August Favorites
remnants of summer
It’s been such a sweet month to round out the summer. Thankfully, it didn’t fly by for me — it passed on by at just the right pace. I’ve been doing my best to savor each day. While it will still very much feel like summer in Austin for the next 6 weeks and these items may still be in heavy rotation for the weeks to come, here is what made my favorites list this August.
Black & White Outfits
It’s no surprise I love a black and white outfit. I’ve already professed my love for Ecru denim many times and one of my most worn purses is black. This month I’ve been reaching for my striped cotton-linen trousers to wear at work and transitioning them into the evening for a date night look. My black shorts have also been on heavy rotation a few times a week — I think partly due to their comfort, but also because they feel slightly more put together (read: require less effort) in comparison to any other color.
I’ve also reached the point where getting dressed feels like a hurdle, so I’ve been opting for things that feel easy to throw on. I will say the one item that has been playing overtime has been this tank that I desperately want in white. It’s saved me many times when I want to go braless and throw on some shorts, jeans or pants. I feel put together whenever I wear it.
Buck Mason
Yes, the entire store. This store is a dream to me. First of all, the staff is insanely friendly, helpful and kind every single time I walk in there. Additionally, they are very good at pulling items you wouldn’t have considered. I went in there to “look” and I walked out with 3 items I equally love.
I think everyone is missing out because I rarely ever see anyone talk about them online. Maybe it’s just a well kept secret for the time being (until now!). I will be doing a full write up about my try on so stay tuned. Below are a few items I’ve had on heavy rotation from them featuring this linen cotton blend tank, knit tank and this halter ribbed dress that made me feel insanely beautiful. I recently went back and purchased the halter dress in black because I loved my other one so much and also picked up another basic tank for layering.
Déhanche Belt
Since I’ve been leaning into more simple outfits lately, I’ve been reaching for a statement belt to help make my outfits more interesting. I really adore this Brancusi inspired belt by Déhanche. It is easily the belt I’ve received the most amount of compliments on. It’s beautifully crafted and unique. It’s one size, so depending on where you wear it (waist or hips) the strap length will vary.
I’m excited to wear this with a chunky sweater over a dress as the weather transitions into fall. Déhanche currently has a stacked sale of 30% off when you buy 2 or more belts. The Brancusi was kindly gifted by Déhanche but I would 100% buy this for myself.
Trousers
I have talked about these trousers before (literally also mentioned above), but I recently got them hemmed and have been reaching for them even more. I love the fit and the tailored look of them. As someone with wider hips, I find the legs to be roomy while not gaping in the waist (a more straight-legged style here).
They fit true to size for me and I only needed a few inches hemmed. I find I can easily pair them with any office approved top or something more fun for a date night. A major plus has been that they are a linen-cotton blend, which has been perfect for summer in Austin. I keep refreshing the website hoping to find more colors but so far no luck.
Pilates Socks
I recently went back to a pilates studio and I have been loving the reformer workouts. It had been over a year since I had been (I’ve been doing Mat Pilates since — which I have a few recs if you’re interested in trying!) and it’s been the one thing I’ve looked forward to the most during the week.
As a little treat to myself, I stocked up on a few more Pilates socks from my favorite place. I now own a handful of these and they’re fantastic — not too tight (like I’ve found most to be after a wash) and secure (a few on sale here). My personal favorites are the ones with a :) on them.
Beach Coverup
Naturally, with the heat we’ve been hitting the pool a bit more often so I’ve been reminded of how wonderful my cover up is. I don’t really shop here anymore, but last year I had a gift card to use that was a wedding gift and I opted for this cover up. Sizing is generous — I went one size down since my regular size wasn’t available and it is still roomy. It’s also very soft and finally made me say goodbye to the cover ups I had been holding on to that were too worn and a little too small.
Levi 501 90s
I’m back to singing praises about the 501 90s. I purchased another wash that I’m very excited to wear heavily in the winter and fall. It’s a medium dark wash denim that just looks good with everything. Some fit notes: I tend to take my regular size due to their stretch. If you love an oversized fit, I would go one size up! I have both and reach for them for different purposes.
A.EMERY Sandals
Ufff why did I wait so long to buy these?! I ended up getting two pairs. This one and this one. Despite having a narrower foot, these fit true to size for me. I decided to go up one size in the flip flop for more space in the toes and back. I tend to have longer toes, so I wanted to avoid spillage as much as possible.
I cannot recommend these enough, I love them both for different reasons. The Nodi have a cushioned bottom and feel very secure on the foot. The suede is soft and feels like a dream and I can’t wait to continue wearing them in the Fall. The Kinto is also a classic, and a great option for an elevated flip flop. The straps taper and are thicker which adds to the comfort, but they do not have any cushion in the sole. I have zero issues and can wear them for hours a day.
If you’re looking for a bit more cushion I’d recommend Morgan, I believe they’re the same but with some added padding! As for sizing, I could have gone TTS in both and they would have worked perfectly. Since I tend to flop around in flip flops I opted for one size up. If you’re unsure, I highly recommend emailing A.EMERY as they’re very responsive and can provide exact measurements on the sole and footbed of whatever shoe you’re considering.
Mini Purse
Every summer I’ve told myself I would buy a raffia-like bag, but every time I came close I decided against it. This year was rounding out to be the same until I saw this little cutie in the wild. I asked the kind stranger where it was from and she said Tory Burch.
I was surprised to hear that considering it didn’t look very Tory Burch to me. I searched and searched until I found the name of it. It was a previous season release. As luck would have it, there were a few on Poshmark. I found two colors and contemplated it for a few weeks.
I finally clicked the checkout button and I love it so much. It came with a crossbody strap but I prefer to carry it handheld. It barely fits anything (phone, wallet, lipstick, etc only — be warned) but y’all know I love a small purse. My husband says it fits everything I need — which is an inside joke because I rarely ever take anything with me, even my wallet rarely makes it out of the house. Why would I need it when he’s my credit card and chauffeur?! I’m joking of course (okay only a little bit). If you’re interested, I found a few others on Poshmark here and here.
Reading
I’ve had a yearly goal of reading 30 books each year for the past 7 years. I’ve reached my goal each year since I set it. I think this year will be the first year I break my streak. We’re halfway through the year and I’m 11 books behind.
I’ve felt uninspired the last few months but I finally felt like picking up a book again this August. I continued reading A Creative Act by Rick Rubin and just finished a thriller my friend recommended, The Push. If you’re looking for a mix of mystery/thriller, I started Mad Honey and it's been hard to put down! I’m trying to push myself to get off my phone and read even if it’s just a few chapters a night or while I’m on lunch.
Solo Lunch
Speaking of lunch, I don’t do this often during the month, but I have done it at least once a month since summer started and it’s been so lovely. Once a month, I find myself forgetting to pack a lunch and instead take myself out to lunch. It is a rare moment of peace for me in the midst of what is often a chaotic day.
All recommended items are linked here.
I’d love to hear what you loved this past month of summer! What were your monthly favorites? Let me know below! I’d also love to know what topics you’d be interested in hearing about next.
xx Ofelia
Disclaimer: some links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a very small percentage from a sale. As always, anything that is linked are things I either own or recommend.
Ugh, I’ve been going back and forth on what ecru denim to go for.. the buck mason straight leg, the mother half pipe, or plain old Levi’s! It’s only a coincidence that you’ve mentioned two here. Which do you recommend in terms of quality?
I kept going back and forth on the Kinto sandals this summer. So glad to hear your review of them and know they're comfortable even without cushioning. They're on my list for next summer!