My Favorite Buys of Summer 2016

TGIF and Happy Labor Day Weekend!  I know there will be a plethora of Labor Day sales right around the corner, but before that I wanted to pause and share my all-time favorite buys of summer 2016.  As I've gotten a bit older, I've become much more thoughtful about how I spend my money, and in truth I do not buy a lot in the way of clothing or impulse purchases (believe it or not).   I'm no Dave Ramsey and would never claim to be a penny pincher, but at the same time I believe everything you buy should really add to your life and stick around for awhile.   First up- this summer outfit was on repeat for me most weekends:  Tobi Back Story Dress (now only $17),  Clubmaster shades, Prada handbag, and DVF wedges (old, but similar pair here):

{Tobi Back Story Crochet Dress $17, Rayban Sunnies $160,  DVF heels (similar here)}

In full disclosure, Tobi gifted me this dress and a few others but I was under no obligation to post about it or share it with you, it's just that I genuinely love it!  Sometimes when products come in the mail they look nothing like you expect, but this dress is the perfect amount of loose + fitted. I'm wearing a small in the photo above and love the bright color. 

This summer I upgraded to the iPhone 6+ after mocking how big the screen is for months.  Apparently my dad was on to something by purchasing the larger one when it first came out, because I had to follow suit when I was due for an upgrade this past July. I now prefer the bigger screen (that 2009 Lasik surgery is starting to wear off) and a larger phone meant an opportunity to find another cute phone case.   Minnie and Emma cases are my new favorite, and after perusing the website several times I decided on their Rose Stripe phone case with my monogram (ignore the rose):

               

And here's a close up of the case- I just love it!

In May, one of my best girlfriends and I took a trip to Jamaica, and I sported my Tuckernuck tassel earrings for all our outings the entire weekend.  I wear this pair at least once a week, and want to invest in the other colors one of these days.

{Tassel Earrings $98, Mara Hoffman 2 Piece Set (old), similar options here}

I first spotted the MZ Wallace Medium Metro tote at my Equinox gym, and thought it was a cute bag that could easily double as an everyday purse.  However, I had trouble justifying paying $215 for a bag that would likely end up carrying my gym clothes.  After walking by it on display in the gift shop several times, I finally caved and purchased one in black and I'm so glad I did!  Living in New York, you never know what a day can bring.  If I want to wear heels at work, I throw them in my bag and put them on once I've gotten to work to save my feet during my commute.  I also carry my gym clothes and shoes in the Metro tote to change in to after work.  It can easily fit so much but at the same time doesn't feel bulky. The arm strap also is very soft and has a nice padding where it hits your shoulder!  This has become my everyday bag and a few of my friends have begged me to switch it up with a clutch when we go out at night because they are tired of seeing me it.... so I'd consider this purchase a success:

{MZ Wallace Metro tote in black $215}

Although I technically didn't buy them this summer, I have to say Chloe scalloped flats are the most comfortable flats I've owned.  I was a big believer in Tory Burch's Revas for awhile (weren't we all?) but they often rubbed blisters on my feet.  This is one situation where the old adage "you get what you pay for" rings true, as these babies haven't let me down a year later after purchasing.  Here's my daily uniform- black dress + Chloes + MZ Wallace Bag:

{Chloe Scalloped Flats $495, MZ Wallace Metro tote $215}

Have you come across any great buys this summer you're happy you made?  If so I hope you'll share the deets with me!