Spring Favorites

It has been way too long time since I published a favorites post! I have a fun list of new things I have discovered over the past three months, and I am excited to share them with you. Some of these items you may recognize if you follow me on Instagram or receive The Lovely, but I think it is helpful to see them all in one place. Let’s dive in…

Striped Dress
In my experience, T-shirt dresses are hard to get right. Most of them are thin and shapeless, making it feel like I am wearing a paper sack. I discovered this striped dress from J.Crew last month, and while it is technically a T-shirt dress, it has a lot of details that make it feel elevated. The fabric is thick and holds its shape, and the form of the dress is slightly structured which gives it a finished feel. I love the neckline, the sleeve length, and the hemline hits me in a sweet spot…not too short and not too long. I have worn this dress layered over a white button-down shirt for added warmth, with a denim shirt tied around my waist to work, to church with platform wedges, and to the grocery store with sneakers. It is a do-it-all dress that will be a part of my wardrobe for most of the year!

Bose Speaker
I care a lot about ambient music. I love having tunes playing in the background while I work, and at a party there is no detail that can make or break the mood more than music. I know everyone has a bluetooth speaker these days, but I love this Bose model. This is the model we have at Hurley House, and after six years of daily use, it is still going strong. I recently bought one for myself to use at home, and I love it. The battery holds a charge for a long time, and the sound easily fills a large room. Bose makes high-quality speakers with very slim silhouettes, and this speaker is no exception.

Pink Bow Flip Flops
I was not shopping for flip flops, but when these came across my Instagram feed, I quickly added them to my cart without hesitation. They are so cute!!! I will be wearing these to the pool this summer, but I also think they would be darling in a tween’s Easter basket, paired with a pedicure gift card for Mother’s Day, or the cutest shower shoes to gift a graduate. So many great gifting options!

Carry On Tote
If I could convince you to buy one item on this list, it would be this bag. I cannot say enough good things about this carry on. I find it to be perfectly appointed with a laptop compartment, tons of pockets, a sleeve to slip it over your roller bag, and a zipper that will completely open allowing you easy access to the interior space. I love the two lengths of straps, and the color is chic while hiding dirt. Cannot recommend this bag highly enough!

Nespresso Espresso Maker
After owning a traditional espresso that required grinding, tamping, and twisting, the Nespresso Virtuo is a dream to operate. The pods are widely available online or in grocery stores, and I love the ease of popping in a pod, pressing a button, and instantly having a perfect espresso. This machine can be used to brew “normal” coffee, but I have been using it exclusively for espresso. I purchase the Double Espresso Scuro pods to make my favorite Starbucks drinks at home.

Four Thousand Weeks
I have read several time management books, but this one stands alone. This is the time management book that will convince you to do less, not more. I loved the message of this book, and for me, it was the right message at the right time. I felt encouraged to slow down, be more present, and to set my sights on the true value of how I spend my precious time.

A Gentleman In Moscow
I know, I know. This book has been on best-seller lists for years, but I finally jumped in and I was wowed. I honestly did not know what to expect, and even as it began I was worried this book was not for me. I listened to this book on Audible, and the narration was exceptional. The story unfolds slowly, the events seeming to be unimportant narratives, but then everything begins to tie together and unfold into a beautiful conclusion. In my opinion, the real gift of this book is the beauty of the writing. The words are a work of art, and the writing is as breathtaking as the story.

The War of Art
I love books written about the creative process, and this is one of the best ever. The book is brief, and the chapters are single-pages. It is a quick read that I found to be incredibly inspiring and renewing. I will read this book every year.

Pink Gingham Napkins
I love finding new napkins that can elevate my table with seasonal touches. Pink is my favorite, and these gingham napkins are from Amazon, which means it’s no big deal if they get stained!

Headband
When I am in a wardrobe rut, or wanting to look instantly put together without much trouble, a cute headband is my go-to solution. I like the wide berth of this headband, and the pattern is perfect with jeans and a white shirt. Instantly polished!

Wireless Charger
In a world of devices, it is difficult to charge them without a tangled mess of cords. I recently purchased this wireless charger from Courant, and it is the perfect bed-side solution for charging my phone. The model I purchased is covered in a natural linen, but there are other models too. I want to get these for every room in my house!

Face Mask
A friend gifted the Summer Fridays Jet Lag moisturizing mask to me for my birthday in January, and I am in love. The thick formula is luxurious, absorbing into my skin without feeling greasy, and I love slathering it on at night or on the weekend when I am just hanging out at home. I also took it on the plane with me last time I flew, and it kept my face hydrated.

SPRING FAVORITES