best supportive swimsuits for all budgets on my real body

Fashion & Beauty

Best Supportive Swimsuits For All Budgets On My Real Body

Drescription

Well, here we are again – another summer where we (the collective WE) shop online for swimsuits, only to be confronted with an increasing lack of body inclusivity, and then hope that our real and unphotoshopped bodies will look good in said suits. I’ve sadly never been immune to body dysmorphia, but a good, flattering suit can make your summer less stressful and fill you with more confidence. And summer should be fun:) So I take one for the team almost every year and shop, try on, shoot, and review my non-photoshopped (but heavily self-tanned, lol) body for the internet. I really try to find the best supportive swimsuits on the market. You’ll see each suit from the front and back (good god), and I’ll break down the level of bust support, cheek coverage, and how I feel inside each of these. You should know that I’m 5’4″, between size 4-6, 34D bust, and stick to one-pieces. I generally want to be comfortable, I err on the side of pretty modest (that’s when I feel most confident and therefore sexiest – I’m a former Mormon ’90s teen, lol). So these won’t be the first choice for all bodies (and some of them aren’t the best on me either, and I’ll explain why), but if you want a one-piece with support, here are some options in a few different budgets. And no “gifting” or trades were involved here.

“New To Me” Favorites

New to me, but super impressed. Wearing a size 6 (if you are smaller in the chest size down). Here’s what you need to know:

FABRIC: The fabric is soft and thick (it’s J. Crew’s new “Sculpt Fabric,” which has some compression but not too much).

BUST SUPPORT: 6/10. Not bad at all, good enough in a lot of ways (my standards are low TBH). There is a light shelf that attempts real support, but you aren’t going to want to run around (but lifts a bit for sure). As you can see, they are more smooshed together, which isn’t my favorite shape (see other leopard below).

CHEEKINESS: It’s cheeky enough and medium cut. You can see it slightly cuts in on the hip.

STRAPS: I love the shape of the back straps and thought it was really flattering. The straps are wide which I thought I liked, but once I compared it with its thinner strapped sister, I realize that with big boobs maybe thinner is actually better on me.

PATTERN: The pattern is really busy (not see-through and can hide lumps and bumps)

LINING: The lining kinda peeks out as you can see on my left cheek, lol.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Very comfortable, soft, easy to wear, and I felt pretty confident in it (but I’m keeping the other leopard suit instead).

A solid black suit that I ended up keeping (I have no black suits right now). I still have notes, but I really really, really liked it. I’m wearing a 6 and almost sized down but wasn’t big enough in the boobs. Good to knows:

FABRIC: Soft compression fabric (same J. Crew “Sculpt Fabric”) that feels really good and does the job while still being comfortable.

BUST SUPPORT: 6/10. There is a shelf with a seam that adds some support, enough for walking/lying and feeling secure, but def not your river rafting suit (Tell me you are an Oregonian without telling me you are an Oregonian).

CUT/SHAPE: The cut is flattering – the height of the leg, the location of the straps, the little dip in the front – while it looks basic, it’s thoughtfully designed.

CHEEKINESS: Great cut in the butt. The fabric holds in place well enough, but if it pops up (because it will), it doesn’t cut in.

STRAPS: I love the back – felt that it was flattering and loved the adjustable straps.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I felt really good in this, sexy enough for night time hot tubs with Brian, but still good to daytime with families.

A classic suit in a really pretty color. Size 6 (I tried on a four and too tight, cut in and not enough boob space, so if you are in between sizes, size up).

FABRIC: Another J. Crew “Sculpt Fabric” – soft and the color is so pretty. I could see my lumps and bumps underneath, which is fine at night, but not what I prefer during the day.

BUST SUPPORT: 8/10. Pretty good! I liked the scoop neck on me, and it gave cleavage, but in a way I’m feel comfortable about.

CUT/SHAPE: The shape is pretty great; there is some stitching in the back that creates a nice hourglass shape. It does however, cut in at the hip, which I don’t love.

CHEEKINESS: Mid-coverage. Higher cut on the thighs for sure.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I passed on this one for me, but it’s a really solid suit.

While this suit isn’t very “me” (feels too preppy for me), I thought it was flattering and great for a coastal/Hamptons vibe. I’m wearing a size 6, which fit as well as it could:

FABRIC: It looks expensive (and it is) – great for fancier pool parties.

BUST SUPPORT: 4/10. While it has some, the V flattens more than lifts. I think better for those C cups and under, IMHO. I like cleavage, but not the big, flat kind of line that this gave me (thus passing on it).

CUT/SHAPE: The scoop back is so pretty! I thought the back was so flattering.

CHEEKINESS: Pretty cheeky, without being too high. I really like the white trim on the suit – a detail without garnering too much attention.

PATTERN: The color blocking is super flattering. The dark navy is slimming, then the pops of white delight your eye and keep you looking tanner next to it.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Better if you have smaller boobs, otherwise pretty great for a modest suit that doesn’t scream “mom”.

Highly Rated Affordable Amazon Dupes

As a total swimsuit snob, I tried hard this time to order some that were truly affordable to try – maybe my snobbery is off base and there are some really supportive swimsuits for $35?? Well, no and maybe. After trying on many, I found a few worth discussing. I ordered medium, which was a mistake (I also have a short torso), so in all of these, I would size down if you are in between sizes. These are solid, affordable options for sure, with a lot more cheek coverage. They don’t have compression fabrics and are thinner, so they don’t conceal as much, but I was surprised by how much I liked the tops of a few of these, so I’m showing you the 3 out of 10 that I tried (some were god-awful).

This floral number (size M) is for those who want more coverage in the butt, and a busy overall pattern. What you need to know:

BUST SUPPORT: 5/10. Not the worst, for sure (they say “supportive” on the site, and I was like “I’ll be the judge of that”). It has a shelf and you won’t fall out, but it doesn’t lift or shape like others.

CUT/SHAPE: I liked the top – felt like I could throw on some shorts and cruise around on a bike. No compression, sculpting, or shaping (the things you pay $$ for with the higher-priced suits).

CHEEKINESS: Full cheek coverage.

STRAPS: Adjustable straps – always a plus.

PATTERN: The busy pattern makes it so you can’t see underneath lumps and bumps, if that’s your preference. The colors are pretty and modern (i.e., some of the Amazon patterns are SOOOOO questionable).

FINAL THOUGHTS: I think this is a great affordable suit that I personally would wear cute swim shorts with at, say, the local pool or public splash pad. It’s fun, family-friendly, and affordable.

I was very curious about this Andie Swim dupe, and it measured up exactly how I thought it would (wearing a Medium and should have sized down):

BUST SUPPORT: 6/10. Good enough for most things because even though it’s not going to lift and shape, you get enough coverage to never worry about falling out. There is a shelf inside that does the job just fine.

CUT/SHAPE: The top and snaps are pretty cute.

CHEEKINESS: Full coverage. Stays put because, well, it’s full coverage.

STRAPS: The straps feel casual and cool.

FINAL THOUGHTS: While the OG Andie is far superior, this felt like a solid dupe. I’m a small and should have ordered a small (sizing on the internet is just so weird!). I liked the color, and while I didn’t feel sexy at all in this, it’s a great “add shorts and run around” kind of suit that still feels youthful while being solidly modest.

Ok, this one, FULL, full coverage, was actually really cute! Great for trips with in-laws if you know what I mean. I wore a medium and should have sized down to a small (doesn’t run big but it’s not tight).

BUST SUPPORT: Fine, like a 5/10 (zero is no support where boobs are just flying blind inside). But the coverage makes you feel supported in a way, but no lifting.

CUT/SHAPE: There is rouging in the stomach area, which I have mixed feelings about – sometimes it gives maternity, and I’d rather a suit help compress instead. Also, Too much with the sleeves, IMHO.

CHEEKINESS: Full butt coverage.

PATTERN: The pattern is bold. I liked it more with a sarong as shown (just too much coverage on the butt for me).

FINAL THOUGHTS: Sure, it gives “mom,” but it’s also cute and fun and family resort appropriate. The sleeves are cute and fun, and the back has some style. If you are in between sizes like me, size down for sure.

This Amazon suit was highly rated, so I ordered it in a few patterns/colorways. I liked this one the most because of the colorway (lighter/pattern on top). I didn’t keep but I did feel it was good enough to talk about.

BUST SUPPORT: Pretty good! The back strap helps keep the ladies up there, and you aren’t going to fall out. The shape of the front flattens boobs more than I’d like rather than lifting.

CUT/SHAPE: Good if you want to feel like you are wearing a two piece without actually wearing a two piece (the cut out in the midsection. And also great if you want attention up above, but less so on the bottom. It felt pretty booby :)

CHEEKINESS: Full, but I still thought it was flattering from the back since it was black on the bottom and lighter on the top.

PATTERN: Comes in a ton of patterns and colors.

FINAL THOUGHTS: All in all, more solid, comfortable, and flattering than so many of the other affordable Amazon suits I tried on. Not very me, but a good, affordable dupe.

Another Amazon number with a cute top and a lot of coverage. I have mixed feelings.

FABRIC: It is double layered, but as you can see, it still shows more underneath than I would like (this is a deal breaker for me as I’m stupidly self-conscious about that).

BUST SUPPORT: Fine! Like a 6/10. You aren’t going to fall out, but it’s not lifting and supporting necessarily. There is a shelf for sure, so you aren’t flying blind.

CUT/SHAPE: The scoop/square neck with the snaps is cute and flattering.

CHEEKINESS: Full coverage

STRAPS: I like where the straps hit.

FINAL THOUGHTS: It has rouging on the stomach, which isn’t my favorite, but great if you want more room.

My #1 Go-To

This is my #1 because it’s so flattering, comfortable, and versatile. It is my perfect “family, active, snorkeling, river hiking, then to lunch” suit. I literally where it most days on our family adventure vacations or when with other families. They have it in other types of fabric (ribbed and gingham), which I don’t love as much, so I stick to the classics (and just ordered the navy, too). I wish it came in a black and white stripe in the same fabric (hint, hint, Andie, folk). I’m wearing a small, classic torso.

FABRIC: It has two light compression layers, so it is flattering without being too compressing (like some below). It is thick enough to hide lumps and bumps but not so thick to be uncomfortable or hot.

BUST SUPPORT: Is an 8/10 in boob support (which is enough, without being uncomfortable). You are so supported and won’t ever fall out (it’s what I wear snorkeling or running around at a splash pad). It lifts and doesn’t smoosh or flatten (creates a nice rounder shape, imho).

CUT/SHAPE: It doesn’t flatten, but it does conceal enough in a comfortable way. Two of my friends with very different body shapes (smaller on top and hippier) also have it and love it. Seems to be a universally great casual suit that I think still looks stylish.

CHEEKINESS: It’s the perfect level of cheeky and stays in place.

FINAL THOUGHTS: It reads more like a tank top if you throw on shorts (thus perfect at a beach or poolside restaurant). You can button it up and down (can still be sexy). I have worn it for three years (one broke a snap, and I bought it again). 10/10. Love this suit. Oh, and the navy color is currently 25% off!!

The Most Flattering And Supportive

Well, you simply can’t beat TA3 for flattery, support, and shape – made for curvier ladies to feel hot. I’m obsessed with these suits and feel so good in them (while sometimes wishing the colors weren’t so bright – they have black in a lot of the shapes, don’t worry). These are corseted suits, designed to be extremely flattering, tailored, and give you an hourglass shape while lifting and flattening. They are expensive for a reason, but my goodness, they are a game changer.

FABRIC: Super compression fabric – great for being flattering, and you can see NO bumps or lumps – just a smooth flat tummy. But these are not comfortable for all-day wear (like at all). And remember, if you cinch somewhere, it often comes out in other places, so you might find yourself adjusting more than other suits.

BUST SUPPORT: 10/10. You are lifted and sculpted and supported. It’s so awesome.

CUT/SHAPE: Undeniably flattering, compared to most suits. Designed to give you an hourglass shape. However, not as great for smaller boobs or more lanky ladies – two of my less curvy friends tried mine on and while they looked good in them, they simply didn’t need what this suit specializes in. We all agreed that while good, if you don’t need support or want stomach flattening, this suit might not be for you.

CHEEKINESS: They have a lot of different cuts, but this one is mid-cheek (I can not do a thong YET despite Brian begging me)

FINAL THOUGHTS: This one doesn’t have the corsetted tie back, instead this mesh number (it’s newer, which I LOVE. I would buy this suit in many colors and patterns – it’s expensive and you can’t wear it all day, but as far as feeling great in a suit, this is it for me.

A decidedly “non-friends and family” suit, for me at least, y’all. This suit is low cut, high cut and demands attention (and you have medium to big boobs, you’ll get it). It’s what I pull out on vacation with Brian, and more so at night, but I feel GREAT in it. I’ve had it for three years and still pull it out when I need a boost (mentally and physically). I’m desperate for a collaboration with them to create more patterns, so I’m putting it out there in case they are reading.

FABRIC: The TA3 technology creates that hourglass shape while compressing and smoothing underneath. It’s magical, truly. It boosts where I wanted boosting and flattens where I want flattening.

BUST SUPPORT: 10/10. Yes, it’s very low cut, but it has a shelf and lifts and shapes – again, magical. My boobs look and feel fantastic in this suit despite being 45 years old (they aren’t that perky, y’all). They also strangely aren’t smooshed together – it’s designed to give enough room to create a really pretty rounder shape, instead of just flattening them down or smooshing them together.

CUT/SHAPE: High cut – be prepared to get a wax – this suit is super super high cut (which is why I wear it more at night, lol). The back corset will create back cleavage, at least it does on me – you just have to be ok with it.

CHEEKINESS: Pretty darn minimal, and while it stays in place OK, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart/cheek.

STRAPS: Adjustable straps – great!

COLOR: The color is so fun – electric blue, which demands attention, but they have other colors, too.

FINAL THOUGHTS: If you want sexy and supportive, this could be for you. Like, if I had to go on Love Island and be in a suit, this is what I would choose (what a sentence).

I LOVED this suit (and so glad I tried it on – I was very doubtful it would look great on me). I was so happy to find something new (outside of the red Andie and the TA3s) that felt both daytime and sexy. Wearing a size 6, which fit great.

FABRIC: The fabric is soft and sculpt-y (some compression but you can wear all day – V. comfortable).

BUST SUPPORT: 7/10, but I felt GREAT in it. I’m not going to go river rafting in it, but they are lifted, and I felt properly supported. Doesn’t flatten or squish together, just allows for boobs to be supported yet full.

CUT/SHAPE: Thigh cut – perfect. Not too high (like the blue TA3 that is extreme) but flattering. Remember, the higher the cut, the longer the leg, if you are into that.

CHEEKINESS: PERFECT, i.e., the amount that I like. Enough that you can see some bum, but not a thong.

STRAPS: V neck and little straps are so flattering.

PATTERN: The leopard pattern is busy, fun, stylish, and feels on-trend.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I really, really loved this suit and am so happy to add it to my repertoire. 9/10

Hopefully, this helps you make some decisions with more confidence. It’s hard out there, but my suggestion is to pick yourself up some self-tanning lotion (I love Loving Tan, Coco and Eve and St. Tropez – don’t forget to use the mitt!), and save for one good suit, versus trying out suits that don’t make you feel 100% great. While at 45, I’ll likely never be that girl who struts around the pool in front of people I know with full confidence (which is so dumb), but a good suit has made a huge difference in my summer pool confidence. Hoping to not pass down my body dysmorphia to my daughter, but that’s another story for another day (and she lives in the same messed-up world full of outrageously high expectations for women, so we’ll just do our best, right?). It’s all about highlighting what you love about your body while finding silhouettes, fabrics, and cuts that make you feel your best. May we all just do the best we can, right?

Camping is one of the most budget-friendly summer activities, but without the right accessories, it’s easy to find yourself dreaming of the comforts of home. To help make this your best summer yet, we’ve rounded up 13 best-selling and on-sale camping and outdoor accessories from Amazon. Our list includes essentials for those new to camping—think: tents, sleeping bags, and portable lanterns—plus some fun accessories to enhance the experience even for seasoned campers. Shop mosquito-repelling bracelets, cast iron cookers for making meals on an open fire, and even a portable shower. We’ve also thrown in some extra fun goodies like color-changing packets for your bonfire and a boil-and-brew Stanley French press so you can make coffee wherever you are. Best of all, prices are as low as $5, so you can stock up without going through your entire summer budget. Must-Have Camping and Outdoor Accessories at Amazon Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan, $19 (was $25) Vignuto Portable Shower for Camping, $35 (was $43) Cliganic 10-Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, $10 (was $13) Gootop Bug Zapper, $38 with coupon (was $70) Stanley Adventure All-in-One Boil + Brew French Press, $26 Coghlan's Cast Iron Cooker, $12 UNP 10-Person Camping Tent, $155 (was $180) HGD 6-Pack Magic Campfire Fire Color Changing Packets, $7 Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle, $5 LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, $18 MalloMe S'mores Sticks, $10 (was $11) Odoland Portable LED Camping Lantern with Ceiling Fan A lantern is a must for any camping trip or nighttime summer adventure. This two-in-one portable lantern has 18 LED bulbs to light the way for up to 37 hours and a built-in fan to keep you cool on hot summer nights. The lantern’s 360-degree rotation and collapsible design allow for easy hanging, and because it runs on D-cell batteries, you don’t need to worry about cords or making sure it’s charged. “This was so great for the last camping trip. I sleep hot, and the fan is not loud,” one shopper wrote. “The hanging hook was perfect for using the light, but for the fan, I used it on the ground, and it’s flexible enough to do that.” Vignuto Portable Shower for Camping Anyone who’s been camping knows the first thing you miss is a warm shower. Amazon shoppers have added this portable shower to their camping supply list in droves, and now it’s on sale. It works by pumping water from an included foldable bucket, which it sends up a pipe and streams out from the showerhead. The shower can run for up to 150 minutes on a single charge and has an LED digital display for easy control. Shoppers love that it charges via a USB port, so you can plug it into anything that’s handy, like a portable charger or your laptop. (Bonus tip: The shower can also be used to bathe pets and wash your car!) Cliganic 10-Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets You should never go without sunscreen or mosquito repellent while camping. But if the thought of spraying (and smelling) traditional bug sprays has you avoiding it at all costs, you’ll want to grab these DEET-free mosquito repellent bracelets instead. Whether camping or just lounging around your backyard, the best-selling bracelets use citronella, geranium, and lemongrass oils to keep mosquitoes away. Shoppers say they’re stretchy and comfortable and “work just as well as old-fashioned spray.” Gootop Bug Zapper More than 50,000 units of this best-selling bug zapper have been purchased in just the last month. Calling it a “must-have for summer,” shoppers say it’s effective at killing all kinds of flying insects and that it even starts working immediately. Currently 43 percent off, the zapper uses light to attract pests, then a high-voltage electric grid zaps them on contact. It has a coverage area of half an acre and weighs just over 2 pounds, so it’s easy to hang practically anywhere, including on a tent. Keep scrolling to shop more popular finds to upgrade your camping trips and outdoor adventures this summer. Coghlan's Cast Iron Cooker UNP 10-Person Camping Tent HGD 6-Pack Magic Campfire Fire Color Changing Packets Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle LifeStraw Personal Water Filter MalloMe S'mores Sticks

Don’t Let Wilting Zinnias Ruin Your Garden—Here’s How to Save Them Fast

When your zinnias droop, it puts a dent in your garden decor. Zinnias are usually reliable and easy to care for, blooming all summer long with single and double flowers in bright, bold colors. But if flowers sag atop the stems, you have a case of wilt. Here are six reasons why zinnias wil,t with solutions to restore your patch to top form. Overwatering Too much water causes zinnias to turn brown and soggy. Flower heads droop, and plants may topple over. Fungal diseases may appear as brown or water-soaked spots on leaves. Root rot can set in, causing plant loss. Solution: Let overwatered plants dry out completely, then resume a reduced watering schedule. Remove soggy leaves and flower heads to encourage new, healthy growth. Avoid overwatering by testing the soil before watering. Plant zinnias where they'll receive full sun and amend the soil to improve drainage. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Underwatering Without sufficient water, leaves and stems turn pale, then brown and crispy, and shrivel up. Plants may fail to bloom or produce small flowers. The entire plant takes on a wilted look and, if left too long, will dry up and die. Solution: During extended periods of hot, dry weather, water deeply once a week or more often as needed. Zinnias are drought-tolerant once established but perform best in consistently moist, well-draining soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Plan to provide an inch of water weekly, especially during blooming. Aphids These tiny parasitic pests multiply rapidly, puncturing leaves and stems to feed on plant liquid. When aphids target your zinnias, plants become stunted with curling, wilted foliage that drops prematurely. Infestations interrupt photosynthesis and can lead to plant loss. Aphids leave behind a sweet substance called 'honeydew' that attracts ants. If you see ants on your zinnias, check for aphids. Solution: Get rid of aphids with a strong spray from your garden hose or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Inspect plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Companion plant with marigolds, garlic, and chives. Avoid over-fertilizing and encourage beneficial predators like lady beetles and lacewings. Stalk Borers When your zinnias seem to wilt down overnight, the culprit is likely a stalk borer. Common borers are larvae of small brown moths. They tunnel into plant stems, causing sudden wilt, deformities, and eventual plant loss. Larvae hatch in spring, feeding on grasses, then moving on to larger plants like your zinnias as they mature. The gray caterpillars grow up to 1 1/2-inches long. Solution: Prevention is key because once a borer is inside the stem, treatment is ineffective. Remove affected stems, and bag or burn them. Keep your zinnia bed and surrounding areas free of weeds and grasses. Clean up garden debris at the end of the season. BT (Bacillus thurengienses) is a biological control that destroys caterpillars and can be used as pre-treatment. Alternaria Blight Alternaria zinneae is a fungal disease that manifests as reddish brown leaf spots with gray centers on both upper and lower surfaces. As the lesions increase, leaves turn brown, and the entire plant darkens and wilts. Spots can girdle plant stems and appear on flower petals. Solution: Prevention is the most effective approach. Watch for signs in mid-summer and autumn. If disease sets in, pull plants and bury or burn them to avoid future contamination. Rotate your zinnia bed and avoid overhead watering. Look for resistant varieties and pretreat seeds in a hot water bath for 30 minutes. Protect plants with copper-based fungicides. Heat Stress Heat stress occurs when temperatures remain consistently hot, causing leaf curl, scorching, and wilting. Plants may cease blooming or produce small flowers. Solution: Zinnias bounce back quickly with corrective treatment. Avoid overcrowding. Large plants need 18 inches of space, while most dwarf varieties need 12 inches for adequate air circulation. Water deeply at ground level in the morning or evening. Mulch plants to cool the soil and provide some afternoon shade. How to Keep Your Zinnias From Wilting Plant zinnias in full sun in well-draining soil. Aim for an inch of water each week, but prepare to adjust your watering schedule during heavy rains or periods of drought. Water deeply at ground level during cooler parts of the day. Check regularly for signs of pests or disease and treat preventively when necessary.

My New Prop Garage Reveal – Including IKEA Shelving (Non-Spon) And A Lot Of Vintage Collections

Iam a new person. Transformed! The fact that there aren’t more before/after shows for the “chronically disorganized” (me!) is a real missed TV opportunity. Now, I do give myself grace because the amount of stuff one has to have to do this job, run this company, and create so much design content so frequently is extreme (occupational hazard – just the way it is). And even with a team of people, it’s impossible to keep it organized unless you have what we now have – a dedicated space, with IKEA shelving and cabinets, labels, color-coded shelves, THE WORKS. Without systems, there is chaos!!!! And Houston, we now have systems. For those of you who want to jump to the reveal, you can watch our latest YouTube video right here. I couldn’t love it any more. When we bought the property, this was the garage – full of potential and spiders/dampness. We always knew that one of the perks of buying the property with so many outbuildings would be that we could have prop storage within reach (crucial to running the business), but not when they looked like this… She was in rough shape. A slab had been poured in the last 20 years (we think), but otherwise it was “vintage”. So my brother’s company, Afore, set to restore and repair it, using the existing footprint and structure (and slab). They reinforced the framing, scissoring where they needed to, replacing other boards, but we really tried to save money by using the original wood. We opted to get rid of the broken windows, choosing functional wall space over a weird fence view. We updated the simple electrical and panneled it all. January 2025 – Construction Progress As you can see, the four bays remained the same, just fixed for new garage doors. The two on the left would be furniture store, holiday, and “Henderson life stuff”, while the two on the right would be smaller props, tools, supplies – all the stuff that needed a true dedicated space. Brian’s truck would go on the far left (and to save money, we made it just a covered carport without a slab, electrical or garage doors, and just a corrugated roof). Initially, we were going to leave the original ceiling (it was pretty!), but we ended up cladding over it just to keep it as clean, insulated, and simple as possible. We needed to add recessed lighting so the paneling covered up the wiring, and honestly, we just didn’t want to deal with spiders and the potentially ickiness ever again. The Old Prop House – Carriage House As a reminder, we had everything on shelving in the only “not-totally-damp” room in the carriage house. Things were not staying in great shape, and we needed to start restoring this house, so it was time to fix the garages so we could have safe, dry storage. June 2025 – DONE!!!! And I’m So Happy Last week, I showed off the prettiest garage doors ever (by Clopay, installed by local company Ponderosa) that we are legit obsessed with. Head over to this post to read alllllllll about our doors and the color, etc. Once open, those doors really create this indoor/outdoor workspace which we all love being in (besides the fact that there is spotty wifi out here – fixing that asap). It’s a huge garage, extremely functional and tidy, and I spend far more time in here than predicted. The After After…My New Favorite Space It’s so much space, and so organized with the right dedicated storage for every type of thing. We have three sides of storage – the shallow shelves on the left, the deep closed storage on the back, and then deep shelves on the right. I mapped it all out beforehand, and I think I did a fantastic job if I do say so myself! In front of the PAX units (which I want to discuss more below), we have our old vintage kitchen table from LA that I have been hoarding, and my beloved Cherner chairs (which admittedly shouldn’t be in a garage, but they aren’t comfortable enough for our day-to-day chairs – so squeaky!). We use this table to pull props and pack them up, but also we have been meeting out here while the kids have been running feral all summer. It’s oddly peaceful and quiet out here. While it’s likely not our year-round “studio,” it’s reallly nice not to always work in my sunroom and have some separation (we are hybrid, so unless we are meeting or shooting, everyone does computer work from home). Are The IKEA PAX Units Good Enough For Garage Shelves?? I saw a lot of comments after I posted about how we had installed the PAX units. A few of you mentioned they aren’t strong enough for true garage storage (based on your experience). So before you do what I did, do more research (than I did). So far we are fine, but as you can see, we do have some stacks of dishes which are rather heavy, and I think I’m going to disperse based on your advice. For the most part, what is in these units isn’t heavy, but if you have heavy bins of garage “stuff,” then based on the comments, you’d want to get the kitchen cabinetry from IKEA. This is our tabletop cabinet as you can see, pared down and super organized. The labels are my boss!!! In the other prop house, these were stacked in a bookshelf and were a total disaster. Here they are stacked perfectly and dust/spider-free. I bought the IKEA organizers for inside that work fine for the flatware. On the left is oversized art and mirrors (which I organized in that cute little wall-mounted art organizer). More IKEA Shelving! This is my favorite wall – so many pretty things that we pull for shoots, rotate in and out of my house, and I think I have a story about every single thing (not saying it’s healthy, just giving the facts). Most of this is vintage or one-of-a-kind (with a decent amount of really useful Anthro, CB2, and Target mixed in here). I had so much fun organizing everything by color – forcing Marlee and Gretchen into a personal show-and-tell monologue about each thing that had a story. Yes, I’m a hoarder of pretty things, and I accept this full accountability (I also purge a lot – and trust me, you want to be friends with “purging Emily”). I’m glad that most of you are likely design enthusiasts and aren’t judging but instead admiring (but it’s ok if you don’t get it, too!) Let me be clear, this is post-purge. As in this is the stuff that made the cut, either because I use it a lot, or it’s somehow special to me, or it’s new and I haven’t found its permanent home yet. On the other side is “Lamp Land,” which houses (you guessed it) all the lighting, as well as art and fabric. How can a photo of shelves of stuff make me so happy???? I guess I see years of collecting (dopamine burst after dopamine burst) mixed with excitement for future projects. Now that I can see everything clearly, I can really place them in future projects (that I know of). I’ve gotten pretty great and knowing what I should keep versus what I really don’t think I need to store any longer. All of this made the cut. Lamps, baskets, small inside pots, and large vessels – everything has a place, and it’s visually so clear. On the bottom row lie row after row of fabric bins that I bought specifically to fit in here side by side, and with a vinyl window to show me what is inside. Admittedly, they look squished, but they do the job assigned to them so well and can fit a LOT. I’m pretty obsessed with these art dividers (pot lid organizers work, too). I bought these from Amazon, with the larger rolling ones here and the smaller art dividers here. These make me feel on top of the world, TBH, and I’m so excited that my art will stop getting damaged by being thrown around. How smart are these rolling art carts? Very specific to my needs (not an every garage staple), but they work so well for our needs. We keep them in front of the door, which we aren’t really using (we might in the winter) because the garage doors open so easily and quickly. It’s such a dream. And a big shout out to the Clopay garage doors that open and close so quietly and, as you can see below, honestly look pretty lovely when closed (the windows help a lot). We’ve been leaving the doors open while we are in here, and it really stays cool (no direct sun, north facing) and is just so nice to get away from the free rein kids running around our property all summer. It’s also fantastic that cars can pull right up to it, so even in the winter we have very little excuse to not put things away (but we can also just stack everything on the table if we are in a hurry – a dedicated staging spot). We put in a cadet heater that is behind the art, leaning on the floor, so we’ll see if we use it in the winter. I think at minimum I’ll set it to keep it 50 degrees so that it doesn’t get too cold in here and warp the art. That white door leads to the other garage, which is full of samples of something I’m very excited to show you, but can’t yet. So more to come from that garage soon… A huge thanks to my team for helping me with this. I know that it’s technically part of their job, but reorganizing your boss’s life (while also shooting a YouTube series about it) is definitely both hard work and very personal. And thanks to my brother’s company, Afore, for making these garages so beautiful, safe, dry, and polished. They are such a dream. Now go watch the fun/fast YouTube to see the full tour (including what is in the other cabinets).

5 Women Reviewed Abercrombie’s Viral Best Selling Dress…Here’s What We Think

Earlier this summer, I stepped into an Abercrombie location at the Christiana Mall in Delaware. This was not the Abercrombie of yore – there were no dark lights, no overpowering scent of cologne, no ear-splitting bass. Nary a shirtless teen in sight! On the contrary: this was the new Abercrombie. The 2025 version. The transformation was made evident when a young tween, dragged in by her early 40s mother and wholly uninterested in every dress in front of her, gestured to me, a 33-year-old woman minding my own business, and said, “This store is for people like her.” “Her,” in this case, means adults. Grown-ups. (The horror!!!!) We grew up, and Abercrombie grew up with us. Gone are the layering tanks, the popped collars, the micro-shorts, the air of exclusivity. Instead, you’ll find your local Abercrombie stocked with modest midi-length dresses, comfortable jeans, athleisure with built-in bras, and easy throw-on-and-go basics at wallet-friendly prices. WHO KNEW?! Well, I did – and that’s why I forced the team to try on and review Abercrombie’s Viral Best Selling Dress, the Emerson collection. I’m convinced that this style looks good on everyone (you can be the judge below!) and it’s offered in a variety of shapes, cuts, lengths, and patterns, meaning that there is an Emerson for every body. (I mean that literally, too – sizing runs from 000-24 and regular, petite, and tall lengths are offered. They’re not perfect, but Abercrombie is far more inclusive than other major brands out there today.) ANYWAY – you ready to see what these grown-up adults think of their new dresses? Emily Dress Size: Small/Regular My Height: 5’4″ Thoughts: When things go viral, I’m curious for sure – is it really that good? Would it work on my body? Since I have larger ladies and a short torso, I really thought that the fitted bodice would crawl up and make me look pregnant (true story for all the Reformation dresses designed like this), but I was so pleasantly surprised by the structure of this dress! I really love it (with one caveat). It’s comfortable, drapes really well, obviously the sleeves are flattering, and the bodice slimming and just so easy to wear (shout out to the alllllll the various patterns). My only issue is that I only have one bra that has wide enough straps and a low enough back to not be seen. I actually think it’s best to not wear a bra with this dress, but I’m not terribly comfortable doing that. The square neck is very wide, and it’s not that the back is super low it’s that my supportive bras just have a thicker strap that does ride up higher. I bought these cakes, but they didn’t arrive in time. So I’m keeping this dress (I bought it in the poplin, too, but prefer the linen, so I returned that one). I know we are in mid-July, so buying a linen midi dress might feel “end of season,” but the sale price of this is an incredible deal (and it’s too hot to buy fall right now!). I’m sure the other ladies will say this, but if you are in between sizes, size down – I’m in between small and medium in most things right now (I really wish the world would get itself together and agree on a universal sizing), and bought a small, which fits great. I was prepared to say “cute dress, not for me” but I’m excited to announce that even if you are apple shaped, with a bigger bosom, this dress is very flattering and makes me feel good (just beware of the bra needs). Gretchen Dress Size: Large/Tall My Height: 5’9″ Thoughts: Consider me a fan of Abercrombie’s resurgence! Gone are the days of me rocking a moose-embroidered, long-sleeved babydoll top to 3rd period (thankfully). Now, I’m wearing puffy sleeves and flowy skirts to wine country, baby! We’ve graduated, and I like it. Especially this style of dress; big puffy sleeves, a square neckline, and a tiered skirt that hits just right at the waist. I was smitten with this cute wine and cheese pattern on the fabric, which is admittedly a little too on the nose to wear wine tasting (what I’m doing in this picture), BUT so many strangers (okay, two) came up to me and told me they loved the dress! So I consider that a win and have plans to wear this piece other places, too. I wasn’t totally sure about the sizing, so I tested a variety, and really I just wish they sold a medium-and-a-half. The medium fit me super well in the waist/ribs, but squished the girls down in a weird way. The large fit best in the chest but is looser than I would like in the waist. I went with the large tall (I’m 5’9″) over a regular because I think a longer midi skirt looks better on me. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with this dress and think the quality is great, especially for the price point. Jess Dress Size: Small/Petite My Height: 5’4″ Thoughts: What I will say first is that it is an extremely cute dress that doesn’t require my size C-cup breasts to wear a bra, and since it doesn’t have a fitted skirt, I can wear whatever style underwear my heart could desire (granny, duh). The pattern is so sweet, it’s lined, and overall, the quality feels so good. I chose a petite length since it’s a “mini” dress (though, I don’t think it’s all that mini) and was afraid the regular would have hit me in an awkward spot. Oh, and it was a bit of thing to get on because it’s a pullover, but once you’re in, it’s so comfortable and you feel secure! But as truly cute as it is and think it looks on me, it’s just not my style. I sort of figured as much when this style was chosen, but as my mother always told me, “Just try it on, you never you and you might be surprised.” However, since I know I just wouldn’t wear it enough, I’m going to return it. This is a dress that’s much more “Jess”:) Caitlin Dress Size: Large/Regular My Height: 5’8″ Thoughts: I’ve been screaming about Abercrombie for TWO WHOLE YEARS, and it’s about time my team started paying attention!!! The Emerson line is a total breeze to wear – it’s the epitome of the “throw on and go” dress to me. Everyone looks good in it, they’re appropriate for nearly every occasion (church! Antiquing! Farmer’s market! Parent/teacher conference! Thanksgiving dinner!), and honestly…they’re pretty fun and princess-y to wear. I love the pockets, I love that my 36Fs fit inside (I’m bra-less here, with room leftover!), and I love the variety of cuts and patterns. If none of the current pieces are doing it for you, never fear: they drop new pieces every season. And while we’re talking Abercrombie: here’s the Mila dress I’ve been yappin’ about all summer! ICYMI, I’ve been on a “shop small or not at all” kick in 2025…and it was going great, until I tried this dress on. It’s simultaneously structured-yet-breezy, supportive enough up top that I can still go bra-free (praise be!!!), and I ADORE the cut of the straps – it covers up my armpit folds, or lumps, or whatever those weird pieces of skin between my boob and my armpit are called. I wear this one at least once a week – it’s just SO easy and flattering. If the Emerson cut isn’t doing it for you, give the rest of the dresses a look – they have some great basics at rock-bottom prices. Mallory Dress Size: Small/Regular My Height: 5’7″ Thoughts: Imagine how confused I was when I opened up this blog post in the backend and saw everyone’s Abercrombie dress that did NOT look like the one I ordered!! Caitlin raved about this dress, which is how we came up with the idea to do an Abercrombie dress try-on, so I thought we were going with that one, but JOKES ON ME!! I don’t know what happened. But this is what I ordered and I LOVE IT, so I’m gonna review it anyway (lol this is the funniest thing that’s ever happened to me on the blog). Let’s get into it, though. This dress comes in a few different simple colors, and this really fun pattern too. The quality is shockingly good – there’s a bodice that’s super flattering but isn’t tight and uncomfortable (I don’t know how they do it). I was super impressed with the fit (I got a small). But wait – I saved the best part for last – IT HAS POCKETS! I’ll be wearing this all summer. Thanks, bye! Marlee Dress Size: Small/Regular My Height: 5’8″ Thoughts: I am not a huge fan of puffy sleeves on myself, and I don’t really wear midi or maxi dresses casually, so I was unsure about reviewing this line when the team first proposed it (didn’t feel super me) – but I was happy to see the Emerson Cap Sleeve Mini Dress as an option in the line! I ordered a Size S in the black (regular height). My biggest takeaway is WHY am I not wearing square necklines ALLLL the time? It’s so cute – combined with the little cap sleeves, I ended up liking this dress much more than I thought I would. From a sizing standpoint, it felt pretty true to size, and I liked that the back area where the zipper has ruching, so it’s pretty stretchy. Lengthwise, it hit at a good point on my legs but is on the longer side for a mini dress – I do have a shorter torso, but if you’re worried about the length, I think it’s totally fine/appropriate. I went braless and felt totally fine, but if you need more support or feel most comfortable wearing a bra, I do think you would have to go strapless (unless you don’t mind a little peekaboo strap) – the neckline did go basically all the way to my armpit. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this item, and I think it will be a great, simple staple to have in my closet! There you go! Let us know what you think. Do you like the kinds of reviews? Are you going to try an Abercrombie dress now? Have a great weekend, pals!