Summer Trends: Smocking and a Puff Sleeve

I’ve talked before about the puff sleeve and how a statement sleeve is just so in right now. And so is smocking. There’s actually a summer dress that I am obsessed with and saved up for that has huge puffed sleeves and a smocked bodice. This style goes well with my body type; small chest and small arms. But don’t be deterred if you are not this, the huge puff sleeves are so exaggerated and fun, they look good on everyone! And I like smocking because it is form fitting, but in a tasteful way.

Hot Summer Trends You’ll Want to Try:

I found this top at H&M a while ago, but since blog posting slows down a bit during the summer for me so I can mom, it’s been a bit slow to come in. I did find some great options for you if you want to try the style, keep scrolling down for my favorites. I also love these pants, and anything super high waist or paper bag… it’s been a while and not going anywhere anytime soon!

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As you might know, when in doubt, I always finish my outfits off with a nude pump. What is on-trend for shoes right now is the clear straps, so if you love that, try something like that because it’s so flattering! I’ll pull a few options for you below on that as well!

If you’re wondering how I’m getting a post out in the middle of summer, it’s because the kids are at school this week. It truly was so right, because when they got there this morning, they were so happy and excited! We’ve been having a lot of fun and staying busy at home. And of course there’s a lot of fighting between both of them. So school was a nice break and good for them to have a bit of a routine for a change. (And Jackson has had swimmer’s ear this week, so I know it came at a good time for him!).

Elston got to move up to full-out Preschool this week (where she will be starting in August), and was greeted by her very best friend, the one she’s been crying for since she moved up in the fall. Three other best friends of hers all rushed up to her and everyone screamed with excitement when learning she was going to be in their class now, and they all hugged her. She was so so happy and just beaming. It was incredible to watch, honestly one of my top happiest moments as a mother.

I have this full workweek to plan some things out for NYFW which in blog world and planning, is a short time away. I have something major for my blog coming up and needed some work time to try focus on it, to set things up for the next step. And then, I will be planning on covering the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale later this week as well. I’ve talked before about this being a big deal for content creators because if you shop from our links, we make a small commission on what you purchase. If you follow many bloggers, you know it’s a crazy time, and might even feel like it’s been way too played out and covered. That could be true, but the truth in the matter, is that affiliate links is a huge component to our jobs as bloggers. It’s helpful as a source of income, but also as a player in this game. It helps brands identify our influence (by click stats and just presence in general). The NSale truly does have some great deals, but I look at it as another sale in the retail world. There will always be another. So I will never push you to buy anything or break the bank trying to keep up. What I’m going to do is give you some creative inspiration and show you how to wear things. I will pick my favorites, because trust me, there is a lot out there that I don’t like, and I will never pretend to like something just because everyone else does.

So that’s it for today, I WILL have blog posts every day this week! Yay!

Shop my Smocked Top Outfits:

Shop my Favorite Statement Tops:

Shop my Favorite Clear Strap Shoes: