Apparently this is the season of the cover-up for me, because I get tempted every time I see a new style! This caftan is shown online as a dress, but it didn’t look quite right on me with a slip as a dress or paired with a tank and pants. So, over a swimsuit it goes! So often in Minnesota – even in the height of summer – there can be a chill in the morning or evening air, so the heavier weight of this piece will work well.

Anthropologie caftan | L Space shoes (sold out, but so many cute fringe versions out there, like these and these) | Lilly Pulitzer for Target tote (sold out, but love the summer stripe of this one (which also happens to be 68% off!) | Michael Kors watch | Kate Spade necklaces | sunglasses (borrowed from my mom – I forgot mine this weekend!)
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The maxi dress is a summer staple. It’s also, in most cases, a fairly casual option and not all that practical for me in that they often have thin straps or none at all. After two babies going braless just isn’t a great look for me, and I’m over the effort and the discomfort of a strapless bra. I love this version because it incorporates the loose-fitting and effortless look and a fun floral print commonly found in a cute maxi but takes it up a notch with the detailed stitching in the print, hi low hemline, and full neckline (in other words, a normal bra works). And while I’m on the topic of what things make me comfortable at this stage in my life, I should note that these shoes have Velcro closures. I was pretty against the idea in concept but ordered them anyway. After comparing them to many of the same style with buckle closures, these were the best fitting, easiest to get on and off (that’s probably not terribly surprising) and way more comfortable.

Anthropologie dress and shoes (Velcro not your thing? Other cute options are here and here) | Banana Republic sunglasses | Kate Spade clutch (old, this year’s version here and love this style here) | Michael Kors watch | Hermes bracelet | Madewell bracelet and ring | Anthropologie earrings (sold out, but love this new hammered gold option)
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Pink and purple are everywhere in Ella’s closet, but not at all in mine – which is why this top caught my eye.  It’s actually marketed as a dress but there is zero chance I could pull that off, so I paired with cropped pants and wore as a tunic instead. I love the pattern and especially the raspberry color, as it reminds me of this tree in our yard that blooms for about five minutes in the spring.

Kora Rae dress/tunic | Chloe handbag | Coach shoes | Michael Kors watch | Hermes bracelet | Madewell bracelet | Tiffany & Co. sunglasses | Kate Spade earrings
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