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Design & Build Home Life Renovations http://homeliferenovations.co.uk  #builders #HomeImprovement #Interiors #Preston #Lytham #Lancashire pic.twitter.com/imcAiqRinM

Home Improvements Preston https://youtu.be/qZ2BJ_cdewQ  via @YouTube #Preston #Interiors #Investments #ROI #HomeImprovement http://Homeliferenovations.co.uk 

Before the #summer storms hit your #RochesterNY #home, explore these five #roofing tips to ensure that your house is safe for the entire season.

#TrinityHomeRenovations #RoofingContractor #RoofRepair https://www.trinityhomerenovations.com/article.cfm?ArticleNumber=127 …

Property Renovations with Creative interiors, Home Improvements, Designs Bathrooms & Kitchen, Extensions, Builders, Renovations, Home Refurbishments, http://HomeLifeRenovations.co.uk  #interiordesign #Interiors #homeliferenovations pic.twitter.com/JO5xZQXuXy

Most homeowners know that regular maintenance is key if they want their house to be comfortable and maintain its resale value. This is especially true for those who live in the Greater Toronto Area, where snowy winters and humid summers place great strain on single-family homes.

Every season brings its own specific tasks, and once you’ve welcomed spring by cleaning your flowerbeds, putting in window screens, and fixing any winter damage, it’s time to start thinking about larger projects that can only be done during the warm summer months.

Given how hard Canadian winters can be on roofs in particular, many homeowners will be considering whether or not this is the summer to finally get around to replacing their aging roof with a one that is guaranteed to keep the rain out for decades to come.

Re-roofing a house is a complicated process, and one that involves significant financial investment in materials. For this reason, some homeowners may be tempted to take it on themselves as their big DIY project of the summer.

While this can seem like a smart way to save money, the truth is that roofing is one of those jobs best left to the professionals. If you want to take advantage of the summer months to replace your current roof, here are four reasons why you shouldn’t try to do it yourself:

1. It’s Harder Than It Looks

It can be easy to look at a roofing job and wonder if it is really as difficult as all that. After all, doesn’t it just involve removing the old shingles and replacing them with new ones? Like many household renovation projects, roofing is theoretically straightforward but difficult in practice.
First, you need to decide what roofing materials you want to use. Should you install simple three-tab shingles or more advanced roofing materials like laminated shingles that will cost more, but offer better performance and extend your roof’s lifespan in the long run?
This decision will have a major impact on the total cost of your project, and one of the benefits of having a professional take care of the job for you is that they will have a much better understanding of where costs can be cut in ways that won’t compromise the integrity of your roof.
When it comes to installing the roof itself, not only do you need to have basic knowledge about using tools like roofing spades, nail guns, chalk lines, and hammer-tackers, you also need to understand how roofing materials like asphalt shingles, tar paper, and ice and water shield are applied and what purposes they serve. Furthermore, you need to understand how to work around dormer windows, and valleys — not to mention roof vents, plumbing stacks, and chimneys.
And then there are all the little problems that crop up along the way, which can present a challenge even to experienced roofers (what to do, for example, if you discover that parts of the roof deck have sustained heavy water damage, or that the chimney needs to have new flashing installed?).
Finally, you don’t just have to worry about purchasing materials and having them delivered to your house. You also have to figure out how you are going to dispose of waste. Most roofs generate quite a bit of garbage, and you will need to rent an industrial sized bin and arrange to have it disposed of.
If this sounds like a lot to keep track of, that’s because it is. Fortunately, Professional Roofers is here for you — from selecting and delivering materials to handling the installation and removing the garbage when the job is done, we take care to make sure the work is done right every step of the way.

2. Replacing a Roof is Dangerous

Every year, homeowners are injured and even killed due to accidents on their roofs. Even a simple job like cleaning gutters or removing fallen branches can be risky, but when you are spending all day moving heavy materials onto a pitched roof, the chances of an accident increase exponentially.
For this reason, beware oversimplified DIY YouTube videos — there are lots of things that can go wrong when you are on the roof, which is why roofers are trained to use safety equipment that will protect them in the event of a fall or accident.
Don’t take chances with your wellbeing just to install a new roof: go with the experts who know how to do the work safely as well as efficiently.

3. Incorrect Installation Can Put Your House at Risk

It isn’t just your own safety that you have to watch out for when replacing your roof: an improperly installed roof can put your entire house at risk. This is because the roof is an essential component of the entire system of the house, and issues with the roof are bound to translate into larger problems with the entire structure.
For example, one of the most important things a roof system does is channel water away from the home — the shingles make sure it flows off the roof, the gutters keep it from falling close to the foundation, and the downspouts transfer it safely away from your foundation.
If any of these components are improperly installed, not only is your roof deck in danger, excess water can end up pooling beside your walls, seeping into the soil, and threatening the integrity of your foundation. If the problem is not addressed, this can eventually lead to basement flooding. Good drainage is important for your entire house, and good drainage starts with your roof.
In order to install a roof properly, therefore, you need to understand how all the components work together to manage water flow. Knowing where the stress points are on a roof is essential to providing the extra protection that is needed, and it is also important to know how good roof installation can help combat problems like ice damming and attic condensation. This means accessing the kind of expert knowledge that only professionals can bring to the job.
If you want to know more about how your roof system works, get your questions answered by roofing professionals who have experience working with a variety of different roof types, and can help you avoid mistakes that can cause a lot of problems with other parts of your home down the road.

4. DIY Roof Installation Can Impact Resale Value

Most professional roofers will be able to tell you at least one story about a nightmare job where they had to replace a roof that had been installed by a homeowner. These roofs are full of surprises: shingles nailed down incorrectly, too much (or not enough) flashing along with dormer windows and valleys, incorrectly applied caulking, insufficient ventilation and even — in the worst cases — situations where the previous homeowner simply roofed over the old shingles.
When shopping for a home, people are rightly wary of roofs that were not professionally installed, and even if you believe you have done the job correctly, the simple fact that you did not hire a contractor can raise red flags for some appraisers and buyers.
For this reason, it’s best not to take chances with the future value of your home — call us today to get more information about how you can get your home re-roofed by experts who know how to deliver quality workmanship. Our team of roofers will apply their extensive knowledge of how best to replace shingle roofs and flat roofs alike to make sure that your next roof is one that will continue to raise the value of your home for years to come.
One of the great pleasures of owning your own home lies in improving it — taking a space and making it your own, and in the process learning how all the different components come together to create a functional, comfortable, and attractive living space. DIY work not only makes renovations more affordable, for many homeowners it is a labour of love.
But there are limits to what DIY projects most homeowners can reasonably attempt on their own. Just as it would be foolish to try to re-wire your house on your own, trying to replace your own roof is simply not worth the risks involved. Instead, call Professional Roofers for an appraisal today.
Our roofing experts will help you decide what repairs are needed and can provide you with detailed information as to what the best approach will be. Best of all, we will take care of the job from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Get in touch today, and find out just how easy getting a new roof can be!

Source: PROFESSIONAL ROOFERS

When we first started “fixing up the garages” (that’s a real understatement, I know), one of the few things that we knew we could salvage was the concrete floor of the first bay (where our prop shelves live). The second bay (where our sofas now live:)) would need to be poured because it was rotten wood + dirt. For most of the renovation, I was so budget-focused (this was not a budget project, mind you), I tried very hard not to spend more than needed. So I was like “just leave it concrete, maybe seal it, but that’s it”. No fancy epoxy or garage floor company for us. But then, of course, when it’s all done, the pine was on the walls, and it was so pretty, the gross rust-covered floor popped, and I changed my tune. So today I’ll show you what we did and why.

Ok, this was the OG prop storage garage and floor. I think the darkness was wet. We don’t know how old the concrete was, maybe 10-20 years, but it was FINE. Like, not incredible, but not worth demo-ing out and repouring. It had some cracks, and it wasn’t super level, but it was FINE.

See? For a garage, it was “ok”. Now, of course, when you are redoing a garage, you have so many other options – Epoxies, fancier finishes with flex, or even rubber squares? But all of them cost $5k + and it just wasn’t where we wanted to put any money.

This floor (in the other bay) had to be poured with new concrete. Now the reason I bring this up is because we actually treated the two differently – something I typically wouldn’t do, but it truly wasn’t important enough to me to spend the time and money. You’ll see.

So for the sofa bay, Ken poured new concrete. GREAT. It looked really pretty. And just needed to be sealed. We used a satin polyurethane that he just rolled on and called it a day.

But for the prop garage, which had a lot more stains and rust marks (and cracks), we decided that we needed more coverage. Something to cover the stains and make it look as fresh as possible.

But of course, we were in a rush. It was Thursday, and the IKEA task rabbits were coming on Tuesday to install the closets (that once installed couldn’t be moved). I did a dumb thing – I thought I was choosing a transparent stain from Sherwin-Williams and quickly chose a deep blue. But then I realized…

I actually chose a concrete paint that was opaque (aka not transparent, not a stain, a full paint color). Now I like the color, don’t get me wrong. But it was way too intense and jarring. I walked in and immediately called my brother (this was only one coat, thank goodness) and said, “I’m so sorry, I was wrong”.

We just wanted it to look like a clean garage floor appropriate gray cement color. But you can’t just choose “gray,” there are a lot of bad, cold, clinical-looking grays, and our garage is pretty! So we sampled many, taking into account the wood on the walls and the green of the cabinet fronts.

Left to Right: Mega Greige | Rushing River | Felted Wool | Elephant Ear | Illusive Green

You have to pretend the floor isn’t blue and that the color would connect the wood to the green cabinets. They are all neutrals and all warmer grays (a couple even taupier).

SW Mega Greige | SW Rushing River

SW Felted Wool | SW Elephant Ear

SW Illusive Green

And that there was the winner – Illusive Green. FTW! It had a slightly green undertone, which looked great with the cabinets and the wood, and yet was still super neutral, letting the cabinets be the star. And by the way, we used Sherwin-Williams color-match concrete paint. Two coats, and each took about 3-4 hours to dry (no long curing session).

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1670" height="1114" src="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/EmilyHenderson_Garage-Flooring_Concrete-Floor_Stained-Pai

In anticipation of the onslaught of 2026 design trend posts that will surely start appearing right after the calendar flips over to September, I thought it a good time to assess my own personal entries into the 2025 home style Hall of Fame before we all move on. What happened this year in decorating that, if you looked back in 10 years, would scream TWENTY TWENTY-FIVE? Now, I will say that there is nearly nothing that was born and has died in this year, besides TikTok trends like “Sardine Girl Summer” or the produce home decor trend that consumed the shelves of HomeGoods stores nationwide. Many of the things on this design trends list could also be very 2024 or even 2023, but the reason I’m including them now is because they seem to have reached an absolute fever pitch.

But first, my signature caveat: Everything pictured below is a room any of us here would be lucky to call home. They are all beautiful, most of which I proudly keep in my bookmarks because I love them. Just because they have been included here doesn’t mean I think they are destined for a life with a Scarlet 2025 emblazoned on them. They are not trendy in a bad way; they are not passé; they are simply illustrative of a trend I’m identifying. Not to mention that thumbtacking something to a specific year, in this case, labeling it “very 2025,” isn’t necessarily an insult. After all, finding things today that are so distinctly ’50s, ’70s, Art Deco, mid-century, Bauhaus…we celebrate that. The issue is when it’s all together in one room, particularly in a home where the styles simply do not jive. I’m adamant that our homes should not feel like we plucked every cool thing from all the people we follow online and put them together in one space.

One additional step in this exercise is to pull out the design crystal ball and assess how I think we may feel about them in a decade. Will they still feel fresh, or at the very least, attractive, welcoming, and interesting? Or perhaps that checkerboard we all keep plastering all over our homes will be akin to chicken wallpaper borders from the early ’90s or chevron rugs a la 2010. Instafluencer Chic, they’ll call it. Maybe, maybe not. Who’s to say, but it sure is fun to guess.

Trend #1: Checkerboard

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By far, the most all-consuming trend of the year and the last few years prior is checkerboard. It’s undeniable. Checkerboard has made its way onto our floors, walls, fabrics, and upholstery. It’s like Tom Hanks in the ’90s…freaking everywhere and in everything. It got us all good and didn’t miss a style. This alternating square fits into modern, traditional, and transitional homes.

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I find checkerboard particularly interesting in applications like the doorway border above by Studio Aida. Anytime a commonplace thing is used unexpectedly, it’s suddenly new and fresh again. That’s not to say I haven’t seen this kind of positioning, but it still excites me.

First off, thank you so much for all your support/kind words/orders on the launch of the Room Service sofa collection last week. We are so proud of the pieces, and many of you have already purchased (thank you, thank you). If you are in California and it was “unable to ship to your zip code”, I’m so sorry!!! It is now fixed (it was a site-wide tech issue – I was low-key FREAKING OUT, lol). And listen, the landing page doesn’t populate my favorite photos because I used too many props in the shots, so please don’t just look at the thumbnails – click in and see what they look like in a room. We weren’t able to shoot all colorways, so please excuse the renders until we can. Also, if you are concerned about stock issues and want to wait for a sale, yes, some are selling out, but they are made in America, and we think it would be just a matter of a couple of weeks to make them, so don’t give up or get discouraged. But that’s not why we are here. Today I’m showing you all the pieces that got to the end, and we even shot them, but we nixed them because we simply didn’t LOVE them enough. Since this was our first go at furniture design, we tried some things that just didn’t work, and I thought it would be fun to talk through why 🙂

The Bearcat

While we likely would have changed the name (I mean, we didn’t with the “Barb” so who knows:)), this chair just wasn’t special enough and it didn’t sit right (the back was too vertical). I think the arms were meant to be more pill-shaped, but even with that, it was just fine, but I wasn’t thrilled with it. For the launch, we wanted to be excited about each piece, to want to use them so badly that we already had places in mind for them.

Of course, it doesn’t help that it’s a neutral that is on the more boring side, but all in all, it wasn’t a “hell yes,” so it was a no. I just felt that this chair could be sold in many other places (or a lot of places), falling into the “too generic” category for me. By the way, I think this one was originally designed by me with a dumb, rough sketch.

My whole thing is that if this chair were going to be $350, then it’s fine enough, but it wasn’t.

Bearcat is better in a velvet rust for sure.

The Bert

Oh Bert. I wanted to love you because he is COMFORTABLE. We designed these for my brother’s living room (to do a big sofa, a smaller sofa + 2 swivel chairs that could be turned to see the view). And Ken really liked Bert, actually.

But again, I just didn’t love it enough. The tone of the wood was too shiny – I didn’t like how they came off the chair, and yet couldn’t put my finger on how to make it better.

I agree that I could use this in many different rooms (and the scale of these was great – super generous), but they weren’t elegant enough for a living room (probably fine for a game room?).

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1670" height="1193" data-id="379340" src="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Emily-Henderson_Room-Service_Furniture-Collection_Sofas-and-Chairs-We-Didnt-Include_25.jpg&quot; alt="" class="wp-image-379340" srcset="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Emily-Henderson_Room-Service_Furniture-Collection_Sofas-and-Chairs-We-Didnt-Include_25.jpg 1670w, https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Emily-Henderson_Room-Service_Furniture-Collection_Sofas-and-Chairs-We-Didnt-Include_25-836×597.jpg 836w, https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Emily-Henderson_Room-Service_Furniture-Collection_Sofas-and-Chairs-We-Didnt-Include_25-768×549.jpg 768w, https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Emily-Henderson_Room-Service_Furniture-Collection_Sofas-and-Chairs-We-Didnt-Include_25-1536×1097.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1670px) 100

Happy Sunday, everyone! In case you missed it, we launched our sofa and chair line, Room Service by Emily Henderson. We are SO PROUD of it and couldn’t be more excited to hopefully see some of the pieces in your homes. So if you haven’t checked it out yet, here’s the blog post where Em breaks it all down, and here is the landing page to potentially purchase:) Ok, links?

This week’s house tour is a warm but elegant English cabin that any of us would happily cozy up in. It’s 300 years old and needed A LOT of love. And love it got, and now we get to enjoy looking at it! The blue room might be our favorite. You?

From Emily: I’m FINALLY really “gettin” the 90s cross-trainer shoe + crew sock combo trend and really loving it (and getting so many compliments). I think it was all about finding the exact pair of shoes that worked with my wardrobe and the socks that are the perfect height (I was going too tall, y’all!!). I bought these socks in person as a non-member at Fabletics (still on a huge sale, BTW), but they are the ones that I want to wear with every shoe now (I just stocked up). They are men’s, size medium, with the perfect black stripe, and like I said, the height is what I’ve been looking for (so many are too high, or ankle socks are too low). Then I bought these Nikes and I’ve been wearing them all day with shorts and on my super long walks. They aren’t the bright white that is trendier (I love those, but I like how these are softer for fall), and they’re extremely comfortable, giving me some height, and I just feel stylish in them. I’m also very into these (in mustard and blue), which are way more affordable. And if you aren’t quite into the chunky white cross-trainer trend, I also love these. I think it’s really brought up a whole new vibe, which I love (you’ll see in an upcoming pickleball fashion post).

Also From Emily: The two very quick, engrossing summer books I read last week on vacation. First, I finished Anabelle Monaghan’s newest, It’s A Love Story, which was an easy-to-read romance, with smart, empathetic characters (a bit of an enemy-to-lovers), Hollywood adjacent, and with a lot of family themes (but light, nothing too traumatic). It was a perfect warm, easy romance that was so enjoyable with a very likable leading man. Then I opened Broken Country, which was hard to put down and extremely engrossing. A love story and mystery about a dead farmer in England in the 60s, where we go back to find out what happened. A few twists and turns I didn’t see coming (and some middle-of-the-night anxiety – it does involve a child dying, which always makes me spiral), and a love triangle with two very tempting leading men. I was SO SAD that the story was over and that I had to leave the world of the characters. I’m now onto Atmosphere (it’s taking a second to get into) and last night started the Rebel Blue Ranch Series (based on Beach Reads and Bubbles’ enthusiastic recommendations – I need something light right now, TBH).

From Gretchen: I’ve been on a bit of an Old Navy kick. Last week, I linked up an easy, breezy plaid mini dress from them, and can confirm, I’ve been grabbing for it quite a bit since. But this week I picked up something slightly more *scandalous*, and I’m kind of obsessed. It’s this new Mesh Cami Bra. It’s see-through on purpose and offers virtually no additional support/lift for the girls, BUT I just love the fit and how it looks peeking out from my top or yes, on its own as a bit of a lingerie/sexy pajama top moment. I don’t tend to wear a lot of underwire in general because it’s just not comfortable for me, so I’m already used to a little less lift and support with my normal bras. While this doesn’t provide much lift, it does fit me great, and the way it sits on the chest area is pretty perfect. Usually, with a top like this, there’s a solid chance I might, you know, pop out of it. But this one stays totally put! In normal bras, I’m like a 36 C, and a size large in the mesh cami fit me best. I’ve been wearing it nonstop because I bought it in three colors: black, sea foam, and lilac.

From Marlee: Last week, you may have seen Caitlin’s glowing review of this $34 bralette… in her words, “MIRACULOUS.” Well, she got me quite curious, so I ordered one and I’ve gotta back her up on this – I’ve been on the hunt for a nude bralette for a while, so I tried this one out and this thing is so dang comfy. It’s buttery, stretchy in the right places, the straps don’t dig into my shoulders, and true to size – also very reasonably priced! But that’s not what I’m here to tell you about. While I was at it, I also ordered the matching boy shorts to go with it… If you like to sleep in your underwear, THESE ARE THE ONES! They’re so incredibly soft, no wedgies, stretchy, and they have perfect coverage IMO. I’m going to have to order a few more pairs so I can wear them every night.

From Arlyn: My family has lost SO MANY HOURS of sleep thanks to my toddler being allergic to mosquito bites and waking up numerous times a night, numerous nights in a row, begging for my anti-itch cream for her bites. The mosquitoes are on the prowl where we are, and even with repellent stickers and proper clothing, they just get her over and over again. I’ve ordered everything you can think of to help: two kinds of anti-itch patches, anti-itch creams, and finally, something that has worked so far: That Bug Bite Thing. Yup, that’s the actual name of the product. It’s a small doohickey that suctions out mosquito saliva to prevent extended itching or any reactions. The key is to use it right away after a bite. I tried it on myself after I got absolutely attacked on my legs last weekend, and by the evening, my bites were basically gone. GET IT!!!

From Mallory: I snagged the PERFECT summer to fall transition light jacket – it’s lightweight and is a classic style but with a balloon sleeve that gives the perfect amount of edge. I’m planning on pairing it with a mini skirt and knee-high brown boots, and I know this will be my end-of-summer go-to look!

From Jess: In case your lips are feeling a bit dry right now, I want to call out my most favorite lip balm/gloss I’ve ever owned. It’s THE MOST hydrating. While I, of course, put it on during the day, I make sure to apply before I go to bed so I can wake up with soft (and slightly plump) lips. I love the color Strawberry Sorbet, but they are all wonderful.

From Caitlin: Can someone be honest with me? I need to know: Is a Mason Pearson brush really all it’s cracked up to be? My thin, fine, kinda stringy, very grease-prone hair has made some incredible strides over the past few years – I used to wash my hair daily, but I can now go 5 days (!!!) between washes, thanks to a combo of this $9 shampoo brush and the dry shampoo I will use for the rest of my life – so I think I’m ready to invest in a keep-forever hairbrush to finish off my trifecta. But is it really worth it? Is it that much better at redistributing the oils? If you know literally anything about brushes, I’m dying to hear it. (I’m also eyeing this very cute version, which seems to be made from 100% boar bristle – is that better? – or this slightly-more-affordable dupe. Help!!!)

Thanks for hanging out with us for a little while today, and see you tomorrow! xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Announcing Our First Furniture Collection: ROOM SERVICE By Emily Henderson

What’s that thing called where the clock strikes midnight, you turn 30, and suddenly you’re like, “uh, where am I supposed to shop now?” If you’re like me, or Em, or literally anyone who has ever worked at EHD the answer has probably been “Madewell” – but what happens if you want to expand your options a bit?

THAT’S WHERE I COME IN, PAL! And what’s even better is that this list has been completely updated for 2025! Today, I’m introducing you to 19 tried-and-true retailers at different price points who capture that same cool, effortless, like Madewell aesthetic that we all know and love. Each brand is labeled with their available sizing – I’m recommending some businesses that carry sizes through 4X! – and I’ve also noted the price points (from $ to $$$$, to avoid any “Say Yes to the Dress” syndrome where you fall in love with something that’s not currently in the budget). Let’s begin with an EHD fav…

Abercrombie

1. Sunday Slash Top | 2. Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean | 3. Asymmetrical Button Sweater Tank | 4. Relaxed Mockneck Vegan Leather Bomber Jacket | 5. Essential Polished Body-Skimming Tee | 6. Long-Sleeve Half-Zip Fleece Jumpsuit

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS – XXL (+ “Curve Love” Jeans Line)
Our Review: In case you haven’t noticed, the EHD team has been VERY impressed with Abercrombie’s comeback. I sing their praises weekly! We all can remember the dark, heavily perfumed stores, filled with shirtless men. In 2025 things are different! Sure, the lighting is still moody, but the perfume scent level is very normal, and everyone is fully clothed. But that’s not even the best part! The clothes are CUTE and chic and reasonably priced. It’s giving affordable Reformation and in case you missed this jean post or dress post we did, take a peek:)

ABLE

1. Becky Straight Leg Jean | 2. Skylar Swing Top | 3. The Merly Jacket | 4. Elsa Basketweave Backpack | 5. Gloria Graphic Tee | 6. Harris Oversized Button Down Shirt

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS – 3X
Our Review: Ooooh, y’all are gonna love this one: ABLE is a sustainable brand working to create jobs for women…and their leather goods, jewelry, apparel, denim, and shoes are heirloom-quality at an achievable price, to boot. (Amy Poehler had it right: women do get things done!) Check out ABLE for quiet, cool, put-together looks and ethical Madewell lookalikes.

Alex Mill

1. Elle Striped Sweater | 2. Standard Zip Jumpsuit | 3. Jane Mid Rise Straight Jean | 4. Chiltern Street Jacket | 5. Garcon Tee | 6. Taylor Striped Cardigan

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XXS – XXL, 24-33, 0-14
Our Review: If you also love scrolling the Alex Mill website, it’s for a good reason: this is some LEGACY good design. The team behind the scenes? Alex Drexler (the OG, who started selling shirts in 2012), Somsack Sikhounmuong (the former Creative Director of Madewell and J. Crew), and, uh, Mickey freakin’ Drexler (founder of Old Navy and Madewell; former CEO of The Gap and J. Crew). If you’re missing the Madewell and J. Crew of yore – you know, the kinds of clothes with clean colors, simple silhouettes, and fresh, delightful details – THIS IS WHERE THEY’RE ALL AT NOW. You’re welcome!

AYR

1. The Half Day | 2. The Secret Sauce | 3. The Bloom | 4. The Shimmy | 5. The Deep End | 6. The Voila

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XS-XL, 24-34
Our Review: The Deep End button-up inspired this entire post, actually! Last year, I mentioned that AYR’s button-ups were the best out there (this is coming from a gal who name-dropped two Madewell pieces in her author bio) and it turns out that a lot of you agree! Visit AYR for quality, true-to-size, coastal Nancy Myers movie-esque pieces that’ll last the test of time (seriously, this is even one of Oprah’s go-to basics brands!). And while you’re at it, be sure to peek at their sale section for huuuuuge markdowns. I love a business that knows how to throw us a deep discount, you know?

COS

1. Boat-Neck Gathered Midi Dress | 2. Fluid Wrap Front | 3. Twisted Detail Linen Top | 4. Side-Belt Midi Shirt Dress | 5. Sculpted Bangle | 6. Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XS-L, 24-32, 2-14
Our Review: Elephant in the room: COS has work to do on the sizing front. But if you fall into the “straight size” basket right now, this is a great source for chic, interesting, on-trend clothing that won’t feel dated this time next year. COS excels at the classic details (those pleats!), but they can also make a basic piece feel a little extra special (the neck on that dress is incredible).

Emerson Fry

1. Mandarin Collar Top | 2. Platform Slide | 3. Frances 4 V Dress | 4. Frances 3 Dress | 5. Super Wide Leg | 6. Basalie Top

Price Point: $$$
Sizes: XXS – XL
Our Review: Emily was the one to introduce us to Emerson Fry, and wow, is it awesome. The light fabrics, the pretty draping, and lots of really good patterns and textures. Their pieces feel classic and unique at the same time, which is such a dream. What isn’t a dream is their lack of inclusive sizing. We REALLY hope that changes soon. We do, however, love how dedicated they are to being sustainable and eco-friendly. One of their main goals is to be a zero waste company, making things to order/producing limited runs. They are also very transparent about the fabrics they use and why. Oh, and their products on made in the USA. So, not perfect, but if you are in the straight size range and have a slightly bigger budget, this is a wonderful option for you!

Everlane

1. The Way-High® Jean 2.0 | 2. The Boxy Oxford | 3. The Day Glove | 4. The Ribbed Cardigan | 5. The Seamed Dress | 6. The Way-High® Sailor Jean

Price Point: $$
Sizes: XXS-XXL, 23-33, 00-16
Our Review: If you’re also a little nosy (I am), you’ll LOVE the material cost breakdowns at the bottom of each product. Everlane’s whole thing is “radical transparency” – they were one of the first movers to embrace the “cutting out the middleman to reduce our prices” messaging that the world’s since come to know and love. Check them out for well-fitting denim, breezy linen, organic cotton tops, and special pieces that can take you from office to night out (hi, cute flats!). Oh, and this is also where Jess gets all of her jeans. She’s obsessed:)

Favorite Daughter

1. The Thinking About It Shirt | 2. The Whitney Top | 3. The Alexis Blazer | 4. The Cropped Charles Trench | 5. Making Me Blush Top | 6. <a href="https