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

I rounded up a mix of beach and pool totes at a variety of price points, from classic canvas carryalls to woven straw and crochet styles that feel perfectly suited for summer. Whether you’re packing for a beach day, afternoons at the pool, or a weekend getaway, these bags offer plenty of room.

The workhorse of my summer is the Lands’ End XL Zip Top Tote with the long handles. I use it for the pool, beach, going to the river…honestly, even just times I wanted to throw a change of clothes and some snacks inside of it for the kids!

If you need something practical, look for zip-top options like the Lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Tote or waterproof styles from SpaceMuse and Simple Modern that can handle wet swimsuits and sandy towels. For a more elevated look, the woven seagrass, crochet, and linen totes bring plenty of texture while still offering room for sunscreen, snacks, and all the extras that seem to come along on every summer outing!

The post Beach + Pool Totes first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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

No one could make an argument that I like a HUGE variety in my sunglasses, okay? But you know what–I like what I like, and these are a handful of some of my very favorite sunglasses!

From Amazon gems to some higher price point finds, hopefully, this curation gives you some inspiration for casual, sophisticated, and easy sunglasses to wear all year round!

The post Sunglasses for Summer first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

You could cut the tags off, tell me they cost $100, and I would believe you. The style, the denim feel, the shape–they are perfect denim shorts!

Walmart Time and Tru Deconstructed Hem High Rise Shorts (under $20)- I have these in white (wearing in the above photo) and love the so much. They run very small so I would strongly recommend going up 1 size than your typical shorts size!

Target High Rise A-Line Denim Shorts (under $30)- These are a great pair of shorts that have essential details that make them special. They’re an a-line cut so they give you room in the thigh, they have two little slits on the sides that look flattering on the leg. They’re a high rise but have a little bit of give. I would recommend going with your bigger size, especially since shorts (in general) tend to run small.

Time and Tru High Rise Denim Shorts (under $20)- If you like a 5 inch inseam, you’ll love these shorts. They have a good amount of give without bagging out and they’re perfectly classic with the finished hem and high-ish rise. They’re a no-brainer for summer!

The post Denim Shorts I’m Loving (and they’re VERY budget friendly!) first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

We’re in a heat wave, and it’s intense! I’m grateful for the sunshine, but we really need rain because we are also in a drought. The summer in Raleigh is fun for playing outside as long as you are submerged in water up to your shoulders, and we’ve been doing that just about every day of the week. We’ll head out to swim even after dinner just to cool off a bit!

As I’m writing this, the Canes (Raleigh’s home hockey team) are heading into game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals in a few days. We are THRILLED with how far they have come in this series!

I finished listening to the book The Vacation by Kathryn Croft, and I’d give it about 3.5 stars. It kept my interest up until about 85% of the way, and then the ending was just too fast and felt a little disconnected/unrealistic for the storyline. Now I’m onto The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff. Have you read it?

Recent blog posts:

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

Quince Tank

Linen Shorts

Soft Services Vacation Buffing Bar

Fancy Tank

Denim Shorts under $30

Marc Jacobs Blush in shade Self Centered

Marc Jacobs Bronzer in shade Light Medium

Marc Jacobs Eyeshadow in shade On Brand

Marc Jacobs Eyeliner in shade You Wish

Marc Jacobs Mascara

Marc Jacobs Lipstick in shade Love Drunk

White Shorts

Linen Tank

Linen Barrel Pants

Best Beach Tote

Similar Beach Tote

Rope Sandals

Chic Swim Coverup

My Jewelry Box

Kerestase Product

Comfy Strappy Sandals

Pickleball Bag

Osea Mineral Sunscreen

Baby / Kid Sunscreen Stick

Kosas Dreambeam

Kosas Hydrating Lip

Kosas Bronzer

Barefaced Overachiever Enhanced

Ciele Skin Tint SPF

Walmart Shorts under $17

$20 Sports Bra I love

Black Wash Denim

Blue Denim from Target

Blue Denim shorts from Walmart

Cropped Tee

Easy Breezy Top

White Top

Arellia Skimmer Denim

Peter Thomas Roth SPF

Alterna Caviar Volume Mist

JVN Air Dry Cream

My fave Workout Tank

Light Denim Dress

Best Pickleball Shorts

Black Bag

Unbrush for tangles

Pima Cotton Pajama Pants

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

YISE Beauty: 15% off at yisebeauty.com using code SMALLTHINGS15

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

Loopy Cases: Code smallthings10 will get you 10% off one case

Sanctuary: SMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off

Jouer Cosmetics: 20% off using code SMALLTHINGS20

Paige: SmallThings15 for 15% off sitewide

Pistola Denim: KBSMALLTHINGS15 for 15% off until end of June 2026

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

Tilly Sveaas: KATEBRYAN15 for 15% off

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

There are a few volumizing products that I have been absolutely loving lately, and I thought I’d do a quick round-up here in case you’re in the market!

Ouai Thickening Spray – I really love using this from mid-shaft to ends to build out body and thickness through the middle of my hair. I haven’t really focused it too hard on the root area, but that’s only because I have a favorite root lifting spray that I’m into right now and that one is. . .

Aveda Volumizing Tonic – This is probably the first Aveda product I’ve used that has really impressed me. I’ve tried other things from this brand in the past, and they fell flat, but this volumizing tonic is excellent. It’s extremely lightweight, so it would be an excellent option for fine hair or anyone else looking for lift at the roots without residue.

Chris McMillan Volumizing Mousse – I need to try this on my air-dried hair, which I will do soon, but until then, I’ll continue using it as a volumizing mousse before a blow-dry. This will leave a bit of residue feel on your hair, but THAT is where the support comes in!

Kevin Murphy Body.Builder Mousse – One of my favorite mousses that I apply right at my roots. This has replaced Aquage Uplifting Foam for me (used to be my holy grail until they changed it), and it straight up delivers lift, fullness, and a lightness to the hair in mousse form!

The post Volumizing Products I WILL Repurchase first appeared on The Small Things Blog.

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.

One.  Two.  Three.  Four.  Five.  Six.  Seven.  Eight.  Nine.  Ten.

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.