What I'm packing for Nashville

Johanna wearing a purple dress and white handbag

T-minus 2 days and I will be heading out on my first girl’s trip in five years. Currently experiencing all the feelings…mom guilt, pandemic anxiety and utter excitement to get some belly laughs and drinks in with the ladies. When you find inexpensive airfare and lodging, you jump!

Since it’s hotter than hot, I thought I would share exactly what I packed for Nashville because it’s Hot Mom Summer after all. All recent online finds and fit TTS. And yes, I am 100% a dress girl which makes summer fashion an absolute breeze. Have a dress? Then you’ve got an outfit!

Happy shopping and follow along on Instagram for all our behind the scenes footage and undoubtedly, many bloopers!

Johanna wearing a zebra dress, white handbag and gold jewelry.
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Downton Abbey: The Exhibition
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition

It’s time to come out of hibernation. While January has been cold and gray, I’ve uncovered an amazing, suburban exhibition that is worth leaving the house for…and it’s only here through the end of March 2024. You must get tickets to the Downton Abbey Exhibition located at Old Orchard Mall in Skokie. It’s open weekly from Wednesday-Sunday.

The Express Spring Sale...a sale not to miss!
The Express Spring Sale...a sale not to miss!

Summer may be on our minds but I can promise you there are some deals you’ll never want to mess. Namely the Express sale as it’s a great outlet for basics. I’ve curated 21 must-have closet staples and while note all of them are ideal for summer temps, I can tell you that all of them are ideal for your wardrobe ranging from contour bodysuits to amazing, vegan leather dresses. There’s a nice mix of Spring blazers, jackets and denim, too. Every year I stock up on their bodysuits because they suck you in in all the right places. Grab these pieces while supplies last!

Happy shopping! xo

February hit list.
February hit list.

I’m not quite ready for resort wear so indulge me as I round up my favorite Revolve pieces for February. I’ve gotten several requests through my DMs on Instagram for Revolve over the last few months. I never knew I had so many closet Revolve shoppers.

Nearly a decade.
Nearly a decade.

My agency is moving towards it’s 10th anniversary. (@oakstsocial) I’ve been waking up frequently wondering, “how did I/we get here?” Tbh, it’s a bit of a blur.

2022 learnings + epiphanies: the year that was
2022 learnings + epiphanies: the year that was

I typically draft and publish this post before the close of the year with a long, laundry list of things I learned about myself and others. It’s quirky. It’s sarcastic. It’s authentic. And, it’s a nice summary of self growth and truisms about aging gracefully. (not just the physical kind)

And if you’re new here, you can read my 2021 learnings here. It’s an annual thing!

December is Constipation Awareness Month | IBS Awareness
December is Constipation Awareness Month | IBS Awareness

While December is the most wonderful time of the year for many, the last-minute shopping and family expectations from the holidays can also make it quite hectic. As someone living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C), I can’t be dealing with symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain and bloating while balancing everything that comes with the holiday season too.

Zara's Black Friday Sale
Zara's Black Friday Sale

I don’t go bananas on Black Friday. I kind of graze all weekend because let’s be honest, the sales last for quite some time despite the Cyber Week sense of urgency. With that said, there is one sale I never miss and that’s the Zara Black Friday sale. It’s my favorite. Zara is my quintessential stop for basics. I always get compliments on outerwear, denim and shoes. Always. And I keep those pieces forever. Affordable, minimal and contemporary. I don’t care if you’ve never shopped here before, this is the year to change that.

The best of holiday sequins.
The best of holiday sequins.

I strongly believe in the power of sequins. For everyday but also very much for holiday time. I am riding on the fumes of my annual Babesgiving party in which there is a very strict dress code. You must sparkle and shine and sequins are preferred. More to come on that but my girls always turn out. Always!

Everyday elevated looks.
Everyday elevated looks.

Sharing the simplest fit for a weekday and the reason I’m doing it is to prove one point: monochromatic looks are so much more luxe and elevated and you don’t have to break the bank. It all came together very accidentally tbh.

Our Weekend Guide for a Milwaukee Getaway
Our Weekend Guide for a Milwaukee Getaway

We celebrated 12 years of marriage this past July. To say this post is overdue would be the understatement of the century. Don’t judge. There were things and the such that prevented me from writing this post. It must be noted that we could not get a sitter to save our lives so guess who we took with? Yes, you guessed it…we celebrated our anni with our little ladies and while romance was not exactly on the menu, I can tell you that we had a great time exploring Milwaukee on a much different level that had everything and anything to do with our kids ages. So let’s dive in shall we?

Fashion, Most PopularJohanna GrangeTravel, Nashville, Outfit of the Day, Let's Get Dressed, What to Pack, Easy outfit ideas, Nashville packing guide2 Comments