|

|

Instagram Roundup + Coffee Talk

Hello, friends! I’m back in Pennsylvania and missing the call of the loons and the crisp Maine air, but it’s nice to be home.

We left at 5AM yesterday morning and drove straight through, only stopping for gas and snacks along the way. Traffic was NUTS. We drove right through New York City, which is the fastest and most direct route, but yikes!!! We are used to it, as in we do it once a year, but for some reason yesterday was unusually insane. I don’t think we’ll do this drive on a Friday ever again.

Here’s a snap I downloaded. (Yes, my husband was driving!)

driving thru NYC

Thankfully, the traffic was moving most of the time, but it was busy and people were driving crazy. There were at least 3 times when I seriously thought I was going to die right there on the highway. Cars (and once a huge tractor trailer) were cutting us off left and right and crossing over into our lane when there was no room. It was insane. My anxiety was through the roof.

Despite that, we made great time and got home safely around 4PM, which gave us plenty of day left to unpack and unwind. My husband did 90% of the driving, as he usually does, and when we got home, he unloaded the car and then napped for a couple of hours. Bless his heart.

I unpacked immediately with the kids’ help, and it feels good to have that out of the way. We were even able to enjoy a casual get together with friends last night, and I’m excited to have today to putter around and get organized before heading into the first week of August.

august

The 1980s called. They want their clipart back. Ha!!!

But seriously, I cannot believe it’s almost August. I just want summer to slooooowwwww dooooowwwwwwwn.

So tell me, what would you like to see on the blog next month???

I notice that my summer fashion posts aren’t doing as well as my fall fashion posts, but I’m not really buying anything new for summer right now, and most everything I want to link to is low in stock, which I know is aggravating.

I’m happy to wait till September to dive head-on into fall fashion if that’s what y’all want, but if you like to shop ahead, I have plenty of fall to show you. I got home yesterday to a tower of boxes in my office.

boxes

No, I don’t keep all that. I have to vet it all, and a lot of it won’t make the cut and will get returned. Of the items I keep, eventually many will be donated or sold on my Shop Jo-Lynne’s Closet Instagram. (Keep an eye on that, by the way. I’ll be putting more summer stuff up this week.)

I actually like to keep my personal closet pared down. In fact, today we’re going to Ikea to pick up a free-standing clothing rack so I can keep all the new fall stuff in one place and out of my closet. I think that will help me feel less overwhelmed, and it will keep my business and personal separate. After a year of doing this fashion blogging thing, I’m finally getting it figured out!

Today I’ll be working on trying things on and sorting through everything. It’s a little overwhelming. I may have overdone it at the Nordstrom Sale, lol!!!

I hope everything gets restocked because I’m excited to show you what I found and how to style everything, but I’d like to hold most of it till September because Cyndi and I are doing another 26 Days of Fall Fashion series, and I’ll need 26 fall outfits!

Anyway, back to August… 

I have a few things already in the works. I’m doing a coast-to-coast blog hop with some other fashion bloggers on Tuesdays. We’re creating an end-of-summer survival guide that focuses on a different topic each week, so stay tuned for that.

I got a new box from Trunk Club, so I’m planning an unboxing post for that.

And of course, back to school season is upon us! I know a lot of you have teens and tweens, so I’m working on a few back to school posts featuring my girls. Those were very popular last year.

I don’t think my son will be making an appearance this time. He’s not a very willing model, and he’s pretty much the poster boy for the athletic wear at Kohl’s — not exactly fashion forward, but he’s 16, so you know. It is what it is.

Anyway, leave a comment and let me know what you’d like to see from me on the blog and if you have any ideas that might be new and fun, and that will help me be sure to plan content that is interesting and helpful as I flesh out my editorial calendar for the month of August.

Meanwhile, I put together an Instagram Roundup with all of the looks I’ve shared over the past week.

Instagram Roundup

This is a mix of fall and summer fashion, and I’ll throw in a few of my pictures from Maine as well. Of course, you can follow me on Instagram to see everything in real time, but I know that not everyone is on Instagram, and if you follow a lot of people, you may miss a few posts.

Instagram is where I share what I’m actually wearing, and I try to give you a peek into my life and what I’m up to, although that’s not always very interesting. Ha! I also post my looks from the blog to let y’all know when I have a new post up, or sometimes I give you a sneak peek of what’s to come.

If you like to shop my looks, you can sign up for LIKEtoKNOW.it and get the links to what I’m wearing emailed to you. (Learn more HERE.)

Or if you want the links and don’t want more emails, you can always click the link in my Instagram profile, and that will take you to my Shop The Feed page on the blog. There is also a Shop The Feed widget on my sidebar, and those links are clickable too.

Okay, so movingrightalong.

In Maine, we like to make s’mores after dinner and sit by the lake and enjoy the sunset. I shared this one on my personal Instagram account. It’s more for family stuff, but it’s not private, so you’re welcome to follow along.

S'mores

Paul snapped this picture one afternoon while I was sitting on the dock. You can see his reflection in my sunglasses, lol!!!

sitting on the dock

LOFT is running a fantastic sale on this Ladder Lace Tee. It’s $15, and all sizes are available. (I’m wearing a medium.) I also really like the Purple Potion color for fall.

Loft ladder tee

LOFT Ladder Lace Tee // J.Brand Low Rise Crop Jeans (size up in these) // Kate Spade Laurie Sunnies

We went hiking one day in Maine, and this was our view from the top.

View from Black Mountain

I posted this one to our personal Instagram. We propped the camera on a rock and set the timer.

Hiking black mountain

The North Face EZ Tee // Life Is Good Cap // Joe’s Jean Shorts (these run TTS and I love them!) // Saucony Guide (these are my running sneakers)

This Lush V-Neck Crepe Blouse is only $27 on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and comes in several colors. I’m wearing the medium. Unfortunately the earrings are sold out. The inventory on the Tory Burch Crossbody keeps fluctuating. The Bark is back in stock and the French Grey that I’m carrying is out again. It’s a good one if you like a smaller bag that still holds a lot.

Lush woven blouse

Lush V-Neck Crepe Blouse in Grape Leaf (ON SALE!) // J.Brand Low Rise Crop Jeans (size up in these) // Crystal Marquise Drop Earrings // Tory Burch Convertible Leather Crossbody in French Grey (ON SALE!) // Kate Spade Grammercy Watch

Paul had fun photographing these Maui Jim sunnies for my sponsored post this week. If you missed it, you can see the post HERE.

#mauireflect baby beach square 1

This cold shoulder top needs an iron! LOL! Anyway, it is super cute and supremely soft. The Splendid brand is known for their soft tees.

Pink cold shoulder top

Splendid Vintage Whisper Layer Tee in Vintage Wild Rose // similar shorts ($24!!!) // D Yurman Oval Link Bracelet

I wore this to go to the Jordan Pond House for lunch while we were in Maine. The Jordan Pond House is one of the most popular restaurants in Acadia National Park, and we go every year. This Jetsetter Tee is FINALLY on sale! You’ve seen me style it a few different ways. It’s so versatile and very forgiving if you carry any weight in your middle. It also comes in white (you will want a cami under this) and a pretty shade of red. I also like the two striped versions — here and here.

Black jetsetter tee and jeans

WHBM Jetsetter Tee (25% OFF!) // DL1961 Emma Skinnies // Sole Society Audrina Flatform Sandals (THESE are similar & more sizes HERE) // Tory Burch Convertible Leather Crossbody in French Grey (ON SALE!)

This Foldover Tassel Crossbody is only $39, and it’s really nice for such a budget-friendly bag. The Cognac is a great color for fall, and it also comes in Grey and Black.

BP. Tassel Crossbody

Foldover Tassel Crossbody // Banana Republic Sleeveless Cable Knit Top (ON SALE for $39!)

Here’s a random sunset picture. We had stunning sunsets almost every night we were in Maine. This is the view from our front lawn.

Sunset

In order to boost my Instagram following and as a way to give back to my audience over there, I participated in two Loop Giveaways while I was away. I thought I should explain how this works in case some of you saw it and weren’t sure what was going on.

Basically, a bunch of bloggers chip in for the prize, and then we all post the giveaway at the same time. We get a list of participants, and we each link to the next person on the list. The idea is for people to enter the giveaway by following everyone in the chain, thus creating a loop once they get back to the person they started with. Get it? Loop Giveaway!

I don’t plan to continue doing them every week, but it is a great way to find new people to follow and for new people to find me. Last week we gave away a Macbook Air, and this week it was a Louis Vuitton tote.

Louis Vuitton giveaway

Unfortunately this giveaway closed last night, so it’s no longer open, but keep an eye out for the next one! I’ll try to remember to give y’all a heads-up here on the blog.

This next outfit is almost entirely from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (#NSale for short.) I love and adore this cocoon sweater, but unfortunately it sold out early and so far hasn’t been restocked. I’m keeping my fingers crossed! The white tee is a favorite. It comes in a ton of colors, and it’s on sale for $17. It’s usually $25. I recommend sizing down in both of these. I’m wearing smalls, and I usually wear medium.

The booties are a great price at $79, and they are super comfortable. I know I said at one point you may want to size up, but when I put them on again, they felt fine in my usual 8 1/2. I think they run TTS.

The handbag is sold out in the tan, but it’s available in black, and it’s on sale for $149. This is another great mid-size handbag for those who don’t need anything too large.

Coral cocoon cardigan

Leith Cocoon Cardigan // Caslon Relaxed Slub Knit U-Neck Tee (ON SALE!) // DL1961 Emma Skinnies // BP. Tandem Bootie in Khaki Suede ($79!!!) // Moonbow Sunnies c/o Maui Jim // my Stella & Dot Quill Layering Necklace // Abril Leather Shoulder Bag (another great mid-size handbag)

This Crochet Tank is another great LOFT buy right now. It comes in black and rust and it’s currently marked down to $29. This sweater has such a flattering silhouette if you want a top that accentuates your waist or creates the illusion of a waist.

Crochet tank

LOFT Crochet Tank // DL1961 Florence Skinny Jeans // Tory Burch Britten Small Slouchy Tote // my Stella & Dot Becker CuffQuill Layering Necklace and Havana Chandeliers // D Yurman Link Ring // Tory Burch Fitbit Bracelet // similar wedge sandals

And that’s a wrap. Now that I’m back home and going through my #NSale purchases, I plan to put a few outfits together with items that are still available and post them to Instagram throughout the next week. There is one more week to shop the sale, and then the prices will go up to their full retail price.

Again, if you don’t have an Instagram account and/or don’t want LIKEtoKNOW.it emails flooding your inbox, you can shop my Instagram feed right here from the blog without registering for LIKEtoKNOW.it. Keep an eye on my Shop The Feed widget on the sidebar or click the Shop The Feed link in my menu bar at the top. If you’re on a mobile device, you can click the vertical lines at the very top to access my menu bar.

menu bar on mobile 1

When you click those 3 bars, the menu bar will drop down like this.

shop the feed

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Did You Like This Post?

Follow me on Instagram to see my daily outfits and get the first look at the new looks I’m styling for the blog. And be sure to sign up for LIKEtoKNOW.it so you can shop my looks before items start selling out!

Join The Conversation

41 Responses

  1. First, thank you for your fashion ideas! We have so much in common. Second, I would like to see more men’s fashion. I could use some additional ideas for my husband.

  2. Your Maine vacation looks like my dreams! For August, I am done buying clothes, am losing weight and don’t want things for next year because, hopefully I’ll be in a smaller size. I would like more ideas on cleaning out closet and planning a wardrobe. Also, I am always interested in your information on healthy lifestyle. You are inspiring in so many ways!

  3. I have learned so much since I started following your blog. Thank you! I am so glad you plan on addressing the issue of dressing Tweens. I am completely lost when it comes to dressing my 11 year old daughter. It would also be great if you let us know if you have any reccomendations for other blogs that focus on tween/teen fashion. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into your blog.

    1. Lynn – I love this idea too! My daughter is 12 and on the cusp of the smallest of women’s sizing but the clothing isn’t appropriate. Can’t wait to hear idea from other moms.

  4. Hi Jolynne, I’m glad you all had a great trip. I enjoyed the pics. I would like lots of ideas for fall. I love how you offer multiple items at different price points. I also need ideas for my 14/15 year old daughter. She’s starting to like some pricier items. She has some dances this year and I have no clue. Thanks for all your work!!!

  5. Thanks for the advice! I loved the handbag blog- ordered two so far. Could you do a jewelry blog featuring different styles? Also, a blog of all things leopard. Who knew it would look so good with mustard? I could use help pairing colors together to add interest. Navy and white are pretty but powder blue and red make for a nice change. Finally, skin care is always welcome. Thank you!!

  6. One of my favorites are your Coffee Talk blog posts! I also love to see things that you have found that work for your specific style and size as I think we have similar shapes. Also, even though things are sometimes sold out, I don’t mind you still posting them as it gives me inspiration for other outfits. I’d love to see your general storage for things like shoes, scarves, shoes, office, kitchen, etc. I know you’re focused more on fashion these days but I do love seeing others’ organization of their home. (I loved your closet post a while back.) Keep up the Snap Stories too, I enjoyed your journey back home from Maine and love the unboxing stories where you try things on to see if they fit or you like them. It’s like going shopping with friends! Lol! Overall, just keep up the great work. Love your blog!

    1. I wish I had a good storage system to share. I try to be organized, but it isn’t my strong suit. My strategy for organizing is to get rid of as much as possible so what I have room to see what I have left. Ha! I do hope to do more trying-on posts and unboxing ones too! 🙂

  7. I love your style. I would love to see fall stuff sooner than later! simply because it has sold out in a lo of sales! That is frustrating! I really enjoy your fashion post!

    1. It really is frustrating! I know. They will likely be restocked, but after they go to full price. I don’t know if they mis-estimated some of the volume of sales, or if they plan it this way, or what. I’m excited to go thru the fall stuff I ordered and see how things work together.

  8. JoLynne, thank you for all the time and effort you put into this blog and thank you for responding to my email the other day (about the pull on dress pants). I was really impressed that you responded, and so quickly as well. Your blog has helped me to update my jeans and t shirt style of a 20 year old into one that is more fitting for a working professional and mother. You opened my eyes to the wonders of Nordstroms, their personal stylist service, and the difference that higher quality clothes really make in an overall aesthetic. I’m still a jeans and t shirt girl, living in SoCal we rely heavily on our jeans and flip flops, but now I am a more polished version, and you opened that door for me to make the ever so subtle changes that I needed to embrace.

  9. Glad you had a nice vacation! Wouldn’t mind to see One Piece Many Ways ideas, maybe a 7×7 remix, what have been your favorite summer outfits post…. just thoughts 🙂

      1. This idea is also of interest to me as I rarely wear the same thing exactly the same way twice. I love changing things up, but using what I have in my closet to do so.

  10. Enjoyed the post… I’m looking for new Fall make-up ideas…. Hair trends… shoes… purses… A girl can only have so many tee-shirts and jeans. Looking for work wear… I did pick up a lot of the dresses. I bought seven all together

  11. Thanks for letting us follow along on your Maine trip and glad you made it home in one piece! Traffic and crazy drivers make me nuts -don’t know if I could’ve made it through that one! 😉

  12. Although it’s still hotter than blazes and will be for a couple more months (I live in south Georgia!), all the #NSale posts have me wanting more fall outfits! I would especially appreciate ideas for mixing and matching different pieces (one sweater 3 ways, etc). A post about how to choose accessories or changing up outfits with accessories would be fun. Looking forward to seeing your ideas for teen/tween girls as I find it particularly frustrating to find appropriate clothing for my 13yo daughter!

    Thanks for all the thought and effort you put into your fashion posts! They are definitely a highlight of my day!

  13. Love your blog! I would like to see some shop your closet outfits, using some wardrobe basics. We still have at least 6+ weeks of hot weather where I live, so I would appreciate some new ideas to remix my summer clothes. Thanks for all of your hard work.

  14. I started following you after I found the post about mastering the front tuck. Any posts along these lines – how to wear certain looks (booties with different types of pants or skirts for example) would be helpful for this somewhat clueless (but learning more daily!) girl.

  15. Love your blog! We are similar in size so I always like when you share the size you are wearing. Thank you!

  16. Your vacation looks lovely! Here in So. Calif it is going to be hot as blazes until Thanksgiving, so I would love more summer outfit posts, but I realize that isn’t realistic given what’s in stores.
    I would enjoy posts about how to make one piece work in different ways, and I always like your posts about the upcoming season’s trends – like jeans trends, sweater trends, bag trends, accessories trends.
    I’m sure the lower readership in summer is mostly just due to people’s crazy schedules, vacation, etc. I enjoy your blog a lot – thank you for all your hard work putting it together.

    1. Yeah, it is definitely a busy time of year! Overall I’ve noticed less “traffic” this summer, and I think that is due to vacations and being outside more, but the fall fashion posts have had a ton more sales than the summer fashion ones so I gather that most people done buying for summer and are ready for fall fashion. I definitely want to try to do more one piece different ways posts – that is not my forte. I’m not always creative with my outfits, so that will be a fun challenge. I’ll also do some dressing room selfies and show products that both work and don’t – and that can be both summer and fall stuff. Thanks for the input!

  17. I would love to see a post or two to help me with my 15 yo. Men’s fashion is a great idea too. Maybe for someone storage/idea requeest you could have a guest blogger or two??? And you may have already done it but would love to se a link round up of fashion and makeup bloggers you follow. Loved your Maine trip! Thanks for sharing!

  18. Hey Jo-Lynne! Well I’m going to have show my husband all of your #NSALE boxes…I had about 1/2 of that. LOL (and of course they all came when I was out of town and he was home????) Can’t wait to see you style all of your sale finds. I’ve got a question for you. I’ve been blogging for about 6 months and I’m beginning to be contacted by companies (I’m not familiar with, imagine that) to do posts for their products. Yippee! EXCEPT none of them are sponsored or in return for product. Boooo! Do you recommend doing posts like these when starting up like I am just to get my name out there or is it ok to turn them down? I’d love your input! TIA 🙂

    1. Hey Lisa! Congrats, that’s exciting! I personally do not write about products that I haven’t tried myself because I can’t vouch for them, and I only want to share things with my audience that I truly love. If I were you, I’d pass on those. If they’re willing to let you try their product and give an honest review, then that’s different. But even then, if it’s a product I’m not familiar with, I always tell them that I cannot guarantee coverage. I will share if I love it and think my audience would want to know about it. I hope that helps!

      1. Thanks so much Jo-Lynne! That’s just what I needed to hear. My gut told me that but I wanted be sure when starting out that you didn’t need to “take what you can get”. I have been turning them down based on exactly what you said, not being able to speak to a product without personally using it. Eventually I will hopefully be contacted for something that will be a good fit. Have a great day and thanks for always sharing your experience and wisdom. It’s worth more than you know. 🙂

  19. Yes, definitely men’s fashion!
    Also, lots of crossover summer/fall ideas since it does stay warm longer for many of your readers.
    Another jeans try-on event. We really appreciated your going to the mattresses for us on that one last year. 🙂
    Continuing education on social media- loved the Twitter post, and I use it a lot now.
    Thank you- reading your blog is always something to look forward to!

  20. Oh my those boxes! I’m totally not ready to buy anything for fall but that may be because I have no money for it lol. I’ve managed to do a good job getting outside more with my daughter so I’m definitely exclusively in summer clothes still. Maybe I’ll pull out some jeans at the end of the month for hubby’s bday when my mom is here to babysit!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *