The Ten List: June 2025

Graduation Emotions, Repeat Dresses, and Really Good Finds

I’ve been talking about graduation nonstop, so of course I had to share this photo now that the day has come and gone. It poured all morning—rain, wind, the whole thing—but just as the girls walked out of church, the sun broke through. It felt like a little wink from the universe.

Thank you for all the kind messages and well wishes. I’m feeling a little emotionally hungover (in the best way). It’s been a lot—beautiful and bittersweet and overwhelming in ways I didn’t expect. Watching your oldest close such a huge chapter—one that shaped so much of who she is—is its own kind of emotional rollercoaster. I’m proud beyond words, but also just… in it, you know?

Over the last four years, one of the biggest things I’ve come to believe is this: who you let into your life matters. The people around you—your circle, your community—can shape everything. Watching Maddie, and now Ava, go through high school surrounded by thoughtful, funny, grounded girls has been such a gift. It’s kept them happy and safe. And it’s reminded me, again and again, that we all need our people.

What’s surprised me most is that this wasn’t our experience in grade school—at all. There were a lot of challenges, and when both girls started their freshman years, I was stressed and bracing for more of the same. But it’s been the exact opposite. The culture, the friendships, the sense of belonging—it’s all felt like a complete reset. And I don’t take that lightly.

Somehow, Maddie went all four years without the kind of social drama that’s so common in high school. Nothing major, nothing cruel. Just steady, supportive friendships—which honestly feels like winning the teenage lottery. And this week, with tears in her eyes, she said these were the happiest years of her life—that inside the walls of that school, she never really had a bad day.

Was she stressed? Absolutely.

Academically challenged? For sure.

Is crew the hardest thing she’s ever done? No question.

It pushed her in ways she wasn’t always ready for and was a source of both joy and massive frustration. But that’s sports. That’s life. School, though? School was where she felt safe and seen.

I never felt like that growing up. And watching her have that kind of experience has healed something in me too.

Ava still has a few years to go, and watching her follow her own path, surrounded by girls who lift each other up, gives me so much hope. Different kid, different experience—but the same steady reminder that showing up for each other is what makes it all work.

We’re incredibly lucky to have found that kind of support in their school community. I know not every family has access to it—and that even when you try everything, sometimes it still doesn’t fall into place. That’s what makes me even more grateful that it did. It’s something we’ve worked hard to prioritize, and something I wish every kid could experience.

Because that kind of belonging shouldn’t be rare.

❤️ If you’re enjoying these posts, a quick tap on the heart helps more readers find them—and it means a lot to me. Thank you!

2. Proof That a Great Dress Is Worth Repeating

I loved this dress so much, I bought it in black, sky blue, and green (pictured above). It’s just that good—comfortable, flattering, and easy to dress up or down. I wore black to Senior Awards Night, blue to our crew banquet, and green to graduation. It looked fresh each time, and if anyone noticed it was the same dress in rotation? Honestly—who cares. Available on Amazon for $49, I took the small.

3. Worth the Spend

shop favorites here

Margaux shoes are definitely a splurge, but if you’re focused on quality over quantity, they’re absolutely worth it. The craftsmanship is beautiful, the comfort is next-level, and the styles are timeless in that effortless, goes-with-everything kind of way. If you’re building a more intentional wardrobe, this is the kind of piece that quietly pulls everything together. I recently received The Dylan Sandal in black and have my eye on The Flat Sandal in leopard suede (LOVE) and The MX 35 which is the block heel version of their best selling sandal The MX.

4. Summer Scent

Last week, I shared a summer fragrance I was gifted called Happy Tears—and it’s just as lovely as it sounds. With notes of orange blossom, Arabian jasmine, white peach, vanilla, and creamy musk, it’s soft, slightly sweet, and a little nostalgic in the best way. After so many of you asked about it, the brand kindly offered a discount code for our community: use TWDL15 at checkout to save 15% on their site.

5. Boatkin and Bravo.

In a word: obsessed. Boatkins are handmade from vintage canvas totes and styled to look like the iconic Birkin bag—a clever, elevated twist (and they're made right here in Philly). They’re definitely a splurge—over $1,200 with a six-month wait—but if I had the extra cash lying around, I wouldn’t have hesitated. Their branding and storytelling? Truly next-level.

@boatkinTURTLE TIME

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6. Great Gift: Jane Win Jewelry

I’m always asked for meaningful gift ideas for teenage girls—especially around graduation—and Jane Win Jewelry is a standout, at least in my little corner of the world. The pieces are beautiful and symbolic, with messages of love, luck, and confidence that feel just right for marking a big milestone. The packaging is gorgeous (and absolutely worth the extra $15). My pick? The Embellished Personalized Petite Coin Pendant. It’s such a special piece to start her collection.

7. Recipe: Dijonnaise Grilled Chicken Breasts

This no-fuss recipe from The New York Times has become one of my go-to basics. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep—just make a little extra and you’re set for the week. You can use this gifted link from my subscription to access the full recipe.

8. Don’t Miss Out: May’s Best Sellers

shop best sellers here

May’s best sellers were such a fun mix—think practical staples, bold prints, pops of color, and a few standout sale finds. If you missed anything, here’s your chance to see what everyone was loving (and scoop up a few favorites for yourself).

You can also find the full roundup over on The Well Dressed Life, if you prefer to browse there.

9. Book: The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook

This cookbook is an absolute joy—filled with approachable, genuinely delicious recipes that actually make you want to cook. The photos are beautiful, the vibe is easy and unfussy, and it’s packed with that aspirational-but-doable lifestyle content I can never resist. Basically, everything I love in one place—and it feels especially perfect for summer.

10. Quote of the Month: