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Finding a really good white t-shirt is harder than it should be. I’ve tried so many over the years, and these are the ones I keep coming back to – simple, easy, and actually worth reaching for again and again. I pay close attention to the sleeves (both the length and how wide they are) and the neckline. I don’t love a collar that’s too loose – I prefer it to sit right at the base of my neck – and I always want a little bit of room in the sleeves (no tight sleeves for me!).

From a few great finds at COS and Aritzia to longtime staples from Madewell, Gap, and Banana Republic, these are the white tees that have earned a spot in my regular rotation. Whether I want something a little more fitted or perfectly relaxed, these just work.

The post White Tees That I Actually Love first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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I am officially living in strappy sandals as the temperatures warm up here in Raleigh. From a new Amazon find that I keep reaching for, to some classic Birkenstock favorites, these are the pairs I’ve either worn year after year or have my eye on for summer. Sandals are the easiest way to dress up a simple linen dress or keep a basic, simple outfit feeling put-together without even trying.

The post Sandals I’m Loving first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I pulled out my Dior Forever Glow Star Filter (I use shade 3) when I was doing my makeup this week and forgot how much I love the radiance that it adds! It adds a touch of warmth as well, which is exactly what I’m craving this spring.

I hope you had a nice week! Ours was busy but highlighted by beautiful spring weather! One of my kids had a big week at school participating in an annual event that they put on for his grade, and it was awesome to go see him thrive in that setting!

We’ve just started spring break, and we have a few different things going on over the next week that will be fun!

Did you see this mini set of my favorite Patrick Ta blushes?! I LOVE the mini sizes they are releasing, and these colors are two of my favorites.

Recent blog posts:

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

BEST linen dress

Taralli Olive Oil Crackers

@jordanmaunder – the greatest photographer

Target Picture Frames

Tate Crop High Rise Bowed Wide Leg – Ablaze

Claw hair clips

Fancy top

Quince white tee

Peasant Blouse

Blue Cotton Sweater

Smocked Top Dress

Popover Dress

Linen Tank Dress

Love is in the Bare by OPI – new nail color

Lovely White Spring Dress

Classic Dress for a Wedding Guest

Casual Smocked Dress

Pretty Black Dress with great detail

Dress with Ruffles

Osea Body Lotion

My Spotify Playlist

Barefaced Clean Slate Spritz

Westman Atelier Blush in Watermelon Fizz

@teighlatechnique

@hair.byhaleyelizabeth

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

Monica Vinader: KATEBRYANMV will get you 20% off

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

Dermstore: 15% off all of the brands on this landing page with code: ‘SMALLTHINGS15’: https://www.dermstore.com/c/offers/welcome/

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

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

Tommy John: Use code KATE25 for 25% off

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

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Splendid: Kateb20 for 20% 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

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

So, we got a landline.

You may be wondering why, which is a totally valid question! It’s 2026–everyone has a cell phone!

We’re doing our best to hold off until age 16 to give the kids a cell phone. My older two have Apple Watches, which have served the exact purpose we needed them to, and I imagine my youngest will get an Apple Watch in the next year or so as well.

There are times when I have to run up the street to the store, and some of the kids will stay home. And while they could put their watch on and I could contact them that way, I found I wanted them to have access to a quick, easy-to-use device to call me, or 911 in an emergency.

So, the landline was the answer!

Justin did the research, and we landed on an Omma phone. It’s Wi-Fi-based, which means no phone line needs to be installed! We found it to work best when the unit is plugged directly into our internet router instead of trying to connect wirelessly. There is a voicemail option, which we don’t use, and it’s a cordless phone, so my boys can take it upstairs to the playroom if I’m running an errand.

It has worked very well for us and gives me peace of mind that they have an easy-to-use device to call Justin or me on! They can also use it to call their friends, and I love that it doesn’t have a screen.

My only regret is not getting in sooner because it was relatively inexpensive, it has served the exact purpose we needed it for, and it’s allowing the kids to have social freedoms with their friends in a way that Justin and I feel comfortable with.

The post It’s 2026 and we got a landline. first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

One.  Two.  Three.  Four.  Five.  Six.  Seven.  Eight.  Nine.  Ten.  Eleven. Twelve.  Thirteen.  Fourteen.  Fifteen.

Linen dresses are one of those effortless summer staples I find myself reaching for again and again, especially when the Raleigh heat and humidity really set in. I love how breathable they are while still looking polished, and they’re easy to dress up with a sandal and simple jewelry or keep casual with sneakers and a tote. You’ll find me in flowy linen dresses all throughout summer!

The post Linen Dresses for Summer first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I’m wearing some new jewelry from Miranda Frye in the photo above! I’m loving the new Fleur Charm as well as the Margot Earrings. Pearls and delicate beaded chains are trending this spring, so this pearl necklace with the gold details is just perfection! Make sure you use code Smallthings15 at checkout to save 15% on your order.

The pollen has fully arrived this weekend in Raleigh. The worst is yet to come, but you can already see a dusting/fog of yellow in the air and on the ground. On one hand, I’m thrilled because it’s ushering in spring and warm weather, but on the other hand–it makes it tough to be outside! I’m thankful I don’t have seasonal allergies, but I know so many people suffer with them, which makes it a very unpleasant few weeks.

Now that we’re pretty close to spring break, it feels like everything is moving much faster. My kids finish school at the end of May, so that’ll be here before you know it. We’re excited to head back to Lake Placid this summer and enjoy the updates at the house!

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

Short Trench

Similar Short Trench

Navy Short Trench

Leroy Pant

Sunglasses

Henley Tank

Justin’s New Jeans

Slub Cotton Tee

Pretty Zara Tank

Layering Cami with built in Bra

Amazon Sandals

Front Tie Pants

Hoka Clifton 10 (wide)

Kallin Shorts

Tempo Ruched UV Long Sleeve

GAP Set

Thigh Rescue Gel

Quay Nice Try Sunglasses

Bess Dress

Garner Shirt

the Bud Jeans

$45 Guaze Jacket

$15 Bubble Hem Top

$25 Lace Tank

mpix

Button Down Top

Theo of Golden

Linen Dress

Low Profile Sneaker

Barefaced Liquid Gold

Kennedy Short

d-bronzi Drops

Margot Earrings

Bette Necklace

Fleur Charm

Frame Jeans

Quince Cashmere Sweater

dibs Beauty Bronzer in Carmel Cappuccino

Too Faced in Milk Chocolate

Saie Beauty in Palermo

Madewell Top

Perfect White Tee Ziggy Sweatshirt

Makeup by Mario Ethereal Eyes Palette

Madewell Tank

Aritzia Jeans

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

Monica Vinader: KATEBRYANMV will get you 20% off

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

Dermstore: 15% off all of the brands on this landing page with code: ‘SMALLTHINGS15’: https://www.dermstore.com/c/offers/welcome/

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

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

Tommy John: Use code KATE25 for 25% off

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

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Splendid: Kateb20 for 20% 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

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

Paige Stevie Ankle – such an easy-to-wear straight leg that lands right at my ankle bone! Be sure to use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off sitewide

Paige Arellia Ankle Barrel Leg – if you want a comfortable, ankle-length barrel jean that isn’t too stiff, it’s these. Be sure to use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off sitewide

AYR The Bud – perhaps one of my most worn straight leg, low ankle length style jeans!

Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg – I love these with a heel or with a sneaker, allowing them to pool a tiny bit on the floor.

The Lax by Frame – certainly my most fun pair of jeans right now–I love the flare and the raw hem!

AYR The Getup – a wonderful soft, barely there barrel with 3 length options.

Pistola Wes High Rise Barrel – my gateway to barrel jeans that are a statement without being too out there! Be sure to use code SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Pistola Sydney High Rise Bowed Wide Leg – every single time I wear these, I’m asked about these jeans. They’re fun and comfortable too!

Pistola Beau Seamed Crescent – I love a relaxed white jean, and these are exactly that.

Gap High Rise Barrel (in Black – only this wash!) – a really nice ankle-length barrel jean, but be aware that the other washes fit very differently from this black wash.

Madewell The Ultimate Wide Leg Jean in Airy Denim – really fun jeans with a drawstring attached that are a thin, soft denim.

J.Crew Factory Barrel – the soft cream color of these is perfect for spring.

Aritzia Denim Forum The ’90s Iggy Low-Rise Baggy – I reach for these a few times a week, they’re such an easy straight leg that hits the floor on me.

Reformation Val ’90s Mid-Rise Straight (in Colorado wash) – the ultimate “i don’t really care” style denim with a raw hem and casual wash.

H&M Barrel High Waist – these were such a great find, and I hope they’re in stock. They feel a touch dramatic for me, but not enough that I don’t wear them often during the month!

The post Jeans I Keep Wearing This Spring first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

If you’re looking for a volumized, blow-out-inspired look, watch the demo here!

This is a nice set of rollers + metal duckbill clips!

I’m using this exact 2-inch barrel curling iron.

The post Voluminous Faux Bouncy Blow Out (with a curling iron!) first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

I shared the tutorial on Instagram for this bouncy, volumized “faux blow out” style using a 2-inch curling iron. Watch it here!

We had a warm, lovely few days, but then a storm system brought in much colder air on Thursday. We dropped 40 degrees! I went from wearing sandals and tanks back to long sleeves and layers.

These are my favorite layering tanks! I love the cropped style, so you don’t have to worry about tucking it in, and they have a nice-sized neckline that is snug but not too tight.

This weekend is the Tobacco Road Half Marathon. I’m running it along with a handful of friends! The past 6 weeks or so have proven to be extremely busy with a trip out to Utah in the middle of it, so I haven’t had the time to train and work on my speed like I had hoped. So, I’m going into this half-marathon with the mindset that I’ll do my best, enjoy it, and just run in a way that feels good!

Recent blog posts:

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

Best Swimsuit

Shrunken Sweater

Fancy Blouse

Kennedy Denim Short

Renew Seamless Tank from Athleta

Rifle Paper Co Stemless Wine Glass

Virtue Healing Oil – Use code Kate20 for 20% off

Buffing Bar

Shave Oil

Athena Razor

Osea Body Lotion

Osea Body Oil

Best Pasta Salad

Nice Try Sunglasses

Westman Atelier Hydro Lipstick in Pippi

Amazon Sandals

Stevie Ankle Jean – SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Microstroke Brow Pencil

Linen Top – get 25% off as an Insider for a limited time

Kitten Heel Sandal – get 25% off as an Insider for a limited time

Woven Tote – get 25% off as an Insider for a limited time

Govergirl Baked Luminous Bronzer in Toasted Butterscotch

Makeup by Mario Blush

Versed Lip Product in shade Match

YSL Candy Glow Tinted Butter Balm in 44b

Covergirl Blush

Mila Sandal – get 25% off as an Insider for a limited time

Mila Sandal with Heel – get 25% off as an Insider for a limited time

Mylie Flat in Tawny Khaki – get 25% off as an Insider for a limited time

2-Inch Curling Iron

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

Monica Vinader: KATEBRYANMV will get you 20% off

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

Dermstore: 15% off all of the brands on this landing page with code: ‘SMALLTHINGS15’: https://www.dermstore.com/c/offers/welcome/

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

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

Tommy John: Use code KATE25 for 25% off

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

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Splendid: Kateb20 for 20% 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

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

I love the length of your hair! It’s so beautiful! It looks like you have great texture, but I can see you’re probably dealing with frizz often.

I would recommend cutting about 3 to 4 inches off the bottom at the least, and make sure you’re using a great flat iron when you smooth it out! I love that you only have to style it one time a week, which is probably why it’s so long and healthy, but it looks like the ends need a little love. 

Product Recommendations: As far as products go, have you ever used a smoothing serum (this one is also great!)? I wonder if you would like that more than a hair oil! A smoothing serum is going to be a bit thicker, so it’ll be more effective at controlling the frizz, whereas an oil will help hydrate the hair, but it isn’t a thick enough product to control really coarse hair.

I cannot get over the length! Love it!

I absolutely love the color of your hair! The brown is so pretty! Savor the shine and silky look to your hair–it’s hard to get that as a blonde! 

I can see your hair is thick, and I know you want some lift/movement.

If at any point after styling, you’re able to set your hair in velcro rollers, that will help support the root area. Even if you just do a mohawk section, that will go a long way in making it feel lifted. 

Product Recommendations: I wonder if you would like the Alterna Caviar Volume Mist? It’s a really lightweight volume spray that adds support at the roots w/out a feeling of texture/product left behind. You can even spray it on completely dry hair and use a blow-dry brush to “dry” it into the root for lift! 

Dry shampoo can also do wonders in making your roots look/feel a little fresher on day 2 or 3 hair, and I love the Amika Dry Shampoo! 

I think you are doing the right thing by not overwashing your hair, and hopefully these volume suggestions help you get a little lift/movement for your day 2/3 hair! 

I hope my hair looks exactly like yours once I begin to go gray! Not only is the haircut perfect for you, but the way you have it styled looks beautiful as well! Gray hair can be on the dry side, but I know you’re using a lot of great products right now, and your hair looks healthy and shiny!

Washing it 3 to 4 times a week is completely fine as long as you’re following it up with a great conditioner and using a heat protector before you style it!

Honestly, your hair looks great, and I think you should keep doing what you’re doing! No notes!

The post Signature Hair Consults with K8: for those with Thick Hair first appeared on The Small Things Blog.