Image Image

Related Post

Image
Fashion & Beauty

29 Dresses That Will Comfortably Take You Through The End Of Fall (And They’re Under $150!)

While most of us in the States are still waiting for that first intoxicating fall breeze, it’s coming sooner than we think. So it’s that awkward time when we no longer want to invest in “summer clothes” but also don’t want to buy something and wait a month or two to wear our cute new picks. We all know the answer though don’t we?? IT’S A DRESS. But not just any dress. This dress needs to be versatile and take us from now through the fall (and ideally beyond). Extra points if you can easily layer with tights and a coat. And that’s what we have for you today, 29 dresses that still feel fun enough for the end of summer but will easily transition into the cooler months. Oh, and all but two are under $150 and many are under $100. It’s a party! Denim I wanted to start with a classic and a style that is synonymous with Emily Henderson and EHD as a whole…The short denim dress! She’s been wearing them for years for a reason. They are maybe the most versatile type of dress because look casual but like you still tried. For the summer, they are great with a cute flat but come the fall, they look SO cute with leggings and tall boots. Heck, you can even throw a long-sleeved top under if you want. You really can’t lose here. Now for these picks above. On the left, I chose this very fun and sweet $45 cutie with a slight puff sleeve that I love. Since it’s from Old Navy the sizing goes up to 4x and has three different length options. THANK YOU OLD NAVY! For the dress on the right, I really love the wash of that denim but it’s Madewell so no surprise there. The stitching on this one is also just so good and I love the shape of the pocket flaps (?) Very classic. This one also comes in a light wash but this one feels more “year-round” to me. If a full-on button-down dress isn’t your vibe then this adorable and very cool quarter button-down may be perfect! It’s only $50 (I KNOW!) and also from Old Navy with all of their sizing options. And let’s not forget to mention those great pockets and the fact that the sleeves are long for extra warmth in colder months. But an added striped long-sleeved turtle neck would look pretty cute and make it even cozier. Then the dress on the right is from Abercrombie and if you saw our try-on post you know that Caitlin and Mal loved their sleeveless version. But this very chic version comes in two other colors and three different lengths. So don’t stress if you love it but think it might be too short! Striped Loose Shirtdress For a similar vibe to the dresses above, but in lighter/slightly more warm weather-friendly fabrics, are these cotton shirt dresses. As a team of stripe lovers, I thought these two could use their own special category:) But both of them also come in other solid colors that might be better for fall if you prefer. I just loved how cool and simple the cuts/details of these were. And as the hot summer sun cools down these would look great with a jean or a leather jacket paired with some booties. Elevated Shirtdress While almost all of the dresses in this post have a throw-on-and-go aesthetic, this section in particular really embodies it. Look at the blue dress on the left. It’s got a cool sleeve length, a nice little V-neckline, and is beautifully tiered. It’s just easy to wear in so many different situations. Another perfect one for flats in the summer and cute boots for colder weather. You will look great for under $60! But I also love the effortless coolness of the olive green dress. This is a great dress for right now (end of summer) but once it cools down a little, layering a patterned long-sleeve shirt or just rolling down the dress’s sleeves will be perfect. I also think that loose waistline is a great way to call attention to your waist without any constriction. THE DREAM. But also let’s not forget to have fun with pattern! We are so used to busting out the fun florals, etc for spring and summer but they deserve to be out all year long. This patterned shirtdress is still loose but has great details to not make it feel too unstructured. We are newish to Boden but boy are we fans. This dress is not only under $100 the sizing is way more inclusive than most. Structured Shirt Dress For a more structured look, these two are ELEGANT. The shapes are playful but the fabrics are super relaxed. These are also great for the office (you’d just have to make sure the eyelet dress was a good length for your job). Otherwise, these are great options for places and events where you don’t want to be dressy but you do want to look nice. Oversized Chic I know these two won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I LOVE them. They feel so cool and more oversized/architectural than most. The dress on the left has less shape (but does have pockets!) and the dress on the right is a bit more fitted if that’s more your style. They are styled for warm weather in these shots but I’m telling you, black tights and over-the-knee boots topped off with an oversized coat, no one is going to look chicer than you. Not Your Average Shirtdress There seems to be a pretty wide definition for what a shirtdress is but if that green corduroy is one then SIGN ME UP! It’s another beauty from Boden and that color is maybe perfect. I also happen to love corduroy. It’s fall time gold that could also be worn at the tail end of summer as long as it’s not too hot:) As for the black dress on the right, I like how it feels both casual and kinda edgy? I mean that zipper is very cool and makes it feel unique. Plus it’s from J. Crew so you know the quality to great! Structured Maxi Sleeveless Wow, I love this silhouette! The lines are stunning and that high-neck + sleeveless look just screams “I don’t care about trends, I just know what looks good.” The tan number on the left is one of the picks that is a little over $150. But at $168, it’s 100& linen, has a pocket, is fully lined, and has that great belt. Add heeled boots and a trench coat an it’s a perfect outfit. The black one is actually denim which I think makes it even cooler! The cut definitely looks formal but the denim really makes it more casual. Oh, plus the denim has a stretch and it’s under $100. Win-win! Cool Lines Would this be an EHD fashion post if we didn’t have a lot of stripe options? I didn’t think so:) Stripes are timeless, are great year-round, and these two dresses are both of those things. Now, if you know me you know my love of my shoulder-padded t-shirts is almost too deep to talk about. I wear all three of them every week (and have for at least three years). This is all to say that while this black and white dress’s shoulders aren’t padded, I love the slightly exaggerated muscle tee look! This is just a cool gal-vibe dress that truly could be accessorized with nearly any style. The other dress on the right really caught my eye because of that color combo! Who doesn’t love ochre and navy together?? We sure do. Plus, the silhouette is so pretty and it comes in four other colors. Gobsmocked! It’s now time to get a little whimsical. A smock dress is another classic we all love too. This deep wine color on the left dress is to die for. Definitely more “fall” than “summer” but also who cares! It’s beautiful, has so many pretty details, and is a good price at $88. Then for our long-sleeved beauty, you get a bit more coverage, if that’s your preference, and pockets! And that one is under $55. While nearly all of the dresses I’m about to talk about fall into this category, these two are great options for Thanksgiving dresses if you are into thinking that far ahead:) Whimsically Earthy I truly fell in love with these colors as much as I did with the shapes. The dress on the left is still in the smocked category with that great waist definier but those sleeves are also a showstopper. If I’m honest this dress definitely reminds me of Ulla Johnson but for a fraction of the price at $50. Old Navy is coming through with the style, sizing, and prices. But if you prefer something a little less detailed and fitted this dress on the right is perfect for you. The rich color, the awesome puff sleeves, and the tiered look have me absolutely sold. And see? Great Thanksgiving dress options. Neutral AND Fun You may or may not have guessed that the dress on the left is the other dress that is slightly above the $150 mark (but only by $8!). But look at it. How could I have not included it?! The shape of it might be my other favorite and I love that it’s a print that isn’t a floral (not shade to florals, just nice to have other options). No notes and I think it’s a perfect option for all year long. Then the dress on the right is an awesome floral dress that’s still in the neutral-toned world but a little moodier. I think that’s a perfect vibe for the last part of the year and/or if you aren’t a bold color person. Also, great sleeves and a sweet little detail between each tier. Pattern Play Speaking of patterns, look these these stunners! Small-scale patterns with modest necklines, and fitted bodices. I’m in. Plus, you don’t even have to ask yourself “What bra am I going to wear with this??” because you can wear whichever one you want! Since these are both long-sleeved, they aren’t going to be as versatile with those lingering hot days of summer. But hey, maybe you work in a really cold office so some sleeves are welcome:) Last but not least is this fun and elegant beauty. This one is going to show a little more cleavage (unless you add a tank top of some kind under). But I love that it’s long, there’s a pretty detail at the shoulders, and it has a very fun bold print. The colors are so pretty too! Oh, and it goes up to a size 20/22 and comes in three different lengths. It’s a slam dunk which is how I like to end every post:) What do you think? Any favorites? Any reviews if you own one of these dresses? Let’s chat! Love you, mean it.

Read More
Image
Gardening

6 Reasons Why Your Tomatoes Grew Too Small This Year, and How to Fix It

Tomatoes are a great place to start if you're looking to grow your own produce, but that doesn't mean they're not without their own issues. Making it through the growing phase, having ducked and dodged blight, hornworms, blossom end rot, and all the other problems a tomato plant might run into can feel like a success of its own. Which is why it's extra disappointing when the fruit is just... small. Here are six reasons why your tomatoes are too small, and all the ways you can correct them for a bountiful harvest in the future. Extreme Drought or Heat Most varieties of tomato require full sun, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily fit for extreme conditions. Heat and drought are the number one reason why tomato fruits fall short of their expected size. It's important to keep an eye on soil moisture levels and keep plants well-watered with at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. The soil should never dry out; this will lead to quick wilting. Tomatoes don't typically flourish in temperatures above 85°F, but we also can't help where we live. If your local temperatures consistently rise above this, consider investing in a shade cloth, and increase watering to twice daily. Consider planting in a container, where the plants can be moved into the shade—or just out of harsh, direct sun—as needed. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Poor Pollination If pollinating by hand, this should occur at least every other day during the growing season. If you're relying on pollinators to get the job done, consider making your yard more pollinator-friendly: plant attractive plants, provide a source of water (not stagnant), and decrease potential predators like bats or pets. Too Many Fruits It's important to pick fruits as they ripen; leaving tomatoes on the vine can not only cause splitting and other damage to the fruit itself, but also increase the number of fruits a single plant has to put effort into growing and supporting. You'll know tomatoes are ready to pick when it is a vibrant shade of its expected color, has a shiny look, feels tender, and comes off the vine easily. Too Much Nitrogen An excess of nitrogen in the soil has been known to cause smaller fruits. If you're unsure about your soil composition, you can buy a DIY test kit to gain insight into what's happening below the surface. If nitrogen levels are too high, consider working in a lower nitrogen fertilizer to balance it out. Pests Pests cause stress on plants that divert their energy to healing and surviving, instead of thriving and producing delicious, juicy tomatoes. If you spotted some common tomato pests hanging around your plants as they grow, don't be surprised if your fruit comes out a bit small at the end of the season. Next year, keep a close eye on early warning signs to fight these infestations in their early stages. Watering by hand keeps you close to the plant on a regular basis and makes it easier to spot problems earlier. Plant Diseases The same goes for plant diseases as for pests. Know the early signs of what different common tomato diseases look like, and you'll be able to help your plant fight it off early.

Read More
Image
Gardening

How Often to Water Your Petunias—4 Rules a Gardener Swears By

Grow them in pots, planters, or straight in your garden and petunias will reward you with big, bold flowers that just don’t quit. But if you want these colorful plants to keep on blooming from spring through fall, it’s important to water them right and just when they need it. Whether you’re new to growing petunias or just want to take your plants to the next level, this petunia watering guide is packed with expert tips on how and when to water petunias for peak flowering and healthier plants. Meet the Expert Cynthia Haynes, PhD. is a professor of horticulture at the Iowa State University. Eva Ward oversees the annual greenhouse team at Ward’s Nursery. Signs Your Petunias Need Watering Petunias wilt quickly if they don’t get enough water, and drop leaves, turn brown, and die back if their soil gets super dry. But you don’t need to wait for your plants to show signs of stress to know it’s time to water them: Just take a good hard look at the soil they’re growing in. “Petunias don’t like to stay wet for long periods, so check the soil first before watering,” says horticulture professor Cynthia Haynes. “Just scratch around the top inch of soil with your fingers to see if it’s dry, or lift smaller containers to check their weight. Then, water when the top inch of soil dries out or the container feels light.” Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! When Is the Best Time to Water Petunias? Like other plants, petunias absorb water best if you water them in the morning or in the evening a little before sunset. If you water petunias when the sun is high overhead, it can increase the amount of water that’s lost to evaporation and make it harder for your plants to absorb the water they need. That said, if your plants look stressed, it's better to water them right away than wait until morning. “Petunias are heavy drinkers and don’t recover well if the soil gets too dried out,” says plant expert Eva Ward. “Don’t wait for petunias to droop—water stress opens plants up to pests and many other problems.” How Often to Water Your Petunias Petunias should be watered often enough to keep their soil evenly moist, but not so frequently that their roots get waterlogged and start to rot. Exactly how often to water petunias can vary depending on the season, the size of your plants, the temperature, and the pots your petunias are growing in. “Watering frequency could be every 2 to 3 days, or daily if it’s a large plant in a hanging basket in full sun,” says Ward. “For larger patio containers, always keep the soil surface moist and use a lightweight mulch like buckwheat hulls to prevent evaporation.” Petunias growing in the garden will typically require less water than potted plants and may only need to be watered once a week. But this watering frequency can also vary, so always test the soil with your finger before you water. The Right Way to Water Your Petunias There’s no one-size-fits-all watering schedule for petunias. But in general, you’ll need to water petunias less in spring and more when temperatures rise and the plants fill out in summer. Being flexible with watering and following these simple tips will help you avoid underwatering or overwatering your plants and encourage petunias to flower more. Water Deeply “When watering, water deeply,” advises Ward. “And make sure the soil is fully moist and that excess water drains out of planter drainage holes.” The best way to do this is to water low and slow with your hose or a drip irrigation system. Deep, slow watering allows water to penetrate well into the soil around petunia roots and can keep gardens and planters from drying out too quickly. Keep Leaves Dry Like other plants, petunias can develop mildew issues if their leaves stay wet too long. To avoid this, water your plants in the morning and direct water to the soil line to keep it from splashing up on your plant's leaves. Don’t Overdo It Don’t be tempted to water petunias if their soil still feels wet. Overwatering is a surefire way to stress out your plants and cause petunias to wilt, yellow, or die from rot. Add Fertilizer “You’ll get the best flowers if you use a blossom booster liquid fertilizer with every other watering all season," Ward says. "Or if you prefer a slow-release granular blossom booster, scratch that into the soil surface around petunias in mid-June, mid-July, and mid-August.” Applying fertilizer when the soil is already moist helps petunias absorb it faster and can prevent fertilizer burn.

Read More
Image
Travel

How to Pack for Multiple Climates and Transitional Weather

Traveling to places with variable weather can make packing an even bigger challenge. Whether you're traveling in between seasons or visiting multiple climates in one vacation, packing for these trips requires a bit more planning. It's impossible to bring something for every season—at least not without bringing massive amounts of luggage—but there are tricks to efficiently craft an adaptive wardrobe that will prepare you for a range of weather conditions. Start by checking the weather forecast and packing a travel-sized umbrella. Then, try these expert tips for packing a versatile travel wardrobe that will help you enjoy your trip—no matter the weather. Priyanka Swamy is the founder of Perfect Locks LLC. Maye Srouji is the CEO of Milles Collines, a clothing company based in Cape Town, South Africa. Pack Lots of Layers “Packing for transitional weather is all about versatility,” says Priyanka Swamy, the founder of Perfect Locks LLC. Packing layer-able clothing offers versatility for long day trips if the temperature changes. Swamy says these are pieces that can be added or removed easily. "Lightweight sweaters, cardigans, and scarves can be worn with warm and cool outfits," she adds. Plus, layer-able clothing also means maximizing the number of outfits you can wear during the trip without sacrificing comfort. This is especially true if you have limited weight or space in your luggage. “Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a day out in nature or a trip…I keep layering in mind, along with comfort,” says Maye Srouji, CEO of Milles Collines, a clothing company based in Cape Town, South Africa. Layering also helps if weather changes cause a change of plans. (For example, your outdoor hiking day may turn into a day of indoor museum exploring if there's a downpour.) Srouji recommends packing the following: a light summer dress light skirt a few basic tops a cozy button-down sweater a few pairs of your favorite jeans or pants a loose linen or cotton shirt that layers well If you're traveling in cooler climates or cooler weather, you'll want to add a wind-breaking jacket, ideally as thin as possible while still providing warmth. Include Rain Gear Srouji adds that living on the coast has taught her to never leave the house without a jacket. Many seaside cities experience similarly unpredictable weather. There’s always a chance of rain—even if the forecast predicts clear skies and sunshine. So, if you're traveling to a beach destination, be sure to bring a waterproof jacket or a foldable trench, just in case. “Remember to pack a small umbrella or raincoat in case of an unexpected downpour,” says Swamy. Travel-sized umbrellas can be tucked into a carry-on, but some are no match for the combo of wind and water. Whether in Prague or Peru, the ultimate hack is to carry a disposable rain poncho that can easily fit in your purse or fanny pack. Pack Versatile Footwear Instead of bringing one pair of shoes for each possible weather condition, bring adaptable shoes that work for different ground conditions and across multiple outfits. “Pack versatile footwear such as ankle boots or sneakers that can handle rain and shine,” says Swamy. If done right, you only need to pack three types of shoes that can handle different weather and can work for different excursions. Srouji recommends packing a pair of sneakers that can be paired with dresses and pants, a pair of simple sandals, and evening shoes in case of a special, formal occasion. Don’t forget about comfort when you're picking out shoes, especially if you’re planning on walking or hiking. Research how hilly or grassy your destination is, and whether the sidewalks are made of cobblestone or cement. Knowing these little details can help you choose between wedges and stilettos, platforms and pumps. It’s safe to say that rubber soles are always a good idea. Aim for walkable, comfortable, and stylish shoes, no matter the destination. Always Have a Scarf If there’s one unique accessory Srouji recommends travelers pack, it’s a scarf. Scarves are too versatile to leave behind. They can protect your hair from sudden rain, your neck from a draft, and your arms and shoulders from an unexpected chill. If travelling with children, scarves can also become multi-functional tools to help with feeding, changing, and sleeping. (And they're essential to wear on planes, where the temperatures can shift. Use scarves to enhance different outfits, adding a chic touch on top of function. Because they are lightweight and easy to pack, you can bring a few different styles in different materials. A silky square can be tied to your purse, used to cover your hair, or wrapped around your neck in a pinch. A waterproof fleece, cashmere, or wool scarf, on the other hand, is a bit bulkier, but can still be easily folded into the front pocket of any carry-on or large purse. Pay Attention to Fabric Fabrics can make or break any outfit, but this is especially true when on an excursion with flip-floppy weather. “Choose breathable and insulating fabrics, like cotton and merino wool,” says Swamy. Linen and bamboo are also excellent materials for extreme heat. Mix and match combinations to maximize preparedness for unpredictable weather. If there's even the slightest chance of rain, be careful with wearing leather, suede, velvet, and silk. Heavy denim can also be a drag in rain and peak heat. Synthetic fabrics tend to make you sweat more, so beware of polyester, a popular water-resistant fabric. Remember to choose colors wisely, too. Dark colored fabrics attract and trap heat, which may be a boon in cooler climates, but not so great in summer or tropical heat. Also be sure to avoid any fabrics or colors that will become see-through when wet—whether from rain showers, snow, or perspiration. Wear Bulky Layers on the Plane If you want to bring a warmer coat, a bulky sweater, or need a pair of hiking boots for your trip, consider wearing them on the plane instead of packing them. That'll help you reserve space in your luggage for your other items. (Just keep in mind that the boots will require a bit of work to get on and off when you pass through airport security.)

Read More