Shop My Closet: Summer Fashion Finds I Love

Summer doesn't officially begin until June 21st, but here where I live, it's been feeling like summer since about mid-April. Which means I've been adding a few pieces here and there to freshen up my summer options as I simultaneously clear out items I no longer find joy in.

When it comes to summer fashion, I look for pieces that are easy breezy. As in, they're easy to mix and match and let plenty of air in so that I don't suffocate in our frequent triple-digit heat and sometimes dangerous humidity.

Honestly, the past few summers have seen me living in shorts and t-shirts. To the point that every day looks pretty much the same. So boring. But when you live somewhere that the heat and humidity are always on, summer fashion becomes more about survival than style. This year, I want to survive in style, which means a few intentional tweaks to "dress up" what I already own.

Unfortunately, what's trending this summer is not my style at all. I've combed through all the summer fashion trend reports and come up completely empty. So if you're here to see the latest summer trends, you've come to the wrong place.

What you will find in this post are the things that I have actually bought that you will see me wear all summer long. As always, I do shop on a budget. While this is a pretty big list, you should know that none of these items were purchased as part of a "haul." Most were bought on sale over several months, and in the case of Old Navy with Super Cash.

I can't say that all of these items are currently in my closet. A small handful are recent orders that haven't come in yet, mostly shorts and a few tops (I tried to make note of that in the descriptions), but many of the items I'm sharing with y'all today that are currently in my closet have already made appearances on the blog. Like I said, it's been feeling pretty summer-ish for awhile now.

This post is not meant to tell you what to buy but rather to give you a realistic picture of what I'm currently shopping as part of my own personal style. If you do choose to shop through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Dresses

Blue & White Stripe Dress -- This dress is so fun for summer. It's also very flattering and would be cute for the 4th of July. It is currently on clearance, but it's still available in all sizes.

Sleeveless Drop-Waist Swing Dress in white paisley and blue retro stripe -- I was skeptical of these when I first saw them, then I tried one on and was sold. They are so good!

Green Floral Dress -- I'm pretty excited for this dress to come in. It's just a nice basic maxi dress in a pretty floral print. It's got a cute little bow-tie on the back and adjustable straps. Otherwise it's just simple, which is exactly what I want in a summer dress. Something I can throw on and go!

Green & Yellow Floral Dress -- This was a random Target find, but it will be such a good option for the summer. It's good on its own but can also be layered pretty easily.

Purple & Brown Floral Dress -- I love boho-style dresses so much, and this one is so good. Not only is it a pretty print, but it also has extra little details like a little scallop edge at the bodice and beads on the adjustable straps. It comes in several other options, as well.

Bottoms

White Linen Shorts -- Old Navy is my favorite place to get linen shorts. They're always good quality and not usually see-through.

Baggy Jean Shorts -- As far as denim shorts go, these are okay. For once, I don't have any complaints about how the legs fit; they're actually not tight! I ordered these in size 8, but I think I would actually like them a bit better in the 10 for more room in the hips.

Green Gingham Boxer Shorts -- Technically these are pajama bottoms, but I absolutely have worn them out and will do so again. The green is selling out, but they also come in blue and pink gingham and a solid yellow.

Pull-On Shorts -- So I've pretty much decided that if it has a traditional button and zipper closure, I don't really want it, especially in shorts. Do you know how hard it is to find a pair of good-fitting shorts? Especially when you're petite! Why do all brands think that petite equals short and stick-thin? Anyway, I ordered these in three different options: B Light Blue (striped), C Candy Pink, and B Forest Green. I ordered them in a large, or one full size up, to hopefully ensure that the legs are roomy enough for my thunder thighs. Will report back on whether or not they actually work once they come in.

Yellow Floral Print Flowy Shorts -- Y'all should remember these style of shorts from last year. You know I love them, and I couldn't resist adding this pretty yellow floral print to my collection. I've already worn them a couple of times and can't wait to style them in other ways.

Cotton-Linen Skirts -- Seriously, I'm going to do a post dedicated to these skirts. That's how much I love them. I've been slowly buying them all up. It started with the light blue back in the spring and has since expanded to include the light pink, yellow (pictured), white, and black. These are a cotton-linen blend and fully lined with an elastic, drawstring waist. The only thing they don't have is pockets, but I honestly don't even care.

Tops

Green Gingham Tie-Side Tank -- This is such a cute tank. I love the design. It keeps selling out, but they've been restocking it, so if they don't have your size keep checking back.

Tie-Front Polka Dot Blouse -- This blouse is adorable and keeps selling out, but they haven't removed it from the website yet, which usually means they'll restock, so keep checking back!

Blue Floral Scarf Top -- I love this top so much. It is so pretty in person. My only complaint is that it wrinkles very easily.

White Halter Top -- This is a nice, better-than-basic white top. It's super soft, has a handkerchief hem, and has a built-in bra.

Oversized Nirvana Tee -- I've been looking for a replacement Nirvana tee for awhile, and this one is a lot of fun. It is cropped, but y'all know that doesn't mean much for me. It's also oversized and boxy.

Loose Graphic Tee in beach print (white lilies) and fruit bowl (sunbeam) print -- These tees are the perfect boxy fit.

Good Times Ahead Oversized Tee -- This is a tunic-style oversized tee, so it's very much an oversized  fit. My only complaint is that it's pinker in person than I was expecting.

Pink Stripe Ribbed Tank -- This is such a cute top and will be one of those feels-dressy-but-really-isn't tops that I can throw on when I need something a little bit nicer than a t-shirt. I really like the scallop detail at the neck and arms.

Yellow Floral Tie-Front Ruffle Tank -- I got this top with the intention of being able to wear it to school in the warm months, but the ties on the front come down a bit too low for that. It's still really cute, though, and can be dressed up or down.

Red Button-Front Vest Top -- I really love this style of top. The bright pop of red will make any outfit feel just a bit more polished. I like that it can be worn buttoned-up on its own or open like a traditional vest.

Blue & White Eyelet Tank -- This blouse is absolutely stunning in person. It's fully lined and 100 percent cotton. The eyelet is embroidered, the neckline is slightly ruffled, and the buttons are cloth covered. The urge to order this in every color it comes in is real.

Black Floral Cropped Tank -- I'm taking a chance on this one since it's cropped, but I'm cautiously optimistic that the length will be just right for me. It's 100 percent cotton and has a cute button detail on the back.

Green Floral Button-Up Tank -- This top is a Free People dupe apparently, though I didn't know that when I ordered it. I wish I could give you a glowing review, but it's just okay. Don't get me wrong. It's gorgeous. I'm just having a hard time styling it right now. I'm not giving up on it, though.

Sardine Graphic Tee -- I gave in to the weird sardine trend. I still don't understand what makes this popular. That said, I can't deny that I really like this tee. It's nice and oversized and very soft. The graphic isn't crunchy or crinkly, which is always a plus, and it matches quite a few things I already own.

Strawberry Graphic Tee -- I've been going back and forth on this oversized tee for awhile. It's marketed as a Free People dupe and is supposed to be 100 percent cotton. I'm hoping that the print is sublimated and not one of those crinkly stick on ones that never last. The reviews are pretty mixed, so who knows what I'll actually get.

Cowboy Cat Graphic Tee -- I confess that I didn't order this specifically with summer in mind. I ordered it because it made me laugh out loud. I don't wear a lot of funny graphic tees, but I couldn't resist this one.

Shoes

White Sneakers -- I needed to replace my old white sneakers, which were just worn and dingy. These canvas ones are really comfortable and have more structure than my old pair.

Straw Sandals -- You've seen these on the blog a few times already, but be prepared to see them a bunch more this summer.

Cream-Colored Sandals -- I got these because I wanted a pair of sleek, neutral-colored sandals to "dress up" outfits without adding bulk to my feet. These definitely fit the bill. However, the ankle straps are pretty short, so they're very snug, which doesn't make them ideal for long wear.

Red Jelly Mary Janes -- I didn't buy these specifically for summer, but they are perfect for the season. Not only are they on trend, but they're cute and comfortable.

May Favorites: 10 Things I Loved + Your Favorites Too!

It's finally summer break, y'all! Whew, this year was challenging to say the least, and I feel like May was just the icing on the cake in that regards.

Truly, it was very difficult to find the good in this past month because the bad was just...very bad. Some of you are already aware, but for those who missed it, my biological father passed away at the beginning of the month. We had a complicated relationship, but still.

It's been hard to look past all of that to find the good moments. It's not an exaggeration when I say that I've been working on my half of this post for the better part of this past week. But I found the good hiding in all the ugly.

Obviously, the biggest thing that happens in May is the end of the school year! We had our end-of-the-year eighth grade field trip to an area amusement park, and it was surprisingly a lot more fun than I anticipated. I missed my own students' Honors Day due to funeral stuff, but I did get to go to Alexis's CHAMPS graduation (it's kind of like D.A.R.E. but focuses on more than just drugs) and her last Honors Day of the year where she was recognized for reading more than one-million words this school year. She also performed with her show choir group at both ceremonies.

In other end-of-the-school-year news, I successfully packed up my entire classroom to be moved from one side of the school to the other so that our side can be renovated next year. On the flip side, next year's eighth graders won't get to experience my usual classroom style since we won't be allowed to hang anything on the walls until we're back in our "forever" rooms. If you're a teacher and have any solutions for displaying student work in a non-wall-hanging way, drop them in the comments!

The last week of May was our first week of summer break, and wouldn't you know it's rained every single day? That's okay, though. We've used the time to get the house back in order and rest. In terms of summer, we've once again got season passes to our local water park. We're also planning at least one trip down to the beach. We've already been to the library a few times and plan to go to at least one of their summer programs. We've got some other plans in the works as well, but they're not something I'm ready to talk about on here just yet.

Okay, that's got you caught up on the dreary month of May. Now let's focus on the top 10 things that brought me joy as well as the most popular things I shared.

My Favorites

Diamond Art Bookmark Kits - I grabbed one of these $10 kits from Michael's on a whim. I love art, but I'm not very artsy. With this kit, though, you don't have to be. It's like painting by number, but instead of paint you're using little gems. It's very calming in a way that I absolutely did not expect. It wasn't difficult at all, and I had a lot of fun making my first bookmark.

This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum - We've started going to the library pretty frequently, and this book was on the big up-front display and for good reason. This was my favorite stand-alone book that I read this month.

The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros - I stopped myself at the end of book two when I realized that this series is not complete, but I totally get the hype surrounding this series now and definitely plan to read the entire thing.

Cookie Croissant Swirl from Starbucks (not pictured because I always eat it immediately) - This has been my go-to treat for myself. It is so good, and I'm going to be sad when they inevitably take it off the menu.

Last Day of School Outfit - The outfit that I wore on the last day of school is one of my favorites from this month. In my last favorite things post, I talked about how great these cotton-linen blend skirts are, and I still feel that way. This yellow one is so perfect for summer, and I really liked mixing it with this beach scene graphic tee. Add in the woven belt and straw sandals and you've got an outfit that's perfect for the last day of school.

Scarf Top + Blue Skirt Outfit - This was my first intentionally-styled outfit of the summer, and I absolutely loved it. It was the perfect mix of casual meets dressy and a perfect representation of my personal style. At one point when I had gotten cold in the air conditioner, I layered a light blue cotton cardigan over the top and liked that look too!

Funeral Outfit - I love this outfit, even if not the occasion for which I wore it. I actually repeat this look pretty often, although not usually with the heels. In fact, I bought this eyelet blouse specifically to wear with this skirt; it's a perfect match to the pink in the skirt's pattern.

Polka Dot Skirt Outfit - I'm having so much fun styling this red polka dot skirt, and I really love how this outfit turned out. My blouse has sunflowers embroidered on it, and there's just something about pairing sunflowers with a bright pop of red.

Straw Sandals - I had my eye on these sandals last summer but never committed. When I saw that Target had brought them back again this summer, I decided that was a sign, and I'm glad I listened. I've been wearing them quite a bit the last few weeks. Fair warning, though, they are kind of heavy, especially at first, but I got used to them pretty quickly. I also feel the need to address some of the online reviews that say these rub: I have not had an issue with that, but there are enough reviews of that nature to keep it in mind.

Il Makiage Power Camo Redness Defense Primer - I've been using this primer for about two months now, and I'm really happy with my results. I wrote a full review of my experience a couple of weeks ago. You can read that here.

Your Favorites

Wide Woven Belts - These are hands-down my favorite belts, especially to wear with skirts and dresses. I think one of my favorite things is that they don't have pre-established holes, which means I'll pretty much never not be able to wear these.

Woven Mary Jane Flats - This style of shoe is really such a good basic to have in your closet. I've been wearing my pair from Target for a year now and still love them. While my exact pair are no longer available, Target does have an updated pair that is the exact same style.

Double Strap Espadrille Sandals - I'm not surprised that these incredibly versatile sandals are at the top of the list. These were one of my most-worn shoes last summer. My exact pair are no longer available, but I'm linking to a pair that are very similar, come in three different shades, and have decent reviews.

Floral Print Jeans - I can't believe these are still available. I rarely wear jeans, but when I do you can pretty much bet on them not being "normal" jeans. This is one of my favorite pairs. They're also good for warmer months since they're pretty thin.

Tom Petty Concert Tee (not pictured) - Y'all know this is one of my most worn graphic tees. I love it so much. It's really old, though, so no longer available. However, you can find it on second-hand sites like Poshmark and ThredUp. I've even seen a few on eBay.

e.l.f. Monochromatic Multi-Stick - This is a three-in-one product that I currently own in three different colors. Right now, I'm mostly using the glistening peach, which is the one you've been clicking on. I like this one for a subtle glow. I also use it like a highlighter.

Blue Flower Blouse - This blouse is the same brand as the previous one. It's a more delicate fabric, a bit on the sheer side, with a pretty floral print as well as embroidery. There's ruffle detailing at the neck and sleeves, and the sleeves are slightly puffed. The buttons are cloth-covered.

Hobo Bag - This was my go-to bag for most of this past school year. It's a great size and holds everything I need, including my book or tablet. It's also held up really nicely, and I'm not gentle on my bags. Half the time it's sitting in the floor of my classroom, getting rolled over by my desk chair, or being stepped on the footwell of my car's passenger seat.

Eyelet Blouse - This is one of those basic tops that feels anything but basic. It's essentially a t-shirt but with an eyelet pattern to give it visual interest. I own this in a few colors, but the one y'all have been clicking on is the wine red, which looks a bit pink in person.

Sunflower Blouse - This is such a nice blouse, y'all. In fact, I've bought several items from this brand and find them to be really good quality. This one is a nice soft fabric that has a subtle texture to it, and the flowers are embroidered.

What's New On My Kindle: 18 Books I've Downloaded Recently

In a testament to just how busy my life has been this spring, it has been three months since my last TBR update. But if you know me, then you'll know that I never truly stop adding titles to my list, which means I've got a nice little stack to share with y'all today. Enough to fill a digital bookcase at the very least!

Before we dive into the titles that have made their way onto my TBR list in the last few months, let's do a quick recap of my reading since my last TBR update. In that list, published in February, I focused only on the dozen books I had downloaded onto my Kindle in late January and early February. So far, I've only read one of those books, but two of those titles made it onto my Spring Reading List. I've read four titles total from that list, but I hope to cross a few more off before the start of summer in mid-June. That's when I'll have another seasonal reading list for y'all.

Back to the TBR update. As with my last TBR update, these are all titles that I've recently downloaded onto my Kindle. I have 18 books to share with y'all this go 'round, and I've got to admit they're a bit all over the map in terms of genre. Quite a few of these are on various other book club lists and best books of their respective publication years, though that wasn't intentional on my part.

Lady Luck's Map of Vegas

Author: Barbara O'Neal

My love for Barbara O'Neal knows no bounds, so I'm really excited about this one. India is a web designer who's juggling a long-distance relationship and looking after her mother, Eldora. Eldora is a former Las Vegas showgirl who wants to return to Sin City and track down India's twin sister, Gypsy. So India and Eldora set out on a road trip to down Route 66 in Eldora's '57 Thunderbird. Not only does the trip bring back memories for Eldora, but it also brings to light the secrets of both mother and daughter.

The Last Labyrinth

Author: Gwendolyn Womack

I love a good time travel romance. Magellan is a musical prodigy who is magically transported back in time to 1829 when she plays an ancient organ. She arrives in the center of a labyrinth on the estate of Rhys Sherwood, the Earl of Liron. The answers to how Magellan landed in the past can be found in the lost diary of Merlin's forgotten twin sister, Gwynedd. Magellan and Rhys must work together to uncover the secrets of the diary and find the key to saving the world.

Life, & Death, & Giants

Author: Ron Rindo

Born an orphan, Gabriel Fisher is exceptional, walking at eight months, communicating with animals, and athletically gifted. When his caregiver dies, Gabriel is taken in by his Amish grandparents who hide him away. When he's 18, the local football coach sees Gabriel working in a field. What happens next is life-changing.

Skippy Dies

Author: Paul Murray

When 14-year-old Skippy is found dead on the floor of the local doughnut shop, there are three suspects: Ruprecht Van Doren, a genius trying to open a portal into a parallel universe; Carl, the teenage drug dealer and possible psycho who is Skippy's rival in love; and the Automater, the headmaster of Seabrook College who's intent on modernizing the school.

The Poison Daughter

Author: Sheila Masterson

Harlow Carrenwell is the youngest daughter of Lunameade's magical founding family. Her kiss results in immediate death, cementing her role as her parents' assassin. But Harlow has a secret. She moonlights as a vigilante for abused women. Until one night when her mark doesn't die. Even worse, he's her new betrothed, Henry Havenwood. Instead of exposing her secret and starting a war between their rival families, Henry takes her to his mountain fort to wed. Trapped with a husband she can't kill, Harlow's new mission is to make Henry fall in love with her.

The Wedding People

Author: Alison Espach

When Phoebe arrives at the Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, everyone assumes she's just another wedding guest. She's actually the only guest who isn't there for the ceremony. Phoebe's dreamed of going for years, to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, but she's alone, at rock bottom, and determined to splurge one last time on herself. The bride, meanwhile, has accounted for everything that could possibly go wrong this weekend. Except Phoebe.

First Witches Club

Author: Maisey Yates

When Nora, Daisy, and Soraya's marriages end in disaster, the trio of women find themselves at Lady's Mantle Apothecary where they embrace their untapped magic. The first order of business? Getting even with their exes. But the real magic happens when they start opening their hearts to new possibilities, finding their own paths to love, friendship, and claiming their own power.

Metal Slinger (Fire & Metal Duology)

Author: Rachel Schneider

Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha community training to be a guard. Visiting the annual Kenta market is a rite of passage for young guards. While there, Brynn encounters an enemy soldier who unveils the truth of her identity and vows an oath to bring her back where she belongs.

Beyond the Hunt (Evermere Trilogy)

Author: Mary Ann Weir

Serafina "Seri" Bell is a lunar witch who's just been sold to a trio of princes in marriage in exchange for a truce. For the princes, the assignment is simple: uncover what Seri's stepmother is plotting. In return, they'll gain an estate, money, and freedom from the vampire court. Seri is meant to be disposable. But all that changes when she's left for dead on their doorstep, and they discover the truth.

The Lioness of Morocco

Author: Julia Drosten

This will be my second book by this author. I read The Elephant Keeper's Daughter as part of my 2024 One Woman Book Club. At 23, Sibylla Spencer's strong will and progressive views have labeled her as unmarriageable. A veritable prisoner in her father's home, she realizes that marriage is her only chance to escape. So when one of her father's employees shows an interest, Sibylla agrees to marry him. They follow his career to Morocco where Sibylla experiences love for the first time. But her husband's lust for money and power lead him down a dark path, and when he's arrested on horrible charges, Sibylla must choose between leaving him to his fate or helping him fight for his life.

I Came Back for You

Author: Kate White

Ten years after Bree Winter's daughter was murdered, the convicted killer makes a deathbed confession. He admits to killing four girls but not Bree's daughter Melanie. At first, Bree and her ex-husband don't believe any of it, but then inconsistencies about the crime come to light, and Bree returns to the town where it all happened to find justice for her daughter.

The House of the Witch

Author: Clare Merchant

In 1646, Ursula works from her cottage as the village midwife. She's unmarried and thus in danger of being labeled a witch, especially when she catches the eye of the powerful new local doctor. Fast forward to present day when Adrianna moves into Ursula's cottage, leaving behind her problems at least for awhile. Then she finds a mysterious bundle of notes hidden under a floorboard and a strangely-carved stone in the garden.

Then She Was Gone

Author: Lisa Jewell

I really enjoyed my first book by Lisa Jewell, so I have high hopes for this one. Fifteen-year-old Ellie seemed to have the perfect life. Then she disappeared. Now, ten years later, her mother, Laurel, is trying to put her life back together. She's in a new relationship and meeting his daughters, the youngest of whom reminds Laurel so much of Ellie, bringing all of Laurel's unanswered questions about her daughter's disappearance back to the surface.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay

Author: Kate Fagan

Cate Kay is the author of a bestselling book trilogy that became a bestselling film series. Except Cate Kay isn't a real person. The author's real identity has been a closely guarded secret, until now. When she was younger, Cate and her best friend fantasized of moving to California to become movie stars. The day before they planned to leave, tragedy struck, and Cate's been running ever since. Now she's returning home and reclaiming herself.

Bright Young Women

Author: Jessica Knoll

In 1978, the so-called All-American Sex Killer targets a sorority house in Florida. The sisterhood's president, Pamela Schumacher, survives the attack. Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, Tina Cannon is convinced that her missing friend was targeted by the same killer and that he's struck again. Pamela and Tina team up to find justice and stop him before he can kill again.

The Quitters Club

Author: Jessica Strawser

Marie, Brooke, Lucy, and Collins have always encouraged each other to never give up. But each of these friends is struggling with this season of their lives: an unhappy marriage, an inability to have children, an unfulfilling career, and the death of a husband. At their breaking points, the friends make a pact to quit and help each other through the fallout.

The Lost Girls of Willowbrook

Author: Ellen Marie Wiseman

For six years, Sage has believed that her twin sister Rosemary died from pneumonia. In truth, Rosemary was committed to Willowbrook State School and has just gone missing. All Sage knows about the school is that it's where parents threaten to send misbehaving kids. Still, she sets out for Willowbrook to find Rosemary.

Shift of Heart (Shifter Lords Series)

Author: S.E. Babin

I really enjoyed this author's Cocktails in Hell series that I read a couple of years ago, so my hopes are high for this one. Evie is a hedgewitch florist running a popular flower shop in a small town, doing her best to hide her true nature. She's a powerful demigoddess who survived an encounter with a  Chimera shifter, an ancient immortal that can transform into any living thing. When she finds a dying shifter in the woods, Evie heals him in secret. Then, of course, he shows up at her shop, and she learns that he's the Alpha of every shifter in the state.

End-of-School Outfit Roundup

It's finally summer, y'all! Our last day of school with students was last Wednesday, and my last day of work was Friday. Now I'm free and clear until August. I'm not sure I can describe just how amazing it felt to turn off my alarm for the foreseeable future.

The two weeks that have passed since my last real outfit roundup have been tough. My biological father passed away the day after that post published, so that following week was spent dealing with that. My relationship with my biological father was complicated, as is my relationship with that side of my family, so the whole situation was difficult and emotional. I ended up only working one day that week so that I could process my very complicated feelings.

So combine one week of not working with the craziness of the last days of school (field day, completely packing up my classroom, etc.) plus post planning (more packing and cleaning) and this outfit roundup is a bit all over the place in terms of style. Anyway, let's get to it.

Sizing info: I'm 5'2" and weigh around 140 lbs. I typically wear size 6 or s/m and size 7 in shoes.

Sweater (similar) | Pants | Belt | Shoes (similar, similar)

We're starting with the Saturday before Mother's Day. I don't typically dress this way on weekends, but my plan was to go visit my biological father in the hospital that afternoon.

I got these very wide-legged, cropped gingham pants not too long ago and was kind of disappointed when they came in. First, they're not nearly as green in person as they are on the product page. In fact, they look brown in person. They also felt huge and structure-less. But I was determined to give them a fair shot and ended up really liking this outfit.

This embroidered sweater was a random, lucky find. I can't link to the seller that I bought it from, but I found one on Amazon that looks almost exactly the same. I obviously cannot speak to the quality of that one, but if it is the same as mine, it'll be good.

Dress | Shoes (maybe exact ,similar)

This is what I wore for Mother's Day. We didn't do much, but my husband and daughter did take me out for a nice lunch at my favorite restaurant. I layered a deep rose-colored cardigan over the top of the dress to combat the a/c in the restaurant. The dress itself is linen.

These sandals were gifted to me by a sweet coworker after she bought them and they didn't fit. I think these might be the exact ones; the brand matches but since I didn't purchase them myself, I'm not 100 percent sure. I can tell you with certainty that the ones I'm wearing are a size 8, but they fit like a size 7.

This is the day my biological father died.

Blouse | Skirt | Belt | Shoes (similar, similar)

I went to work on Monday, mostly because I needed a distraction, and middle school students are really good at that. I wanted to put together an outfit that lifted my mood, and this was the result.

This blue floral print blouse is surprisingly good quality. Honestly, when I ordered it, I wasn't expecting much. It's a nice thickness, 100 percent polyester, and has cute details like a ruffled collar, puffed sleeves, and fabric buttons.

My skirt is a recent favorite. The green stripes are just fun and an instant mood lifter. The green wasn't a perfect match to the green in the blouse's pattern, but it was close enough to work. The skirt is 100 percent cotton, fully lined with an elastic waistband, and has pockets.

Dress (similar) | Sweater (similar) | Shoes (similar)

The visitation was on Tuesday. Since I was going to be there for the entire thing instead of just doing a walk through to offer my condolences, I wanted to be appropriately dressed but also comfortable.

The weather turned cool this day, so I pulled out this open-weave, crochet sweater to layer over my favorite black ribbed maxi dress. I finished the look with my leopard print mary janes.

Everything in this outfit is old and no longer available. I keep watching for Old Navy to bring this dress back, but so far they have not. In the meantime, I found a similar option elsewhere to link to for you.

Blouse | Skirt | Belt | Shoes (similar)

The funeral was on Wednesday. My daddy's favorite color was red (think Georgia Bulldogs red), so they asked everyone to try to wear red. This was as close as I could get and still feel like I was funeral appropriate.

This pretty skirt is still available in this exact pattern (Black a). It's fully lined with a chiffon top layer that is really delicate. The waist is elasticized, and the skirt is tiered. It does not have pockets.

My blouse is really just a t-shirt but it's got an eyelet pattern to make it feel so much dressier. This is the wine red color, which is a perfect match to the flowers in the skirt's print. The sleeves are also cuffed. I own this one in a couple of other colors. It's a great basic that feels anything but basic.

Blouse | Skirt | Belt | Shoes (similar, similar)

Alexis's final honors day of the school year was this day. Not only did she receive several awards, but she also performed with her chorus group. I wanted to feel a bit normal so I dressed up just a bit.

This skirt is one of my favorites, but I don't wear it to work much because it's just so delicate. I've had to fix the chiffon layer at least once where it snagged on something and tore. This pretty light yellow floral pattern is sadly no longer available, but this skirt comes in a ton of gorgeous prints, so I'm still linking to it.

My blouse is one that I've had for years. It's darker in person than on the product page. It has a pretty little crochet detailing around the bib and ruffled sleeves. It comes in more than a dozen colors. I think I'm going to add a few more to my closet for next school year.

Blouse | Shorts | Sandals

I was still on bereavement leave on Friday, so I dressed pretty casually. We ran some errands, I got my hair trimmed, and we went for Boba.

I hate that this blouse is all but sold out now. It is so cute for summer! I love the little tie details on the sides. It's 100 percent cotton, I believe, so it's very soft and comfortable. I got it in a medium because I was worried about the straps being too tight. They're not adjustable, though the ties on the sides are.

My shorts are just a pair of pull-on linen ones with a 3.5 inch inseam. They're a decent thickness, but since they're white I would definitely be aware of my underwear choices.

I'm predicting that these will be one of my most-worn sandals of the summer. I love the natural look to them, and now that I've gotten used to the weight, they're very comfortable. The only thing I'm not certain is going to hold up is the velcro straps, but so far so good in that area.

T-shirt | Shorts (similar, similar) | Sandals (similar)

I wore this over the weekend. I honestly don't remember what we did other than go to the Dollar Store to pick up ingredients to make supper. This is pretty much my go-to outfit formula for summer: pull-on shorts, graphic tee, and sandals.

Unfortunately, everything I'm wearing is old and no longer available. My t-shirt is one of Old Navy's EveryWear graphic tees, which I own tons of, so I'm linking to their current collection for you.

I got these shorts last fall from Target. I think these ones are the same style, but this rust color is no longer available. I did find a couple of other rust-colored shorts that are similar for you, though.

My sandals are very old and very plain. I think they came from Target once upon a time, but I have no idea what brand they are. I'm linking to a pair that looks pretty much exactly the same.

T-shirt (similar, similar, similar) | Shorts | Sneakers

The last Monday of the school year was our field day, which meant we got to dress way down. I decided to go with a pair of black linen shorts, a striped tee, and sneakers.

My shorts and tee are from last year. I'm pretty sure, though, that the shorts I linked to are the exact same ones. My t-shirt came from Target, and while Universal Thread does still have this style of t-shirt, it doesn't come in this striped pattern.

I got these Skechers sneakers for our end-of-the-year field trip to an area amusement park. I knew that I needed a better pair of sneakers than what I wore last year; my feet and legs were so sore the next day! These worked perfectly, and I love the little flowers. They fit my personality so much better than a regular pair of sneakers.

T-shirt (exact match) | Pants | Sandals

This was not the outfit I had planned on wearing for this next-to-the-last day of school, but apparently I donated my leopard-print tulle skirt in my last closet purge, so adjustments had to be made. I kept the Stevie Nicks graphic tee I had already picked out and threw on these black linen pants. I finished the outfit with these new favorite raffia sandals.

Overall, I don't love this look. I'll be honest, though, I didn't even look at myself in the mirror before I left the house. I was comfortable, and that was all that mattered. Now, though, looking at the picture, I just feel bleh about the whole thing. I think it's the sandals.

T-shirt | Skirt | Belt | Shoes (similar)

This was the last day of school, and I decided to dress up a little bit while still being comfortable. I also wanted to manifest the type of summer I want to have, hence the beach-themed graphic tee. This tee is specifically the Italian coast, which is not in the cards for this summer, but maybe one day. Anyway, it's sooooo comfortable. It's 99 percent cotton, so it's soft and breathable. It's kind of a boxy fit, so it's nice and roomy. It also has vented sides.

This skirt is one of those linen-cotton blend ones that I've been wearing so much lately. They're so good that they made my April favorites list. Honestly, I really probably should do their very own appreciation post. They're really that good.

T-shirt | Shorts (similar, similar, similar) | Sandals

Day one of post-planning was spent finishing packing up my classroom. And when I say packing up my classroom, I mean completely packing it up to be moved to the other side of the building. So I definitely wanted to be comfortable and cool.

These lime green striped linen shorts are still a favorite. They really are just so versatile. I picked them up at Old Navy a few years ago on clearance and have not regretted the impulse buy at all. You can find these exact ones on second-hand sites like Thred-Up and Poshmark, but of course sizes are limited. I linked to three currently available similar options for you.

This go 'round I paired them with this fun eat your veggies tee, which I've enjoyed styling different ways over the last few months.

My white sandals are still available, as well. I've had these for a couple of years now and wear them constantly. I sized up to a 7.5 because the straps are pretty snug and haven't loosened up much at all. These are maybe my most worn summer sandals. They work with shorts, skirts, and dresses, and feel purposeful without being too casual or too dressy.

Dress | Sandals

I wore this dress to eighth grade graduation. I've had it for going on five years now, and every time I wear it people ask about it. It looks and feels so much fancier than it is. Unfortunately, this exact print is no longer available, but the dress itself is and comes in a bunch of different options. It really is a nice dress so still worth checking out.

8 Things I Do in My Middle School Writing Class That Just Make Sense

The school year is officially over, and what a school year it was. This is the first year since I started teaching that I truly did a full-on countdown...and it started almost as soon as we came back from Christmas break. This school year was tough, y'all, and I am so glad that it is finally summer break. No more daily alarms for the win!

Just like I do at the end/start of a calendar year, I like to look back on the school year to see what worked well and what didn't. I've already started making notes about what I want to change next year, including adjusting the pacing on certain assignments (I definitely didn't build in enough time for my children's book project), updating lessons so they feel fresh (I'm looking at you elements of plot), and the order I'll teach certain skills (my grammar unit needs an overhaul to better align with our new standards).

As an eighth grade ELA (writing) teacher, I often feel overwhelmed by all that goes into writing with students. Not only do I almost never feel like I've adequately planned out my timing for writing projects, but when it comes time to grade them, it can feel a bit like drowning. I thought when I switched from a combined reading-and-writing course to straight-up writing, it would get a bit easier to manage. Oh, how wrong I was. So I've spent a good bit of time in the last few years trying to streamline the process. And instead of gatekeeping the strategies that have worked well in my classroom, I decided to write them all down and share with the masses.

So here are the things I did this past year in my middle school writing classroom that I will carry with me into the next school year.

Pencil Parking Lot

I made the decision this year to do a lot more pencil-and-paper work, especially for the writing process. But if you know anything about middle schoolers, it's that they rarely have a pencil when they need one. Last school year, I went through so many pencils and knew that I needed to do something to combat the I-don't-have-a-pencil-itis. So I decided to give the pencil parking lot a try.

It is essentially a pencil borrowing system that I set up on my dry erase board using these adhesive pencil holders. I taped off a "parking lot" with electrical tape (it's the easiest to remove) and fill each space with a sharpened pencil. Here's how it works: Students may borrow a pencil from the parking lot. It is their responsibility to return it at the end of class. I do spend the first several weeks reinforcing this procedure so that it becomes routine. I don't replace them daily or even weekly, even in those first few weeks; I will, however, replace them at the start of a new month or after an extended break. Otherwise, I pick up pencils that are left on the floor and keep the lot filled (or mostly filled) that way.

I will admit that this fizzled out for me at the end of third quarter. I was tired y'all, and the students started abusing it, so I just kind of washed my hands of it. But when it works, it's amazing. I'm pretty hopeful that with a few tweaks, it will work better next year. I'm thinking of holding a naming contest in the first week of school for the pencils and treating them almost like class pets. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Writing Folders

This is something that I've been doing since my very first year. I got the idea from a writing PD, and it's probably the only thing from that particular PD that I have used faithfully. I've made a few tweaks with how I store them, but the premise is the same. Each student has a folder that is specific to them (I've been using standard-size hanging folders, which I allow students to decorate in the first few days of school), and I have a designated area where those folders live all year long. Because I rarely allow students to take essay materials home -- especially now that AI is so prevalent -- this is where students keep their research notes, outlines, rough drafts, etc. (although, depending on the situation, I sometimes keep all that stuff for them -- to prevent loss of materials, sneaking it out of the room...you get the picture). I like to grade writing assignments in stages, and the writing folders make it a lot easier for me to do that in a timely manner. The folders also give students a real-time way of tracking their progress in my class throughout the year, and at the end of the course they have what amounts to a scaled-back writer's portfolio.

Like I said earlier, I've made a few tweaks to my system, mostly in terms of how I store the folders for easy access both for myself and the students. The past two years, the folders have lived in a pair of obnoxiously green crates (I got them from Walmart for like $10 apiece, and they have held up nicely). Next year, I think I'm going to pivot away from hanging folders and use three-prong pocket folders that I will supply with the loose-leaf notebook paper. This will give students a more secure way to store instructions, source papers, etc., as well as a place to do research, outline, and write rough drafts. As for storage, I have a hand-me-down magazine rack that I think will work great for this. I'll let y'all know next year how it goes!

Designated, Structured Days for Specific Parts of the Writing Process

The thing about middle schoolers is that they don't respect or appreciate the writing process. It's not really their fault. Up until recently, writing was squeezed in with reading, which was scrutinized way more frequently and harshly, so there was never enough time to devote to the full process. Not to mention the end-of-the-year tests that give them 90 minutes to read and analyze sources and then write a full essay. But as someone who spent her entire professional life leading up to the classroom writing for a living, I know the importance of mastering the process and all the little pieces. So once I became the designated writing teacher, I deliberately slowed everything down. Now, instead of writing a bajillion essays over the course of the year, my students write only two to three. But only after we've meticulously gone through all the stages and have gotten as close as mastery as possible for each.

Don't get me wrong -- we write every day in different formats, but there's no benefit to a student writing an essay once a week or even every other week if they don't understand the process. So we focus on one skill at a time with different writing-based activities that help to grow students in that specific area.

Let me tell you that when you slow the process down, you'll start to see magic happen. Suddenly, evidence starts to get clearer, reasoning starts to get deeper, ideas become cohesive, and what do you know? Those end-of-the-year writing scores don't look quite so bad.

Rubrics for Writing

Speaking of scores, this is one of the most helpful things I learned to do when I was going through my teacher certification program. Not only does this speed up the grading process for essays, but it also helps to keep me honest and unbiased. Grading another person's writing is impossibly subjective. A rubric helps with objectivity since it gives me specific things to be looking for in students' work. Additionally, it gives students a roadmap of what they need to be working toward in terms of expectations.

Essay Grading Progress Written on the Board

Keeping with the subject of grading essays ... This is something I started doing this year. I write the total number of essays or projects I have (a.k.a. the number of students), then the number that I have currently graded, and finally the number that I have left to grade -- like a subtraction problem minus the math symbols. Believe it or not, this has actually cut down on students asking me repeatedly about essay grades. They truly don't understand how long it takes to grade just one (15-20 minutes at least) or really how many I have to grade (not just theirs), so giving them a visual helps to put it into perspective. Thanks for the tip, The Daring English Teacher.

Turn in Baskets for Individual Classes

This one seems pretty self-explanatory, but you would be surprised at the number of teachers who don't have these. These baskets give students an easy-to-follow procedure and helps to prevent most grading headaches. Occasionally something ends up in the wrong basket, but these keeps things mostly organized for five different classes.

Mine are set up on a table right by the door, so students can drop their work in on their way out, or if they needed extra time and finished it outside of class, they can quickly turn it in without having to come completely into the room. I have my own system for emptying them out, which helps me keep up with on-time and late work, but it varies per assignment, so I'm not going to attempt to explain it. Bottom line, you need a standardized procedure for students to submit work.

Mustard-Ketchup-Pickle Days

If there's one thing I know it's that middle school students are not great at time management and responsibility. Even in my first year I knew that I needed to have make-up days, but I absolutely did not structure them this way...or at all really. Now, I use the Mustard-Ketchup-Pickle strategy to keep things from getting chaotic. I try to schedule at least one of these per quarter, but I will throw a random one into the mix if I feel like we need it. Sometimes it's not as much for the students as it is for myself. These days are a good way to get caught up on grading.

Here's how it works. Mustard, or Must Do, activities are the ones that must be done that day. Ketchup, or Catch Up, activities are those that they can get caught up on. Pickle, or Pick Me, activities are for any students who are completely caught up with everything. I give them 2-3 options to choose from, including a creative writing choice board that I use all year long, so that they're still being productive and, more importantly, not distracting other students who have things they need to get accomplished.

Standard Late Work Policy

This is something I put into place this school year because I was drowning in late work. This went beyond our school's makeup work policy for when students are absent and applies more to students simply not turning in work on time. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule, but generally I will accept late work up until a quiz/test.

For projects or any major writing assignment that I allow to be taken home (this is rare and usually only happens on the day before the actual due date so that students can put finishing touches on their work if needed), I have a due date where students get full credit. Then for every day the assignment is late, students are docked five points. I set a hard or final deadline on the Friday after the due date. I try to set it up so that it's capped at 85 percent, but it doesn't always work out that way. I had one that worked out to be 75 percent at the start of the year, but even that was better than a 0.

For all my fellow teachers out there, I hope this post was helpful and gives you some ideas on how to make your classroom a little more efficient next year.