july is the month summer (at least summer weather) finally decided to show up and i’ve taken it as my prime opportunity to *shockingly* shop my own closet. so many cropped tops and tanks from previous seasons have sat idly by through the may grey and june gloom and selecting from them every morning has been like being reunited with long lost friends. therefore, my purchases over the last 30 days have been fewer and farther between. i know that with august comes the arrival of pre-fall and fall collections so i suppose i’ve been bracing myself (and our bank account) for all things tweed and leather. in the meantime, there have been mostly misses this month, but a few things still en route so stay tuned for their analysis upon arrival. in the very least, i added yet another flower choker to my collection and in case no one told you, it’s going to be a very flower choker fall. see you all back here next month!
the homeruns
zara denim flower necklace || the very first look i fell in love with that incorporated a flower choker was an all denim outfit so as soon as i spotted this denim flower i had to have it. my collection of flower chokers is comical at this point so i’m just leaning in. i love it. i can’t wait to wear it with a variety of outfits (i just wore it here). i joked with a girlfriend that instead of hot girl summer, i’m going to have a “flower choker fall” and i’m totally okay with that.
gap waffle henley pj tank top + waffle pj shorts (small –chino beige) || if you know me, you know i live for a matching loungewear set (just ask my kids). i spotted this waffle version while perusing gap the other day and immediately snagged it at 50% off (promise me you’ll NEVER buy something full-price from the gap, they have a sale every other day!). when it arrived, i embarrassingly realized that it looked nearly identical to another gap set i have from a previous season. down to the color. whoopsies. what can i say? i like what i like! if you’re looking for a good summer loungewear outfit perfect for beating the heat, i highly recommend this one. it fits true to size and is super cozy. oh and it comes in three other colors if beige isn’t your thing.
the misses
anthropologie vicenza bow mary jane flats (gold) || you know those purchases that read WAY cuter online than in real life? these flats were one such casualty. i saw the flat on someone else whose personal style is one i admire, but when i got the shoes on my actual feet, i felt a little like an extra in the movie aladdin. note to self –the square toe shape is not flattering. aside from that, they were a hair too big as the brand unfortunately doesn’t offer 1/2 sizes (and i’m a true 9.5). ANYWHO i still love the idea of a gold shoe for fall (with dark denim? YES!) but this pair just wasn’t it. back they went.
ganni striped ruffle wool/cashmere blend collar || similar to an exaggerated sleeve, i love me a statement collar. after stumbling across this photo i became a lady on a mission to find some similar items. no one does a collar like ganni so when i found some stock of their detachable collars, i figured instead of buying one singular blouse, i could add a collar to some of my existing wardrobe staples to create the same effect. unfortunately this collar just didn’t translate as magically in real life. in fact, two of the three remaining rivera household residents were very vocal about their dislike of said accessory. i don’t blame them because it’s not quite the vibe i wanted so i’ll keep my eyes peeled for a more versatile alternative.
the frankie shop jazz sequin tulle shorts (small) || sequined shorts in the middle of summer? what are ya, nuts?! well, yes, probably a little bit. but also, i’ve been eyeing these for a while and after our first weekend of attempting potty training, i felt like i needed a treat (or five). unfortunately much like potty training itself (which is currently on pause due to the twins’ vocalizing that they were not yet ready), these shorts were a bit disappointing. the fit was similar to a pull-on gym short which was odd juxtaposed by the all-over sequin fabric. and speaking of those sequins –they ended up laying funny and could be easily brushed up –like one of those peek-a-boo pillows. while they ended up being a resounding “NO,” i’m glad i ended up ordering them if only to finally get them out of my head. now i can move forward with confidence that my wardrobe does not need a sequined short at this juncture.
anthropologie rosette wrap necklace (bronze) || in addition to the zara denim necklace, i also ordered this rosette wrap in a beautiful bronze shade for fall. at this point i fancy myself a bit of a flower choker connoisseur and unfortunately this one missed the mark. while the construction of the flower itself was dainty and feminine and the strap was a thin, soft suede, the overall execution was lacking. it wouldn’t lay flat against my neck (it drooped instead) and the string itself was quite short, only able to wrap around once with very little slack. just goes to show you that not all flower chokers are created equal! if you are looking to get in on the trend, the mango version is still my favorite (and it’s on sale!)
and what has yet to arrive
anthropologie maeve pleated barrel-leg chinos (0) || you know me, i am a sucker for an exaggerated leg silhouette. it’s no accident i own the horseshoe jean in all five washes. when i saw these chinos, i knew i had to try them for fall. i envision them with a white blouse and a ballet flat (or loafer if i can find one that i like!). they’re currently on backorder until the end of the month but i opted for my smaller size because maeve as a brand tends to run generous.
agolde dame high rise wide leg jeans (25 –control wash) || i spotted these wide-leg jeans amongst shopbop’s new arrivals and fell in love with the cuffed hem. apparently cuffs are big for fall and i love the idea of adding a second pair to my collection (i already have these and i love them). baggier styles like this always run generous so i’m afraid i should have sized down further, but fingers crossed these are great when they arrive. i plan on wearing them with these fancy flats.
mango rhinestone ballerinas (9.5 –nude) || speaking of fancy flats, how amazing are these?! i was totally influenced by a chic instagram account i follow so i have no idea how they’ll be but gosh they might be a fun punch to my fall outfits. i’ve never tried mango’s footwear but they don’t offer any sizes larger than a 9.5 so that’s what i ordered (luckily that’s my true size). they also come in black.
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