This summer, I’m shopping significantly less than in past seasons. I add things to my cart, walk away, and if I forget about them, (clearly) I didn’t need them. But the flip side of the coin is that the pieces I have purchased are thoughtfully chosen, worn more consistently, and just better.
When I spend my money on something for my wardrobe or my makeup bag, it makes me really happy to still love it months later. No diminishing returns here. These are the five best things I’ve purchased this summer.
01. The Best Striped T-Shirt // Do not sleep on the Spanx AirEssentials line. This summer I bought both this striped maxi dress (also in black) and this striped dolman-style long sleeve tee. The material is incredibly soft, comfortable and a great weight. I am genuinely excited when I get to wear this striped tee.
I bought the red and white for a fresh summer look. I will definitely pick up another color (probably black) before fall. This is just a great piece that I feel good wearing.
02. The Simplest Sandals // I need wearable shoes. Shoes that can go with almost anything in my wardrobe. On a recent trip, I took a sneaker, a pump for work, and these TKEES Gemma Sandals. Simple, easy to wear, comfortable and will pair well with any summer look. They’re like summer camouflage, they just blend in. Under-$60.
03. The Soft Short Sleeve Pajamas // My pajamas all have long pants. I’ve tried, but I have never adjusted to wearing shorts to bed, but it’s hot out, and these short sleeve pajamas from J.Crew are a game changer for me. I own every color.
I also own J.Crew’s thinner cotton poplin pajamas. I like these one too, they’re comfortable and very cool in the hot weather. However, for my money, I want a comfortable, jersey pajama for maximum coziness.
04. The Red Corrector // I’m 42 years old, and I have acne. It’s reasonably under control, but sometimes I need to smooth out the redness. Also, while I wear makeup most days, sometimes my skin needs a foundation free day. On the red days, on the no makeup days, this Erborian CC Red Correct is my go-to product.
I’ve tried many correcting creams and there are plenty of good options, but I love the light, almost weightless feel of this one. Recently, I ran out, and this cream is now pre-purchased with a spare ready to go.
05. The Wire Free Bra // Over the past three years, I’ve tried many wire free bras. Some I liked. A few I loved. This b.tempted Convertible Wire Free Bra was the first one I thought made my breasts look good. To steal a line from A League of Their Own: It lifts and separates; there should be two. As a 36C, when I wear the medium it pinches a tiny bit, so I bought a large. Certainly not the most generous size range.
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Do we have any recommendations for sandals with arch support? Those are so adorable but there’s no way my feet are going to be able to tolerate them, sadly.
Same! Would also love to see recommendations for simple, go-with-anything sandals with arch support.
Thirded! Something other than birks or chunky ecco or whatever else everyone defaults to recommending when you say “arch support.” To be clear, I own several pairs of chunkier sandals and love them, but they’re not quite as polished with certain outfits. Always on the hunt for a minimal sandal option that isn’t painfully flat.
Fourthed! And with some more substantial straps…but not clunky or orthopedic looking. I have wider feet so really thin straps, in addition to rubbing when walking for a significant amount, also just don’t look very flattering on my feet.
I’ll add a fifth! I’m 40 and my feet need support!
Ditto! (so a sixth?! Slightly flat footed, had a t3ndonitis injury that sometimes flares up, so arch support is a must, but must look polished for work etc.
I have an old pair of Dansko sandals with thin straps. I don’t see anything like that on the market this season, but the Dansko Jennifer or Jannelle sandal definitely has a lighter look to it. My arthritis ridden feet definitely thank me (currently wearing birks at the office but agree they are sometimes too chunky for some outfits).
For a cheaper option on a striped shirt. On Abra’s recommendation, I bought two of these shirts two years ago. I wear them regularly and they look great. I usually wear a small in mall brands, and I bought smalls.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GFMSLWV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For a sandal with arch support. I’ve been wearing these for at least a decade; I’m probably on my third pair. First bought them when I was 33, and I’m now 43 and refuse to wear shoes without arch support. Highly recommend.
https://www.nordstrom.com/s/munro-aries-sandal-multiple-widths-available-women/3512072?color=NATURAL&size=7.5&utm_content=67688384092&utm_term=pla-304028599086&utm_channel=low_nd_shopping_standard&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=745687890&adpos=&creative=312343951656&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&acctid=21700000001689570&dskeywordid=92700049880900856&lid=92700049880900856&ds_s_kwgid=58700005468307665&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007631122&dsproductgroupid=304028599086&product_id=56953465&merchid=1243147&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&storeid=&locationid=9026908&targetid=pla-304028599086&campaignid=745687890&adgroupid=67688384092&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtNi0BhA1EiwAWZaANGUhYN20x9PVOWf_qTPnGd1awC5Vor2ZN0RLpc8ncr1kPe8NU3cI8xoCz5sQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I should add, I’ve always found black ones. Often the other color options are ugly. I have one pair of pink ones from many years ago.
You can find them at other retailers also. Those retailers probably have stock because now is the oh so blessed NAS sale that I refuse to engage in.
For sandals with arch support, I love Vionic! I’ve been wearing both colors of these this summer (I’ve seen them at Zappos too, so others may have more available sizes):
https://www.vionicshoes.com/laurel-strappy-sandal.html?color=877
These look pretty, too:
https://www.vionicshoes.com/brea-toe-post-slingback-sandal.html?color=860
The b.tempted sizing chart is limited. I measure 32D starting from the band. I tried the small first and then returned for the medium. The band was a better fit in the smaller, but the fit of the straps and cup were unfortunate looking. The medium works and has been great for summer scorching temperatures.
Another sandal with arch support suggestion… I have a pair of Olukai sandals that are surprisingly comfortable and supportive. For reference, I’m generally a Birks girl because of the comfort, but the Olukais are also great as long as I’m not walking miles.