SUMMER PRINTS

A couple months ago I was introduced to Joules - a British clothing company that loves to make the "ordinary extraordinary." They are now making their clothes available in the U.S., and I couldn't be more excited about it. Here's why...

Joules is best known for their bright colorful prints, and my wardrobe could use a cheery facelift. I am wearing their tops from their summer collection on repeat lately. They really make my boring jeans look so much more fun. Plus, they are all machine washable. Plus, I'm feeling a bit uninspired by regular haunts of GAP, J.Crew, Target, ZARA. Sometimes you need a change, and I know I can always count on our friends from across the pond to breathe some life into American fashion.

They make one crisp, tailored button down shirt too. If you know me at all, you know that my favorite outfit is a button down shirt, skinny jeans and blazer. Without fail it's a chic outfit that's flattering on every woman. But this shirt isn't boring at all with neon stitches in it. I think it might be my favorite shirt of all time.

The quality of their clothes is top notch. It has all of the style and spunk of a J. Crew with the quality of a Brooks Brothers. They make one hell of a cute dress. Be sure to check them out if you're looking for a classic, bright update to your wardrobe. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

FATHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

Can you believe it's already June?! That means it's time to (extra) celebrate all of the dads out there. Shopping for fathers isn't always the easiest task, so I've put together some ideas to help guide the way.

Tech gifts are great because no matter what, each year there is some new gadget on the market to take for a spin. Grooming gifts like fancy shaving sets and nice cologne are great because they're special treats that men might not be inclined to spend money on for themselves, but are still practical. If practicality is what you're looking for, the no-nonsense kind of man will love gifts that are simple and handy, like the S'well bottle below. (Have you heard about those? They're amazing!) Lastly, you have your fashion gifts. Because what dad wouldn't appreciate a new pair of sunglasses or a wear-everywhere watch? 

See something you like? Click the items below to get shopping. 

BAGS THAT GIVE BACK

Handbags are one accessory that is essential for your daily life. You need a place to carry all of your personal belongings, so why not do it in style. There are so many bags to choose from out there, but I want to share with you one handbag company that is changing the lives of families living in Guatemala one bag at a time. 

Ixchel Triangle is a company that is committed to supporting and changing the lives of people in Guatemala through creating beautiful, artisan bags that are one of kind. Every person that helps in the making of these bags are paid above market wages, and the children of these families have their education paid for by Ixchel Triangle.

I love that their bags are standout accessories that are HIGH quality. They leather on my bag is strong and durable. The bag even has a leather bottom with metal feet on the bottom to protect it from getting dirty. 

For any woman that is about to be a mom or is a mom of little ones, they also offer diaper bags that are the coolest I've ever seen. 

I chose to pair my Qas Nim bag with my new chambray embellished tank from TJ Maxx, skinny jeans and my Timberland wedges. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

SUMMER SHORTS

It's short season, and finding the right shorts can be just as hard as swimsuit shopping. Being eight months post-partum my midsection is still a bit thicker than usual, so I really don't want to spend too much money on new shorts that I will only wear for this year (hoping to be back to normal in a couple more months).  

My solution - elastic waist bands and drawstrings. They expand and contract, and I will be able to get more use out of them than your regular button or zip fly. Target has a great selection of summer shorts right now. Here are two pairs that I found that I love:

As a chambray obsessed girl, these chambray shorts with a drawstring (only $24.99) and white trim are so cute. Add a t-shirt or a summer button-down shirt like this gingham one from Banana Republic and you are set for a backyard BBQ or outdoor picnic with the family.

Pom-poms seem to be a new Pinterest obsession of mine. I don't know what it is about these fuzzy little decorations, but I love them. I found these punchy coral shorts with pom-poms at Target ($22.99), and I just had to have them. I paired them with a chambray shirt (can you tell I'm obsessed with too) and my brown wedges and I'm ready for the pool with the kids. You'll also be happy to know that these shorts come in yellow and navy too. Woohoo!

In fact, these shorts even go with my new Target swimsuit. Just put it underneath, and you can look great before and after the pool or beach. 

Now, run to Target and get yours! Photos by Rennai Hoefer.

PERFECT SUMMER SHOE

We have hit 100 degree temps in Arizona, so you better believe I am living in sandals. Every year I buy two new pairs of summer sandals - one pair that's black and one that's brown. You would think I have a lot of black and brown sandals in my closet, but our summers end when November begins, so my summer sandals are beatin' to a pulp when the season finishes. I've teamed up with Zappos.com and Timberland to share with you my perfect summer sandals that guarantee style, comfort and long-lasting wear.

Because I live in these shoes all day every day they have to be comfortable, stylish and go with everything. Brown and black leather shoes tend to cover all my bases. So, when I was shopping for my new summer sandals, I came across these pretty leather wedges by Timberland. 

They are the perfect height (not too high, but just enough height), they have an ankle strap and are very lightweight. I have never owned Timberland sandals before, but I do remember owning their boots and I loved them. So, at a great price of $130 on Zappos.com, I thought I would give them a try and if they didn't work I would ship them right back.

Zappos is the best place to buy shoes because it's free shipping both ways, and they guarantee returns for 365 days. Shoes are hard to fit my size 10, narrow feet, so having the freedom to try on shoes like shopping in a store is wonderful. 

My ideal summer outfit is a sleeveless top or t-shirt with cute jeans or jeans shorts and wedges. These shoes really complete my look, and I've already gotten a ton of complements on them. Make sure to check out Timberland sandals if you're in the market for some new summer shoes. 

Photography by Rennai Hoefer