We’ve got a 90-degree weekend ahead of us, and we’re glad to be spending it at the lake with our friends! I’m dragging a little bit today because we stayed up so late watching Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, but the Canes won, so it was totally worth it!!

I downloaded the book “Conform” to read on my Kindle after my sister highly recommended it. Have you read it? It feels a little out of the norm for what I typically read, but I’m curious to start it!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Recent blog posts:

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

Paige Denim Arellia Ankle

Pistola Denim Kyra

Paige Arellia Skimmer

Pistola Denim Tate

Madewell Maxi Dress

Kerastase Overnight Serum

EBY Wireless Bra

Hawaiian Tropic Powder Sunscreen

Favorite Sports Bra

Ouai Foam

Nice Air Dry Cream

$10 NYX Bronzer

Osea Mineral Sunscreen

Kosas Dreambeam

Quince Linen Tank

Thong Undies

Layering Cami

Strapless Bra

Natori Pure Lux

Madewell Earrings

NARS Blush in Orgasm

Madewell Tank

Sandals from BR Factory

Stripe Sweater Tank

Linen Wrap Dress

Perfect Sandals with Summer Dress

Long Lace Trim Dress

Woven Summer Bag

Mexican Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

Ninja Crispi

Pretty Swimsuit

T-Bar Necklace

The Essential denim by Frame

Iggy Lo Rise Baggy

Denim Shorts from Target

Amazon Sunglasses

Quay Sunglasses

Sunglasses similar to Ashcroft

Air Dry Styling Cream

Osea Sunscreen

Ribbed Henley Tank

Pretty Circle Necklace

Walmart Rashguard

Bronzing Drops

Madewell Tank

Charm Necklace

Linen Barrel Pants

Diamond Arc Necklace

Clean Cut Tee

Amazon Sandals

Marc Jacobs Lipstick in Love Drunk

White Henley Tank

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Sardine: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

YSE Beauty: 15% off at ysebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off of anything on their site

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Jouer Cosmetics: 20% off using code SMALLTHINGS20

Paige: SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off sitewide

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for a 20% off

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

by/ rosie jane: SMALLTHINGS20 for 20% off

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Tommy John: KATE30 will get you 30% off sitewide

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

In the Likely Event, by Rebecca Yarros – I remember immediately being engrossed in the story, so if you like to jump right in, then this would be a great one!

Our Perfect Storm, by Carley Fortune – Flew through this one, enjoyed the playfulness about it!

The Night We Met, by Abby Jimenez – Deals with some heavy topics, which is par for the course for this author, but somehow has funny moments and a light-hearted feel as well!

My Friends, by Fredrik Backman – A beautiful story of the impact of art and the beauty of loyal friendships

The Villa, by Rachel Hawkins – Complicated friendships, trauma, and a dual timeline!

Every Summer After, by Carley Fortune – I plowed through this book and loved every single moment. Complex relationships, young love, summer freedom, all wrapped up in a beautiful setting.

Say You’ll Remember Me, by Abby Jimenez – If you are looking to read something very lighthearted, this is a great option!

Seven Summers, by Paige Toon – Love love love! 5-star read for me!

These Summer Storms, by Sarah MacLean – Much debauchery, heavy family drama, and romance with a twist.

One Golden Summer, by Carley Fortune – Pretty steamy, fyi!

I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy, by Kate Strickler – Helped reset expectations for myself, very thought-provoking in a wonderful way.

Pink Sand Summer, by Chassity Evans – Light, fun, and enjoyable story about a summer vacation!

The People We Keep, by Allison Larkin – Rich with interesting relationships, looking for the meaning of life, and complicated pasts.

The Wishing Game, by Meg Shaffer – This book felt like a cozy hug.

Want to also read my blog post about Every Book I Read (or Listened to) in 2025?

The post Summer Vacation Reads first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

First up, The Clean Cut T-shirt from Cos.

I went into my first Cos when I was in Paris a few years ago and really loved the store. It’s a lot of basics, minimal prints, good fabrics, and mid-range prices. I got the clean-cut t-shirt in a beautiful green color and loved it! The weight is a bit thicker than typical cotton t-shirts, which makes for a really nice drape on the body. I always pay close attention to the collar size, the sleeve size, and where it hits on my hips. This one is perfect for tucking into higher-rise denim.

Next up, The TNA Soft Feels tee from Aritzia.

I have this t-shirt in grey, white, and black. I love it SO much. It’s boxy, hits right at the top of my denim, especially if I’m wearing a mid/low rise, and is lightweight without being see-through. I love the shorter sleeves along with the fitted collar. It’s a boxy cut that fits true to size! If you’re looking for a classic cotton t-shirt that isn’t too long but also isn’t cropped, this is it.

Need a perfect t-shirt? These come in more colors than just white, of course, but it’s hard to beat a classic white tee!

The post My Perfect White T-Shirt first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I also feel like there are so many better options now than there used to be. A lot of the newer styles feel much more elevated and flattering – less overly sporty and more like chic swimwear or activewear. I rounded up a mix of cropped styles, pullovers, zip-ups, and classic rash guards that offer sun protection while still feeling cute and easy to wear.

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I tend to prefer a full-length rash guard, but there are a lot of cute cropped options too!

The post Rash Guards You’ll Actually Want to Wear first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I’m not really moving away from my original Style Inspo that I posted about 4 months ago, but I did want to make an updated version for summer!

It seems simple, I know, but it has really helped me to keep this collage in mind if I’m ever feeling like shopping or wanting something new for my wardrobe. I only want to buy things that fit in with my personal style, and this collage really sums it up!

I dress very casually but very polished. I like a neutral color palette that allows me to mix and match with ease. I love gold jewelry, but have also been into mixed metals these days, and prefer a slightly loose, soft silhouette for my outfits.

Some of my favorite places to shop right now are Pistola, Paige, Cos, H&M, Banana Republic Factory, and Madewell. You can browse a handful of my favorite things right here!

The post My Style Inspiration first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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1. Amazon Underwire Full Coverage Strapless Bra: A good strapless bra is hard to find, but this one stays put and feels much more comfortable than most I’ve tried.

2. EBY Relief Bra (code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off): If you want something that feels like you’re wearing nothing at all, this is the bra I reach for most often.

3. Amazon Women’s Fit Camisole with Built-In Bra: This is one of those easy layering basics that’s comfortable enough to wear all day long.

4. NATORI Pure Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra: This is one of my favorite everyday bras because it gives great support without feeling uncomfortable by the end of the day.

5. SPANX Invisible Mid-Thigh Short: I love these for smoothing under dresses because they feel supportive without being overly restrictive.

6. SKIMS Fits Everybody High Waist Thong: I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable these are, especially for a high-rise thong style.

7. EBY Seamless Bralette (code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off): I love this under fitted tops because it lays completely smooth and still gives enough support to feel put together.

8. EBY High Waisted Panties (code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off): These are so soft and comfortable that they’ve become a regular part of my everyday rotation.

9. Chantelle Lingerie Soft Stretch High Waist Briefs: These are lightweight, stretchy, and disappear under clothes while still feeling really comfortable.

10. THIGH SOCIETY Cooling Slip Shorts: These are perfect under dresses in the summer and help keep everything cooler and more comfortable.

The post Everyday Bras + Underwear I Love first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

Well, I was hoping we would have a sunny Memorial Day weekend, but that wasn’t in the cards for us. There was a good bit of gloom, plenty of humidity, and a good amount of rain. It wasn’t what we wanted, but we made the most of it while my parents were in town. We ate dinner at my folks’ house a few times, played pickleball, and watched hockey!

How was your weekend? Were you poolside or at a beach? If you were and you realized that you aren’t loving whatever swimsuit you were wearing, you’ve got to try this Amazon find. I had forgotten about this until I came across it in my swimsuit basket–it’s a great price point and fits like a dream!

Recent blog posts:

And here are a few things I mentioned on Instagram Stories recently that you may have missed:

DIBS Beauty Blush and Bronzer Duo

Maison de Sabre Bag

Leatherology Classic Leather Bag

Cuyana Leather Bucket Bag

Callum Jacket

Cetaphil Makeup Wipes

Comfy Wireless Bra

Favorite Raincoat

Amazon Bag

Arellia Skimmer Jeans

Croc Sandals

Running Shorts

T Bar Necklace

LeCalla T Necklace

Boden T Necklace

Tape Measure

Ciele Tinted SPF

Barefaced SPF

Kosas SPF

Hourglass SPF

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

EltaMD SPF

Sprinkles

Sports Bra I love

Gucci Bronzer in shade 1

Frame Saturday Jeans

Ideal T-shirt

Kyra Jeans

Amazon Strappy Sandals

Oversized Denim Shirt

Leah Tank from Madewell

Denim Jean Shorts from Walmart

Madewell Ribbed Tank

EVA Birtkenstocks

Easy Skirt from Quince

Emily’s Favorite Brush

Best Moisturizer

Have you seen something on IG Stories that you want to reference? It may be in the last links + small things blog post if it’s not above.

Do you have a question for Kate or want to reach out? Write to Connect@thesmallthingsblog.com, and someone from the team will get back to you!

Ongoing Promo Codes –

Miranda Frye: 15% off and free US shipping with code SMALLTHINGS15

BK Beauty: code SMALLTHINGS10 for 10% off

Stakt: Use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Tower 28: Use code KATE 15 for 15% off

Sardine: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Barefaced: 10% off for new customers – use code KATE10

YSE Beauty: 15% off at ysebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

SWEED Beauty: Code Kate-20 will get you 20% off

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off of anything on their site

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Jouer Cosmetics: 20% off using code SMALLTHINGS20

Paige: SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Pistola Denim: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

OSEA Malibu: SmallThings10 for 10% off your first purchase

KOZAHK Jewelry: SmallThings20 for 20% off sitewide

VIRTUE Labs: Use code Kate20 for 20% off

Corkcicle: SHOPMY20 for a 20% off

THATCH Jewelry: Smallthings15 for 15% off

by/ rosie jane: SMALLTHINGS20 for 20% off

EBY: Smallthings15 for 15% off

Tommy John: KATE30 will get you 30% off sitewide

The post links + small things first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

This is an excellent time to round out your summer wardrobe while things are on sale! We’ve gathered all the best promos below — happy shopping!

OSEA: Spend $125+, get a free hyaluronic body serum (through 5/25) 

J.Crew: 40% off and 50% off select items from May 16 – 26

Madewell: 25% off dresses, shoes & tees + extra 30% off sale with code ‘LONGWEEKEND’ May 19-26

Miranda Frye: Sale items are an extra 40% off, 20% off site-wide for regular-priced items

J.Crew Factory: 50% – 70% off sitewide

Rothy’s: 25% off sitewide May 21 – 26

Athleta: 40% off shorts, tanks, dresses, and swim

Frame: Enjoy an extra 30% off sale styles, now up to 70% off

EBY: BOGO on select bras

Ulta Beauty: BOGO 50% off select suncare, 20% off select brands until June 6

Rifle Paper Co.: 25% off sitewide May 20 – 27 

Boden: 25% off Everything

Mango: 30% off everything, spending $260 or more + free shipping

Banana Republic Factory: 50% – 70% off everything + extra 25% off

Pistola Denim: Up to 70% off select items

EVEREVE: Additional 20% off all clearance items May 21 – 25

YSE: Up to 30% off sitewide

Banana Republic: Get 30% off full-priced purchase + up to 50% off sale

Barefaced: 20% off with code LONGWEEKEND

The post Memorial Day Sales You Don’t Want to Miss first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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Black Amazon Sandals – These have been one of the best Amazon finds in 2026, and it’s only 5 months into the year! I have them in 2 colors and wear them constantly! They’re strappy enough without being complicated, and I love a flat sandal in the summertime.

Aritzia Soft Feels All-Time T-Shirt – This is the ultimate t-shirt. It’s the perfect length to graze the top of my jeans, the sleeves are the perfect length, and the neckline is snug without feeling too constricting. I’m really picky about my basics, and this t-shirt is so good I bought it in black, white, and grey.

Aritzia Denim Forum The ’80s Comfy Denim Shirt – Ideal for an easy layer to throw over anything! It works with any color of denim, even black denim, and has a really long length, which makes it feel modern and chill.

Madewell The Leah Top – There are so many great little cropped, easy tanks for summer, so this is just one example. I love the cropped linen tank from Quince as well, or some of the lightweight options at Banana Republic Factory.

Walmart Time and Tru High Rise Denim Short – Another fantastic find this year, courtesy of my friend Megan! They are an ideal length to feel like they work for my age and life right now, without feeling too boring.

Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle EVA Sandals – They may not be for everyone, but if you had to break down a “cost per wear” on these sandals, it would be loooooow. I wear these constantly.

Pistola Denim Kyra High Rise Bowed Ankle – If you’re not much of a barrel jean gal, try this bowed fit from Pistola! I absolutely love these jeans because they have a slight bow that is flattering and easy.

Quince 100% European Linen Maxi Skirt – I adore this skirt! It’s such a great fit with a slit in the front that pairs perfectly with a simple tank top, or could also work over a swimsuit!

Madewell (Re)generative Cotton Ribbed Scoopneck Tank – I realize this may look like just another tank, but the fit is so flattering. I don’t know how they did it, but it’s the right amount of square/scoop neck to cover bra straps so you can wear a regular bra!

The post 9 Summer Wardrobe Essentials first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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If there’s one category of beauty product I would recommend for summer, it’s a good tinted SPF. I love anything that can simplify my routine while still giving my skin a healthy, polished glow.

A few standouts include the ultra-popular Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex SPF 50 for customizable coverage and the glowy Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 that I wore a ton back in 2024. The Ciele Tint & Protect SPF 50+ Serum Foundation was a product I heard so much about and finally tried in the last month or so–it’s incredible! I love the light coverage as well as the SPF protection.

I also included longtime favorites like EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF, Barefaced Tinted Protection SPF 50+, and the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free for a soft matte finish. And if you’re after glow, the YSE Beauty Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer and Hourglass Illusion Luminous Glow Foundation are both beautiful layered into a summer makeup routine. You can wear them alone or layered under a light bit of foundation if you want more coverage.

A lot of times when it gets really hot, I’ll simply wear a tinted SPF product like this as my “base” and skip foundation altogether. While it is very valuable to have SPF included in the tint, it’s also wise to apply an SPF to your skin first to ensure you’re getting enough protection!

The post Easy Tinted SPFs for Everyday Makeup first appeared on The Small Things Blog.