M rules it, hands down. She’s significantly younger than I am and an attorney, which for whatever reason blows me away. Come to think of it, my doctor is also younger than I am. I’ll reevaluate on my own time…moving on. Not only is she crazy smart and ah-mazing with my kids, she is a dear family friend who has traveled as part of our extended ‘vacation posse’ for some years now.

This past beach getaway was no exception, and as we readied ourselves for dinner (and by ‘readied’ I mean slapped my hair into a wet ponytail), this is how M emerged from her room, as adorable as ever in an easy and affordable ensemble. I’m sure she was stoked when I accosted her, demanding grainy iPhone pics to the tune of “Will you be in my Real Life Fashion Series…?!” culminating in her proximity at dinner to my three year old, who promptly had a meltdown about four seconds in. She handled it stylishly, with grace and kindness, like she always does. And this is why we love M… (Oh and P.S. she had these Goody Spin Pins that make the cutest bun and are cuh-razy easy!)

(Forever 21 Silk Shirt Dress $24.99, Nicole Miller Alana Jakarta Satchel $162.50 – M scored hers at RueLaLa for $112, Shoes from ‘some random store for cheap,’ similar pair here, Fossil Chronograph Champagne Dial Watch $125, gifted earrings similar to these, Forever 21 Dainty Floral Connector Ring $4.80)