are only 10 months old. There names are Buddy and Charlie and they are little mates! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Lee says
Great post today! I’ve got a question for you.
The maxi dress: how low cut is it? I think it’s so cute but I’m not comfortable showing cleavage. I also wouldn’t want to keep a jean jacket on every time I’m wearing it (cause I do get hot fairly easily!). Thanks!
Sheaffer says
It’s not low cut at all, Lee! You’ll be fine! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kim says
What color polish do you have on your toes? Makes me want to get a pedicure and get ready for spring.
Sheaffer says
Hi, Kim! It’s called California Raspberry! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Rachel says
Such a great recap!! Totally agree with all your thoughts and LOLed when you said you would would indeed be watching this garbage again on Tuesday! It sucks us in! Harrison finally delivered the “most dramatic season ever.” Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on After the Final Rose!
Kristie W. says
So many great pieces for spring (if it ever comes to CT lol!)
Bethany says
The awesome maxi jersey dress is out of stock in several sizes/colors! I would have paid just about anything for the black or green/navy stripe! Any other suggestions? Thanks! 🙂
Sheaffer says
I’ll keep my eyes peeled for a restock or a similar one, Bethany! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Fran says
Happy Friday y’all! I ordered the the rainbow necklace today and the Must Have Jacket! Last week I got the turquoise necklace and loved it so much that I had to have the rainbow tassel necklace too….makes sense to me. I was not able to get the jacket in the wash shown in this and many other posts because I am petite but the link to the other jackets but Kut from the Kloth gave me some petite options so I too am able to have the “Must Have” jacket. Thanks Sheaffer for a wonderful ideas!
Ashley says
Hi!! Can you tell me more about Supergoop? Which products do you use and love? I’m in need of a new sunscreen for my face but would love a non-greasy one for all over too! Thanks!!
Always love all of your cute clothing suggestions and your Bachelor recaps!!!! I need the new season to start already! ????
Sheaffer says
Hi, Ashley! I love the mousse and the spray sunscreen. We also have the GIANT dispenser of the Everyday Sunscreen out by the pool. For face, I love the extra protection that the setting powder provides, and I use the PERK UP lip and cheek color all summer long! LOVE! Thanks for the sweet words! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Ashley says
Awesome!!! Thank you!!