We are in the dog days of Summer here, so I’m sharing my Summer IT List with you today – just a few random things I’ve been enjoying this season, from cute clothes and fab beauty products to my leisure time favs. I’ve rediscovered my love of reading this summer, and my daughter and I even have our own little personal book club. I’m making more of an effort to turn off my devices, unplug and enjoy real life this summer, and reading offers that opportunity to me. I’m also shopping more consciously this year, and even though I’ve added a few trendy, brightly colored pieces here and there, I’m also focusing on building a neutral capsule wardrobe. So pour yourself a glass of iced tea and read what I’m enjoying this season!
Summer on Sale | My Summer IT List!
Summer sales abound this time of year, and like you, I’m so tempted by all of them. This time around I’m focusing on things that are seasonless, or can carry me into the fall months that are quickly approaching (even though we are under a heat advisory today). The Nordstrom Sale and Chico’s Sale are great opportunities to pick up a few classic pieces like the ones below.
The Open Front Longline Cardigan from Halogen is a piece I pick up every year during the Nordstrom sale. I now own this in both black and pink, and will probably add the gray version to my closet this year. It can be dressed up or down for any occasion. I love to pair my black one with leggings and a tee. I love long cardigans because they work so well with my pear shape! And yes, you can wear a cardigan now – it’s a perfect layering piece and great for a chilly flight to your favorite vacation destination.
Open Edit also has a version of a long cardigan, and I’m eyeing this shawl collar version in the oatmeal color for a pretty neutral option. I’m going to be adding more neutral pieces to my capsule wardrobe this fall. Remember that a lighter color tone like this brightens your face! I’m all about smoke and mirrors!
Chico’s Semi-Annual Sale is another fun one to shop. I’m always tempted by their laid-back summer styles, but again, I’m making the effort to focus on a few things that will carry into fall. These wide-leg pants are a perfect transition piece! The natural cream color will look great with the Open-Edit cardigan, or a camel-colored sweater or jacket as we move into fall. And they can be worn right now with just about any top or tee you have in your closet! I’m definitely grabbing these!
Books I Love | My Summer IT List!
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle is officially on my favorite books of all time list. This novel had as many twists and turns as Positano has steps. I couldn’t put this thing down! I was captivated by not only the story but also by the author’s description of Positano. And now I want to visit the hotel in the book, which is a real place! I honestly think I could read it all over again because I tore through it so quickly, I’m sure I missed a few details. This needs to be a movie! Hey Hollywood, are you listening? Pour yourself an Aperol Spritz and enjoy this amazing novel.
I just started It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. My daughter loaned me her copy when we swapped books (I loaned her One Italian Summer) She enjoyed it, so I”m delving into it now. The characters seem young, but I can relate to some of the challenges each of them faces. This thing has been all over TikTok with rave reviews and will soon be a major motion picture starring Blake Lively as Lily, Justin Baldoni as Ryle, and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas. Needless to say, I’ll be waiting to see if the movie is as good as the book. I’ll be reading It Starts with Us next.
Makeup Must Haves on My Summer IT List!
I discovered ELF Illuminating Primer earlier this summer and it’s been a staple in my makeup routine ever since. I can use it with my Laura Geller foundations or under my IT cosmetics CC cream. It’s so flexible and plays well with others. I love how it glides on and keeps anything I add on top from sinking into my fine lines and wrinkles. The price is a real bargain as well.
My friend recommended Maybelline’s 4 in 1 Perfector and I’m really having fun with it. I dot just a bit on my cheeks at the end of my makeup routine to give my skin a subtle glow. It’s not shimmery, but somehow it gives my skin that healthy look we want at any age! My daughter even used it as her foundation recently and loved it! Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Finally, you know I’ve been singing the praises of this lip gloss all spring and summer, and get requests for info about it every time I wear it in my Instagram Reels. I’m talking about Maybelline Lifter Gloss in the color Moon. I have multiples of this lip gloss! I carry one in my purse, have one at work, and of course one in my makeup drawer. It’s that good! I’ve gotten a few more colors, but this color is my favorite.
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I hope you enjoyed this post. I know it’s been a while since I posted. Like I said my summer has been so busy, from having all the flooring in my house replaced to power outages, visits with family, and a conference in St. Louis, I’ve definitely had one epic summer! School starts here in August, and I think I may actually be ready for the routine that fall brings. Let me know if you’ve tried anything I listed, or maybe even leave a book recommendation to add to my list! Have a happy Summer!
Pearls and Pantsuits – Wear What Makes You Happy!
Andy Schwartz
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I just bought One Italian Summer, it was on my Amazon list today on sale. Glad to hear you liked it.
It’s so good! I hope you enjoy it!