My July Reading List

Pajamas (on sale!) | Chaise | Rug | Side table | Mirror | Ladder | Wall bursts | Lamp

I'm back with all the books I've finished last month. To be honest, there were three additional books that I read this month that I didn't list below because they were awful. Two I couldn't finish and the third I just skimmed the last few chapters of the book because I couldn't take it anymore. LOL But the six I'm sharing below are all worth mentioning and reading! You can browse through all of my past book reviews posts here if you want more recommendations of things to read.

1. We All Love the Beautiful Girls - This book was good but wasn't my favorite out of this bunch. Mia and Michael's family and life begins to fall apart after they find out their best friend scammed them out of their life savings and their son has an accident at a party that leaves him very injured. The story is about their journey through it all and how it affects their friendships and relationships. It kept my interest but there were much better books that I read this month.

2. Redeeming Love - Wow. Wow. Wow. Based on the cover of this book, I was expecting a cheesy romantic love story but this was so much more than that! Angel is sold into prostitution at a young age and is living a life of emptiness and hatred until she meets Michael Hosea. Michael is extremely religious and feels that God wants him to be with Angel. He visits her at her brothel and tries to convince he to leave with him. After she is beaten badly one night by a client, she agrees to go with Michael and ultimately marry him. Since Angel never learned how to trust a man, she struggles with being Michael's wife. Michael stays steadfast to his commitment to God that he will love this woman and be with her no matter how hard she makes it for him. To be honest, I did not think I was going to like this book as much as I did and was so sad when it was over. Such a great (and emotional) read.

3. Not That I Could Tell - A group of neighborhood moms who are all friends get together one night to drink wine and chat around the fire pit. By the next morning, one of the mothers has vanished and taken her two children with her. Everyone is stunned by her disappearance, most of all her soon to be ex-husband who fears something has happened to her and the children. At first, her ex-husband is not a suspect but slowly becomes one as more about him is revealed. This book moved a bit slow in the beginning but the ending really threw me and it saved the entire book for me. I ended up really liking this one.

4. Then She Was Gone - This book was a bit twisted but a thrilling read. Laurel Mack is trying to put her life back together after the disappearance of her daughter ten years ago. One afternoon Laurel meets Floyd at a coffee shop and is surprised at how quickly a relationship develops between them. Floyd has two daughters and Laurel is taken aback when she meets his youngest one who bears a very strong resemblance to her daughter that disappeared years earlier. As Laurel learns more about Floyd and who he really is, her world is turned upside down. Loved this one and couldn't put it down!

5. This Is How It Always Is - Out of all the books I read, this one was my absolute favorite. Rosie and Penn have four boys and when they get pregnant for the fifth time, they are hoping for a girl. When Claude is born, they are overjoyed for his arrival and have accepted that their family will only be boys. When Claude is five, he begins to start wearing dresses and says that he wants to grow up and be a girl. While Rosie and Penn think it is just a phase, they soon learn it is not. After much discussion, they decide to let Claude begin dressing like a girl and allow him to change his name to Poppie. Unfortunately the school and community are not as accepting of this and it ultimately forces the family to move to Seattle. They make the decision to not tell anyone in their new city about Poppie and hope that in time they can reveal the truth and people will accept her. Keeping this a secret puts a great deal of strain on the entire family. The dynamics of the family and the struggles that they face trying to allow their son to be who he feels he is inside brought out so much emotion for me while reading this. It's such a wonderful book.

6. My Lovely Wife - This book is a bit twisted but a really good read. Millicent and her husband seem like the normal suburban couple with two kids and a great life. Except they like to murder people in their spare time. Eek! They decide to try and pin it on a local serial killer that has already been convicted of similar crimes in the past but that plan soon fails and they must regroup to figure out how to prevent themselves from being caught. There were quite a few twists and turns in this book and the ending was a huge surprise for me!

What are you currently reading? Any books that you would recommend?

Shop all the pieces from my post here:

15 Great Basics Still In Stock From the #NSale

So many things sold out quickly during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale but there are still some great basics and classic pieces still in stock. I know people go right for all the exciting things and unique pieces, but now is also a great time to grab closet staples that you will need all fall and winter. Here are 15 that caught my eye:

1. Waterproof Rain Jacket - I know it's super hot out and hard to think about fall/winter clothing, but it's best to be prepared when the cold weather comes! This jacket is great for throwing on and running out the door when you need something to protect you from the cold and rain.

2. Cardigan - Most of the cardigans sold out quickly, but this slim style is still in stock in a few colors. I personally am not a fan of huge chunky cardigans, so this is definitely my type of cardigan to wear.

3. Twist front pullover - This pullover is a great piece to wear with jeans and sneakers or as workout wear with leggings to the gym.

4. Lace dress - I have a few friends that have this dress and they have gotten so much wear out of it over the years. It's a classic style that they have all year and a great silhouette for a bridal shower, baby shower, wedding, etc.

5. High waist pocket leggings - I have quite a few Zella leggings and they made their classic high waisted style with pockets this year!

6. Nude sandals - A pair of nude strappy sandals should be a staple in everyone's closet. If you already have nude covered, this style also comes in a ton of other colors as well.

7. Ankle boots - Madewell makes so many great classic boots and shoes and these are a great fall staple. Wear them with dresses or jeans/pants - they will go with almost anything in your closet.

8. Sports bra - I have this sports bra and it provides such great support for all types of activities and is so comfortable to wear.

9. Suede mule - Another classic shoe option from Madewell! These would be so cute for fall.

10. Hunter boots - If you don't have a pair of rain boots for yourself, Hunters are one of the best. I also love that you can add thick socks and wear them in the snow.

11. Over the knee boots - Now is the perfect time to splurge on a pair of OTK boots. You can wear these with dresses, skirts and jeans - they are incredibly versatile!

12. Sheath dress - This is a great workwear piece and you can even layer a turtleneck under it to make it suitable for fall and winter.

13. Faux leather moto jacket - I tried this jacket on in store (see it in this post) and was really impressed with the fit! I already have a black moto jacket or else this would have been my pick for this year.

14. V-neck cashmere sweater - It's not the most exciting piece you will ever buy, but classics like there are always needed in a good wardrobe.

15. Cozy cardigan - Everyone is crazy for the Barefoot Dreams cardigans (they truly are as soft as everyone claims) and this style is still in stock!

Shop all my picks here:

A Few Must Have Baby/Kid Items To Buy From the Nordstrom Sale

There are some pretty big splurge items on sale in the kids/baby section of the Anniversary sale so i thought I would share 9 of them that I love and/or would recommend.

1. Nuna Mixx stroller - We did not get this stroller but looking back think we should have because we bought all of our car seats from Nuna. Having the matching stroller that allowed for the infant car seat to attach would have been great. I have heard great things about this stroller from a few friends of mine who have it.

2. Hooded towel - I buy Miles so many hooded towels because we use one every night after the bath and have since he was an infant. I just grabbed this one during the sale.

3. Sweatshirt and sweatpants set - The boys clothing selection wasn't as great as I would have hoped, but this set was one of my favorites. I like buying Miles full outfits because it makes getting him dressed so much easier.

4. High top sneakers - These leather high top converse sneakers are the coolest things ever!

5. Adidas set - Miles has a cute Nike sweatsuit that I bought him and he wears it a ton especially in the cooler months. This Adidas set is just as adorable.

6. Faux leather diaper backpack - I bought a backpack from Zara last year and it's the only thing I really ever use when I go out with Miles. This diaper bag backpack looks like a great option to carry all the things and be hands free.

7. Nuna Pipa car seat - We used this car seat when Miles was an infant and loved it. It's very lightweight and easy to carry.

8. Converse sneakers - I have these for Miles and they are perfect to wear with casual outfits or when we are going somewhere a smidge nicer and I want him to look put together.

9. Nuna Rava car seat - We graduated from the Pipa car seat to this Rava after much research. It came highly recommended to us and I bought this exact one from the Anniversary sale. We needed a second car seat for my mom's car and this was a great deal!

Shop all my picks here:

All the Best Leopard Print Pieces From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Camisole - BP | Pants - Halogen (similar here) | Sandals - Steve Madden | Bag - Gucci | Sunglasses - Le Specs | Earrings - Lisi Lerch | Ring - Kendra Scott

I never need a reason to buy more leopard print and the selection of leopard print (and animal print in general) from the Anniversary sale was amazing! There were so many different styles and colors that I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to get. This leopard camisole was a definite must as soon as I saw it and looked great with these cropped tie-waist pants. I rounded up all my favorite options from each category and put them in the widgets below!

Shop all my favorite leopard shoes from the sale:

Shop all my favorite leopard sweaters and tops from the sale:

Shop all my favorite leopard coats and jackets from the sale:

Shop all other leopard pieces I'm loving:

Shop all animal print pieces from the sale:

10 Coats Not To Miss From the #NSale

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is now open to everyone and even though I didn't pick up a winter coat this year from the sale, there are a bunch that I think are worth checking out! I rounded up my top 10 not to miss.

1. Trench coat - A classic trench coat is a closet must have. I love how this one is a bit shorter.

2. Faux shearling moto jacket - This is a great jacket for winter and adds a bit of edge to an outfit.

3. Quilted water resistant parka - This parka has stars embossed into the fabric which makes it so cute.

4. Yellow wool blend coat - I saw this coat in store and the yellow is really beautiful!

5. Plaid glossy raincoat - I really debated getting this coat because I think the glossy effect is so unique!

6. Camo military coat - A great casual jacket to throw on with a tee and jeans.

7. Faux fur trim faux leather jacket - As a big red lover, I was immediately drawn to this. With all black, this would make such a statement.

8. Wool & cashmere wrap coat - Definitely an investment piece but this coat will probably still be in your closet 10 years from now and still look current and chic.

9. Plaid cashmere wrap - Hello fabulous! This is a bit of an investment piece but it's timeless and could be worn for years to come.

10. Plaid wool blend coat - This coat is sold out but I had to mention it in case it comes back in stock. I LOVE the plaid print (not all plaid prints are that good) and the faux fur collar is so chic.

Shop all the coats here:

9 Fall/Winter Outfit Ideas Styled With My #NSale Purchases

Cardigan (runs big, wearing Petite XXS) | Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Faux leather leggings (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Boots (run TTS)

Moto jacket (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Sweater (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (runs TTS, wearing 26) | Pumps (similar)

Sweater (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (Runs TTS, wearing 26) | Loafers (runs big, size down) | Tote bag

Moto jacket (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (runs TTS, wearing 26) | Loafers (runs big, size down)

Blazer (runs big, wearing petite xxs) | Camisole (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (runs TTS, wearing 26) | Boots (run TTS)

Blazer (runs big, wearing petite XS) | Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Faux leather leggings (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Pumps (similar)

Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (runs TTS, wearing 26) | Boots (run TTS)

Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Faux leather leggings (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Loafers (run big, size down)

Dress (runs TTS, wearing XXS) | Jacket (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Pumps (similar)

Today is the first day of public access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Yay! I thought I would show you how I would style most of my fall/winter purchases from the sale which may help some of you in deciding whether or not you want to purchase them yourself. I bought a variety of pieces and love that most of them can be mixed and matched. In addition to this post, I am going to link below all my previous #nsale posts in case you want to see more of my recommendations in other categories:

• My entire fashion haul from the sale is in this video
• All my beauty purchases and skincare set recommendations are in this video
• Here are all the best home decor buys from the sale
• This post features a bunch of items I tried on in-store but ultimately didn't get though I would definitely recommend quite a few of the pieces. 
• All my outfits from last year that are included in this year's sale (there are some great staples in this post!)

I will also be featuring a few more round-ups in the next few days such as best kids pieces to buy from the sale, best coats and all the animal print pieces not to miss! Remember you can find ALL of my Nordstrom sale content on this tab for easy reference and I update it frequently.

Shop all the pieces from my haul here:

All the Best Home Decor Finds From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The fashion and beauty steals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are the biggest draws, but I thought I would round up all the home decor items I found from the sale that were worth shopping!

1. Duvet Cover - This duvet cover and set comes in so many colors and is so cute for your bedroom or even a guest bedroom.

2. Faux Mink Sleeping Bag - I would go camping if it meant I could sleep in this fabulous number! Hello glamping! But it would also would be great for movie night or if you need extra "beds" for when guests come over.

3. Salad serving set - Serving salad but making it fancy. LOL

4. Pouf stool - This is a great piece for a nursery or bedroom and it would go with so many different home decor styles.

5. Pitcher - While this is technically a pitcher, I would use this as a gorgeous vase.

6. Marble and wood serving board - Treat yourself to this and then head to the store and buy a bunch of overpriced cheese to jazz up a simple dinner at home. 

7. Leopard lumbar pillow - Leopard lovers don't need any reason to buy this. It's leopard and that's the only reason we need. LOL

8. Leather pouf - This is definitely a pricier item but would look absolutely amazing in a den or family room. It's a major statement piece.

9. Grey wood wastebasket - Put this in your home office or a guest bathroom to add a bit more flair. This is so much better than a boring old trashcan.

10. Aromatherapy diffuser - I actually don't have any diffusers at home but this one makes me want to reconsider. It looks so chic.

11. Clean bath mat - I bought this for my bathroom and think it's so cute.

12. Marble print throw - For the price, this is a fun throw to add on a chair or as a decorative piece on a bed or bench. I'm a sucker for all things marble print. #sobasic

13. Wine rack - This would work as a wine rack or even hold your olive oil bottles in the kitchen. It's a great way to display bottles you use regularly in a decorative yet functional way.

14. Wool rug - A great neutral rug for almost any room of the house. It would also make a great entry way rug!

Shop all my home decor picks here:

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Fashion Haul + Try-On

My fashion haul from the Nordstrom Anniversary haul is now up! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe.

The products mentioned in the video:

Black lace detail top

My favorite strapless bra

Zella blue high waisted crop leggings

Zella blue sports bra

Zella pink sports bra

Zella pink leggings

Alo high waist leggings in lavender

Alo sports bra

Alo cropped workout top

Alo faux fur jacket

Commando underwear

Hanky panky underwear

Halogen seamless bra

BP leopard cropped sweatshirt

BP leopard sweatpants

Pink camo sweatshirt

Pink camo sweatpants

Alo moto joggers

Alo moto leggings (I have and love these!)

Zella joggers

Something Navy leopard cardigan

Halogen leopard cardigan

BP leopard cardigan

Commando faux leather leggings

Spanx faux leather leggings

Chelsea28 faux leather leggings

Halogen cropped tie-waist pants

Kut from the Kloth high rise jeans

Topshop skinny jeans

Topshop dad jeans

AG Farrah jeans

Rag & Bone high rise jeans

Halogen tweed blazer

Halogen moto jacket

YSL shopping tote

BB Dakota faux suede jacket

Avec les filles camo star jacket

Halogen button down blouse polka dot print

Gibson tie waist top

BP camisole

Express camisole (these are my favorite)

BP square neck bodysuit

Halogen turtleneck

Halogen ribbed sweater

Halogen stretchy ribbed sweater in white

Chelsea28 mock neck dress

Halogen ribbed sweater in striped print

Halogen striped turtleneck sweater

Caslon beige chunky sweater

Treasure & Bond hat

Marc Fisher loafers

Sole Society leopard loafers

Marc Fisher black ankle boots

Louise et Cie black ankle boots

Sam Edelman knee high boots

Shop all my items here:

My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Haul + What Skincare Sets I Would Recommend

Sharing my beauty haul from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in today's video. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!

The products mentioned in the video:

Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow & Face Palette

Marc Jacobs Blush in Kinks & Kisses

Charlotte Tilbury Easy Smoky Eye Palette

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit

MAC Full Size Lip Haul Set

Dior Addicted to Glow Light Glow Lip Set

St. Tropez Express Bronzing Mousse

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse

Ouai to Glow

Kerastase Scalp Scrub

Christophe Robin Scalp Scrub

Kerastase Elixir Ultime

NARS Face Palettes

NARS Afterglow Mini Lip Balm duo

NARS Naked Paradise Satin Lip Pencil Set

NARS Hot Tropic Lip Gloss Coffret

Nest Fragrances Classic Candle Duo Set

Nest Fragrances Votive Candle Trio

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Duo

Kiehl's Creme de Corps Jumbo

Neulash Duo

Flowerbomb set

Sunday Riley Essentials Set

Clarins Double Serum set

Fresh Rose Hydration Rush Ritual Set

T3 Curling iron

Shop the products from today's video:

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Dressing Room Diaries - Hits & Misses

Halogen Faux Fur Coat: This coat is so much more flattering in person than it is online. It's runs true to size and allows for a sweater underneath. I am wearing an XS. (Sale price: $118.90, after sale $179)

KUT from the Kloth Donna Jeans: These surprised me so much because they fit like a glove! I was looking for more distressed pairs so I ended up skipping these, but I highly recommend them if you want a dark denim high waisted style. They run true to size and I am wearing a 2. (Sale price: $59.90, after sale $89.50)

Vince Camuto Gigietta Booties: Everyone was raving about these so I had to try them on. They are very cute but I have something very similar so I skipped them as well. However, if you want a ankle boot to go with dresses or jeans, these are a great option. They ran true to size for me. (Sale price: $99.90, after sale $149.95)

Halogen Raw Edge Tweed Jacket: I have the tweed one from last year so I decided to skip this but it's a gorgeous jacket. Fits true to size, I am wearing an XS. (Sale price: $98.90, after sale $149.00)

BP Lace Trim Camisole: These lace camisoles are everything. For the price, you cannot beat them. I bought a black and white. I find they fit true to size and I am wearing an XS. (Sale price: $25.90, after sale $39.00)

Kut from the Kloth Donna Jeans

Marc Fisher Pointy Toe Loafers: These were an instant hit for me and SO comfortable. They run very big so I had to go down 1/2 a size. These would be my number one recommendation for a great flat for fall. (Sale price: $99.90, after sale $149.95)

BB Dakota Wade Drape Front Jacket: The neckline draping on this jacket is so flattering. The sleeves fit perfectly and overall it's a gorgeous jacket. This one came home with me! It runs true to size and I am wearing an XS. (Sale price: $64.90, after sale $98.00)

BP Lace Trim Camisole

Kut from the Kloth Donna Jeans

Sam Edelman Riza Flats: I debated getting these but they weren't as comfortable as I would have liked so I skipped them. They felt a bit too tight and the next size up was too big. (Sale price: $79.90, after sale $129.95)

BB Dakota Wade Drape Front Jacket

Leith Wide Strap Sleeveless Dress: This tank dress is a great staple but I would recommend going up 1-2 sizes. It's not super see through but it will show lumps and bumps if too tight. I decided to go with a small. (Sale price $45.90, $69.00)

Marc Fisher Pointy Toe Loafers

Topshop Crop Faux Leather Moto Jacket: I already have a black moto jacket but was curious what this Topshop one looked like and it is a really good style! The fit is true to size and I am wearing an US 2. (Sale price: $62.90, after sale $95.00)

Leith Wide Strap Sleeveless Dress

Astr the Label Tiger Stripe Sweater: I liked this sweater on the website and on the hanger, but on me it was awful. I think it is the nude band around the waist and wrists that I don't like. This was not a hit. It does run true to size and I am wearing an XS. (Sale price $58.90, after sale $89.00)

Madewell 9-Inch Raw Hem Ankle Skinny Jeans: I was looking for a pair of black jeans and liked these but didn't love them. They were a bit too long for my taste. They run quite big so I went down a size and am wearing a 25. (Sale price: $84.90, after sale $128.00)

Marc Fisher Pointy Toe Loafers

Topshop Supersoft Crewneck Stripe Sweater: Sorry this sweater is a monstrosity. It looked cute online but the fit is HUGE and drowned me. Size down if you are thinking about it but frankly I would not recommend. (Sale price: $44.90, after sale $68.00)

Kut from the Kloth Donna Jeans

Marc Fisher Pointy Toe Loafers

Caslon Turtleneck Sweater: I liked this sweater but didn't love it. The fit is cute but I wanted the neck to be a bit bigger and more dramatic. It runs big so size down. I am wearing an XS. (Sale price: $45.90, after sale $69.00)

Kut from the Kloth Donna Jeans

BB Dakota Up to Speed Faux Leather Jacket: This is the leather version of the brown suede one I wore above. The color is beautiful but the fit of the suede one is so much better. It lies flatter on the body and drapes beautifully. This felt a bit too bulky. It runs true to size and I am wearing an XS. (Sale price: $64.90, after sale $98.00)

BP Lace Trim Camisole: A must have. I bought it in white and black.

Kut from the Kloth Donna Jeans

Marc Fisher Pointy Toe Loafers

Halogen Skivvy Fine Rib Crewneck Tee: I had already ordered this long sleeved tee online but wanted to pair it with this leopard skirt. It's such a great basic and isn't see through. It runs true to size and I am wearing an XS. (Sale price $24.90, after sale $39)

Halogen Pleated Leopard Skirt: I was curious how this skirt would fit but I have something very similar so I didn't end up getting it. I liked it but it was a bit too puffy around my hips and made me look much bigger in that area. I think that this would look much better on someone taller or with a shorter torso (I have a very long torso so it hit me in a funny spot on my waist). It runs true to size and I am wearing an XS. (Sale price $78.90, after sale $119)

Halogen Rowen Bootie: I was curious how these would look on but I thought they were absolutely awful. Not flattering in the slightest. They run true to size but don't even waste your time with them. Much better black bootie options in this sale. (Sale price $59.90, after sale $99.95)

Halogen Skivvy Fine Rib Crewneck Tee 

Frame Ali Leopard Print High Waist Crop Jeans: I had mixed feeling about these jeans because they fit like a glove. Absolute perfection. And I love the print. But they felt a bit too much for my own personal style. Which seems weird because I wear a ton of leopard. That being said, I have seen other women wearing them and they look amazing. These are definitely a pair of jeans that you have to try on for yourself and decide. They do run very big and I went down two sizes and am wearing a 24. (Sale price: $149.90, after sale $225)

Halogen Rowen Bootie

I popped into a Nordstrom store near me yesterday because I wanted to see some things in person and took some pictures of the things I tried on. Sadly the store I went to didn't have a huge selection and I was more successful with my online order (stay tuned for that!), but there were a few gems in the bunch. There were also a few items that were too similar to things I already had but I would still recommend because they fit great and looked so flattering. I'll be sharing my online order in a YouTube video and styling the pieces in the coming weeks on my blog. If you have any questions about the above items, leave me a comment below.

Shop all the items from the post here: