July, Lately - Emily

I don’t know how it is possible, but July went by at warp speed. We went on a short work trip to cover the Nordstrom Sale. Our family just got home from a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas for William’s baseball team. And next up… Ashley and I are headed back to Las Vegas next weekend to celebrate her 40th. But before we embark on all of that, let’s discuss the things I discovered and loved most from July.

We love sharing what's making our lives a little easier, more fun, or simply bringing us joy, so we thought we'd round everything up in one place. Welcome to July, Lately. We hope you find something new to love right alongside us.

These are basically the denim equivalent of a warm hug. They’re high-rise, wide-leg, and they have an amazing curved outer seam that elongates your legs and gives you what I like to call “supermodel legs”. They work whether you're curvy, straight, tall, or petite. They have a little bit of stretch, they are wide through the One pair, every body type, zero stress — dress 'em up or down and they just work.

There is a reason these black pants are everywhere right now. They are unbelievably comfortable, so flattering, and the kind of piece you'll reach for over and over again. I wear them for travel, running errands, working from home, and everything in between. They dress up beautifully with a blazer and heels or can be kept casual with sneakers and a tee. Truly one of those wardrobe staples you'll wonder how you lived without.

Elin Hilderbrand has been one of my favorite beach read authors for over 20 years - since I was in college. Most of her books take place on Nantucket, where our family used to spend time in the summer. For me, they feel nostalgic for obvious reasons… but the characters and the story lines draw you in no matter if you’re familiar with the island or not. Once you start reading her books, you won’t be able to stop. For as long as I can remember, Elin has come out with a new beach read every summer. The Five Star Weekend came out in 2023. Recently (I believe in 2024) she announced she would be coming out with her last summer novel - which was a total blow to all of us ladies who wait with bated breath for her new release every summer. Anyhow - they just made her 2023 book into a series on Peacock - starring Jennifer Garner. Watch it for the female friendships. Watch it for the beautiful Nantucket scenery. Watch it if you need an excuse to have a good cry. It was easy watching. Nothing life changing. But cute, sweet, and it did the book justice.

I actually wrote an entire Substack post about this coat yesterday because it is that good. If this isn’t already on your radar, it should be. It has the exact same fabric composition as my all-time favorite designer coat... the one that retails for over $4,000. This version is under $600, on sale for one more week, and genuinely one of the best finds in the entire Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. It is timeless, beautifully made, and the kind of investment piece you’ll wear for years.

And another forever favorite... this rainbow tote. It makes me smile every single time I carry it. Yes, it’s definitely a splurge, but it holds everything, goes with more than you’d think, and I cannot tell you how many compliments I get on it. It’s one of those pieces that feels unique without trying too hard, and you know I will always choose something with a little personality.

I genuinely didn't think they could improve my favorite setting spray... and then they released this. It has everything I already love about the original, but with the prettiest subtle bronzy glow that makes your skin look healthy, warm, and naturally radiant. It's not glittery or over-the-top—just that effortless "I got eight hours of sleep and spent the day outside" kind of glow. I have been reaching for it nonstop, and I can already tell it's going to be one of my favorite beauty launches of the year.

I have made this watermelon salad more times than I can count lately. It is so fresh, light, and refreshing—the perfect summer recipe. I also love that it comes together in just a few minutes because, between working, driving four kids to sports, appointments, and everything else on the calendar, I don't have time for complicated recipes. This one feels a little elevated but couldn't be easier to throw together, and it's always a crowd favorite.

Was no one going to tell me how good this was? Seriously... consider me impressed. This has become such a staple in my routine so quickly. It's packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, so it deeply hydrates while helping strengthen your skin barrier over time. I love that it's lightweight, absorbs so quickly, layers beautifully under moisturizer and makeup, and leaves my skin looking healthy and hydrated without ever feeling greasy. Definitely one that's earned a permanent spot in my routine.

July was such a fun month of finding little things that made everyday life feel a little sweeter, and I hope you found something here that you'll love just as much as I do. Thank you for following along and for making this little corner of the internet so special. I'll be back next month with a whole new list of favorites!