Weekend Reads #5

The end of the school year is coming, which means lots of activities, permission slips, and scheduling for school and activities. Yesterday Emerson had some event at school where she was a dance captain; parents weren't able to watch but from the moves she kept practicing to Beat It, it looked like a giant flash mob. Wish I could be a fly on the school multipurpose room wall! Karl's been spending every non-rainy day (and some that are rainy) at our plot at the community garden; we've saved the plastic tubs from greens we've bought at the grocery store and they're back in the fridge filled with greens he's grown. It's so exciting to see the plants popping up and know we'll be enjoying them all summer! I've been working on that non-blog contract and it's been a test to step in and out of blog mode. That with GDPR (the reason every blog under the sun has sent you an email to re-subscribe and every company is updating their privacy policy) and it was a struggle to keep content up on the site (which is why I missed Wednesday). But we have a three-day weekend and I plan to use it to do some catching up… and catching some rays at the pool (with plenty of SPF and a hat!).

Amazon's been working hard to block counterfeits and it's making them a major player in the beauty market. I know I buy a good percentage of my beauty products from Amazon. Do you?

Speaking of beauty products… go ahead and slather on that body oil, that serum, and don that sleep mask this summer.  Come to find out they will actually repel mosquitoes!

The lack of real diversity in campaigns with bloggers and influencers goes far beyond the Washingtonian Magazine campaign that I was a part of. If 62% of America is non-Hispanic white, why is it that most campaigns featuring bloggers are almost always 99% white? The blogger Monroe Steele shares her experience being the “token black girl” in the influencer space and how helping others doesn't hurt your chances for success.

Lyn is one of my favorite bloggers.  She's smart, she's chic, and she's incredibly down to earth. She reached out to me years ago when she was starting Accidental Icon for advice, and has continued the friendship even though she has launched into much-deserved stardom. She's not afraid to speak her mind, and her blog post Transparency is a must read.

My friend C shared this piece from the Atlantic on Facebook and it's an important read. School shootings aren't black and white.  Metal detectors, single entrances, or armed teachers won't stop them from happening. This piece delves into the children who are doing these acts, and what we can do to prevent such horrific tragedies. Spoiler alert, if funding goes towards school staff and support instead of metal detectors it would be more effective.  You can't expect a teacher to see every warning sign, protect their classroom, and educate when he or she has 35 students, no funds for supplies, and no counselors or support staff. That, and ban semi-automatic weapons and have red-flag laws in every state. Sincerely, the daughter and granddaughter of a school teacher.

Via Man Repeller, an interview with the world's oldest working drag queen.

Sure, we bloggers can recommend our favorite beauty products for summer but how about a little science? A useful piece from Lifehacker on how to sweat-proof your makeup when you have oily skin.

When you think how many straws must be given out with all the cocktails, sodas, and such at their resorts, MGM's goal to phase out plastic straws is pretty fantastic.

The Best Sales this Weekend

This is a big sale weekend.  A few of the best that are taking place:

• • Ann Taylor is offering 40% off the entire place with promo code SOREADY. Some picks:
    • Move over Millennial Pink, yellow is the color of the year and this wrap dress is a perfect way to incorporate it into your wardrobe.
    • Another option is this cotton/linen sundress. Straps wide enough to wear a standard bra, and available up to size 18, petite, and tall.
    • One of those perfect summer tops – cute untucked to catch breezes, a flattering neckline, looks great under a blazer or on its own with shorts or cropped pants.
  • Banana Republic is offering 40% off everything, no exclusions with code BRSUMMER. I've been loving Banana's spring and summer offerings.  Some of my faves:
    • Spoiler alert: I will have a hits and misses soon but I bought these 5″ shorts in red and they're pretty fantastic. I find when in doubt size up with shorts, for these I have a 14 and am glad I didn't go with a 12.
    • Another perfect summer top to wear under your suit but also wear on its own with a skirt, pants, or even untucked with jeans.
    • I cannot express how glad I am that I bought my pink suit from Banana last year. Who would have thought a pink suit would prove more versatile and worn than one in black, grey, or navy? They have another pink suit this year!
    • I have last year's version of this hat and it's better quality and fit than any I tried from J. Crew, Brixton, or Rag & Bone.
    • Stretchy skinny jeans that don't bag out after one wear? I've worn these on a plane, on an overnight field trip with Girl Scouts, they've been in the washer, the dryer, shoved in a suitcase and still look and fit great. Regular (short and regular length), tall, and petite up to a 33″ waist.
  • Boden has 30% off through Monday with promo code 6K2L. Items that caught my eye:
    • Midi skirts and dresses are having a moment and this one is so gorgeous and easy summer dressing.
    • A t-shirt dress with a little flare to keep it from being boring.
    • It's rare to see a swimsuit with so many rave reviews but this one does look pretty perfect. On top of that, 10 different color combos to choose from.
    • A puppy-printed silk shirt that's appropriate for the office? How can you resit?!
    • A linen tee that's high on style and interesting enough to stand on its own.
  • ELOQUII has 40% off all full-priced items, promo code OUTOFOFFICE.
    • I had this dress in a variety of prints and it's utter perfection.  It fits great, it is super versatile, gets compliments, and is machine washable!
    • I JUST got this dress in the mail, haven't even been able to try it on. Did you know the Draper James for ELOQUII line starts at a 12? Anyway, I adore this print and it's even prettier in person!
    • My friend Dani has this dress and wears it all the time and it looks amazing.  Switch the look up by adding a belt in your wardrobe!
    • This dress is a summer sleeper hit. It's easy, breezy, has a cool tie detail in back and the colors are even prettier in person.
    • Don't ignore ELOQUII's shoe selection. They're a big wider than medium, are super fun, and I have a couple pairs and find them comfy too!
  • JC Penney has 25% off any order over $100 and 20% off those under $100, promo code BUYNOW88.
    • A gorgeous blue fit and flare dress perfect for day weddings, baptisms, baby showers, and every other event on your summer social calendar.
    • Super chic black sheath dress that looks an awful lot like a Black Halo one a certain Dutchess of Sussex has worn.
    • I love the tie detail on this blouse; it would look chic with ivory trousers to the office, or white ankle jeans for the weekend.
  • Lands' End has 40% off swimwear and 25% off everything else with code CELEBRATE and pin 3091.  Check my latest picks for Lands' End for some great suggestions!
  • Lane Bryant has 40% off clothing, accessories, sleep and swim with promo code SUMMERTIME. Some great items:
    • I am loving this gorgeous red floral wrap maxi dress, and love that it comes in regular and petite sizes.
    • These stretch denim Bermuda shorts get rave reviews especially from pear shaped figures.
    • A cute gingham top to wear all summer long (get all patriotic and pair with red shorts or jeans or a pair of red statement earrings!). I love the sleeve detail!
  • Macy's is offering an additional 20% off everything with promo code MEMDAY. Valid through May 28. Some picks from Macy's:
    •  I'm loving this chambray striped wrap midi skirt. Pair with a sleeveless blouse, with a message t-shirt, a simple tank, throw on a denim jacket when the temps drop.
    • You can't go wrong with the classic style of Levi's. Their 505s are universally flattering and come in a variety of washes and lengths. I have their plus size western shirt and it's a favorite. Their trucker denim jacket is a classic; it comes in regular and plus sizes.
    • Move over LBD, the new versatile piece in town is the jumpsuit. This one from Vince Camuto can go from day to night with a change of accessories, is a reasonless fabric, doesn't wrinkle, AND is machine washable!
  • Nordstrom has their half-yearly sale through the 3rd of June.  I did a post sharing my picks, but there's plenty more goodies in there.  Use the search filters to narrow down the options. I find underpinnings, activewear, and shoes to be the best deals for this sale!