Every year around this time, all of the catalogs, blogs, and store windows start featuring fall clothes. It’s always a little depressing and a little exciting. I love fall, but the thought of “winter is coming” kills me! Why I live in New England is a mystery.

Instead of jumping right into plaids and boots, I like to slowly transition by bringing out my jeans and wearing long sleeves in summery colors, even if just for a few more weeks. I love this ruffled top because 1. It covers my post-partum belly, 2. Millennial pink, obvs, and 3. The ruffles! Not to mention the fact that it’s under $50 and comes in 10 colors/patterns.

It’s a great transition piece because it will look great under a blazer come fall, but is cute with shorts or white jeans for these last few weeks of summer.

Over the weekend, I paired it with my all time favorite pair of go-to jeans that don’t quite fit… My secret? I used a rubber band to hold the top together because I couldn’t button them yet. Nordstrom has been carrying them for the last few years, and when I was searching for them to link to in this post, I found this dupe for only $64! I haven’t tried them personally but they look really similar.

Speaking of dupes, I’ve had my eye on the Clare V leopard clutch for ages now (This is definitely not the first time I’ve mentioned it) and I just found this look alike for only $45. Not a bad deal.

And speaking of transitions, it feels good to be transitioning back into outfit posts again. I still can’t wear most of my clothes, but I’ve had fun finding pieces like this shirt (and this striped one) that work with my current body situation. I can’t work out for another three weeks or so, but I seriously can’t wait to get back into shape!

Top ($49) / Jeans (Similar for $64)/ Necklace / Clutch ($45) / Pumps