really great (and mostly affordable) spring basics

Fashion & Beauty

Really Great (And Mostly Affordable) Spring Basics

Drescription

We are ready up here for spring (had a few mid 60s sunny days in February which is always such a tease). I’m mostly just fantasizing about spring break (sun! warmth! very little wifi!). So as I went shopping I found a decent amount of stuff that I LOVED, mostly on the affordable side (which is all relative I know). And per usual I try on a LOT more that I don’t love or wouldn’t bother to show you, so these are my favorites :)

Solid long sleeve shirt with a raglan sleeve that looks so casual and still fun. 10/10 love that shirt. The pants are the famous Madewell darted barrel jeans in a cream (not bright white which always makes me nervous!) and this time I sized down to make them fit a bit more flattering. The Milano Birks I’ve had for years and I was pretty proud of myself for putting on a belt, which makes me feel VERY pulled together (bandana is old Clare V. but they sell something similar).

A great thin white top (very Doen-esque) that is easy to tuck and perfect for humidity or high heat. I paired it with Gap’s new Bermuda short (which are long and not too tight but not too wide). They are GREAT (see them below in cream). But for those of you who like the skirt route, we LOVED this denim prairie style skirt – medium-weight, but has a nice thick hem at the bottom to keep some sort of structure. Would also just be cute with a sweatshirt or a tank top (this look was a bit too “church” for me, but admittedly pretty cute).

HUGE fan of this short sleeved sweatshirt (it’s coming with me on spring break for mornings). It 1/2 tucks really nicely, looks cute with shorts, jeans, skirts, athleisure – just a real win for when you want to be casual but still look fun. These are the white versions of the longer Gap shorts – BIG FAN.

Clocking in at $24.99 this is my summer “play dress” – tie anything around its waist, throw on sneakers (with socks if you want to be cool, I do not) and go have fun. I could even play pickle ball in it, perfect for long walks to the village for a beer – just so easy and affordable.

This shirt was a splurge, but my goodness it’s so pretty. It’s coming with me for spring break because it’s cotton so it’s still really breathable (so good for dinners with bugs but still warm at night). While this is Farm Rio (which typically is very resort wear) I think this is a solid spring and summer top that I will wear ALL THE TIME.

A solid denim short and breezy white top with cute stitching (so great for hotter climates). And I even paired with more of a statement necklace which is pretty dang cute.

While the leopard pants are certainly not “affordable spring basics” (I love them BTW) the shirt sure is. It’s from The Gap and is so flattering and looks very high end, IMHO. Here I’m wearing a small (which I returned for an XS) so it runs pretty big. It’s rather long (which I stuffed into my leopard stretch pants, as you do) and the buttons on the sleeve are so pretty. I LOVE this shirt (dark denim is a thing right now) and it comes in white and black as well. But yeah, the leopard hot pants are giving RHONJ in a way that I’m actually into (but dressing them down with a sweatshirt might be the better move).

I was so intrigued with this convertible Gap top – very architectural and cool. The buttons unsnap, going from a longer shirt with a tail to more of a cropped boxy shape. I’m wearing an xs and it’s still pretty oversized. I really liked it but ended up returning it just because I didn’t think I’d wear it that often (since I don’t go into an office). The skirt is a new mini from H&M that is pretty dang cute (and I bought the top to match – denim post coming soon!).

How to Pack Light and Still Be Fashionable, According to Style Expert Tan France

Traveling with only a carry-on doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your best looks. As a frequent traveler, style expert Tan France has more experience than most when it comes to striking the right balance between packing practically and fashionably. France even partnered with Europe's train booking app, Trainline, to create the brand’s first-ever European style guide of curated “trainleisure” outfits for top European destinations—the UK, France, and Italy. But picking out what to wear on any kind of vacation is only half the battle—getting it all to fit in our luggage is the even trickier half. As much as we wish we could just bring all the options, overpacking and overpaying for a checked bag can really ruin the vacay vibe. So, for stress-free and stylish travels, take notes from France's six tips for packing light as a fashionista. How to Pack Light Without Compromising Style Pick 3-ish Pairs of Shoes As tempting as it is to pack shoes for each outfit, that’s a travel fashion fail. France recommends bringing only three pairs of shoes, one option to wear on the ride, and two options in your carry-on bag. In the train, plane, or car, wear your bulkiest, heaviest, or chunkiest shoe. “The longer the train or plane ride, the more important that you take on that chunky shoe,” he says. “Whether loafers, heels, or boots, France says donning the heaviest shoes frees up the most space and baggage weight. If sporting a clunky shoe on a long-haul flight sounds like a drag, France has a remedy. “I’ve always got, in my backpack or bag, a pair of thin slippers that I will change into as soon as I get on the plane,” he says, showing off over video call the hotel slippers he picked up on his travels. After boarding, put the clunky shoe in your carry-on or the overhead compartment and enjoy a comfy, slippered transit experience. In your carry-on bag, pack two other types of footwear. The first should be a soft, lightweight sneaker that is perfect for “walking around the city all day…from train to tube to bus and still feeling comfortable.” These shoes will be your go-to in case of inclement weather, so make sure they’re ones you’re okay with getting dirty. For adventure trips, bring a neutral-colored sneaker or hiking shoe hybrid with enough traction for a light climb. The last pair of shoes (when warm-weather traveling) should be a slim, leather or faux, slide-on sandal, perfect for the pool, beach, or a morning jaunt to the coffee shop. If you’re thinking, “Why not a flip-flop?” France says think again. Even at the pool, rubber flip-flops don’t exude chic. In contrast, leather sandals are easy to clean, comfortable to wear, and just as versatile. Pack for the Person You Are, Not the Person You Want to Be on Vacation “So many of us pack as if we're going to be another person when we're in a foreign land, and none of us are,” France laughs. “If you don’t have the confidence to wear an outfit in your home state, you probably won’t have the confidence to wear it elsewhere,” he says. Instead, he advises planning outfits in advance, taking photos of your fashion prep, and packing only the things most aligned with your trip itinerary (and your personal style). If your instinct is to dress like the locals while on vacation, chances are you’re headed straight for a fashion faux pas. Instead of helping you to blend in, he explains, this can just make it look like you’re in costume trying to cosplay stereotypes. It’s important to respect the local culture, and wearing what you think locals wear is a recipe for a misstep. France says to instead “take the things you know you’re going to feel good in, things that you feel comfortable in, and the things that actually feel like you.” To maximize space in your suitcase or carry-on, France recommends storing socks, belts, or other small items inside your shoes. Contrast Neutral Clothing with Colorful Accessories To maximize outfit options, pack neutral-colored clothing and punchy accessories to bring your looks to life. For accessories, think statement jewelry—belts, neckerchieves, and scarves. These items are easy to pack and won’t take up much space. France says to always use the space inside shoes to stuff belts, socks, neckties, and other small items. This will help your shoes keep their shape, while maximizing all available space. Stay Weather-Ready The weather is always unpredictable, regardless of what the apps say. Plan for every eventuality by bringing on the layers and packing a mini pocket umbrella. Particularly when traveling from cold climates to hotter ones, plan for lightweight layers. Not only does this allow for a wide range of outfit combinations, but versatile layers help you prepare for any surprise seasonal shift. But don't just throw any random jacket or sweater in your bag. Opt for multiple lightweight layers that can work together and be styled different ways, versus one chunky sweater that takes up more space. And don't forget to incorporate these layers into your outfit planning stage, so that they still look intentional on your trip. “Make sure every layer you put on is still a look,” France says, since you may be putting on or removing these layers throughout the day. For example, before packing a sporty windbreaker that may not match any of your sundresses, consider if a breezy button down shirt or thin cardigan may be a better match with the outfits you have packed. Skip the Vacuum Seal Bags Vacuum seal bags may seem like a good solution to fitting more outfit options in your luggage, but France says they make clothes too wrinkly to bear. “Most people aren’t staying at a hotel that has an amazing iron,” he says. Even if you will have access to a good iron, no one wants to spend precious vacation time ironing out heavily wrinkled clothing. “It’s not worth it," France says. "Just pack lighter.” Leave Room to Shop Traveling isn't all about the shopping and souvenirs, but some things are just too good to pass up on. And one of the benefits of packing lighter is that it leaves room for these items in your luggage. However, France says it's still important to be discerning about what you spend your money on and try to focus on "the things you truly can’t buy at home." To prepare for some shopping, consider packing an empty, lightweight bag in your luggage that can function as a personal item for your trip back home. France also says to “see your body as an extra way to carry your new pieces,” on the way back. For any bulky wearable, put it on your person–rather than overstuffing your limited number of travel bags. Style expert Tan France is one of the Fab Five on Netflix's series Queer Eye. His memoir, Naturally Tan, was published in June 2019, and it became a New York Times Bestseller. He was also the host of the web series talk show Dressing Funny and co-host of Next in Fashion, a fashion competition reality show on Netflix. Space-Saving Packing Tips Use packing cubes to separate outfits or garments for specific activities (all of your workout gear in one, for example). Leave items you're very unlikely to wear at home. Roll rather than fold lightweight garments like T-shirts. Plan your outfits; this will help you determine if you have extraneous items you're unlikely to wear. Pack small items last. A thin tank top that can be rolled and stuffed into any available crevice in your suitcase is an easy last-minute addition, but you'll have more difficulty finding a spot for that bulky blazer. Wear layers on the plane. Wrapping that chunky sweater over your shoulders will save room in your suitcase, plus you'll be prepared if the plane is chilly. Opt for travel-size toiletries or decant your favorite full-size products into smaller (TSA-approved) bottles with leak-proof lids. Include at least one spare outfit, underwear, and socks in your carry-on. Not only will this save space in your checked luggage, but it will save the day if your luggage is misplaced. Rely on versatile garments that can work with many outfits. A jacket that coordinates with any outfit is better than one that only works with certain looks.

The Farmhouse Entryway – A Peek Into My Pinboard And Process

My Saturday morning online shopping tradition has been stunted by my internal common sense screaming, “you only have two weeks until you move in…live there before you buy one more thing.” But that doesn’t mean I don’t pin, narrow down, think, mentally decorate, etc. Besides, you can put a good bench or console in so many places so if I found a great one on FB marketplace I think it would still be a sound purchase (not sure if that is the vintage shopping addict talking or my common sense – Who knows?) The Entry: When We Bought The House I don’t think I’ve had a self-contained entry before and I like how clear its purpose is. This room will greet you (which is why I want it to be really beautiful, not just a bunch of shoe bins) and needs to be a good coat zone for guests but otherwise, very little time is spent in here before you immediately go right into the living room. So it needs to make an impact, set the tone, and function with some storage. It’s a nice little space that will likely serve as a drop zone. My fear is that the kids are going to use the back kitchen door as their drop zone unless I use my hard-core parenting manipulation/bribery skills to change their patterns. And if you live in CA you might think, what’s the big deal with going through the kitchen door? But what you’ll quickly learn is that kids here are trained to take off shoes and coats almost immediately upon entering and if there isn’t a system, they will literally just DROP everything. And that is not acceptable in that dreamy kitchen corner (don’t worry, I’m designing it to withstand some dropping but no, I do not want it to be our dedicated drop zone). Anyway, my plan is to lock the kitchen door with a sign that says, “head to the mudroom, put shoes/coat away, and earn yourself a jelly bean.” Maybe after a few weeks, they’ll just automatically do it? Pavlov’s dog? I think I should write a parenting book. Then recently I realized that the front door (where we are today) is actually pretty close to the back entrance (the closest from their school path) so maybe this is the daily drop zone? And oddly I’m fine with that because at least it’s a contained space and really only needs to look super styled out for guests. That’s all to say we aren’t sure how much of a drop zone this area needs to be. I’m hoping it’s just a coat rack, a boot tray outside where it’s covered, then a bench or a table for potential purse/keys. But I don’t really know… Entry Mid-Renovation So as you can see we installed the most beautiful window ever, custom designed with Sierra Pacific. It’s just so pretty. So whatever we have we need it to be pretty shallow – 18″ is the total depth of the nook and for the length we have a total of 84″ I’m thinking somewhere between 55″-72″ for whatever piece of furniture we choose (but maybe even smaller, again I need to try a piece and see how it feels). I really don’t want anything to obstruct this view – no bench arm or table edge to be seen from the living room. Instead, I want it tucked inside that nook (again this is just my current opinion that can change). I’m thinking of a coat rack or hook on the left and/or a beautiful airy tree that climbs over the window. In this house, I’m really trying to keep sight lines pretty clean (something we’ve really enjoyed at the mountain house). The window is the focal point from the living room so I don’t want to distract from it. BTW I’m just now noticing that the sconce isn’t centered on the wall between the entry and the stairs but Jamie has already moved it, don’t worry. If you are wondering why the baseboard and casing are blue here it’s because we thought we wanted them all to be before we realized that well, we didn’t like it AT ALL (so yes, we wasted a 1/2 day of painting labor and some gallons). It’s a great color, (Upward by Sherwin-Williams) but too twee for down here and ultimately we just want white and wood and color in the furniture/decor. I actually really like it in this shot, but once you get into the living room it’s just too much and really detracted from what we love – the wood flooring, wood windows, natural light, and sense of openness and space. So here, below, are all the benches that I have pinned, none of which have been purchased yet. What you’ll notice is that most of these have a very minimal arm – i.e. not sticking too far into the room’s view. Not all of these would work size-wise, but I really like them all for different reasons. #8 was my pick from this group (it’s just so pretty) and if it doesn’t go here it might work somewhere else. But then I thought that if we do a bench here maybe a rounded back (like #9) could work… I love #1 even though I know it’s super trendy. It just feels so solid and grounding. I might put this in my kitchen window (by the back door). Originally I was going to get #6 (and still might), but we bought the counter stools from Fernweh already so I want to live with them before we commit to adding another one of their pieces in the next room (we’d get it in walnut, not black like our stools). Real big fan of #1 but it comes with a hefty price tag. So instead I searched for antique versions on 1stDibs (which also came with a big price tag and found a few). For a hot second, I entertained the idea of a very slim upholstered high back bench – almost like a statement settee. Not totally sure why, but I do really love these – all armless and super shallow so technically they fit the dimensions, and boy would they be a statement walking in, but they don’t ultimately feel right (I also wouldn’t order these as they are a fortune, instead using them for inspiration to custom make something). Not going to lie, #6 gets me so excited. I LOVE an old folk art painted piece. I like all of these for different reasons and yet none of them feel quite right, but figured it would be fun to show you what was on my pinboard. Right before I published this post I showed Brian all the options (I left this one off because it’s $8,200 but if I could have any bench this would be it – see below). Brian’s reaction to my pinboard was like, “Sure I like them, but maybe you’ll want a console instead?” I was like immediately defensive until I realized he’s probably right. I think what happened is that I fell in love with the O&G bench, it’s such a beautiful statement. Feast your eyes on this: I pictured a piece of art above it and was like, “Boom. There, the entry has been nailed.” The joy I would feel daily by seeing that piece of art (the bench, not the actual art above) checked so many mental boxes. But due to its price, we knew that it wasn’t where we’d spend money. So I searched long and hard to find a more affordable version and definitely found some great ones, but I think I forgot to explore other pieces of furniture altogether because I just had “bench” in my brain. I’ve done this before. I fall in love with something unattainable, and try to find more affordable options instead of thinking about all the other possibilities. It’s a good lesson to be reminded of and ultimately I’m so grateful that this isn’t something we NEED to live in the house and we have time to live there and see what we’ll use the most (bench or console, storage or sculptural?) and then take my time to shop.

Our Regrind Driveway Review – 3 Years Later Would Asphalt Have Been Better?

Now that our latest construction project is done (the garages) and until we start the next one (the carriage house), we have fewer trucks, cars, and equipment wreaking havoc on our property, which made me stare at our regrind driveway with fresh eyes. I just reread the original article, from three years ago, debating all the driveway options and unsure if we made the right decision. We compared concrete (too expensive), gravel (would wash away in rain), chipseal (would also wash away with rain), asphalt (cheapest but very black and new-construction-esque/wrong vibe), and regrind (compacted recycled asphalt with a layer of loose gravel on top). We chose regrind, which was $2k more than asphalt (done by our asphalt contractor). I left that last post on a cliff hanger – did we make the right $40k decision???? Three years later, let’s see. Before – 2019 As a reminder, here’s how busted it was before – SUPER BUSTED. And I wish I knew the exact square footage of our driveway, but I’d say it’s around 1/4 of a mile (at least it feels that way when we take the trash cans to the street – so freaking long). While I had hoped to not invest in the driveway (boring way to spend money), we had to and belabored the decision of what to do. Read the article where I break down all our options, with the pros and cons of each. First Year Of Our Regrind Driveway – 2022 As a reminder, we wanted something that felt older, appropriate to a 120-year-old farm. Listen, however fancy our house has turned out, it still has a casual vibe, and we were (and still are) afraid that asphalt would not be the right choice, style-wise. And as a reminder, gravel would have washed away because we are on a hill and we live in the Pacific Northwest, where God blesses us with months of rain every year. Our initial reaction was “it’s fine,” then months later, “it’s actually GREAT”. And since then, it’s honestly not something we ever think about. It’s just our driveway and I give zero attention to it. Listen, I barely know which of our two cars I drive (not joking, I have what the kids call “car blindness” where I get into the closest black SUV), so we all have the things we care about, and driveways aren’t one of mine. Now, Our Regrind Driveway in 2025…3 Years Later It looks mostly the same but dirtier and looser in parts. I just asked Brian what he thought of it now, and he said, “I don’t know – I guess it’s fine?”. That’s kind of how I feel. I still prefer the charm of the gravel sound under my feet. I love that it’s more rustic and not a harsh dark new color (or broken concrete). You can really beat it up without leaving a trace. I do fear that had we done asphalt, we would have to have it redone already since we deal with so many trucks here, likely damaging it. Over time, some areas have gotten a tiny bit “bald” of loose gravel, but the compacted asphalt underneath is still there. I didn’t even notice it, to be honest, until I forced myself to look. I think it’s mostly the same, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the top layer of loose gravel is shaken up a bit. My Official Verdict – Regrind Or Asphalt? Regrind is still the best choice for us, even if we aren’t vocal Regrind enthusiasts. It’s just great, appropriate, and works here really well. Listen, if we didn’t have an older, more rustic property AND have a sports court for biking/roller blading, then I think asphalt would probably have been our choice. If you have young kids and want a place for biking or blading (or playing basketball), then regrind isn’t the best for that. They are about the same cost, so like most things, this is a personal preference, and we are happy enough with what we chose. We have zero regrets, but really don’t think that asphalt is a bad choice, just stylistically not what we wanted. We don’t love dragging the trash cans down to the street (feels like 1/4 mile) on the regrind driveway, but it’s better than gravel. But the look and feel is worth it to us. Will give you an update in another 3 years :)

Never Harvest Your Herbs at This Time of Day, Garden Pros Warn—It Will Ruin the Flavor

Whether you have a full bed of rosemary, oregano, and mint or are growing a mini edible herb garden in pots, there' a specific methodology in retaining flavor and freshness that comes down to the time of day you harvest. We spoke with two experts to understand the worst time of day to harvest herbs, and how to set your harvesting schedule up for success when it comes to timing. Meet the Expert Sara Rubens is a certified garden coach and founder of Seed to Sanctuary, a company that supports people in becoming proficient gardeners. Edwin Dysinger is an expert gardener and the co-founder of the garden planning app Seedtime. The Worst Time to Harvest Herbs The worst time to harvest herbs is in the afternoon, especially during the summer when the day hits its hottest point. "This is when the sun is strongest and the plants are under the most stress," says gardening coach Sara Rubens. "During this time, essential oils—which are responsible for the herb’s aroma and flavor—tend to dissipate due to the heat." In doing so, you potentially lose out on a lot of their unique taste and won't be able to experience the plant at its best. However, there is a single exception to the rule. "If your goal is longer shelf life, rather than greater potency and flavor, it is ideal to harvest from mid-day to afternoon," says expert gardener Edwin Dysinger. "This is because during the day, as the herbs photosynthesize, they manufacture carbohydrates (sugars) as a byproduct. Higher carbohydrate levels in the leaves result in better post-harvest storage." On extremely hot summer days, you may still need to adjust your harvesting time to earlier. Even if you're planning for storage as opposed to using right away, the sun can scorch or wilt the leaves. Best Time to Harvest Herbs The best time to harvest your herbs is in the morning, just after the dew has dried and before the sun gets too hot. While your culinary and DIY endeavors will benefit from the exceptional flavor, there are a few other reasons for this. "In addition to having higher levels of essential oils in the morning, levels of vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols are also higher and decrease as the day progresses with prolonged exposure to the sun," says Dysinger. How to Harvest Herbs for Maximum Flavor Now that you have the time of day down, there are a few other factors to consider for an optimal harvest. Dysinger notes that for leafy herbs that eventually flower, it's best to harvest before those blooms appear. Not only will it impact the taste if they flower, but leave production will decrease, too. "Regular picking of leaves will help to prolong the time before flowering," he says. "If you want to do a larger harvest for preservation and storage, leave between one-half and two-thirds of the plant intact. This will enable it to have the strength to regrow quickly for more harvests." Well-timed plucking and harvesting are imperative, as is giving your herbs the best possible growing conditions. Ruben notes that well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and the right levels of water are key—and so is pruning. "Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more tender leaves," she says. If you have cooler patches around your garden, consider bringing in some herbs that grow in shade, like cilantro or sweet cicely. Don't forget to take a look at herb companion plants for successful growth and to overwinter your plants so you can keep the cycle going next season. 5 Tips for Flavorful Herbs Here are a few expert-approved tips for keeping your herbs full of flavor: Harvest in the morning. Do so after the dew dries and before the sun reaches its peak. This will retain flavor, antioxidants, and oils. Watch the fertilizer. Ruben notes that too much fertilizer can dilute the flavor of herbs too. "Growing herbs in nutrient-rich but not overly fertile soil, and harvesting them at the right time, will help ensure they’re flavorful and aromatic," she says. Understand your herbs' needs. Make sure that they're receiving the right amount of light or shade, water, and nutrients; even herbs that love the sun might need shade on extremely hot days. Prevent bolting. Don't allow certain herbs (like basil) to flower if you intend to harvest—this can put a damper on the taste. Know your herb. Learn which parts are edible for each herb type you have. You'll be able to make the most of every bit of flavor this way.