May 12, 2026 Finds

Elevated Basics That Make Everyday Life Feel More Chic

Lately, I’ve been leaning hard into elevated basics that make everyday life feel just a little more polished, chic and put together.

woman over 50 with casual elevated basics on.
outfit details: jeans | sweater | jacket | flats

I love to rely on little details like a great white tee, a chic hand soap, an amazing scented candle or a perfectly cut silk black shirt to give everyday life a bit more personality.

These are the everyday basics I keep reaching for lately because they quietly make everything feel more polished and bring me a bit of joy, all without trying too hard.

  • A Lightweight Spring Jacket A great lightweight jacket is one of those pieces which will instantly pull any outfit together. Perfect for this time of year when the weather can’t quite make up it’s mind. I love this faux suede one because it adds just enough structure and texture while still feeling so soft and easy to wear. Not to mention this neutral beige color goes with everything and gives even my simplest outfits a more elevated feel.
  • The Perfect White Tee A really good white tee (or any color really) is one of those wardrobe staples that somehow makes everything else look more expensive. I’m always looking for styles that feel polished but still relaxed, and this one has the perfect fit and weight without being too sheer (or too pricey) This is the kind of basic you’ll end up wearing on repeat with everything from denim to linen pants to skirts all summer long.
  • A Black Silk Button-Down Nothing makes me feel more instantly pulled together than a great black button down. I love a silk fabric because it works just as well with jeans during the day as it does dressed up for dinner. It’s classic, chic and one of those forever pieces that somehow always feels right no matter the season.
  • A Beautiful Hand Soap Seems like such a small thing, but it genuinely makes everyday routines feel a bit more luxurious. I’m especially drawn to ones that smell fresh, clean and slightly unexpected. Plus if the bottle looks chic sitting on the counter, even better! It’s one of those tiny details that will quietly elevate a kitchen or bathroom instantly.
  • A Chic Everyday Candle A great candle can completely change the feel of a room. Even if everything is a bit of a mess, lighting one somehow makes everything feel calmer and prettier. Especially when the candle smells as fresh and wonderful as this one!
  • A Tray That Makes Everything Look Better Always a favorite styling trick, because a tray will instantly make everyday clutter look intentional. Whether on a coffee table, bathroom counter or kitchen island, a great tray really pulls things together in the best way.
  • Flattering Denim For All Year Wear Finding great denim gets trickier over time, which makes a really great pair worth it’s weight in gold. I’m always drawn to styles that feel comfortable and look timeless, which is why I love this pair so much.
  • A Simple Pair of Chic Sandals I’ve learned that the shoes I wear the most are usually the simplest ones. A chic flat sandal like these (in gold!) goes with almost everything. This pair has a slight arch which has really been a game changer for me.

At the end of the day, these are all the kind of elevated basics I choose to have because they all add a little something special. Nothing overly complicated or trend driven, just timeless pieces and little luxuries that earn their keep over time.

SHOP THE ELEVATED BASICS HERE:

If you’re looking for even more fashion ideas, be sure to check out these other posts by clicking on each title below-

How To Style Wide Leg Jeans Over 50

8 Dressy Tops To Wear With Jeans

Classic Capsule Wardrobe Pieces For Women Over 50

*This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and purchase something, I may get a small commission from it at no cost to you. For more info, please read my disclaimer. I only refer things that I truly love and hope you will too!

May 7, 2026 life

Weekend Wrap Up

*This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and purchase something, I may get a small commission from it at no cost to you. For more info, please read my disclaimer. I only refer things that I truly love and hope you will too!

swimming pool palm beach hotel.

Happy weekend, everyone!

First Friday back in Connecticut. How is this Mother’s Day weekend?

But, also happy Mother’s Day weekend.

Easing my way back to reality with a few great finds – including a fun little tray, a super stylish clutch and the latest addition to my never ending wish list…

Let’s dive in!

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May 4, 2026 Fashion

The Under $250 Summer Edit: Elevated Pieces That Feel Like a Splurge

This edit is filled with pieces that bring me joy!

Think warm weather easy with a touch of New England prep and all under $250.

easy outfit ideas for warm weather under $250.

These are the pieces I reach for when I want to look polished yet relaxed for everyday summer plans, from farmers’ market mornings to poolside dinners and weekend escapes.

  • Starting with these Archies flip flops which I can’t stop wearing. Who knew adding just a bit of arch support to my everyday flat shoes would have such a positive impact on eliminating my lower back pain-and all for only $40.? (to be fair, my friend Jen knew, she told me to get them:)
  • Next up, my favorite new thing- these fun bandanna scarves I’ve been wearing as belts. They give me just the right hit of that classic bandana print without leaning too literal or feeling the least bit costume-y.
  • Can’t help but to give these Athleta pants another shout out. I wear them so often, it only made sense to include them again here.
  • Moving on to my cute blue Bella Dahl top above, it so soft and easy to wear. Now I’m tempted to get the matching pants as well.
  • Since one of my favorite fine jewelry sites is currently holding a site wide sale, thought I’d include this darling gold seashell charm. It has a stunning diamond bail that clips onto any chain or bracelet, and it’s truly just so perfect!
  • A Golde’s 90s Pinch Jeans seem to make every top denim list these days. So, I’ve finally ordered them. I can’t wait to see if these work as well for me as they seem to for everyone else.
  • By now you might’ve guessed that a slightly cropped shell tank top is my “go to” in the warmer months. Which is why I can’t wait to get this one in from Aligne.
  • Simon Miller’s “Shelly” bag is everything I could want in a fun summer tote. It’s fun yet still traditional and trendy, but also classic!
  • And speaking of a classic, these jelly flip flops look like Hermes, but for a fraction of the price.
  • Last week I saw this beaded tote in person and the texture alone made it so irresistible (as did the price!)
  • Another adorable bag at a fabulous sale price, this rattan clutch is not to be missed. Would make for a great Mother’s Day gift.
  • A chic white rope belt (under $40!) is the perfect finishing touch to pull your summer dresses together.
  • I love adding a playful touch with my accessories during the warmer months, and this flower necklace is exactly what I had in mind.
  • Can confirm Madewell’s Perfect Crewneck T-Shirt truly lives up to its name—I have it in black and now I’m adding the white to my closet too.
  • Sperry’s Slimboat mules are simply too cute to resist. And practical too, if you’re like me and always seem to be in and out of the house, kicking your shoes on and off!
  • If you’re looking for the perfect white summer short sleeve blouse, that’s not see through, this eyelet top is it. It runs a bit large.
  • A pair of striped cropped pants seems to be the one thing missing from my summer wardrobe. Which means I’m ordering these (in yacht stripe of course) today!
  • Last but not least, can’t stop raving about these gold flip flops, because arch support (see above:)

SHOP THE UNDER $250 SUMMER EDIT HERE:

If you’re looking for even more fashion ideas, be sure to check out these other posts by clicking on each title below-

How To Style Wide Leg Jeans Over 50

Best Spring and Summer Dresses For Women Over 50

8 Dressy Tops To Wear With Jeans

Classic Capsule Wardrobe Pieces For Women Over 50

*This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click a link and purchase something, I may get a small commission from it at no cost to you. For more info, please read my disclaimer. I only refer things that I truly love and hope you will too!