It feels like our Disney Wish Cruise was a year ago – not just 30 days. For as relaxing + rejuvenating as July was, it was also really fast-paced where I had to intentionally schedule in sunshine to remember it was summer “vacation!” But here we are – and it was *hard* narrowing down ten fave finds from July, because between the NSALE, Prime Day, and just regular ol’ life…there were lots of new things hitting our horizon that I ended up loveloveloving. Cheers to finding new favorites and celebrating summer’s end in style. 🙂
1.) Athletic dress
My hunt for a favorite athletic dress for *awhile*. I bought a handful from Amazon on other influencers’ recommendations…but quite a few fell completely short. Cheap material, lumpy boob cups, too thin, too short – the list of faults went on, and the list of returns grew long. But this one – THIS ONE. This one took home the gold. It’s got a shelf bra with cups and built in shorts, along with adjustable racerback straps. It’s super comfortable, highly rated, and on repeat in my weekly wardrobe. SO many Instagram followers loveloveloved this one, too – it’s a winner!
2.) Gluten-free cauliflower chips
I’ve been on a bit of a health ~journey~ this month (updates to come), and with that has come making a few healthier swaps to lessen inflammation in my body. I found these while looking for a gluten-free snack and they are gooooood. If you like salt/vinegar potato chips, they’re a great, healthier alternative!
3.) DIME 7 summers perfume (discount code: THRIVE20)
I heard about DIME from every blogger and her mother and honestly resisted being “influenced” by it all. That is, until I started making those aforementioned health swaps; there are lots of “bad” things in many fragrances + perfumes, so I figured if I could find a “healthier,” cleaner fragrance, that wouldn’t hurt. D
I ordered the sampler kit to test all 4 scents – and 7 Summers is hands down my favorite. It’s got notes of warm sugar, vanilla, champagne, praline, coconut cream, bergamot, pear…smells like a dream.
If you’re familiar with fragrance, it’s a near EXACT dupe to Baccarat Rouge 540 – a $325+ alternative at the Neiman Marcus perfume counter – but significantly cheaper AND healthier. It’s *so* similar that I passed my friend Tara on our Disney creators trip and said, “Oh, are you wearing the DIME perfume??” and she said “Nope, it’s Baccarat Rouge!”
I’ve been wearing 7 Summers and testing a few other DIME products for a few months now, so I was stoked when they reached out to actually sponsor the THRIVE podcast in August – so feel free to use code THRIVE20 at checkout to get an extra 20% off your whole order, too!
4.) Black braided sandals amazon
My friend Meg recommended these on Prime Day and said they passed the Disney World walking test – so I immediately added to cart. Sure enough, they’re insanely comfortable; I would wear them to Disney, and I’d wear them on light hikes or other more “active” things, too. They stay on your foot great, but maybe most importantly, they don’t rub anywhere and the braiding is soft and flexible for all day wear.
5.) ACOTAR series
I KNOW I KNOW, a repeat of last month…but only because I’m 3+ more books deep in the series and at this point, I’m blatantly obsessed. WHAT A SERIES. Sarah J. Maas is an absolutely incredible world-builder, and never did I ever think I’d be into a fantasy series about faeries. But, here we are and I’m so here for it. I bought her entire first series box set on Prime Day as my next thing to dive into when ACOTAR concludes, since I’ll have a massive void in my heart to fill when that happens.
6.) Celsius caffeinated drinks
Grabbed one of these on a Target run after seeing some folks sing their praises on TikTok; they’re caffeinated drinks made with healthier ingredients and actually targeted as a “fitness” essential. They’ve got ginger, guarana, green tea, and 7 vitamins – and NO aspartame, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. They’re certified gluten free, kosher, and non-GMO – and I certify them delicious. It doesn’t taste like you’re drinking chemicals – and they’ve even got a “cola” flavor that makes for a great alternative to your Coke fix.
As a super cool crossbody carry-all, this bag takes the cake. I first heard about the brand from a PR agency and they so kindly sent this one my way to check out no strings attached – and I loveloveloved it so much it made Cool Sh*t. 😉 The coated neoprene is fabulously versatile + cleanable, and the red and green stripe feels like a subtle nod to Gucci. It’s roomy – more like a messenger bag than a small crossbody – and has a hidden front pocket AND zipped pockets inside. But beyond the striped strap, it comes with a solid black strap, too, for added versatility.
These became my unexpected win from this year’s NSALE! I had been hunting for a pair of booties that would pair well underneath pants, especially since wider leg pantlegs are vogue right now. These are a higher, snugger ankle that works seamlessly under pants, but also looks sleek and chic over tights to wear with a midi or mini skirt, dress, etc. They’re reasonably comfortable given the heel height and a real win from the sale.
Another NSALE favorite: my Zella yoga pants. Teenager Erica is THRILLED that yoga pants are back in style for Mom Erica. These are thicker, buttery soft, and a bit compressive at the high waistband. I’ve been throwing them on daily once J gets home from work and we all transition to our “comfies” for the evening, and I’ve gotta feeling I’ll be doing this all fall long.
10.) Purple sweater
Perhaps one of my top 3 NSALE buys this year – and my biggest surprise. This pretty purple sweater was on sale for not even $15. I got it half expecting it to be scratchy, itchy, basic cable knit – not at all the super soft, stretchy sweater that it really is. It’s so cozy and fabulous, I wish I had snagged the other colors! Even though it’s back up to regular price now, it’s still affordable and better quality than Amazon sweaters around the same price point.
HAVE YOU TRIED ANY OF MY MONTHLY FAVORITES YET?
And what have been YOUR Monthly Favorites? Would lovelovelove to know!
P.S. ICYMI and wanna get caught up on or last month’s favorites, just click here!
