I’m back with another round-up of reader favorites! I’ve really enjoyed going through everything our readers and editors have loved this past month — it gives me all the inspiration.
Our bestsellers in May were versatile summer dresses, lots of neutral-toned wardrobe staples (think: three different kinds of white pants or cream-toned sneakers & sandals) and some real finds in the good-vibes department: I’m already tempted by this retro radio. How cool?! New towels? Treat yourself!
What Readers Loved Most In May: Summer Dresses, Comfy Neutrals & Feel-Good Finds
Without a doubt, there are some summer essentials on this list that I’ll be scooping up. Like…thank you, Laura for the Supergoop sunscreen reminder — I’ve been meaning to grab some for far too long. And this knit set from Amazon — a dupe of the Free People Freya set at half the price? I’ve had my eye on it for a while, wondering about the quality. Well, Em loves it so much she’s getting it in a second color. Adding-to-cart ASAP.
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1. Free People Lakeside Ruched Open Back Dress
Where to buy: Nordstrom
In addition to the stunning color, I absolutely LOVE the ruching, side slit, and sleeves on this dress. Vacation, I’m coming for you.
Julieta’s Note: I recently ordered this dress for store pickup, and after trying it on, it came home with me. I love the fun color, sexy back and forgiving fit.
2. ANRABESS Two Piece Sweater Set
Where to buy: Amazon
I was SO happy to see Em try this set out. Amazon’s outfit sets can be hit or miss, so hearing this was “stellar” and that Em needs a second color? I definitely can’t resist now.
Em’s Note: I didn’t expect much from this budget-friendly set, but the quality is stellar. Worth the shipping time. (Snagging it in a second color.)
3. Birkenstock Oita Slide Sandal
Where to buy: Nordstrom
Loving this new take on the classic Birkenstock sandals. Can’t decide if I’d get more use out of this white color or the black. Help!
Shana’s Note: Ok, now these are perfect. The newest Birkenstock is a sexier version of Linzi’s beloved Kyoto slides, but the upper is much softer than the big buckle Madrids (which I find hard to walk in). A perfect blend! I adore the white, but miiiight end up getting the black because…stains.
4. NYDJ Marilyn Linen Blend Trousers
Where to buy: Nordstrom
I’m with Scotti when she says white pants are hard to find. Something about them just doesn’t always look right on me. Might just have to try these out in the office one of these days.
Scotti’s Note: White pants are hard to find…and these are perfect, you guys. Comfy, not too sheer, straight leg…love. (Size down 1-2 sizes because they run big!)
5. Open Edit Wear Two Ways Knit Midi Dress
Where to buy: Nordstrom
Two dresses for the price of one? Yes, please.
Em’s Note: Love that you can wear this dress two ways, with the V in the front or back — and what a steal for $30. And longer dresses are perfect for summer here, where it’s not really all that summery at all. Ha. Quite a few colors, but black would be the most versatile to style. (I’d pair it with the platform slides I put in my picks below or high-top Converse.)
6. Becca Breezy Basics Cover-Up Dress
Where to buy: Nordstrom
A coverup for the beach is definitely essential for me. I like that this one has a higher neck to cover up my bathing suit if I want to get lunch straight from the pool or beach.
Linzi’s Note: Ooooh! I just got this under $50 cover-up and it’s JUST what I was looking for. Easy and simple.
7. Free People Lila Cardi
Where to buy: Free People
One thing me and Shana have in common is that we’re not really cardigan girls. But the idea is growing on me. I’ve even purchased a few in the past year. But this one from Free People is kinda perfect. I think it’s the chunky knit, slouchy arms and perfect crop that make it stand out from the rest.
Shana’s Note: Words I almost never say: I love this cardigan. It’s 100% cotton and the color “bunny” is perfect.
8. Crosley Radio’s Bluetooth Entertainment Center.
Where to buy: Nordstrom
Yes, this is a radio and record player (and cassette player, and CD player) with Bluetooth. I think this would give me a daily dose of serotonin. Anything nostalgic is always so comforting. So…I might just have to give myself a present this month. Ha.
Linzi’s Note: Did anyone else born in the ‘70s get as excited as I did when they saw this? Such an instant wave of nostalgia!
9. MIA Lunna Platform Ankle Strap Sandal
Where to buy: Nordstrom
I’ll choose platform sandals over flat sandals any day. I like that it makes my short legs longer (and longer pants more wearable) but I also find them to be comfier. I don’t know what it is but most flat sandals just do not fit my feet right. Plus, the platforms look a little fancier.
Em’s Note: ‘Tis the season for the most comfortable sandals (we’re talking cloud-like squish) of all time to go on sale. I can’t over-communicate how much wear these get. I have the Blush, but the Sandy Brown would make for the perfect “tandal”.
10. STAUD Ripley Dress
Where to buy: Shopbop
Ugh. Summer wedding guest dress anyone? This STAUD dress. Staud’s dresses always deliver.
Linzi’s Note: I’m not ashamed to put on some Dansko sandals underneath a fabulous maxi dress. It’s pretty incredible what some of these beautiful dresses can hide.
11. P448 Cancun Sneaker
Where to buy: Nordstrom
Look who made it into the top sellers again! The p448 Cancun sneakers. I can definitely see why — super versatile, slightly modern but also retro, and Shana says they feel like orthotics, so who doesn’t love that?
Shana’s Note: OMG. My p448’s Cancun sneakers are 30% off at Nordstrom. I’ve said it before — these feel like orthotics (I wore them recently in that travel capsule article, here).
12. J.Crew Sevilla Tiered Dress
Where to buy: J.Crew
I’m slowly realizing I love a tiered dress. I always thought they were too precious for my personal taste, but seeing it in black might just work in my closet better. And I love that it looks like a corset top, but without the tightness or discomfort of an actual corset. An edgy Juliet dress.
Gwen’s Note: Ever since I was fed a gorgeous J.Crew IG ad featuring this dress, I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
13. Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Bath Towels
Where to buy: Parachute
I never thought something like fresh, good-quality towels would excite me until I moved into my own place. It’s a little everyday luxury we all deserve.
Shana’s Note: I almost always have to replace a towel or two due to stains (and my refusal to use anything but environmentally friendly laundry detergent). All of our towels are from Parachute, and they’re amazing. The linen bedding is another favorite.
14. Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50 Sunscreen
Where to buy: Nordstrom
I am SO picky when it comes to sunscreen. I have the most sensitive skin and it always burns. I’ve had Supergoop! on my list of brands to try for so long because everyone swears by it. So I decided this summer I would take the plunge. Thanks again, Laura for the reminder!
Laura’s Note: I finally got this checked off my summer shopping list last week…and it’s just as easy and lovely to use as I thought it would be!
15. Zella Getaway Relaxed Sleeveless Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Where to buy: Nordstrom
I think jumpsuits are underrated. They make putting an outfit together just so much easier.
Note: Battle of the Jumpsuits! We had our eye on this Vuori jumpsuit last week but readers seem to be loving this Zella jumpsuit even more. Which one would you choose?
16. Marine Layer Archive Flare Jeans
Where to buy: Nordstrom
Another pair of white pants I didn’t know I’d love till Scotti tried them out. I would totally go monochromatic as she did with a white linen blazer and white bag. So chic.
Scotti’s Note: These Marine Layer flare jeans? Ahhhmazing. The color goes with everything and keeps things light for summer, but they still do a great job of smoothing things out (unlike some white jeans that show everything).
17. Beyond Yoga Featherweight Inner Circle Cutout Knit Top
Where to buy: Nordstrom
I’m with Julieta on this. It’s super rare I see a workout top that I’d consider pretty. But this Beyond Yoga one? Gorgeous!
Julieta’s Note: I rarely like workout tops, until I saw this one. WOW.
18. rag & bone ICONS Maxine Stripe Button-Up Shirt
Where to buy: Nordstrom
Because you can never go wrong with a striped top. It can take you from work to the beach as a coverup, to date night. Wear it tucked or untucked to totally change the look.
Julieta’s Note: The perfect summer shirt, with an amazing pocket.
19. Splendid Breck Denim Jacket
Where to buy: Nordstrom
Is anyone else bored of their classic denim jacket? It’ll always be a closet staple for me, but I’ve been eyeing all the different denim jacket styles, too.
20. Athleta Retroplush Logo Straight Leg Pant
Where to buy: Athleta
I can already tell these sweats would be crazy flattering with the banded waist, seams going up the front of the legs and the straight-leg cut. Sweatpants, but make them chic.
Shana’s Note: If you’re petite, these Athleta sweatpants are wildly chic – even better than those wide-leg Nike sweatpants – and more comfortable, too. I was about to send them back because, summer, but instead I’ve been wearing them every day (and may snap up another color). They do run short, tho, so size up accordingly (I have the regular inseam and it’s perfect).
Happy summertime shopping!
-Danielle
