As we enter our third full week of school, I’m reminded August is coming to an end and summer, in my mind, will officially be over. September 1st is my kickoff to fall. I cannot wait another minute to put out a pumpkin or two and change my door hanger to something Auburn related for football season. AHHH! I’m getting so excited! I’m really trying to be intentional about looking forward to things. Time moves so quickly, and I find that looking forward to something has really made it slow down for me…or seem like it, anyway. Like when you were a kid waiting for Christmas, the time would drag on and on. But become an adult and BAM, lightening speed. ………I don’t know how any of this fall talk pertains to my summer. Let’s reign it in, shall we?
The topic of today’s summer recap is: Most Worn Items/Favorite Purchases. If what I was wearing is not available, I’ll try to link this year’s version or just link to the shop I got it from. Not everything is clothes, but for the items that are, if you’re in the south with me, you know everything I’m about to share will be relevant in your closet until about November. Come on cooler temps! I’m ready for a sweatshirt!
Target Sandals


Let’s kick things off with some footwear. I have worn these sandals for two seasons now. They have held up beautifully, and I would have them in every color if I didn’t think that was a tad excessive. However, I have gotten the most wear out of these two color ways (beige and cognac) and would buy them again in a heartbeat. The fit is true to size with no rubbing or blisters. You’ll reach for them daily, and they go with everything.
Not the Norm Dresses


I feel pretty confident these dresses are gone from Not the Norm, but that’s no matter. There’s plenty of great dresses waiting to be scooped up. While this may be annoying to some, I love the idea that shopping small sometimes means that only a handful of people get to purchase certain styles. I got lucky enough to grab these two when I did. I’ve been reaching for both of them over and over. I’ve been gravitating to green a lot and statement collars, so both dresses were must haves. Who knows? Maybe these silouhettes will be available again in different colors or patters. Another one that is still available that I got a little later in the summer but wear all the time is this ikat maxi shirt dress. It’s a classic style with a bright, vibrant print. I just love it. (Shoes (tts) and Bag from the pics)

Harem Pants

These delightfully comfy linen pants came to me from a friend who was sent the wrong item in an Old Navy order. She asked me if I wanted to try them, and I said sure. I then fell in love with harem pants. I wear them all the time around the house, and I’ve worn them out a few times. I do suggest sizing down as they’re oversized. If I buy another color, I’ll opt for the Large instead of the XL seen here. The wide waistband is insanely comfortable, and the ankle ties give the perfect harem pant look. I truly can’t get enough. You definitely need these.
Pajamas


I live in lounge wear when I’m home, and a lot of the time that lounge wear looks like pajamas. I have found love in the Soma pajama pants and the Joyspun pajamas at Walmart. I find the material soft and comfortable in both brands. I do think the Soma pjs are a tad cooler, though. I recommend getting your true size in each. I sized down in the Somas, which fit great, but sometimes I wish they were a tad more oversized. I’d say going with your true size will be a very comfortable fit. Sadly, it doesn’t look like the blue leopard print is available in the Joyspun ones, but I linked to the regular leopard set. I also have and love this particular set. Not this print, but the Valentine print, and I wear them constantly even when it’s not Valentine’s Day because they are so comfy.
Favorite Purchases of the Summer
I’m sure I purchased more things, but the two things that stand out the most are my Book of the Month subscription and a champagne stopper.

Book of the Month was not something I was interested in, until it became clear that I was not utilizing an audiobook platform I was paying for and was buying more physical copies of books and visiting the library more. Lucky for me, the book I wanted to read next was available as a BOTM pick, and I jumped right in with a promo, canceled my other subscription, and now I look forward to a blue box arriving with my next read. If you are interested in joining Book of the Month, I’d be so grateful if you used my link here. If you do, I get a free book credit. Then if you join, you can do the same and share with a friend and get a free book credit. Win win!

While visiting our friends in Louisiana for the 4th, we broke a champagne stopper of theirs and ordered them a new one. We swear by these things and believe they keep our champagne or Prosecco bubbly for days after the bottle’s been opened. Perfect for when you just need a little for a spritz or mimosa. This would be a great stocking stuffer for the bubbly lover in your life. Or give it as a hostess gift with your favorite bottle of champagne.
I think that about does it. Those are the things I most wore this summer and the things I bought that were worth mentioning. I bought a few other things here and there, but mostly what I spent my money on was experiences, travel, trips, oh, and groceries.
If you missed the first two parts of the summer recap, you can read about what kept me entertained here and some of the delicious recipes I made here.
Let me know if you have thoughts on this post in the comments. I’d love to know if anyone else loves those Joyspun pjs as much as I do.
