And just like that... we’re less than eight weeks away from my due date.
It’s hard to wrap my head around.
I know there’s this huge, impending change coming that’s about to crack our lives wide open. Sometimes I find myself wondering if I’m supposed to be doing something more to prepare. Beyond the classes, the nursery, the doctor’s appointments, is there some secret emotional preparation everyone else knows about?
On one hand, you’d think so. On the other hand, what can you really do? At a certain point, I think you just have to trust that you’ll figure it out as you go! Everyone tells you your life changes forever. I believe them…I just don't know what that actually means yet. :)
What I do know is that between now and then, life is carrying on as usual. Our calendar is somehow packed with showers, family events, and summer plans. So while part of me is counting down to baby's arrival, another part of me is simply trying to soak in and savor these last weeks Tom and I have as a twosome.
Since we're not traveling or doing anything particularly adventurous, we're leaning into the simple things: evening walks, Cubs games, rounds of golf, patio dinners, and all the ordinary moments that I suspect won't feel quite so ordinary this time next year.
And maybe because we're staying close to home this summer, I've found myself paying more attention to the small things that make the season feel special. The colors of beach umbrellas. Stripes. Shells. Sun-faded linens. Handwoven textures. The kinds of details that instantly transport you somewhere, even if you're just sitting on your patio after work.
I've been saving images, products, and little bits of inspiration that capture that feeling, so I thought I'd share a few favorites.
I love these beach chairs. They are actually harder to find than I thought, but if you’re in the market, I found these, these, and these.
Pink & yellow with our Oyster Everyday Bucket Bag is a great combo.
This necklace is in my cart. I haven’t been wearing much jewelry lately, but I really love the organic look of this one. I especially love it paired with this beauty!
A fun striped towel or with fringe from Serena and Lily - these are made from Turkish cotton. Throw it in your beach bag, or if you live in a city like me, use it on your balcony. A little color goes a long way! This one is also really fun!
I also have this pillow in my cart. I’m not usually one for seasonal decor, but I think this pillow on our otherwise neutral couch would just bring a little summer joy to our living room.
Anything shell themed! These bowls, this serving set, this oyster platter. Such a fun way to bring color and texture to your table.
A gorgeous tablecloth - and it’s machine washable! Even if it’s just for you, why not make coffee on the patio special?
I think I have a thing for stripes and soft pink because I keep coming back to this shirt. If I wasn’t pregnant, I’d snatch it up in a heartbeat. This butter yellow one is also on my mind. Speaking of yellow, I just received this dress from J.Crew and it’s so cute. It’s lined, so not sheer and it’s more yellow than in the photos (the product photos are more accurate), which I was happy about.
Of course, basket bags - our Basket Tote or Soleil Tote…but also this sun hat is the best.
Blue and white ceramics just feel like a European summer - this jug (use it for flowers or lemonade), these glass bowls (perfect for gelato or ice cream)
The Dress Edit: Wedding Guest
Yesterday was my sister’s first dress fitting for her wedding at the end of August. Her dress is AMAZING, but I’m bringing this up because wedding season is officially upon us. If you’re shopping for a dress to wear to a wedding this summer, I’ve gathered up a few I’ve seen recently that are lovely. It can be so tricky to know what to wear - black tie, formal, garden party, destination wedding, etc. I tried to cover all your bases so there’s something for everyone!
Heidi Merrick - For the minimalist. This feels perfect for a beach wedding, destination wedding, or any dress code where you want to look elegant without looking overdressed. I love her entire aesthetic - classic, feminine, and timeless.
Staud - If you're attending a formal summer wedding, this color is stunning. Depending on accessories, I could see this working equally well for a destination wedding or a more elevated evening event.
Doen - My pick for an outdoor wedding in actual summer heat. I wore a similar style to a Palm Springs wedding last year when it was nearly 100 degrees and was so grateful for the lightweight fabric (and the fact that it hid sweat).
J.Crew - Garden party perfection. The silhouette feels polished without being too serious, and I'd happily wear this for anything from a vineyard wedding to a backyard celebration.
Ulla Johnson - Black tie or formal wedding. This is probably my favorite dress in the roundup. The texture and movement make it feel special enough for the dressiest invitations without being overly trendy.
Simon Miller - For the person who doesn't want to wear a traditional wedding guest dress. The fringe detail makes it feel fashion-forward, but the silhouette is still incredibly wearable.
Reformation - A great catch-all option. If you're staring at a wedding invitation wondering whether the dress code is cocktail, formal, or something in between, this is the type of dress that can flex either direction depending on shoes and jewelry.
Wishing you a beautiful start to summer, whether you’re attending weddings, planning vacations, or simply enjoying a slower evening on the patio.
xo,
Abby
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