May was a no-buy month for me (“you MAY not buy it”), but there was still so much to love – and I did buy one or two things riiiiiight at the end there. 😉 Hope you find a new favorite from mine…
1. TJMaxx pants
My favorite pants of the season! The print is so fun and feels trendy without being the big lobster-y, European-inspired print that’s everywhere (I’m not a huge fan of it…but these I can get behind!). They’re soft and comfy, don’t easily wrinkle, and have an elastic waistband and pockets. Easy, breezy, can dress up or down, and feel like a flowy dream for this time of year. And the price point?! *chef’s kiss*
As seen styled five fun ways here!
The way that I flipped out in the dressing room when I first found these…!!! I tried these on a whim on a recent outlet run because they were on super sale; I was immediately drawn to the fun colors, but the elastic waistbands and longer-looking inseam were immediate wins. Turns out, they’re fabulous.
Usually, I see elastic on denim waistbands in the form of a paperbag short, which isn’t my jam. So to see these with that added stretch and comfort with a traditional button closure was great (and unique! I’ve never seen that with jean shorts before!).
Then the inseam…a mom’s dream. They’re flattering and fun without being booty shorts, praise be. And no distressing!
Truly live up to the “SuperSoft” name. Can’t recommend enough, will be grabbing one more pair.
3. HOC color analysis
Your girl did it! One of my 2025 bucket list items was to get my colors done. While I’ve always had a loose sense of certain colors being “better” on me versus some that are…most definitely not…I wanted to have a more definitive understanding of my full palette, what works and what doesn’t. Whether it be in expediting the purging process or in guiding future purchases, I figured it could only help having a better knowledge of what certain shades due with my skin tone etc, and which hues to avoid entirely.
Working with Amanda was SO cool and eye-opening! It may seem so silly at first glance, but it’s the difference in someone saying “WOW, that top is incredible on you!” versus “Are you feeling okay today?” when all other variables are constant. Certain colors will literally light you up and make you look effortlessly amazing, while others will steal light and color from you and literally make you look ill when you’re otherwise feeling fine.
The verdict is in…I’m a winter! A “true” winter or “jewel” winter, to be exact. My season includes lots of deep, saturated jewel tones, which I lovelovelove…but which has also been apparently lacking in my closet. Ultimately, I’m SO happy I made the investment (and Mimi was so intrigued, it’s already on her Christmas wishlist…ha!). I can clearly see opportunities for what to slowly but strategically add into my closet, and it also gave me instant motivation for what to take out!
4. Athleta Salutation Stash set (7/8 tights, keyhole sports bra)
I’m such a sucker for a good workout set…and this set is goooooood. It’s buttery soft but compressive, with a high waist that doesn’t roll and convenient side pockets.
The sports bra is supportive without feeling bulky and just moves with you.
I feel SO confident and fabulous in it, would buy in every color. Worth every penny! (And some colors are on super sale…!).
5. Fr. Mike Parables Tour
We are big Father Mike fans in the Gwynn house! Father Mike hosts the #1 podcast on Apple, The Bible In a Year. He also hosts the Cathechism in a Year Podcast and does YouTube videos for Catholic media company Ascension Presents. Father Mike is just such an incredible voice for our generation. He’s well spoken and charistmatic, but also a fabulous storyteller, so he’s got the ability to make you laugh and then cry in the same story. He also looks like a movie star, which I think God did intentionally to perk some folks’ attention. 😉
When I saw tickets going on sale for his Parables Tour near us, I jumped at them! (All proceeds were going to directly support his ministry!).
And he did not disappoint. His talk was entirely focused on unpacking four of Jesus’ parables, studying them and understanding them in context then so that we can live by them today.
This was such a fun launch to see from Tiny Tags! Perfect for summer. It’s a dainty turquoise beaded chain – the whole idea is that you can swap your favorite tags onto this colorful chain for a fun seasonal twist.
Look how pretty it looks with my dog tags of my kids’ names?! And can we just picture with a tan??? And layered with multiple chains??? Obsessed!
The swim dress of everyone’s dreams! This swimmy is fun, feminine, and flattering. If you’re wanting a higher coverage one piece that doesn’t feel frumpy, this is it!
It’s a scoop neckline, but the star of the show is the skirt. It’s a wrap-around skirt bottom, so it gives you that extra bit of coverage in the front AND back, but looks so pretty whether you’re chasing kiddos or lounging with a beach read.
I got a spotted one last year and just grabbed this gorgoeus green tropical floral (one of my “wow” colors – WOO!) – it’s on clearance and just so good.
Sizing for this swimmy runs XS-4X, too, and I think it’s a style that literally looks good on any/every body.
8. Walmart tank
Speaking of Old Navy, remember this cropped rib tank that I’ve been raving about for over a year now? That I have in 5+ colors at this point? It’s a flattering cut all around, and it hits at a fabulous spot on your waist without actually showing your stomach like so many “cropped” tops do.
BUT, this Walmart tank…it’s SO similar with how it’s cut up top, but it’s a sliiiiiightly longer length in the torso, and it’s SO STRETCHY. A bit softer and definitely stretchier than the Old Navy, and NOT EVEN FIVE DOLLARS?!?
In XS-XXXL, with so many good neutral colors as a layering basic.
9. Kids baking championship
Am I the only person who hasn’t heard of this show?! What a wholesome gem. Olivia and I just finished watching Season 14 since it was available on the Food Network app – currently trying to figure out how to stream previous seasons, because we’re both hooked! It’s been so cute seeing Liv get so into watching these kids bake…do we sense a buddening hobby?!
But truly, SO WHOLESOME. The judges are so sweet with the kids, and their baking is truly INSANE. Like, I’m still working on box cookies and these kid are out here with wild scratch recipes off top of head with creative twists and beautiful decorations on a time limit in a competition?! Respect!!!
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!
