This week I decided many things: sometimes girls dresses fit better than womens (like, this J. Crew Gingham dress), often times the day calls for multiple bags, and a new camera was necessary.
J. Crew Gingham Dress
I was browsing J. Crew Factory last week looking for a coral dress to wear to my friend’s Charleston Bachelorette party. I found one, but I also decided to take a look in the girls section. I found this dress (along with several others I wanted) and after taking a look at the size chart, decided it was worth the try. I’ve had a spree lately of ordering things that ended up being way too big for me and it’s had me pretty down. I mean, you make an order, excitedly wait for it and then it arrives and it’s huge. I’d had enough of not fitting into things and decided to go extreme and hit up the girls department. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but let me tell you, THIS DRESS IS IT. I’m going to wear it, like every day. Ok, maybe I’m being extreme and you hear me talk about favorites a lot, but this dress is my favorite. First, the dress is soft, fully lined and fits ME! It also has pockets if you’re into that…which I am. I ordered a size 14 based on the size chart, so let me just pretend I’m 14 again and wear this dress all summer.
Banana Leaf Tote
Now, the next thing I’ve decided this week, is extra bags are necessary for my life. I loathe carrying a bunch of bags around, but sometimes that mom life just requires it. I love my purse and I fill it with all of my essentials because it’s nice and big. However, when summer rolls around and we’re hitting the beach and the pool, I need an extra bag for towels, toys and a change of clothes. In comes the Sloane Ranger Banana Leaf Tote. This tote has been rocking my world. One, the print is just adorable. Two, it’s big and it zips! You’ll notice I’m holding two bags in these pictures, because yeah, I’ve been carrying them both.
Take 20% off all orders over $50 plus free shipping with code PUMPS at Sloane Ranger.
Canon 80D
I decided it was time to make a blog investment and upgraded my little ol’ Canon Rebel to a Canon 80D. I basically told the dude at the camera store that I had no idea what I was doing, but I wanted a better quality photo. My mom was with me and she starts pulling out my blog pics to show him the issues I was having my rebel, I was like chill boo. Slight embarrassment aside, he recommended the 80D, for it’s price point and capabilities. These pictures were our first go of it, without really messing with settings too much because we felt like baby deer fumbling around with it; don’t judge them. My first impression is the photos have more detail than the photos that came from my Canon Rebel, almost so much more detail than I’m used to, I don’t even know how to edit them. I basically need to sit in bed and read the owners manual. They were also taken with just the kit lens. I have a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens that I typically use for blog photos and I like the photos it takes a little more, so I’m excited to see what my new camera can do with that lens.Hopefully some better quality photos coming your way,if we can figure out how to use it.
Shoutout to the people with the white picket fence and beautiful rose bush. Your house made for a pretty backdrop. #bloglife
-Brooke
Ha! I love that this dress is from the girls section, it really does not you perfectly! And yay for a new camera….that is definitely on my wishlist 🙂
I am so into gingham right now! Love those totes too!
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
Oh wow a dress from the girl’s section !!! I would have never guesses. You look spectacular, I actually thought it was a two piece.
That dress is so adorable! I hate that it is the girls because I would definitely be ordering it if it wasn’t. And that palm bag is adorable!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
First off I love your dress and bag! I’m cracking up at your mom showing the guy your pics because I be just like you. Anddd, I’ve been thinking about upgrading my camera too because I am picture obsessed. I have a rebel too and a few lenses I work with, but I feel like the actual camera body style is limiting me. I’m going to look into the 80D.
Beautifully Candid
I’m hoping it was a good investment! I literally know nothing about cameras, so I was basically relying on him to help me. I hope his advice was right, I’ll keep you updated!
It needs to be made in womens too!! It really is so cute! Thank you Nikki!
It does look like a two piece! Thank you Lorena!
Thanks Megan!
Thanks Kelsey!! I’m really hoping this camera purchase pays off!
That dress is super cute! I wish I could wear clothes from the girl’s section too! It would be double the clothing options!
It would!! If only I had a little girl, then it would be perfect!
I’m so obsessed with denim for Spring – it’s so pretty in pink!
Cute banana leaf tote too 🙂
Lyndi
http://www.stylecalling.com
Ooohhh blogger investment! My mom brings up my blogging to people and I get so embarrassed too. You are so cute in the dress! I love the pink gingham!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
It’s always good to invest in your blog. Yeah my mom has been posting on facebook about my blog. Gotta love moms.
xo. SN | http://www.sahonynatasha.com
Gingham is one of my favorites this season! This has got to be the cutest gingham dress I’ve seen – so perfect for casual vacay outfits!
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
I love gingham so much! This lavender is so pretty!
You’re a smart chickola to browse the girls section!! I have to remember that!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
This is simply adorable on you!! The color is PERFECT with your coloring!
Virginia
More to Mrs. E
The dress is too cute!! Love it!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: DRUPE LOS ANGELES
whoa whoa whoa! girls section? my current postpartum self cannot fit in girls dresses no more. sad… sad.. I love that pink gingham LOTS!
also – how do you like your canon 80D? I recently upgraded to a new cam myself.. I got the canon 6D.
The girls department is the best. Treasures here, there, everywhere!!! It’s as though brands feel they can be more adventurous when it comes to non adult designs (like what??) so I shop there all the time myself 🙂 you look so pretty, Brooke.
I’ve seen a bunch of gingham dresses, but I swear this is one of the cutest and prettiest ones I’ve seen! Love that color too!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I shop in the girls department somewhat frequently – but moreso the shoe section. My Nikes, Uggs, Snowboots and Chaco sandals are all childrens because they are essentially the same and it saves you a good amount of money. More power to you for finding a kids dress – its adorable!
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com/
I buy kids shoes a lot too!
Thank you Jessica!!!
I agree Sheela!! It has been several years since I looked in the girls department, but after seeing other bloggers wearing girls dresses, I was like I need to try that!! Thank you Sheela!
So far I like it! But I’m hoping I can learn more about using it and get good results with it! I was going for the 6D and the guy at the camera store talked me into the 80D, according to him it is on par with the 6D (not totally the same level) but was cheaper. I really hope I don’t end up regretting not just going for the 6D! Your photos are beautiful!
Thank you!!
Thank you so much Virginia!
This was my first time in years, now I can’t stop looking in the girls section!
Thank you Laura!
Mine too Abby!!
haha!! That mom love! You’re right, I feel like it was a good choice!
So funny!! Moms are just so proud! haha
Thank you Lyndi!!
Congrats on the new camera. I also can’t believe that’s a girl’s dress. So cute!
http://sincerelyjennie.com/
You are so cute and funny. Yeah for a new camera, though I have always loved your photos. They look gorgeous! That dress is so darn cute as is the BR tote. I too have shopped the girls section at Target before and I am taller and bigger than you. LOL
P.S. That white picket fence home tho.
This is the cutest gingham! I’m not usually a big fan of the print,but in purple, it is adorable!
http://www.michellespaige.com/