I’ve always been a sort of “crunchy granola” girl. I like bare feet and messy hair and layers. So I guess it shouldn’t be that surprising that I’m really feeling the whole boho kimono trend (some places are calling them kimonos, others are calling them kimono cardigans or kimono jackets. If you ask me, it’s all pretty much the same thing). This latest love of mine takes my cardigan obsession and puts a summer spin on it.

I’m ninety-nine percent sure that if I walked out of the house wearing one, my husband would ask me why I was wearing my bathrobe to the store. And you know what? I think I’m OK with that.

In my little world, summer and style sometimes seem like an impossible combination. I mean, how exactly do you expect me to look remotely pulled together when my hair has become reminiscent of a Brillo pad, my makeup won’t stay on because of all of the sweat, and I’m continually covered in child residue (food, snot, Play Doh, you name it)?

Well, my friends, I’ve stumbled across a combo that’s been working for me through the first steamy bits of summer. I’m not sweating any less and the mysterious stains are still popping up, but at least I feel more together. And let’s be real. That’s the part that really counts, right?

I’ve got a little bit of a fashion obsession going on right now: I’m all about maxis. Maxi skirts, maxi dresses, it doesn’t matter. As long as its long and flowy I head straight for it. There are so many reasons why longer is better for a momma on the move, but I’ve put together a list of five of my favorites here. So, without further ado…

You should wear maxis because…

You don’t have to shave above your ankles.

This is kind of major, especially for you mommas out there. It can be hard enough squeezing in a full, uninterrupted shower. And being able to shave both of your legs entirely to boot? Dream on, darling. Unless you have the luxury of a full-time nanny or a work-from-home husband, shaving time is probably scarce. Maxi skirt, to the rescue! The world has no reason to know that from the ankle up I’m an unshaven wildebeest.

Summer: Forever21 shorts / Tinley Road chevron necklace / Old Navy tami (tank + cami) / Guess flip flops / Fall layers: Old Navy cardigan / Forever21 layered necklace / Forever21 striped knit tights / Steve Madden oxfords

One of my favorite things about fall is the layers that go along with it. As it slowly gets cooler, we pile on more and more pieces to stay warm–which means we really get to experiment with what’s inside our closets.

The look I put together here is the perfect example of what I mean. It’s a mish mash (which, I’ll have you know, is a seriously technical term) of some of the most versatile pieces you could own.

If you’re trying to save some money, there’s no reason to run out and buy a whole new wardrobe for fall. Instead, shop your closet and add fall colors and textures to your summer faves. Think chunky knits and jewel tones mixed with some of summer’s bright colors. Cobalt is one of the best transitional colors. It goes as well with summer’s carefree tropical palette as it does with fall’s deeper jewel tones.

I am seriously cheap and trying to get on a tight budget, so I will most definitely be using this little tip in the coming weeks. In fact, if I invest in anything this fall it will probably just be a pair of oxfords. I’m kind of obsessed.

How do you transition to cooler temperatures? Are there any pieces that are on your must-have list this fall?

If you can manage to ignore the dumb look on my face and the awkward pose (hey, I was singing and dancing in between taking self photos to keep my little bean happy. This is as good as it gets!), you’re going to love this super easy DIY. In fact, it’s so easy, it hardly qualifies as a DIY.

I’ve mentioned how much I like buns. And I’ve mentioned how I need to accessorize a bit more to escape the rut I’m finding myself in. This super quick, super easy (and super cheap!) headband combines all of my favorite things.

All you need is some tulle (you can buy 25 yards of it for less than three dollars on Amazon!). The piece that I used was roughly 26″ long by 8″ wide. Wrap the tulle around the back of your head and tie a knot in front as if you’re about to tie your shoes. Make sure it’s snug so that you’re not tugging at it all day! Once you’re happy with how secure it is, knot it again. You can either leave the ends out for a bow-like look that’s fun and whimsical or you can tuck them under (like I did here).

Cute. Easy. Inexpensive. Just how I like it!

What do you think?